Board of Directors
Meet the people behind California Groundbreakers (hover each photo for their bio).
Vanessa Richardson
During the day, I manage academic, political and high-profile events for the University of California at its Student and Policy Center, next door to the State Capitol.
I grew up in Sacramento, and after high school, I left to see the world and thought I'd never return. Then I heard how Sacramento was changing and buzzing with a new vibrancy. I moved back in 2015, was able to afford to buy a house in North City Farms, and am happy with my decision.
While living in San Francisco, I managed programming and events for the Commonwealth Club in San Francisco, specifically for INFORUM, the division devoted tor members in their 20s and 30s. I got high-profile people, from Spike Lee to King Abdullah of Jordan, to come to town, sit down in a chair and talk about their projects and themselves.
I think there are plenty of people in Sacramento like me, who would like to gather for some stimulating and thought-provoking conversations over glasses of wine, beer or other beverages.
Vanessa Richardson
Executive Director
Suzanne Budd
Suzanne likes to say that she is a storyteller. She's held communications and community engagement roles at multiple multinational companies. One of her first roles was as a cruise director on small boats in Alaska, where one could easily be upstaged by an unruly whale. These days, she sits on the strategic communication team at Berkeley Lab, where the unruliness comes from brilliant researchers and the occasional frisky turkey. Her goal is always to bring people together through conversation and stories.
Suzanne Budd
Board Member
Addison Cardozo
Addison is a NorCal native who, like many Millennials, never fulfilled his childhood dream of becoming a Pokémon Trainer. Instead, he built an exciting career in plant biotechnology, specializing in plant cell biology as a self-proclaimed "Petri Dish Gardener," helping move plants from the lab to the field.
As a plant scientist, Addison worked with more than 20 different crops and plant species, including watermelon, peppers, roses, and Black-eyed peas. Eventually, he traded the lab for leadership roles in administration, operations, and finance across nonprofit organizations, healthcare, and higher education.
Today, Addison approaches his work with the philosophy of "business rooted in science," applying a scientist's curiosity and analytical mindset to solving organizational challenges and improving operations.
Outside of work, he may not be training at a Pokémon Gym, but you'll likely find him powerlifting, bodybuilding, or contemplating a return to the tennis court. He also puts his former lab skills to use as an amateur mixologist, experimenting with cocktails, mocktails, and coffee. When he's not mixing drinks,Addisonenjoys putting his plant biotechnology degree to work in his family's garden and growing an ever-expanding collection of houseplants.
Addison Cardozo
Board Member
Rob Edwards
Rob Edwards is a transactional attorney with nearly 30 years of experience representing technology companies. He is a Sacramento native and currently lives and works in San Francisco. A longtime fan of European travel and adventure, Rob relocated to Spain in the 2010s to renovate a 14th-century farmhouse. He looks forward to conversations at the Salon, especially on issues touching politics, housing, and climate.
Rob Edwards
Board Member
AnaLisse Johannson
AnaLisse is an MBA candidate at California State University-Sacramento, focusing on entrepreneurship and global business. She is passionate about building community, learning, and challenging her beliefs through thoughtful debate. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, rock climbing, and making memories with family and friends.
AnaLisse Johansson
Board Member