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LOVE IN ACTION FOR NEARLY SIXTY YEARS

This is a place of hope, meaning and purpose. Visit GLIDE in San Francisco and become a part of something bigger – a movement that is changing lives.

Overview

GLIDE is a nationally recognized center for social justice, dedicated to fighting systemic injustices, creating pathways out of poverty and crisis, and transforming lives. Through our integrated comprehensive services, advocacy initiatives, and inclusive community, we empower individuals, families, and children to achieve stability and thrive. GLIDE is on the forefront of addressing some of society’s most pressing issues, including poverty, housing and homelessness, and racial and social justice. GLIDE’s mission is to create a radically inclusive, just, and loving community mobilized to alleviate suffering and break the cycles of poverty and marginalization. Our Core Values emerge from GLIDE as a spiritual movement. They are rooted in empowerment, recovery, and personal transformation. Our values inspire and guide our behaviors. They are the ground we stand on.
Learn more about GLIDE's Values

Values

Radically Inclusive

Radically Inclusive

We welcome everyone. We value our differences. We respect everyone.

Truth Telling

Truth Telling

We each tell our story. We each speak our truth. We listen.

Loving and Hopeful

Loving and Hopeful

We are all in recovery. We are a healing community. We love unconditionally.

For the People

For the People

We break through barriers. We serve each other. We change the world.

Celebration

Celebration

We sing. We dance. We laugh together. We celebrate life.

Our story

1929

A beginning

San Francisco philanthropist Lizzie Glide purchases a parcel at Ellis and Taylor Streets and founds Glide Foundation, whose charitable mission includes establishing a church as “a house of worship for all people”.
1960s

A renewed commitment

In 1963, a young African American minister named Cecil Williams joins other progressive ministers at GLIDE determined to bring life into a dying congregation. Welcoming in the diverse community of hippies, prostitutes, chronic drug users, transgender youth, and other poor and the marginalized people of the Tenderloin, GLIDE offers refuge and support, becoming a home for political and cultural change as well as spiritual growth.
1970s

For the People

As the Vietnam War continues to escalate, GLIDE becomes known as the counterculture rallying point in San Francisco. Everyone from Bill Graham to Angela Davis comes to GLIDE Celebrations to speak out and join in community. KMEL and K101 radio begin broadcasting GLIDE’s Sunday message throughout the Bay Area, as the Bay Area increasingly looks to GLIDE for moral guidance, social solidarity and spiritual sustenance.
1980s

Confronting new crises

Guided by Janice’s leadership and Cecil’s steady vision of supporting the disenfranchised, GLIDE programs increase in size and scope. The flagship Daily Free Meals Program kicks into overdrive, and begins feeding the hungry and homeless three times a day. The Generations program holds its first graduation ceremony in 1987. From protesting the Lawrence Livermore Laboratory’s development of nuclear weapons to leading the Northern California Martin Luther King, Jr. Federal Observance Committee, GLIDE walks the walk for peace, equality and justice while organizing to address the crack cocaine epidemic and the AIDS crisis, twin scourges on the health of the community.
1990s

Building the beloved community

Not content to let those afflicted by crack find their way to GLIDE, Cecil takes the Facts on Crack movement into the housing projects. Meanwhile, GLIDE’s fame continues to grow as the likes of President Bill Clinton, Sharon Stone and Oprah Winfrey come to Celebrations and commend GLIDE as a model of compassionate community in action.
2000s

A strong foundation

GLIDE enters the 21st century with a surplus of vision, enthusiasm and hope. In 2000, Reverend Douglass Fitch is appointed pastor of GLIDE Church. Janice, as Executive Director and President, restructures GLIDE to meet the ever-evolving needs of the community. In the late 2000s, Willa Seldon comes on as CEO (2007-2010) and two new pastors, Rev. Donald Guest and Rev. Karen Oliveto, join GLIDE Church. Cecil continues as Minister of Liberation and Janice as Founding President.
2010s

Our Time Is Now

The Bay Area is roiled by a historic economic boom that has highlighted an ever-widening gap between those with means and those left behind. Historic racial-ethnic enclaves are disappearing, and the Tenderloin—long a “safe space” for people down on their luck—is part of the fierce citywide competition over space and resources. Through these challenges, GLIDE remains an oasis for those most in need. Under President and CEO Karen Hanrahan, GLIDE is refining its service approach to reach more people and deepen its impact while creating pathways towards better lives. GLIDE’s expanding Center for Social Justice, meanwhile, is at work in the community mobilizing the power of love for personal growth and social betterment.

