Kursten Holabird is the Executive Director of the Service Employees International Union Education and Support Fund (ESF) whose mission is to empower workers, raise standards and promote high-quality jobs. Ms. Holabird is the founder of the National Early Educator Training Center (housed at ESF) and has worked in early education and workforce development policy for nearly 20 years at the state and national levels. As the legislative and policy specialist at the Service Employees International Union in Washington State, she led the union’s effort to develop a labor-management training fund for family child care providers. Since being at ESF, Ms. Holabird has launched two other state-based labor-management training funds and was instrumental in developing innovative early care and education apprenticeship program. She holds an MPA from the University of WA with an emphasis on workforce development policy.

✉: kursten.holabird@seiuesf.org

Carol Torres joined ESF in 2020 as the Director of the Human Service Training & Professional Development Fund. In the spring of 2022 Ms. Torres accepted the opportunity to serve ESF as a key member of the senior executive leadership team in the role of Chief Program Officer (CPO). In the CPO role Ms. Torres is grateful for the opportunity to work alongside ESF’s fierce and talented national leaders, together raising the standards and producing quality education and professional development programs to a much deserving and valuable workforce. Ms. Torres brings several years of combined leadership experience in the nonprofit and the human service sector. Torres also brings a unique perspective to her CPO position as an experienced educator and active adjunct professor teaching leadership and communication courses at Nichols College. Throughout Ms. Torres’s career she has been successful in leading several initiatives that have created career pathways for workers, enhanced worker retention, and improved service delivery outcomes. Mrs. Torres holds a Master’s in Nonprofit Leadership & Philanthropy. In her spare time Torres enjoys volunteering, as an advisory board member and mentor to first year BIPOC college students, taking CrossFit classes, and spending quality time with her husband and three amazing children.

✉: carol.torres@seiuesf.org

Laura brings several decades of experience in the nonprofit sector to ESF. She has served in leadership roles across operations, programs, and stakeholder relations for diverse organizations and issue areas. Laura is passionate about supporting teams to work together more effectively to advance a common purpose, especially when the focus is progressive social change. Prior to joining ESF, Laura served as Chief Capacity Officer at the Full Frame Initiative, a national organization working to ensure everyone has a fair shot at wellbeing. Her earlier positions were in organizations that promoted and advocated for organic agriculture and affordable housing. She is new to the labor sector and inspired by ESF’s worker- and equity-centered approach that is creating better jobs and pathways for service workers. Laura serves on the board of her town’s scholarship committee and is a volunteer with The Restorative Center. She holds a B.A. from Duke University and a M.S.W degree from the University of Washington. Laura resides with her family in the beautiful hills of Western Massachusetts where she loves to hike and enjoys all four seasons.

✉: laura.stravino@seiuesf.org

Michael Corrente joined ESF in 2024 as the inaugural Chief Advancement Officer. In this role, he is responsible for building and overseeing the fundraising and communications operations to further ESF's mission. Coming from a union family, he has a strong sense of solidarity with the ESF's mission and programs, making this work deeply meaningful and relevant to him.

He brings over 20 years of varied experience in nonprofit fundraising, strategic partnerships, philanthropy, and communications to the role. Throughout his career, he has held leadership positions at many nonprofit and social justice organizations, including Define American, the Ms. Foundation for Women, Gay Men’s Health Crisis, and the City University of New York. He has also served as a consultant for organizations like the Collective Future Fund and the Labor Innovations for the 21st Century (LIFT) Fund. He holds a BFA in communications and a Master of Public Administration degree from Baruch College.

✉: michael.corrente@seiuesf.org

Abby joined ESF in 2023 as the inaugural Director of Operations, bringing nearly fifteen years of experience in the nonprofit sector and a passion for helping organizations do their best work.  Prior to joining ESF, Abby was a Project Director at Root Cause, a nonprofit consulting and capacity-building organization, where she specialized in social service program quality, performance measurement and evaluation, strategic planning, coaching direct service providers, and continuous learning and improvement, particularly in support of early childhood programs. Abby’s passion for supporting workers and social service organizations comes from her own experience as a direct service provider, which include working as the children’s advocate and case manager in a domestic violence shelter in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Abby has also conducted extensive research into how to build trauma-informed practices into Massachusetts’ early education and care settings for her Master’s in Public Policy capstone project at Brandeis University’s Heller School for Social Policy and Management. Abby holds both an MPP and an MBA in nonprofit management from Heller, with a focus on family- and community-serving systems and organizations. Abby lives in Western Massachusetts, where you can find them exploring the beautiful landscape with her dog, Lucy, or attempting to paint it in her small studio at home.

✉: Abby.Alexanian@seiuesf.org

Quimoy Allen has worked as a human resources specialist for 10+ years with more than seven years in the education sector. In 2022, Quimoy joined ESF as the inaugural Senior Human Resources Generalist. In this position, her focus is creating, unifying and codifying policies and procedures that relates to building and strengthening staff, bolstering equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) work internally, and acting as a cultural steward for ESF.

As a department of one, Quimoy stays connected with the global HR community by maintaining her SHRM certification. She recently obtained her Workplace Mental Health Ally Certificate with PsychHub. Quimoy holds a B.S. in Business Management and Finance with a Minor in Human Resources Management (HRM) and Development from Brooklyn College.

In her free time, she enjoys traveling with her family locally and internationally, any superhero and scary movies, and Junior’s cheesecake.

✉: quimoy.allen@seiuesf.org

Jess Usher, our Finance and Operations Manager, decided to take a different career path after having children. A former major gift fundraiser, she's worked at Hampshire College, Smith College, and UMass Amherst along with a few small non-profits along the way. At ESF, Jess manages the organization's billing, contracts, and day to day operations. As the first official ESF employee, Jess has been with the organization since the beginning. 

She is the daughter of a union worker and is very passionate about ESF's mission, especially assisting union members in furthering their career goals and building their confidence. A western Massachusetts native, Jess attended St. Andrews University in Scotland and graduated with a B.A. from Smith College. When not working, Jess and her family enjoy exploring New England (especially in autumn) and rooting on the Red Sox. 

