Meet the Team

Yaynicut Franco

Executive Director

Yaynicut Franco is a member of the Wukchumni Yokuts Tribe. She has served as the Vice-Chairperson of the Wukchumni Tribal Council since 2023, and leads her community in her role as the Director of Culture and Land Stewardship for the Wukchumni Tribe. Yaynicut led the formation of the Wukchumni Community Land Trust and was appointed as Executive Director by our Board of Directors in 2025. She is a cultural practitioner and ceremonial leader that dedicates her time to preserving traditional lifeways and cultural ecological practices.

Alberta Brito

Executive Assistant

Alberta Thomas Brito is a proud member of the Wukchumni Tribe and a descendant of the Wuksachi and Tachi Tribes. Since 2025, She has served her community through her work with the Wukchumni Tribe, where she contributes to the development of culture and language, land stewardship initiatives, and youth workforce development programming. Alberta has worked with tribal communities throughout the Central Valley and is deeply committed to preserving cultural knowledge, documenting family histories, and restoring tribal heritage for future generations.

Meet Our Board of Directors

  • Darlene Franco

    WUKCHUMNI COUNCIL DIRECTOR

    Darlene is the Wukchumni CLT Board Chairperson. She is also the Chairperson of the Wukchumni Tribal Council and CEO of the tribe’s non-profit organization.

  • Rachel Ramirez

    WUKCHUMNI COUNCIL DIRECTOR

    Rachel is our Board Treasurer. She is also the Treasurer of the Wukchumni Tribal Council and Director of Youth Services for the Fresno American Indian Health Project.

  • Lisa Thomas

    WUKCHUMNI ELDERS COUNCIL DIRECTOR

    Lisa is our Board Secretary. She also serves on the Wukchumni Elders Council and has been appointed as a representative. Lisa is the Administrative Assistant for the tribe’s non-profit organization and manages the Wukchumni Farms Tribal Food Pantry.

  • Maggie Weese

    WUKCHUMNI ELDERS COUNCIL DIRECTOR

    Maggie serves on the Wukchumni Elders Council and has been appointed as a representative. She brings extensive knowledge and leadership in Human Resources to our Board.

  • Isabel Vera

    COMMUNITY MEMBER / GENERAL DIRECTOR

    Isabel is a community member rooted in family and culture. She is excited to support the Wukchumni CLT development and to be part of brining affordable housing to the North Visalia community. Isabel brings extensive knowledge and leadership in Finance.

  • Esther Stauffer

    COMMUNITY MEMBER / GENERAL DIRECTOR