Center for Volunteer & Nonprofit Leadership Announces the 2024 Award Recipients for the 5th Annual Heart of Sonoma County Award

SONOMA COUNTY, CA, March 19, 2025 – Center for Volunteer & Nonprofit Leadership (CVNL) is pleased to announce the recipients of the 5th Annual Heart of Sonoma County™ Awards. 250 nonprofit leaders, volunteers, elected officials, and business members attended the event held Thursday, March 13th, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at The Backdrop, in Santa Rosa, CA.  

  

Heart of Sonoma County, produced by Center for Volunteer & Nonprofit Leadership with Presenting Sponsor Comerica Bank, recognizes, honors, and awards Sonoma County’s nonprofit volunteers, leaders, and organizations for their outstanding contributions and impact to Sonoma County’s communities. 

  

82 nominees were recognized across eight award categories, and recipients were announced for each award. $35,000 in award funds were distributed. Each of the award recipients received $5,000 for their organization (except Corporate Community Service) and the five Youth Volunteer of the Year recipients received $1,000 each. 

 

Linda Jacobs addressed the crowd with this uniting statement: “Like many of you, I am filled with fear and heartache for those whose lives have been—and will be—impacted by numerous executive orders, new federal policies, and what I can only describe as deeply troubling behavior. The battles we face, both now and ahead, are exhausting to consider. 

  

But I refuse to sit back, and I see that same resolve in many of you. We will continue working toward a just and equitable world. We will keep showing up to help and protect people and communities. We will not be discouraged—that is not who we are as individuals or as leaders. 

  

So, let’s take a deep breath. Let’s rest, find joy where we can, and lean on one another. Our work is to fight hate and cruelty, to advance love and kindness, to protect those in need, and to nurture a hopeful vision for humanity. 

 

Comerica Bank was the Presenting Sponsor. Mike Silva, President, Northern California, had this to say: “Comerica Bank is extremely pleased to have a role in recognizing so many nonprofit community partners and the many wonderful people who give their all to serve others. CVNL has been doing this for many years in Marin and Napa counties, and we are pleased to support this tradition of recognizing the nonprofit superstars here in Sonoma County.” 

 

CVNL is pleased to introduce the 5th Annual Heart of Sonoma County Award Recipients. Recipient’s bios and photos are available online cvnl.org/heart-of-sonoma-county/. 

 

The Corporate Community Service Award, sponsored by CVNL, was presented to Jackson Family Wines. Jackson Family Wines, a family-owned company in Sonoma County, prioritizes social responsibility through financial contributions, volunteerism, and nonprofit partnerships. Employees receive paid time off to volunteer, contributing 6,000 service hours annually, while the company donates millions to over 200 nonprofits. Major initiatives include sponsoring the Homes for Sonoma project after the 2017 wildfires and donating $500,000 to establish the Family Justice Center Sonoma County. 

 

The Volunteer of the Year Award, sponsored by Kaiser Permanente, Northern California, was presented to Manuel ‘Manny’ Rodriguez Garcia, LandPaths. Manny volunteers with LandPaths, expanding Spanish-language nature programs in Sonoma County and Yosemite while helping low-income Latinx youth access outdoor experiences. He has led mural painting workshops at a community garden, driven carpools for nature camps, and supported a Yosemite trip for first-time visitors. Recently, he trained as a docent at Lafferty Ranch, continuing his dedication to connecting communities with nature.   

 

The Excellence in Board Leadership Award, sponsored by Acrisure, was presented to Greg Steele, Children’s Museum of Sonoma County. As Board President, Greg leads by example, securing major donations, volunteering at events, and strengthening board professionalism. In 2024, he helped raise $175K, co-chaired the Capital Campaign to secure a $2.5M lead gift, and added 10 new board members, including the President-elect. 

 

The Excellence in Innovation Award, sponsored by PG&E, was awarded to inRESPONSE Mental Health Support Team. The inRESPONSE Mental Health Support Team provides unarmed, mental health-first crisis intervention, diverting 40% of calls from police and fire departments. Composed of mental health clinicians, paramedics, and outreach specialists, the team collaborates with partners to address physical, mental health, and basic needs while connecting individuals to long-term support. Since launching in 2022, they have responded to over 10,800 calls, with thousands focused on mental health and homelessness, reducing strain on emergency services and promoting lasting stability.  

 

 

The Youth Volunteer of the Year Award, sponsored by Ginnie and Peter Haas, Jr., honors five outstanding middle or high school students serving in a Sonoma County nonprofit, education, or faith environment. This year’s recipients were: 

 

