MaryLou’s commitment to the mission of the Golden Valley Health Centers Foundation is deeply personal. Born in Merced and raised in the small farming community of Planada, California, she experienced firsthand the challenges faced by underserved and marginalized communities. As the daughter of a Mexican immigrant father and a native Californian mother of Hispanic descent, MaryLou was raised by hardworking entrepreneur parents who instilled in her the values of perseverance, service, and community. Growing up, access to healthcare was limited, requiring her family to travel more than 10 miles to Merced for medical and dental care because no local health centers existed in Planada. Those early experiences shaped her lifelong passion for expanding access to essential services and advocating for those in need.
MaryLou’s dedication to service began at an early age. At just 14 years old, she was introduced to nonprofit fundraising when she was nominated as her freshman class candidate for the March of Dimes Queen campaign. Motivated by a strong belief in the organization’s mission, she exceeded her fundraising goals and was crowned Queen, earning recognition from her California Assemblyman. The experience was transformative, igniting a passion for fundraising, volunteerism, and community engagement that has remained a cornerstone of her life.
Professionally, MaryLou spent 20 years in the medical insurance industry, where she served as a patient and client advocate, helping individuals navigate the often-complex world of healthcare coverage. Her compassionate approach and determination to champion the underdog made her a trusted resource for countless families. She later transitioned to the communications industry, retiring after a successful 20-year career with AT&T.
During her tenure at AT&T, MaryLou continued her commitment to community service by serving as a liaison to nonprofit organizations, including The United Way and the March of Dimes—a meaningful full-circle moment that reconnected her with the organization that first inspired her fundraising journey. She was also highly involved in AT&T’s Employee Resource Groups, serving as Finance Officer for HACEMOS (“We Do”), the company’s Hispanic employee resource group dedicated to raising funds for student scholarships. In addition, she contributed extensively through the Women of AT&T organization, leading and supporting numerous volunteer initiatives both within and beyond the workplace.
MaryLou’s dedication to service has been recognized nationally through the President’s Volunteer Service Award, which she received for six consecutive years, earning two Silver and four Gold awards for her outstanding volunteer contributions.
Since joining the Golden Valley Health Centers Foundation Board in 2023, MaryLou has proudly supported an organization whose roots trace back to her hometown of Planada, where the vision for Golden Valley Health Centers began more than 50 years ago. Serving on the Foundation Board allows her to help ensure that future generations have access to the healthcare services that were once unavailable to her own community.
Outside the boardroom, MaryLou remains deeply engaged in community service. She and her husband, Henry, have been active members of Club Mercedes, a Merced-based nonprofit social organization, for the past eight years. Through the club, they support scholarship programs, school athletic initiatives, and a variety of community fundraising efforts. Whether through board service, volunteerism, or grassroots community involvement, MaryLou continues to live out her belief that giving back is both a privilege and a responsibility.
For MaryLou, service is more than a commitment—it is a lifelong calling rooted in personal experience, strengthened by professional advocacy, and driven by a desire to create opportunities and improve lives for others.
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