As we reflect on the past few weeks at Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation (CEDC), I’m filled with gratitude for the strength, resilience, and unity shown throughout our communities.

This year’s NeighborWorks Week was a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish together. Under this year’s theme, “Creating Homes, Building America,” we hosted two resource fairs that exemplified our commitment to more than just housing. These resource fairs connected hundreds of residents with vital services, from health care and food support to financial literacy and employment resources. These events were more than celebrations, they were a reflection of what happens when we work together to uplift our communities. I want to thank our dedicated staff, volunteers, and partners who made these events possible. Your commitment to service and collaboration truly embodies the spirit of NeighborWorks and the values we hold at CEDC.

While we celebrate these successes, I am reminded that we now enter July, a month where we celebrate Independence Day. This is a time to reflect not only on freedom, but also on our nation’s ongoing promise of inclusion, opportunity, and dignity for all. The words etched on the Statue of Liberty, “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free” are a timeless call to welcome and protect those who seek a better life. At CEDC, that call resonates deeply with our mission and the communities we serve.

We remain deeply attuned to the challenges facing our residents, especially our farmworker communities. Many are currently navigating economic strain, housing insecurity, and now, increased immigration enforcement. Reports of recent ICE activity in agricultural fields have intensified fear and anxiety among families who already face immense pressures.

At CEDC, we have always stood with farmworkers. They are the backbone of our agricultural economy and the heart of Ventura County. They are also the heart of CEDC’s mission. We stand in solidarity with our immigrant and farmworker families, many of whom live in our housing and contribute every day to the well-being of this region. At CEDC, we remain committed to providing a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment.

We are expanding our resident services to respond directly to these challenges, offering know-your-rights workshops, referrals to legal resources, mental health support, and emergency assistance. We are also working in partnership with advocacy organizations and service providers to ensure our communities are informed, protected, and empowered.

This is a difficult time for many, but it is also a moment to come together and reaffirm our mission: to build not only affordable homes but also resilient, inclusive communities where every person has the opportunity to succeed.

We will continue to lift up the voices of those most impacted, and we will not waver in our mission. Thank you for standing with us. Together, we can ensure Ventura County remains a place where every person has the opportunity to live, grow, and thrive.

In solidarity, 

Victoria Brady
Chief Executive Officer 

This past month, the Resident & Community Services (RCS) team, Bianca, Cindy, Lizbeth, Edwin, and Uel have been hard at work bringing meaningful programs and joyful moments to residents across Cabrillo EDC communities.

From wellness-focused workshops to hands-on activities, the team has collaborated with local partners to deliver events that support health, education, and connection. Resource fairs, community games, and engaging group activities have brought residents together to learn, share, and celebrate. The entire team was focused on making NeighborWorks Week a success, which you can read more about below.

In addition to community events, the team continues to support academic growth through ongoing Homework Clubs at Villa Cesar Chavez offering a safe, supportive space for students to stay on track and build confidence in their learning. They also helped organize a FoodShare volunteer day for staff, emphasizing the importance of giving back and working together, and coordinated weekly onsite FoodShare distributions to ensure residents had access to fresh, nutritious food.

Looking ahead, the RCS team is preparing a series of summer youth activities designed to keep children active, creative, and engaged during the break. Whether it’s arts and crafts, learning sessions, game day, or outdoor fun, the goal remains the same: to foster a welcoming and enriching environment where residents of all ages feel supported.

Thank you to our RCS team for their energy, care, and continued dedication to building stronger communities, one event at a time.

This year, Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation proudly joined the national celebration of NeighborWorks Week 2025, embracing the theme: “Creating Homes, Building America.” As part of the NeighborWorks America network, we know that building housing is only the beginning, true impact comes when residents are supported, seen, and connected.

To mark the occasion, our Resident & Community Services (RCS) team, organized two vibrant community events that brought together more than ten partner organizations and hundreds of residents.

At our Ventura Resource Fair, residents of all ages came out for an afternoon of fun, connection, and information. Local nonprofits and service providers shared resources tailored for farmworkers, seniors, and families. Games, raffle prizes, and on-site support made it a day to remember.

Meanwhile, at the Santa Paulan, the Coffee & Connect event created a warm, welcoming space for residents and community members to meet one another and engage with community partners. Over coffee and pastries, neighbors learned about vital programs that support housing stability, health, and wellness.

These gatherings reinforced the power of collaboration and the importance of creating spaces where residents feel informed, valued, and cared for. Thank you to our RCS team, our partners, staff, volunteers, and every resident who joined us to celebrate what’s possible when we build together.

