The Advance OC Story
Our History
Our journey began with a simple yet profound realization: that an individual’s potential should never be determined by their zip code. Since 2019, we have been inspired by our experiences witnessing the disparities in opportunity across Orange County, California (and surrounding communities), and set out to create innovative community solutions that harness the power of data and strategic philanthropy to drive meaningful change.
Our mission is clear: to close the gaps in opportunity and foster thriving communities. We envision a future where opportunity is a right for all, not a privilege.
Today, we are a dynamic organization committed to identifying and addressing inequities while empowering communities across the nation. We strive to create a future where everyone, everywhere, has the opportunity to achieve their full potential.
Our Staff
We are proud to be a 100% BIPOC organization, led by a dedicated team of passionate community advocates. With expertise in data science, public health, theology, family law, social work, and technology, we bring together diverse perspectives that enrich our work. Our personal stories and shared vision unite us, forming a committed team that deeply understands the complexities of inequity and harnesses the transformative power of collaboration.
Together, we are not just addressing health equity; we are forging a path toward lasting change and a more equitable future for all.
Our mission is clear: to close the gaps in opportunity and foster thriving communities. We envision a future where opportunity is a right for all, not a privilege.
Today, we are a dynamic organization committed to identifying and addressing inequities while empowering communities across the nation. We strive to create a future where everyone, everywhere, has the opportunity to achieve their full potential.
Mike
Bio
Bio
—
What would you do on a free Saturday?
—
If you could teach any class, what would it be?
—
What is one thing about your hometown that you would brag about?
—
Irma Gil
Bio
Bio
Irma is the office manager at Advance OC. She is a first-generation Mexican American and loves to engage with the community and help those in need. With a proven track record in community engagement, particularly within the Latinx population, Irma’s contributions to projects like the COVID-19 and Older Adults Needs Assessments have been invaluable. Her bilingual skills, coupled with a genuine passion for community enhancement, make her an essential part of our team, ensuring that diverse voices are heard and accounted for in our initiatives.
What would you do on a free Saturday?
I like to go hiking
If you could teach any class, what would it be?
Cooking class ( Mexican food )
What is one thing about your hometown that you would brag about?
It has the biggest celebration for Dia de Los Muertos
Samy Haidar
Bio
Bio
Samy Haidar is Project Coordinator with Advance OC. He graduated from UC Irvine in 2023 with a degree in Human Biology and a minor in Health Informatics. Before officially joining the Advance OC team, he worked as a Peer Academic Advisor for UCI’s Campuswide Honors Collegium, serving the diverse student population at the university. Since interning with Advance OC as part of the UCI PHIT (Public Health Informatics & Technology) program in Summer 2022, he has gained a strong interest in the advocacy of community health and wellness and the utilization of informatics technology to integrate data in the pursuit of equity.
What would you do on a free Saturday?
In my free time, I always enjoy playing pick-up basketball or gaming on my PlayStation.
If you could teach any class, what would it be?
World History through Maps. I’ve always been a huge history/geography nerd.
What is one thing about your hometown that you would brag about?
Cerritos, CA – I’m very proud of my hometown Cerritos library which includes an aquarium and life-size model T-Rex skeleton.
Mary Zhuang
Bio
Bio
Mary is a proud UCI Alumni (go anteaters!) with a major in Human Biology and minor in Health Informatics. Finding her passion for data and health equity through the UCI Public Health Information and Technology (PHIT) Internship, Mary now works as a Research Associate at Advance OC. During her time at Advance OC, her emphasis has been in data analysis and narrative building to identify and address the social determinants of health and developing innovative solutions that empower communities and reduce inequities in healthcare delivery.
What would you do on a free Saturday?
Go on a long mountain hike or read at a cafe with friends and a Matcha latte!
If you could teach any class, what would it be?
I would host a sports workshop!
What is one thing about your hometown that you would brag about?
Toronto, Canada – The fall foliage is hard to beat!
Tammy Peng
Bio
Bio
—
What would you do on a free Saturday?
—
If you could teach any class, what would it be?
—
What is one thing about your hometown that you would brag about?
—
Torhon Barnes
Bio
Bio
Torhon is a former foster child and social work professional with over 20 years of leadership experience in public health and non-profit administration. He has a proven track record of promoting equity and supporting underserved communities. Recognized for his effective program management and team leadership, Torhon has received several awards, including the 2024 Future Leaders Award from the OC Black Chamber. He serves on the Advisory Board for the California Department of Public Health’s Black Health Equity Advisory Group and the Calbright College Healthcare Advisory Council. Torhon is a published co-author of “Teaching Hope: Stories from the Freedom Writer Teachers.”
Torhon holds a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Southern California and a Bachelor’s degree in Child and Adolescent Studies from California State University, Fullerton. He is also a champion of adult intramural sports and is dedicated to helping others turn their tragedies into triumph!
What would you do on a free Saturday?
Take an early morning hike, pick-up flag football game in the afternoon, and a nice dinner with family/friends.
If you could teach any class, what would it be?
I would teach a cooking class.
What is one thing about your hometown that you would brag about?
Sacramento, CA – Our golden nuggets are Dr. Cornel West, LeVar Burton, and the Sacramento Kings along with many Olympic athletes and stars.
Antonio Rodriguez
Bio
Bio
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Antonio is a recent graduate from the University of California, Irvine, with a master’s degree in data science and a bachelor’s in computer science from California State University, Dominguez Hills. He is passionate about machine learning, data engineering, and analytics, eager to leverage my skills to drive meaningful insights and innovations.
What would you do on a free Saturday?
Relax and enjoy college football.
If you could teach any class, what would it be?
“Advanced Overthinking: When ‘What If’ Is Your Default Setting.” No final exam; just a multiple-choice quiz where every answer seems equally wrong.
What is one thing about your hometown that you would brag about?
The Rock bands to come from the Los Angeles Area.
Board Members
1
Kk
Katie Kalvoda
1
Kk
Katie Kalvoda
1
Kk
Katie Kalvoda
Advisory Board Members
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our Advisory Committee Members, whose domain expertise significantly enhances our engagement and reach into the community. These independent advisors play a crucial role in supporting our efforts, though they do not convene, serve on the Board of Directors, or influence our operational decisions.Their insights help us effectively connect with and uplift the voices of those we serve.
Together, we are not just addressing health equity; we are forging a path toward lasting change and a more equitable future for all.
Our mission is clear: to close the gaps in opportunity and foster thriving communities. We envision a future where opportunity is a right for all, not a privilege.
Today, we are a dynamic organization committed to identifying and addressing inequities while empowering communities across the nation. We strive to create a future where everyone, everywhere, has the opportunity to achieve their full potential.
1
Kk
Katie Kalvoda
1
Kk
Katie Kalvoda
1
Kk
Katie Kalvoda