A Word
From Our CEO
“We appreciate the opportunity to serve the residents of eastern Riverside County. It is our goal that you are able to obtain useful information about funding which is available as well as resources you can access to increase your organization’s capacity to serve more clients. Through vigilant attention and collaborative efforts, we can achieve greater success in closing up service gaps in the areas of Health, Mental Health
Meet
Our Staff
LETICIA DE LARA
Chief Executive Officer
Leticia serves as the Chief Executive Officer for Regional Access Project Foundation. Leticia served as District Director to Riverside County Supervisor John J. Benoit for 4 years. Prior to that position, she served as Chief of Staff to Riverside County Supervisor Roy Wilson for 11 years. During the time with the Fourth District Supervisor’s office, Leticia specialized in the areas of Social Service, Mental Health, Public Health, Affordable Housing, and Homelessness. Leticia was a migrant farm worker until she graduated from California State University San Bernardino (CSUSB) with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. She worked for the Department of Public Social Services for 10 years. She earned a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from CSUSB and completed the Riverside County Excellence in Leadership Academy and the University of Riverside Nonprofit Management Certificate Program.
Email: ldelara@rapfoundation.org
MIREYA REYES
Facilities Director
Mireya Reyes is the Facilities Director and provides administrative support to the CEO and supports with Special Projects at Regional Access Project Foundation. Mireya has completed the Nonprofit Management and Supervisor & Leadership Certification Program from the University California Riverside. She took course work at College of the Desert. Mireya Lives in Indio with her husband Benito and their four kids. She was born and raised in the Coachella Valley and knows the needs and challenges of the Desert.
Email: mreyes@rapfoundation.org
CONNIE GOLDS
NPO Centric, Director
Connie Golds is the founder of Desert Best Friend’s Closet (DBFC), the only nonprofit in the desert that educates and empowers clients at no cost for success in employment and life through interview training and wardrobe service. Under her leadership, DBFC made a difference in the lives of more than 9,000 community members. In addition to DBFC, Connie has brought her wisdom and passion for helping others to countless community organizations. Her current directorships include the national board of the Alliance of Career Development Nonprofits and Seiden Juku, which teaches Karate-do to the disabled. She also serves on the Scholarship Committee of the Desert Community Foundation and the Nominating Committee for the Girl Scouts of San Gorgonio Council. As a Black Belt in Shito Ryu Karate, Connie also coaches youth in Karate. A resident of the Coachella for 41 years, she is guided by the belief that she can leave the world “a little better than she found it” – and is an inspiration to everyone she meets to do the same.
Email: CGolds@rapfoundation.org
GRACIELA MONTANO
Grants Manager
Graciela Montaño graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from California State University, San Marcos. Prior to joining the RAP team, Gracie worked as a Residential Peer Mentor for CSUSM’s On-Campus Housing assisting over 200 college students on their path toward academic success, collaborating with academic resources, and organizing workshops. Graciela grew up in Coachella with her family and dedicates her time to volunteering at food distributions. She is passionate about advocating for Immigrant Rights, mental health, and gender equity.
Email: gmontano@rapfoundation.org
SANDY GARCIA
Accountant
Sandy Garcia was born and raised in Palm Springs. She graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science /International Relations from the University of California, San Diego and has recently received an Associate’s Degree in Accounting. Together with her fiancée, Chris, they have a beautiful little 2 year old named Christopher. In her spare time she loves to go running as a great stress reliever. Sandy also really enjoys math and loves to spend time with her dog Waffles.
Email: sgarcia@rapfoundation.org
DIANE MORALES
CV Healthy Living Project Manager
Diane earned her Bachelor of Science in Public Health from California State University San Bernardino. She is working towards earning her Master of Public Health and Health Policies degree from UC Berkley. Prior to joining the RAP Foundation, Diane worked as a Payment Processor for Lift To Rise, helping keep over 100,000 Riverside County residents housed during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Diane was born and raised in the Coachella Valley and strives to have a balanced lifestyle. She spends her time being active, participating in 5k races, but you can also catch her binge-watching Harry Potter movies. She aspires to lead with love and use her educational and professional experience to increase resources and equality for all Coachella Valley residents.
Email: dmorales@rapfoundation.org
KELLY GARCIA
Program Manager
Kelly Garcia is a highly experienced social media professional with over 11 years of experience in the field. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communications and has a lifetime of administrative support experience. She is a skilled “chaos coordinator” who excels at managing multiple tasks and projects simultaneously. A life-long desert resident, she is thrilled to be focusing on Coachella Valley nonprofits and helping them to start, scale, and succeed.
Email: kgarcia@rapfoundation.org
