Heroes Ride Honors

Camille Llanes-Fontanilla

Born and raised in east San Jose, Camille Llanes-Fontanilla spent much of her childhood playing in Emma Prusch Farm Park and attending meetings at the Mayfair Community Center, as her grandparents lived in the neighborhood. Her organizing work began at Mt. Pleasant High School where she was class president for three consecutive years. Her commitment to service continued at the University of California, Berkeley where she worked on various grassroots and electoral campaigns, graduating as the Senior Class President, with a B.A. in mass communications and ethnic studies. Camille’s passion for social justice was ignited at Cal, and she proceeded to work in the nonprofit sector, committed to increasing educational opportunities for our community’s most vulnerable populations. She worked at Kidango child development agency, while earning her Master’s degree in Public Administration from San Jose State University.

Camille now leads Somos Mayfair as the Executive Director. Somos Mayfair is a place-based, grassroots organization that supports children, organizes families, and connects neighbors to uplift the dreams, power, and leadership of community and address systemic inequities. Activating over 150 resident leaders annually to be the change agents, Somos Mayfair advances a nationally-recognized model for leadership development and community impact. Through Somos Mayfair’s efforts, over 1,500 children and families have access to learning opportunities and experiences that are proven to close the opportunity and achievement gaps in low-income communities of color.

Camille continues to live in east San Jose with her husband Ryan and their son, Myles. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, cooking, and spending time with family and friends. Grateful to live and work in the city that raised her, Camille is committed to making San Jose a vibrant, safe, and connected community, where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.