Board of Directors
Thanks to our Board of Directors for their commitment to guiding the vision of Inspiration Transportation and bettering the community through equitability and sustainability.
Matthew Gillian
Founding Director
After 10 years in the music industry and the birth of his son, Matthew's interest in green technology led him to launch Inspiration Transportation. His goal is to aid in diminishing the barriers towards self sufficiency and upward mobility by providing access to transportation services for employment, education, healthcare, and personal services. Matthew is an active member of the community who was involved in Transform Fresno (TCC - The Fresno Transformative Climate Communities Collaborative) as well as the Fresno DRIVE Initiative (Developing the Region's Inclusive and Vibrant Economy). Matthew successfully shifted his business experience into the nonprofit sector, gaining insight and building professional relationships with the goal of bringing a much-needed service to Fresno's most under-served families and individuals. He is focused on improving the lack of access to social service transportation and addressing how these access gaps adversely impact low-income communities of color.
JePahl White
Vice President
JePahl White is a social entrepreneur with over 20 years in community based organizing, advocacy and program development within various sectors of the cannabis industry. He is also a member of the CSU Fresno Ethics Board.
Lauren Ruff
Treasurer
Lauren is continuing the legacy built by her father, Dale Garabedian, for making a difference in the community. Lauren has worked diligently to help build and grow Payroll by The Garabedian Group and is passionate about their firm making an impact in the payroll space.
Courtney Carillo
Board Member
With a degree in Electronic Media Management from Cal State Northridge, Courtney has spent the past 6 years paving her way in the entertainment industry. This experience has allowed Courtney to be privy to the intersection between pop culture and activism.
Brandon Esraelian
Board Member
Born and raised in Fresno, he graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 2008 with a degree in Economics and an emphasis in Accounting and a minor in Philosophy. He currently serves as the Treasurer of the Fresno County Young Lawyers Association, and is an associate attorney with the law firm Richardson, Jones & Esraelian.
Hal Bolen
Board Advisor
Hal graduated and was admitted to the California Bar in 1976. His practice focuses on real estate, finance, corporate, taxation and general business. He has and continues to serve on community boards such as The Fresno Business Council, Operation Clean Air, Lawyers Mutual Insurance Company, The Lively Arts Foundation, The Ag Lenders Society of California, AgOne Foundation, Fresno Coalition for Art, Science and History, Fresno County Bar Association and Fresno County Young Lawyers Association.
Amy Fuentes
Board Member
Amy currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer of the Fresno Chamber of Commerce and brings to our board a wealth of management expertise in the public and private sectors. As the former Director for the California Food Expo, she is well connected in the Central Valley and has extensive experience in government relations, public affairs, and business development.