Executive Team

David Benavides, Chief Executive Officer

David has served as KidWorks’ Executive Director/CEO since 2015, leading the organization’s mission to empower youth and families in Santa Ana through education, leadership development, and community engagement. Under his leadership, KidWorks has expanded its programs, deepened its community partnerships, and strengthened its role as a trusted anchor institution in the city.

David brings decades of experience in civic leadership and community advocacy, including his time as a Santa Ana City Councilmember, where he championed issues of equity, youth empowerment, and neighborhood revitalization. His heart for the community and collaborative leadership style continue to shape KidWorks’ vision and impact.

Fun fact: David started his career as a KidWorks intern three decades ago. He loves spending time with his blended family. Two of his four kids were once KidWorks preschoolers, now young adults. On some weekends you might catch him riding up PCH on his Harley Davidson.

Email david

714.834.9400 ext. 107

Piero G. Broccardo, Chief Financial Officer

Piero G. Broccardo is a global finance and operations executive that partners with boards, investors, and executive leadership teams to drive profitability, strengthen infrastructure, and execute complex financial and operational initiatives across both growth-stage and established organizations. 

Piero has led companies globally across Finance, Operations, and Human Resources, serving in senior leadership roles including Chief Pricing Officer, Global Chief Financial Officer, and Chief Operating Officer . He has spearheaded transformational initiatives at organizations including Unlimited Possibilities, Accurate Background, Mavenlink, and SYSPRO,—improving financial discipline, operational efficiency, and organizational alignment. Piero has been recognized as one of the Top 10 Business Leaders to Watch (2023) by the International Business Times and has been nominated as CFO of the Year by the Orange County Business Journal in both 2023 and 2024 for his leadership and impact in the non-profit sector.

Fun Fact: On most summer weekends you will find Piero in his backyard cooking fresh homemade Pizza in his outdoor wood burning Pizza oven for friends & family! He says Oak and Apple wood are the best wood to use.  

email Piero

949-351-3199

Gerardo Magaña, Senior Director of Programs

Gerardo serves as KidWorks’ Senior Director of Programs, helping guide strategy, partnerships, and day-to-day delivery of initiatives that support youth and families across our sites. His leadership focuses on belonging, leadership development and measurable outcomes leading to felt impact in the community.

Raised in the Los Angeles Harbor Area projects, Gerardo’s connection to KidWorks is deeply personal as it was individuals and organizations, similar to KidWorks, that helped him reach his dreams and goals.  Over the years, he’s witnessed KidWorks from nearly every angle, as a community member, non-profit partner, and now a senior leader. That full-circle journey shapes the heart he brings to his work each day. Gerardo is passionate about creating spaces and opportunities where young people feel seen, supported, and inspired to fulfill their God-given potential.

Fun fact: Gerardo and his family are Disney fanatics. He’s known to show up with big energy and an even better music playlist.

email gerardo

714.834.9400 ext. 130

Senior Management Team

Idalia Galdamez

Preschool Director

Email Idalia

714.834.9400 ext. 154

Sonia Rios

Family & Community Engagement Manager

Email sonia

714.834.9400 ext. 116

Erika Sanchez

Associate Director of Programs

Email Erika

714.834.9400 ext.

Clarisa Vargas

College & Career Director

Email Clarisa

714.834.9400 ext. 110

Rachel Cervantes

Volunteer Manager

Email rachel

714.834.9400 ext. 115

Lisa Gels

Director of Philanthropy

Email Lisa

714.834.9400 ext. 126

Staff Directory
Contact KidWorks staff at 714.834.9400

Board of Directors

Cory Alder

Board Member
Nexus Development

Dr. Marco Angulo, MD

Board Member
AltaMed

David Benavides

Board Member
KidWorks

Willie Du

Board Member
Edwards Lifesciences

David Hengstler

Board Member
Haynes Boone

Scott Homan

Board Treasurer
City Ventures

Emily Mandrup

Board Chair
ECM Management

Pat Merrell

Board Member
PTS Marketing

Steven Miranda

Board Member
The Julian Miranda Group, Merrill Lynch

Gabe Potyondy

Board Member
Fifth Third Bank

Timothy Strader Jr.

Vice Chair
Starpointe Ventures

Gabe Torre

Board Member
Baker Tilly

Debbie Trammell

Board Member
DST Consulting

Parent Advisory Council (PAC)

PAC is made up of dedicated parents and community members whose mission is to create leadership through education, personal development, and self-improvement for a united, healthy, and safe community. PAC builds parent leadership capacity, helps enhance KidWorks programs to better serve the needs of students and families, and promotes program awareness and outreach.

Marina Castro

Maria Cervantes

Erika Feregrino

Hermelinda Garcia

Viviana Godoy

Maria Gonzalez

Ignacia Hernandez

Mayte Hernandez

Lilia Lemus

Narda Lopez

Camerina Martinez

Yadira Mora

Carmela Moreno

Miguel Navarro

Victoria Navarro

Teresa Padilla

Antonieta Pintor

Maria Ramos

Dolores Rodriguez

Marbella Salgado

Dominga Sanchez

Ciria Santiago

Martha Schneider

Monica Tafolla

Maria Tonga

Karina Torres