It is with both sadness and appreciation that we recognize the departure of our Chief Engagement Officer. Betzabel Estudillo has taken a job as Deputy Director with our partner and ally, the California Pan Ethnic Health Network (CPEHN).
Betzabel joined our team as a Senior Advocate in February of 2020 - right before the COVID-19 pandemic hit. She had an immediate impact, bringing new energy and a wealth of experience to the Food4All campaign. As the campaign looked to remove immigration status as a barrier to food assistance, Betzabel tapped into her successful efforts in advancing Health4All. Thanks to her efforts to strengthen the Food4All coalition and advance policy, immigrant Californians age 55 and older are poised to receive food assistance, regardless of status, in October 2027 (with your help, of course).
Betzabel’s impact on our organization extended well beyond the Food4All campaign. Recognizing her skills in supporting community-centered advocacy, she was elevated to Director of Engagement in 2022. In that position, she supported staff across all of our campaigns, ensuring the respectful engagement of community partners.
Betzabel also helped the organization advance its strategic plan by piloting new leadership structures to inform succession planning. During the Executive Director’s sabbatical and later in her role as Chief Engagement Officer, Betzabel embraced efforts to test new approaches to more inclusive decision-making and new leadership structures.
We wish Betzabel continued success in her new role at CPEHN!
Footnote: We continue to move forward with our leadership plans and our strategies to increase community-centered advocacy. Currently, we are hiring for the Director of Engagement role, focused on supporting our campaign leads. You can view the post here.
