Press Release
Ventura County – House Farm Workers has announced the addition of two new Directors to its 11-member Board. Veronica Garcia and Joe Ramirez join the Ventura County based nonprofit, to help support its mission of promoting safe, decent, secure, and affordable housing for Ventura County farm workers and their families through education and advocacy. The announcement was made during the organization’s annual “From Field to Fork” fundraising event, which raised $60,000 in support of local farmworker housing.
Veronica Garcia joins the House Farm Workers! board while currently serving as Chief Real Estate Development Officer for People’s Self-Help Housing Corporation, where she oversees and manages the development of over 800 homes, primarily on the Central Coast. Prior to this, Garcia successfully developed affordable housing for the Housing Authority of the City of Ventura, Wakeland Housing, Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation and AMCAL Multi-Housing Inc.
Joe Ramirez joins the board with over 45 years of education industry experience, retiring from the Los Angeles Community College District in 2016. He currently works with students as an educational consultant and serves on the Executive Committee of the Ventura County Behavioral Health Advisory Board.
House Farm Workers! welcomes the two new Directors, while saying farewell to inaugural board members, Gail Weller-Brown and Susan Johnson. Interim Executive Director Debbie Jackson stated, “We are excited to have Joe and Veronica join our board and are thrilled to have them bring their diverse perspectives and work experience.” Jackson continued, “I am grateful to have worked alongside two fantastic board members. Gail has been involved from the beginning when House Farm Workers! was just an idea, and Susan is a truly dedicated advocate for farm worker families. Both of their efforts and contributions have helped form our organization into what it is today, and they will be missed.”
The new Board Directors were announced during the House Farm Workers! signature “From Field to Fork” annual fundraising event held virtually on July 15th. Guests enjoyed a chef-curated meal, prepared by local chefs using locally sourced, farm-fresh ingredients. Meals were picked up by guests at a special drive[1]through set up at McGrath Family Farms, where they were greeted by Santa Paula High School FFA students and singer Kaylanie Barrera in the Radio Lazer booth. An event highlight was the announcement of House Farm Workers! 2021 Ellen Brokaw Scholarship winners, Litzy Hernandez, Jesus Martinez and Bryan Rodriguez. From Field to Fork was made possible with the support of Visionary sponsors Brokaw Ranch Company and Rancho Santa Clara del Norte who were joined by Coastal Pipco Farm Credit West, Limoneira, Leavens Ranches, Pecht Ranch, Pinkerton Ranch, Brokaw Nursery, the Finch Family, and Pyramid Flowers.
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