Our Team
At Love In Action Foundation, our diverse team brings together different cultural and professional backgrounds to promote social justice through inclusion and understanding. With expertise in community development, education, mental health, and advocacy, we offer comprehensive services that address real needs. By embracing diversity, we empower marginalized voices and foster lasting change for a fairer and compassionate future.
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Debbie Salazar
Board Member
Debbie has been a dedicated board member and financial partner of Love In Action Foundation for many years. Her passion for serving the underserved shines through in every project she undertakes. Utilizing her unique skills, including translation, she offers valuable guidance to members of the Latino community, helping bridge communication gaps and providing essential support. Debbie holds a Bachelor's degree in Cinema from California State University, Northridge, and is currently pursuing her Master's in Social Emotional Learning. Her compassionate personality and commitment have made a lasting impact on the people around her and strengthened the foundation’s mission.
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Marlene Rivera
Board Member
Marlene has been a dedicated board member of Love In Action Foundation for several years, offering valuable guidance and support to advance the organization’s mission.
Marlene has played a vital role as a financial partner, providing consistent support that helps sustain and grow our initiatives. In addition to her financial contributions, her barista skills bring a warm and inviting hospitality to our events and gatherings, creating a welcoming atmosphere that fosters connection and community.
With a strong background in Military Aerospace, she brings a unique blend of strategic thinking and leadership experience. Her commitment and expertise have been instrumental in helping the foundation grow and better serve the community.
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Gerardo Velasco Jr.
Volunteer
Gerardo brings over a decade of dedicated missionary experience across multiple nonprofits, demonstrating a deep passion for child development. His commitment to improving children's lives has driven him to break barriers and create meaningful change. Holding a Bachelor's degree in Teaching Studies, Gerardo combines his strong educational foundation with a diverse professional background that includes teaching, aerospace, and military service.
Beyond his hands-on work, Gerardo has made significant financial contributions to Love In Action Foundation, notably enabling us to sponsor a gym at Rancho De Cristo, a Men’s Rehabilitation Home in Vicente Guerrero, Mexico. As an organization, we recognize and deeply appreciate Gerardo's ongoing support, dedication, and unwavering love for the communities we serve.
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Esteban De La Rosa
Volunteer
Esteban has been a dedicated member of Love In Action Foundation for several years, serving with a heartfelt commitment to both his church and community. His background in Youth Ministry has given him valuable experience in guiding and supporting young people, making him an essential volunteer for our nonprofit. Currently, Esteban is pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Theology at LABI College, deepening his knowledge and passion for serving others. His dedication and compassionate spirit continue to inspire those around him.
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Lilyana Mendez
Volunteer
Lily is one of the original members of Love In Action Foundation and has invested deeply in missionary work throughout her time with the organization. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Deaf Studies from California State University, Northridge, along with a minor in Child & Adolescent Development. Known for her bubbly personality, Lily is not only a joy to work with but also a tremendous asset to the foundation. Her dedication and positive energy continue to inspire those around her.
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Jackie Maldonado
Volunteer
Jackie’s loving nature and dedication to helping others shine through every aspect of her life. Strong-willed and deeply committed, she is passionate about bringing positive change to her community. With a rich background in missionary work combined with her professional experience in health care, Jackie embodies compassion and expertise. As a future Registered Nurse, she plans to use her skills to aid, guide, and treat those in need worldwide. An invaluable asset to the Love In Action Foundation, Jackie has served tirelessly, inspiring others with her unwavering commitment and heart for service.
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Johanna Tavarez
Volunteer
Johanna has demonstrated a dedicated passion for serving others since joining Love In Action Foundation in 2018. With a strong background in the arts and theatre, she brings creativity and insightful perspectives to the development and enhancement of our programs. Johanna holds an associate degree in Art and Cinema from Southwestern College and is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Psychology from SDSU. She also serves as a drug and alcohol counselor intern at SDSU Research Foundation, where she effectively combines her artistic talents with mental health expertise to address addiction challenges and provide compassionate guidance. Her unique skill set makes her an invaluable contributor to our mission.
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Roberto Rivera
Chaplain
Roberto brings over ten years of dedicated missionary experience to the Love In Action Foundation. Deeply committed to his faith, he has consistently demonstrated exemplary dedication to serving others through ministry. With a strong foundation in Political Science from California State University, Northridge, Roberto served as a Pastor Intern, gaining valuable hands-on ministry experience. He is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Theology at Liberty University Seminary, further deepening his theological knowledge and practical skills. Alongside his ministry work, He is a father of two boys and, alongside his Wife, they are dedicated to global change. Roberto has a diverse professional background in the Military, Aerospace, and teaching fields, which enriches his approach to outreach and community service. His passion for serving others and his varied experiences enable him to connect and impact lives effectively.
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Reyna Lopez
Reyna is one of our youngest volunteers and brings a remarkable passion for helping others to everything she does. With a strong-willed and get-things-done attitude, she tackles challenges head-on and inspires those around her. What truly sets Reyna apart is her deeply empathetic heart, especially towards People of Color, which shines through in her interactions and commitment to our work. As a recent high school graduate exploring the medical field, she represents a vital bridge between our foundation and the new generation. We’re excited to support Reyna as she continues to grow and make a meaningful impact.