ABOUT US
OUR TEAM
ALEXANDER PEDERSEN he/him/his
President
Program Coordinator
Alexander is a business advisor with the Santa Cruz County Small Business Development center and small business owner. His experience serving community organizations includes his current role as board member for the Second Harvest Food Bank and previous board member of the non-profit Davis Makerspace.
ANDREW PEDERSEN he/him/his
Vice President
Education/Research, Fundraising
Andrew is a senior at CSU Channel Islands earning his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. He has over five years of experience working in an environmental laboratory at UC Davis. He recently joined a team of students and faculty whose aim is to provide consulting services to local organizations who are interested in pursuing B Corp certification. Andrew joined the Blue Circle team as an opportunity to improve lives in his community, and to promote social justice through collective action.
VALERIE THORP she/her/hers
Treasurer
Finance
Valerie earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Concordia University Wisconsin and currently provides home health physical therapy services to a diverse patient population in South Santa Cruz County. Outside of work, Valerie enjoys spending time with her little sister through Big Brothers Big Sisters and getting outside to swim and run.
TAYLOR ABAD she/her/hers
Marketing Director
Marketing
Taylor is a biologist who earned her degree from University of California, Davis. Since then, she has had a range of experience in laboratory, veterinary health, regulatory, and academic science. Though her focus is in life sciences, Taylor enjoys photography and creating digital media. Her wide variety of jobs has given her much insight into both private and public sector employment.
CHRISTOPHER TAI he/him/his
Board Member
Finance
Chris is a research data specialist who earned his degree from California State University, Sacramento. Since then, he has worked for the State of California collaborating with programs that aim to help needy Californians with their welfare and housing needs.