Waniya A. Bryant
Director of Programs, Hope Horizon East Palo Alto
Waniya’s work involves strategizing program development for growth of the EPA community. She is particularly passionate about enhancing educational and enrichment opportunities for underserved youth in all aspects. She has over a decade of experience in program management, curriculum development, youth engagement and program participation. Waniya is dedicated to fostering a supportive and stimulating environment that empowers youth to achieve their full potential.
When not working: When I am not working, I love to attend concerts, travel and read. When I’m not planning my next adventure, you’ll find me on the basketball court. You can always find me cheering on my favorite team (GO WARRIORS!!). I also indulge my love of reading, diving into everything from classic literature to contemporary thrillers.
Elena Chavez
Teen Program Director, YMCA of Silicon Valley
Elena Chavez serves as the Teen Program Director for the YMCA of Silicon Valley, bringing over seven years of experience working with teens and their families. Her team facilitates goal-oriented after-school programs, including the Model Legislature and Court, Model United Nations, and Leaders in Training during the summer. Elena holds a Bachelor’s degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice from Sonoma State University and a Certificate in Crime Scene Investigation from San Francisco City College. She has also worked as an Intensive Case Manager in Sunnyvale and a Wellness Coach in her hometown of East Palo Alto. Elena is dedicated to fostering a positive attitude, success, and confidence within her community and students.
When not working: On her spare time Elena enjoys reading science fiction novels, her favorite consist of The House of the Scorpion by Nancy Farmer and The Handmaid’s Tales by Margaret Atwood. I love going to the gym and hiking with her two dogs Zorro and DandyNala in the Bay Area.
Andy Garcia-Romo
Senior Program Manager, Sunday Friends Foundation
Andy is a Senior Program Manager with 3+ years of experience empowering low-income, immigrant communities in the Bay Area & a lifetime of personal experience as a part of this community. He is skilled in data-driven program development, community engagement, and event coordination. Andy is committed to creating inclusive spaces for community voices and driving positive social impact.
When not working: Whenever I’m not working, I love to travel and spend time with family. I enjoy watching sports, playing games, and going to the movies. I love the thrill of competition and honing my amateur-critic skills with friends.
Amulya Mandava
Co-Director, South Bay Youth Changemakers
Amulya Mandava is a Co-Director of South Bay Youth Changemakers, a community organization that cultivates Asian-American youth power with the goal of building up our youth and shaping our communities to prioritize people over profit. She has a Masters in Theological Studies from Harvard Divinity School and a PhD from the Department of Anthropology at Harvard University. Over the years, she has been proud to serve as an organizer in her union (the United Auto Workers), and as an organizer and advocate for Title IX reform in education. She grew up here in Santa Clara County and is committed to working in community towards an equitable future for the South Bay.
When not working: I love to swim in any body of water, do karaoke, and watch the worst possible movies I can find on TV.
Antonio J. Mendoza
Director of Community Programs, Silicon Valley Education Foundation
A Chicano, first-gen professional, and lifelong historian, Antonio lives to increase access to resources for those historically excluded from them by oppressive systems.
Currently, he does this by leading the development of programs to promote digital equity for parents, teachers, and students in Eastside San José at the Silicon Valley Education Foundation.
He also connects artists to opportunities for equitable employment as a board member at Local Color and promotes the development of leaders for the Latinx community across multiple sectors as a board member at the Latino Leadership Alliance.
When not working: “Antonio also loves cooking, animals, and Dungeons and Dragons. All three fill his improvisational cup.
He is particularly fond of walking senior dogs, eating braised food, and naps–usually in that order. “
Anthony Montes
Associate Director of Advocacy and Development , Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition
Born and raised in the South Bay, Anthony’s passion for community service led him to Portland State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and fell in love with Portland’s seamless transportation system. After working as a Field Representative for Congressman Earl Blumenauer, serving constituents of Oregon’s 3rd Congressional District during the Coronavirus pandemic and helping shape federal policy, Anthony returned to the Bay Area to join Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition. At SVBC, he is spearheading the charge for safer streets in Silicon Valley, with a focus on transforming El Camino Real, the Peninsula’s deadliest arterial, into a complete street that accommodates people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
When not working: In his spare time, you can find him riding around San Jose on his cargo e-bike, enjoying live music downtown, catching a 49er game during football season, walking his massive golden lab (Leila), or spending time with his family and beautiful partner on the weekends.
Jaci Muro
Executive Director, Gilroy Foundation
Jaci Muro is the Executive Director of Gilroy Foundation, where she leads initiatives to strengthen the community through strategic philanthropy and partnerships. With experience in community relations and nonprofit leadership, Jaci has successfully overseen grants, scholarships, and community programs that address critical local needs. She is passionate about fostering collaboration across sectors to drive change dedicated to creating lasting impact and building a future for the region she has always called home. Jaci is committed to advancing equity and opportunity in Silicon Valley.
When not working: In my free time, I love spending quality time with my husband and two children. I also enjoy exploring the natural beauty of South County through hiking and outdoor adventures and supporting local events. Staying connected with the community is both a passion and a joy for me.
Jaqueline Ramirez
Director of Programs, Community Legal Services in East Palo Alto
Jaqueline’s passion and commitment for social justice has been focused on labor and housing rights. Prior to and during her studies at Santa Clara University School of Law, Jaqueline advocated for worker’s rights in the Bay Area and in El Salvador. After completing her J.D., Jaqueline took her passion to civil rights in housing, advocating on behalf of tenants who had been victims of housing discrimination. Prior to joining CLSEPA, Jaqueline was part of the senior leadership team at one of Silicon Valley’s largest service providers for people experiencing homelessness.
