Welcoming Our First Executive Director…
Dear MOPF Community and Allies,
As Chairwoman of the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe and Board President of the Muwekma Ohlone Preservation Foundation (MOPF), I am filled with joy and hope as I announce a significant milestone in our journey. We have appointed Tiffini Jones as our first-ever Executive Director and her first day is today, July 8, 2024. This marks a new chapter in our efforts to preserve and revitalize our culture and ancestral lands. You can learn more about Tiffini by visiting our website and you’ll be receiving a welcome email from her later this week.
The decision to establish MOPF came from a deep-seated need within our tribe. For generations, we have faced disenfranchisement and marginalization, furthering historic trauma and cultural genocide. MOPF represents our collective vision to reclaim our heritage, secure land access and ownership, and create opportunities for our people. It is a testament to our resilience and determination to thrive, not just survive.
Tiffini brings over 17 years of executive management experience to MOPF. Her expertise in nonprofit management, education, and community engagement aligns perfectly with our mission and goals. I am confident that under her leadership, we will make significant strides in advancing our tribe's vision of resilience, cultural revitalization, and land stewardship and ownership.
Gratitude
I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to several key partners who have been instrumental in bringing us to this moment:
Our committed tribal members, particularly Rich Massiatt, Monica Arellano, Sheila Schmidt, Joey Torres, Julie Dominguez, and Bernadette Quiroz, whose vision, hard work, and commitment were instrumental in establishing MOPF and shaping our programs. Their efforts have been crucial in ensuring that our foundation truly represents and serves the needs of the tribe.
Our dedicated board members (Dr. Michael Wilcox, Aaron Hebert, Alan Leventhal, Dan Olstein) and our Outreach and Administrative Assistant, Jill Amanno, for their tireless efforts in preparing our organization for this exciting new chapter.
Our original fiscal sponsor, the Peninsula Open Space Trust, whose support allowed us to lay the groundwork for MOPF.
Megan Fluke, who joined our board in 2021 and has served as our Interim Executive Director since January 2024. Megan's leadership has been crucial in raising funds, establishing organizational foundations, and guiding MOPF through this critical growth phase.
Brave New Us, for guiding us through our strategic planning process, helping us articulate our vision and chart our path forward along with Noelani Pearl Hernandez who led the executive search process.
Our generous individual donors, whose support has been the backbone of our progress. Your contributions, both large and small, have enabled us to reach this pivotal moment. We are especially grateful to the Packard Foundation and the Silicon Valley Community Foundation, your investment in our mission has made all the difference.
As we welcome Tiffini, I am reminded of the sacred responsibility we carry - to honor our ancestors, preserve our culture, and create a thriving future for generations to come. This is not just an organizational milestone; it's a step forward in our collective journey as the Muwekma Ohlone people.
I invite all of you - tribal members, supporters, and allies - to support us in this new chapter. Together, we will continue to work towards a future where our people are recognized, respected, and empowered to live and steward our ancestral lands.
With gratitude and hope for our shared future,
Charlene Nijmeh
Chairwoman, Muwekma Ohlone Tribe
Board President, Muwekma Ohlone Preservation Foundation
P.S. Please show your support for our tribe, MOPF, and Tiffini Jones’ leadership by making a one time gift or becoming a monthly sustaining donor today and help us sustain and grow our vital work. Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a meaningful difference in our efforts to preserve our culture and reclaim our heritage. To donate, please visit here.
