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

  • 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

    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.

  • 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