Silicon Valley Changemakers

Who are Silicon Valley changemakers?

Tech leaders, yes, but how about also the grassroots leaders who exist in every community — those who serve people in need, help change systems so everyone can thrive, and nurture local relationships and collaborations?

Like LaDoris Cordell, a retired judge, lawyer, and activist, who was the first African American woman to sit on the Superior Court in Northern California (in 1982) and the first African American city council member in Palo Alto (in 2003). She later served as Vice Provost at Stanford and as the Independent Police Auditor for the City of San Jose, reviewing police misconduct investigations, ensuring they were thorough, objective, and fair.

Or Jose Antonio Vargas, a journalist, filmmaker, and immigration rights activist, who in 2011 publicly disclosed his status as an undocumented immigrant in an essay for The New York Times Magazine, sparking significant nationwide conversations around immigration issues. Born in the Philippines, he had been sent to live with his grandparents in the U.S. at the age of 12, later discovering that he was in the country without legal documentation.

Or Chairman Valentin Lopez, the chairman of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band, one of the three historic tribes recognized as part of the Ohlone people — the indigenous inhabitants of the San Francisco and Monterey Bay Areas. He has been a vocal advocate for the rights, history, and cultural heritage of his people, as well as for land conservation and native plant restoration.

Feeling a bit out of place among such inspiring changemakers, this past weekend, I was honored to be part of and celebrate the launch of De.Coded: A Human Atlas of Silicon Valley, a project led by artist Marcus Lyon. Coincidentally, the delightful event was on my birthday, and at the same place and right before an event we love, the Día de Los Muertos celebration at the Mexican Heritage Plaza, co-led by another inspiring De.Coder Jessica Paz-Cedillos.

“De.Coded is an exploration of 101 remarkable change makers from Silicon Valley. This multimedia book was built on a year-long nomination process where a group of local grassroots leaders and activists nominated extraordinary individuals, from across all their networks and communities. Each featured nominee was chosen for their extraordinary contribution to the region and beyond. The final work honors the exceptional diversity of the valley and tells a deeper narrative about one of the most influential regions on earth. The project was curated by Cathy Kimball, and commissioned by the David & Lucile Packard Foundation with nomination & fiscal support provided by the American Leadership Forum (ALF).”

Visit De.Coded - Human Atlas (ahumanatlas.com) to explore the 101 portraits, view summaries of each individual's ancestry, and listen to excerpts of their personal stories.

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