Esperanza Vielma
Objective
Dynamic and results-driven leader with extensive experience in public policy, community advocacy, and organizational management. Seeking to bring expertise in strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and environmental justice to the role of Senior Policy Advisor to the Mayor, contributing to the betterment of Stockton’s diverse communities.
Professional Experience
Executive Director
Environmental Justice Coalition for Water (EJCW)
Stockton CA | August 2019 – Present
• Lead organizational efforts to educate and empower disadvantaged communities statewide including the San Joaquin Valley, enabling them to advocate for water justice and environmental equity.
• Developed and launched the Water Justice Leadership Training Series, training community leaders to address critical water issues and advocate before regulatory agencies.
• Spearheaded community engagement initiatives to recruit leaders for the Greater San Joaquin County (GSJC) Integrated Regional Water Management (IRWM) Region DAC Task Force.
• Instituted the Morrison Creek Revitalization Project for the City of Sacramento • Represents the organization in statewide coalitions, influencing environmental policies to improve conditions for vulnerable populations.
Founder and CEO
Café Coop
Stockton CA | October 2014 – Present
• Established San Joaquin County’s first business incubator to support micro-businesses and start-ups, with a focus on women of color and socially conscious ventures. • Partnered with PepsiCo Frito Lay on the $30 million ZANZEFF (Zero and Near Zero Emission Freight Facilities) project, serving as the community-based organization lead to implement an extensive community outreach plan. Organized media announcements • Collaborated with BNSF Railway Company and Wabtec on the $45 million ZANZEFF Flexible Solutions for Freight Facilities Project, supporting the demonstration of zero and near-zero emission technologies at BNSF railyards in Stockton and San Bernardino.
Engaged residents and key stakeholders in affected areas, raising awareness about the ATTACHMENT B1
environmental benefits of the battery-electric locomotive and hybrid-electric RTG crane. Highlighted the project’s potential to reduce emissions along the Stockton-to- Barstow route and improve fuel economy by at least 10%
• Created the Annual H2O Hackathon, fostering innovation in water technology, now in its seventh year.
• Launched the San Joaquin Agricultural and Technology Summit, now in its third year, promoting cutting-edge advancements in agriculture and sustainability.
Co Founder
Coalition for Environmental Equity and Economics (CEEE) Stockton CA | January 2022 – Present
• Built a 250+ member statewide coalition advocating for environmental and economic justice, successfully halting the proposed solar tax while championing community power- building, energy democracy, and social equity.
Community Expert Partner
California Air Resources Board (CARB)
Sacramento CA | May 2023 – Present
• Co-developed CARB’s Community Engagement Model, facilitating collaborative solutions to address environmental inequities across California.
San Joaquin County At Large Representative
Environmental Justice Advisory Group (EJAG), San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District
Fresno CA | April 2014 – Present
• Provided leadership as Chair, addressing air quality issues affecting disadvantaged communities and advocating for impactful regulatory changes. • Engaged as a stakeholder in the Stockton AB 617 Steering Committee, prioritizing community-focused air pollution solutions.
Education
Bachelor of Arts Double Major: Spanish and Chicano Studies University of California, Berkeley Class of 1991
Woodrow Wilson Fellowship in Public Policy and International Affairs University of Texas at Austin, The Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs, 1990 Certificate of Completion: Locally Sourced Energy and Microgrids: NREL Modeling Tools Arizona State University, 2023
ATTACHMENT B1
• Former Board Member of the Cal Alumni Association Board of Directors • President Cal Club San Joaquin
• Founding Executive Board Member, UC Wide Chicanx Latinx Alumni Association (CLAA)
• Served as Vice President UC Berkeley Chicanx Latinx Alumni Association (CLAA) • Advisory Board Member, UC Berkeley Latinx and the Environment
Boards and Leadership Roles
• Planning Commissioner, City of Stockton
• Advisory Board Member, Central Valley New Market Tax Credit (CVNMTC, LLC) • Community Advisory Committee, UC Davis Environmental Health Sciences Center • Founding Board Member, iHub San Joaquin
• Steering Committee Member, North Valley Thrive
• Outreach Committee Member, Port of Stockton
• Steering Committee Member, AB617 Stockton
• San Joaquin County Representative, San Joaquin Valley Rail Committee
Key Achievements
• Managed a top 60-member canvassing team for the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services' Get Out the Vaccine (GOTV) campaign, successfully registered residents for vaccinations through the My Turn portal. Increased the saturation rate over 30% • Selected for the Delta Leadership Program’s inaugural Class of 2016 by the California Delta Protection Commission.
• Recognized as a leader in environmental justice advocacy, touring the state to raise awareness and empower communities to advocate for their rights.
Skills and Expertise
• Policy Development and Analysis: Expertise in crafting and advocating for municipal and state-level environmental and equity policies.
• Community Engagement: Proven ability to mobilize and empower underserved populations.
• Budget Management: Successfully managed budgets for campaigns and nonprofit initiatives.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Extensive experience liaising with governmental bodies, nonprofits, and private sectors.
• Event Leadership: Organized high-impact events, including summits, hackathons, and training series.
ATTACHMENT B1
• Public Speaking and Writing: Skilled communicator with experience addressing diverse audiences and authoring impactful reports and proposals.
References
Available upon request.
ATTACHMENT B1