Meet Our Dedicated Team
Cymone Reyes - Founder & Executive Director
Cymone Reyes is a first-generation Mexican American and proud daughter of a migrant worker father and a dedicated mother. She is the founder and executive director of Central Valley Gender Health and Wellness, an organization committed to supporting and providing resources for the transgender community in the Central Valley.
A trailblazer in her field, Cymone has been the first openly transgender woman of color to serve as an Executive Director of a Community-Based Organization in the Central Valley. Her leadership at Central Valley Gender Health and Wellness and her previous role as the Open Trans Latina Executive Director at the San Joaquin Pride Center since 2019, highlight her enduring commitment to advocating for LGBTQ+ rights.
Cymone's extensive advocacy extends to the fight against HIV/AIDS. She co-founded and co-chaired two major fundraisers for the San Joaquin AIDS Foundation in the mid-90s and was a founding board member of AIDS Walk San Joaquin. Her compassionate activism includes providing shelter for many displaced LGBTQ+ youth and leading community-driven initiatives.
Her personal journey is equally inspiring. After fulfilling a three-year term in a male prison, Cymone returned to her community work without missing a beat, previously serving as Board President of the oldest LGBTQ+ nonprofit in San Joaquin County for two terms. In recognition of her 30 years of dedicated service, she was honored as a 2022 Pride Month honoree by California's LGBTQ legislative caucus.
Cymone has played a pivotal role in transforming police-community relations in California. Since 2019, she has facilitated LGBTQ Humility Training at Stanislaus County Sheriff's Basic Academy, impacting over 300 law enforcement professionals across the state. She has served on the Community Advisory Board for Stockton PD and the city manager review board under City Manager Harry Black and Police Chief McFadden. Her efforts extend to training Stockton PD officers in their PJ3 training under then Captain Medders.
Cymone Reyes’s enduring passion and relentless pursuit of justice and equality have established her as a vital figure in the LGBTQ+ advocacy landscape, continuously working to foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for all.
Pat Barrett - Peer Support Specialist Supervisor
Pat Barrett serves as the Peer Support Specialist Supervisor at Central Valley Gender Health & Wellness. She brings a wealth of experience in peer support, focusing on mental health and wellness for marginalized communities. Pat's leadership and dedication have been instrumental in creating safe and supportive environments for transgender, nonbinary, and gender nonconforming individuals. Her compassionate approach helps foster personal growth and resilience, making her a key part of the CVGHW team.
Takoda Blaze - Health Equity Director
Takoda Blaze serves as the Health Equity Director at Central Valley Gender Health & Wellness, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting Queer, Trans, Black, Indigenous, People of Color (QTBIPOC) communities. Born in 1990, Takoda’s life journey has been marked by resilience and determination. Overcoming challenges such as abuse, abandonment, and struggles with identity, he has emerged as a powerful advocate for marginalized populations.
A pansexual Transman, Takoda has drawn from his own experiences of navigating trauma, homelessness, and self-discovery to shape his unwavering commitment to health equity and justice. His passion for empowering others stems from a deep understanding of the adversities many in the QTBIPOC community face, and he is dedicated to ensuring that no one faces their battles alone.
Under the mentorship of Stockton trans leader Cymone Reyes, Takoda is building CVGHW’s health equity program from the ground up, using his personal journey to drive meaningful change. Through his leadership, Takoda channels his experiences into advocacy, creating pathways for healing and empowerment within the community.
Sondra St. James - Office Manager
Sondra St. James brings a wealth of experience in leadership, organization, and community advocacy to her role as the Office Manager at Central Valley Gender Health & Wellness (CVGHW). With a background rooted in serving the LGBTQ+ community, Sondra’s passion for inclusivity and social justice informs her approach to managing daily operations at CVGHW.
Known for her exceptional organizational skills and dedication to fostering a welcoming environment, Sondra plays a crucial role in ensuring that the center’s programs and services run smoothly. Her commitment to supporting the QTPOC community aligns with CVGHW’s mission to provide access to essential resources and advocacy.
With years of experience in both administrative and leadership roles, Sondra brings a unique blend of compassion, professionalism, and dedication to the office, ensuring that staff, clients, and community members alike receive the support they need. Her attention to detail and ability to streamline processes have made her an invaluable asset to the team.
Our Funders
