Meet the Changemakers: Introducing the Newest Leaders of ReWork the Bay’s Equity at Work Council
At ReWork the Bay, building an equitable and inclusive economy begins with centering the voices of those closest to the challenges we aim to address. The Equity at Work Council embodies this commitment. Made up of 17 proximate leaders from workforce training, education, organizing, small business development, and impact investing, the EWC shapes ReWork’s programmatic strategy, approves grants, and ensures accountability. Together, these leaders are reshaping the role of equity in workforce development across the Bay Area.
This council is more than a decision-making body—it’s a collective force for change powered by individuals who bring deep community ties, innovative ideas, and lived experience. Today, we are thrilled to introduce three new members whose leadership and vision will help guide us in advancing economic justice. Meet the newest members of the EWC and learn how they are shaping a brighter future for the Bay Area.
Martha Hernández
Empowering Small Businesses, One Entrepreneur at a Time
Martha Hernández is no stranger to breaking barriers. As the CEO and Co-Founder of ESO Ventures, Martha empowers Black and Brown entrepreneurs by providing them with the confidence, competence, and capital needed to thrive. Her work doesn’t stop there—Martha is also the founder of madeBOS Inc., a tech-enabled HR solution tailored for small businesses.
An Oakland native, Martha’s deep connection to her community drives her mission to create opportunities for underrepresented talent. She has a wealth of expertise, having earned certifications from MIT, Harvard, and Stanford. Beyond her professional achievements, she’s a best-selling author and passionate advocate for gender equity through music, releasing her debut album under the name Martha Soledad.
Martha envisions a sustainable and inclusive ecosystem that uplifts historically marginalized communities. She aims to champion small business development by advocating for equitable access to funding, mentorship, and resources. By leveraging her experience, Martha hopes to empower entrepreneurs and workers while promoting transparency and accountability in the workforce ecosystem.
Reina Robinson, MA
Building Resilience and Empowering Communities
Reina Robinson is the Founder and CEO of the Center for Urban Excellence, where she focuses on building resilience and economic opportunities for system-impacted communities. Her work is rooted in Afrofuturism, media literacy, and a deep commitment to equity. Reina’s passion lies in creating opportunities for growth and transformation, especially for underserved communities in Solano County.
With a Master’s in Communication from CSU East Bay, Reina brings academic insight and community-driven solutions to the EWC. Her leadership reflects a dedication to creating pathways for success that are equitable and sustainable.
Reina envisions a future where resilience, equity, and innovation shape workforce systems across Solano County and the broader Bay Area. Rooted in Afrofuturist principles, she is dedicated to creating transformative pathways that address current challenges while preparing communities for future opportunities. Her emphasis on actionable support ensures that system-impacted individuals have the tools and resources to achieve lasting economic mobility and success.
Air Gallegos
Championing Equity Through Education and Economic Mobility
Air is a proud biracial Chicana and lifelong advocate for social justice. With advanced degrees in Education Administration and Feminist Studies, she has dedicated her career to advancing equity and inclusion through education, wellness, and economic mobility. Her work is deeply rooted in intersectionality, focusing on the overlapping systems of inequality that impact underserved communities.
As a strategist, educator, and nonprofit leader, Air has coached and mentored social justice leaders across the U.S., developing innovative approaches to address systemic inequities. Now serving as the Director of Economic Mobility at Canal Alliance, Air is dedicated to creating a radically inclusive workforce system that responds to the needs of the most vulnerable populations.
Air envisions a workforce system ensuring resources reach the hardest-to-reach populations, creating opportunities for those often left behind. By using her community-based lens, she seeks to influence how resources are allocated while bringing stakeholders together to promote a holistic economic development ecosystem. She focuses on building inclusive systems that address intersectional inequities and support long-term success for underserved communities.
A Collective Force for Change
The Equity at Work Council exemplifies the power of collaboration and the importance of community-led leadership. As ReWork the Bay continues its mission to advance job quality and workforce equity, the expertise and passion of our newest members will guide us toward a brighter, more inclusive future.
Their stories remind us that change is possible when we work together—when diverse voices are heard, and equity is at the heart of every decision.
Want to learn more about how the Equity at Work Council drives workforce equity change? Explore their mission and latest updates here.
Join Us in Welcoming Martha, Reina, and Air to the EWC!
We’re excited to see the impact these incredible leaders will make in shaping our programs and driving meaningful change. Stay connected with ReWork the Bay as we continue to share updates, stories, and progress on building an equitable economy for all.
Photo by The Jopwell Collection on Unsplash