✉: jessica.usher@seiuesf.org

Dorothea Dorante joined ESF’s Operations Team in 2023 as a Human Resources Manager.

In her 8+ years of experience, she has crafted a career supporting and shaping workplace cultures where teams can thrive and progressively evolve. Prior to ESF, she was an HR Administrator for a non-profit housing authority where she utilized her experience acquired from working in the education, operations, union, and manufacturing sectors to focus on developing and strengthening the culture while leading change during some of the most challenging shifts in our employment market.

She believes that people are the most important asset to any organization and has a passion for fostering a people-centric ethos that is inclusive of everyone’s individual experiences. As an individual that values lending out a helping hand to those in need and edifying the community at large, ESF’s mission to uplift and empower marginalized communities with education and training applicable to their career was Dorothea’s primary motivating factor in joining the team.

Dorothea graduated from Western Connecticut State University with a B.A. in Psychology. She lives in Connecticut with her family. You can find her throwing down in the kitchen with the music on max, hanging out with family & friends, traveling or trying a new experience.

✉: dorothea.dorante@seiuesf.org

Jade joined the ESF team in 2022. She has a BA in Sociology from the University of Southern California (USC) and has 10+ years in non-profit and various roles in Fund Development.

Jade is very thoughtful and meticulous when performing any task, whether as an employee or volunteer. Through her various experiences, Jade developed a passion for data analytics and problem-solving. She understands the direct correlation between having the proper tools and resources and being able to perform duties and responsibilities successfully and efficiently, which piqued her interest in making Salesforce more conducive to non-profit organizations.

✉: jade.green@seiuesf.org

Avigail joined the ESF team in 2023. Her pronouns are she/her/hers. She graduated with a B.A. from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Her major, social thought & political economy, is the study of power. This interdisciplinary major allowed her to develop an intersectional lens as she gained insight into social, economic, and environmental systems and initiatives. She was able to research and evaluate policies, programs, and movements, and their effects on various forms of oppression, racial inequities, and injustices. She wants to use her knowledge and skills to help empower people, especially those in marginalized groups, so that they live happy, healthy, safe, and just lives. She believes everyone should have access to education and resources that allow them to be successful in their work. Her role at ESF allows her belief to come into fruition.

As the operations administrative coordinator at ESF, she answers administrative questions, general operations inquiries, and questions about tools/software. She has work experience in the healthcare industry, retail, corporate, and non-profit. When she is not working, she enjoys attending food, cultural, sustainable, and artistic events. Despite being allergic to animals with fur, she will attend events with animals, such as hiking with goats or yoga with kittens. She also loves dogs and is very fond of her parents' dog, Zeus.

✉: avigail.deking@seiuesf.org

Lianna Lee (she/her) is the Operations Project Manager at ESF and a generalist at heart. Bringing over 10+ years of varied nonprofit expertise, she is adept at supporting teams, simplifying complex processes, and engaging stakeholders. As someone new to operations, she is motivated to do this work because it creates opportunities for her colleagues to thrive.

Prior to joining ESF in 2024, she was the project manager for a communications firm where her primary client was the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. Additional experiences include leading programming for a multi-state AmeriCorps program, advancing digital engagement campaigns, and bringing a strong community outreach lens from time in the land trust space.

She is an alumna of Mount Holyoke College, and an Environmental Leadership Program senior fellow. In her daily life she enjoys being on water, skiing wicked fast, and befriending cats.

✉: Lianna.Lee@seiuesf.org

Naomi brings over nine years of holistic experience in nonprofit operations, process optimization, and software implementation to her role as Technology Implementation & Support Manager at ESF. Her journey is deeply rooted in a passion for child care programs, nurtured by her mother's three-decade commitment to providing quality childcare. This personal connection, coupled with her professional background, positions Naomi to make equitable contributions to ESF's mission.

At the core of Naomi's beliefs is one of fairness and justice, principles she's championed since childhood. Her early recognition for standing up against unfair treatment in elementary school foreshadowed her commitment to equity and advocacy.

Outside of her professional endeavors, Naomi is committed to acquiring hobbies, indulging in activities ranging from sewing to powerlifting/weightlifting to horseback riding. She shares her home with her husband and three cats.

✉: naomi.ward@seiuesf.org

In 2023, Aron Walker III assumed the role of Senior Director of Program Administration at ESF. Before joining ESF, he held a regional leadership position with a charter management organization, where he oversaw critical non-instructional functions vital to school operations, including transportation, facilities management, risk assessment, procurement, and financial management. Aron also brings experience as a Program Manager for a youth workforce development non-profit dedicated to providing low-income high school seniors with internships at Fortune 500 companies. In addition, he has worked as a college administrator in student enrollment management and as an academic counselor in college access programs. Aron's extensive background in non-profit organizations, secondary education, and higher education equips him with a diverse skill set and a profound understanding of program and operational excellence in his current role.

Aron's commitment to professional growth led him to recently earn a Master's degree in Public Education Management from Yale University, further reflecting his dedication to expanding his knowledge and skills in the field of education. His academic journey began with a Bachelor's degree in Business Management from Southeastern Louisiana University, providing a strong foundation in organizational leadership and strategic planning. Additionally, he earned a Master's degree in Higher Education Administration from Sam Houston State University, deepening his understanding of educational administration.

Outside of his professional commitments, Aron treasures his free time, spending it engaged in meaningful activities. He relishes quality moments with his two sons, indulges in reading, and nurtures a strong passion for sports, which not only brings enjoyment but also contributes to his well-rounded perspective on life and work.

✉ : aron.walker@seiuesf.org

Keshi Satterwhite works closely with the Chief Program Officer and program team to provide program and event planning support to ensure that deliverables are on time and within the scope and budget.

Before joining the SEIU Education and Support (ESF) team, she used her community organizing and leadership skills as a program manager at an assessment technology company. She also advocated for North Carolina residents as a community engagement director at an environmental non-profit.

