Step Up Marin! 2025 Recap

Thank You for Stepping Up With Us

Our 4th annual Step Up Marin! was more than a celebration—it was a moment of deep connection, bold vision, and collective commitment.

Together, we marked a milestone with the ribbon-cutting of our new permanent headquarters—planting deeper roots in Marin and reaffirming our enduring commitment to justice and belonging for all. Throughout the evening, we heard stories that moved hearts, sparked ideas, and reminded us of what’s possible when we come together in service of equity and justice. We not only raised funds to continue fueling our mission to end poverty in Marin, we also raised hope for a Marin where no one is left behind.

To those who joined us, thank you! The energy throughout the event was palpable. Thank you for showing up, speaking out, and stepping up.

Honoring Community Courage: Monica Umaña

We were proud to present this year’s Community Courage Award to Monica Umaña, whose journey is a powerful testament to resilience and hope.

When Monica came to Community Action Marin, she was facing unimaginable hardship—living in her car with her young daughter and seeking stability. With courage, she stepped into our Road to Self-Sufficiency program. What followed was a journey of transformation. She found housing, a job, and a healing community. She completed our Peer Support Specialist training, enrolled at College of Marin to study medical administration, and now uses her voice and her art to uplift others.

Monica, your light leads the way. Thank you for sharing your journey and reminding us what’s possible when we invest in one another.

A Keynote That Inspired: Michael D. Tubbs

We were honored to welcome Michael D. Tubbs, former Mayor of Stockton, to the Step Up Marin! stage.

As the youngest mayor of a major U.S. city and Stockton’s first Black mayor, Tubbs led with vision—launching the nation’s first guaranteed income pilot, securing millions in scholarships for students, and helping reduce violence in his hometown.

Now, as founder of Mayors for a Guaranteed Income and End Poverty in California (EPIC), he continues to push for bold policies that center dignity and equity.

His message was clear: change is not only possible—it’s already happening. And it starts with us.

Visioning Marin Forward

This moment is just the beginning. The energy and resolve we felt at Step Up Marin! 2025 will carry us forward as we work to:

• • Expand access to free and affordable high-quality early education
  • Deepen collaboration with local leaders and changemakers
  • Advance racial and economic equity across Marin

We’re grateful to every person who made this gathering powerful, from volunteers and staff to sponsors, partners, and community members. We’re building something lasting, rooted in love and justice.

Let’s keep visioning Marin forward, together.

Thank You, Sponsors!

Ally Sponsors

Friend Sponsors

Adam Hirshfelder
Bank of Marin
Dr. Francoise Lepage & Dr. Denise Lucy of Dominican University of California
Good Earth Natural Foods
Good Stuff Partners
Kawa Chiu
Partnership HealthPlan of California
Stan Green
Ultragenyx
Wipfli
Youth Leadership Institute