1. Maddie Castro, Sonoma Academy: Maddie is a dedicated young leader committed to environmental stewardship, food security, and community engagement. As a “Young Steward” with LandPaths and a volunteer at the Redwood Empire Food Bank, she takes initiative to mobilize peers and address pressing issues. At Sonoma Academy, she co-founded the Community Engagement Committee, advocates for arts inclusion, and fosters conversations on mental health, embodying the integrity, empathy, and vision needed to inspire lasting change. 
2. Sabrina Tristano, Humane Society of Sonoma County: Sabrina became a Volunteer Junior Counselor at the Humane Society of Sonoma County in 2021, standing out among older applicants for her passion for teaching and animal care. She has since returned for multiple camps and classes, educating children on animal welfare, veterinary medicine, and humane education while creating interactive learning activities. With a natural ability to foster inclusivity, she inspires young learners to treat all living beings with kindness and respect. 
3. Elizabella ‘Zuli’ Morales, Redwood Empire Food Bank: Zuli has been a dedicated volunteer with the Redwood Empire Food Bank since age seven, contributing 956 hours across Sonoma, Lake, and Mendocino counties. Fluent in Spanish, she helps bridge communication gaps for Spanish-speaking families while ensuring smooth food distribution. Despite a busy schedule filled with sports, mariachi, and horse training, she remains committed to giving back and aims to become the youngest volunteer to reach 1,000 hours. 
4. Noa Wonderly, Sonoma County Wildlife Rescue: Noa began volunteering at Sonoma County Wildlife Rescue at age five, growing from a weekly barnyard helper to a key contributor in animal care, enrichment, and rescue efforts. She created “nature boxes” to enhance wildlife rehabilitation, a concept now shared statewide, and assists in feeding, cage preparation, and training volunteers. Logging 400 hours annually, Noa is dedicated to wildlife rehabilitation and aims to become a wildlife veterinarian. 
5. Alexander Yoon, 404 Found Code: Alexander founded 404 Found Code in 2023 to provide free, accessible coding education for children in Sonoma County, independently securing nonprofit status and managing all operations. He developed a Micro:bit robotics and Python curriculum, taught live coding classes to 30+ students per session, and attracted donors, sponsors, and media attention, raising over $10,000 in funding and resources. With plans to expand programming and participate in the 2025 North Bay Science Discovery Day, Alexander continues to break barriers in STEM education for youth. 

The Excellence in Leadership Award, sponsored by Medtronic, was presented to Margaret Sluyk, Reach for Home. Margaret’s leadership at Reach for Home has driven a 338% increase in emergency shelter and housing units in Northern Sonoma County, securing over $8.7M in funding for key projects like L & M Village and Wallace House. She pioneered the Built for Zero Initiative, created a targeted By Names List to address chronic homelessness, and launched an on-demand mental health support program serving 67 participants. Under her direction, the organization expanded its leadership team, strengthened board governance, and grew reserve funding to over $300,000, ensuring long-term sustainability. 

 

The Achievement in Nonprofit Excellence Award, sponsored by Comerica Bank, was presented to Our Village Closet. Our Village Closet supports youth and families impacted by foster care by providing no-cost essentials, classes, and connections, making it easier for families to say “yes” to fostering. Since opening in 2021, OVC has grown from serving 20–25 families a month to supporting 932 youth in 2024 through 3,750 visits. With a strengthened funding model, a strategic plan, and expanded partnerships, OVC continues to ensure foster youth receive the resources and support they need to thrive. 

 

The Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by Redwood Credit Union, was presented to Bonnie Burrell. Bonnie has been a tireless advocate for local nonprofits, leveraging her connections to drive lasting change in Sonoma County. Her impact spans hunger relief, education, healthcare, diversity and inclusion, and support for adults with developmental disabilities. She has held leadership roles with The Press Democrat’s Celebrate Community program, Rebuilding Together, Council on Aging, North Bay Regional Center, and Becoming Independent, among many others. Through decades of dedication, Bonnie has strengthened countless organizations and improved lives across the community. 

 

All recipients were presented with certificates of recognition from Congressmen Jared Huffman and Mike Thompson, Senators Mike McGuire and Christopher Cabaldon, Assemblymembers Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, Damon Connolly, and Chris Rogers, and the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors.  

  

“In the 32 years CVNL has been producing these events, we have had the honor of shining a spotlight on hundreds of organizations and contributing thousands of dollars to local nonprofits,” said Jacobs. “CVNL is a resource, connection, and advocate for our nonprofit community. With offices in Marin, Napa, Solano, and Sonoma Counties, we stand firmly alongside our nonprofit partners in our commitment to support them in the years ahead.” 

 

# # # 

 

About CVNL: Since 1964, Center for Volunteer & Nonprofit Leadership has advanced nonprofits and volunteerism by strengthening leadership, encouraging innovation, and empowering individuals in their communities. We believe that passion alone isn’t enough when it comes to creating strong nonprofits. That’s why we work with aspiring and established leaders every day to help them build the skills and connections that can take their impact to the next level. Together we offer comprehensive programs that support nonprofits and volunteers including training, executive search, customized consulting solutions, volunteer matching, and corporate engagement. Heart of Marin, Heart of Napa, and Heart of Sonoma County events support nonprofits of every size and mission through recognition and cash awards. Other programs and services include 100MARIN, Sonoma County Human Race, Secret Santa, Court Referral Program, Sonoma County Paratransit and Volunteer Services. CVNL’s Volunteer Services includes a range of disaster services for response, relief, and recovery in the aftermath of disasters in Marin, Solano, Napa, and Sonoma Counties. We believe that with confident and prepared leaders, our nonprofits will be better equipped to create healthy, happy, and more equitable communities. Visit www.cvnl.org to discover more.