Janna’s tireless advocacy has earned her distinguished recognition, including being named Woman of Distinction by Cuesta College and the Women’s Legacy Fund in 2017, and Woman of the Year for the 24th Congressional District by Representative Salud Carbajal.
Janna has become known for her compassionate leadership, approachability, humility, and skill in building fruitful community partnerships.
City of Pismo Beach Proclamation, Dec. 16, 2025
Janna most recently served as the 5Cities Homeless Coalition’s first Executive Director beginning in 2012 until her retirement in 2026. Her legacy includes work with multiple nonprofit agencies either as a member of their leadership team or as a consultant for specific projects. Her career includes nearly 10 years as Chief Professional Officer for United Way of San Luis Obispo County and 7 years as Marketing Manager with United Blood Services (now Vitalant).
In her community-building work she has spearheaded the development of several key initiatives and collaborative partnerships to address the needs of our county’s most vulnerable populations, including the formation of the Tolosa Children’s Dental Clinic in 2003 for underserved children.
Janna has served on numerous non-profit Boards and Committees including the San Luis Obispo County Homeless Services Oversight Council and the Supportive Housing Consortium, the San Luis Obispo County Housing Trust Fund, and the City of San Luis Obispo’s Human Relations Commission.
In addition to her recognition in as a Woman of the Year for the 24th Congressional District by Representative Salud Carbajal in 2023, Janna has been recognized by the Pacific Coast Business Times in its special report of Who’s Who in Nonprofits and Foundations, 2025; the County of San Luis Obispo, City of Grover Beach and City of Pismo Beach upon her retirement in 2026.
About Collaboration
Janna has a passion for using her skills to best serve community needs, and understands that we achieve better results when we can work together. She appreciates the opportunity to work with other dedicated individuals with similar philosophies and complimentary skills. Through collaboration we are better together, and she highly recommends the work of these firms as a complement to the services that she provides.
Proven frameworks to solve your most thorny leadership challenges, all for the good of your organization. At Beth Wonson & Company, we help executives, leadership, and their teams use curiosity, clear communication, and connection to create organizations that thrive.
At Koble Collaborative we build trusting relationships, forge strong partnerships and facilitate complex conversations. We connect the dots and inspire actions that integrate water resources and community planning, moving towards resiliency.
Change Collective Central Coast was born from a desire to offer an all-in-one solution for nonprofits seeking to grow their impact while meeting the needs of our community. We offer strategic guidance, creative solutions, and comprehensive support in fund development, marketing, and growth strategy — tailored to the unique needs of each organization.