STAFF DIRECTORY

Pamela Brown

FYI Housing Coordinator

E: pbrown@beyondemancipation.org
P: 510-775-3109 

I discovered the transformative power of selflessness and the joy of giving to others while fostering children for ten years. Inspired by this experience, my academic journey reflects my dedication to understanding and aiding those in need. Armed with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and substance use, I delved deeper into the complexities of human behavior and the factors contributing to societal challenges. My professional experience spans the non-profit sector, where I’ve worked closely with the homeless population. 

Nayeli Duenas

Pathways Coach

E: nmedina@beyondemancipation.org
P: 510-882-1017

My name is Nayeli Duenas, born in Pomona, California but raised in Mexico. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Education, Democracy and Justice from UC Santa Cruz. Throught my education journey, I discovered my passion for guiding youth in achieving their career, educational, and personal aspirations. I want to provide a space here at B.E where individuals can feel welcome, connected, heard, and understood. A long-term goal of mine is to be the best version of myself and to inspire others to achieve being their best versions of themselves. On my free time, I love to travel the world! Travelling has been an eye opener for me, I think every travel experience is an opportunity for personal growth, gain new perspectives, to develop new skills, and contributing to overall mental health.

Jenni Fick

Director of Impact & Learning

E: jfick@beyondemancipation.org 
P: 510-714-4064

I came to B:E with 15+ years of experience working with at-risk youth. A previous educator, I hold an MA in Education with an emphasis on Equity & Social Justice in Instructional Design. Moving from direct service to management, I have spent the last 10 years using my experience in curriculum and program development, coupled with my enthusiasm for data and evaluation, to enhance youth programs. Outside of work, I am a new mom and enjoy nature, DIY crafts, and spending time with my family.

Dina Gibson

HR Director

E: dgibson@beyondemancipation.org

Bio: Pending

Deyanira Gutierrez

Operations Coordinator

E: dgutierrez@beyondemancipation.org 
P: 510-774-6338

I’m a dedicated professional, who is mission and purpose driven. I hold a Business Administration B.S. from Cal State East Bay. Advocating for underrepresented and vulnerable populations, both people and animals, is where my heart truly feels complete. I’ve always been drawn to non-profits that bridge essential resource gaps for these groups. Over the years, I have also volunteered at animal shelters and food pantries. I feel incredibly fortunate to be a part of this organization that is of service to Alameda County youth who have been impacted by the foster care and J.J system.  

Outside of my professional life? Me in a nutshell: I’m a dog lady through and through. Mom to a mini schnauzer. I love animals and wildlife. Give me an adrenaline action thriller to watch any day (Denzel Washington and John Wick are legendary). EDM/ Techno, and Reggaeton playlist please.

Teshika Hatch

Director of Program Operations

E: thatch@alamedacountyilp.org 
P: 510-774-6293

Since receiving my BA in Sociology-Psychology from Skidmore College, I have held various roles within the nonprofit education sector working to find ways to level the playing field for all young people. My passion for advocating for young people to have equitable access to opportunities has spanned from my role as a diversity recruiter at Skidmore College, case manager and later program director at Juma Ventures, to partnership director at Equal Opportunity Schools. I attempted to permanently move back to my hometown, Seattle, but after completing my master’s in education policy, organizations, and leadership at the University of Washington, the sunshine, culture, community, and food of Oakland brought me back to the East Bay where I now enjoy hiking with my 2 dogs, exploring hidden food gems, being in community at arts and music events, and climbing at indoor boulders. 

Haile Herron

Pathways Coach

E: hherron@beyondemancipation.org
P: 510-951-0570

Hello! My name is Haile Herron. I was born and raised in Oakland and have lived here for most of my life, witnessing various phases of community development. A fun fact about my name is that it originates from an Ethiopian emperor named Haile Selassie, and it was chosen to honor his legacy. In my free time, I enjoy sightseeing, traveling, and watching the Los Angeles Lakers. I have a background in after-school programming and community-centered work. I earned my associate degree in social sciences from City College of San Francisco and later obtained my bachelor’s degree from Cal State East Bay.