As an individual with knowledge and working experience in marginalized communities, she served as a partner in helping to identify issues that plague Black Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC) communities and bring resources to address their needs. One way she assisted with this need was by creating the Watershed Academy. The Watershed Academy is an environmental program to develop community leaders who serve as environmental stewards for our watersheds and advocate for sustainable and equitable development solutions. The Watershed Academy focuses on communities of color impacted by historic disinvestment and ecological injustices, ensuring residents have a voice and role in planning a more resilient future for their communities.

She is passionate about her work at SEIU ESF because she has seen how low wages, lack of training, and job insecurity profoundly affect BIPOC communities. Working with SEIU ESF, she has an opportunity to support an organization that bridges the generational wealth gap and provides low-wealth individuals with educational benefits that have the potential to open job opportunities that were previously not available due to lack of skill.

✉: keshi.satterwhite@seiuesf.org

Joe McEvoy is the Director of the SEIU Local 509 Commonwealth Human Service Workers and Educators Training and Professional Development Fund. Joe joined ESF in 2022 after more than 10 years in leadership roles in the non-profit and education space. After completing his MA program at the University of Glasgow, Joe worked as a public sector consultant specializing in procurement and process improvement. In 2011 Joe moved to the US to develop a fledgling educational equity program which would go on to serve millions of students and teachers across the country. In 2016, Joe took up a leadership role with a large community non-profit on Boston’s North Shore. Eventually becoming the organization’s Chief Strategy Officer, Joe’s work focused on strategic planning, program development, communications, advocacy, and partnership building. Across his varied experiences, Joe’s focus has been on finding ways to improve services and outcomes for vulnerable populations. Having grown up amid civil unrest and violence in a divided society in Belfast, Ireland, Joe is strongly committed to advancing equity and justice. Leveraging his “outsider” role, Joe focuses on building partnerships and power while centering empathy and understanding.

Of his work at ESF, Joe says: “The workers we serve are really the backbone of our communities. They work with some of the most vulnerable populations in the Commonwealth. For many of our workers, this is more than a job, but a commitment or even a vocation. They continue even in the face of some of the most pressing challenges. Being able to harness the knowledge and experience of members means we can be proactive, creating programs that meet the wants and needs of workers. Our work allows us to focus on supporting workers to build their skills and take greaters ownership of their career progression. At the same time we can create safe spaces for workers to center self-care and access the support they need to separate their work and home lives. We also work with workers who want to communicate better with their teams and communities, build stronger teams, and improve their workplace environment and culture.”

Outside of work, Joe enjoys spending time with his wife and two young daughters, and traveling, mostly back to Ireland and Scotland to keep up with friends and family.

Learn More About the Local 509 Public Sector Training Fund →

✉ : joe.mcevoy@seiuesf.org

Emily Provenzano joined the ESF team in 2021 as the Training Coordinator for the MA Human Service Workers & Educators Training Program and now serves as the Program Manager. She brings a passion for education and the potential that it unlocks for people in every stage of their life to her work at SEIU ESF. She believes that every person deserves the opportunity to explore new learning that enhances both their professional and personal lives. Working at ESF gives her the satisfaction of helping people who help people through their human services work. Emily was previously a high school Latin teacher at a magnet school in Hartford, CT committed to the reduction of racial and socioeconomic isolation of young people living in Hartford. She holds a BA from Vassar College in Latin and an MA in Education with a focus on Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Saint Joseph. She enjoys puzzles, gardening, and taking way too many pictures of her cats.

Learn More About the Local 509 Public Sector Training Fund →

✉ : emily.provenzano@seiuesf.org

Mark is the Grants and Scholarship Project Manager for SEIU Local 509 - Commonwealth Human Service Workers And Educators Training And Professional Development Fund. Mark is passionate about collaborating with human service workers to brainstorm, create and ultimately provide professional development opportunities and training resources to empower the workforce. He believes that the Training Fund has the ability to greatly enhance the learning experience and growth of public sector workers while simultaneously having a positive impact on the communities these individuals work within.

Mark has spent the majority of his career in the nonprofit sector advocating for individuals in need of support, both in human services and healthcare. He joined the ESF team in early 2022 and holds a Masters in Nonprofit Management from Northeastern University. 

Learn More About the Local 509 Public Sector Training Fund →

✉ : mark.dawley@seiuesf.org

Will joined ESF in 2021 and leads our work in multiple states to expand training opportunities for Property Services workers, including janitors and security officers. Will joined ESF after 16 years as a union organizer with SEIU and leading the Portland Jobs With Justice Coalition for 4 years. Will is fluent in Spanish, and is inspired by workers coming together to take power in their livelihood and communities. Will lives in Portland, Oregon with his family, he’s also a songwriter with several self released albums.

✉ : will.layng@seiuesf.org

Mayra Esquilin joined the SEIU Education and Support Fund in October 2023. She was hired as the CT Apprenticeship Program Coordinator. She will work with Desiree Leclair to coordinate the CT Family Child Care Provider Apprenticeship Program. The program aims to increase the number of Child Development Associates (CDA) and National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC) professionals in Connecticut.

Mayra is a proud third-generation trained community organizer and is extremely happy to see her adult children serve in human services. For over 35 years she has worked in Connecticut and Massachusetts providing technical assistance and counsel to organizations, government, and foundations on building strategic alliances, developing collaborations, and developing statewide links to affect broader policy change on health, social, and education issues. She is highly passionate about the mission of SEIU Education and Support Fund and feels like she has come home as she started her career as a Parent Educator in the first Family Resource Center in Hartford, CT.

Mayra enjoys hiking and chasing waterfalls on her off time and spending as much time with family and friends as possible, especially with her three-year-old grandson.

✉ : mayra.esquilin@seiuesf.org

Oliver T Jenkins, Jr., joined ESF in 2023 as the inaugural Director of Evaluation and Learning, bringing over 14 years of higher education, local & state government, and nonprofit experience. Before coming to ESF, Oliver served as a Senior Program Analyst for the National Association of County and City Health Officials, where he led activities providing health equity and social justice technical assistance for over 3,000 local and state health departments throughout the United States and US Territories. Oliver also brings experiences as a learning designer for an Ed Tech organization, where he led the design and development of asynchronous and synchronous learning content and materials. In addition, he developed equity-centered assessment tools used to evaluate the effectiveness of adult learning programs.

