Former Santa Cruz Accelerates members, The 418 Project have welcomed two dynamic new board members:  Sonja Brunner, Santa Cruz City Council Member, Business Advocate and former Mayor, and Ann-Marie Yap, Executive Director at Stanford Medicine, Distinguished Technology/IT Leader and a Founder of the Pride Employee Resource Group (ERG) at Stanford Medicine.
 
Being able to attract board members of Sonja’s and Ann-Marie’s proven leadership and accomplishments reflects the 418 Project’s commitment to supporting working artists and diverse communities to create a more inclusive world. 
  
Both long-time Santa Cruz residents, Sonja and Ann-Marie bring different professional views – one business and policy making, the other technology and health care. But they share a common world view of the importance of building a community that is diverse, inclusive and believes employment for emerging artists means more than just having a job, it means having equitable access to resources, activities, and choices that help to foster wellness and improve quality of life. 

Their active leadership on the board takes to a new level the organization's ability not only to become a dynamic downtown arts incubator but also a working model of the arts economy contributing to the economic and cultural vitality of Santa Cruz.

About The 418 Project

Since 1993, The 418 Project has provided affordable, accessible programming—a home where artists and entrepreneurs can grow their gifts centered around Community, Mindfulness, Art, and Embodiment. The 418 Project supports emerging artists and diverse communities to create a more inclusive world