Jaclyn Muro is a Gilroy native with a specialization in Strategic Brand Management and Public Relations, having graduated from UCLA. With an unwavering commitment to diversity and equity, Jaclyn is devoted to addressing the unique needs of the Gilroy community. As the Executive Director of Gilroy Foundation, Jaclyn is resolute in her mission to make a positive and lasting impact in the community she holds dear. Notably, she is also raising her family in Gilroy, instilling in them the core value of community philanthropy and the significance of giving back.

Harnessing her academic excellence and practical expertise, Jaclyn excels in developing comprehensive strategies that precisely cater to the specific requirements of the Gilroy community. She recognizes the pivotal importance of amplifying diverse voices, cultivating cultural sensitivity, and fostering equitable opportunities for all individuals.

With an unyielding passion for leveraging her skills in strategic brand management and public relations, Jaclyn eagerly collaborates with organizations and community leaders to bring about transformative change. She firmly believes in the transformative power of effective storytelling and communication to shape perceptions and drive meaningful impact.

During her leisure time, Jaclyn indulges in immersing herself in the vibrant local art and cultural scene, finding inspiration in the diverse perspectives that thrive within Gilroy. Her steadfast commitment revolves around nurturing an inclusive community where the voices of all individuals are not only heard but also valued and celebrated.

Before her tenure at Gilroy Foundation, Jaclyn served as the Executive Director of Latino Family Fund, spearheading initiatives that brought about positive change within the Latino community. Throughout her career, she has fostered robust partnerships with esteemed community leaders, devoted donors, and passionate volunteers, collectively working towards the attainment of enduring outcomes.

Kelly Barbazette, a resident of Gilroy for more than two decades, is honored to contribute to the Gilroy Foundation as the Programs Coordinator. Her commitment to serving the community aligns seamlessly with the Foundation’s mission to make a positive impact.

Bringing a wealth of experience in print journalism, Kelly has diversified her skill set in communications, public relations, and development. As a dedicated professional, she has raised two daughters in Gilroy, both currently pursuing higher education, and has a deep-rooted passion for community service.

Before joining the Gilroy Foundation, Kelly showcased her talent as a freelance writer, making significant contributions to local publications. She firmly believes that everyone has a unique story, and she is honored to be a storyteller. Kelly’s work includes sharing the narratives of women in leadership roles in South County for Gilroy Life and Morgan Hill Life newspapers. Additionally, she serves as a contributing writer for Visit Gilroy and contributed to GMH Today magazine, highlighting the vibrant arts community in South County.

Kelly first joined the team at Gilroy Foundation in January 2024 as the Office and Programs Support Specialist. Kelly is excited to utilize her skills and experience to enhance the Foundation’s operations. Her dedication to community engagement and storytelling aligns seamlessly with the Foundation’s vision for a thriving and inclusive Gilroy.

Join us in welcoming Kelly Barbazette to the Gilroy Foundation team, where she continues her journey of making a difference in the community she calls home.

Alivia Shorter is a nonprofit strategy and operations leader with over a decade of experience advancing health equity, social justice, and community-driven advocacy across Northern California. She currently serves as Strategic Initiatives Manager, where she leads the South County Thrives Initiative, building multi-sector collaborations to advance economic mobility, educational equity, and local workforce development. She also supports the Susie Seledon Literacy Fund, which provides provides free, high-quality books to Gilroy’s youngest children through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

Previously, Alivia was Chief of Staff at Health Career Connection, where she designed and implemented people operations frameworks, guided national programs, and secured major funding partnerships with leading philanthropic organizations. She has also directed diversity, outreach, and STEM programs at Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies and served as Executive Director of the Stanford Medical Youth Science Program.

Alivia holds a Master of Public Health from UC Berkeley and a Master of Arts in Sociology and Bachelor of Arts in Human Biology from Stanford University. During her leisure time, Alivia enjoys following women’s college basketball, softball and volleyball, cooking new recipes, listening to podcasts, and watching movies with her three cats and husband Keith.

Born and raised in Gilroy, Mariah Mastroieni brings a deep-rooted connection to the community and a passion for creating meaningful experiences that bring people together. As Operations Coordinator at Gilroy Foundation, she draws upon her extensive background in event management, organizational leadership, and strategic operations to support the Foundation’s mission of strengthening and enriching South County.

Prior to joining Gilroy Foundation, Mariah spent over five years at VIVE Church in Mountain View, serving in key leadership roles as Global Events Coordinator and Facilities Manager. Throughout her tenure, she directed the planning and execution of large-scale events welcoming up to 2,000 attendees, oversaw operations for an 80,000-square-foot facility, and cultivated strong relationships with community partners, vendors, staff, and volunteer teams. Her experience has equipped her with the ability to balance strategic vision with operational excellence, navigate complex logistics, and foster collaborative environments where people and organizations can thrive.

In addition to her professional experience, Mariah is the founder of Emerald Grace & Co., a wedding coordination business that reflects her entrepreneurial spirit, creativity, and commitment to delivering exceptional experiences. Through her work, she has developed a strong appreciation for the power of thoughtful planning, meaningful relationships, and attention to detail in creating lasting memories.

With a heart for service and a strong belief in the power of community, Mariah is honored to contribute her expertise to Gilroy Foundation. She is particularly passionate about supporting initiatives that foster connection, expand opportunities, and create a lasting impact for the community she has always called home.

Outside of her professional endeavors, Mariah enjoys spending quality time with her daughter, Lauryn, cheering her on from the soccer sidelines, spending sunny days at the beach, and creating memories with family and friends. She believes that genuine connections, purposeful service, and a commitment to uplifting others are the foundation of a thriving community.