The Team
Executive Board
Dr. Jackie Yancy Executive Director, Ex-Officio
Mariah Bruce, Senior Academic and Student Services Manager, Contra Costa College President
Marianne Landis, Retired Teacher, Diocese of Oakland Secretary
Cecilia wright, Project coordinator, industrial, Jones Lanf LaSalle jjl Treasurer Cecilia Wright is a California native who has a marketing background of 15+ years working on both the client and agency sides. She has experience in project management, customer onboarding, segmentation, and competitive research, most of which was in finance. Cecilia holds a B.A. in Advertising from San Jose State University and volunteered in her sorority, Delta Gamma, as Treasurer, Fundraising Chair, and Rituals Chair. Cecilia is a mom of two teenage boys who are the center of her life and keep her on her toes. She has volunteered her time with the local Benicia chapter of Boy Scouts and has held the position of volunteer coordinator with Benicia FC league for 8 years. She also enjoys traveling and learning about new places and things in her free time.
Cecilia wright, Project coordinator, industrial, Jones Lanf LaSalle jjl Treasurer Cecilia Wright is a California native who has a marketing background of 15+ years working on both the client and agency sides. She has experience in project management, customer onboarding, segmentation, and competitive research, most of which was in finance. Cecilia holds a B.A. in Advertising from San Jose State University and volunteered in her sorority, Delta Gamma, as Treasurer, Fundraising Chair, and Rituals Chair. Cecilia is a mom of two teenage boys who are the center of her life and keep her on her toes. She has volunteered her time with the local Benicia chapter of Boy Scouts and has held the position of volunteer coordinator with Benicia FC league for 8 years. She also enjoys traveling and learning about new places and things in her free time.
Courtney Welch, Mayor, City of Emeryville Director Courtney Welch is an Oakland native, experienced civic leader, and proud mother of two. In her career, Courtney focuses on state housing law compliance, government affairs, and socioeconomic mobility. Courtney serves as chair of the Alameda County Housing and Community Development Advisory Board, is a member of the ALL IN Alameda County Steering Committee, and the Homeownership San Francisco Board of Directors. In 2021, she was elected to the Emeryville City Council, and is currently serving as the 2023 Vice Mayor. Courtney resides in Emeryville with her sons, Caleb and Cruz.
Advisory Board
Chory Bañez, President emeritus
Director of Board Relations & Executive Office Management, International House, UC Berkeley
Sondra Arnsdorf, OEH Past president
Retired Dean, Bishop O Dowd High School
Samantha Schell, OEH past President
SVP, Chief Operations Officer, Pacific Legacy
Fr. Leo Edgerly, Jr.
Pastor, Corpus Christi Church, Piedmont
Scott B. Jackson
Superior Court Judge
Jennifer Gibbs
Business Consultant
Steven Borg
Director of Development, Oakland School For the Arts
Mary Hentges
Kaiser Permanente School of Medicine
Administrative Office
Norma Ward
Case Manager
Valarie Taylor
Assistant Director
LaDeitrich Miller
House Manager