Staff

Lucy Santana-Ornelas, CEO
714-597-8600 x302
lsantana@girlsinc-oc.org

Since 2002, Lucy Santana-Ornelas served as the Executive Director and now as CEO for Girls Incorporated of Orange County, the oldest girl-centered organization in the U.S. which has been transforming girls’ views of themselves and their opportunities for generations.

Mrs. Santana-Ornelas has helped to greatly expand the services and overall operation of the agency. In 2002, Girls Inc. served 1,500 girls with a budget of $750,000. In 2011, over 4,000 girls were served through Girls Inc. programs with a budget of $1.7M. The current budget for 2012 has grown to $2.8M and the agency is scheduled to serve over 54 outreach program locations. This is all accomplished while working closely with the organizations’ 26-member Board of Directors, a variety of board committees, and 33 staff members.

Ms. Santana-Ornelas serves on various community committees, partnerships and collaborations. Since September 2005, she has been serving on the Girls Incorporated National Board of Directors representing California. She is also a member of the Latina Initiative Advisory Board for the Girls Inc. National organization and currently serves as the President of the Board of Directors for Relampago Del Cielo Ballet Folkorico.

Mrs. Santana-Ornelas obtained her Bachelor of Arts Degree from California State University, Fullerton. She has earned a number of leadership awards for civic, business and community leadership, and most currently in 2011, Mrs. Santana-Ornelas was named "Woman of the Year" and awarded the "Community Pillar Award" by Assemblyman Jose Solorio of the 69th District.

Lisa Wright, Vice President of Development
949-646-7181 x309
lwright@girlsinc-oc.org

Lisa Wright is the Vice President of Development for Girls Incorporated of Orange County, joining the organization in 2012. Previously, she was the Vice President of Development for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County and the Inland Empire, and for her volunteer work with the organization, was awarded the 2012 Tutor Pal Big of the Year Award for Orange County. Lisa started her fundraising career in 1993, as an intern with the Volunteer Center of Tucson and in the last decade has worked in Director level positions with the University of Arizona Foundation, and UC Riverside. Wright earned a B.S. in Business Administration with a major in Accounting from the University of Arizona and a Master of Divinity from the Claremont School of Theology.

Kimber Simons, Director of Operation Services
714-597-8600 x315
kimbers@girlsinc-oc.org

Kimber Simons, Director of Operation Services for Girls Incorporated of Orange County, and has been serving girls for the past 25 years. Kimber has been working with the youth of Orange County for over 28 years through the Newport Mesa Unified School District, privately, and through other community-based organizations. She is responsible for budget preparation & analysis, grants, human resources and overall facility maintenance & management. In addition, she assists with special events and fundraising. Kimber works regularly with the Board Treasurer and the board-directed Finance Committee to review and assess the agency's financial status and works to ensure that proper controls and financial policies are being implemented. She also assists the independent auditor for the completion of the annual audit and 990's.

Veronica Escobedo, Director of Program Services
714-597-8600 x318
vescobedo@girlsinc-oc.org

Veronica Escobedo is the Director of Program Services for Girls Incorporated of Orange County, joining the organization in 2002. In the course of her 9 years, Escobedo has been instrumental in growing services by 47%. In 2011, she spearheaded the Eureka! expansion plan that will include: 500 girls/5 years/5 million dollar project focusing on STEM initiatives – making this one of the largest single-gender programs in the nation. Previously, she was a Program Coordinator with Beckstrand Cancer Foundation administering the foundations giving policy. In 2008, Escobedo received the Excellence in Staff Leadership, Management Professional award from Girls Incorporated National–only one award given nationwide in this category. Escobedo earned a B.S. in Financial Management from California State University, Long Beach.

