Nuestra Comunidad

Team

Alma Bowen

Founder/ Executive Director

Alma is a lifelong Sonoma County resident with deep roots in the community and a passion for service, particularly empowering youth and supporting underserved populations. As the founder and Executive Director of Nuestra Comunidad (NC) , a Sonoma County-based nonprofit, Alma spearheads initiatives focused on disaster preparedness, 911 emergency services education, and community health and wellness. Her work emphasizes equity and access, prioritizing underserved groups such as the elderly, Latinx community, and veterans.

Before founding NC, Alma dedicated 18 years to Sonoma County as a highly decorated 911 emergency services dispatcher. Her distinguished service during the 2017 Tubbs Fire gave her firsthand insight into the critical role of disaster preparedness in saving lives. This experience, combined with her commitment to the well-being of her community, drives her passion for ensuring readiness and resilience for all.

In addition to her leadership at NC, Alma plays an active role in local governance and advocacy. She serves on the Sonoma County Fair Board of Directors, chairs the Preparedness Committee for Sonoma County Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD), and contributes as a Task Force Member for the Tubbs Fire Memorial Task Force. Alma also serves as a board member for the Ceres Community Project, reflecting her commitment to improving community health and access to resources.

Outside of her professional roles, Alma treasures time with her husband, their four children, and their dog, Meelo. She enjoys Zumba workouts, binge-watching true crime documentaries, and embracing the vibrant culture of Sonoma County. Alma’s dedication to her community, her passion for empowering others, and her drive to create positive change make her a true leader in building a stronger, more resilient Sonoma County.

Alma’s dedication to her community, her passion for empowering others, and her drive to create positive change make her a true leader in building a stronger, more resilient Sonoma County.

Darnell Bowen

Cofounder/ Administrative Director

Darnell is the Co-Founder and Administrative Director of Nuestra Comunidad (NC) , where he oversees finance, accounting, grant management, human resources, and program data reporting. A longtime Sonoma County resident, Darnell has contributed to numerous local community-focused projects and has served on the boards of several public benefit organizations in the region. Darnell holds an MBA in Finance from the University of Arizona. Before dedicating himself full-time to community service, he built a successful career in corporate finance and accounting, gaining extensive experience with both large Fortune 500 companies and smaller venture-backed startups.

When he’s not working to advance NC’s mission, Darnell enjoys swimming, running, cycling, and gardening. His expertise, leadership, and commitment to the community play an integral role in NC’s efforts to build resilience and empower underserved populations.

Carmen Lara

Community Engagement & Outreach Lead

Carmen is a dynamic and dedicated leader in community outreach and engagement at Nuestra Comunidad (NC) . She expertly manages a variety of nutrition and wellness programs while building strong connections with community partners. Her work includes coordinating events, leading outreach efforts at local food distribution sites, and representing NC at community tabling events.

With a rich history of community service, Carmen has served as a board member, advocate, and volunteer for organizations such as Corazón Healdsburg, Alliance Medical Center, and Nuestra Comunidad. Her exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, combined with her ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds, make her a vital asset to the NC team.

Fluent in Spanish as a native speaker and proficient in English, Carmen bridges language barriers to ensure inclusive community engagement. Trustworthy, compassionate, and highly motivated, she continually seeks opportunities to learn and grow, aligning her work with NC’s mission of supporting underserved populations.

In her free time, Carmen enjoys running, hiking, and spending quality time with her family. Her unwavering dedication to making a meaningful impact inspires those around her and drives her commitment to advancing her work at NC .

Maria Belen Coppiano

Community Engagement & Outreach Specialist

María is a dedicated and passionate Community Engagement and Outreach Specialist who brings enthusiasm and a deep commitment to her work. Originally from Ecuador, María has made this community her home, where she is driven to enhance the safety and well-being of those she serves.

Through her role, María thrives on helping individuals and families by implementing programs and activities that foster positive change. Always eager to grow, she continually seeks out new strategies and training opportunities to expand her knowledge and effectiveness in the field. Her persistence and persuasiveness are invaluable traits that allow her to build strong connections and advocate for the community’s needs.

Outside of work, María treasures time with her family and friends, loves traveling, and enjoys playing basketball. Her dedication both on and off the court reflects her vibrant energy and commitment to building a stronger, healthier community.

Terrence Figueroa

Community Engagement & Outreach Specialist

Terrence is deeply passionate about fostering strong relationships within communities vulnerable to natural disasters. As a Community Outreach and Engagement Specialist, he collaborates with local organizations, government agencies, and residents to raise awareness about disaster preparedness, response, and recovery.

Terrence’s role involves conducting educational workshops, distributing emergency preparedness kits, and sharing vital resources to empower individuals and families. By fostering a culture of preparedness, he helps communities mitigate the impact of natural disasters and strengthens their ability to recover and thrive.

When he’s not engaged in community resilience work, Terrence finds inspiration in nature, spending time observing the incredible plants, animals, and fungi that surround him. He also enjoys reading or exploring new skills that pique his curiosity at home.

Terrence’s dedication to equipping communities with the tools and knowledge they need reflects his unwavering commitment to building safer, more resilient futures for all.