Rubicon Programs Facebook Twitter YouTube Instagram About us Services News Impact Donate Contact us GET HELP OUR PEOPLE OUR PARTICIPANTS Our program participants have entrusted Rubicon to partner with them to reach their long-term goals for economic stability, mobility and inclusion. We make decisions at every level of the organization with the wellbeing of participants, and the communities in which they live, at the forefront. OUR STAFF Rubicon actively recruits staff members who are not only highly skilled, but who consistently demonstrate a commitment to Rubicon’s vision of an East Bay without poverty, and are passionate about their work. EXECUTIVE TEAM Carole Dorham-Kelly Chief Executive Officer Dr. Carole Dorham-Kelly joined Rubicon Programs in 2016 to build wellness services into Rubicon’s economic mobility programs in Contra Costa County. DC was promoted to Chief Program Officer in January 2018 and became CEO in November 2020. Prior to joining Rubicon, Dr. Dorham-Kelly served over 10 years providing therapy, mentoring and directing programs in community based programs. Immediately prior to joining Rubicon, she directed wellness, leadership, and workforce programs for transitional age youth. DC double majored in Psychology and Criminology at Fresno State University, and earned her M.A. in Counseling, Family & Human Services and her doctorate in Counseling Psychology from University of Oregon. As a Black, female psychologist raised in Richmond, she is particularly committed to the mission of reducing stigma around mental health and increasing access to and utilization of medical and mental health services in communities of color and those chronically enduring trauma and loss. When not working, she enjoys bowling, movies and laughing with family and friends. With her husband, DC is fueled by the love and labor of raising their school age children. Annel Aguayo Chief Development Officer Annel Aguayo is a fundraising professional of 12 years who is passionate about serving her Bay Area community and making it an equitable place for all. She joined Rubicon Programs in July 2020 as the Chief Development Officer. In this role she will secure philanthropic support and partnerships to elevate Rubicon’s work in the East Bay community. She is extremely excited to be a part of an organization and team that is passionate about fighting systemic racism head on. Annel graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from San José State University and began her career at a social research firm working on a project supporting the Corporation for National and Community Service. She then worked in local government at the City of Redwood City and City of Belmont. Annel began her career in nonprofit work in 2008, focusing on housing and education. At Rebuilding Together Peninsula, she spent 10 years working to preserve affordable housing in San Mateo and northern Santa Clara counties. As iMentor's Director of Development, she helped to build mentoring relationships that empowered first-generation students of color from underserved communities to pursue their post-secondary aspirations. Donte Blue Chief Program Officer Since 2013, Donte Blue has partnered closely with Rubicon in various capacities. As the former Acting Director of the Office of Reentry and Justice, Donte was intimately familiar with our comprehensive community-based programs, providing AB109 employment services across Contra Costa Costa County. Donte also served as Vice Chair of the Reentry Success Center, operated by Rubicon Programs, since its opening. As a county administrator, Donte partnered closely with the Contra Costa Workforce Development Board and is familiar with the landscape of workforce services. Prior to his leadership in Contra Costa County, Donte was a staff attorney with Bay Area Legal Aid. Roger Contreras Chief of Finance and Landscape Roger joined Rubicon in 2014. He manages Accounting, Facilities, Information Technology and Landscape. He brings diversified financial management, financial strategic planning, forecasting and reporting and budget development backgrounds in the non-profit, public, and private sectors. He has prepared operational and capital budgets in excess of $1.3 Billion, and has issued over $2.0 Billion in financing through diverse and innovative financing mechanisms. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from the Autonomous University of Coahuila, Mexico. He is a graduate of the Disney Institute of Leadership and Business Excellence and also of the United Way’s Project Blueprint leadership academy. Kelly Dunn General Counsel and Director of Legal Services Kelly has been the Director of Rubicon's legal services division, previously known as the Hawkins Center of Rubicon Programs, since July 2003. Kelly was the Executive Director of the Hawkins Center from 1991 until its merger with Rubicon in the summer of 2003. In addition to serving as Director of Legal Services, Kelly is General Counsel for Rubicon. Kelly has been a practicing attorney since 1982, specializing since 1985 in the field of Social Security disability law. He has been a Co-Chair of the Contra Costa HIV/AIDS Consortium and has served as Chair of the Executive Committee of the Family Care Network in Alameda County. Kelly received his J.D. degree from the University of California, Berkeley (Boalt Hall) School of Law. He received his B.S. degree in Physics from U.C. Irvine. In 2007 he was honored with the Pro Bono Attorney of the Year award presented by California Supreme Court Chief Justice Ronald George on behalf of the Contra Costa Bar Association and The Bar Fund. Adrienne Kimball Chief Talent Officer Adrienne Kimball was appointed Chief Talent Officer in 2017. She has been instrumental in building engagement, diversity, equity, belonging and inclusion, and capacity-building initiatives. Adrienne