Pictured is Empower Yolo’s new executive director, Celina Alveraz. Photo courtesy of Zach Agnew

YOLO COUNTY, CA (MPG) - The Empower Yolo board of directors announced the appointment of Celina Alveraz as the organization’s new executive director, effective Sept. 1. With Alveraz’s proven leadership and deep roots in the community, the board and staff are confident that Empower Yolo will continue to grow and thrive in this new chapter.

“At a time when future government grants are uncertain, and when rapid responses are required to the increasing and expanding challenges to Empower Yolo's client base, the board depends on a relationship of mutual trust and respect with Empower Yolo's leadership. The selection process, which involved the board, staff and a community partner, only strengthened the board's confidence in Celina and the entire Empower Yolo staff to carry forward our mission,” said Empower Yolo Board Chair Cathy Farman.

Alveraz is positioned to lead Empower Yolo with more than 20 years of dedicated service to survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, child abuse, human trafficking, and underserved communities in Yolo County in her past roles with the agency including her tenure as associate director.

“I feel deeply honored and humbled to step into this role. Empower Yolo has been an anchor of hope, safety and empowerment in our community for 48 years and it means so much to me to be entrusted with carrying that mission forward. This is both a responsibility and a privilege, one I hold with gratitude and excitement,” Alveraz said

A University of California, Davis graduate, Alveraz holds a bachelor of arts degree in sociology (emphasis in social services) and Women and Gender Studies. Her journey with Empower Yolo began as a crisis line volunteer after completing the agency’s 72-hour Peer Counselor Certification. Over two decades, Alveraz has served as a CARE and Night and Weekend Safehouse advocate, Sexual Assault Services/Crisis Line and Volunteer coordinator, director of Crisis Support Services and Community Education, and for the past 15 years, associate director.

Alveraz’s leadership builds upon the legacy of Lynnette Irlmeier, outgoing executive director, and Bill Irlmeier, facilities manager, who both retired on Aug. 29 after 15 years of dedicated service to Empower Yolo and the Yolo County community.

“Working alongside Lynnette and Bill has been one of the greatest gifts of my career. They modeled leadership rooted in compassion, integrity and vision. Their dedication has created an enduring foundation of services and partnerships that uplift the most vulnerable members of our community,” Alveraz said. “Their legacy will continue not only through the programs they built but also through the culture of resilience, collaboration and advocacy that defines Empower Yolo. My commitment is to honor their contributions by ensuring we evolve to meet new challenges while never losing sight of our core mission.” 

The board and staff played an active role in the interview process and are enthusiastic about Alveraz’s appointment. Many said that her experience and commitment will ensure a seamless transition for the agency and its clients.

“I feel incredibly fortunate to work with such a passionate, skilled, and committed staff and board. Our team is the heart of Empower Yolo,” Alveraz said. “Every day, they bring courage and compassion to their work with survivors, families and communities. The board’s steadfast support and governance provide a strong backbone for our mission. I’m excited to deepen these partnerships, learn from their wisdom, and lead collaboratively as we shape the future of the agency together.”

The board is confident in Alveraz’s leadership and the strength of the agency moving forward.

“Celina's knowledge of Empower Yolo's programs, her client-centered approach to services, her professional connections throughout Yolo County and her established leadership as the associate director give the board assurance that with Celina’s guidance, Empower Yolo will continue and expand on its success,” Farman said. 

Looking ahead, Alveraz has strong goals for Empower Yolo as she takes on this new role.

“My priorities are to strengthen and expand our services, ensure long-term sustainability, and center the voices of the people we serve in everything we do. This means continuing to provide life-saving crisis services while also broadening our focus on prevention, education, and empowerment. I also want to prioritize staff wellness and professional development,” Alveraz said, “because when we take care of our team, we are best able to care for the community. Finally, I will focus on deepening community partnerships and expanding our reach so that everyone in Yolo County knows Empower Yolo is here for them.”

Empower Yolo’s network of donors, volunteers and community partners is an important part of this new transition.

“I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the community, our partners, donors, volunteers and supporters; who make this work possible. Empower Yolo has always been more than an agency; it’s a community movement for safety, justice and empowerment,” Alveraz said. “We remain dedicated to standing with the community during times of need and uncertainty, ensuring that individuals and families know they have a trusted place to turn for support and hope. I am excited to lead us into this next chapter and I invite everyone to walk alongside us as we continue building a safer, healthier and more empowered Yolo County.”

As Empower Yolo approaches its 50th anniversary, Alveraz is focused on the future.

“Approaching our 50th anniversary is both a celebration and an invitation to reflect on who we are and where we’re going. I see Empower Yolo stepping boldly into this new chapter with a commitment to innovation, equity and community collaboration,” Alveraz said. “We will continue to honor our history while embracing new ways of addressing issues like domestic violence, sexual assault, housing insecurity, and economic justice. Our anniversary is an opportunity not just to look back but to inspire our next 50 years of impact.”