Maribel Roque joins the Blue Zones Project® as the Organization Lead for Worksites and Restaurants. In her role, she works with local businesses to help implement best practices for a healthier, more productive, and happier environment for their workforce, and to make healthier choices easier and more accessible in our community. 

Maribel has over 15 years of experience working in media as a Marketing & Sales Consultant in Monterey County, which allowed her to cultivate and grow strong relationships with local businesses and organizations. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business with a concentration in Marketing. Throughout her professional career, she has served on various boards and committees, and as a volunteer to many local organizations.

My Power 9

My Power 9®:  Move Naturally and Downshift. I love that I am minutes away from enjoying a walk at the beach or hike at one of our many beautiful trails. The fresh air and beautiful scenery allow me to downshift, and clear my mind, reset, and feel at peace.  

Alexis Diaz-Infante was born and raised in Salinas, California. She graduated from Notre Dame High School and received her bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies with a concentration in Public Relations from California State University, Sacramento. Prior to Blue Zones Project®, she worked as the Engagement Coordinator for Girl Scouts of Arizona, where she established Girl Scout programs in areas that were not accessible to girls, where economic and volunteer resources were a barrier, and where Girl Scouting was not well known.  

Alexis joins the Blue Zones Project – Monterey County team as the Organization Lead for Schools in Salinas. She is responsible for the successful advancement of the Blue Zones Project in the local market by engaging school districts to implement research-based policies, practices, and projects to improve the well-being of employees, students, and their families. She is very excited about creating new relationships with her neighbors, giving back to her community, and helping improve the well-being of others in Salinas. 

My Power 9

My favorite Power 9® principle is Move Naturally! One of my favorite hobbies is hiking, whether it’s locally in my hometown, or when traveling. My go-to places in Monterey County include Big Sur, Pinnacles National Park, and Fort Ord National Monument. 

Griselda Reyes is a proud Salinas native, born and raised in the Salinas Valley. As a young adult, she discovered a passion for helping others in the realm of community health. She received a bachelor’s degree from CSUMB in Collaborative Health & Human Services with a concentration in Community Health, and previously worked in the public health setting providing health education and case management for both the public and private sector, throughout Monterey County. 

Griselda is the Senior Organization Lead for Schools. Her role is to build and develop strong relationships with schools and community partners throughout Monterey County. She helps support schools by implementing evidence-based best practices to become a designated Blue Zones Project Approved™ school, in support of overall community well-being.

My Power 9

My favorite Power 9® is Loved Ones First! Family is everything to me. I have a loving and supportive husband of 20+ years. We are proud parents of two children and recently have become grandparents to a beautiful baby girl. I love spending quality time with my family any chance I get.

Genevieve LeBlanc is the Senior Food Policy Lead for the Blue Zones Project® – Monterey County. She is responsible for the overall effectiveness in generating and accelerating positive changes in the food environment. As part of her role, she collaborates with food systems stakeholders to pursue policies, programs, and projects that improve healthy food access and availability. She also engages grocery stores to support them in adding healthier food and changing their environment to promote healthier options. She works towards creating consistent implementation of food environment projects county-wide. She also sits on the Health Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (HEDI) task force with colleagues from different Blue Zones Project communities across the country. 

Genevieve earned a Bachelor of Commerce degree from McGill University and a master’s degree in Gender, Development, and Globalization from the London School of Economics. She wrote her dissertation on food sovereignty.

My Power 9

I really enjoy Moving Naturally and Plant Slant. One way I combine both is through tending to my garden where I grow most of my vegetables during summer months, and then transform them into delicious plant-based dishes. I also love to hike with my family and friends across Monterey County.

Kendra Howell is one of the Sr. Policy Leads for Blue Zones Project® – Monterey County, responsible for collaborating with policy partners to establish, implement, and communicate policy priorities and projects in the areas of Tobacco Policy and the Built Environment (e.g., Complete Streets and community development conducive to walking, biking, and transit). 

Kendra has over 30 years of experience representing two high-profile organizations and promoting their missions and messages internally and throughout the community. Still currently with Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System, Kendra also continues to manage Government Affairs projects. Prior to joining SVMHS, Kendra worked for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts in Community Affairs, Marketing, and Special Events. Kendra holds a Master of Public Policy degree from CSUMB/Panetta Institute. 

Kendra always sees the possibility in things, and she finds inspiration in the possibility to transform the well-being of our community through the Blue Zones Project.  

My Power 9

My favorite Power 9® is Downshift, particularly enjoying time with my friends and family to travel to places near and far. My motto is “Work, travel, save, and repeat.” Through travel, you can meet life, and yourself, head-on along the road. 

Veronica Plascencia joins Blue Zones Project^®– Monterey County as the Senior Marketing Manager. Her focus is to create community-based grassroots marketing strategies and coordinate delivery of supporting materials. Veronica’s previous work as a marketing & sales consultant has helped her identify needs for residents in Monterey County and devise strategies to best reach them. 

Born in Jalisco, Mexico, Veronica moved to the Central Coast when she was 10 years old. While keeping her roots in mind, she joined Blue Zones Project to help bring awareness to our Hispanic community. She is passionate about helping people, but more importantly bringing resources to the community.  

Veronica enjoys traveling, hiking, photographing landscapes in Big Sur, and spending time with her family.

My Power 9

Her favorite Power 9^® are Moving Naturally by hiking the beautiful trails the Central Coast has to offer, and Family First.