Meet Our Network Ambassadors

We are residents and leaders from all across Pleasanton who work together to build a more connected and collaborative community.

Team
Jack Balch

Jack Balch

Mayor, City of Pleasanton

Tonya Bass

Tonya Bass

PUSD African American Family Network

Christine Beitsch-Bahmani

Christine Beitsch-Bahmani

CEO, City-Serve of the Tri-Valley

Bruce Bird

Bruce Bird

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Jack Balch

Mayor, City of Pleasanton

I currently serve as Mayor of Pleasanton and have spent many years involved in local government and community service, including serving on the Planning Commission and Parks & Recreation Commission before joining the City Council. Pleasanton has always felt like a place where people genuinely care about one another, and I’m grateful to help shape its future alongside so many dedicated residents. Outside of City Hall, I enjoy camping, hiking, mountain biking, and spending time with family and friends around the Tri-Valley. Through Pleasanton Connects, I’m excited to help strengthen relationships across our community and create more opportunities for neighbors to feel heard, connected, and involved.

Tonya Bass

PUSD African American Family Network

I've lived in Pleasanton for 23 years and have three children who all graduated from Pleasanton Unified School District (PUSD) including one with Autism. I love living in Pleasanton because it is very family oriented, has great parks and recreation and community gatherings. I've worked with children and their families in education for the last 9 years. I am the coordinator for the PUSD African American Family Network. I like working with the school district as a parent liaison because I get to meet and connect with parents and families who are new to the country and community and tell them about Pleasanton and the resources we have.

Christine Beitsch-Bahmani

CEO, City-Serve of the Tri-Valley

I’m Christine Beitsch-Bahmani, CEO of CityServe of the Tri-Valley, a nonprofit directly serving some of Pleasanton’s most vulnerable residents. While I do not live in Pleasanton, I work, eat, and serve thousands of Pleasanton residents through CityServe. Through Pleasanton Connects, I’m honored to bring a fresh perspective on behalf of residents who may feel isolated or siloed, including unsheltered neighbors, older adults, single parents, those with language barriers, and families at risk of homelessness. I’m married to a data scientist, and we love to nerd out together about cancer research, wearables, and health data. We also love eating in downtown Pleasanton and frequenting local restaurants.

Bruce Bird

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

My wife and I have been residents of the City of Pleasanton for over 40 years. We raised our four children here and have been involved over the years in school sports, athletic boosters, Boy Scouts, community service and our faith community, serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in various leadership positions. During my professional life I have worked in law enforcement, company finance, warehouse management, customer service and financial services. After retirement I started working for the Pleasanton Unified School District as a substitute teacher. Our family has been blessed to live in this great community of Pleasanton.

Team
William Bridenbaugh

William Bridenbaugh

Student, Amador High School; City of Pleasanton Youth Commission

Dikla Dagai

Dikla Dagai

Small business owner (Scents of Glow); Immigrant

Justin Doull

Taylor denBroeder

Grant Project Coordinator, Chabot-Las Positas Community College District

Mirjam Dijkxhoorn

Mirjam Dijkxhoorn

President, Pleasanton PTA Council

William Bridenbaugh

Student, Amador High School; City of Pleasanton Youth Commission

I am a freshman at Amador Valley High School. I serve as the Pleasanton Connects liaison to the city’s Youth Commission. I love to play varsity lacrosse, hang out with my teammates and enjoy the Meadowlark Dairy. In my spare time, I hang out with my dog, Rufus.

Dikla Dagai

Small business owner (Scents of Glow); Immigrant

As an immigrant and small business owner of Scents of Glow in Pleasanton, I value the relationships and sense of belonging that help make a community feel welcoming and inclusive. I believe that meaningful conversations and shared experiences create stronger connections and greater understanding between people from all walks of life. I am excited to be part of Pleasanton Connects and contribute to creating deeper connections throughout the community.

