The Chicano Federation of San Diego County, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing comprehensive, neighborhood-based services to underserved youth, families and seniors across San Diego County, announces Nancy Maldonado as its new CEO. Maldonado will lead the organization in meeting the region's ever-increasing needs for quality child development programs, affordable housing, and additional comprehensive programs and services as of January 11. She joined the Chicano Federation in 2017 as senior program director and was promoted to chief operating officer, and then to interim chief executive officer in 2018. Maldonado is a resident of Tierrasanta.
"This year marks a defining moment for the Chicano Federation as we celebrate 50 years of service to the San Diego community," says Chicano Federation Board Chairman Mario X. Sierra. "As we look forward to our future, the board knew we needed an exceptional leader with the vision and heart to propel the Chicano Federation forward, and that person is Nancy Maldonado. In her role as chief operating officer, Nancy has helped build a strong foundation for long-term growth and innovation. She is passionate about helping people improve their lives and is ready to take the reins to lead us into our next chapter in history." Maldonado succeeds Ray Uzeta, who previously served as the organization's CEO.
A transformational leader
Maldonado is a community advocate with deep knowledge of health and wellness, and has dedicated her career to improving health outcomes for youth and underserved communities. She has been recognized for designing, and leading the strategic development of community-based programs and interventions, and is an active member on several organizational committees and boards, including the California Alternative Payment Program Association Public Policy Committee and the San Diego County Child Care and Development Planning Council.
"I'm honored and humbled to continue my work with the Chicano Federation board, staff, volunteers and supporters as we work together to provide access to vital and often life-changing services and programs to thousands of children and individuals in our community," says Maldonado.
Maldonado holds a master's degree in exercise science from California State University, Northridge and a bachelor's degree in kinesiology from California State University, Long Beach. She formally owned and operated her own business where she developed and implemented corporate wellness programs. Prior to joining the Chicano Federation, Maldonado served as the director of community health for the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association.
How The Chicano Federation Impacts San Diego County
Since 1969, the Chicano Federation has been dedicated to providing a safety net to those who need it the most. Today, their programs support the youngest and most vulnerable across San Diego County. The organization currently offers the following programs and services:
- Child Care and Adult Food Program: This nutrition program reimburses childcare providers for serving eligible meals to children in licensed daycare homes. The goal of this program is to improve the health and eating habits of children enrolled in daycare homes, from birth to 12 years of age. The program consists of approximately 850 childcare providers who care for 7,500 children.
- Logan Child Development Center: Located in the heart of Barrio Logan, this full day preschool serves eligible three and four year olds from zip codes throughout San Diego County. The goal of the preschool is to provide quality, child development services for low-income families and ensure that children develop their cognitive, social, physical and learning skills to be prepared to enter kindergarten. Priority enrollment is for families who have a child at risk of abuse, neglect or exploitation, receiving child protective services, income eligible families, families who are homeless and/or families who receive public assistance.
- Infant and Toddler Program: An Early Childhood program that provides childcare services for infants and toddlers through Chicano Federation's contracts with state-licensed Family Child Care Homes. The goal of this program is to assist parents with securing quality childcare, and ultimately help parents become more self-sufficient. Priority enrollment is for families who have a child at risk of abuse, neglect or exploitation, receiving child protective services, income eligible families, families who are homeless and/or families who receive public assistance.
- Home-Based Early Head Start and Head Start Program: This program is designed to empower the parents of children 0-5 years old and educate them on their child's learning and development. The program serves 60 families throughout San Diego. The ultimate goal of this program is to provide a learning environment that supports children's growth in areas such as language, literacy, and social and emotional development while emphasizing the role of parents as their child's first and most important teacher. The program also serves to link families to much needed services by making referrals and educating parents on available services and community resources.
- Affordable Housing Program: Serves approximately 800 individuals with well-maintained, affordable housing at eight properties throughout the city of San Diego, including Barrio Logan, City Heights, and South Park neighborhoods. The goal of this program is to provide working families with secure, safe, and affordable housing for their families, and thereby enable them to stretch their income and meet other important needs. Two properties are strictly for seniors and persons with disabilities.
Learn more about Chicano Federation and how you can help drive the organization's mission forward through volunteering, donating or supporting the 50th Anniversary Ball. Visit www.chicanofederation.org for more information.
ABOUT THE CHICANO FEDERATION OF SAN DIEGO COUNTY
The Chicano Federation was established in 1969 to provide a variety of comprehensive, neighborhood-based services to underserved youth, families and seniors across San Diego County. In its early years, the Chicano Federation was led by a tireless group of advocates dedicated to seeing advances in civil rights and civic participation. Today, those strong roots empower the Chicano Federation to serve diverse populations throughout San Diego County with programs that help low-income children and families access vital and often life-changing services and obtain affordable housing. The nonprofit serves more than 8,000 individuals each year. For more information, please visit www.chicanofederation.org or call (619) 285-5600. Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