Nonetheless, these experiences have enabled Oliver to bring forth a wealth of experience in designing and implementing comprehensive MEL frameworks that drive continuous improvement. He has a proven track record of developing and managing robust systems to measure program outcomes and assess the overall effectiveness of initiatives, which will be an asset in his role.

As Oliver is committed to lifelong learning, he is currently pursuing his Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership. Oliver holds a B.S. and M.S. in Kinesiology from North Carolina Central University and Michigan State, respectively.

In his free time, he enjoys traveling with friends and family and staying physically active with such activities as golf, pickleball, and hot yoga.

✉ : oliver.jenkins@seiuesf.org

Roselyn Anglade joins ESF as the Program Learning and Training Manager. She is a dedicated and passionate educational leader with a rich and diverse professional background. With experience as an assistant principal, teacher, and program director, among much more she has consistently demonstrated a commitment to enhancing educational outcomes. Throughout her career, Roselyn has been driven by a deep-seated belief in the transformative power of knowledge.

In each of her roles, Roselyn has been a tireless advocate for equity in education. She recognizes the importance of creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment where each individual has the opportunity to thrive. Her unwavering dedication to fostering equality has been a guiding principle in her work.

In this role, she is poised to contribute her wealth of experience and expertise to support ESF's vision for a learning environment that is not only focused on progress but also equity. Roselyn is thrilled to be part of a team that shares her commitment to creating an atmosphere where knowledge is a catalyst for positive transformation in the lives of others.

Roselyn holds a Masters of Educational Leadership from Florida International University. She lives in sunny Florida, where she enjoys going to the beach, spending time with family and trying new recipes.

✉ : roselyn.anglade@seiuesf.org

Sarah Fowler joined ESF in 2023 as the Senior Director of Childcare. Sarah started her career as a middle and high school teacher in Title I school districts in the Boston area, and for the past decade plus has worked in non-profit leadership. Sarah brings cross-functional experience in a number of areas, including: non-profit management, strategic planning, and programmatic design and evaluation.

Throughout her career, Sarah has been known by peers and colleagues as a competent, calm team player- adept at executing complex projects and centering the mission of the work, particularly in the midst of organizational growth and transition. Sarah enjoys working collaboratively and believes that organizations are at their best when diversity of thought and experience is valued and promoted. Sarah has dedicated her career to supporting initiatives related to the advancement of equity for children, youth, and families, and looks forward to continuing that work at ESF.

Sarah received her Bachelors in English from the University of Massachusetts, and her Masters in

Teaching from Northeastern University. She currently lives in Milton, Massachusetts with her husband and three kids. In her spare time, she enjoys being outside, reading, and exploring- areas both near and far- with family and friends.

✉: Sarah.Fowler@seiuesf.org

Liz joined the ESF team in 2019 as the Director of the Child Care Training Program in Massachusetts. Liz brings a background of training, program development, and policy advocacy in the fields of food justice, international development, and education. What knits together Liz’s variety of experience is a deep drive to center equity and justice in programming, policy, and organizations. When Liz became a mom, she immediately noticed the inequities in the world of child care and early education, for both families as well as caregivers and educators. Supporting the field of family child care has been an enormous joy. Liz loves using her program development, advocacy, and facilitation skills and knowledge to try to bring to life the vision of the family child care educators - a world where all children have quality care, and all caregivers and educators are respected, compensated, and supported to meet their own professional and educational goals. 

Liz received her Bachelors from Pitzer College in Claremont, CA and a Masters from the SIT Graduate Institute in Vermont and has been living and working in the city of Worcester, MA since 2010. In 2013 she was named one of Worcester’s 40 Under 40, and was nominated to the Leadership Worcester class of 2016. She has served on the board of the Regional Environmental Council, on the Steering Committee of the MA Food Systems Collaborative, and on the planning committees for the national conferences, Grassroots Movement for Child Care and Early Education, and Closing the Hunger Gap. In Worcester she is active with local non-profits, the public schools, and coaching youth soccer. When not working, Liz loves getting outside, gardening, cooking, and planning her family's next travel adventure.

✉: elizabeth.sheehancastro@seiuesf.org

Desiree Leclair was hired in March 2022 as the Director of Apprenticeship at the Education and Support Fund. Due to the nature of her role, Desiree's work includes all regions of ESF, including California, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island, as well as beyond ESF's collectively bargained funds. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Masters of Public Administration in Nonprofit Management and Civic Leadership, both from Bridgewater State University.

Desiree has over 20 years of workforce development and program management experience and has previously worked with the 1199 SEIU Training & Employment Funds in Massachusetts and the New England Healthcare Employees Union District 1199 Training & Upgrading Fund in Rhode Island. She brings significant experience coordinating apprenticeship programs in healthcare with some experience in customer service and hospitality. A lifelong Workforce Development professional, Desiree is passionate about helping people reach their fullest potential, especially related to career and one’s ability to find and maintain sustainable employment. Desiree lives by the philosophy that doing what you love will result in a sense of meaning and value in all aspects of our lives. Nationally, Apprenticeship is assisting underrepresented communities in the pursuit of high-skill employment while learning on-the-job and earning a living wage. In this role, Desiree is excited to ensure that all ESFs members are represented through new opportunities that support and promote their work and life goals.

Desiree resides in Massachusetts and enjoys spending time with her son building Legos and collecting shells on the beach.

✉ : desiree.leclair@seiuesf.org

Ene Afufu is a committed and innovative project manager with a rich background spanning over 10 years in operations, strategic development, and stakeholder engagement. Her journey has now led her to ESF, where she is thrilled to lend her experience to empowering early childcare educators to lead abundant lives through comprehensive education and training programs. Prior to joining ESF, Ene held instrumental roles at a variety of organizations where she managed crucial projects, cultivated strong relationships, and developed impactful initiatives aimed at fostering stronger communities.

