Kay Goering
Cal Poly Maritime Student Leader
An engineer and student leader, Kay has brought more than 20 students to various Vallejo Project (VP) service opportunities. She continues to demonstrate her commitment to community empowerment and making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Xochilt Vargs
Youth Leader Alumi
Xochitl has been a valued member of the Vallejo Project community for six years. During that time, she has written grants, taught classes, and helped transform local conversations around public health. Through her dedication and partnership with VP, she continues to advance community education, empowerment, and well-being.
Orobosa Olou
Youth Leader Alumni
Orobosa began with VP as a GTA intern six years ago and has since led UC Berkeley workshops and contributed artistic talent to numerous VP projects, including the annual calendar.
"Being part of the Vallejo Project helped me slow down, reflect, and really connect with others—it's changed how I show up in the world."
— Wellness Program Participant
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Who we are
Vallejo Project (VP) is a community-based nonprofit organization rooted in Vallejo, California, dedicated to strengthening outcomes for children, youth, and families through education, basic needs support, and community-driven programs. What began as a youth-centered initiative has grown into a trusted neighborhood organization that emphasizes long-term stability, skill-building, and collective well-being.
VP works directly with families facing economic, housing, and educational barriers, centering culturally responsive practices, relationship-building, and local leadership to create lasting community impact.
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Mission
To empower children, youth, and families in Vallejo and Solano County by providing educational support, essential resources, and opportunities for meaningful community engagement that foster stability, skills, and resilience.
Vision
A thriving Vallejo where all children and families have the tools, support, and opportunities to reach their potential, lead with confidence, and actively contribute to a strong, connected, and resilient community.
Khariyyah Shabazz
Volunteer
Khariyyah, has 16 years of experience in youth development, environmental justice, and community engagement, and is dedicated to transforming communities through planning and partnerships. Ms. Shabaaz has been recognized for her impactful leadership.
Ray Walker
Program Manager
Ray Walker is a community development and workforce leader focused on youth mentorship in sports, construction career pathways, workforce development and transitional housisng
Adjoa McDonald
Founder, Chair
Adjoa is a long-time Vallejo resident and has been an urban educator for thirteen years. She is a credentialed administrator and has a Masters in Educational Leadership.
Kelly Dunn
Kelly brings over 25 years of administrative experience and an extensive background in real estate, including property management. A licensed California Real Estate Agent since 2012, she is passionate about helping others and making a positive impact in her community.
Operations Contractor
Benny Maurera
Director, Secretary
Born and raised in Vallejo, Benny is a true multi-talented professional with expertise in design, urban agriculture, filmmaking, and light carpentry. He is currently working at SolTrans.
Keith Ali
Keith Ali is a dedicated local volunteer committed to promoting youth health and wellness and making a meaningful impact in his community.
Volunteer
Dr. Nicole Thomas
Joint Executive Director Dr. Thomson is a Vallejo-based surgeon known for her strong community connections, collaborating with local physicians and engaging with neighborhood hubs like the local bookstore and craft shop.
RN Alta Monroe MPH
PhD, RN, is based in Vallejo and brings a long history of volunteering and actively investing in her local community.
Director Monroe is a phyciatric RN based in Vallejo.
Jocylen Merkel
Jocelyn has 20+ years of experience managing marketing/advertising projects - Jocelyn is now proud to be serving Vallejo as a local elementary school teacher
Volunteer
Ray Bernardes
Executive Director of the Christian Help Center one of the pillars in housing the homeless and a pastor of Lordship Church. Pastor Ray also founded the Global Center for Sussess.
Business Advisor
Dr. John Edwards
Dr. John is an experienced thought leader in the public education sector. John has worked with public education policies in statewide DEI initiatives, and with local, state, and federal legislators on supporting public education initiatives.
Joint Executive Director
Stephan Muerle
Steve is a licensed General Contractor who mentors youth. From kitchens to fences, he shares hands-on experience in everything from electrical work to flooring.
Treasurer
Kweku Middleton
Kweku is project lead for construction at the Sac Street Garden and resident trades expert for training and youth experience. He is passionate about trades and a point of contact for careers in the industry.
Site Manager/ Carpentry Teacher
Lilibeth Pinpin is the former Director at the Solano County Office of Education, where she led innovative programs focused on educational equity and community engagement. She currently serves as an adjunct professor at Touro University California, preparing the next generation of educators and leaders.
Director
Gail Robles
Gail Robles is a Vallejo native and special education teacher who has worked in a variety of school models, including the public and non-public school sectors, as well as charter and private schools.
Special Education Advisor
Erik Adigard
Erik is a communication designer and educator in the San Francisco Bay Area. He cofounded M-A-D, a Berkeley-based design firm, and is a former design contributor to Wired magazine.
Founding Advisor
Alex Lindsey
Alex Ben Lindsay is an American computer graphics and video production specialist. He is also the founder of the Pixel Corps and dvGarage which were both companies involved with computer graphics
Advisor
Carlton Gill
Executive/Entrepreneur/Devops /Emerging Technology Architect · Experience · Volunteer Experience · Financial Licenses & Certifications.