A new board president for La Luz

La Luz, the Springs-based resource center for Sonoma Valley’s Latino communities, announced a change of board leadership as the closing act of its annual Noche fundraising gala on August 5.  

Nick Mendelson, who has served as board chairman for the last two years, handed off his metaphorical gavel to current board member and Governance committee chair Bill Hake (above). Mendelson will remain on the board as chair of the Development committee.

Beth Stelluto Dunaier, a social-enterprise angel investor who serves as chair of the Human Resources committee, will step in for outgoing vice-president Jose Alvarez, who will remain on the board on numerous committees.

The new leadership slate was approved by the board at its July 24 meeting and is effective immediately.

“I am very excited for our new leadership team to take the reigns and help support our organization, ED, staff, partners and donors so we can continue to deliver on our mission and improve every day,” said Mendelson.

Mendelson, a Latino who was raised in Sonoma Valley and now works as a financial advisor for Morgan Stanley in Santa Rosa, has been a passionate driver of La Luz’s mission since he joined the organization in 2016 after graduating from Sonoma State. A regular attendee at district school board meetings, he was acutely aware of how poorly the room reflected the local demographics. “The Latino voice and needs were missing,” he said. “That’s when I joined La Luz.” 

His first project was to help relaunch and then, along with Alvarez, benefit from the La Luz Latino Leadership program, which has placed numerous Latinos on the boards and committees of county non-profits. As board member and president, Mendelson helped introduce a retirement fund for the La Luz staff, teamed with fellow board member Brian Nicholson to launch the La Luz Growth Fund, helped revamp the center’s strategic plan, and chaired Noche through two successful fundraising events. 

“It was an important milestone for the La Luz family that a Latino raised in Sonoma became the president of the board,” said Executive Director Leonardo Lobato. “Nick brought wonderful dynamism and energy to the position, and he was always positive and forward-looking, having the organization and the community at the front and center of all his decisions. I am grateful for his work for the community and for his support to me, and I am very happy he will continue on the board leading the Development Committee.” 

Hake, a former attorney with vast experience in litigation and mediation, has been a long-time supporter of La Luz and joined its board in 2020. “Bill brings a wealth of experience and drive toward attaining the vision and mission of the organization,” said Lobato. “He has a big heart and always has wise counsel, but he is no-nonsense when dealing with issues that affect the organization and our community. He is fully committed to effecting positive transformational change in our community throughout the programs of La Luz. I am delighted that he is the new president of La Luz.”

“Nick Mendelson has provided great leadership and direction over the past several years,” said Hake. “He will continue to be an important voice for this community that he cares so much about.” He added, “I appreciate the opportunity to continue to serve the community in support of La Luz’s excellent staff, volunteers, leadership, and board members.”

“I am very excited for our new leadership team to take the reigns and help support our organization, ED, staff, partners and donors so we can continue to deliver on our mission and improve every day,” said Mendelson.