Affordable Housing
About the Program
The SV@Home Action Fund’s Civic Leadership Program is a leadership development program designed to encourage and empower community members who already demonstrate commitment to housing, equity, and community to take active roles in furthering housing justice locally.
Participants meet for multiple days as a cohort, learning from SV@Home staff and each other. Topics include how to run for local office or run a local campaign, how to apply and serve on locally appointed boards and commissions (e.g., the planning commission), housing policy, and storytelling and communications.
To support and sustain the Civic Leadership Program, please consider contributing to the Action Fund.
2025 Cohort
In February 2025, we proudly celebrated the graduation of the 2025 Cohort of the SV@Home Action Fund’s Civic Leadership Program!
For two months, these dedicated leaders—hailing from Campbell, Mountain View, San Jose, Santa Clara, and Sunnyvale— completed intensive training on leadership, local government, housing policy, and running for office. Their journey doesn’t stop here—each graduate is now equipped to step into civic leadership roles, shaping the future of housing justice in the County of Santa Clara.
We believe that solving the housing crisis requires strong leaders in positions of power—and that starts with programs like CLP. Now, our 2025 graduates join a growing alumni network of changemakers shaping the future of housing justice.
Congratulations to this year’s cohort! Paola Campos, Nina Chuang, Sophia Commisso, Malia Pires, Edith Gomez Marin, Estevan Guzman, Elise Lester, Elizabeth Marquez Bernardino, Bryan McCray, Angela Rausch, Karina Solano, J. Isaac Stone, Shalini Venkatesh, Kadence Walker, and Paulina Zapata.
Keep an eye on these emerging local leaders. Each one of them impressed us from their nomination by another member of our community, to their applications and interviews, to their active participation in each day of our training. We can’t wait to keep working with them, and we’re excited to see what they each do next.
Testimonials from Participants
“The concrete information about the steps associated with running for office demystified the process and made it feel more attainable.”
“This program has inspired me to look into campaign management and has awakened an interest in running for office in the future. Learning from my peers highlighted the importance of networking and creating bridges within different communities.”
“Not only did the program help me better understand the process by which I could pursue these types of opportunities, I believe it allowed me to recognize traits within myself that I had previously overlooked and helped me establish connections I believe will assist me in the future.”
Inaugural Cohort
Our Civic Leadership Program’s inaugural cohort of 19 members met for their initial training in December 2023. They represent a broad range of ages, experiences, and the diversity of Silicon Valley. Many members of the cohort had prior relevant experience, which enabled them to share insights and lessons with their peers. Since participating in the program, several have taken on new leadership roles, including running campaigns or running for office.
We are immensely proud of and inspired by the entire group. They have remained engaged, continuing their learning, supporting each other, and helping shape the program’s future for the next cohort.
Congratulations to Pardis Beikzadeh. Charles DiFazio, Alex Dersh, Ashley Guerrero, Elysa Gurman, Alexander Gvatua, Deb Henigson, Juan Angel Lujano, Citlali Martinez Chavez, Jo Nguyen, Olivia Ortiz, Dominic Quan Treseler, Shreya Rallabandi, Juan Rodriguez Nick Rovetto, Jeff Suzuki, Emily Thomas, Anthony Tordillos, Merry Yen!
To learn more about the Civic Leadership Program, or to be notified about the next opportunity to participate or nominate someone, please email info@svh-actionfund.org.
