Francesca Vera: Philanthropist, Volunteer, Teacher
Photography by Stephanie Rodriguez
Even as a child, Stockton native Francesca Vera (nee Silva) always knew she wanted to be a teacher. “I just always knew that’s want I wanted,” she said, smiling as her blue eyes twinkled, “I never thought of it as work. In fact, I never used to say, ‘I’m going to work’ or ‘when I get home from work.’ I would just say, ‘I’m going to school now.’” And so it went, for 39 years, that Francesca “went to school” teaching first grade at Davis Elementary School in Morada, California, an unincorporated area of her hometown.
“It was different then, in 1961,” she recalled, looking back. “It was very rural. Kids rode horses in the neighborhood, and it was such a safe, open time.” It might seem unusual to people nowadays that first graders didn’t come ‘pre-trained.’ It was, for many children, their very first school experience. “A lot of them really weren’t ready and it would take a few weeks for them to acclimate,” she explained. “They hadn’t been to preschool or kindergarten and didn’t yet know their ABCs or other basics. There was a lot to teach them. And for some children there were weeks of tears.” Naturally kindhearted, caring and patient, Francesca always helped them through it.
Fueled by those same qualities, Francesca has continued to pour her energy into the community and those in need; it would be daunting to list all the groups, events and causes she has organized, volunteered for and supported. “It’s easy to volunteer,” she said. “It’s so incredibly fulfilling that it leads to more and more things you want to do, and you get hooked. Hooked!” She said, laughing. Her husband, John Vera, shares her values and spent his life in community leadership positions, notably as director of the San Joaquin County Human Services Agency and founder of the Mary Graham Children’s Foundation, where an important focus is providing mentors for kids in the foster care system and scholarships for those who are turning 18 and aging out of the system.
As a result of their work and generosity, the couple were recently named Outstanding Philanthropists of The Year. Nominated by Michael Duffy’s 54 Fund, they received the award at the Philanthropy Summit event held in April at Lodi’s Hutchins Street Square. Five years ago, through the Community Foundation of San Joaquin, headed by Moses Zapien, the Veras established the John and Francesca Vera Community Leadership Scholarship. This scholarship is for Franklin High School graduates, two each year, with a 3.0 GPA minimum, pursuing undergraduate degrees at accredited colleges or universities, who have demonstrated leadership in their community.
“We’ve just seen so many kids and children without the opportunity or encouragement to continue their education and we wanted to find ways to help them and make things better in general,” Francesca said. She is committed to her PEO, or Philanthropy Education Organization, group, which gives an annual scholarship of its own. “I just see the need for kids to get out of poverty and maybe a lifestyle that hasn’t been the greatest. We’re hoping to make Stockton better. And we know how well it turns out for these kids; it’s really gratifying.”
Meaningful connections and community involvement seem to run in the family. Francesca’s uncle, Manlio Silva, an Italian immigrant, professional pharmacist and musician, was the founder in 1926 and conductor of the Stockton Symphony; several of Francesca’s family members were performers with the symphony over the years. In Manlio Silva’s honor, Lodi Unified School District named one of their elementary schools after him. Francesca said the school features, what else? “an orchestra, choir and rock band under the guidance of a wonderful music teacher, Kathy Evans.” Francesca added, “My uncle would have been very pleased to see music programs at his named school.”
Francesca and John are longtime members of Liguri nel Mondo, the Italian organization that grants scholarships to students each year. In June, 11 recipients were granted scholarships for a combined total of over $16,000. The Italian Athletic Club hosts the yearly event, a dinner and celebration at which recipients of the scholarships are announced.
Although Francesca and John are retired, you would hardly guess it based on their calendar, which is a whirlwind of innumerable community events. From the UOP Orange and Black Ball to the Stockton Ports, to the City of Stockton’s Feast at the Fox, to fundraiser golf tournaments and much more, Francesca loves it all. “There is always something new and exciting coming up,” she said with delight. “Our community involvement keeps us engaged, connected and inspired.”