Orleda Azevedo, Director of Volunteer Services
714-597-8600 x317
orledaa@girlsinc-oc.org

Orleda Azevedo, who has been with Girls Incorporated of Orange County for more than 25 years, currently serves as Director of Volunteer Services for the organization. In her position, she is responsible for coordinating, orientation, training, supervision and placement of all program volunteers within the agency. She also oversees community outreach events which help keep Girls Incorporated visible within the Orange County community. In her previous positions, she coordinated Girls Incorporated programs within the Newport Mesa School District and assisted with the launch of the agency's first Teen Outreach program in 1990. Through her leadership and development efforts, the organization today utilizes over 800 volunteers per year. Orleda is also a national trainer for Girls Incorporated, specializing in its Preventing Adolescent Pregnancy and Substance Abuse Prevention programs since 1995. Her accomplishments include more than 20 years of service in youth development programs, graduate of the United Way Multi-Ethnic Leadership Institute, past board member of DOVIA (Directors of Volunteers in Agencies), and graduate of Santa Ana Civic Leadership Initiative. Orleda has a passion for working with people, spending time with her family, and frequents the beach year-round.

Kimberly Harnish, Manager, Youth & Family Services
949-646-7181 x308
kharnish@girlsinc-oc.org

Kimberly Harnish has been with Girls Incorporated of Orange County since 1999 and graduated from Cal State Fullerton in 2003 with a B.S. in Child and Adolescent Development. As Manager, Youth & Family Services, Kimberly manages the operations and year-round programs at the Girls Inc. center in Costa Mesa as well as at various elementary outreach locations throughout Orange County. Kimberly's experience includes: program coordination, development & facilitation; supervision & training of volunteers; community outreach & advocacy; motivating, mentoring & coaching staff; and more. Her dedication to the organization, her staff and the girls lead to her promotion to Elementary Programs Coordinator in 2006 and her most recent accomplishment, promotion to Manager, Youth & Family Services in 2011. Above all, Kimberly is most proud of the relationships she has built with the girls and the families she has served over the last 12 years. Kimberly is a proud mother of two boys and enjoys photography and scrapbooking.

Cynthia Williams, Eureka! Director
714-597-8600 x310
cwilliams@girlsinc-oc.org

Cynthia Williams, Eureka! Director has been with Girls Inc. since January 2011. In this position, she is responsible for the overall management and direction of Eureka!, enrichment programs for teen girls. Prior to joining Girls Inc., Ms. Williams was a Senior Associate Director at McCombs School of Business at The University of Texas in Austin. In this role, she was responsible for developing and implementing a corporate outreach program for their full-time MBA program. Prior to that, Ms.Williams was the Director for The National Youth Leadership Forum on Medicine. For six years, she and her team delivered the nation's premier 10-day residential conference in pre-medical education to high school students nationwide. Ms. Williams holds a Master of Science in Leadership and Management from the University of La Verne and an undergraduate degree in business from California State University at Fullerton.

Elizabeth McKibbin, Development Manager
714-597-8600 x311
emckibbin@girlsinc-oc.org

Elizabeth McKibbin has been with Girls Inc. since 2009. In her position as Development Manager, Elizabeth is responsible for managing all individual giving programs for donors contributing under $24,999 and provides support for the Strategic Corporate Giving program and assists the board and CEO with making this funding strategy a successful and integral component of the organization's culture. Elizabeth has worked with nonprofit organizations since 1998. She earned a B.A. in Communications with an emphasis in Public Relations from Cal State Fullerton. Elizabeth is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. She has also been recognized for her volunteer work with Project Cuddle and received Volunteer of the Year Award from OneOC (formerly the Volunteer Center of Orange County). In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, volunteering, hiking, kayaking, horseback riding and continuing her education in Fund Development and Social Media.

Lily Dandrea, Development Assistant
714-597-8600 x314
ldandrea@girlsinc-oc.org

Brenna Bell, Executive Assistant
714-597-8600 x300
bbell@girlsinc-oc.org

Brenna Bell, Executive Assistant, has been with Girls Incorporated of Orange County since August 2005. Beginning her tenure as Administrative Assistant, in her current role, Bell works closely with the Executive Director, liaises with the Board of Directors, and assists the Development team with two of its support groups, the Girls Inc. Guild and Women for Girls. Prior to joining Girls Inc., Bell began her non-profit career as Development Assistant & Volunteer Coordinator at Alzheimer's Family Services Center. With a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Vanguard University of Southern California, Bell is passionate about working for an organization serving Orange County's young women.

