Leslie works as the Registry Manager for the In Home Supportive Services Program at Connecting Point where she has worked for over 15 years.  Before moving to Nevada City, Leslie worked at a non-profit children's agency in Pasadena.  While working in the development department there, she honed her grants, fundraising, and volunteer recruitment skills.  These skills have been put to good use in her role at Connecting Point where she oversees recruitment, enrollment and payroll for caregivers in the program.

Inspired by the impactful work at Sierra Commons, Leslie aims to contribute her development experience to support the growth of small businesses and entrepreneurs in our community.

As a passionate advocate for economic resiliency and small business development, she has over 20 years of experience in business ownership, including graphic design, web design, and portrait photography. Her extensive volunteer work includes photography for local organizations like Sierra Harvest, the League of Women Voters, and The Center for the Arts,  active involvement with Nevada County Pride, and The Bizmiss Ladies networking group. With prior leadership roles on the boards of the Professional Photographers of the Greater Bay Area and the Golden Gate School of Photography, as well as fundraising and grant-writing expertise through Alta Sierra School's PTC, she brings proven skills in budget management, marketing, and community engagement.

A long-time supporter of fostering entrepreneurial skills, she is eager to contribute to Sierra Commons’ mission of empowering rural entrepreneurs and strengthening the local economy. 

I am committed to promoting health and gender equity in underserved communities by improving access to resources and opportunities. My experience spans nonprofits, academia, health services, and philanthropy, where I’ve led programs, teams, and projects to drive meaningful impact. I specialize in program management, strategic planning, evaluation, grantmaking, and budget oversight, strongly focusing on collaboration and community engagement.

Coryon’s background includes being an executive, entrepreneur, consultant, teacher, speaker, and the CEO of both Batteries4less.com and Coryon.com Internet Marketing. As a Solar Design Consultant at SunPower by Alternative Energy Systems, Coryon is currently focused on changing how people get their power.

Jim has lived and worked in Nevada County for 16 years, bringing a diverse background in business management, finance, and creative problem-solving. Throughout his career, he has held leadership roles in multiple industries, including commercial and residential construction, a biomass energy startup, and a utility support services company. With expertise in accounting, brand development, marketing, and strategic planning, Jim has served as CFO, CCO, and Marketing Director, developing budgets, business proposals, and financial strategies.

He is also a professional photographer and graphic designer, with experience lecturing at Sierra College and Consumnes River College. Passionate about fostering ethical and sustainable business growth, Jim is excited to contribute his skills to Sierra Commons, supporting local entrepreneurs and strengthening the regional economy.

Over a diverse career, Tom has a developed skill at connecting dots and finding continually improving clarity in communications and systems. He lives by a principal that change is everywhere and success comes to those most adept at recognizing and embracing it. He has created 4 businesses and built multiple consumer product brands, in which he sold assorted products to many of the largest and smallest retailers in the U.S., as well as developing and nurturing global product distribution systems.

Mani Niall is a chef, baker, entrepreneur, and author of four cookbooks. He founded two successful bakery-cafés, served as Executive Chef for Just Desserts, and now works as a hands-on food R&D chef, helping startups and national brands develop new products. As Lead Instructor and Advisor for Sierra Commons’ Food Entrepreneur Accelerator, Mani brings decades of culinary and business experience to support the next generation of food entrepreneurs.

Robert has been consulting with rural small businesses for over 25 years, bringing extensive expertise in planning, marketing, and public relations. As a business advisor with the Sierra Small Business Development Center and a business educator, he has guided hundreds of entrepreneurs in launching, growing, and selling their businesses.

In recognition of his contributions, the Nevada City Chamber of Commerce honored Robert as the 2024 Business Person of the Year. He also received the Sierra SBDC Center Star Award for positively impacting business development across a five-county region. A seasoned entrepreneur, grant writer, and course facilitator, he holds an M.A. in Instructional Technologies from San Francisco State University and is committed to fostering thriving, sustainable economies in rural communities throughout the West.

Jess Swigonski is the Program Manager at Sierra Commons, bringing over a decade of experience in community engagement, program development, and event management. Jess has worked with local organizations such as the South Yuba River Citizens League, Nevada City Film Festival, and the Onyx Theatre, where she built and managed programs that fostered connection and collaboration. Jess also currently serves as the Community Screening Manager for a docuseries about regenerative grazing practices, coordinating grassroots screenings and partnerships globally. She is passionate about creating equitable access to resources and cultivating vibrant, sustainable communities.

Jason brings over 20 years of Technology and Video production experience to the team. He has work with a wide variety of organizations and businesses to provide design, content and technical support.

He also brings his passion for locally grown food and culinary arts to support local food entrepreneurs and the regional food web.