LEADERSHIP

Dionne Carter, MPH, M.Div.

Executive Director

For over three decades, Dionne has worked to respond to health and social disparities throughout the San Francisco/Bay Area. She is a native of Oakland, CA, and her professional experiences include Health Services Research,  Program Planning and Evaluation, Organizational Development, Community Capacity Building, and Training.  In July 2021, due to a generous donation, former Executive Director Francie McInerney MacMillan and the then Board of Directors eagerly welcomed Dionne as a part-time Executive Director, charged to lead the transition from a volunteer-led and driven movement to a nonprofit model of operations. She has successfully responded to the charge by "establishing structures and procedures necessary for the sustainability of Vallejo Together.” (McInerney MacMillan)

(Source: Times-Herald Article, Richard Freedman, 2021)


Board of Directors

Jackie Jones, President

In 1995, Jackie relocated to Vallejo and continued her community service with the churches she attended. In 2012, she met Maria Guevara, founder of Vallejo Together, and started volunteering with Vallejo Together.  In 2022, Jackie joined the Vallejo Together Board of Directors. In July 2023, Jackie was elected as Board President. 


“I am excited about the future of Vallejo Together. My hope is to continue promoting Maria’s mission and vision, to serve and be a voice for the unhoused community of Vallejo. I am committed to partnering with the city of Vallejo, local businesses, elected officials, and community and faith-based organizations to achieve sustainable and equitable solutions to the crises of homelessness facing us. I believe that housing is a fundamental right for everyone.” In the words of Maria Guevara, “Love explodes that’s how it happens.” Together We Can, Together We Will!


Renee Sykes, Vice President

Renée was born and raised in Oakland, California, and has been a Vallejo resident since 1985. Renée has numerous volunteer and board experiences in her professional, spiritual, and personal life. Before deciding to join the board, she attended multiple Homeless Roundtable Network meetings, which allowed her to learn more about the different non-profits and community-based organizations operating in Vallejo and how they work effectively in coordinated collaboration and coalition building. She joined the board in 2022 and currently serves as Treasurer and Chair of the Board Finance/Fundraising Committee.  Renée helped establish the VT Interfaith Coalition.  She remains a member of the Coalition and volunteers with the VT Mobile Basic Needs Program.


“Vallejo Together is the heart for people without homes in Vallejo. Founded by Maria Guevara over a decade ago, it has shifted its focus from grassroots organizing to a non-profit model of developing strong, effective community-based partnerships with those whose passion is to help people without homes. Together we can, Together we will.”


Alicia Ashorn, Secretary

Alicia was born and raised in Vallejo, California.  She graduated from Vallejo High School, earned her bachelor's degree in Sociology at UC Davis, and a Master's in Public Health at Touro University.  She started volunteering with Vallejo Together at its inception with Maria Guevara serving holiday meals in parking lots to our friends in need.  She currently serves as a community health worker at La Clinica's Transitions Clinic providing a medical home and resource navigation for people with chronic illnesses who have recently been released from prison.  Alicia joined the VT board in 2022 and services on the Board Seasonal Events Committee.  She is passionate about making positive changes in her community.


“Why fit in when you were born to stand out.” (Dr. Seuss)

Aurora Idelfonso, Treasurer

Aurora moved to the United States as a teenager and has lived in the Bay Area since. In 2018, she moved to Vallejo, and in 2020, Aurora started volunteering with Vallejo Together to support the Meal Service Program, and she has been faithful and dedicated since then.   In 2023, Aurora joined the Vallejo Together Board of Directors and now serves on the Board Finance/Fundraising Committee.  Aurora is grateful for the opportunity to serve her community and aims to leave it a brighter place than it was found. 


“In the words of Winston Churchill ‘We  make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.’ Whether it's time, resources or a compassionate smile, we all have something of value to give and make a meaningful impact.” 

Cassandra James, Member at Large

Cassandra was born and raised in San Francisco. She has worked in Community Services for the last 17 years bridging historically-excluded communities to resources and services. Currently, she is a Community Development Specialist for the City and County of San Francisco. In 2022, she was appointed to the Housing and Community Development Commission. She has lived in Vallejo for nearly twelve years where she is raising her family here.  Cassandra has dedicated her professional career to helping others. Her job is focused on connecting lower income and formerly homeless people with housing they can afford. She has worked on the frontlines of the homelessness crisis, intervened to help the survivors of domestic abuse, and helped formerly incarcerated women rebuild their lives.  Cassandra Joined the Board in 2022.

Christina Arnold, Member at Large

Christina has been a resident of Vallejo for 22 years. She started volunteering with Vallejo schools in 2007 and eventually became a PTA board member in 2009. She then joined the Vallejo Moose Lodge in 2015. Christina was previously the Secretary Treasurer of the Women of the Moose as well as the Senior Regent.  In 2017, she became the Moose Lodge’s Heart of Community Chair.  At this time, she started working with Vallejo Together and the events that they have had for our community.  In 2021 She began working with the VT Mobile Basic Needs Meal Service.  In 2023,  She became the chaplain for the Vallejo Moose Lodge and also a member of Vallejo Togethers Board. 


“Fight for the things that you care about. But do it in a way that will lead others to join you.”

Jessicca Blanco, Member at Large

Jessicca Blanco was raised in Vallejo California, born in San Francisco, CA. She attended all Vallejo schools, Patterson Elementary, Franklin Middle, Hogan High, and Solano Community College. She has worked for over twenty years in Office Management and Bookkeeping roles. And has owned her own business for five years. She is currently employed with Medic Ambulance.


Jessicca worked over 8 years at Fighting Back Partnership where she was able to work with the late Maria Guevara. Jessicca served on 3 additional boards, Hogan Middle School Parent Teacher Association as their Vice President, the Firefighters Bikes for Tykes Board as their Fundraiser and Secretary Treasurer and Fighting Back Partnership as a board member and Interim President. Jessica joined Vallejo Together’s Board in 2024 and, in her short time, has become the lead Fundraiser for the Board Fund Development Committee.


“As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.” – Audrey Hepburn



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