When not working: When not working I enjoy working on puzzles and watching a good movie.
Sandra Sencion
Farmworker and Essential Worker Program Director , Ayudando Latinos A Soñar (ALAS)
Sandra Sencion is a dedicated Mexican American leader raised in Half Moon Bay, California. As a first-generation college student, Sandra has spent over a decade working in community nonprofits, where she has passionately served her community. Recently, she earned a master’s degree in clinical psychology, further enhancing her ability to make a positive impact. Currently, Sandra directs the Farmworker Program at Ayudando Latinos A Soñar (ALAS).
When not working: On her free time, Sandra enjoys visiting new coffee shops and restaurants, spending time with her friends and family and attending local cultural events.
Remi Sobomehin
CEO, Ambition Angels
Remi is a seasoned youth developer and ed-tech leader dedicated to empowering Black and Brown teens. After 15 years working in schools and nonprofits in East Palo Alto, he founded Ambition Angels, a nonprofit using technology to unlock the potential of young people. Remi’s expertise spans youth development, community partnership, and nonprofit management. His vision: a world where every child develops the skills to thrive as adults. Through the Ambition app, he’s creating pathways to success, disrupting cycles, and fostering generational impact.
When not working: Remi and his wife homeschool their two kids. He loves coaching his son in basketball and creating opportunities for growth, learning, and fun for his family.
Mandy Torres
Director of Retail Operations, Filoli Historic Home & Garden
Mandy (she/her) is a Bay Area Native and Director at Filoli Historic Home & Garden, where she strategizes the retail operations and oversees their award-winning Clock Tower Shop & Nursery. She holds pride in being a leader of innovation, supporting sustainability efforts, and amplifying community connections. With a diverse career in luxury retail and museum experiences, she blends history with modern values and works to share storytelling of regional events and women in history. Her commitment to historical preservation extends beyond her role at Filoli where she previously served on the EXCOM Board for the Red Oak Victory Ship and is an active member of the Art Deco Preservation Society of California and the Spirit of 45’ Bay Area Chapter.
When not working: In her spare time you can find Mandy working on her spare game at the bowling alley, participating in local vintage events and military reenactments, and driving her husband and dog crazy re-decorating their house.
Facilitators
Curtis Chang
Founder and Lead Facilitator of Silicon Valley Next
Curtis leads Consulting Within Reach, a firm serving nonprofits and government in strategic planning, marketing, fundraising, and other consulting services. Clients have included multiple MacArthur “Genius Grant” winners, the U.S. State Department, Stanford University, the Silicon Valley Community Foundation, and hundreds of community based nonprofits. Curtis has won national recognition from the Obama White House for innovative work in the social sector. He holds faculty appointments at Duke University and American University. Curtis graduated from Harvard University with a B.A. summa cum laude in Government, and is a past winner of a Rockefeller Fellowship.
When not working: Curtis enjoys hosting parties with his wife Jody, doing crossword puzzles, playing pickleball, and learning to play the piano in his middle age (as repentance for short-sightedly resisting lessons when he was 9 years old).
Brad Jung
VP of Product Strategy, Decision Counsel
Brad helps clients maximize their programmatic impact and their marketing appeal. He is an expert in empowering organizations to grasp their underlying message and their various audiences, and then to devise the best strategy to make the connection.Brad leads product strategy for Decision Counsel – a marketing and sales consulting firm in Silicon Valley. He has served as the CEO of Resonate, a provider of application performance management solutions. He has also held senior management positions at Purisma, Diffusion, Compaq and Borland. Brad’s nonprofit experience includes serving as the president of the School-Force Education Foundation of Belmont-Redwood Shores.
When not working: I enjoy spending time with family and friends (he has grandkids!), serving in his church and being in the great outdoors. I’m also a sci-fi geek.
Kevin Friesen
Academy Training Director, Duarte
Kevin is a sought-after ambassador of Duarte and their vision to transform people and organizations through unparalleled communication. For 20 years, Kevin worked in the social sector developing people and programs to serve their communities.
Since joining Duarte in 2011, Kevin has influenced thinking and promoted change, leading over 800 workshops for thousands of individuals across the world. He helps awaken natural talents and builds confidence in communicators.
Kevin has a BA in Music and a Masters in Conducting from Golden Gate Seminary. He also completed the Executive Program in Social Entrepreneurialism from Stanford Graduate School of Business.
When not working: My wife and I love to host and entertain in our home. We embrace any kind of travel or adventure, especially those involving our kids and grandkids. And we enjoy the simple pleasures of food and wine and conversation…as well as the not so simple pleasure of playing golf.
Jody Chang
Chief Operating & Portfolio Officer, Silicon Valley Social Venture Fund – SV2
Jody Chang oversees SV2’s internal operations and manages SV2’s hands-on, collaborative impact investing and immersive learning programs. She guides SV2 Donor Partners in their engagement with SV2’s programming, designed to transform their personal giving and investing through deep learning about power, privilege, racial justice, and equity. Jody is also a Managing Director of The Campbell Foundation, a family foundation which makes grants focused on education equity. She holds a BA in History and Literature from Harvard University.
When not working: When not at work, Jody enjoys hiking, gathering groups of friends to connect over shared meals (and cocktails!), escaping to other worlds through novels and TV shows, eating at farm to table restaurants, and taking weekend getaways.