FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Mr. Raul Barragan - With a strong foundation in nonprofit leadership, Raul has dedicated his career to serving veterans, service members, their families, and the broader community. His journey began through active service with the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), where he held key leadership roles at the local, district, and state levels. During his tenure as a VFW Post Commander, he led numerous outreach initiatives, community programs, and veteran support services, gaining hands-on experience in nonprofit governance and grassroots mobilization.

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Beyond the VFW, he expanded his impact through various civic and volunteer leadership roles, including serving as President of a Catholic parent, teacher organization, President of his local Homeowners Association (HOA), and Vice President of his university’s local Alumni Association chapter. These positions have deepened his understanding of community needs, coalition-building, and long-term program development.

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Motivated by a desire to broaden his reach and build on the lessons learned from each of these experiences, he launched his own nonprofit organization focused on empowering communities and supporting those who have served. His mission remains grounded in service, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to strengthening the lives of communities, veterans, service members, and their families.

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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Ms. Gail Wilson - With an unwavering commitment to service, Gail brings over a decade of impactful experience at the intersection of community advocacy, nonprofit development, and veteran support. As a dynamic leader and visionary strategist, Gail has worked tirelessly to uplift underrepresented populations, especially veterans, youth, and families facing systemic barriers to opportunity.

 

Driven by purpose and rooted in compassion, Gail has successfully led initiatives in project management, grant strategy, and organizational development, securing vital funding to launch and expand programs that transform lives. Through years of volunteering and collaborating with grassroots organizations, city agencies, and veteran service groups, Gail has championed
solutions that prioritize dignity, access, and equity.

As the founder and principal consultant of a thriving community-focused consultancy, Gail advises nonprofits on strategic planning, board development, marketing and communications, and fundraising capacity. Their work consistently bridges the gap between vision and execution, crafting compelling narratives, designing effective community outreach strategies, and building
cross-sector partnerships that drive measurable impact.

In service to the Veterans Support Initiative, Gail leads with deep respect for those who have served, curating outreach events, essential resource drives, and partnerships with civic, corporate, and educational institutions. Her work has expanded support services across the San Fernando Valley, connecting veterans and their families to healthcare, mental wellness, employment, and
case management programs. 

 

A passionate advocate for youth leadership, Gail also mentors emerging leaders through involvement with organizations like the California Cadet Corps, SkillsUSA, and Youth Policy Institute -- developing civic responsibility, volunteerism, and intergenerational dialogue as tools for lasting community change.

 

Whether behind the scenes, crafting grant proposals, or out front, coordinating large-scale community events, Gail brings unmatched dedication, creativity, and collaborative energy to every project. Her life’s work is anchored in one mission: to build stronger, healthier communities where every individual, especially our nation’s heroes can thrive with dignity, purpose, and pride.