JILLIAN KNIGHT
Jillian Knight is the co-owner of SYV Directory and one of the original forces behind the platform, which was first created alongside Kady Fleckenstein during the COVID-19 pandemic. What began as a volunteer effort to help local businesses and residents navigate constantly changing guidelines quickly grew into a trusted community resource for the Santa Ynez Valley.
With a background in Organizational Management from Penn State and bilingual skills in Spanish and English, Jillian brings a rare combination of leadership, strategy, compliance knowledge, and heart to everything she does. Through Grateful Heart Consulting, which she runs with her husband, Anthony, she supports local nonprofits and businesses with the operational structure they need to grow, stay compliant, and serve their communities well.
Deeply rooted in the Santa Ynez Valley, with adult children who are fourth-generation locals, Jillian has a true understanding of the people, businesses, and organizations that make this community special. Her work reflects a lifelong commitment to service, connection, and helping local efforts become stronger, more organized, and more sustainable.
Maria Diaz is the co-owner of SYV Directory and studied Business Administration at Santa Barbara Business College. As a native Spanish speaker, autism advocate, and someone deeply connected to the Santa Ynez Valley, Maria brings a thoughtful, community-centered perspective to the platform.
Maria has experience working with both for-profit businesses and nonprofit organizations, where she has developed a strong interest in marketing, community outreach, and helping local businesses become more visible. Having opened a business in the Valley herself, she understands how challenging it can be to build something, reach the right audience, and stay connected to the community.
Her passion for autism advocacy comes from her personal role as a caretaker for her younger brother, Paul, who has autism. Through SYV Directory, Maria hopes to continue learning, growing, and using her background in business, marketing, and advocacy to support local businesses and create a stronger sense of connection throughout the Santa Ynez Valley.