Taylor denBroeder

Grant Project Coordinator, Chabot-Las Positas Community College District

I was born and raised in Pleasanton and after college and working professionally in Los Angeles, I moved back, missing everything this city has to offer. Professionally, I work at Chabot-Las Positas Community College District, overseeing grants and implementing systems supporting transfer students statewide. I also serve as the Education Chair with a local PFLAG chapter, providing education and workshops on promoting advocacy, inclusion, and safety for the local LGBTQ+ community. I am especially proud to represent and advocate for the local LGBTQ+ community through Pleasanton Connects. When I’m not working, you can usually find me hiking local trails, volunteering at the SPCA, or working on a DIY home project.

Mirjam Dijkxhoorn

President, Pleasanton PTA Council

I have called Pleasanton home since 2017, after growing up in the Netherlands and spending a decade living in India. I hold a PhD in Transdisciplinary Research and a Master’s degree in Cultural Anthropology. I am actively engaged in the community through leadership roles with Pleasanton PTA Council and Chorus Eclectic, as well as volunteer work with Goodness Village and the National Charity League. Outside of work, I enjoy community building, singing, and life with my husband, two daughters, and our spirited husky, Venus.

Team
Justin Doull

Justin Doull

Urban Planner, DAHLIN Architecture

Marvin Dozier

Marvin Dozier

Board Chair, Green Scholars Program; African American Community

Craig Eicher

Craig Eicher

City Council Member; Alternate

Erika Gallegos

Erica Gallegos

Community Leader, Solidaridad Conexión Latina

Justin Doull

Urban Planner, DAHLIN Architecture

Born and raised in the East Bay, I’ve worked in Pleasanton for more than 20 years and have come to think of it as a true home away from home. As an Urban Planner with DAHLIN Architecture Planning Interiors, I help design spaces where people can gather, connect, and build community, which makes being part of Pleasanton Connects especially meaningful. Outside of work, I’m usually tackling home projects or chasing my three toddlers through parks and downtowns in the East Bay.

Marvin Dozier

Board Chair, Green Scholars Program; African American Community

I recently retired as a partner from a global professional services firm specializing in audit, tax, and advisory services, with a focus on internal controls and corporate governance. I currently serve as Board Chair of Greene Scholars Program, a nonprofit dedicated to exposing African American youth to STEM education and career opportunities.
Born and raised in the Bay Area, I have lived in Pleasanton for the past 10 years and in the Tri-Valley region for more than 20. Outside of work and community service, I enjoy wine tasting in Napa with my wife and catching the latest movies with my teenage son. Through Pleasanton Connects, I hope to bring the perspective of an African American resident with deep roots in both Pleasanton and the broader Bay Area community.

Craig Eicher

City Council Member; Alternate

I was elected to the Pleasanton City Council in November 2024. I am a 46-year resident of Pleasanton and served 32 years with the Pleasanton Police Department, retiring as a captain after serving as interim police chief. During my time with the department, I led initiatives including the implementation of body-worn cameras and the creation of a Homeless Outreach Team. I have also served on multiple city and regional committees and currently hold leadership roles with organizations including the Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce Foundation, Hope Hospice, and the Pleasanton Community of Character Collaborative. I am the founder of the Pleasanton Police Officers’ Charitable Foundation. My wife, Kimberly, and I raised our two children in Pleasanton.

Erica Gallegos

Community Leader, Solidaridad Conexión Latina

I have called Pleasanton home for the past 24 years, where I raised my four children through the Pleasanton school system. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with family, supporting my community, and bringing neighbors together through gatherings and events. I serve as the liaison between Pleasanton Connects and Solidaridad Conexión Latina, an organization that supports the diverse needs of our community by providing children’s sports scholarships, free extracurricular programs, and fundraising assistance for families in need. I am also a member of the Community Advisory Board for the Pleasanton Police Department and the Pleasanton–Tulancingo Sister City Association (PTSCA). I deeply value the people, safety, schools, parks, and vibrant Main Street that make Pleasanton such a special place to live.

