Berenize Ayala

Bilingual Program Officer

Empowers local marginalized communities by helping them navigate WEV’s Spanish-language resources.

Started with WEV

2019

Languages Spoken

English & Spanish

Inspired By

Maria Ayala, mi mamá

Favorite Central Coast Activity

Drinking a stout with my pup Stout

Path to WEV

As a daughter of Mexican immigrants growing up in Oxnard, Berenize saw first-hand the injustices in her community. After graduating from California State University of Channel Islands as a first-generation college graduate, she began working in higher education and the nonprofit sector to support the Latino community she knows and loves.

Berenize joined WEV to continue that path. Now, as the Bilingual Program Officer for WEV’s Emprendimiento program, she uses entrepreneurship to empower marginalized communities in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties.

“Building sustainable futures, especially for our marginalized communities, is my passion! I am lucky to support the very own people of my community every day.”