Tuesday, March 5, 2:00 - 4:00 pm, In-Person

Speakers

Supervisor Noelia Corzo, Board of Supervisor

A lifelong resident of San Mateo County, Noelia Corzo (she/her/ella) is a single mom and the daughter of Guatemalan immigrants. She studied Sociology at Cañada College and San Francisco State University obtaining her A.A. and B.A. degrees.

Supervisor Corzo has worked as a social worker, foster youth advocate, and community organizer. She was twice-elected Board Trustee of the San Mateo-Foster City School District and served as Board President during Covid. Noelia made history as the first Latina elected to the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors and is currently the only woman on the Board. Supervisor Corzo represents District Two which is made up of San Mateo, Foster City, and over half of Belmont. She lives in San Mateo with her son, Mikey, and her dog, Quetzi.

Ofelia Bello, Executive Director, Youth United for Community Action

Ofelia joined YUCA in 2019 as executive director. Born and raised in East Palo Alto, Ofelia is driven by her roots in this community, her love for the people, and the powerful history that resides in her hometown.
Ofelia loves working and organizing with young people from East Palo Alto and working in coalition with renter leaders who have been fighting for housing justice in this community for years. Ofelia’s background is in urban planning and public policy, with expertise and a specific interest in community development and housing. Ofelia currently sits on the East Palo Alto Planning Commission, chairs the Pahali Community Land Trust board of directors, and is a California Community Land Trust Network board member. She is humbled and grateful to join the YUCA family after volunteering with the organization since finishing her master’s degree.    

Mayor James Coleman, City of South San Francisco

Born and raised in South San Francisco, James Coleman has deep roots in San Mateo County. During the COVID pandemic, James returned back to his hometown from Harvard University. Compelled by the public health crisis and a community outcry for public safety and racial justice, James successfully ran for city council in 2020 and became South San Francisco’s youngest ever and first openly LGBTQ+ councilmember in the city’s history. He currently serves as Mayor, where his priorities are addressing climate change, delivering affordable housing, improving public safety, and ensuring quality education for all.

Councilmember Carlos Romero, East Palo Alto

Elected to the East Palo Alto City Council in 2008, Carlos Romero served as Mayor of East Palo Alto in 2011. Before being elected mayor, he was chair and vice chair of the East Palo Alto Redevelopment Agency, served on and chaired the city’s Planning Commission for six years, and was a member and chair of the East Palo Alto Rent Stabilization Board for four years.

Elaine Salinger, Co-Leader, San Mateo County Chapter of the Citizens Climate Lobby

Elaine Salinger is a retired veterinarian living in San Mateo. She is the Leader of The San Mateo County Chapter of the Citizens Climate Lobby and has received several awards for her climate activism and presentations. She is also the Chair of the SMC Bike and Pedestrian Advisory Committee.