exists to reconnect people to their innate genius and leadership skills. She believes doing so is the only way to transform the world. Before Rubicon, Adrienne worked as a Human Resource Manager in the Biotechnology sector. Adrienne received her Bachelor’s Degree in Human Development from California State University, East Bay. PROGRAM DIRECTORS Jennifer Berger Director of Development Jennifer joined the Rubicon team in 2019. She brings curiosity, passion, and a collaborative spirit to her role as Director of Development. She is excited about the opportunity to build Rubicon’s philanthropic network in support of the organization’s role as an anti-racist anchor institution in the East Bay. Prior to joining Rubicon, Jennifer served as the Vice President of Program Services at Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco (BGCSF). Throughout her 12-year tenure at BGCSF, she mentored and led teams of youth development professionals to develop innovative programs and deepen their impact. Jennifer brings 15 years of nonprofit leadership, strategic partnership development, and a systems-based approach. Jennifer began her nonprofit career facilitating programs for low-income youth in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Supporting young people to grow their voices while developing their educational and leadership skills fueled Jennifer’s work. During her first 7 years in the Bay Area, Jennifer worked at the International Institute of San Francisco, where she developed, led, and managed youth workforce development programs for immigrant teens. Partnership, equity, and relationship development have always been at the heart of Jennifer’s work. Jennifer graduated from Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota with a Bachelor’s in Political Science and English. Mishal Boscana Director of Finance Prior to joining Rubicon, Mishal was the Director of FP&A for a local non-profit. She started working at Rubicon in 2018 as Budget Director; in January 2019 she became the Director of Finance. She started her career as an auditor, and her first non-profit job was as a financial analyst for a land trust company in San Francisco. She also worked for several companies in the entertainment industry: she was the Director of Accounting for a restaurateur and Food Network personality who started a lifestyle company (she appeared on an episode); she was controller for a record label that produces/licenses World music (being around that creativity was a blast) and she was the Corporate Controller for an international e-commerce company (they specialized in movie action figures - that was fun). Mishal has a BS in Business Administration/Accounting and an MS in Human Resources. She is a native California who grew up all over the country (and also lived in Cuba) because her father was in the navy. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, fine wines and traveling. Karen Elkins Cohen Director of Human Resources With over 20 years of progressively complex human resources experience, Karen Elkins Cohen (she/her) joined Rubicon Programs as the Director of Human Resources in 2017. Prior to Rubicon, she served on the executive team at Bay Area Beverage, and taught “Introduction to Human Capital Analytics” for the University of California-Berkeley Extension’s Human Resources Certification. For many years, Karen traveled throughout the United States running learning programs and coaching executives on how best to manage, recruit, and retain a diverse workforce. She has a Master of Science degree in Organization Development from the University of San Francisco and the Senior Professional in Human Resources certification from the Human Resources Certification Institute. Rhody McCoy Director of Community-Based Programs, Rhody has been with Rubicon Programs Inc. since March 2010, where he started as Reentry Program Manager. Currently he is responsible for program management and development, including evaluating existing programs, creating new initiatives to increase opportunities for underserved populations, compliance, safety and risk mitigation, management and achievement of contract goals and objectives. Prior to Rubicon, Rhody worked with The National Trust, where he facilitated transformational health and wellness programs in San Quentin Prison. Prior to working with The National Trust, Rhody worked in San Francisco with both The Private Industry Council as a Contracts Specialist and Asian Neighborhood Design as the Manager of their Employment Training Program. Additionally Rhody has over 15 years in real estate development, and project management experience. Rhody attended the University of San Francisco, majoring in Biology. and studied Urban Planning at San Francisco State University. Rhody’s other passions and interests are spending time with his family, children and grandchildren, playing tennis, and exploring nature, and he is actively involved with his support group, Positive Directions Equals Change, that has helped people transition from institutions to healthy and sober lives. Pat Mims Director, Reentry Success Center Pat is committed to helping people actuate their potential so that their success and joy ripples into the evolution of our community. Pat is a long-time resident of Contra Costa County. He returned to the community after serving over 20 years in prison. He leverages his lived experience to cast light on the power of responsibility, healing, and vulnerability. Specifically, he is instrumental in developing actionable and seamless opportunities for people who were formerly incarcerated, their families, and the communities they return into with a desire to contribute and thrive. He balances his work at the systems level with individualized coaching and meeting people where they are. His work in the community has earned him