At the core of Ene's professional and personal journey is a profound belief in economic justice.

She firmly believes in the dignity of labor, and that every individual, regardless of background, deserves equal opportunities and respect. This conviction stems from an understanding that true community development requires confronting and dismantling systems of inequity. By championing community-driven initiatives, Ene hopes to pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable future where everyone has access to quality education, job opportunities, and the chance to thrive.

Outside of work, Ene finds joy in creativity and indulges in a number of hobbies. When she’s not home sewing, tending her numerous plants or baking up a storm, she’s jetting off to somewhere new in search of adventure. While Ene is Baltimore, Maryland born and Lagos, Nigeria bred, Austin, Texas is currently where she calls home.

✉: ene.afufu@seiuesf.org

Jax has spent close to a decade working in the nonprofit & education sector. She first served as an AmeriCorps VISTA in the Pawtucket Public Schools system, followed by several years as a High School and then College Advisor with the College Crusade of Rhode Island. In January of 2020, she joined the SEIU Education & Support Fund Rhode Island team as the Training Coordinator. Much like young learners, Jax considers adult learners - specifically family child care providers - to be resourceful, highly determined, and incredibly knowledgeable. Jax has found supporting FCCPs to be an invaluable experience and has gained lifelong friendships in the process. She holds an AA from the Community College of Rhode Island and BA from Northeastern University. Earning those degrees was hard work and it helped build character along the way. Jax enjoys writing, being silly, collecting books, traveling, and giving into her nephews’ whims. She is proud to be of Colombian descent and lives in Pawtucket, RI.

✉: jacqueline.canola@seiuesf.org

Stephane Sochacki joined the ESF team as the Workforce Development Program Coordinator. She has spent many years working in the field of early childhood education and human services. Previously she has worked as an Education Coordinator for The Children's Workshop and as behavior specialist for NAFI RI. Stephane holds a BA in psychology from Universidad Iberoamericana in Dominican Republic and a Master's of Education from Arizona State University. Stephane is passionate about education and learning, she enjoys meeting new people and new places. When she is not at work you can find her spending time with family and friends. Stephane enjoys music, traveling, hiking (in warmer weather) and tabletop games.

✉: stephane.sochacki@seiuesf.org

Rosangela Ramos Mbengue joined the ESF team as a Project Manager in January 2022 for ESF Rhode Island. She was born in the Dominican Republic. She moved to Providence, Rhode Island with her family in 2006. She has lived in RI ever since and attended Providence Public Schools. Rosangela graduated from Providence College ‘17 with a double major in Global Studies and Spanish and a minor in Sociology. She is the first in her family to graduate college. As a young immigrant woman of color growing up in Providence, Rosangela is aware of the challenges that young people face in the education system. She had great mentors as a Providence student, which inspired her to work in Youth Development. After graduating college, she went on to become a College Access Advisor for College Visions, a local RI organization she was a part of as a student applying to college. Prior to joining ESF RI she served as an Impact Manager for City Year in Providence, a national youth development and education organization. She is excited to continue her work to elevate the voices of youth and children through her work to support their families and caregivers in RI. Rosangela is committed to social justice and anti-racism in both her personal life and her work.

✉: rosangela.ramos@seiuesf.org

Belisa Nunez joined ESF in 2023 with the purpose of continuing her work in helping individuals from marginalized communities attain economic mobility through education, training, and support. She comes to ESF with 10 years of college access and work force development experience where she encouraged her first-generation students to and through post-secondary education. Her journey has led her to work for a number of post-secondary institutions and non-profit organizations including Onward We Learn, The Community College of Rhode Island, Providence College, Brown University and Year Up. Her ultimate why is that she recognizes how fortunate she was to have received outstanding support and guidance which led her to complete her Bachelor of Arts in English at The College of the Holy Cross and her Master of Education in Counseling at Providence College. Belisa was born in the Dominican Republic and was raised in Providence, Rhode Island. Living her early years in the Dominican Republic inspired her love for clear, blue, white sand beaches and warm weather. She also has a deep love for food and interior decor. She likes to think home decorating would have been her back up career. Most of all, she is excited to travel with her husband and two girls.

✉: Belisa.nunez@seiuesf.org

Angela Carolina joined ESF in the winter of 2024. Her career is rooted in teaching, learning and caregiving. She has been doing this work well over 15 years. In that time, she researched young children’s play through the lens of human behavior and institutionalization within classroom settings. Through the twists and turns of her own development and reflective practice, she now cares for fellow early childhood educators using tools and frameworks grounded in embodiment, slowness, nervous system awareness, the teachings of mother earth, and spirituality. Her multilayered approach to care for herself and others is her resistance and activism to exploitive systems within early childhood space.

She is from a small desert town in New Mexico where she loves to be barefoot and take in the sun.

✉: angela.garcia@seiuesf.org

Amanda Altman comes to ESF with a background in adult education, labor and community organizing and organizational development. Amanda started her career over 14 years ago as a labor organizer helping resident doctors form unions to improve patient care. Amanda was the lead organizer for a large labor-community coalition that was successful in winning the first legally enforceable Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) in New York City at the Kingsbridge Armory. Amanda was honored to work with community leaders who had spent the past 17 years crafting an innovative, multifaceted vision for how local residents could benefit from the redevelopment of the Kingsbridge Armory, which was the size of 10 football fields and sat empty in one of the lowest income zip codes in the country. Amanda worked with community leaders to win 100 percent living wage jobs, free community space, a cooperative business incubator, a profit sharing fund and more. During her work as the lead organizer for the Kingsbridge Armory Redevelopment Alliance, Amanda learned firsthand the power that grew out of a democratically run coalition; her respect for coalitions was a major draw to build a training fund with CCPU, which brings together UDW/AFSCME 3930, SEIU Local 99 and SEIU Local 521.

