This month, the Southern California Mountains Foundation proudly celebrates the remarkable career and retirement of Sandy Bonilla, co-founder of the Urban Conservation Corps (UCC) and a true champion for youth development and conservation.

A Career Dedicated to Empowering Youth

Sandy’s journey in service began long before she joined SCMF. From her early work in San Francisco and Washington, D.C., to launching AmeriCorps programs in Nebraska, Sandy built a career rooted in opportunity and empowerment. In 2006, she returned home to Southern California, where she co-founded the Urban Conservation Corps and began shaping what has become one of the Inland Empire’s most impactful youth development programs.

Her leadership has always been guided by one core belief: that every young person has the potential to thrive when given access to meaningful opportunities, mentorship, and pathways to careers in conservation and beyond.

Celebrating Sandy’s Impact

At her retirement celebration, Sandy’s profound influence was felt in every word shared. Speakers from CAL FIRE, the U.S. Forest Service, and SCMF management – including leaders who themselves began as corpsmembers – spoke from the heart about how Sandy has touched their lives.

They reflected on her unwavering dedication to opening doors, providing guidance, and showing youth that conservation work is more than service – it’s a launchpad to countless career paths. Through her vision, the Urban Conservation Corps has become not just a program, but a family that builds stronger communities and brighter futures.

A Lasting Legacy

Over nearly two decades, Sandy’s leadership has empowered thousands of corpsmembers to gain valuable skills, serve their communities, and build confidence in themselves. Her legacy will live on in the careers launched, the forests and parks restored, and the countless young people who found purpose and possibility through her guidance.

With Gratitude

We are deeply honored to celebrate Sandy Bonilla’s retirement and her immeasurable contributions to the Southern California Mountains Foundation, the Urban Conservation Corps, and the greater conservation community. Her work will continue to inspire us as we carry forward the mission she helped build.