Who We Are
KHANH NGUYEN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (HE/SHE/THEY)
Khanh brings to CEP 15 years of professional experience working in the nonprofit sector, with a focus on education and youth development, and holds a Master’s degree in Nonprofit Management and Doctorate in Education. An equally important complement to Khanh's professional and academic background is his unwavering commitment to CEP’s mission and his deep understanding of the challenges our students face. Since 2006, Khanh has worked with various youth development nonprofit organizations. As a nonprofit practitioner, Khanh believes in the power of community and collaborations and recognizes the importance of being community-oriented, staff-centric, and mission-aligned in all that he does.
JEREMY SIMON, PROGRAM COORDINATOR (HE/HIM/HIS)
Jeremy has worked in youth education in many different capacities, from tutoring students during an afterschool program to guiding teenagers on culturally immersive trips in Southeast Asia. Most recently, he worked with students in a wilderness therapy setting, supporting individual growth and creating a positive community.
Excited to be part of the CEP team, Jeremy brings his varied experiences working with youth and coordinating programming to his work both supporting and learning from CEP students. Working at the newly created Kennedy High School Learning Hub, Jeremy is excited to help create a space where students can feel both comfortable and empowered to further their learning. When not at work, Jeremy enjoys biking, attempting to play tennis, and cooking new dishes.
Excited to be part of the CEP team, Jeremy brings his varied experiences working with youth and coordinating programming to his work both supporting and learning from CEP students. Working at the newly created Kennedy High School Learning Hub, Jeremy is excited to help create a space where students can feel both comfortable and empowered to further their learning. When not at work, Jeremy enjoys biking, attempting to play tennis, and cooking new dishes.
CHRISTIAN HERNANDEZ, PROGRAM COORDINATOR (HE/HIM/THEY/THEM)
Christian developed his passion for serving his community through his roles as a Case Manager and Housing Navigator for a non-profit organization in Santa Cruz. In his previous organization, he assisted families experiencing homelessness transition into permanent housing while navigating the complex housing market of Santa Cruz County. Through these roles he discovered a recurring issue that most families faced when trying to access resources --- the language barrier. Motivated to make an impact, he returned to school to gain a certificate in Spanish Translation and Interpretation with plans to continue developing his linguistic abilities to serve as a bridge for families seeking resources.
Christian is motivated to use his experience to continue the growth of the CEP and connect students experiencing housing instability with educational resources throughout the Bay Area. During his free time he enjoys developing recipes to upload to his blog, filming & editing videos, reading and spending time with his family exploring menus of restaurants.
Christian is motivated to use his experience to continue the growth of the CEP and connect students experiencing housing instability with educational resources throughout the Bay Area. During his free time he enjoys developing recipes to upload to his blog, filming & editing videos, reading and spending time with his family exploring menus of restaurants.
VICTORIA KOSHIYAMA, PROGRAM COORDINATOR (SHE/HER/HERS)
Victoria established a deep passion for philanthropy, social justice and DEI&B work from her time in Alpha Phi Omega fraternity at UC Santa Cruz, up until her newly developed career in the nonprofit world. She brings an empathetic and collaborative nature ot build up the confidence of students and to empower them to be the best versions of themselves. For Victoria, CEP's mission is one she holds near to her heart as she believes cultivating an inclusive and comfortable environment for students surrounding education will be a lifelong impact.
Being a Bay Area native, in her free time, Victoria loves exploring new food spots and finding biking trails anywhere from San Francisco to Santa Cruz. During Victoria's "me" time, she enjoys puzzles and cooking.
Being a Bay Area native, in her free time, Victoria loves exploring new food spots and finding biking trails anywhere from San Francisco to Santa Cruz. During Victoria's "me" time, she enjoys puzzles and cooking.
