Invest In Me is a non-profit organization focused on self empowerment, leadership, and civic engagement in Stanislaus County.
Invest in Me provides participants with opportunities for self- development and growth on a personal and professional level, build skills to become leaders in their school and communities and provide guidance and mentorship to support a successful transition to education and/or career path.
Invest In Me is a distinguished non-profit organization committed to fostering self-empowerment, leadership, and civic engagement within Stanislaus County. We offer comprehensive programs designed to facilitate personal and professional development for participants, enabling them to emerge as influential leaders within their schools and communities. Through dedicated guidance and mentorship, Invest In Me supports participants in navigating their educational and career trajectories successfully.
In our pursuit of excellence, Invest In Me stands as a beacon of innovation and inspiration in Stanislaus County, embodying the essence of community transformation through individual growth. Our holistic approach transcends traditional boundaries, embracing a diverse range of participants and fostering an environment where every voice is valued and every dream is nurtured. By intertwining the threads of mentorship, skill-building, and civic engagement, we not only prepare our participants for the challenges of today but also empower them to be the architects of a more promising, inclusive future.
Our vision is a thriving Stanislaus County where every individual is empowered to lead, flourish in well-being, and actively engage in shaping their communities future.
Our mission at Invest In Me is to foster empowerment, cultivate leadership, promote well-being, and encourage civic engagement among the diverse population of Stanislaus County. Through innovative programs, partnerships, and advocacy, we strive to create opportunities for personal growth, community collaboration, and positive social change.
We define civic engagement as active participation in our community and society at large.
We define empowerment as providing people with the tools, resources, knowledge, and support they need to overcome obstacles, build confidence, and achieve their goals.
We define leadership as Leadership is the ability to inspire and influence
We define well-being as the state of being healthy, happy, and prosperous, both emotionally, physically and mentally.
Founder CEO
Erica Ayala, has her double bachelor’s in Communication and Gender Studies from California State University, Stanislaus and a Masters of Arts in Leadership from Saint Mary’s College of California where she penned her thesis, “Invest and Empower Young Women of Today.” She is the Founder and CEO of the non-profit, Invest in Me, named nonprofit of the year from Stanislaus Latino Chamber of Commerce in 2023 and Love Stanislaus County in 2021.
Erica’s passions are developing leadership and access to youth and families, healthy equity issues and elevating the people of California’s Central Valley. She was recipient of the Legacy Health Endowment Healthcare Hero Award, Modesto Junior College’s- Community Women’s Empowerment Award and was acknowledged as an Outstanding Women of Stanislaus County by the Stanislaus County Commission for Women. Erica resides in Patterson with her husband Abe and their two children, Amaya and Ezekiel.
Events & Activities Coordinator
Emily Ascencio, is a recent Stanislaus State graduate, holds a bachelor’s degree and minor in communication studies and journalism. She currently serves as an events and activities coordinator for non-profit Invest In Me, where she supports programs and events that uplift and empower students and local communities. Emily aspires to continue her career in the non-profit sector with a focus on working in underprivileged communities, creating opportunities for growth, wellness, and long-term impact.
Resource Development Manager
Ana M. Andrade holds a B.A in Criminal Justice from Stanislaus State University and an M.A. in Leadership Studies from Saint Mary’s College of California. Her thesis work focused on unemployment, morale and people with limited English-speaking proficiency. Ana earned a PhD in Transformative Studies from California Institute of Integral Studies in 2020. She is a native Spanish Speaker, raised in Patterson, California. Prior to her work in advocating for tenant rights, Ana spent over a decade working as a Deputy Probation Officer in San Joaquin County. She enjoys giving back to her community. She is former Latino Community Roundtable Board Member, recent graduate of the Stanislaus County Political Leadership Academy.
She is on the Saint Mary’s College Alumni Board of Directors, member of the Stanislaus County Giving Circle, and is an advisor for Invest in Me, a young women’s leadership program based in Patterson. Her most recent volunteer board appointments are with Project Sentinel and with the Associated Fundraising Professionals. In 2023, Ana was named Outstanding Women of Stanislaus County by Stanislaus County Commission for Women. While all these opportunities have been instrumental in her civil rights formation, Ana’s most fulfilling role was advocating for troubled youth and their families. With her free time, she mentors individuals interested in corrections careers, volunteers for campaigns that advocate equality and supports social justice causes.
Events & Activities Coordinator
Esther Verdugo, is a proud graduate of Patterson High School and current student at Modesto Junior College, where she is majoring in Agricultural Education. After completing her general education, she plans to transfer to either Chico State or Fresno State to continue pursuing her degree. At MJC, she is actively involved in leadership classes, the Young Farmers Club, and the Animal Science Club. During high school, she was highly engaged in FFA and leadership, serving as Executive ASB Secretary and leading the Community Service Council and serving as the Patterson chapter president and the Central Region South Area Vice President. Through these experiences, she discovered her true passion lies in making a positive impact in the lives of others. This passion has guided her to become deeply involved with Invest in Me throughout high school, and now gets to continue serving the organization as the Events and Activities Assistant.
