Executive Advisory Council

The External Advisory Council provides community-based insight and supports the Center’s mission by advising on programs, partnerships, outreach strategies, and opportunities for sustainability and resource development.

Dr. Barbosa-Leiker is the Dean of the College of Health and Human Development at Cal State Fullerton. A Southern California native, she began her education at community colleges in LA and Orange County before earning her B.S. in Psychology from Bridgewater State University and her master’s and Ph.D. from Washington State University. Before joining CSUF, she served as a Professor and Executive Vice Chancellor at WSU Health Sciences Spokane, holding multiple academic leadership roles. Dr. Barbosa-Leiker has mentored undergraduate and graduate students, as well as taught quantitative and research methods. Her research centers on substance use in underserved populations, highlighting gender differences in opioid withdrawal, relapse, and predictors of treatment outcomes. Another line of her work focuses on the transition to parenthood among women with substance use disorders. Her NIH-funded studies examine psychological risk factors and brain aging in American Indian adults, informing healthcare practice, policy, and standards of care.

Ms. Eastin is the Executive Director of Development for Nursing and Health Advancement at UC Irvine. She earned her B.A. in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University, completed the UCI Leadership Academy in 2008, and later earned an M.A. in Philanthropic Studies from Indiana University. Known for her strengths in fundraising, community engagement, strategic program development, and grant writing, she has consistently elevated organizations and inspired philanthropic partnerships. Elizabeth has contributed to AFP Orange County, the CSUF Council for Advancement and Support of Education, and the CSUF AACN Nursing Advancement Professionals. In addition to her leadership at UCI, she serves as an Adjunct Instructor at Indiana University’s Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. Her previous positions include Senior Director of Development at Cal State Fullerton, Chief Development Officer at Laura’s House, and Director of Development and External Relations for Nursing Science and Public Health at UC Irvine.

Dr. Jones is the founder of the Center for Healthy Neighborhoods and a longtime advocate for improving health, education, and community well-being. Her work focuses on helping women navigate life’s transitions, and she co-authored Wise Women Seeking More: Igniting Passion and Purpose in the Second Half of Life. She is also the co-founder of the R&J Leadership Group, LLC, which offers leadership and emotional-intelligence workshops and retreats, and is the co-author of the forthcoming book, The 4G Mindset for Leaders. Dr. Jones began her career teaching and coaching before earning her PhD in psychophysiology and healthy aging. At California State University, Fullerton, she taught in kinesiology, gerontology, and health science and researched successful aging, fibromyalgia, and chronic pain. She later held various university leadership roles, including Department Chair of Health Science, Dean of the College of Health and Human Development, and Associate Vice President of Academic and Community Partnerships.

Ms. Linares serves as the Business Initiatives Manager at the Orange County Business Council, where she leads the planning and execution of the California Jobs First Initiative in the Orange County region. Her work focuses on developing and implementing strategies to diversify local economies and strengthen economic resilience. She also directs the Leading Educational Attainment (LEA) for Families Initiative, helping families navigate pathways to higher education and ensuring children have the support needed to succeed. Before joining OCBC, Ms. Linares contributed to the Office of Admissions at Cal State Fullerton and previously served as a student trustee on the California State University Board of Trustees, appointed by the California Governor. She earned her Master’s in Public Administration with a public policy concentration and her Bachelor’s in Sociology with a minor in political science from CSUF. She is active in community service, mentors youth from disinvested communities, and serves on the CSUF Passage to the Future Advisory Board.