Our team

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Dr. Cío Hernandez

I love helping people reach their goals by helping them believe in themselves. I started helping people reach their goals way before I was a professionally trained therapist.  I’m originally from all over Texas and am honored to work to provide opportunities to lift our South Texas residents to our highest potential.  I’ve helped start and run all sorts of projects and programs working with the homeless, disabled, health, education, equity and inclusion for communities of color, aging, youth, interfaith, sports, children’s running clubs, immigrants, mental health, public policies, violence prevention, opioid reduction, and even pioneered healthy efforts for county fairs.   That’s how I know that if we set the right goal, we can reach that goal, even if it takes some time to get there.  In my spare time, I like visiting my son in college, traveling, and running half marathons around the world with my friends and family. 

Maria Cristina Criollo, 

I’m María Cristina Criollo, “Cris.” I was born and raised in Quito, Ecuador. I hold a Bachelor's Degree in Sustainable Development, a Master's Degree in Environmental and Social Studies, and I am a certified specialist on climate change and strategic planning. I am the co-founder of La Cuchara Cultural and Gastronomic Center, an award-winning organic plant-based restaurant and fair trade store in Quito. I moved to the Bay Area in 2017 with my family, and currently work in social media marketing, sustainable business development and fundraising. I am a Board Member of the San Geronimo Valley Community Center, and live in West Marin with my husband and two children.  I love helping organizations and individuals think more strategically and sustainably about their goals for optimal success.

David Capune

As a lifelong student and occasional teacher, I am always looking for ways to make learning and student life less stressful and more fun!   I live in Seattle, Washington and enjoy taking public transportation everywhere I need to go.   My favorite goal I’ve reached, though, is probably traveling the UK by myself right after graduating high school with a tight budget.   In my spare time, I play several instruments and read anything I get my hands on.

Marcella Favarato

I was born and raised in San Antonio Texas. I attended college at Franciscan university of Steubenville in Ohio. I studied communication arts with a minor in digital broadcast and production. In 2021, my senior year of college,  I had the opportunity to apply for a scholarship with the be it foundation and I was so thankful to have been one of the first recipients for the award. After I graduated in may 2022 I continued to be a part of the be it family by taking on the job of field coordinator. I have learned many things in my time so far working for be it, and I can’t wait to see what the future has in store.

Board of Directors

Samuel H. Vester, Jr.

Dr. David J. Hernandez

Theresa Britts, CPA

Joseph C. Wilson

Albert Flores, JD, Esq.

Rocio Hernandez, "Dr. Cio"

Norma Alicia Hernandez Fund.

Norma Alicia Hernández inspired this Fund with the generosity and wisdom that she passed on to every person with whom she crossed paths. She financially supported numerous members of religious organizations and helped put students through school, regardless of whether she had only recently met them or had known them for years. No matter where she went, she spread her passion for service and her love for academics to family, friends, and strangers. Norma passed away February 2017 and is lovingly remembered by her family. Norma’s benefactors created the Norma Alicia Hernandez Fund in memory of her good will, in order to carry on Norma’s legacy of love.