Board

John Hernandez

Training:

  • SBA, Citrus Heights- Customer Service Rep 10/1/2017-PRESENT
  • High Speed Rail Support Group, Fresno — Director  9/1/2015 – PRESENT
  • WebCity Press, Fresno — Marketing & Sales 12/1/2014 – 9/2017
  • Central California Hispanic Chamber, Fresno — Executive Director 12/13/2006 – 7/ 21/2013
  • Prudential Financial, Fresno — Financial Services Associate 5/5/2005 – 12/2006
  • Aetna, Fresno — West Region Small Group Business 9/17/1997 – 5/4/2005

Education:

  • Fresno State, Fresno — BA Social Science
  • Fresno City College, Fresno — Engineering
  • Notre Dame Mendoza School of Business – Certificate of Non Profit Management/Marketing & Promotion

Awards:

  • Speaker of the Year Award CCHCC Toastmasters 2010
  • Executive of the Year Award CAHCC 2009
  • Under 40 Business Street Online 2009
  • Top Dog Award Fresno State Alumni Association 2009
  • Executive of the Year Region 1 USHCC 2008

Damead Holmes

Martha Lozano MPA

A veteran who served in the California Army National Guard from August 2006 thru August 2014 as a Human Resource Specialist; and deployed overseas in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) in 2013. In addition to my military service, I possess sixteen years of Workforce Development and Talent Acquisition experience both serving in the public and private sectors. Through my employment in the private sector, I provided sustainable employment opportunities to Veterans and have been acknowledge for my efforts; “Honor-A-Hero, Hire-A-Veteran” in California. The percentage of Veterans nationwide transitioning from activity duty is at its’ highest level in decades and will need services in obtaining sustainable employability in the public and private sectors. Thus in 2016 I launched by consulting business, Employment Transitional Services (ETS) © with a Vision to provide sustainable employability and/or resources to Veterans that directly correlates with their MOS (s) and/or career choice, and our Mission is to bridge the gap between military and civilian employability. To achieve this goal is twofold, educate employers in developing and deploying a veteran hiring initiative program and creating holistic one-stop centers for veterans.
 
 
 

Dexter Young

Aaron Dexter Young Jr. is a Senior Instructor at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) in Artesia, New Mexico, where he has served since November 2003. He specializes in law enforcement training, defensive tactics, fitness coordination, and tactical skills development.

Throughout his career, Aaron has provided instruction in areas including Tactical Medicine, Active Shooter Response, Peer Support, Tactical Tracking, First Aid and CPR, Firearms, and Driver Training. He holds instructor certifications in Law Enforcement Defensive Tactics and serves as a Fitness Coordinator.

Prior to his role with FLETC, Aaron served as a Patrolman with the New Mexico State Police, District 3, from October 2000 to November 2003.

Aaron is also a Gulf War Veteran who served in the United States Marine Corps Reserve with the 5th and 6th Truck Platoon in Lubbock, Texas, from October 1989 to October 1997. During his military service, he served as a Motor Vehicle Operator and achieved the rank of E-5 Sergeant while participating in Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm (1990–1991).

Aaron earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Eastern New Mexico University in December 1998 and an Associate of Arts degree in Psychology from Clovis Community College in May 1998.

His extensive background in law enforcement, military service, training, and community support reflects his dedication to serving others and advancing public safety.

 
 

Gilbert Sosa

Founder of Comfort Christian Counseling Center, passionately building a faith-driven ministry rooted in the joy of strong biblical principle counseling, heartfelt service, and a vibrant desire to uplift and care for God’s people.

 

Circle of Freedom Board Advisors 

 

Denise W. Holmes

Denise W. Holmes has always been a loving, caring and compassionate person. She tries to see the good in everyone. She sincerely believes God has a purpose for us all. She believes everyone has been blessed with unique gifts that need to be cultivated. She is known and respected for her perseverance and passion for life. God has blessed her with many wonderful experiences, talents and a well-balanced life. She loves helping women, children and the homeless.

Denise has directed productions for youth and adults. She has coordinated events for churches, schools and the community. Her Bachelors of Arts Degree in Liberal Studies is from California State University of Fresno. She has a Clear Multiple Subject Teaching Credential for (K-12) Students and a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership and Administration, also from CSUF. Denise loves the beauty and fragrance of roses. She is the creative and innovative business owner of The Esther-A-Rose Collections With Gift Items and More… Denise used her creativity to also self-publish her first book through a worldwide publisher. ( Xlibris Publishing Company.) Her book is in approximately 100 on-line stores, including Amazon. The title is “Johnny Lee & Me Sittin’ In the Tree K-I-S-S-I-N-G!” It is a faith based (cultural) book for families and entertainment. Denise looks forward to sharing more of her gifts and talents with the world. Together Everyone Achieves More..

 

Russell Gross

TRiO Student Support Services Veterans Counselor
Student Support Services Veterans Counselor
Fresno State Nov 2015 – Present · 8 yrs 6 mos

From 2015 to 2019 has directly helped grow TRIO Student Support Services Veterans (SSSV) population from 0 students to 178 students. This number represents nearly 50% of all Veteran undergraduate students at Fresno State. The persistence rate holds at 97% and the good standing percentage reports at 98% according to TRIO’s 2017-2018 U.S. Department of Education Annual Performance Report.

Developed, implemented, and trained SSSV’s Veteran University Community Builders (VUCBs). These positions are held by Veteran, Reservist, and National Guard students. Working as a team worked to ensure that their fellow military-affiliated students incorporated their personal and academic goals into objectives that give them a new mission to become a successful college student.

Spearheaded the 2016 Veteran’s Day exhibit and Armed Forces Walk of Honor events which resulted in increased veteran awareness among Fresno State faculty, staff, alumni, Veteran students and the local community.

Steve Haze


Executive Director
Tranquillity Resource Conservation
District · ContractMar 2023 – Present · 1 yr 2 mos
Fresno

ED for TRCD in the west side of Fresno County. The district covers over 130,000 acres of prime agricultural land, which is the economic engine within the heart of the San Joaquin Valley. The district is partnered with others including SGAs – Sustainable Groundwater Agencies such as McMullin Area Groundwater Agency (MAGSA); other RCDs within the region that are focused on improving the conservation of the land, air and water (LAW), farming communities and workforce essential for sustaining the ag economy of the future – today. The district is driven towards improving the capacity, capabilities, effectiveness and efficiencies of all farmers and ranchers within the west side of Fresno County and the workforce essential to its continued success.

Principal Partners include the NRCS (Natural Resources Conservation Services) under the USDA, CDFA (California Department of Food and Agriculture), CCI (Carbon Cycle Institute), Farm of the Future (West Hills Community College, Coalinga) and Bar 20 Dairy’s GHG (Greenhouse Gas) capture for energy production.

Silverio Montoya

A self-motivated and goal-oriented sales and marketing professional that has built strong relationships with the educational and business community in California and around the country. Recognized for exceptional achievement and the ability to create trust and build lasting business relationships

With extensive experience in the K12 educational market and a track record of success in consistently exceeding annual quotas that were set for specific territories. Bi-lingual (English/Spanish), strong presentation and public speaking skills are a plus in delivering products and services to a diverse market. Experience with Sales Force to maintain and track customer pipeline.

 

A small sample of my professional expertise includes:

  • eCommerce Customer Sales Relationships
  • Key Account Management
  • eCommerce Customer Strategy Development
  • Supply Chain Management
  • Go-to-Market Strategy
  • Customer Feedback Analysis
  • Sales & Marketing Inputs
  • Internal & External Stakeholder Management
  • Customer Experience (CX) Improvement