Leeann Luna has been promoted to chief executive officer of Monarch Services, effective July 1, succeeding Kalyne Foster Renda.
Luna has been with Monarch Services since 2009, beginning as a crisis intervention advocate. She has worked in human resources, grants and contracts management, and fund development. For the last five years, Luna has overseen the Crisis Intervention and Child & Youth Programs.
She was a member of the California Next Generation Leaders of Color 2012 Cohort, served as the VALORUS (formerly California Coalition Against Sexual Assault or CALCASA) Regional Chair, is a Solis Policy Institute of the Women’s Foundation California Fellow and has served on the Santa Cruz County Women’s Commission.
Currently, she is on the Justice and Gender Commission, a member of Focus Agriculture and a board member for Dientes Community Dental. Luna earned her bachelor’s degree from CSU Fresno in 2007.
Born and raised in Watsonville, she lives in Salinas with her husband and two young daughters.
Monarch Services has a 46-year history in Santa Cruz County of providing advocacy and resources to community members affected by violence. Services include court accompaniments, restraining order assistance, counseling, emergency shelter, 24-hour crisis line, outreach, education and support groups.
Monarch Services is the only rape crisis and human trafficking center in Santa Cruz County and includes an emergency response team.
All services are available in Spanish and English and are free or low cost.