Monica Aldana made a decision to give up a high earning position in sales where she excelled, to instead dedicate herself as volunteer in various schools, churches and organizations. Monica has been PTA President for Vine Hill, Scotts Valley Middle School and Baymonte Christian School. Through her leadership in the past three years at Baymonte, she has led an incredible group of volunteers to raise over $500,000 during that time. Monica is also the organizer for the yearly Secret Santa program that has helped over 200 families through the years during the holidays and still keeps in touch with many families to assist when needed and able.
A true positive influencer to her daughters, our youth and our community, Monica is indeed a TOP 10 Positive Woman Influencer for 2024.
Before coming to Scotts Valley, where did you live?
I was born and raised in a small, rural town similar to Scotts Valley called Red Bluff in Northern California. I moved to the Bay Area for school, graduated from San Jose State and then moved to Scotts Valley in 2006.
What brought you to Scotts Valley and how long have you lived here?
My husband, Robert, had lived in Scotts Valley since 1996 so I moved here to be with him in 2006.
What do you love most about living here?
What’s not to love?! We have the beautiful mountains, minutes to the beach and hiking trails, wildlife, and just a quick drive to the city. But for me it has been the people. The friends I have made volunteering are what I love most. And to see our children thrive is why I give back to our schools.
Please describe what drives and motivates you to do more for others and for the people of Scotts Valley.
I have felt an obligation to help my community and to make it a better place. So I work hard to fundraise, volunteer, step up in any way I can to help others. I have been blessed with a servant’s heart and while that can be exhausting at times, I just love to help others. This community can come together like no other to rally for causes and fundraise to make things happen. I have been so fortunate to have witnessed this so many times and it is what keeps me going.
Monica has been volunteering since 2014 with numerous organizations and schools:
Vine Hill PTA President 2014-2016
Vine Hill Board Member 2016-2020
SVMS PTA President 2020-2021
Baymonte PTF President 2021-2024
Help SVHS with their Dine-out events 2023-2024
Substitute teacher at Baymonte
Have helped to plan VBC and Eggapalooza at Gateway Bible Church for many years
Helped start the Daughter and Me Dance (Now VIP and Me Dance) to support SVEF
Have been a part of organizations that have raised more than $2M in 10 years for the schools
Organized the Secret Santa program for My Scotts Valley that has helped almost 200 families