Team
Reena Gupta

Reena Gupta

Founder, Mom Relaunch Foundation; Pleasanton Indian Community

Susan Houghton

Susan Houghton

Founder & Board President, Sunflower Hill; I/DD community

Vicki LaBarge

Vicki LaBarge

Social Media Administrator, Pleasanton Facebook Groups

Rena Leibovitch

Rena Leibovitch

Congregation Beth Emek; Interfaith Interconnect

Reena Gupta

Founder, Mom Relaunch Foundation; Pleasanton Indian Community

I am the founder of Wisdocity and the Mom Relaunch Foundation, an author, and someone who has spent the past several years deeply involved in workforce development. My family moved to Pleasanton in 2011, and both of my children attended PUSD schools and are now building their own careers. I am currently working on a platform to help people manage their work and life as they navigate transitions. I serve on the advisory board for the Tri-Valley Community Fund, am a CTE advisor for the Pleasanton School District, and am a member of the Pleasanton Chamber BACPAC Committee. I also served on the Economic Vitality Committee for four years and remain actively involved in connecting the Indian community with the broader Pleasanton community.

Susan Houghton

Founder & Board President, Sunflower Hill; I/DD community

I am the founder and board president of Sunflower Hill, a Pleasanton-based nonprofit creating places and spaces where individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) can live, learn, work, and thrive. Our innovative residential community, Irby Ranch, opened in Pleasanton in 2020 and our garden at Hagemann Ranch in Livermore provides fresh produce to local nonprofits. I first moved to Pleasanton in the late 1990’s and immediately fell in love with the downtown and small-town vibe. While I now live in Livermore, I am in Pleasanton almost everyday and our residents at Irby Ranch attend many local activities. This is a great town!

Vicki LaBarge

Social Media Administrator, Pleasanton Facebook Groups

I have been a Pleasanton resident for 42 years. My husband and I were grateful to raise our children in Pleasanton and deeply value the friendships and sense of community the city has provided over the years. Now retired, I am a member of Pleasanton Connects and represent several local social media groups within the community. I care deeply about bringing people together and strengthening local connections, which is why I serve as a Facebook administrator for Pleasanton Rants and Raves, Pleasanton Voices, and Pleasanton Community Give and Receive. Through these groups, I help foster community conversation, support, and engagement throughout Pleasanton.

Rena Leibovitch

Congregation Beth Emek; Interfaith Interconnect

After a career as a chemist, I moved to the Tri-Valley more than 20 years ago and have called Pleasanton home for the past 11 years. I have served on numerous committees and on the board of directors at Congregation Beth Emek, and I have long volunteered with the Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Department and Interfaith Interconnect, a Tri-Valley organization that brings together diverse faith communities to foster understanding, dialogue, and collaboration.

Team
Feraidoon Mojadedi

Feraidoon Mojadedi

Lecturer & Director of Events, Zaytuna College; Muslim Community

Heidi Murphy

Heidi Murphy

Director of Library & Recreation, City of Pleasanton

Catherine (Ciiku) Ndungu-Case

President & CEO, Cheza Nami Foundation; African immigrant and cultural community

Sonia Rai

Sonia Rai

Chief People Officer, QASource; Pleasanton Indian Community

Feraidoon Mojadedi

Lecturer & Director of Events, Zaytuna College; Muslim Community

I am a lecturer, educator, and community leader based in the San Francisco Bay Area, serving as Director of Events & Lecturer at Zaytuna College. I was born in Herat, Afghanistan, and immigrated to the United States during the Soviet invasion. I was raised in a home rich in poetry and spirituality, and I am fluent in Farsi. I am known for sharing the timeless teachings of Rumi and other classical poets with audiences around the world. Through my lectures, performances, and interfaith work, I seek to build bridges across cultures through poetry, spirituality, and dialogue.

Heidi Murphy

Director of Library & Recreation, City of Pleasanton

I am the Director of Library and Recreation for the City of Pleasanton, and I have spent more than 20 years in public service working in libraries, communications, recruitment, and recreation. I am passionate about people, their stories, and creating meaningful connections across the community. As a Pleasanton native, I am grateful to serve the community that shaped my childhood. I hold degrees from the University of California, Santa Cruz and San José State University, along with certifications in customer experience and mental health first aid.

