Celebrating Our Resident Leaders’ Accomplishments

We want to take a moment to shine a light on the amazing accomplishments of our Resident Leaders — individuals who lead with vision, dedication, and heart. Their leadership shapes stronger communities and empowers others to achieve their own goals.

ESMERALDA MUÑOZ

Esmeralda recently reached a major professional milestone by successfully leading the development of her department’s annual business plans and budget for the first time as Director at Just in Time for Foster Youth. Her strategic leadership shaped a clear plan for the year ahead while strengthening collaboration and innovation across the organization’s youth services team. She also partnered with senior leadership to finalize the organization’s FY26 budget proposal, aligning resources with real-time service needs.

Outside of work, Esmeralda hit a fun personal milestone — completing her 60th Escape Room in California! Her passion for puzzles and mysteries fuels her self-care and well-being journey.(Pictured with Esmeralda is Irving Chavez.)

Congratulations, Esmeralda!

 

PEDRO ESTRADA

Pedro recently stepped into the role of Program Manager for the Family Asset Building Program at MAAC, where he leads efforts to expand resources that promote family stability, economic opportunity, and generational progress. His commitment to equity and community empowerment continues to shine through.

On a more personal note, Pedro completed his Master’s program at University of San Diego and walked at graduation earlier this summer.

Well done, Pedro!

 

 

SIMONE VAN HORNE

Since becoming a Resident Leader, Simone passed her licensure exam and met all the requirements to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) — an incredible achievement.

As Program Manager for Project LIFE at Lifeline Community Services, her leadership was recognized during Human Trafficking Awareness Month when Project LIFE received proclamations from both the San Diego County Board of Supervisors and the Mayor of San Marcos.

Congratulations, Simone!

 

 

Role of Resident Leader
Together, our Resident Leaders inspire us every day. Their passion and commitment help advance our mission to build healthy, equitable communities.

As a reminder, our Resident Leaders are actively engaged in the 2025 Innovation Initiative (i2) funding program, which wraps up in October. Their role during the nine months of this program includes:

• Contributing perspective informed by their unique lived experience.
• Providing feedback on the grant application and process.
• Participating on the evaluation panel along with Alliance Healthcare Foundation (AHF) staff, committee and board members through all phases of the i2 journey.

Learn more about our Resident Leadership Program here.

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