Shraddha Upadhyaya, Accountant
714-597-8600 x313
supadhyaya@girlsinc-oc.org

Amanda McMahon, Volunteer Program Specialist
949-646-7181 x305
amcmahon@girlsinc-oc.org

Amanda McMahon is the Volunteer Program Specialist for Girls Incorporated of Orange County. She has held the position since September of 2010. She has a bachelor's degree in human services from California State University Fullerton and a certificate in Volunteer Management. She previously held the position of Volunteer Manager at WHW (Women Helping Women/Men2Work). Amanda recruits, trains, and connects new volunteers, student interns, and volunteer workshop facilitators with the programs offered by Girls Incorporated of Orange County.

Stephanie Cripe, Eureka! Volunteer Speicalist
714-597-8600 x301
scripe@girlsinc-oc.org

Stephanie Cripe is the Eureka! Volunteer Program Specialist for Girls Incorporated of Orange County. She joined the organization in 2012. Stephanie graduated from Purdue University with bachelor’s degrees in PR/Advertising and Spanish. In her current position, her responsibilities include recruiting and training new volunteers and interns, holding volunteer workshops, and representing Girls Inc. at events to discuss their offered programs. She has been a volunteer for many years for a number of organizations. She currently volunteers at the Huntington Beach Library as an ESL instructor. In her spare time, Stephanie enjoys scrapbooking, reading, dancing, and doing yoga.

Laura Corona, Program Associate
714-597-8600 x306
lcorona@girlsinc-oc.org

Laura Corona is the Program Associate for Girls Incorporated of Orange County and has been with the organization for over 2 years. Previously, Laura served as the Front Office Program Assistant at Girls Inc. of Orange County. In her current position, Laura works collaboratively with the Director of Program Services and the Eureka! Director to ensure successful outcomes of programs and activities while providing overall grant support. Laura graduated from UC Santa Barbara in 2007 with a BA in Sociology and resides in Newport Beach.

Alisa Driscoll, Administrative Assistant

Alisa Driscoll is the newest member of the Girls Inc. family and joined the organization as an Administrative Assistant in early 2012. In her current position, Alisa supports both the Volunteer Services and Operations departments and also acts as the agency’s social media/digital marketing guru. Before coming to Girls Inc., Alisa worked as the managing editor of the Rainbow Resource Directories, California’s leading social service referral guides. Alisa holds a B.A. in Classical Civilization from UC Irvine and a certificate in Conflict Mediation from the O.C. Human Relations Commission. In her spare time, she enjoys writing, photography, cooking, and practicing yoga.

Noreen Rahman, Prevention Programs Coordinator
949-646-7181 x306
nrahman@girlsinc-oc.org

Noreen Rahman, the Prevention Programs Coordinator, has been with Girls Incorporated for 5 years. She manages programs serving junior high and high school students at schools, detention facilities and community centers. Rahman is a graduate of the Women Unlimited TEAM Program. She is currently working towards her master's degree in Social Science at UC Irvine and received her bachelor's degree in Comparative Literature and minors in Spanish and Criminology, Law and Society also from UC Irvine. Rahman is also active in the community as a co-host and producer for a radio program addressing women's and social issues such as leadership, sexual assault and self-improvement.

Jennifer Monroy, Eureka! and Program Events Coordinator
714-597-8600 x308
jMonroy@girlsinc-oc.org

Jennifer Monroy has been with Girls Inc. of Orange County since August 2005. During that time she has transitioned from a facilitator focusing on engaging young girls in pregnancy prevention programming, to more recently Eureka! and Program Events Coordinator- focusing on programming for middle school girls and planning special events. Before arriving at Girls Inc, Mrs. Monroy worked with children in different capacities, such as after-school program leader, mentor and tutor in mathematics with the Long Beach Unified School District. Mrs. Monroy received her undergraduate degree from California State University Long Beach in Liberal Studies with a concentration in Mathematics.

