Kayla Tolentino

Kayla Tolentino (she/her), Program Officer in San Mateo County's Strengthening Communities program, brings an abundance of experience and passion to her role. As part of TSO’s strategy to advance economic mobility, Kayla collaborates with community organizations to fortify networks and infrastructure, focusing on the most underserved communities in the county. She is honored to be part of TSO’s work to cultivate a future where our communities are safe and have more possibilities to thrive.

Previously, as a Senior Community Program Specialist in San Mateo County's Behavioral Health and Recovery Services, Kayla championed nine Health Equity Initiatives, crafting people-centered solutions to destigmatize mental health and substance use. Her background includes impactful work at ReWork the Bay, an initiative at the San Francisco Foundation, where she reshaped power dynamics with grantee and funder partners striving for an inclusive economy.

Born and raised in Daly City, Kayla weathered the 2008 housing crisis by fostering an unspoken interdependence within her immigrant family. Juggling multiple jobs during college, she graduated Summa Cum Laude from San Francisco State University with a degree in Community Health Education.

In her downtime, Kayla immerses herself in nature, community, and embodiment practices like meditation and tai-ji to reach for the world she longs to co-create. She also enjoys collaborative board games, crafting poetry, and upcycling projects.