JOANNA BLAS, PROGRAM COORDINATOR (SHE/HER/HERS)
Joanna is a recent graduate from the University of San Francisco where she received her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. During her time as an undergraduate student, she was in the Dual Degree Teaching Program and completed 2 years of student teaching in various schools in the San Francisco Unified School District. She also served as a literacy tutor through the Leo T. McCarthy Center. Most recently, she was in a preschool classroom as a co-teacher.
Joanna is excited to support CEP as the Children’s Learning Center Coordinator at the Family Matters Shelter. She hopes to bring her sociological expertise and experience in education to help students achieve their goals by creating an encouraging, inclusive and equitable learning environment.
Joanna is excited to support CEP as the Children’s Learning Center Coordinator at the Family Matters Shelter. She hopes to bring her sociological expertise and experience in education to help students achieve their goals by creating an encouraging, inclusive and equitable learning environment.
JANA LEE, PROGRAM ASSISTANT (SHE/HER/HERS)
Jana is a third-year at UC Berkeley, majoring in Psychology and minoring in Education. She joined CEP as a Summer Intern during the summer of 2022 and is excited to be starting as a Program Assistant, where she will be primarily helping out at the Children's Learning Center. Aside from this, Jana also works during the school year as a BUILD Director, supporting K-5th grade students in building their literacy skills to bridge opportunity gaps. She gained interest in CEP due to her belief in helping support underserved students and the fight against educational inequities. When she has free time, Jana enjoys crocheting, reading, and listening to music.
JAHMILLAH MALIK, PROGRAM ASSISTANT (SHE/HER/HERS)
Jahmillah was born and raised in Hawaii with her mother and six sisters. Her goal at CEP is to help assist children with their education and provide them with academic skills that will benefit them throughout their academic journey. She is understanding, easy to talk to, and open hearted. Jahmillah plays six instruments, she loves to cook, and creates graphic designs and 3D Art in her free time.
MARTHA ENCARNACION, PROGRAM COORDINATOR, (THEY/THEM)
Martha graduated with a BA in Public Health from UC Irvine where they learned how health affects low income BIPOC. Learning the details of how this can happen, and education being one of the factors to health risks, made them realize that providing the best education for these communities is a way to potentially support students and communities in how to better protect their health. In addition, Martha has a Masters in Education. They were an AmeriCorps member in the Teach For America Bay Area where they got experience teaching 5th grade DLI students. As well as learn how to be an active, culturally aware and anti-racist educator. Afterwards, Martha wanted to work in the education field, but working more directly with communities. That is why, they joined the CEP team as the Children Learning Center Program Coordinator. Their goal at CEP is to create a safe learning environment for students and build community. Martha on their free time likes to exercise, try new food places, watch anime, and spend time with their cats!
Board of Directors
SARAH CHAVEZ-YOELL, PG&E
Sarah Chavez-Yoell serves as Government Relations Representative for Pacific Gas & Electricity’s Bay Area Division. Most recently, Sarah served as a Community Outreach, Government Relations and Communications consultant, where she provided support to local businesses and non-profit organizations. Prior to those roles, Sarah served as Executive Director of the Oakland Builders Alliance, a non-profit advocacy group that seeks to address the economic and environmental need for responsible development in Oakland. She also served as Executive Director of the East Oakland Boxing Association, a non-profit, community-based organization that provides education, enrichment, and health programs for children and youth. Sarah also previously worked as a constituent liaison for Oakland City Council Member Larry Reid. Sarah is an Oakland native and serves on the board of directors of Youth Alive!, CEP, and Oakland Food Works. Sarah earned her bachelor’s degree from California State University, Hayward and Master’s degree in Public Administration from California State University, East Bay.
LEAH FALLON, ELEVEN ELEVEN CREATIVE
Leah G. Fallon is the founder and chief creative officer of Eleven Eleven, an Oakland-based provider of Creative and Strategy for Experience Design. Leah’s job is to design an experience that shares vital information and makes a lasting impression, whether it’s a digital training module or live, large-scale conferences. She provides best-in-class “big ideas” and insights to experiential marketing agencies from the East Bay to the East Coast, in activations that take place across the globe.
