Erica
Ayala
Erica Ayala exemplifies true commitment to creating opportunities for the next generation of community leaders.
She holds a double bachelor's in Communication and Gender Studies from California State University, Stanislaus and a Masters of Arts in Leadership from Saint Mary's College of California where she penned her thesis, “Invest and Empower Young Women of Today." She is the Founder and Executive Director of Invest In Me, named non-profit of the year from Love Stanislaus County in 2021.
Erica’s passions are developing leadership and access to youth, health equity issues and elevating the people of California’s Central Valley. Erica’s service to her community includes serving on the Downtown Revitalization Committee for the City of Patterson where she resides with her husband and two children, Amaya and Ezekiel. She currently works for Blue Shield of California in the region of Stanislaus and San Joaquin Counties as the Community Engagement Manager.
Erica’s dedication to her community has been acknowledged by various awards including Modesto Junior College’s Community Women’s Empowerment Award, Stanislaus County Commission for Women’s Outstanding Women of Stanislaus County and Modesto’s Bee’s 20 Under 40 leaders.
Why did you choose to be a LSC Community Advisory Committee member?
I love the concept of bringing community together and being of service to others. It's my honor to be part of that energy and vision.
What do you love most about LSC?
The desire to want to help others - the act of spreading love is brilliant and contagious.
What do you love most about living in Stanislaus County?
I was born in Stanislaus County, I love seeing the camaraderie of community, partnerships, and family. The Central Valley has a richness of culture and potential.
In what ways do you participate in the community?
I currently serve for the City of Patterson Downtown Revitalization Committee, Advisory Board Member for the Central Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.