Born and raised in Monterey County, Jahyzanna has always wanted to make a difference in her community. Coming from a multicultural background, her mother being Panamanian and Jamaican and her father being Japanese and German, her love for diversity and ethnic inclusion became a drive for her everyday life. Her family was a part of the first Panamanian-Caribbean immigrants who settled and made Seaside, California home. Being the eldest of four, she saw the dedication, hardships, and struggles of growing up in a minority household and worked hard at a very young age to ensure she left a mark.
Jahyzanna attended California State University, Monterey Bay. A few years later, she operated and managed at one of the largest manufacturing companies in California. Within the agriculture/manufacturing sector she worked closely with the industry's leading executives and stakeholders across California. Jahyzanna developed a passion for operations and tech management and has now found herself in the non-profit sector. She currently works at MBEP as an Operations Manager and assists with community engagement/outreach within the disinvested communities that surround the region. Jahyzanna is excited to continue her work assisting the community that she was born and raised in and hopes to ensure all voices are heard and everyone has a seat at the table.
We respectfully acknowledge that the land on which Marina, California, is located is the traditional and unceded territory of the Ohlone/Costanoan-Esselen Nation. We honor and thank the past, present, and future generations of the Ohlone/Costanoan-Esselen people for their stewardship of this land. We express our deep appreciation for their enduring connection to this place and commit to respecting and valuing their cultural heritage. As we enjoy the natural beauty and resources of this region, we strive to be mindful stewards of the land and to support the ongoing efforts of Indigenous communities.
