our coalition

Outline drawing of an oak leaf

our leadership structure

The Richmond Outdoors Coalition is guided by the resilience and wisdom of a redwood tree ecosystem. Each partner plays a vital role in sustaining the health and longevity of the coalition—like roots, branches, and canopy in a thriving forest. Together, we sustain growth, share resources, and nurture lasting connections for youth, families, and the community.

Diagram of a Redwood tree ecosystem showing the different layers and their roles, including the bark as fiscal sponsor, cambium and sapwood for outdoor consultants, the heartwood for planning teams, the canopy for youth and families, branches for organizations supporting the ecosystem, needles and cones as funders, roots for program partners and collaborators, and elements like fog, mist, and water. Each part has a description of roles and functions in the ecosystem.
Download Leadership Structure
Diagram of a tree illustrating an organizational structure of the Richmond Outdoors coalition, with labeled elements describing roles and functions within the ecosystem of drylands.
Descargar Estructura de liderazgo

funders

Like the needles, cones and seeds of a redwood forest, our funders bring vital resources that sustain growth, spark regeneration, and plant seeds for new possibilities. Their support fuels the coalition’s ongoing cycles of renewal, ensuring that fresh opportunities continue to take root.

We are deeply grateful to the following partners whose generous funding and support make this work possible:

  • Riddell Family Foundation

  • Richmond Fund for Children and Youth

  • West Contra Costa Unified School District

We also thank our ROC program partners for their vital matching funds and in-kind contributions that help our programs thrive:

Steering Committee

  • A close-up portrait of an older man with gray beard and glasses, wearing a black cap and black turtleneck sweater with a 'This is Ohlone Land' pin, outdoors with a blurred green background.

    Andre Shumake

    NYSTROM SCHOOL COMMUNITY OUTREACH WORKER

  • Person smiling outdoors wearing glasses, a black hoodie, and a baseball cap with an orange logo, standing under a large leafy tree.

    Danelia (D-Lo) Lopez Casco

    COMMUNITY MEMBER

  • Eric Aaholm

    EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, YES Nature to Neighborhoods

  • A young girl with dark hair smiling outdoors in front of a blurred background of green trees and colorful flowers.

    Genesis

    STUDENT

  • A woman with long black hair wearing a blue shirt smiling against a blurred green outdoor background.

    Gloria López

    VERDE TEACHER AND PARENT

  • A middle-aged Asian man with glasses, a beard, and a shaved head standing outdoors near a tree, smiling, with a blurred background of greenery and flowers.

    John Iwawaki

    WCCUSD SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING; ESCAPE Club

  • Close-up of smiling young boy with dark brown hair and brown eyes, wearing a navy blue sweater, standing outdoors with blurred green foliage background.

    Lucas

    STUDENT

  • A person smiling outdoors beneath a tree, wearing sunglasses, a black shirt, and a colorful medal ribbon.

    Maria Weatherborne

    COMMUNITY ADVOCATE

  • A smiling woman wearing glasses, a large sunhat, and a black jacket standing outdoors in front of green foliage and flowering bushes.

    Maria Cristina Newton

    WCCUSD TRANSLATOR

  • A woman with short dark hair and hoop earrings, smiling, wearing a pink top and a beige blazer, outdoors under a tree with green leaves, with a name tag that reads Marlène and indicates she is a community leader. There are trees and plants in the background.

    Marlene Contreras

    VERDE COMMUNITY LEADER AND PARENT

  • A woman outdoors smiling, with green leaves overhead and colorful flowers and trees in the background.

    Martha Nieto-Serrano

    VERDE SCHOOL COMMUNITY OUTREACH WORKER

  • Merrill Pierce

    ROC COORDINATOR
    WCCUSD

  • Close-up of a smiling woman with shoulder-length wavy hair, wearing a beige button-up shirt, standing outdoors under a large leafy tree with bright green leaves, with a blurred background of colorful plants and outdoor furniture.

    Stephanie Romano

    THE WATERSHED PROJECT

  • A young woman with long dark hair, wearing earrings, a pink blazer, and a black top, standing outdoors with a blurred green background.

    Yvette Diaz Samayoa

    KIDS FOR THE BAY

our program partners

In a redwood forest, the roots anchor the tree, weave together with others, and draw nourishment from the land. Our program partners are the roots of the coalition—grounding the work in community, collaboration, and the outdoors, and connecting people, programs, and nature to sustain collective growth.

A black background with a red footprint and a fist in the center, along with the words 'Music Saves Lives' in bold yellow font.
Logo for the Environmental Science Conservation and Photographic Excursions, featuring stylized trees, an airplane, a person hiking, and a river, with the word 'escape'.
Logo of The Watershed Project with blue dots arranged in a grid to the left of the text.
Colorful circular logo with a tree in the center, surrounded by a border of orange, purple, and blue, and the words 'Omega Apple' written next to it.
YES logo with three stylized human figures holding hands inside green leaves, and the text 'Nature to Neighborhoods' below.
Illustration of a mountain lake landscape with snow-capped peaks, green hills, and a calm blue water body surrounded by lush greenery.
Black and white logo with the text 'ICB Inner City Bliss' above a skyline silhouette of city skyscrapers and landmarks, all inside a circular design.
Program Pathways
A circular logo with a bird flying over water and land in the background, with the text 'Golden Gate Bird Alliance' around the circle.
Logo with three tan hands reaching over blue waves and the text "KIDS for the BAY" in blue.

our collaborators

In a redwood ecosystem, branches reach outward—creating space for growth, adapting to change, and holding endless possibilities. Our collaborators are the branches of the coalition, offering support, flexibility, and connection that allow new ideas, partnerships, and opportunities to grow and evolve.

Seal of the West Contra Costa Unified School District, with a book, paddle, and a small red house at the top.
Colorful 3D text spelling 'VOTES' with black arrows on the left and right sides.
Children and adults painting face designs outdoors, with face paint supplies on a wooden table.

join us

Interested in learning more about the Richmond Outdoors Coalition or joining or efforts?

Connect with us