About us

Guillermina “Mina” Perez is Founder and President/CEO of the Vida de Oro Foundation. Born in El Paso, Texas and raised in Sacramento’s Del Paso Heights, Mina started to work at a young age to pay her way through private school (Our Lady of Fatima and Loretto High Schoo and has never forgotten where she came from. Being afflicted with polio as a child, Mina has always compensated by being competitive and determined, but more importantly finding her creative and artistic side to be a success. In 2007, she established an arts business called “Mina’s Treasures,” and established the Vida de Oro Folk Art Festival, which evolved into the Sacramento Taco Festival, which has become the Foundation's largest fundraising activity.  Over the years, Mina has met with many key and influential individuals including Dolores Huerta, Edward James Olmos, the late Mia Angelou, Rev. Jessie Jackson, actors James and Tom Franco, and actor/writer Richard Yniquez. Her activities include doing art shows with world renowned muralist Juanishi Orrozco, artist Esteban Villa, and illustrator Felipe Davalos. She is an active member of the American GI Forum and recognized as Community Ambassador by Council Member Allen Warren. Mina’s kindness has influenced such leaders as the late Grantland Johnson, first Latino City Council Member Manuel Ferrales, GRAMMY Winner Jay King, and actor Levar Burton. She has been invited to speak at numerous events and activities including her former Alma mater, Loretto High School.  Mina is married, mother of 5 children and has 2 grandchildren.