Annette Sanchez has dedicated her entire life to public service, a call that began when she was just a young girl helping families in her neighborhood interpret letters and documents they could not read or understand. Even then, she felt a deep responsibility to support others, and that early experience set the foundation for a lifetime of community service.
Annette grew up in South Stockton, in the Sierra Vista housing projects. She often says that this is where she learned resilience, community, and determination. Annette’s mother instilled in her siblings the values of hard work, sacrifice, and perseverance.
As the family grew, so did the need for more space. Annette’s family moved to mid Stockton, living in apartments near Fremont and Pershing. But their time there was short lived as the State acquired the land through eminent domain to build the freeway. Faced with displacement once again, Annette’s parents were determined to build a better future and achieved the American Dream by purchasing a home near the University of the Pacific.
Annette went on to attend nearby schools where she completed all her high school required credits by the 11th grade and chose to spend her senior year at San Joaquin Delta College to get ahead academically and eventually graduated with a bachelor’s in business administration.
Over the years, Annette worked for various agencies, but in 2000 she accepted a position that would shape the next chapter of her career as the Salud Primero Health Program Coordinator at the nonprofit organization El Concilio. The role was deeply fulfilling, allowing her to work directly with underserved families and residents throughout the region. Helping people access services, resolve urgent needs, and navigate complex systems became “food for her soul,” reinforcing her lifelong commitment to community service.
Annette quickly rose through the organization. Her leadership, work ethic, and ability to build strong teams led to her promotion to Vice President of Operations, and eventually Vice President, where she oversaw a multi-million-dollar operating budget, 12 office sites, and 364 employees across multiple counties and cities.
In this role, she assumed essential responsibilities in human resources, financial and fiscal responsibility, program oversight, and organizational growth, ensuring that El Concilio met all local, state and federal regulatory requirements, including program compliance and employment law. This growth required innovative strategies to strengthen staff development, retention, and professional advancement.
Annette’s 23 years in nonprofit leadership taught her the importance of service, community involvement, and giving back. As she often says, “We must all be an example in serving our community for the betterment of the next generation and for the families we support.”
After retiring from El Concilio, Annette was recruited within a week by Visionary Home Builders of California to serve as Chief Operating Officer. In this new role, she created youth, family, and preschool programs while expanding services to include affordable housing, HUD regulated rental housing programs, and construction development and acquisitions. As Annette often says, “I have always welcomed opportunities to support and make a positive change.
Annette is now running for City of Stockton Councilmember, District 1. She has seen both the strengths and the challenges, watched families work hard to build stability, small businesses struggle to stay open, and neighborhoods unite during difficult times. Annette is focused on practical solutions, safer streets, stronger local businesses, more opportunities for youth, and a city government that is accessible and accountable.
Annette’s long and accomplished career has fully prepared her to serve in public office and to represent the residents of District 1 with experience, integrity, and a deep understanding of community needs. Her decades of leadership in nonprofit management, program development, youth and family services, and largescale organizational oversight have given her the skills necessary to navigate complex systems, manage public resources responsibly, and advocate effectively for the people she serves. Every step of her professional journey from direct service to executive leadership has strengthened her ability to listen, collaborate, solve problems, and build programs that make a real difference.
Today, Annette continues her lifelong commitment to community service. She has served on numerous organization boards and currently serves on the San Joaquin County Historical Society & Museum, Community Medical Center fund development, Rotary Club and many more. Annette volunteers with various nonprofit organizations, actively supports the advancement of women, and mentors’ young people who are preparing to become the next generation of leaders.
Annette has been married for nearly 40 years to her husband, Manuel Sarraraz. Together they raised three children and now enjoy the blessings of two grandchildren and one great grandchild. Annette often says she is far from finished when it comes to serving her community, it is the fuel that keeps her moving forward and the legacy she hopes will inspire others to give back as well.
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