Yvette Lopez Brooks serves as Chief Executive Officer of United Way of Santa Cruz County, where she leads the organization’s mission to improve health, education, financial stability, crisis response, and racial equity for every resident in our community.
A lifelong advocate for youth, equity, and community well-being, Yvette has dedicated her career to building partnerships that create lasting change. Before joining United Way in 2024, she served two terms on the Capitola City Council, making history as the city’s first Latina Mayor. During her time in public office, she led her community through the COVID-19 pandemic, the CZU Lightning Complex fires, and historic winter storms—securing resources for recovery, rebuilding, and resilience.
Yvette’s professional background includes more than a decade at the Santa Cruz County Office of Education and three years as Executive Director of Your Future Is Our Business, a nonprofit that connects students to career opportunities. Her leadership has consistently centered on collaboration, innovation, and amplifying youth voices.
Today, Yvette brings that same commitment to United Way of Santa Cruz County. Under her leadership, the organization is expanding cross-sector partnerships, advancing equity-driven solutions, and ensuring that families and youth across the county have access to the opportunities and resources they need to thrive.
Outside of her role, Yvette is a proud mother and serves on the board of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, where she continues her advocacy for environmental stewardship.