Lilia Lomeli-Gil is the co-founder of the Grayson United Community Foundation. Lilia’s dedication to her small farming community of Grayson in Stanislaus County reflects the resilience of the nearby San Joaquin River — once forgotten, now coming back to life. When Lilia moved to Grayson over 20 years ago, water in the community was undrinkable and the river was severely degraded. Lilia advocated for her community to have clean water, and as Co-Founder of the United Community Foundation and Director of the Grayson Community Center, Lilia works tirelessly to ensure her neighbors are not overlooked, providing essential services like senior and after-school programs. She believes in the transformative power of nature for mental, physical, and spiritual health, often finding solace in walks along the river at the nearby Grayson Riverbend Preserve, a 285-acre site restored by River Partners in 2022. Lilia’s vision is simple yet profound: Instead of seeking a better place to live, she brings people together to create a better community right where they are.
Lilia Lomeli-Gil
Co-Founder of the Grayson United Community Foundation