As Founder and Executive Director, Silvia plays a strategic leadership role at Alianza Coachella Valley guiding the organizational vision, mission, and strategy to improve the economic, environmental, and educational conditions in the communities she calls home. She holds a Bachelor’s in English from the University of San Diego and a Master’s in Public Policy from Harvard University with a concentration in Housing, Urban Economic Development, and Transportation. Prior to founding Alianza, Silvia was a high school teacher, a fellow at the Harvard University Planning Office, and a senior policy analyst in the California State Assembly. In 2021, she was appointed by California Governor Gavin Newsom to the Blue Ribbon Commission on the Extraction of Lithium, where she served as Chair, and has served on the Coachella Valley Unified School District Board of Education since 2018. Silvia likes spending time in nature with her family.
Patricia S. Carrillo joined Alianza Coachella Valley in 2020 and was the project manager for the Community Justice campaign and COVID-19 response efforts before transitioning to her current role. She holds a Bachelor’s in Theology and the Social Foundations of Christian Praxis from La Sierra University. Patricia has 12+ years of experience in local and global community service/non-profit work, which includes her previous roles as a youth pastor and student chaplain. She is a philanthropist, restorative justice practitioner, and mental health advocate who is currently a board member for Angel View and the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Desert Communities Chapter. Patricia enjoys traveling, going to concerts, trying new recipes, and spending time with her loved ones.
Braxton Kellogg joined Alianza Coachella Valley in 2023 after relocating from Seattle, Washington. He holds a Bachelor’s in History and a Master’s in Education Policy from the University of Washington. Prior to joining Alianza, he worked as the assistant director for marketing & communications at the University of Washington College of Education and worked in education communications for the Seattle Public School District, the Puget Sound Educational Service District, and the Professional Educator Standards Board of Washington after several years working in corporate social media marketing and advertising. Braxton enjoys cooking, live music, and being an amateur movie critic.
Brenda Quintero joined Alianza Coachella Valley in 2023 with years of experience in finance and as a notary public. She holds an Associate’s in Accounting from College of the Desert and a Bachelor’s in Business Administration with a concentration in Management from California State University San Bernardino. Prior to joining Alianza, Brenda worked for Armtec Defense Technologies for 20 years and volunteered with United Way of the Desert. Brenda loves traveling, sports, and spending time with family and friends.
Marisa Aceves joined Building Healthy Communities in 2016 before it became Alianza Coachella Valley. Marisa holds a Bachelor’s degree in Spanish Cross-Cultural Studies and a minor in Anthropology from Saint Mary’s College of California. Marisa has extensive experience in public service. Some of her previous roles include working for the California State Assembly as Executive Secretary and providing constituent services. She has worked as a case manager in the mental health field. She has worked as a job coach and vocational trainer. As Operations Manager, she is committed to ensuring the day-to-day operations of Alianza run smoothly. On a personal level she enjoys volunteering with several non-profit groups. She enjoys organizing community events and fundraisers for many causes. Some of those activities involve fundraising for cancer awareness and research, voter registration drives, health fairs, advocacy for the underserved community as well as cultural and holiday activities.
Saul Arredondo joined Alianza Coachella Valley in 2023 after moving from Los Angeles to the Coachella Valley with over 15 years of experience in broadcast and communications at networks like NBC and Telemundo, winning 3 Emmy Awards. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Communication: Journalism, Television, Film, and Media Studies from California State University of Los Angeles. Saul enjoys spending time with his family, and friends, and learning new things.
Aydee joined Alianza Coachella Valley in 2022 as the Environmental Justice Campaign Manager. Before Alianza, Aydee worked in the private sector as an administrator. She holds an Associate’s in Social and Behavioral Sciences from College of the Desert before obtaining her Bachelor’s in Marketing and Business Management from Northern Arizona University. She has volunteered with the Desert Cancer Foundation. Outside of work, Aydee enjoys spending time with her partner, dog, family, and friends by going to concerts, hiking, going to the beach, dancing, and having game nights.
Brandon joined Alianza Coachella Valley in 2022, where he has worked in the Education Justice campaign advocating for restorative justice in our schools. He holds a Bachelor’s in Sociology from the University of California, Riverside, and a Restorative Justice Facilitation and Leadership certificate from the University of San Diego. Before joining Alianza, Brandon gained valuable experience through his work with the rental assistance program with Lift to Rise, teaching experience within South Central Los Angeles, and working as a behavioral technician with kids with autism. Outside work, Brandon stays active by playing soccer, volleyball, pickleball, and hiking. He also enjoys relaxing while watching his favorite Star Wars movies.
Karina Andalon joined Alianza Coachella Valley in 2022 as the Youth Programs Manager. She holds an Associate’s in Psychology and Political Science from the College of the Desert and a Bachelor’s in Public Policy from the University of California, Riverside. Karina started her non-profit journey at 15 in Alianza’s Youth Organizing Council (YO-C) and worked as a state-level youth group coordinator with Lideres Campesinas. Karina enjoys seeing the great leadership of her community. Karina enjoys event planning, crafts, video games, and fun trips with her family and friends.
Joel joined Alianza Coachella Valley in 2020 as the Special Projects Manager. He graduated from Coachella Valley High School in 2010 and holds a Bachelor’s in Spanish with a minor in Communications from La Sierra University, as well as a Single Subject Teaching Credential from California State University, San Bernardino. Before joining Alianza Coachella Valley, Joel worked as a substitute teacher for the Coachella Valley Unified School District. He is also on the coaching staff with the boys soccer program at Coachella Valley High School. In his free time, Joel loves spending time with his wife, including watching movies, trying different restaurants, traveling, and attending sports events and concerts.
Evelia Cabrera joined Alianza Coachella Valley as a youth in 2019 and has since progressed through various roles, serving as an intern and fellow during her university undergraduate years. In 2024, she was promoted to Special Project Coordinator and in 2025 she took on the role of Grants Coordinator. She graduated from Coachella Valley High School in 2020 and earned her Bachelor’s in Business Administration, concentrating in management, from California State University, San Bernardino. In her free time, she enjoys running, reading, going to the gym, listening to music, and spending time with family and friends.
