Genoveva Islas is the founder and executive director of Cultiva La Salud, a public health advocacy nonprofit based in Fresno. Cultiva is dedicated to advancing health equity by fostering policy, system, and environmental improvements that promote healthy communities. Cultiva’s efforts also focus on building community leadership so that residents can be more effective in advocating for healthy changes in their communities. She was recognized as a culture of health leader by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and as a healthy communities fellow by Aspen Institute.

Islas was born in Fresno, California, and grew up in small rural communities of the San Joaquin Valley. Her parents were farm laborers. She is the first in her family to attend college and graduate with an advanced degree. She earned a bachelor of science in health science with an emphasis in community health from California State University, Fresno and received a master’s in public health degree in health education and promotion from Loma Linda University.

She was appointed by Governor Jerry Brown to serve on the board of the California Partnership for the San Joaquin Valley and previously was a member of the Covered California board. She currently represents the McLane Region of the Fresno Unified School District Board and serves as president of the board.

Articles by Genoveva