Before Eleven Eleven, Leah served as the Director of Creative Services at GO! Experience Design in New York City, where she lived for 11 years. Her clients range from non-profits and small businesses to Fortune 500 leaders in the consumer, technology, financial and pharmaceutical industries, and her work has garnered both industry awards and an Emmy nomination.
Leah holds a Highest Honors BA in Comparative Literature from Smith College. She remains active with the college’s alumnae association, serving as President of her class from 2011-2016 and as a guest presenter for continued alunmae education. Her hobbies include foreign languages, DIY and handicraft projects, inventive cooking, and writing in its many forms. In both work and life, Leah is most enthusiastic when she is working with passionate people and learning something new.
Before Eleven Eleven, Leah served as the Director of Creative Services at GO! Experience Design in New York City, where she lived for 11 years. Her clients range from non-profits and small businesses to Fortune 500 leaders in the consumer, technology, financial and pharmaceutical industries, and her work has garnered both industry awards and an Emmy nomination.
Leah holds a Highest Honors BA in Comparative Literature from Smith College. She remains active with the college’s alumnae association, serving as President of her class from 2011-2016 and as a guest presenter for continued alunmae education. Her hobbies include foreign languages, DIY and handicraft projects, inventive cooking, and writing in its many forms. In both work and life, Leah is most enthusiastic when she is working with passionate people and learning something new.
LAKEESHA LEWIS, ABODE SERVICES
LaKeesha L. Lewis comes to CEP as a professional who has invaluable experience in several business sectors. LaKeesha has six years of social service experience. For the past three years, LaKeesha served as an After Care & Housing Specialist with the East Oakland Community Project, a leading non-profit organization that works with homeless individuals and families and helps them transition to permanent housing. During the 2018-2020 period, LaKeesha was instrumental in helping the organization achieve a 95% housing placement rate while attaining a return to homeless rate that was less than 2% for the clients exiting the Matilda Cleveland Transitional Housing Program and Families In Transition Program. LaKeesha was also instrumental in helping to organize college tours and other educational support and awareness services that helped inspire four high school seniors to matriculate to institutions of higher learning directly from the Matilda Cleveland homeless shelter. Her leadership helped countless other students (youth and adults) to focus on educational and training pursuits as a key stepping- stone towards breaking the cycle of poverty.
Prior to her time with the East Oakland Community Project, LaKeesha served as a Recreation Specialist for Crestwood Behavioral Health where she helped support adults with physical and mental health challenges. LaKeesha was raised in Sacramento and graduated from Foothill High school. She received a Dental Assistant Certificate from the Sacramento Regional Occupational Program and worked as a Dental Assistant for over 10 years. LaKeesha enjoys mentoring youth and business planning. She is currently working with two partners to open a Residential Care Facility for adults with intellectual and physical disabilities. She is currently a Housing Specialist with Abode Services, a non-profit serving the homeless population.
Prior to her time with the East Oakland Community Project, LaKeesha served as a Recreation Specialist for Crestwood Behavioral Health where she helped support adults with physical and mental health challenges. LaKeesha was raised in Sacramento and graduated from Foothill High school. She received a Dental Assistant Certificate from the Sacramento Regional Occupational Program and worked as a Dental Assistant for over 10 years. LaKeesha enjoys mentoring youth and business planning. She is currently working with two partners to open a Residential Care Facility for adults with intellectual and physical disabilities. She is currently a Housing Specialist with Abode Services, a non-profit serving the homeless population.
ERICA MOHAN, CEP FOUNDER (SHE/HER/HERS)
Erica Mohan is the Founder and former Executive Director of Community Education Partnerships. For three years prior to founding CEP, Erica was a volunteer, and later the Learning Center Coordinator, for School on Wheels, an organization that has been tutoring children facing homelessness and housing insecurity in the Greater Los Angeles Area since 1993. Understanding the critical need to academically support children experiencing housing insecurity and realizing that the San Francisco Bay Area lacked an organization specifically dedicated to providing such support, in 2010 Erica founded CEP. Erica holds an MEd and a PhD in Educational Studies from the University of British Columbia.
