Our Team
"Long-term, sustainable change can only happen in an environment where all stakeholders are engaged and have a seat at the table. I am committed to a community-led, transparent, grass roots effort wherein all residents' voices are heard and validated. It should always be stressed that the decline of neighborhoods did not happen overnight and nor can the revitalization.” - Elaine Robles, Founder
Meet our Staff
Crystal Peralta, Executive Director
(559) 776-2803
Meet our Board
Elaine Robles
Founder & Board Chair
Elaine Robles is a Fresno native who grew up in the Jane Addams neighborhood. Elaine worked for the Fresno County Probation department for 19 years where she developed a love for her neighborhood and worked alongside residents and stakeholders. She set up a twice per week informal office at the neighborhood McDonalds restaurant to help neighbors get through various issues, such as housing, help applying for disability, and resolving landlord/tenant issues. The gravity and the enormity of the need in the Jane Addams neighborhood heavily influenced her decision to pursue a Master’s Degree in Community Economic Development.
In 2009, Robles accepted the position of Neighborhood Revitalization Manager at the City of Fresno. It was in this role she developed a long-range, strategic and sustainable neighborhood revitalization model in the Lowell neighborhood. This relatively young model was hugely successful and can be emulated not only within the City of Fresno, but in other cities as well, to correct systemic issues that plague older, inner-city neighborhoods. Robles also managed the team at City Hall as well as the Community Advisory Committee that developed the Downtown Neighborhoods Community Plan. This land use plan encompasses 7,200 acres of the City, spanning the Lowell, Jefferson/Yokomi Southeast Fresno, Southwest Fresno, and Jane Addams neighborhoods.
After retiring from City Hall, Robles volunteered to lead the charge in reopening Storyland and Playland at Roeding Park. Robles has worked on various political campaigns in an effort to gain more knowledge in processes required in advancing the Jane Addams neighborhood and its residents. For the last two years, Robles has actively worked on creating the Jane Addams CDC, which has been her goal for more than 20 years.
Janay E. Conley
Board Vice Chair
Janay E. Conley is a Business Development Manager at Access Plus Capital; a CDFI. She holds over 25 years of combined professional business and educational experience. She also holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration and a Bachelors Degree in Business Management. As a Fresno, California native, growing up in southwest Fresno, attending Edison High School and local universities while working full-time. In the finance industry, she developed a strong passion for advocacy and education towards business owners and entrepreneurs. Even more a deep desire to serve and give back to her community by supporting equity initiatives for underserved populations. She is a highly motivated, enthusiastic, and driven individual. She enjoys working in teams and team building. However, her greatest joy is assisting and connecting business professionals and owners with the resources to help them grow, launch and expand.
Crystal Peralta
Executive Director
Crystal Peralta and her commitment to community service stems from a genuine understanding of the impact it can have on individuals and families seeking to overcome barriers and build a brighter future. Throughout her personal and professional journey, she has maintained a steadfast commitment to community service and her passion for making a positive impact on the community has its roots in observing her parents' journey to the United States. Witnessing their determination to create a better life fueled her dedication to contribute meaningfully. Crystal moved into the Jane Addams neighborhood from Los Angeles County and has generously volunteered her time to support various community initiatives. She has also been involved with organizations such as US Vets, contributing to efforts focused on providing housing for veterans. Crystal's commitment to community service continued when she relocated to Fresno, where she has resided for more than five years.
Brad Hardie
Board Member
Brad Hardie, Co-Founder of RH Community Builders and President of Regency Property Management (RPM) comes from a family of real estate investors and got into the business from a young age. Currently, under the close direction of Brad, RPM has increased their rental inventory to over 7,500 units across Fresno County. Brad was featured in Forbes Magazine 30 under 30: Real Estate, profiling top, young real estate investors across The United States. Brad’s attention to detail, follow through, and high-quality work has helped him earn respect in the Fresno community. Currently, Brad serves on the Fresno City Planning Commission to ensure development in Fresno is positive and supports community development. Previously, Brad served on the Housing & Community Development Commission (HCDC) for four years.
Leslea Robles
Board Member
Leslea Robles was born and raised in the Jane Addams neighborhood, and attended Jane Addams Elementary School in grades kindergarten through 3rd, and again for grades 7th through 9th. Leslea recently retired from a 42-year-career with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Leslea is a member and has volunteered at the VFW post 5057 coordinating many fundraisers/events. For 10 years she coordinated and volunteered with an annual Christmas party / toy giveaway in the Jane Addams neighborhood for homeless and displaced residents. Leslea also volunteers with many organizations in Fresno, and was the coordinator for Volunteers in Action at the IRS.