Meet Our Team
For more than 135 years, the YWCA Berkeley/Oakland has elevated the voices and concerns of women and girls, BIPOC and LBGTQ+ communities and fought for social justice.
Our programs have evolved to address emerging needs, with advocacy efforts focused on eradicating systemic injustices. Throughout the pandemic and widespread closures, our team, interns, volunteers, and Board stayed committed to supporting our communities and advancing our mission.
Now, in a post-pandemic world, the Supreme Court’s rulings on race, discrimination, and Roe v. Wade have set back civil rights, amplifying the urgency of our work. Together, we move forward with renewed dedication to creating a more just and equitable future for all.
Eliminating Racism, Empowering Women and Promoting Peace, Justice, Freedom and Dignity for All.
Our Executive Staff
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Monique Lesarre, PsyD
Executive Director
Monique provides strategic and visionary leadership while managing day-to-day operations at the YWCA.
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Layla Dargahi
Deputy Director
Layla manages all YWCA direct-service programs and ensures all address racial justice issues.
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Juliet Galvez
Bookkeeping & Development Manager
Juliet oversees financial records and drives strategic development initiatives to support organizational growth and efficiency.
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Fernanda Olivares
Operations Director
Fernanda manages operations, compliance, and building management to keep the organization running smoothly and effectively.
Our Staff
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Chris Carlisle
Facilities Manager
Chris manages the YWCA Berkeley/Oakland building.
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Victoria Mendoza
Temporary Bookkeeping and Administrative Manager
Victoria oversees financial records and drives strategic development initiatives to support organizational growth and efficiency.
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Jackie Kleeberg
Program and Marketing Manager
Jackie oversees the planning and execution of community programs while leading marketing efforts to promote engagement and increase visibility. -
Karen Lei
Program Coordinator
Karen facilitates English-in-Action, a program that helps English learners through one-to-one conversational practice with local volunteers. -
Claire Marchiano
Career Coach
Claire offers one-on-one career coaching sessions.
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Karma Smart
Art, Culture and Wellness Curator
Develops and implements programs that involve curating art, dance, music, and theatre exhibitions, or organizing and delivering wellness workshops, as well as organizing and creating community events that foster cultural engagement.
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H. Ameeta Singh, LMFT #50409
Mental Health Director
Co-creates a mental health program such as clinical training allowing us to provide therapy services to the community; discussion groups; support groups and other group based activities for the community.
Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors is a diverse group of women leaders using their passion, insights, and connections in the community, to create real impact for YWCA Berkeley/Oakland.
2024 – 2025 Officers
Laura Kirkwood-Datta
Marilyn Cleveland
Co-Presidents
Alyssa Tio
Treasurer
Paige Wheeler Fleury
Recording Secretary
Dom DeGuzman
Kate Earle Funk
Francesca Gibson
Marcus Hill
Patricia Jones
Victoria Ladew
Elsy Lewis
Directors
Trina Ostrander
Mary Remy
Kalkidan Shebi
Alyssa Tio
Dia Tshirki-Penning
Paige Wheeler Fleury
Adrienne Williams
Rev. G Y
Student Staff
Our Student Staff is a dynamic group of passionate and driven individuals who bring fresh perspectives, creativity, and a deep commitment to making a difference. They contribute to YWCA Berkeley/Oakland’s mission of creating lasting impact and fostering positive change.
Cristina Estrada
Administrative Assistant
Brooke Osheroff
Administrative & Development
Work Study
Interns
Itzel Hernandez, Administrative Assistant
Sienna Garsten, Program Planning
Katia Rodriguez, Administrative & Program Planning
Jasmine Mongue, Administrative & Data Analysis
Sanjam Jajj, Administrative & Data Analysis
Lexi (Alexis) Yu, Administrative & Data Analysis
Rakeb Yiheyis, Communications & Marketing
Isabella Newbrun, Communications & Marketing