Co-founders Maite Durán and Yavar Amidi bring years of community leadership to Raíces del Canal, working alongside youth and families to build connection, opportunity, and belonging in San Rafael.
Learning, growing, and giving back together at Bahía Vista Elementary.Co-founder
Maite Durán
20+years of community leadership
Maite Durán is a co-founder of Raíces del Canal with more than 20 years of experience in the nonprofit world and in leading communities in San Rafael. Her work centers on the people who make a neighborhood strong: young people, families, and neighbors coming together to shape their future.
At Raíces del Canal, that commitment takes shape through after-school support, cultural connection, community gardens, and shared gatherings. Maite helps create spaces where families can connect, children can learn and grow, and community members can contribute their knowledge and care.
Yavar Amidi is a co-founder of Raíces del Canal with more than eight years of experience in nonprofit and community work. He works alongside Maite and Canal families to help young people learn, build confidence, and take an active role in their neighborhood.
From learning together after school to tending a shared garden, Raíces del Canal connects everyday activities with a sense of belonging and responsibility. Yavar’s work with students and families is part of that shared effort: making room for questions, creativity, collaboration, and the next generation of community leaders.
Co-founder