numerous accolades and recognition by entities, including: the FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award, the District Attorney of Alameda County, Nancy O’Malley’s My Hero Award, Freedom House’s Stewardship Award, and the California Association of Black Lawyers Community Leadership Award. In 2016, Pat was acknowledged in a ceremony at the White House by President Barack Obama as an alumnus of the Prison University Project and staunch advocate for higher education in the prison system. He is passionate about Restorative Practices and the healing of harms committed against others. Pat is the father of two children and enjoys family time as an opportunity to be a kid again. Vi Ngo Director of Workforce Services Vi joined Rubicon Programs in 2011. Prior to her role as the Director of Workforce Services, she oversaw the operations of the Eden Area America’s Job Center of California (AJCC) career center in Hayward, CA and Alameda County public grants initiatives. Her work experience includes more than a decade working in a number of employment and workforce programs, including developing community partnerships, project management, employer engagement, and direct client services. Vi double majored in Psychology and Business Administration at University of California Riverside and earned her M.A. in Public Administration at California State University, East Bay. She also holds a Global Career Development Facilitator (GCDF) credential. BOARD OF DIRECTORS Paul Leonard, Chair Consultant Paul opened the Center for Responsible Lending's (CRL) California office in spring 2006 and directed its state policy and outreach efforts for 10 years. Prior to joining CRL, Paul was a public policy consultant focused on housing and community development, welfare reform, and other anti-poverty issues. Prior to 1999, Paul was a political appointee at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, serving as Acting Assistant Secretary for Policy Development and Research, as well as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy Development from 1994 to 1998. Tatiana Ware, Vice Chair Business Analyst, Workday Tatiana Ware is a Bay Area-native currently living in San Leandro. She has a passion for solving problems, broadening social connections and being a champion for groups underrepresented in the workforce. Tatiana is currently employed at Workday, Inc. as a Business Analyst who works with multi-disciplined teams using a combination of business and technical skills to drive results. Tatiana believes that leveraging data to solve complex problems is the key to success. Tatiana holds a B.A. in Political Science from Howard University. When she’s not working or volunteering her time to various causes she enjoys traveling, salsa dancing and reading. Karen Norwood, Treasurer Community Relations Director, Kaiser Permanente School of Allied Health Sciences Karen Norwood serves as the Community Relations Director for Kaiser Permanente School of Allied Health Sciences in Richmond, CA. She is responsible for overseeing and leading Community Outreach initiatives involved with designing and implementing strategies for expanding outreach to high schools, colleges, and community-based organizations. She is responsible for providing daily operational leadership to increase overall awareness for prospective students, with the focus to educate and strengthen relationships within our community leading to career pathways at Kaiser Permanente’s School of Allied Health Sciences. Karen is a graduate of The University of Central Arkansas in Conway, Arkansas with a Bachelor of Science in Health Education. Karen also has a Master’s of Business Administration (MBA) from Aspen University in Denver, Colorado. She is a a member of the Richmond Workforce Development Board of Contra Costa County, the Kaiser Permanente African American Professional Association, and the Kaiser Permanente Care Volunteer Organization, and she serves on Chevron’s Richmond Economic Revitalization Committee. Karen has received three National Awards from the State of California for her work in Eliminating Health Disparities. David Staley , Secretary Financial Sales/Capital Markets, Prosper Marketplace David brings 25 years of experience in housing finance and financial services expanding and strengthening Fixed Income sales and trading platforms for top tier financial institutions. Prior to Prosper Marketplace, Dave spent six years at Barclays, where he was Managing Director and Head of West Coast Securitized Product Sales and Trade Capture Unit teams. Prior to Barclays, he spent 18 years at Lehman Brothers in various roles, including Senior Vice President of Sales in charge of all major institutional accounts in the western region. David graduated from the University of California, Berkeley and lives with his family in Piedmont, California, where he has co-founded and held leadership positions in community organizations focused on financial and mentoring support for students underrepresented in higher education. Justin Crum Associate Vice President, Fundraising, YMCA of SF Justin Crum is Associate Vice President of Mission Advancement at the YMCA of San Francisco. Prior to his work at the Y, he worked with CCS Fundraising, an international fundraising consulting firm. His work with CCS focused largely on capital projects and fundraising strategy, helping lead volunteers and leadership teams to make transformative investments in their organizations. Justin has over 15 years of experience in non-profit management. He has worked extensively with non-profits in the Bay Area, managing a fellowship program with over 50 Bay Area nonprofits in diverse impact areas delivering long-term capacity building. His work has also included training and supporting early career professionals in developing skills and career planning