Genoveva Islas was born in Fresno, California and grew up in small rural communities of the San Joaquin Valley; her parents, were farm laborers.
Genoveva is the first in her family to attend college and graduate with an advanced degree. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Health Science with an emphasis in Community Health from California State University, Fresno and received a Master’s in Public Health degree in Health Education and Promotion from Loma Linda University.
Genoveva is the Founder & Executive Director of Cultiva La Salud; a public health advocacy non-profit based in Fresno. Cultiva is dedicated to advancing health equity by fostering policy, system and environmental improvements that promote healthy communities. Cultiva’s efforts also focus on building community leadership so that residents can be more effective in advocating for healthy changes in their communities. Genoveva is a recognized Culture of Health Leader by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and an Aspen Institute, Healthy Communities Fellow.
Genoveva was appointed by Governor Brown to serve on the California Partnership for the San Joaquin Valley board and the Health Benefit Exchange Board for California (Covered CA). Genoveva currently serves as a Fresno Unified School District Board Member, representing Area 4 – the McLane Region.