Carmen Gonzalez, College Bound Advisor
949-646-7181 x304
cgonzalez@girlsinc-oc.org

Carmen Gonzalez, College Bound Advisor, has been with Girls Inc. of Orange County since October of 2005. As the College Bound Advisor, Ms. Gonzalez develops and implements college preparedness curriculum for middle and high school age girls. Ms. Gonzalez is also responsible for the Girls Inc. of O.C. National Scholarship Program. As of 1996, Girls Inc. of O.C. scholars have been awarded in excess of $315,000. In addition to the scholarship and College Bound programs, Ms Gonzalez is the lead staff for the Speak Out! program; a video production course which teaches girls about advocacy and technology through project based learning. Ms. Gonzalez has a B.A. in Film Production from USC, a B.A. in Creative Writing from CSULB, and an M.A.Ed. in Early Childhood Special Education from CSUDH.

Lauren Henderson, Eureka! Coordinator
714-597-8600 x305
lhenderson@girlsinc-oc.org

Lauren Henderson is currently the Eureka! Coordinator at Girls Incorporated of Orange County and has worked with Girls Inc. since 2008. Previously, Ms. Henderson worked as an academic advisor at Saddleback High School in Santa Ana where she assisted the school counselors and offered one on one academic advising to students in 9th grade and 11th grade. Also, Ms. Henderson worked as an after school site leader for Orange County Department of Education. She graduated from California State University, Fullerton where she earned a BA degree in Human Communications and minor in History in 2006. Ms. Henderson is currently pursuing a Masters of Science in Educational Counseling from National University with a Pupil Personnel Services credential.

Gloria Fanti, Transportation Coordinator
949-646-7181 x302
gfanti@girlsinc-oc.org

Gloria Fanti has been with Girls Incorporated of Orange County for 15 years and oversees transportation schedules, maintenance of vehicles, and annual compliance with CHP guidelines. She takes pride in her ability to be a conscientious, competent, and proficient driver. Gloria also assists with the year-round elementary programs at the Girls Inc. center in Costa Mesa. She attended Orange Coast College, completing units in Human Development and Classroom Education. Gloria's 30+ years of experience in working with youth includes after-school athletics, physical education, classroom aiding, pre-school education and after-school childcare. Gloria is the mother of four children and a grandmother of 10. She enjoys Bible study, reading, and most of all, spending time with family and friends.

Adali Valdez, Youth Bus Driver
949-646-7181

Adali Valdez comes to Girls Inc. as a former driver for the Boys and Girls Club and has been working with children since 1999. He has taught Pre-Kindergarten, was an Instructional Assistant for Upward Bound, and served as a mentor for Americorps. He is also a Return Peace Corp Volunteer (RPCV) and served in the Dominican Republic from 2005-2008. Adali enjoys sports, traveling, video games, working with youth, and spending time with his young daughter.

Gilberth Magabanua, Youth Bus Driver
949-646-7181

Nathan Roa, Elementary Program Facilitator
949-646-7181 x309
nroa@girlsinc-oc.org

Nathan Roa is an Elementary Program Facilitator at Girls Incorporated of Orange County and has been with the organization an impressive 19 years! He currently implements programs at the Girls Inc. center in Costa Mesa as well as at various outreach locations throughout Orange County. Nathan has fulfilled many roles within the organization including: program development & facilitation, supervision & training of volunteers, community outreach & advocacy, mentoring & coaching staff, and more. Nathan has been nationally trained in nearly all of Girls Inc.'s elementary curricula and has implemented most of them in some capacity. This level of experience and leadership drove his award-winning nomination for the Excellence in Program Staff Leadership Award in 2010 at the national level. Nathan values the relationships he has formed with the girls and their families over the last 19 years. In his spare time, Nathan enjoys playing softball, reading and spending time with his two sons.

Eric Kennedy, Elementary Program Facilitator
949-646-7181 x310
ekennedy@girlsinc-oc.org

Eric Kennedy graduated from Vanguard University in 2001 with a BA in TV & Film Communications and has been an Elementary Program Facilitator with Girls Incorporated since 1997. Eric was instrumental in pioneering the elementary outreach program in 2000 and continues to be one of Girls Inc.'s leading elementary outreach facilitators. He also developed our current Operation S.M.A.R.T. curriculum which is implemented to ensure that girls throughout Orange County are aware of the many career options available to them in the STEM fields. Eric is also involved in the creative planning of the Girls Inc. elementary summer program, training and supervising volunteers, assisting with center maintenance, and working with the emergency preparedness committee to help keep Girls Inc. safe. In his free time, Eric enjoys singing with his band and volunteering as a youth leader at his church.

