Changemaker Spotlight: February 2022

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Celine Lopez

Reinvent South Stockton Coalition

In one sentence, what do you do?
I expand health equity in South Stockton through initiatives engaged in providing services to seniors, distributing information and access to vaccines, reactivating our neighborhood parks, and building trust between community residents and institutions.

What drew you to the work you are doing in Stockton?
I am inspired by the power of collective impact and the model that our community continues to build upon to catalyze change, equity, and power in our communities of color.

What inspires you about Stockton?
Stockton has always been a place for dreamers. When my ancestors immigrated here, they imagined their future in Stockton. I continue their legacy and vision by seeing the endless, great potential for Stockton's future to continue being a home where we dream with passion, move with hope, and act with love.

What advice do you have for those looking to make change in Stockton?
Nurture the power that you have to dream big-- dream for yourself and for others. Stockton needs to hear your voice and learn what it is that inspires you to action. When you're ready to share it, we will all be listening.

You're an innovator in your field. With the world rapidly changing around us, how are you adapting and what support can Third City Coalition members offer?
My role in the last year has been tackling COVID-19 in our communities, but learning to adapt to the new normal of the ongoing pandemic has been the most significant change for me personally. What's been most important for me now is my family and community in keeping me grounded. Although we have lost so much, I have gained many wonderful friendships and connections in the past year that I hope to continue growing upon. I'm so grateful for everyone who I have crossed paths with this year.