Local Educator Helps Tackle Food Insecurity In Sonoma Valley

Maité Iturri, a Sonoma Valley resident for over 30 years, has dedicated her career to serving the people of her community. As the Assistant Superintendent of Petaluma City Schools, as well as the former Principal of El Verano Elementary School, Iturri's contributions have shaped the educational experience for numerous students and staff in the Sonoma Valley Unified School District.

Outside of her career in education, Iturri is deeply involved in community initiatives. She is a facilitator of the Equity and Inclusion Task Force, which helps promote social justice within educational settings, and Chair of the Municipal Advisory Committee (MAC) for the Sonoma Valley Springs Area. She is also the proud co-founder of Food for All/Comida para Todos, a food security initiative that underscores her commitment to addressing basic needs and reducing inequalities within the community.

We spoke with Iturri to learn more about her involvement in the community, what inspired her to co-found Food for All and why she loves living and working in Sonoma Valley.

Answers have been edited for clarity and length.

Patch: What inspired you to get involved in your local community?

Maité Iturri: I come from a long line of community volunteers and I was raised to give back.

Patch: Food for All/Comida para Todos was originally founded to support the Sonoma Springs community during the 2017 North Bay Fires. What made you decide to undertake this initiative?

Iturri: People needed to be fed in a very difficult time. We were faced with uncertainty and the parents at my elementary school were willing to risk their well-being for others. That is pretty inspiring! I had to help.

Patch: You’ve been nominated for and received numerous awards for your work in the community. Can you tell us a bit more about those recognitions and what they mean to you?

Iturri: I have been nominated for the Jefferson Award, and I have received two Paul Harris Awards, Sonoma County Spirit Award and the Sport Award from the Sonoma County Commission on the Status of Women. I think the Sonoma State Award for Excellence in a Community School is pretty amazing because our entire community was recognized. Of course, the Paul Harris awards are meaningful because they were given to me by the community. Finally, the Status on Women award is amazing because I have always tried to uplift women leaders.

Patch: Your work in the Sonoma Valley community spans many different areas. Aside from your work with Food for All, what other types of community initiatives have you supported?

Iturri: I have supported emergency preparedness and public art. I have advocated for parent leadership and affordable housing. Mental health is another long-standing issue I support. I love them all!

Patch: What would you say to someone in your local community who is struggling?

Iturri: Reach out for help! Someone is there who cares.

Patch: What do you love most about being a part of the Sonoma Valley community?

Iturri: The people I am fortunate enough to serve!

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