SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - United Way California Capital Region has hired a director for its Community Schools initiative that is working with Washington Unified School District to create neighborhood hubs at three schools in West Sacramento. Zelene Molina of Sacramento is leading the initiative that provides access to services that support children, strengthen families and improve community health at River Bank Elementary School, Elkhorn Village Elementary School and Westfield Village Elementary School.

“I’m excited to have Zelene with our local United Way as a woman who has worked throughout diverse communities in the Bay Area and here locally throughout Yolo County,” said Dr. Dawnté Early, president and CEO, United Way California Capital Region. “As a native Spanish speaker, Zelene will help us better connect with families in Yolo County ensuring that all children can thrive and be successful in their educational careers.”

Molina began her career working with youth through educational programs in Oakland and Davis. Upon earning her graduate degree, she transitioned to working in higher education supporting students from historically underrepresented backgrounds. She worked as a success coach at Sacramento City College and as the Special Transitional Enrichment Program coordinator at UC Davis. Prior to joining United Way, Molina served as talent acquisition manager for California State Water Resources Control Board. She holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology and Raza studies from San Francisco State University and a master's degree in higher education leadership from Sacramento State.

“Supporting and empowering others has been the foundation of my work,” Molina said. “My upbringing and struggles my family encountered inspired me to get involved with community work. I’m excited to be part of creating these community schools in West Sacramento, and I know that they are essential to helping kids excel in school, which will lead to future success.”

For 100 years, United Way California Capital Region has been working to end poverty by creating stronger, healthier, more compassionate communities. Since 1923, the local United Way has raised more than $500 million to fight poverty in the region and help families succeed. The group recently announced a goal to raise $3 million to help 10,000 kids excel in school by 2025 as part of its work to end poverty for local families. The local United Way has found one place in each community to reach the most families in need: School is square one for ending poverty. United Way uses its Square One approach to end poverty for local families by helping children excel in school, investing in families, and strengthening schools with resources to address increased poverty and deep roots of racial inequality. For more information or to make a donation, visit YourLocalUnitedWay.org.