JON RELYEA, ORACLE
Jon Relyea is a Sales Director at Oracle, working with growing midsize companies to modernize and scale their company software. He currently leads a team of salespeople that work to build deep relationships with business leaders in California and develop strategic plans to generate revenue growth.
Jon is a 'people-person' and takes pride in mentorship and helping others succeed in their professional lives. He has served as a member and Co-Chair at Full Circle Fund, which is a community organization that leverages resources from the public, private and nonprofit sectors to work on joint projects with the goal of building a better Bay Area.
Jon has Midwestern roots and graduated with a degree in Psychology from the University of Minnesota before moving to the Bay Area with his wife, Jackie, 7 years ago. Jon and Jackie live in Oakland and are passionate about serving their local community.
Jon is a 'people-person' and takes pride in mentorship and helping others succeed in their professional lives. He has served as a member and Co-Chair at Full Circle Fund, which is a community organization that leverages resources from the public, private and nonprofit sectors to work on joint projects with the goal of building a better Bay Area.
Jon has Midwestern roots and graduated with a degree in Psychology from the University of Minnesota before moving to the Bay Area with his wife, Jackie, 7 years ago. Jon and Jackie live in Oakland and are passionate about serving their local community.
RANDALL SAKAMOTO, ROSEN CONSULTING GROUP
Randall Sakamoto is President and Director of Research for Rosen Consulting Group, a leading real estate economics consulting firm located in Berkeley. Randall oversees the firm’s operations, and provides leadership for the delivery of strategic services to clients and business development. He is the team lead for real estate capital fundraising consulting, and has been involved with several of the largest successful public and private real estate capital raises in recent years. His fields of expertise include economic analysis, evaluation of strategic market opportunities, investment strategy and real estate market research.
Previously, Randall was Assistant Director at Cushman & Wakefield of California, Inc. and held several leadership and management positions at firms in the real estate industry. Since relocating to the East Bay, Randall has been activity involved in mentoring and fundraising programs for several youth-oriented organizations. Randall received a dual B.A. in Economics and International Relations from Claremont McKenna College. He resides in Oakland with his wife, Lindsey, and their dog.
Previously, Randall was Assistant Director at Cushman & Wakefield of California, Inc. and held several leadership and management positions at firms in the real estate industry. Since relocating to the East Bay, Randall has been activity involved in mentoring and fundraising programs for several youth-oriented organizations. Randall received a dual B.A. in Economics and International Relations from Claremont McKenna College. He resides in Oakland with his wife, Lindsey, and their dog.
SARAH SANDFORD-SMITH
Sarah Sandford-Smith was a partner at the law firm Beeson, Tayer & Bodine, where she specialized in representing public school teachers, classified employees, and other public sector unions. Sarah earned her J.D. from UC Hastings in 2005.
Sarah has been involved with public education, in some form or another, since childhood. Sarah comes from a family of public school teachers, and would often spend time in her mom's classroom, helping students in need of academic support. During her undergraduate years at UCLA, Sarah volunteered as a tutor at an elementary school in East Los Angeles. Sarah is excited to serve on the CEP Board, to further its mission of providing resources and support to underserved students in the Bay Area.
Sarah resides in the East Bay with her partner, three kids, one dog and two cats. When she is not working or wrangling children or animals, Sarah enjoys running and spending time outdoors.
Sarah has been involved with public education, in some form or another, since childhood. Sarah comes from a family of public school teachers, and would often spend time in her mom's classroom, helping students in need of academic support. During her undergraduate years at UCLA, Sarah volunteered as a tutor at an elementary school in East Los Angeles. Sarah is excited to serve on the CEP Board, to further its mission of providing resources and support to underserved students in the Bay Area.
