Sol Rivas
Executive Director
Valley Onward
Sol Rivas is the Founder and Executive Director of Valley Onward, a Central Valley nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities, developing resident leadership, and creating opportunities for families whose voices are often underrepresented. She oversees strategic direction, programs, partnerships, fundraising, and long-term sustainability while building collaborations across nonprofit, education, healthcare, government, and community sectors.
In addition to her nonprofit leadership, Sol brings extensive experience in civic engagement, community organizing, and political campaigns. As a political consultant, she has worked on state and local campaigns throughout the Central Valley, helping develop campaign strategy, build grassroots organizing efforts, engage voters, and support efforts to increase diverse representation in public leadership.
Prior to founding Valley Onward, Sol served as Hub Manager for Building Healthy Communities Merced and as Assistant Director for the Merced County Office of Education Head Start Program, where she helped oversee administrative operations and worked directly with children and families.
As a mother, lifelong Merced County resident, and community advocate, Sol understands the power of residents coming together to create change. Her work is rooted in a simple belief: strong communities are built when residents have access to opportunities, see themselves represented in leadership, and have a seat at the table.
