Member Representative
Nelida Gonzales was born in Peru and has called Long Beach home for the past 30 years. For more than 24 years, she has dedicated herself to understanding and supporting people with disabilities, gaining firsthand experience as an advocate, caregiver, and community member. Through that journey, she has continued to learn and grow, and is now committed to helping other mothers navigate similar paths. Nelida believes that while no one can know everything, we can all learn enough to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
As a founding member of the CLT, Nelida served on the organization’s Interim Board of Directors and helped lay the foundation for its mission and growth. Today, as a member of the Board, she is passionate about creating a future where every family has access to safe, stable, and permanently affordable housing. She believes strong communities are built when neighbors have the opportunity to put down roots, support one another, and shape the future of their neighborhoods.
In her free time, Nelida enjoys creating floral arrangements, knitting, and exploring other creative pursuits. One of her greatest passions is cooking, especially Peruvian cuisine, a craft she has honed and mastered over many years.