in the non-profit sector. Prior to his work in the Bay Area, Justin managed education programs with the Food Bank for New York City, where he created and executed programming, large-scale training events, and advertising campaigns. A proud native Minnesotan, he now resides in Piedmont with his wife and daughter. Danté Green Chief Operating Officer, Kaiser Permanente Antioch Danté Green is a healthcare executive with over 10 years of experience in progressive/executive leadership roles. Danté currently serves as Chief Operating Officer of Kaiser Permanente Antioch Medical Center, where he oversees the financial and operational performance of the $1.2B center. Danté's previous community involvement includes partnerships with Habitat for Humanity and the United Way to address housing needs in Eastern New Orleans. He also served as Vice-Chair of Community Academy Charter Management Organization (CMO), a four-school CMO with a strong focus on improving literacy for children. His professional affiliations include serving as a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE), adjunct professor for the Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, and founder/former President of the National Association of Health Services Executives (NAHSE) Southeast Louisiana Chapter. Danté is also a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated. Danté received his Bachelor of Science Degree from Xavier University of Louisiana and a Master of Health Administration from the Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine. Becky Johnson Executive Vice President and Head of Cross-Enterprise Finance, Wells Fargo (Retired) Becky Johnson is a finance professional who spent over 30 years in financial services. She recently retired from Wells Fargo where she was executive vice president and head of Cross-Enterprise Finance. In that role, she was responsible for corporate level financial, planning and analysis, managing centralized teams to support enterprise-wide forecasting, reporting, and costing as well as defining the strategic direction for finance applications and tools. Her previous Wells Fargo experience includes roles as the group finance officer for the Human Resources Division and the leader of Small Business Segment Reporting & Analysis. Before joining Wells Fargo, Becky worked for Citi on the interest rate risk management team and for CoreStates as an analyst supporting the Chief Economist. She received a B.A. in Economics from Swarthmore College, and an M.B.A. from Warwick Business School in the United Kingdom. Sophia Loh Partner, Family Office, Frank, Rimerman + Co. LLP Sophia started her career at Frank, Rimmerman, then served as a Controller for a real estate firm, and developed and implemented commercial accounting software packages. Sophia rejoined the firm in June 2012, and she has served as director of finance for several early-stage venture backed companies and closely held business. Her responsibilities have included managing start-up operations, accounting and business process, system implementation and conversion, financial reporting, audit preparation and budgeting. Sophia graduated from the University of California at Berkeley, earning a Bachelor of Science with a major in Accounting. She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Sophia serves as the Treasurer on the Board of Sustainable Contra Costa, a non-profit organization which helps people and businesses create and maintain sustainable communities. Amirh Morgan Talent Coordinator Lead, Adobe Inc. Amirh Morgan is a Talent Coordinator Lead at Adobe Inc. In this role, she manages 6 Talent Coordinators that support the North America talent team. She has lived and worked in the Bay Area for the last three years. She is a transplant from Washington D.C. where she was a Program Manager for The Manufacturing Institute, the non-profit affiliate of the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), whose focus is on workforce development within the manufacturing sector. In this role, she was responsible for developing and executing a plan to fund and support their women in manufacturing initiative. Additionally, Amirh managed the employer engagement strategy for a national STEM career training grant providing content creation and coaching on recruitment/ retention for 5 community colleges across the U.S. Amirh graduated with a B.S. in Psychology from Howard University in Washington D.C. She is currently earning a Master of Human Resource Analytics and Management from American University virtually. Vrinda Shah Director, Head of Corporate Finance & Strategy at Unity Technologies Vrinda Shah currently serves as the Head of Corporate Finance & Strategy at Unity Technologies, leading corporate level financial, planning and analysis and strategic finance. Prior to her shift to finance at a tech company, Vrinda has over a decade of experience at financial institutions including Goldman Sachs and Wells Fargo. Her experience ranges across capital markets on the buy and sell side, raising capital (through public markets), optimization of the balance sheet, credit risk, research analysis, portfolio management and structuring complex financial transactions including renewable energy tax equity. Vrinda earned her bachelor's degree from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and lives in the East Bay with her husband and daughter. Sarah Sternau Director of Merchandising, eBay Sarah Sternau is currently a Director of Merchandising at eBay.com, driving growth in the Sporting Goods, Pet, and Food & Beverage categories. She joined eBay after serving in a variety of strategic roles in Amazon.com’s US, UK, and India businesses from 2004 to 2012. Her earlier career included photography, marketing, advertising, and journalism. 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