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 Executive Staff

  • Monique Lesarre, PsyD

    Executive Director

    Monique provides strategic and visionary leadership while managing day-to-day operations at the YWCA.

  • Layla Dargahi

    Deputy Director

    Layla manages all YWCA direct-service programs and ensures all address racial justice issues.

  • Juliet Galvez

    Bookkeeping & Development Manager

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

  • Fernanda Olivares

    Operations Director

    Fernanda manages operations, compliance, and building management to keep the organization running smoothly and effectively.

Our Staff

  • Chris Carlisle

    Facilities Manager

    Chris manages the YWCA Berkeley/Oakland building.

  • Victoria Mendoza

    Temporary Bookkeeping and Administrative Manager

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

  • 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.



  • Karma Smart

    Art, Culture and Wellness Curator

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