Yorba Linda Chamber Foundation

Our mission is to foster connections, facilitate growth, and provide unwavering support to the local community, by offering opportunities that empower them to achieve their goals and fulfill their aspirations.

The Yorba Linda Chamber of Commerce Foundation, established in 2020 as the nonprofit arm of the Yorba Linda Chamber of Commerce, was created to expand opportunities for both local businesses and students. What began as a mission to bridge education and enterprise has grown into a dynamic platform for workforce development, civic engagement, and community advancement. As we look to the future, the Foundation is committed to deepening its impact by fostering the next generation of leaders, supporting innovation, and strengthening the economic and educational fabric of Yorba Linda and beyond.

Since its founding in 2020, the Yorba Linda Chamber of Commerce Foundation has empowered students, supported small businesses, and enriched our community through innovative programs that connect education, workforce development, and civic engagement. From awarding thousands in scholarships to hosting regional competitions and workforce readiness events, our Foundation is building bridges between today's leaders and tomorrow’s changemakers. By investing in people and partnerships, we’re not just responding to the needs of our community, we’re shaping its future.

Despite being located in one of the most affluent regions of North Orange County, many students and small businesses in the Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District area still face barriers to opportunity. With nearly 10% of families living below the poverty line and 17% of the population not in the labor force, there is a pressing need for programs that bridge the gap between education, workforce readiness, and civic engagement. Local employers are also seeking better ways to connect with young talent and support a sustainable local economy. The Yorba Linda Chamber of Commerce Foundation exists to meet this need by providing scholarships, internships, workforce development initiatives, and leadership opportunities that empower individuals and strengthen our community from the inside out.

Our Foundation serves the North Orange County and Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District region that is home to over 162,000 residents. While the area is largely affluent, nearly 10% of families live below the poverty line, 8.6% receive food assistance, and 17% of residents are not in the labor force. Our Foundation helps close these gaps by connecting students with local businesses, providing career pathway internships, and creating hands-on opportunities that prepare the next generation for workforce success.

As CEO of the Yorba Linda Chamber of Commerce Foundation, I’m proud to lead an organization that is deeply rooted in the values of community, leadership, and opportunity. Since our formation in 2020, we’ve worked tirelessly to close the gap between potential and access by connecting students to scholarships, internships, and career pathways while empowering businesses to play a direct role in shaping the future workforce. This past year has been one of exponential growth and impact. We’re not just investing in programs, we’re investing in people, and in the long-term prosperity of our region. Our commitment remains clear: to build a stronger, more inclusive future where every resident of Yorba Linda and North Orange County has a chance to thrive.

As Chair of the Board for the Yorba Linda Chamber of Commerce Foundation, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing firsthand how a small, mission-driven organization can create meaningful change. From launching the first-ever National Civics Bee in California to expanding scholarships and workforce partnerships, we are redefining what a chamber foundation can do. Our board remains committed to driving innovation, transparency, and stewardship in everything we do. We are honored to serve a community as vibrant and engaged as Yorba Linda, and we look forward to building on this momentum to deliver even greater impact in the years ahead.