Sheron Johnson

FYI Housing Coordinator

E: sjohnson@beyondemancipation.org
P: 510-407-2601

I joined the team in 2024. I am inspired by my upbringing in a household that always extended a helping hand, led by my mom’s example. What drives me is the belief that small acts of care can profoundly impact others’ futures. At B:E, I find fulfillment in supporting foster youth as they journey towards independence, showing them they’re not alone. Outside of work, I find joy and relaxation in cooking; it’s my way of creating meaningful connections and brightening someone’s day with a homemade meal.

Dave Leimsieder

Executive Director

E: dleimsieder@beyondemancipation.org

P:510-823-5232

I am a skilled & seasoned professional with more than two decades of youth development, social/community service, and organizational leadership experience. I am a visionary leader with a deep-rooted passion for driving change and real impact. I am originally from Tucson, Arizona and spent more than six (6) years in the Arizona State foster care system during my youth. I began my tenure as Executive Director at B:E in April 2024 after serving for more than four years as a member of the Board of Directors.

I most recently served as the Recreation Services Manager (Assistant Director) with the City of Alameda Recreation and Park Department and for more than three years as Director of Youth Programs and Associate Director of the Recreational Sports Department at the University of California, Berkeley. Prior to serving at UC Berkeley, I was the Director of Operations with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Contra Costa County after relocating to the Bay Area. Previously while residing in Salt Lake City, Utah, I served as an Area Director with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Salt Lake and as a regional support staff for Playworks.

Earlier in my career in Arizona, I worked as an educator and youth recreation leader directly supporting inner city youth through implementation and leadership of youth recreation, and Adaptive recreation programs with the City of Tucson Parks & Recreation Department. I also worked with the Devereux Foundation supporting youth in Foster Care as well as several youth who had been previously involved with the Juvenile Justice System as a Group Home staff member at the same group home I resided in as a young adult.

I am proud to have used my lived experience in foster care to advance the lives of youth presently living in foster care through advocacy, and mentorship. I previously served for two years on the Arizona State Foster Care Review Board and for two years as Chairman of the Family And Children’s Trust (FACT) committee in Contra Costa County. I have also worked hard to support of LGBTQ youth in schools across the west coast. I founded The Imagine Project Gay-Straight Alliance Network while I was a senior in high school and would go on to be a founding member of the National Association of GSA Networks.

I presently reside in the Mission Bay neighborhood of San Francisco with my longtime partner and our longhaired dachshund Luna.

Doris Lewis

Community Housing Coordinator 
E: dlewis@beyondemancipation.org 
P: 510-688-0761 

Hello, I am Doris Lewis, born and raised in Oakland, CA. With a passion for community engagement, I am a dedicated professional with a background in Business Administration. As a proud parent of three and a member of the executive board at Oakland Dynamites, I bring a unique blend of leadership, organizational skills, and a commitment to excellence. 

Maida Quintero Medrano

Host Housing Coordinator

E: mquinteromedrano@beyondemancipation.org
P: 510-410-6170

Hi there! My name is Maida, I have been working at B:E for almost 3 years. During this time I’ve picked up how much patience, reflection, hope and advocacy is needed to do this work. I have a tender heart and care so much about being an emotionally safe place for youth impacted by systems. Vulnerability is a critical gateway to wellness and it can only be shown if we feel and have safety. I’m a life learner so I’m always working!

Shaheda Wright

Housing Navigator

E: swright@beyondemancipation.org 
P: 510-421-1863
 
I am a proud West Oakland native! I attended College of Alameda and Delta College of Stockton. I’m a Certified Professional Life Coach. I worked as a group counselor and decided to support youth in a hands-on capacity. I became a foster parent and housed seven children in my home. Community is everything to me. My non-profit has served over 10,000 meals in the cities of Stockton and Oakland. I love writing. I wrote one book and published three. My passion is photography. I liken this work to photography. ALL youth should be seen and heard.