Amanda also brings an extensive background in adult education. Amanda has spread her passion for popular education as an education director and consultant for non-profits and unions. Amanda has a Masters from the CUNY Graduate Center where she did her thesis research on how critical pedagogy strengthens organizing campaigns. Amanda is thrilled to bring her experience as a popular educator to support family child care providers in California build their historic, worker-centered training fund.

Amanda is motivated in her work by the example of her mother, who was an early childhood educator. Amanda’s childhood home was filled with information about outdoor education, music and movement and museum education. Amanda holds a deep respect for early childhood educators and greatly enjoys bringing to life the professional development priorities of family child care providers.

✉: amanda.altman@seiuesf.org

Learn more about the CCPU Training Fund →

Dr. McNeel is a distinguished educator with over 15 years of experience working in the public, private, and non-profit sectors to support higher education. Dr. McNeel has worked tirelessly to support students in pursuing higher education. With early beginnings as a School Counselor, she helped countless students achieve their dreams of attending college through her unwavering dedication and support. She has worked as a Senior-Level Director with non-profit organizations supporting first-generation students' access to higher education.

A passionate advocate for first-generation students and their families, Dr. McNeel firmly believes that education is the key to unlocking a brighter future for all. Her doctoral dissertation focused on the power of Black Female Educational Leaders to dismantle systems of oppression, making her a true visionary in the field.

When she isn't shaping young minds, Dr. McNeel can be found writing poetry, attending music events, and spending time with her teenage daughter. Her commitment to giving back to her community is truly inspiring, with years of volunteer experience working with notable organizations such as Upward Bound, Skid Row, Habitat for Humanity, and more.

As the great Audre Lorde once said, "When I dare to be powerful – to use my strength in the service of my vision, then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid." Dr. McNeel embodies this sentiment through her tireless work and unwavering dedication to making the world a better place through education and advocacy.

✉ : wintor.mcneel@seiuesf.org

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Peggy joined the SEIU Education & Support Fund team in 2020. She is the program manager for the CCPU Training Fund’s “Educator-Led Communities of Care” (ELCC).

Before joining ESF, Peggy worked as a labor organizer with several different SEIU Locals: supporting CA State public sector employees; building a new union among private sector caregivers; organizing gig economy workers; and supporting the incredible movement of California’s Family Home Child Care Providers. Among her proudest professional achievements includes working for SEIU Local 99 and Child Care Providers United in the summer of 2020–when CCPU childcare providers won their historic public sector union election!

Peggy is passionate about workers standing side by side to demand the respect they deserve, while they improve the lives of their families and communities at the same time! Peggy was drawn to ESF’s mission of providing worker-centered professional development. It is the women and men doing their jobs each day who know exactly what resources are needed to advance their careers, their industries and how to positively impact society. At ESF, working people are treated as the experts and central decision-makers about their desired training and development opportunities.

Before joining the labor movement, Peggy got her start organizing with Swing Left and the Sunrise Movement. She grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area and lives with her family in Los Angeles.

✉: peggy.gorelick@seiuesf.org

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Rebecca joined SEIU Education and Support Fund as an Administrative Project Coordinator in 2022. She holds a BS in Political Communication from Emerson College, where she focused her studies on environmental and food justice. Before joining ESF, Rebecca worked in the entertainment industry, where she saw firsthand the power of workers advocating for fair and safe labor practices. As the daughter of a teacher and service industry worker, SEIU-ESF's mission is close to her heart. She is enthusiastic about the Education and Support Fund's commitment to providing adult educational opportunities in a way that centers workers' voices. She enjoys exploring the outdoors, watching movies, and tending to an ever-increasing collection of craft projects in her free time.

✉: rebecca.todaro@seiuesf.org

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Kayla Gibbs joined ESF in January 2023 as the Higher Education Administrative Coordinator. Prior to joining ESF, Kayla worked in the training and development sector, where she facilitated, coordinated, and implemented inclusive onboarding and training experiences for new hires.

She is passionate about education and ensuring marginalized communities and workers get the training and education they need to be successful in their career. Kayla values diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and believes it cultivates social change. She aims to support ESF’s mission by supporting and empowering childcare providers as they pursue professional development opportunities.

Kayla holds a B.S. in Psychology from William & Mary. In her free time, she enjoys reading books, traveling, trying new vegan recipes, tending to her plants, and spending time with her family and friends.

✉: kayla.gibbs@seiuesf.org

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Edna Marquez has recently joined SEIU Education and Support Fund as a Training Program Manager. She has an extensive background in the child development field. Her educational background includes a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education and a Master's Degree in Human Behavior. Edna is very excited to continue to support the family childcare providers community in the state of California.

Her most recent career experience includes being a YMCA CRS Quality Support Specialist and Coach for Family Childcare Providers. She also shares her knowledge and experience as an instructor at Southwest Community College and Mira Costa Community College. With over 25 years’ experience in a variety of roles, she has a well-rounded understanding of this field and an array of techniques to share with her students and peers. Edna has hands-on experience in the world of family childcare providers by having served her local community as one for over 10 years.

Edna's career focus has been the study and training of childhood education. She loves to work with a diverse group of people where many opinions and different levels of experiences can be shared and learned from. Edna is committed to finding new and improved services and programs for childcare providers and the families they serve. Her desire to improve their lives is her constant self imposed challenge, as well as her passion and the drive which makes her a perfect fit for her current position as Training Program Manager.

Edna Marquez is the mother of three sons (twins 33 years old and 30 years old) and has been blessed with 8 grandchildren. Any free time she can find, she will devote to her family, spending time with close friends, going for walks by the beach, and traveling whenever possible.

✉: edna.marquez@seiuesf.org

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Vikki Del Rosario joined SEIU ESF in August 2023 as the Technical Training Support Manager for the Higher Education Access and Benefits team. She has over 10 years of experience in project management and operations management in the nonprofit and higher education sector. At the California College of the Arts in San Francisco, she managed courses and technical resources, facilitated program evaluations, and organized large-scale events. She then served as the Operations Manager at Sonoma State University, where she oversaw the operations and resources for performing arts programs during the pandemic.

