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Emma holds Bachelor’s degrees in Political Science and International Studies from Dominican University of California, and is currently pursuing a master’s degree at the University of California, Santa Barbara. She previously worked in the non-profit sector as a researcher and…
Marsha has been developing educational programs and services for women since 1983 and is the primary author of WEV’s self-employment training curriculum, From Vision to Venture. She has a Master’s Degree in Communication from UCSB and a B.A. from Michigan…
Berenice joined WEV as a Program Assistant in July of 2016. She received her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of California, Santa Barbara. She is fluent in both English and Spanish. Her experience working in various local non-profits…
Marni recently joined WEV as the Director of Lending, however she spent many years on the Board of Directors and is very passionate about WEV’s mission. Marni has over 24 years’ experience in community banking and lending in Santa Barbara…
Lisa began her affiliation with WEV in 2009 as an instructor for the SET course, and in September of 2011, her role expanded when she became Thrive Program Manager. Lisa’s 15 years of training, coaching and consulting experience include helping…
My name is Adela Leticia Contreras and as WEV’s Spanish Program Officer, I oversee the expansion and development of our Spanish-language training programs. I am fortunate to come from a family of entrepreneurial women who achieved economic independence and led…
Danelle joined WEV in February of 2011. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Global & International Studies and Art History from the University of California, Santa Barbara. Before coming to WEV she worked in non-profit fundraising at two…
Meredith joined WEV in June of 2016. She earned her Bachelor’s degree at UC Santa Barbara in English with an emphasis on gender studies. While a student and alumna, she spent many hours volunteering at the on-campus Women’s Center. After…
Amy has been with WEV since 2007 and is passionate about telling WEV’s story through detailed, accurate metrics and inspiring client outcomes. She is responsible for the bulk of the organization’s grant writing and reporting, manages the client database, and…
As WEV’s grant writer, Devon is responsible for securing new funding and maintaining existing funding through research and proposal development. Devon brings a unique perspective to grant writing with her financial and lending background and 10 years of experience with…
Stephanie was born and raised in Oxnard, CA. She has over 20 years of experience in the administrative field in various settings such as Non-Profit and Mortgage. She has a deep desire to fulfill and exceed her personal and professional…
Evelina Ochoa was born and raised in Ventura County. At a young age, her farm-working parents instilled the foundation of always helping her community. She is familiar with the local demographics and is an advocate for various populations. As a teenager,…
Kathy Odell will assume the CEO role on January 1, 2020 upon Marsha Bailey’s retirement. Kathy is a serial entrepreneur with over 30 years of leadership experience. She began her entrepreneurial career in 1985 as co-founder Medical Concepts, Inc., which…
Nicki joined WEV in April 2018, in the aftermath of the Thomas Fire and the Montecito Debris Flow. Originally from England, Nicki qualified as a Chartered Accountant with PwC, specializing in forensic accounting and fraud risk management. She brings over…
Marta joined WEV in January of 2019. She has 20 years of banking experience serving both small community banks and larger financial institutions from Goleta to Oxnard. She grew up in the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley with a deep connection to…
Nicole joined WEV as Program Coordinator in December 2014. She has been working in the non-profit sector for 12 years, specifically with organizations in programs designed to break the cycle of generational poverty. After a trip to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia,…
Deborah Rivas joined WEV in November 2009. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics and Sociology from the University of California, Santa Barbara. Deborah has many years of experience and knowledge and a diverse working history. She has…
Alisa brings a diverse skill set of event management, public relations, and graphic design to WEV. She has a BA in Journalism from the University of Southern California and worked in sports and entertainment public relations, including several years as…
Leticia Sandoval, a Ventura County native, joined WEV in November 2012 as Program Coordinator. Her work in Ventura County over the past 15 years has centered on empowering and strengthening families & communities. Her focus has included social issues such…
Lysa has been a WEV volunteer and supporter for several years and recently joined the staff as the Marketing Specialist. She brings extensive experience developing successful communication strategies for the private, public and non-profit sectors including community engagement, public relations,…
Photography courtesy of: Pure Light Photography: www.purelightfoto.com Madeleine’s Photography: www.madphoto.com Theresa Gingras-Barns Photography, SYV Imaging Ashly Othic, Livin’ the Dream Photography Linda Blue Photography: www.labluephotography.com