12/19/2025
We are proud to share that our co-founder and Chief Operations Officer, Vivian Velasco Paz, has been elected to serve as a board member of The James Irvine Foundation. The Foundation's mission is "a California where all low-income workers have the power to advance economically." Vivian's work experience as an attorney and entrepreneur will serve her well on this important board. We our proud of her service to our community.
We are thrilled to announce that Susan Masten and Vivian Velasco Paz have been elected to The James Irvine Foundation Board of Directors!
Susan, a member of the Yurok Tribe of Northern California, is a lifelong political activist and an advocate for tribal and women’s rights. She was the second female President of the National Congress of American Indians and is currently the President and CEO of Women Empowering Women for Indigenous Nations.
Vivian is an experienced entrepreneur from Fresno County. She is the Co-founder and Chief Operations Officer of Paz Dermatology, a family-owned practice with offices in Fresno and Visalia. Prior to embarking in entrepreneurship, she served as Assistant General Counsel with the California Agricultural Labor Relations Board, where she protected farmworkers’ rights to unionize and raise concerns about working conditions.
Our CEO, Don Howard, shared, “Susan and Vivian embody the spirit of leadership. Their deep connection to their communities and lifelong commitment to improving the lives of Californians will undoubtedly help advance Irvine’s mission.”
Learn more about Susan and Vivian at: https://bit.ly/4pPX8Wc
