Directors & Staff
- Faith, Culture, and Community in Action
Directors & Staff
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Donald H. Gonzalez III
Chairman
Executive Advisor, Program Developer for Rising Nations
Donny H. Gonzalez III is a respected community leader, mentor, faith-based advocate, and dedicated family man committed to serving the people of Sonoma County through outreach, leadership, and compassion. As a devoted husband and proud father of four children, three sons and one daughter, Donny leads with a strong foundation of family values, integrity, and service to others. For more than seven years, Donny has dedicated himself to strengthening communities through faith-based leadership, mentorship, and direct community outreach. Passionate about helping underserved populations, he has worked tirelessly to provide support, encouragement, and resources to Sonoma County’s unsheltered community, ensuring that individuals and families experiencing hardship are met with dignity, compassion, and care. Through food distribution and outreach efforts, Donny has served both documented and undocumented community members, recognizing the importance of meeting people where they are and helping build pathways toward hope and stability. Deeply committed to youth empowerment, Donny has also devoted his time to mentoring Native American youth within the public school system. He understands the importance of positive leadership, cultural identity, and representation, and works to encourage young people to believe in their potential, strengthen their connection to culture, and pursue educational and personal success. His mentorship emphasizes resilience, accountability, leadership development, and creating opportunities for Native youth to thrive. As a community advocate, Donny believes meaningful change happens through service, collaboration, and relationship-building. His work reflects a long-standing commitment to uplifting vulnerable populations, supporting youth, and helping strengthen families throughout Sonoma County. Whether through mentorship, outreach, food distribution, or faith-centered guidance, Donny continues to lead by example, demonstrating what it means to serve with humility, compassion, and purpose. Recognized for his servant leadership and dedication to community wellness, Donny H. Gonzalez III remains committed to creating positive change and empowering future generations through advocacy, cultural support, and community engagement.
MaDonna Feather Cruz
Vice ChairWoman
I am MaDonna Feather Cruz and I am a proud Native American woman living with disabilities committed to making a difference in my community and beyond. I am a passionate advocate for native wellness, raising awareness about Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW), and cultural preservation. I am inspired by the sacrifices and wisdom of those who came before me, and I am grateful for the support of my community and elders. I am dedicated to bridging the gap between traditional practices and the modern world. I strive to foster understanding, appreciation, and respect among different communities. It is an honour to serve as a role model and source of inspiration for Native Americans and individuals of all backgrounds. I believe that we can all make a difference, and I am committed to working towards a more inclusive and just society.
Giovonni Fortunati
Executive Director For Rising Nations Youth Program
Giovonni Fortunati is a 20-year-old Native American youth advocate, filmmaker, educator, and community leader dedicated to empowering the next generation through cultural education, leadership development, and storytelling. As the Founder and Executive Director of the Rising Nations Youth Program, Giovonni serves as the program’s lead instructor and speaker, developing and teaching curriculum focused on leadership, financial literacy, career exploration, communication skills, cultural identity, and personal growth for Native youth throughout Sonoma County. Through Rising Nations, Giovonni works directly with schools, tribal communities, and youth organizations to provide educational programming that helps young people build confidence, strengthen their connection to culture, and prepare for future academic and professional success. His mission is to create opportunities that inspire youth to become leaders in their communities while honoring their heritage and traditions. In addition to his work in youth development, Giovonni is the Founder and CEO of Chromaera Visuals, a media production company specializing in documentary filmmaking, educational storytelling, and visual media. Through his work as a filmmaker, he produces content that highlights Native American communities, cultural preservation efforts, educational initiatives, and stories that create meaningful social impact. Giovonni also serves as Media Director for student and community organizations, combining his passion for education, leadership, and visual storytelling to amplify voices that are often underrepresented. His work reflects a commitment to building stronger communities, preserving cultural knowledge, and creating opportunities for future generations through both education and media.
Andrew “Beau” Lino
Executive Director For Prophetic Kitchen
With more than 15 years of experience in restaurants and catering and 8 years in laboratory sciences, I bring a diverse background rooted in service, leadership, and attention to detail. Over the past 5 years, I have helped build and grow a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving our community through homeless outreach, providing nutritious meals, warm clothing, and personal hygiene kits to individuals in need. I am passionate about creating positive change, fostering meaningful connections, and serving others with compassion and purpose. Outside of my professional and nonprofit work, I enjoy spending time in nature through surfing, hiking, and camping under the stars, which inspire my commitment to community, wellness, and the service of others.
John J. Gonzalez
Head Chef For Prophetic Kitchen
John “JJ” Gonzalez is an emerging Native youth leader, community servant, and dedicated advocate for helping others through faith, service, and cultural leadership. As the middle son of Donny H. Gonzalez III, JJ has embraced the values of compassion, humility, and giving back to the community from an early age. Driven by a passion for serving those in need, JJ is the founder of “Prophetic Kitchen,” a community outreach effort dedicated to feeding documented and undocumented community members throughout Sonoma County. Through this work, he has demonstrated leadership beyond his years, helping ensure individuals and families experiencing hardship are met with dignity, nourishment, and compassion. His commitment to service reflects his belief that every person deserves kindness, support, and a sense of belonging. A proud student at Santa Rosa Junior College (SRJC), JJ continues to pursue his education while remaining actively engaged in community outreach and youth leadership. Deeply connected to his Native identity and values, he strives to be a positive role model for young people, encouraging unity, cultural pride, and service to others. Known by family and community members as a loving brother and dependable leader, JJ is always willing to lend a helping hand wherever needed. Whether serving his community, supporting local outreach efforts, or strengthening his relationship with the Lord, he remains committed to living a life grounded in faith, compassion, and purpose. Through his leadership, service, and dedication to uplifting others, John “JJ” Gonzalez represents the next generation of Native youth leadership, working to create stronger, healthier communities through action, faith, and heart.
Karina Chavez
Outreach Coordinator & Volunteer For Prophetic Kitchen & Volunteer For Rising Nations
My name is Karina Chavez Barragan, and I am a proud Mexican Indigenous woman and descendant of the Purépecha people of Michoacán, Mexico. As a Chicana and Mexicana, I value my culture, faith, family, and community. While I am not perfect, I am grateful to serve an amazing God and strive to live a life rooted in service and humility. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Chicano and Latino Studies from Sonoma State University in 2022, my Master of Social Work from California State University, Stanislaus in 2024, and my Pupil Personnel Services Credential in School Social Work from Cal Poly Humboldt in 2025. I am passionate about serving youth and strengthening communities through outreach and volunteer work. I currently volunteer with Rising Nations, serve as Treasurer for the Native Collective Sports Board, and am honored to serve as the Volunteer/Outreach Coordinator for Prophetic Kitchen under the Healing Grace Foundation
Reach Out and Connect
Chairman Contact:
(415) 870-0558
dgonzalez120782@icloud.com
Vice Chairwoman Contact:
(707) 681-4799
madonnacruzconsulting@gmail.com