Cathleen Chase, Eureka! Externship Coordinator
714-597-8600 x309
cchase@girlsinc-oc.org

Cathleen Chase, Eureka! Externship Coordinator has been with Girls Inc. since April 2011. Previously, Chase was the Development Officer at Providence High School in Burbank, CA. In this role she was the "face and voice" of the all fundraising efforts and events. She also identified, cultivated, solicited and stewarded major gift prospects from all constituencies, corporations, foundations and individuals. Prior to that, Chase had over ten years of combined experience in both corporate and academic environments. Chase holds Master and Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees in Communications from Chapman University.

Joanna Moore, Elementary & Teen Program Facilitator
714-597-8600 x308
jmoore@girlsinc-oc.org

Joanna Moore, a Eureka! Associate has been with Girls Inc. of Orange County since April 2007. Since joining the Girls Inc. Team, Ms. Moore has been fortunate to have worked with all age ranges Girls Inc. serves to include: elementary, middle school and high school girls. Ms. Moore attended Menlo College, where she majored in Liberal Arts with a focus on Psychology. Prior to Girls Inc., Ms. Moore found personal fulfillment in teaching, motivating and mentoring children as a child mentor specializing in empowering children with learning disabilities.

Martha Rangel, Eureka! Associate
714-597-8600 x304
mrangel@girlsinc-oc.org

Martha Rangel, Eureka! Associate for Santa Ana College has been with Girls Inc. of Orange County since January 2012. Previously, Ms. Rangel was a Service/Outreach Assistant for a Non- Profit Organization in Anaheim where she assisted low-income families with education, employment, and senior services. Her major responsibilities included: the After School Program, Intern/volunteer supervision, providing employment services, outreaching within the community and facilitating financial/educational workshops to over 2,500 clients annually. Ms. Rangel attended Santa Ana Community College where she received her Associate’s degree in Liberal Arts followed by her Bachelors of Arts in Sociology with a concentration in deviance and social control. Currently, she is looking into Long Beach State University Masters of Science Program in Counseling Option in Student Development in Higher Education. In her free time, she loves to volunteer at the AIDS Food Store in Long Beach where they provide food bags for thousands of clients men, women and children whose lives have been impacted by HIV/AIDS disabilities.

Jennifer Draney, Teen Program Facilitator
949-646-7181 x307
jdraney@girlsinc-oc.org

Jennifer Draney joined Girls Incorporated of Orange County in 2011 as a Preventing Adolescent Pregnancy facilitator. As a Teen Program Facilitator, her responsibilities include planning, implementing, and evaluating preventive programs at school sites and community centers throughout Orange County. Jennifer graduated from California State University of Fullerton in 2008 with degrees in Special Education and Human Services. Jennifer recently returned from teaching English in Tokyo, Japan. Her passion is working with and helping the youth realize their full capabilities in life. She enjoys volunteering with CASA and the Special Olympics. She believes that anyone can reach their goals with a good plan implemented. In her free time she enjoys her family, Angels baseball games, paintball, traveling, crafting and snowboarding.

Melissa Lim, Teen Program Facilitator
949-646-7181 x307
mlim@girlsinc-oc.org

Melissa Lim joined the organization in November 2011 as a Teen Program Facilitator. She plans, implements and facilitates the Preventing Adolescent Pregnancy, Body Image and soon to be Body+ Mind programs at school sites and community organizations around Orange County. Melissa attended CalState Long Beach where she majored in Physical Anthropology and received her certificate in Forensic Science. In 2010, she received her teaching credential in Health Science and began her Masters. Melissa believes in the collective health of the body- Physical, Mental and Emotional and teaches Fitness classes in the community. In her free time, Melissa enjoys being with friends, family, her dog Kona and Disneyland.

