Lived Experience Informs the i2 Funding Program

 

Resident Leaders Join the i2 Program Team / Lived experience helps inform our work

This is the second cycle of our i2 $1 million milestone-based grant in which we’ve invited community resident leaders to contribute their voice and lived experience to the i2 funding program. The Resident Leaders’ role over the next year includes:

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

 

Serving Youth / Esmeralda Muñoz

Esmeralda Muñoz is a trailblazing advocate dedicated to helping young adults—especially former foster youth—build self-sufficient and fulfilling lives. Informed by her personal journey through foster care, Esmeralda understands the power of self-care, healing, and the sense of belonging that comes with strong community support. She empowers others to rewrite their stories and prioritize their well-being by supporting their personal growth, financial stability, and education. Esmeralda’s leadership as a Resident Leader reflects her commitment to advancing equity and creating sustainable opportunities for underserved populations.

 

Making Change Happen / Barry Pollard

Barry Pollard’s lifelong dedication to his community began in his childhood neighborhood of Valencia Park, where he first recognized the need for equitable opportunities. Focused on Southeast San Diego, Barry addresses issues such as health equity, transportation, environmental justice, and education by mobilizing residents to take collective action. With a background in organizational development and decades of community leadership, Barry emphasizes healing from trauma, strengthening local networks, and promoting sustainable solutions. His work continues to inspire transformation and resilience in neighborhoods across the region.

 

Advocating for Justice / Simone Van Horn

Simone Van Horn combines her professional expertise as a clinical social worker with a deep personal commitment to advancing health equity and fostering community well-being. Her lived experience navigating the journey toward health and wellness has shaped her passion for creating opportunities that help communities thrive. With a focus on mental health, physical health, and social justice, Simone uses innovative and empathetic approaches to uplift others. As a Resident Leader, Simone is dedicated to amplifying voices within her community and driving long-term, systemic change.

 

Working in Community / Janice Luna Reynoso

Janice Luna Reynoso grew up in National City and Southeast San Diego, where her mother’s dedication to helping others deeply influenced her path. As the daughter of Mexican immigrants, Janice draws from her family’s farmworker heritage and her connection to the culture and indigenous history of the region. She blends community gardening, art, music, and storytelling to promote health equity and social justice. A devoted advocate and mentor, Janice works to create spaces where individuals can heal and thrive. Her vision for a more inclusive and connected community is rooted in resilience, creativity, and collaboration.

 

Boosting Economic Mobility & Wellness /Pedro Estrada, Jr.

Pedro Estrada, Jr. brings over 14 years of experience in social services to his mission of creating a more equitable and thriving community. As the son of immigrant parents, Pedro’s upbringing instilled in him a commitment to hard work and a drive to uplift underserved communities. Blending his academic achievements with his professional expertise, Pedro works to address disparities in health, wellness, and economic empowerment. Guided by his cultural heritage and lived experiences, he seeks to foster holistic well-being and meaningful change. As a Resident Leader, Pedro is passionate about building collaborative solutions for a more just future.

 

$1 Million Milestone-based Grant Application
AHF’s Innovation Initiative (i2) – Apply before January 24

Solving our most intractable health challenges requires innovative, transformative, and sustainable solutions. With our Innovation Initiative (i2) funding program, we are seeking market-based and/or transformational systems-change solutions with the potential to improve access, quality, and health outcomes for low-income residents in San Diego County. See full description and link to the application here.

Ask the Funder Session Recording / Hear helpful tips

Were you unable to attend last month’s Ask the Funder sessions on the i2 funding program? Here’s a recording to catch you up.

# # #