Meet Our Board of Directors

Patrice Little has built a distinguished career centered around healthcare, leadership, and community service. Originally from Oakland, CA, and raised in Central Valley, CA, she has called Los Angeles County home since 2009. With over fifteen years of experience in healthcare, Ms. Little is deeply committed to reducing disparities and enhancing health outcomes in underserved communities.

Her professional journey began in retail and administrative roles, starting as a cashier at a supermarket. She then transitioned into infectious disease clinical research, accumulating a decade of expertise in this field. For the past six years, Ms. Little has dedicated herself to Quality and Operations within non-profit, federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) that cater to vulnerable populations.
Educationally, Ms. Little holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology and a Master of Business Degree in Healthcare Management, reflecting her commitment to blending human understanding with strategic healthcare administration.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Ms. Little actively advocates for equitable access to resources. She volunteers her time at church and community events that promote social action and community improvement programs. She is also a dedicated member of the Association of Black Women Physicians, volunteering with the organization to support scholarships and mentorship programs for Black women physicians and medical students.

In her leisure moments, Ms. Little enjoys quality time with her daughter, visiting family, walking her dog, indulging in spa days, and relaxing at the beach. Her multifaceted commitment to healthcare, community service, and personal enrichment exemplifies her as a leader and advocate for positive change in society.

With over a decade of experience in administration, accounting, and financial services, Tatyana Barrios currently serves as a Controller for a non-profit Federally Qualified Health Center in San Fernando, CA. She began her career at the organization as an intern in October 2016, officially joining the team shortly thereafter. Her dedication and expertise led to her promotion to Controller in July 2020.

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As Controller, Ms. Barrios oversees daily finance department operations, prepares and coordinates annual audits and budgets, manages grant reporting, handles payroll, and fulfills various other financial duties. Her meticulous attention to detail and ability to develop efficient processes and system structures ensure financial compliance and smooth organizational operation.

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Prior to her current role, Ms. Barrios held several positions within the finance department, gaining comprehensive experience in accounting and administrative tasks. These included managing special events, coordinating equipment maintenance, and preparing records and reports for the Human Resources Department.

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Before joining the health center, Ms. Barrios acquired valuable experience in the banking industry and served as a department lead for a major retail department store. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Health Administration with a minor in Gerontology from California State University, Northridge (CSUN) and is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration with a focus on Finance.

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Ms. Barrios is known for her exceptional organizational skills, effective communication, and dedication to completing challenging tasks. Passionate about serving others, she continually seeks to enhance her professional credentials. Her commitment to her work and compassionate yet professional approach makes her a valuable asset to any organization.

Sonja West brings over 25 years of invaluable experience in the retail grocery industry, excelling in financial management, pricing integrity, organizational operations, inventory control, and staffing. Her career is marked by a steadfast commitment to excellence and a deep understanding of retail dynamics.

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Throughout her professional journey, Ms. West has consistently prioritized creating a positive work environment where team members thrive. She leads by example, conducting impactful training sessions, ensuring seamless supplier coordination for timely deliveries, and adeptly resolving customer concerns. Her leadership philosophy revolves around empowering her team to exceed expectations and achieve collective success.

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Beyond her professional endeavors, Ms. West is a devoted mother to three biological sons and extends her nurturing spirit to many children within her community. She has dedicated herself to providing essential resources and fostering a loving environment for her own children and the broader community.

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Ms. West continues to make a profound impact through her dedication to operational excellence, leadership in the grocery industry, and her compassionate contributions to her family and community.

DeVon Hilliard's life journey has been marked by perseverance, education, and a strong commitment to community service and youth empowerment.
He graduated from Atwater High School in 1998 and initially pursued higher education with a partial athletic scholarship to UC Davis. An unforeseen injury prompted him to return to Atwater and attend Merced Junior College, where he earned an Associate of Arts degree in 2000.

In 2000, Mr. Hilliard made a pivotal decision to join the United States Air Force, serving his country until 2004. During his service, he dedicated himself to furthering his education and obtained a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice.

Following his honorable discharge, Mr. Hilliard began his career with the California Department of Corrections in 2005, where he contributed to public service and the justice system. Continuing his academic pursuits, he achieved a Master's Degree in Criminal Justice Administration in 2008 from Columbia Southern University, demonstrating his commitment to professional development and expertise in his field.  In 2016, Mr. Hilliard received his Masters of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix.

In 2015, Mr. Hilliard founded Students with Aspiring Goals (S.W.A.G.) in Atwater, CA, where he serves as the Founder and CEO. S.W.A.G. is renowned for providing comprehensive supplemental programs, aimed at enhancing student success in the Central Valley. These programs integrate sports training, academic planning, and recruiting assistance, empowering student-athletes to excel both in competition and in their studies.

Outside of his professional endeavors, Mr. Hilliard finds joy in spending time with his family. Mr. Hilliard is married to Elizabeth and has four daughters, D’Onna, Ki’Onna, Za’Myah, and Zi’Nai.  He enjoys attending his two youngest daughters' athletic games, embodying his dedication to family and community. His passion for empowering youth and supporting the community underscores his enduring commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of others.

Raymond (Ray) McKenzie is a seasoned professional with a diverse background in leading go-to-market and operational delivery initiatives across various organizations. He currently holds dual roles as the Founder and Managing Director of Red Beach Advisors and as the Founder and CEO of StartingPoint. With over two decades of experience, Mr. McKenzie has served in senior executive positions at prominent companies such as Verisign, Neustar, State Farm Insurance, TeleSign, and UltraDNS.

 

His expertise spans working with global organizations, ranging from small businesses to large enterprises, and he has contributed significantly as a consultant and advisor to startup companies in Silicon Valley, Los Angeles, and Washington, DC.

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Mr. McKenzie's educational background includes a degree in Management Information Systems from San Diego State University, which he completed in 2001. He holds several certifications demonstrating his proficiency in technology and management methodologies, including being a certified AWS Cloud Practitioner (CLF), a certified Lean Six Sigma sensei (CLSSS) practitioner from Villanova University, and a Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) from Scrum Alliance.

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Beyond his professional achievements, Mr. McKenzie is actively involved in community and philanthropic endeavors. He currently serves on the board of directors for Equitas Academy Charter Network, My Friend’s House, Inc. in Los Angeles, CA, and Students With Aspiring Goals in Merced, CA. He is passionate about mentoring and regularly engages with children and youth, sharing insights on entrepreneurship, leadership, and achieving goals.

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Ray McKenzie's multifaceted career showcases his commitment to both corporate leadership and community service, making him a notable figure in the technology and business sectors.