Business Boost: Hollister

Scott Thomas

SCOTT THOMAS Community Impact Manager Scott is a reliable and experienced community builder and affordable housing advocate. Scott attended the University of California at Santa Cruz from 2015-2019 graduating from Merrill College with a B.A. in Philosophy. Since graduating from school, Scott has been a resident of Santa Cruz working for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Cruz County and two Santa Cruz non-profit housing providers: Mercy Housing of the Santa Cruz & San Jose region and MJ Housing and Services at Mission Gardens Apartments. He enjoyed serving Santa Cruz families to help them thrive independently in their safe, affordable, and healthy homes. Originally, Scott was raised in Washington D.C. and is the oldest of three children. Outside of work, Scott sits on the Santa Cruz Police Chief’s Advisory Committee and has volunteered with the Center for Public Philosophy, Meals on Wheels and The Ronald McDonald House. In his spare time, Scott will play golf or some sort of racket sport, enjoy the Santa Cruz water and travel to new countries. Scott speaks Spanish fluently and has an orange cat named Rex. 831-246-6863  ||  scott@habitatmontereybay.org  [scott@habitatmontereybay.org]

Business Boost: Hollister

Sharing resources from Monarch Small Business Development Center and the Monterey Bay Apex Accelerator with local businesses and stakeholders in the City of Hollister and County of San Benito.

Mitchell Friedman

Hear Mitchell's dynamic story from New York to Monterey and Naval Post Graduate School to Leadership Monterey County.

Liz Zuniga

Liz shares her story from basketball, family, and her academic journey.

Isaura Arreguin

Isaura Arreguin Salinas Community Science Workshop Development Director Isaura Arreguin is a dedicated advocate for education, leadership, and community empowerment. Born in Michoacán, Mexico, she migrated to California at 17, quickly learning English and setting the stage for a lifetime of perseverance. She holds a B.S. in Sociology from Grand Canyon University and has spent over a decade creating opportunities for underrepresented communities. As Director of the Salinas Community Science Workshop, Isaura provides hands-on STEAM learning for youth. She has held leadership roles at Creative Commons, First Tee Monterey County, and Hartnell College, leading impactful initiatives on local, national, and global levels. She founded the Latina Professionals CA Central Valley Chapter in 2023 and serves on the national board, empowering Latina leaders. Committed to civic engagement, Isaura is on the executive committee of Democratic Women of Monterey County, advocating for women’s representation. Living in Salinas with her husband and two daughters, she continues to inspire others through her work, heritage, and belief that dreams are meant to be pursued.