Our Team

James Muldavin

Executive Director

Jim is the Executive Director of the California Center for Civic Participation. Prior to founding the organization in 1980, Muldavin mowed lawns, scooped ice cream, moved furniture, sorted mail, washed dishes, cleaned buildings, poured beer, drove trucks, worked on the docks, and waited tables. After college at UCSB and working for a political awareness project for Boston area teens founded by his Aunt Albie, he returned to California to establish Capitol Focus, the flagship program of the California Center. He is amazed at the longevity of the organization and grateful for the thousands of youth and adults whose curious spirits, generous hearts and thoughtful minds have made his work so rewarding. A perfect day at this stage is three hours at the office, a three hour ride on his bicycle, a nap, and a big plate of Mexican food (made with fresh local ingredients of course) enjoyed with his family and friends, old and new. Email Jim at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Belen Flores

Executive Assistant

Belen Flores was born and raised in north Sacramento, CA where she enjoyed playing soccer and engaging in outdoor recreation.  After graduating from high school in 2001, she was recruited to the Sierra College women’s soccer team.  After two semesters of classes she decided to move out of her parent’s house and venture out into the world on her own.  In 2007 she moved to San Diego for a fresh start and a change of scenery, but a year and a half later decided to return home after realizing the value of a college education.  She wanted to finish her bachelor’s degree.  While majoring in Mass Communication, she simultaneously gained a passion for politics during the historical 2008 presidential election of Barack Obama.  Interning for places like the district office of Pro Tem Senator Steinberg and the Center for Civic Participation she established her interest in civic engagement and policy making.  She completed her degree in 2010 and is looking forward to everything the post-graduate world has to offer.  Email Belen at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Melissa Guajardo

Program Director

Melissa Guajardo grew up in Mountain View, CA where she took dance classes, served frozen yogurt, worked in day care, and generally had a good time.  In middle school, Melissa had dreams of becoming an engineer or a doctor.  She had to change her mind after the real world of chemistry and calculus taught her she just wasn’t cut out for the hard sciences.  While at the University of the Pacific studying to be a speech and language therapist, Melissa volunteered at the San Joaquin AIDS Foundation and found her calling.  Not long after graduating, she took a job as an AIDS educator and has worked in public health ever since.  In the time since college Melissa has started a needle exchange, started a farmers market, helped turn a classroom being used for storage into a brand new cooking classroom, and spent time volunteering in post-Katrina New Orleans at a clinic.  Melissa is excited to be back at the California Center supporting youth as they explore and find their leadership abilities. Email Melissa at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Stacy Robinson

Program Director

Stacy Robinson grew up in the small town of Crows Landing, CA. In high school Stacy was very active in Future Farmers of America (FFA) and athletics. Stacy always dreamed of becoming a Registered Nurse, but soon after starting her degree she learned that blood was not her thing. After changing her major several times, Stacy became very interested in Health Science and it was during her Community Health class where she began to develop her passion for public health. Stacy received her bachelors from Sacramento State University in Health Science. Working for the California Center has given Stacy the opportunity to expand her love for community health and working with young people. During her free time she enjoys baking and trying new recipes, being active outside and spending time with her family and friends! Email Stacy at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).