After her work at Sonoma State University, Vikki pursued professional development to understand how technology can centralize the important work of nonprofits and the higher education sectors. She is proficient in CRM databases and project management tools for technology, and has immersed herself in nonprofit pro bono projects where technology has helped create efficiencies to improve business processes in the social justice space.

Vikki is inspired by the important work coming out of CCPU Training Fund and SEIU ESF, where essential workforces are empowered, elevated, and at the center of designing their professional development. She is motivated to collaborate and develop technical solutions and training that meet the needs of family child care providers and stakeholders while also giving back to the communities who have helped shape who she is today.

Vikki holds an MFA in Fine Art Media from UCL, Slade School of Art. She has a profound love for the state of California and its natural resources. In her free time, she can be found thrifting for vintage clothes and furniture, sewing up DIY projects, or exploring local parks and beaches with her rescue Dobie-Shepherd, Cleo.

✉ : vikki.delrosario@seiuesf.org

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Johana joined the ESF team in 2022 and currently works as Program Coordinator for the Child Care Providers United (CCPU) Training Fund. In her career, she has carried different roles in education and has gained experience across various organizations, particularly non-profit organizations, working with low-income households and providing case management and emergency housing. These experiences have given her a diverse perspective and allowed her to act with empathy and understanding around various populations. She is an advocate for human rights, gender equality, victims of domestic violence and underrepresented communities.

Having a passion for early childhood education and with her experience as a teacher, her goal at ESF is to create and strengthen programs through collaboration, that provide training of the highest quality, improve the well-being of children, and enhance educators’ skills.

Johana studied Psychology and Marketing in her native Colombia. She graduated magna cum laude with a B.A. in Spanish and Psychology from the University of Texas. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, puzzles, watching funny movies, attempting to cook new recipes, and spending time with her family.

✉ : johana.rodriguez@seiuesf.org

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Jessica was recently hired as the Tuition Assistance Coordinator for SEIU Education and Support Fund in California. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Chicano/a Studies with a Social Policy emphasis, as well as a minor in Education and a minor in Community Development, at the University of California, Davis in 2017. She decided to pursue graduate studies and earned a Master of Science in Human and Social Services, with a specialization in Family Studies and Interventions, at Walden University in 2020. Before joining ESF, she worked and volunteered for local social services agencies, including affordable housing, civic engagement, supportive housing, child care, food access, and care management. She developed experience working with the diverse populations in California, specifically in Sacramento, Woodland, Davis, and her own hometown of Los Angeles.

Jessica is passionate about social services and working in collaboration with marginalized communities. She is very excited to work with family child care providers throughout California, and is motivated to support and empower individuals in achieving their professional and educational goals. She strives to be an advocate for underrepresented communities and practice a people-centered approach in her work.

Jessica was born and raised in Southeast Los Angeles in Southern California. She has lived in Northern California, in the Sacramento and Davis area, for about 9 years. She enjoys reading, going on walks through the neighborhood or local walking trails with her 10-year-old dog Leila, scrapbooking, and watching horror and sci-fi movies. She loves taking day or weekend trips to San Francisco, Napa Valley, Lake Tahoe, Yosemite National Park, Santa Cruz, and Big Sur. Lately, she has been on a mission to learn all of her mom’s recipes, while putting together a recipe book of all her traditional Mexican dishes.

✉ : Jessica.Cuevas@seiuesf.org

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Gema has recently joined SEIU Education and Support Fund California as the Provider Training and Support Coordinator. Before joining ESF she worked in the labor movement. Her organizing career began with SEIU International, one of the assignments during her time with SEIU International was to organize the childcare providers campaign in San Jose, CA alongside SEIU local 521. She continued in the labor movement, had the opportunity to grow as an organizer with SEIU-UHW Worked on a Corporate Social Responsibility Campaign for Dialysis workers. Oversaw Ventura County, with 25 Dialysis clinics and over 500 employees. With UAW local 5810 she oversaw the UCI campus, which includes the medical centers, about 574 researchers. With SPEEA she had the opportunity to help organize Boeing engineers. In addition, she has enjoyed working with kids in a school setting as a Paraeducator providing support in and out of the classroom as well as a camp counselor. Overall, she values building relationships with those she is of service to.

Social Justice is a priority for Gema, as a result of her academic studies, unique learning experiences, and direct work with the labor movement. These have instilled in her a strong desire to make a difference. She wants to help improve lives, advance our community and inspire the same passion in others. Gema invites others to find their voice, develop skills for transformation and understand who they are called to be. She is excited to continue her work with childcare providers through California and provide support to improve the working conditions and lives of providers through education and professional development.

Gema has lived most of her life in Southern California and earned her B.S in Psychology from University of San Diego. She enjoys attending concerts, dancing, reading, exploring the outdoors such as hiking, a nice sunset at the beach and traveling.

✉: gema.ortiz@seiuesf.org

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Joana has recently joined SEIU Education and Support Fund California as the Provider Training and Support Coordinator. Before joining ESF, she worked as an early childhood educator. She began her career working at lab schools and accredited programs. Her passion for early childhood education drove her to volunteer in areas that advocate for families, children, and family childcare educators in her community. In hindsight, Joana values the importance of all educators in this field.

As a prior family childcare provider herself, Joana would like to create equitable opportunities for all educators. Such opportunities will benefit each child's needs and welcome their family culture, traditions, home language, and experiences into these learning spaces.

Joana holds a BS and MS in Child Development from the University of La Verne. She is excited to enter this position to continue her work with all valuable childcare providers to support their growth and work.

Joana is a loving mother of two. She enjoys spending time with family, going to the beach, and traveling in her spare time.

