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.

Our Executive Staff

  • Monique LeSarre, PsyD

    Executive Director

    Monique provides strategic and visionary leadership, advancing the YWCA’s mission of eliminating racism and empowering women while guiding programs, staff, and community partnerships.

  • Fernanda Olivares

    Operations Director

    Fernanda oversees the YWCA’s operations and organizational infrastructure, providing the foundation that keeps the organization running smoothly and effectively every day.

  • Juliet Galvez

    Sr. Manager of Finances & Development

    Juliet oversees financial records and drives strategic development initiatives to support organizational growth and efficiency.

Our Staff

  • Chris Carlisle

    Facilities Manager

    Chris manages the YWCA Berkeley/Oakland building.

  • Claire Marchiano

    Career Coach

    Claire offers one-on-one career coaching sessions.



  • Cristina Estrada

    Program Coordinator

    Cristina oversees rentals and supports daily operations. She manages bookings, client communication, and provides front desk and administrative support.

  • 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.

  • Itzel Salinas Hernandez

    Program Manager

    Itzel leads the planning and coordination of the YWCA’s community programs. She works closely with leadership to build community partnerships and bring engaging events to life. 

  • Karma Smart

    Art, Culture, and Wellness Curator

    Develops and implements programs which 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.

  • Mari Mora

    Description goes here

  • Maria Galvez

    Housekeeping and Hospitality Assistant

    Maria maintains and cleans the YWCA Berkeley/Oakland building.

  • Nicole Rodriguez

    Description goes here

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.

2025 – 2026 Officers

Marcus Hill
Chair

Paige Wheeler Fleury
Vice-Chair

Trina Ostrander
Treasurer

Francesca Gibson
Secretary

  • Dom DeGuzman

  • Kate Earle Funk

  • Reverend Yi Gaylord

  • Francesca Gibson

  • Marcus Hill 

  • Trina Ostrander

Directors

  • Mary Remy  

  • Paige Wheeler Fleury 

  • Adrienne Williams

  • Dohee Kim

  • Victoria Hughes

  • Erica Jiang

Support Team

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.

Work Study

Diana Maravillo
YWCA Ambassador

Volunteers

Madeline Lee Newby
YWCA Ambassador

Tanvi Sure
YWCA Ambassador

Fellows

Ryan Rocio
Advocacy

Krishna Sumesh
Advocacy

Jailyn Romero
Advocacy

Aklesya Dechasa
Advocacy and Arts, Culture, & Wellness

Whitney Sparks
Arts, Culture, & Wellness

Derrick Coney
YWCA Ambassador and Basic Needs

Jannat Khan
YWCA Ambassador and Financial Literacy