Catherine (Ciiku) Ndungu-Case

President & CEO, Cheza Nami Foundation; African immigrant and cultural community

I am a biopharma executive working at the intersection of science, strategy, and community, helping organizations turn research into medicines that reach patients in need. I’m also the founder of the Cheza Nami Foundation, dedicated to African and diaspora arts and culture, and author of the Wanjikũ, Child of Mine, which celebrates Gikũyũ heritage and growing up across cultures. In addition I advise The WE Facility, mentoring early-stage founders, especially women entrepreneurs. A Pleasanton resident for 24 years, I joined Pleasanton Connects because I believe meaningful change begins when people feel truly seen and connected.

Sonia Rai

Chief People Officer, QASource; Pleasanton Indian Community

I have been a proud Pleasanton resident for almost 30 years and currently serve as Chief People Officer at QASource, where I focus on building strong teams and fostering a people-first culture. I am honored to represent the Indian community at Pleasanton Connects and value the opportunity to help foster inclusion, cultural connection, and community engagement across Pleasanton. I love the welcoming spirit and strong sense of community that makes Pleasanton such a special place to call home.

Team
Chanel Da Rocha

Chanel Da Rocha

Community Programs & Lead Producer, 14th Annual A Taste of Africa Festival, Cheza Nami

Caitlin Safradin

Caitlin Safradin

Senior Director of Operations & Special Projects, Workday Foundation

John Sensiba

John Sensiba

Board Chair, Stanford Healthcare Tri-Valley & Three Valleys Community Foundation

Aashritha Simha

Aashritha Simha

Student, Foothill High School

Chanel Da Rocha

Community Programs & Lead Producer, 14th Annual A Taste of Africa Festival, Cheza Nami

I am a community-centered event producer, inclusion strategist, and cultural arts advocate based in Pleasanton, California. I serve as Lead Producer for Cheza Nami’s Taste of Africa Festival, a free annual celebration that brings together African and African Diaspora artists, families, elders, youth, vendors, and community partners through music, dance, food, storytelling, and shared cultural experiences. Taste of Africa began in Pleasanton, where it was held for several years, and is now held annually in Livermore, where it continues to thrive and reach the Tri-Valley communities and beyond.
Through my work, I focus on creating joyful, intergenerational spaces where people feel seen, welcomed, and connected. My background spans large-scale event production, community engagement, operations, and inclusion and belonging strategy. I am passionate about using cultural arts as a bridge for connection, learning, and community care across the Tri-Valley and greater Bay Area.

Caitlin Safradin

Senior Director of Operations & Special Projects, Workday Foundation

I am Senior Director of Foundation Operations and Special Projects, where I lead operational governance, strategic programs, and data-driven philanthropy to maximize community impact. My husband, Viktor, and I moved to Pleasanton fifteen years ago, and we have two children and two dogs who keep us busy. You can often find our family spending time together walking the dogs in local parks and on trails, visiting the library, or enjoying boba tea runs downtown.

John Sensiba

Board Chair, Stanford Healthcare Tri-Valley & Three Valleys Community Foundation

I’m the Managing Partner of Sensiba LLP, an accounting and business advisory firm. I also serve as Board Chair of Stanford Healthcare Tri-Valley, Three Valleys Community Foundation and LCASE. I’m also a member of the Catholic Community of Pleasanton Pastoral Council. I am active in several local organizations focused on community and civic engagement. My wife and I moved to Pleasanton in 1993, where we raised our three children. What I value most about Pleasanton is its strong spirit of service, connection, and shared responsibility, a community where everyone plays a role in making it welcoming and vibrant.

Aashritha Simha

Student, Foothill High School

I've lived with my family in Pleasanton for most of my childhood and teenage years, so this community feels like home. I play on my school tennis team and volunteer with the Just Serve Club, and I really enjoy both. They’ve helped me make genuine connections and friendships along the way. Outside of school, I love listening to music and playing guitar. Being part of Pleasanton Connects and representing the youth just feels right!

