Chuck Cantrell is an African American economist, San Jose Planning Commissioner, Principal Consultant at CAA Consultants, and creator of "Dying to Stay Here," a video and podcast series examining structural economic and social barriers facing Black Americans in Silicon Valley and Santa Clara County. Drawing on decades of research and lived experience, he uses public data and personal storytelling to expose how generational poverty, discriminatory business cycles, and systemic racism drive employment inequities, housing inaccessibility, and the overrepresentation of Black residents among the unhoused and those facing premature mortality. His work is a call to action to confront and dismantle systems that endanger the future of Black communities in one of the nation’s wealthiest regions.

As Principal Consultant at CAA Consultants, Cantrell also works as a political strategist, advising candidates and campaigns, including Giselle Hale, Lisa Gautier, Gordon Chester, and Mer Curry Nunez. He specializes in equity-centered campaign strategy, voter engagement, and message development. His work also supports non-profits, helping leaders and organizations design programs, build coalitions, and implement strategic plans that advance justice and strengthen communities across the Bay Area.

Alison leads the policy team at SV@Home, working across Santa Clara County for stable and affordable housing for all. Her core work includes SV@Home’s policy and land use engagement, advocacy strategies, local and regional campaigns, research, and educational strategies. She is proud to support advocacy efforts for effective housing elements and cities’ implementation of key programs throughout the county, creating robust long-range plans that will deliver affordable housing and respond to the needs of marginalized communities. Before joining SV@Home, Alison worked in business leadership, housing research, and community outreach. She holds a Master of Public Administration and a Master of Urban & Regional Planning with a concentration in Community Development & Affordable Housing Finance, both from San Jose State University, and a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Central Florida. In her free time, Alison enjoys experiencing a great local adventure with her family, taking a class, kayaking or hiking with friends, or curling up with a great book.

David Low brings two decades of public policy and strategic communications experience to our work to end homelessness in Silicon Valley. Prior to joining Destination: Home, David served as a senior advisor and communications director to San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo, where he was intricately involved in the mayor’s efforts to combat Silicon Valley’s homelessness and affordable housing crises. He also spent a number of years working on the team of former Mayor Chuck Reed, as well as in the nonprofit sector, including stints as the marketing and communications director for the YMCA of Silicon Valley and regional communications director for Breathe California.

David grew up in Silicon Valley and is an alumnus of UCLA, where he earned a dual bachelor’s degree in political science and communication studies.

Huascar Castro is the Director of Housing and Transportation Justice at Working Partnerships USA. Throughout his tenure at Working Partnerships USA he has led efforts to secure funding for the Eastridge to BART Light Rail Connector, ongoing housing justice advocacy related to tenant protections, and was part of the Close Reid Hillview Campaign so 160 acres of public land can better serve the East San Jose community.

Huascar has also worked on a variety of housing revenue initiatives for years, including Measure E and, most recently on regional efforts around a 9 county bond. Prior to his time at Working Partnerships USA, Huascar was part of the SV@Home team as a policy associate where he worked on crucial campaigns including winning a commercial linkage fee at the City of Milpitas and working alongside a community based coalition for the El Camino Real Specific Plan in Santa Clara. Huascar has worked in public policy for nearly 10 years and is truly committed to the ongoing fight to create a South Bay that is equitable and inclusive for anyone, regardless of race or income level.