Ramiro Detrinidad ~ Executive Director
As an East Coast native and first-generation student, Ramiro Detrinidad has first-hand experience with the punitive policies of No Child Left Behind in the education system. Realizing a lack of options after graduating high school, he served in the Military until 2016. He relocated to Santa Barbara, where he attended City College and UCSB, graduating with a Distinction in Major while pursuing vigorous research work. He began his community work as a Library Technician for the City of Santa Barbara, where he realized a significant wealth gap and the dire need for services for low-income youth and their families. Channeling his passion and dedication to his newfound community, he joined SBAVP shortly after graduation as an Outreach Coordinator, working actively with youth and their families, ensuring that they maximize available resources while providing continuous advocacy throughout their time in the education system and beyond. As Executive Director, Ramiro brings a deep knowledge of efficient operations and sustainability that is further complimented by his pursuit of graduate studies in Public Administration.
Gene Moggia ~ Outreach Coordinator
A proud San Francisco native, Gene Moggia relocated to Santa Barbara in January 2001 to attend UC Santa Barbara, where he graduated with honors upon earning his baccalaureate degree in sociology. Prior to becoming an Outreach Coordinator for SBAVP, Gene has dedicated over two decades of his career to serving and advocating for the at-risk and underserved youth of Santa Barbara County. A highly respected member of his local community, Gene has worked extensively with students diagnosed with emotional disturbance and other social-emotional disabilities, both as a teaching assistant for the Devereux Foundation and a teacher at Goleta Valley Junior High School. For over 14 years, Gene worked as a juvenile correctional officer at Los Prietos Boys Camp and a juvenile probation officer for Santa Barbara County. His unique mix of academic knowledge, extensive vocational background, and real-life experience makes him a well-liked and invaluable member of our SBAVP team.
Veronica Ramirez ~Outreach Coordinator
Veronica was born and raised in Goleta and attended Goleta Valley Junior High and Dos Pueblos High School. She experienced at a young age the effects violence has on herself and her loved ones, pushing her to earn her associate’s at Santa Barbara City College and transfer to UCSB, where she completed a Bachelor’s in Sociology with a minor in Applied Psychology. Veronica brings a diverse experience working for Girls Inc. in Santa Barbara County in 2014 and as a Site Coordinator for the Primetime program at the San Diego Unified School District. She has found a passion for working with youth and building genuine connections in the community through shared lived experiences. Veronica prides herself in coming from a hard-working family big on love, loyalty, and respect. She is excited to be a part of SBAVP to give back to her community and show up for youth from all walks of life in her hometown.
Ciara Ramirez-Patton ~ Grant Manager
Ciara Ramirez-Patton was born and raised locally as a first generation American, witnessing both sides of the tracks in her family as working class and middle-class. As she grew up, she was introduced to many programs and people that assist low-income, at-risk youth, AVP being one of them. After becoming certified in high school as a facilitator, Ciara took time to recenter her interests and goals before coming to work as the Grant Manager and deciding to continue her education with the Gemological Institute of America.