Board of Directors

  • Vincent Gomez – Director, Culinary Division

    Vincent Gomez serves as Director of the Culinary Division at Act On Culture, blending over 30 years of hospitality industry experience with a heartfelt commitment to community upliftment. With degrees in Culinary Arts and Business, Vincent’s career has been marked by leadership roles including Executive Chef, Culinary Arts Teacher, and Catering Director, alongside his extensive expertise in back-of-house operations, business management, marketing, and menu development.

    Vincent’s passion lies not just in creating exceptional food, but in building bridges to opportunity. He is dedicated to helping aspiring chefs and hospitality professionals develop the skills, confidence, and creativity necessary to thrive in the culinary world.

    At Act On Culture, Vincent leads initiatives that provide hands-on training, mentorship, and career development for underprivileged teens and adults. He believes that the kitchen is a place where discipline, artistry, and teamwork come together to change lives, and he is committed to fostering the next generation of culinary leaders in Phoenix.

  • Heath Jackson – Director, Agricultural Division

    Heath Jackson leads the Agricultural Division with a deep-rooted passion for sustainability and community empowerment. With over 30 years of experience in Horticulture and Turf Management, Heath has dedicated his career to cultivating both landscapes and human potential. An Internationally Certified Arborist and holder of multiple licenses with the Arizona Department of Agriculture, he brings a wealth of technical expertise and leadership to the organization.

    Heath’s professional journey has included consulting on landscape management and best maintenance practices in the private sector, as well as managing Spring Training facilities and MLB sports fields for local government. Beyond the technical aspects of his work, Heath is driven by a desire to inspire the next generation. He is passionate about introducing individuals to sustainable and rewarding careers in agriculture.

    Through Act On Culture, Heath focuses on creating pathways for underprivileged community members by offering educational scholarships, skill-building courses, and career placement opportunities. His mission is to spark curiosity, nurture talent, and open doors to sustainable futures within the agricultural field.

  • Maggy Rodriquez – Director of Sustainability

    Maggy Rodriquez brings a deep commitment to environmental stewardship and social impact as Act On Culture’s Director of Sustainability. With a career focused on sustainable practices and community empowerment, Maggy plays a pivotal role in ensuring that Act On Culture’s programs are both environmentally responsible and forward-thinking.

    Maggy’s expertise lies in developing and implementing strategies that integrate sustainability into agriculture, culinary arts, and entertainment initiatives. Her focus is on creating systems that reduce waste, conserve resources, and promote eco-conscious mindsets among program participants and the broader Phoenix community.

    A passionate advocate for equity and access, Maggy is dedicated to helping underprivileged individuals understand how sustainability can be a key part of building stronger, more resilient careers. Through Act On Culture, she leads efforts to weave environmental responsibility into every facet of education, training, and workforce development.

    Maggy believes that a sustainable future starts with empowering people at the grassroots level, and she is committed to creating pathways where creativity, career growth, and environmental health go hand in hand.