Yvette Lopez Brooks, CEO United Way Santa Cruz County

10/30/2025

Thank you to the over 1200 people who supported this project! County Park Friends Dan Haifley City of Capitola

09/13/2025

08/28/2025

August has flown by ...
It was absolutely inspiring working alongside these amazing individuals this month.

California State Treasurer Fiona Ma's Office
Rep. Jimmy Panetta
Melinda Orbach
Santa Cruz Area Chamber of Commerce
San Francisco Giants
Central Coast Community Energy En Español

08/03/2025

2779 Backpacks filled today for students throughout Santa Cruz County! United Way of Santa Cruz County Faris Sabbah Santa Cruz County Office of Education Lookout Santa Cruz Santa Cruz Warriors

07/23/2025

06/27/2025

At United Way of Santa Cruz County we continue to build programs and services that allow every community member to thrive. Thank you to David Lyng Real Estate for supporting our annual golf tournament today!

06/19/2025

United Together United Way of Santa Cruz County

https://www.santacruzsentinel.com/2025/06/14/guest-commentary-tell-congress-no-cuts-to-vital-programs/

06/19/2025

We're hiring! United Way of Santa Cruz County is looking for a strategic, community-driven leader to serve as Director of Community Impact and lead our United4Community initiative. This role oversees programs like 211 Santa Cruz County and Housing for Health while working closely with partners to drive countywide impact.

-Learn more about the role: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1lHzG5lX-qlJk-7AlSE2KYoNMLCKns7n7/edit
-Apply now on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/4249530758/

06/19/2025

In 2004, during my junior year at UC Santa Cruz, I found myself behind on credits and unsure if I could keep moving forward. College hadn’t come easy—I was still trying to find my place. Someone suggested I reach out to Professor Mike Rotkin, a longtime Sociology faculty member and former five-time Mayor of Santa Cruz. I didn’t know what to expect, but I sent him an email.

Within minutes, he responded with options, encouragement, and opportunity.

That brief exchange changed my life.

Mike probably didn’t remember that moment in the years that followed, as our paths continued to cross throughout Santa Cruz County. But I never forgot. His willingness to see potential in a struggling student helped shape my own commitment to public service and community giving. It’s one of the moments that led me to serve as Mayor of Capitola, and what now fuels my work as CEO of United Way Santa Cruz County.

Mike Rotkin wasn’t just an educator—he was a trailblazer in social justice, labor rights, and grassroots leadership. He served our community with heart, intellect, and an unshakable belief in everyday people. He reminded us all what it means to lead with compassion.

In a time when we desperately need leaders who see the good in everyone, I’m forever grateful to have learned from one of the best.

Thank you, Mike—for believing in me, and in so many others.

You will be missed.