FOUNDING DIRECTOR

Regina De La Cruz, a resident of Sonoma County for almost 30 years, has dedicated her career to community service and advocacy. Regina has sought many opportunities to effect meaningful change and impact her community positively. As a former Deputy Director for the County of Sonoma, Permit Sonoma, Regina was instrumental in response and recovery efforts for the wildfires that started 2017, assisting homeowners to rebuild and find resources.  Regina was part of the team that set up the County’s first Local Assistance Center (LAC) and has been part of every LAC for the disasters that followed which included multiple fires, floods and the pandemic. 

In January 2014, Regina joined the County's commission on the Status of Women and quickly assumed the role of Project Coordinator for the Junior Commissioner Project. Regina's reorganization efforts revitalized the program, leading to a 100% return rate of eligible students the following year. The 2014-2015 junior commissioners' community service projects earned high praise from the County’s Board of Supervisors. With a strong background in process and policy improvement, Regina became Chair of the commission in June 2015 and within six months Regina was also appointed Chair of the Junior Commission.

Regina has been an active supporter of several local agencies, including Buckelew Programs and the Redwood Empire Food Bank. Regina was appointed to the County of Sonoma, Confidential Human Trafficking Task Force, where she worked collaboratively to prevent and eradicate sexual slavery, domestic violence, and sexual assault against all genders. Regina’s passion in advocacy for women also led her to join the Board of Directors at Verity. 

Appointed by Supervisor Shirlee Zane, Regina has also been the Chair and Commissioner for the Sonoma County Agriculture Preservation & Open Space District, Fiscal Oversight Committee where she was responsible to oversee Measure F funds held in Sonoma County Open Space special tax account.

Regina lives in Rohnert Park with her wife, Sylvie. The couple enjoys traveling and spending time with family including the furry ones.