Brian is the Program Manager for the Youth and Family Collective, an initiative by PRO Youth and Families, Inc in which he oversees the implementation of various programs focused on workforce development (#SacYouthWorks), mental wellness (MindOneSix), and youth marijuana use awareness and prevention (#SacYouthWorks Futures).
Brian holds a deep passion for music since he can remember.

He became passionate about writing songs and poetry after an elementary school assignment. Many classmates and peers at school began purchasing his poems, which encouraged him to continue writing. Throughout his schooling years, Brian signed up for every play, dance group, and choir opportunity he was able to. He learned to play Ukulele and Guitar so he could teach his two children (currently 6 and 4 years of age.) Brian has a creative room in his home where his kids are exposed to various musical instruments, and different mediums to create visual arts (Crafting materials, paint, canvases, photography/video cameras, etc.)

Brian’s decision to join the board came from his desire to increase access to arts programs for youth in Sacramento. Aside from the arts, Brian loves to travel and learn different languages and about different cultures.

Dalia Velazquez is a Branch Manager at SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, which is focused on helping school employees and their immediate family members with their financial needs. With over 15 years of experience in the banking industry, Dalia has extensive knowledge in finance, service, leadership, management and talent development. Her passion for Member service and the credit union movement began in 2011, when she first joined SchoolsFirst FCU and since has dedicated herself to helping Members achieve their financial goals. Part of her role includes creating awareness about financial literacy through community partnerships and within local schools.

Dalia’s dedication to the creating financial literacy, supporting local schools and the credit union movement has led her to serve as the Chairperson of the Sacramento Valley Credit Union Network and as a Board Member of the Eureka Educational Foundation. The focus is to give back to communities by contributing to students’ financial literacy programs, STEM and various Art programs. Her son, who is a student at Eureka Unified School District, is also an art enthusiast himself who loves to create visual arts and enjoys playing the piano.

Dalia has a passion for culinary arts, which has led her to participate and win cooking competitions and has a social media following. She enjoys creating new and unique recipes and enjoying them with family. Dalia also shares a passion for industrial organizational psychology and currently attends Penn State University Pursuing her B.S in Psychology.  During her spare time, Dalia loves to travel with her family, build collectable Legos with her son, and write poetry.

Debra’s career in government has spanned over 20 years, where she has gained valuable experience managing and delivering business solutions, with a specific emphasis in finance, accounting, human resources, and grant making. She holds a Master of Business from Capella University and has a deep passion for helping organizations build a strong foundation from which to grow.

Debra currently serves as the President of the Board of Directors of Girls Rock Sacramento (GRS), a social justice non-profit. She is also the program lead for the organization’s Youth Advisory Board that advises staff and board members on program development and community outreach. GRS empowers female-identifying and gender-expansive youth to build self-esteem through music education and performance, a supportive community of peers and mentors, and through the development of leadership skills.

Debra has one daughter who is an artist, musician, and her greatest teacher. She makes jewelry under the brand Arcana and her hobbies include hiking, reading, crochet work, and playing guitar.

Susan Wheeler recently retired from SMUD where she was the Regional Workforce
Development Program Manager. In her role, Susan set the company’s direction for workforce
development efforts in the Sacramento Region, and helped residents in our community gain the
skills and confidence to obtain rewarding careers to provide economic mobility.

Susan worked in large multinational corporations (AT&T, Chevron and General Electric) as well
as start-up and public sector companies. She is currently an adjunct faculty member at
American River College where she teaches entrepreneurship courses.

Susan is passionate about the arts and has an eclectic collection in her home from her many
travels. She is currently on the Board of Juma, an organization that provides workplace skills for
former foster youth. Susan is also an Advisory Board member for the College of Engineering
and Computer Science at Sac State University.