Speaker-Designate Robert Rivas Recognizes El Pájaro Community Development Corporation as Assembly District 29’s Nonprofit of the Year

SACRAMENTO — Yesterday, in coordination with California Association of Nonprofits, Speaker-Designate Robert Rivas (D-Salinas) honored El Pájaro Community Development Corporation (El Pájaro CDC) as Assembly District 29’s Nonprofit of the Year.

Founded in 1979, El Pájaro CDC promotes economic opportunity and entrepreneurship for small business owners throughout Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz Counties. The nonprofit organization also provides professional business consulting, coaching, and incubation services for underrepresented communities, including women and Latino entrepreneurs.

“Our team is deeply honored and humbled to be recognized as a 2023 California Nonprofit of the Year,” said Carmen Herrera-Mansir, Executive Director of El Pájaro CDC. “Our commitment to business incubation and small and microbusiness development has always been driven by a desire to uplift our community and create opportunities for individuals to thrive. This prestigious award reaffirms our dedication to fostering entrepreneurship, empowering local businesses, and cultivating economic mobility and growth. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Speaker-Designate Rivas for acknowledging our efforts and for his unwavering support in championing the vital work of nonprofits in our state.”

“I am proud to recognize El Pájaro CDC as Assembly District 29’s Nonprofit of the Year for their commitment to spurring local economic development in the tri-county area,” said Speaker-Designate Robert Rivas. “Their advocacy and work on behalf of hard-working small business owners and entrepreneurs is inspiring. I look forward to continuing to work with El Pájaro CDC to support small businesses and create economic opportunity throughout the region.”