The Human Resource Department leads the organization’s people strategy with a focus on labor law compliance, and organizational culture.  They work closely with leadership to ensure that HR practices align with the organization’s vision, mission and strategic goals, helping to sustain a positive and productive environment for employees across all departments.  The department oversees all aspects of human resources, including talent acquisition, employee relations, performance management, compensation and benefits administration, as well as training and staff development.  We are happy to introduce the team to you. 

Brenda Mares, Director of Human Resources
Brenda was born in Ventura and raised in Oxnard, where her roots in community and family run deep. Brenda comes from a large, close-knit family that includes her parents, two brothers, and five sisters. She is a proud mother to two children, Josh (25) and Millie (15), and a loving grandmother to 10-month-old Ximena Zeina with another grandchild on the way. Her loyal dog, Koko, completes the family. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, dancing, and the occasional visit to the casino. Her professional background in  Human Resources spans  

 government, credit unions, manufacturing, and agriculture. She attended Ventura College before transferring to CSU Channel Islands. She holds associate’s degrees in behavioral sciences and liberal arts with a Bachelor of Communications in process, in addition to the following SHRM certifications: PHR, Professional Human Resources, FPC, Fundamentals Payroll Certification. 

What Brenda loves most about working at Cabrillo is the opportunity to give back to the community she came from. Raised in affordable housing by farmworker parents, she understands firsthand the importance of Cabrillo’s mission and is passionate about paying it forward.

Martiza Carranza, Human Resources Representative
Maritza has a strong appreciation for nature and enjoys activities such as camping, off-roading, reading, and continuous learning. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, playing the guitar, and spending quality time with her family.

Supporting and helping others is something she is passionate about, which is why Cabrillo’s mission deeply resonates with her personal values.

Recently, Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) hosted its annual Board and Executive Team Retreat at the Paseo Del Rio Apartments in Oxnard. The retreat offered a full day of programming from a deep dive into the development life cycle of affordable housing, to discussions around fundraising in today’s climate, and envisioning CEDC’s 45th and 50th anniversaries. The agenda reflected both the urgency and opportunity of the moment, with a goal to strengthen relationships and reinspire the team for the work ahead.

“This year’s board retreat was a great moment of connection, learning and purpose,” shared Board Member Alfredo Martinez. “We had wonderful presenters and welcomed two new board members. It was evident by the end of the retreat that we are aligned and positioned to grow. Thank you to the staff, leadership and consultants who made this a memorable experience.”

The day began with a storytelling exercise, mapping the paths that brought each person to this point in their service to CEDC. That spirit of shared experience continued throughout the day, reinforcing a sense of community and collective mission.

Attendees also gained valuable insight into CEDC’s internal and external development processes from CEO Victoria Brady and Director of Real Estate Development Derrick Wada, along with special guest Alex Russell. The presentation gave board members a “soup to nuts” look at what it takes to bring affordable housing from concept to reality.

As Board Member Naomi Ontiveros reflected, “This retreat re-inspired me on the mission and built confidence in my role as a Board Member contributing to the mission. Our team has the same goals and passion to build and place individuals into affordable housing.”

The retreat also underscored Cabrillo EDC’s unique value proposition to supporters and funders. With a focus on impact, staff led a conversation about how to communicate the return on investment for donors both in terms of lives changed and communities strengthened. The day concluded with a celebration of recent accomplishments and time to envision the future.

“I am very happy to be part of the Board at Cabrillo,” said Board Member Mayra Ramirez. “I have always felt grateful for the opportunity, and it gives me a lot of motivation to participate in the retreats, meet the new members, and see the commitment to serve and continue creating a positive impact on the community.”

As CEDC moves forward, the energy and alignment from this retreat will help power the next chapter that will be grounded in community, inspired by purpose, and focused on the future.

You can help make a house feel like a home for a low-income family moving into Dolores Huerta Gardens. When families arrive, many with little more than their personal belongings, a Welcome Home Basket filled with everyday essentials provides comfort, dignity, and a sense of belonging from day one. Your donation of a basket bridges the gap between housing and home, sending a powerful message: You are seen. You are valued. You are home. Join Cabrillo EDC in welcoming families with warmth and care. Donate today!

Looking for a meaningful career with impact? Join us at Cabrillo EDC!

Visit our Careers page to learn more about the positions listed below and apply today to join our passionate team dedicated to building stronger communities through affordable housing!