DeAnna Carpenter, Teen Program Facilitator
949-646-7181 x314
dcarpenter@girlsinc-oc.org

Arezoo Shahbazi, Elementary Program Facilitator
949-646-7181 x312
ashahbazi@girlsinc-oc.org

Arezoo Shahbazi, has been with Girls Inc. as an Elementary Programs Facilitator since September 2009. Miss Shahbazi teaches national programs such as OpSMART, Kid Ability, Action for Safety, and Friendly Peersuasion. She also continues to develop the Kinder Program at the Girls Inc. center and recently begun facilitating outreach programs. Miss Shahbazi has bachelor's degree in psychology from CSUF. Miss Shahbazi previously served as a teacher's assistant during an internship at the Fullerton Children's Center. She also assisted as a sibling care aid at ICEC, organizing activities for the siblings of special needs children. Miss Shahbazi loves that she is a part of the Girls Inc. team and is both dedicated to and enthusiastic about enhancing each girl's experience.

Jamie Kugelberg, Enrichment Specialist
949-646-7181 x312
jkugelberg@girlsinc-oc.org

Jamie Kugelberg graduated from Biola University in 2001 with a BA in Psychology and obtained her Masters in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Azusa Pacific University in 2010. In 2011, Jamie developed an enrichment program (I CAN!) to include a homework system that helps to identify the unique needs and expectations of each girl and family enrichment workshops to encourage community, participation and learning throughout each girls' household. This dedication to the academic success & enrichment of our girls and their families paved the way for Jamie's recent promotion to Enrichment Specialist. Jamie was also instrumental in the successful launch of our Main Center Newsletter, "In the Loop." In her free time, Jamie enjoys baking and spending time with family and friends.

Alexis Robinson, Elementary Program Facilitator
949-646-7181 x312
arobinson@girlsinc-oc.org

Alexis Robinson has been with Girls Incorporated of Orange County since 2011. She graduated from California State University, Fullerton with her BA in Sociology and minor in Child and Adolescent Development. Alexis began her work with the organization as a program volunteer where she developed an early love for the girls and families that she served. In her capacity as an Elementary Program Facilitator, Alexis facilitates nationally and locally developed programs at the Girls Inc. center in Costa Mesa. Alexis strongly believes in being a positive influence to girls and plans to incorporate her love for reading, writing and character development into her programming to prepare them with the positive life skills they will need for the future. In her spare time, she enjoys going to the beach and spending time with family and friends.

Leslie Rivera, Office Associate
949-646-7181 x300
lrivera@girlsinc-oc.org

Leslie Rivera joined the Girls Incorporated of Orange County team as Office Associate in 2011. She manages the front office at the Girls Inc. center in Costa Mesa where, as “the face and voice of Girls Inc.,” she interacts with the staff, parents, girls and the public each day. Leslie has a B.A. in History from Loyola Marymount University and was an active member of Alpha Phi sorority. Leslie’s experience working with youth is diverse and includes: educating students about the Holocaust, responsibility, and choices at the Museum of Tolerance in LA and performing for young audiences through her professional theatre career (her credits include both title characters in "Charlotte's Web" and "Stuart Little"). Leslie has also worked for Kaiser Permanente’s Educational Theatre Programs, Stop-Gap Theatre, Phantom Projects/La Mirada Theatre, and at Newport Harbor High School. Leslie enjoys performing, working with girls, and feeling like she is making a difference in the world.

Morgan Parker, Office Assistant
949-646-7181 x313
mparker@girlsinc-oc.org

Morgan L. Parker joined the Girls Incorporated of Orange County team as the Office Assistant to Leslie Rivera in 2011. Morgan L Parker is a recent graduate from California State University, Fullerton with a Bachelors of Science degree in Health Science. She is coming to Girls Inc. with years of experience within an office environment as well as outreach work. She is currently a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated and loves helping her community grow. Being involved in extracurricular activities has allowed her to influence others and impact community life. She has realized that her purpose in life is to help others through service and compassion. In her spare time she likes to workout, read, travel, and hang out with family and friends.