Sarah resides in the East Bay with her partner, three kids, one dog and two cats. When she is not working or wrangling children or animals, Sarah enjoys running and spending time outdoors.
SONALI SOI, OAKLAND UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
Sonali Soi is the director of the offices of Charter Schools and Student Enrollment with the Oakland Unified School District. Previously, she held several roles with the New York City Department of Education: she led their Enrollment Research and Policy team, which used research and data to promote access to high-quality school choices for all families in NYC, and prior to that role she led the NYC DOE school accountability policy team. Before her time in NYC, she worked on issues related to the economics of education at the National Bureau of Economic Research, and conducted research at the Center for the Advanced Study of India. Sonali received her B.A. from Stanford University and an M.A. in Applied Economics from the University of Pennsylvania. She resides in the East Bay with her husband and son.
MICK STORM, ADOBE
Mick Storm is a Senior Design Engineer at Adobe. He currently works on the Adobe Design team building the Spectrum design system, which provides components and tools to help product teams work more efficiently and make Adobe's applications more cohesive. Prior to Adobe, Mick held leadership roles in design, prototyping, engineering and user research at a variety of companies, including Intuit and Medallia.
Mick developed a deep commitment to increasing access to learning opportunities for historically marginalized youth early on in his career through roles he held at government and educational institutions. At College of the Redwoods and Humboldt State University, Mick created multimedia for online courseware. Mick brought this passion for educational equity to his role at NASA Ames Research Center, where he built online experiences for education outreach programs for Astrobiology and other space science programs.
Mick lives in Oakland with his wife Sarah, their two dogs, and two cats. His hobbies include painting, creating 3D visual art, music, and gardening.
Mick developed a deep commitment to increasing access to learning opportunities for historically marginalized youth early on in his career through roles he held at government and educational institutions. At College of the Redwoods and Humboldt State University, Mick created multimedia for online courseware. Mick brought this passion for educational equity to his role at NASA Ames Research Center, where he built online experiences for education outreach programs for Astrobiology and other space science programs.
Mick lives in Oakland with his wife Sarah, their two dogs, and two cats. His hobbies include painting, creating 3D visual art, music, and gardening.
MUJINGA MWAMUFIYA, FULCRUM BIOENERGY, INC.
Mujinga Mwamufiya is an energy executive who has worked in oil & gas, power and renewable energy across 4 continents, in multiple languages. Her formal and informal roles have all revolved around being a change agent and a people connector. Mujinga is passionate about supporting diverse young people to reach for the stars, exceed expectations, and achieve their full potential by creating their own unique career paths. The possibilities are limitless! It all starts with education. Mujinga grew up in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, earned a high school degree in France, a chemical engineering degree from Princeton University, and an MBA from Georgetown University. Mujinga lives in Oakland, has 3 daughters, loves to run, swim, ski, play piano and scrapbook.
EMILY WEIGAND, PEOPLE.Ai
Emily Weigand is a Finance and Operations Executive in Silicon Valley. Currently, she is Vice President of Sales Operations for Tivo Corporation, a leader in digital home entertainment technology. She is a trusted advisor to the CEO, CRO, CFO and COO, responsible for driving business process improvement, enhancing business performance and supporting top line growth and profitability.
Before joining TiVo, Emily worked at several high tech companies including Anaplan, Rovi Corporation and McAfee where she drove the Finance function of the business including the integration of several large-scale corporate acquisitions. She is a Certified Public Accountant licensed to practice in California. Emily graduated from Santa Clara University in 2000 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting. She resides in the South Bay with Jon, her husband and two children, Drew and Max.
Before joining TiVo, Emily worked at several high tech companies including Anaplan, Rovi Corporation and McAfee where she drove the Finance function of the business including the integration of several large-scale corporate acquisitions. She is a Certified Public Accountant licensed to practice in California. Emily graduated from Santa Clara University in 2000 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting. She resides in the South Bay with Jon, her husband and two children, Drew and Max.