Team
Yu Tao

Yu Tao

Teacher, Chinese American Cooperation Council; Chinese Community

Greg Thome

Catholic Community of Pleasanton; CYO Sports

Gabrielle Welk

Gabrielle Welk

Executive Director, Pleasanton Downtown Association

David Wong

David Wong

Board Member, Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce

Yu Tao

Teacher, Chinese American Cooperation Council; Chinese Community

I am a Chinese language teacher and serve as the Pleasanton Connects liaison to the Chinese American Cooperation Council (CACC), an organization dedicated to building community connections, preserving cultural heritage, and promoting Chinese language learning. My family has been actively involved with CACC for more than two decades. I spent most of my career with the Pleasanton Public Library. Pleasanton has been our home for the past 29 years, and we especially enjoy spending time and walking in its beautiful downtown, which we believe is one of the most charming in Northern California.

Greg Thome

Catholic Community of Pleasanton; CYO Sports

I am a semi-retired healthcare consultant who built a firm specializing in healthcare supplies and services. I currently support small businesses pro bono in janitorial services and AI development. I serve as a liaison for youth sports in the community and am active with the Catholic Community of Pleasanton (CCOP) and CYO sports across Alameda and Contra Costa counties. I remain active in youth sports coaching and in faith formation for high school students, and I have supported the Pleasanton Special Olympics basketball tournament for over 20 years as a volunteer referee coordinator. I have been a longtime Pleasanton resident for 43 years. Together with my wife, Nancy, we raised our three children in Pleasanton and are now proud grandparents of five.

Gabrielle Welk

Executive Director, Pleasanton Downtown Association

I am a 30-year resident of Pleasanton and an active community leader dedicated to supporting and strengthening the local community. I stay actively involved by producing community events, advocating for small business owners, and volunteering with various nonprofit organizations throughout the area. I love Pleasanton for its timeless small-town charm, where a simple trip downtown almost always turns into running into familiar faces, friends, and neighbors, making the community feel truly connected.

David Wong

Board Member, Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce

I am a chiropractor with a private practice in Downtown Pleasanton. I also serve as the Pleasanton Connects liaison representing the Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce and the Pleasanton Young Professionals, where we help support local businesses/organizations and entrepreneurs to start, grow and thrive. I've been serving the Pleasanton community for about 6 years, and I enjoy playing music, cooking, meeting new people, and trying out new places to eat.

Team
Kathy Young

Kathy Young

Co-Founder, President & CEO Tri-Valley Nonprofit Alliance

Pablo Zamora

Pablo Zamora

Community Moderator, Solidaridad Conexión Latina

Kathy Young

Co-Founder, President & CEO Tri-Valley Nonprofit Alliance

I helped launch the Tri-Valley Nonprofit Alliance (TVNPA) in 2014 to advance advocacy, collaboration, and education for nonprofits across the Tri-Valley and the greater Bay Area. In my role, I lead TVNPA’s strategy, partnerships, and programs that strengthen hundreds of organizations serving local communities. I also serve on the Board of Directors for the Livermore Valley Chamber of Commerce and Impact100 East Bay, a women’s collective giving organization supporting nonprofits in Alameda and Contra Costa counties. I hold a B.S. in Organizational Behavior & Leadership from the University of San Francisco. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my husband, Edward, our family, grandchildren, and our two dogs.

Pablo Zamora

Community Moderator, Solidaridad Conexión Latina

I'm a day trader who works from home, and most afternoons you’ll find me delivering groceries for folks in the community. I grew up in Pleasanton and have lived here for 25 years, so this community truly feels like family. I’m honored to serve as the Pleasanton Connects liaison to Solidaridad Conexión Latina, a group that helps our Latino neighbors feel seen, supported, and welcomed here. For me, connection is all about building genuine relationships whether it’s through conversation, an event invitation, or helping connect people to local services. I love being part of the bridge that makes Pleasanton so special.