✉ : joana.herrera@seiuesf.org

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Zaira considers herself a free soul and is her best self while surrounded by nature, she enjoys being with her family the most and is an adventure seeker. She has been in the field of Early Childhood Education for over a decade. She was in the classroom as an Early Childhood Educator for 5 years, she then became a lead teacher supporting teachers in their classrooms and for the past few years she began working with home daycare providers training them and coaching them in reaching goals to provide high quality education to their students. Zaira has become very passionate in working with home daycare providers, learning about their individual needs and with that information guiding them in the right direction their success in Early Childhood Education. With this new position she is certain that she can use her experience and people skills to continue her work with home daycare providers in supporting them by being an active listener and in reaching their goals. ESF stands for everything that she personally stands for, which is inclusion and equity in early childhood education, particularly with home daycare providers. She feels that she can be an advocate for them and create opportunities for growth that will meet their individual learning styles.

✉ : zaira.reynoso@seiuesf.org

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Andrea Williams has recently assumed the position of Provider Training and Support Coordinator at the SEIU Education and Support Fund. Her academic qualifications include a Bachelor of Science degree in Child and Adolescent Development with a minor in Early Childhood, as well as a Master of Science degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a minor in Early Childhood Education. Commencing her career as a floating Associate Teacher in a center-based program, she rapidly ascended to the role of lead teacher in a preschool classroom, accumulating nearly two decades of experience in the field.

With a diverse background, Andrea has collaborated with a multitude of families, agencies, and family child care providers throughout her career. In her most recent role as a Quality Support Specialist Advanced Lead, she focused on working with family child care providers and supporting fellow coaches within the Quality Counts California system. Her professional journey spans various roles within family child care and center-based care for children from infancy to school age.

Andrea's expertise lies in supporting family child care providers in their pursuit of quality improvement, addressing aspects such as academic advancement, environmental enhancement, and business-related contractual components. She possesses a unique ability to forge connections and build relationships with providers, guiding them towards their goals within a Multi-Tiered System of Support framework.

Known for her innovation, Andrea has implemented systems and processes that directly and positively impact the Early Education field. Her commitment to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion is evident in her tailored approach to support, ensuring alignment with a true vision for these principles.

A native of sunny San Diego, Andrea is a dedicated mother to a talkative and curious child. They share a love for outdoor movie nights, theme parks, and a passion for music, often engaging in creating and enjoying songs together.

✉: andrea.williams@seiuesf.org

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Blanca Villa has recently joined the SEIU Education and Support Fund team as a Provider Training & Support Coordinator. She has spent more than twenty years working in the early childhood field with children and adults in different settings. For the last seventeen years she worked at Southwestern College Community College as a lead teacher with preschool age children. Moreover, her art background gave her the opportunity to be the art studio teacher and the Annual Coordinator for the Children’s Art Exhibition at the Child Development Center.

She is also part of the California Early Childhood Mentor Program and has mentored college students for sixteen years within the classroom environment. Blanca has also been a presenter of Reggio Emilia Inspired Curriculum, Art for children, and classroom environment workshops for college students and for the Microenterprise Family Child Care Program. Blanca is a passionate advocate for quality early childhood preschool experiences and to help children develop to their full potential.

Blanca grew up in the beach town of Playas de Tijuana and loves sunny California weather and her favorite place to travel is Baja. Blanca Villa is the mother of a seventeen year old son and loves going on beach walks, nature hikes and eating out with him. In her free time, she is a devoted road cyclist and enjoys riding on the weekends with her teammates and taking photographs of the scenery.

✉: blanca.villa@seiuesf.org

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Sarita Stamps recently joined SEIU Education and Support Fund as a Technical Support Coordinator in April 2024. Possessing a background in both education and operational management she brings strong leadership and team building skills to our organization.

Sarita is a graduate from the California State University, Los Angeles earning a B.A. in Communication with an emphasis in Interpersonal Communication. She strives to build relationships and support communities of all backgrounds. Her passion is to be of service.

Sarita was raised by a single mom who was supported by child care providers throughout Sarita’s childhood and adolescence. She is excited to support and give back to a community who laid a strong foundation for her success.

In her free time she enjoys traveling, cooking, attending music events, cheering on the Green Bay Packers, Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Dodgers. She is a March Aries and strives to bring her fiery passionate energy to all endeavors.

✉ : sarita.stamps@seiuesf.org

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Taira Kollock has recently been appointed as the Tuition Assistance Coordinator for the SEIU Education and Support Fund in California. She has a wealth of experience, having served as a flight attendant in the aviation industry for ten years and as an Administration Assistant at JFK Airport for six years. In these roles, Taira developed excellent customer service skills and worked with diverse groups of aviation crew members.

Taira has completed social work courses at the University of the District of Columbia and has volunteered at her church to provide food and clothing for individuals in her community. Her passion for social work and helping others led her to join our organization, where she hopes to extend support to those in child care.

As a devoted wife and mother of two sons, Taira is motivated to assist others in navigating the difficulties of finding reliable childcare. She is eager to embark on her career in the childcare industry and is honored to be part of our team.

In her leisure time, Taira enjoys exploring different cultures and cuisines while traveling the world with her family. She finds relaxation in watching movies on netflix and HGTV's "Love It or List It."

✉ : taira.kollock@seiuesf.org

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Maria Yadira Sanchez joined SEIU ESF as a Technical Support Benefits Coordinator in April 2024. Yadira graduated from California State University, Fresno (CSUF) with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Finance in 2009. In 2013 she graduated from CSUF with a Master’s in Public Administration. Yadira proudly has over 15 years of experience working in the public sector through various roles: Tutor Coordinator at Sullivan Learning Systems Inc.; Consular Official at the Consulate of Mexico in Fresno, CA; Opportunities for Youth supervisor at Centro La Familia Advocacy Services; Operations Director at Cultiva La Salud and Program Manager at Elevate Community Services overseeing the operations of a low barrier homeless shelter.

Yadira strives to be a champion for change and a champion to share new knowledge amongst our community and in particular our community of child care providers. As a mother, she understands and knows the importance of being able to have a child care provider that contributes to excellent care service for our children. Yadira acknowledges that in her current role, she has the ability to expand and further develop the child care providers’ knowledge in diverse ways and for various reasons. She will empower them to access the available education and training programs which in turn will equip them to provide high quality services for our community.

✉ : maria.sanchez@seiuesf.org

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