Founders
Senator Don Perata
Don Perata is a former Democratic politician, who was President pro tempore of the California State Senate from 2004 to 2008. Since retiring from political office, Don has remained active and an important leader in the California Democratic Party, as well as lending his time and efforts to a number of important issues affecting millions of Californians, including cancer research and adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD).
Louis A. Vismara, M.D
Dr. Vismara is a retired interventional cardiologist. Since his son, Mark, was diagnosed with autism in 1995, he has dedicated himself to issues of child development, learning differences, diversity, and access to health care for under-served populations. Lou is a founding member of the UC Davis MIND Institute, the State of California’s First Five Commission, and the California Legislative Blue Ribbon Commission.
Kathleen Van Osten
Kathleen (Kathy) Van Osten has worked successfully at the State level since 1985 and has provided advocacy services since 1998 before the Legislature, Governor’s Office and Administration and every Constitutional office. She has successfully advocated on behalf of corporate, municipal and nonprofit clients, including United Airlines, Google, TechAmerica, SAP, AT&T, the L.A. Dodgers, the Cities of Beverly Hills, Fresno and Monrovia and many others, including nonprofits such as John Burton Advocates for Youth (JBAY), Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS), American Association of University Women California (AAUWCA) and Sierra Family Services.