Leadership

Our organization is led by a diverse cross-section of dedicated individuals with backgrounds in non-profit, education, business and more.

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Dr. Gina Fromer

President & CEO

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Dr. Gina Fromer
Dr. Gina Fromer joined the GLIDE Foundation as President and CEO in late 2023. Throughout her life, Dr. Fromer has devoted her career, energy, and talent to serving the needs of those most disadvantaged in San Francisco. As a sixth generation San Franciscan who was raised in the Bayview-Hunters Point neighborhood, she ascended from having been a GLIDE client to becoming its President and CEO. She has a wealth of leadership experience and deep connections to a vast array of communities. Prior to joining GLIDE, Dr. Fromer served as the President and CEO of the Children’s Council of San Francisco from 2019 to 2023. Dr. Fromer managed a staff of 140+ and oversaw a $240M budget to support San Francisco children, families, and early educators. She led the organization’s partnership with the San Francisco Department of Early Childhood, as well as a host of other city and state agencies and organizations. Prior to the Children’s Council of San Francisco, Dr. Fromer was CEO of the San Francisco Education Fund, where she directed community volunteer programs, educator grants and student scholarships designed to help public school students succeed. Dr. Fromer previously served as the California State Director at The Trust for Public Land, where she created new parks in park-poor neighborhoods in Los Angeles and San Francisco, while protecting landscapes across the state. In her early years, Dr. Fromer began community service as a youth counselor for Young Community Developers, which provides support and training for young adults. This experience led her to a career at the YMCA of San Francisco where she rose through the ranks to become District Vice President overseeing three YMCA branches serving 15,000 families. She raised over $8.5 million for the Bayview YMCA capital campaign to complete the building of the Bayview Hunters Point YMCA. Dr. Fromer holds a Ph.D. in Organizational Development and Leadership from University of Arizona Global Campus. Her dissertation is entitled, "Black Women who Emerged from Poverty and Transitioned into Executive Positions.” She earned a B.S. in Psychology Organizational Leadership from Dominican University of California, and a M.S. in Psychology Organizational Leadership from University of Phoenix. For more than 60 years, the GLIDE Foundation has been dedicated to fighting systemic injustices, creating pathways out of poverty and crisis, and transforming lives.

Dr. Val Feldman

Chief Compliance and Impact Officer

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Val Feldman
Valerie Feldman is GLIDE’s Chief Compliance & Impact Officer. As a key member of the Impact and Strategy team, she leads cross-system efforts to align GLIDE’s many strategies to affect change in and for the community. In this capacity, she also provides strategic oversight to GLIDE’s research and evaluation department, the Center for Applied Learning and Impact (CALI), which leads GLIDE in its evolution as a learning organization. Valerie brings more than 15 years of experience in designing and leading mixed-methods research on various social issues including racial justice, sex work politics, and immigrant youth-serving organizations. Prior to GLIDE, Valerie spent several years leading teams in strategic planning, evaluation, and impact assessment for nonprofit and philanthropic organizations, primarily in the Jewish community sector. Valerie holds a PhD and MA in Sociology from the University of California, Davis. She lives in the East Bay with her partner and two overly affectionate cats.
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Gwendolyn Cornwell

Chief Human Resources Officer

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gwendolyn cornwell
Gwendolyn Cornwell
Gwendolyn has lived in Northern California for over 25 years. She brings over 20 years of HR experience working for community-based non-profit organizations. A graduate of Notre dame de Namur, she earned her master’s degree in counseling psychology and has dedicated her career to serving mission oriented organizations. Most recently Gwendolyn worked with Children’s Council of San Francisco (CCSF) for six years as their CHRO. In this role, she managed the Union relationship and led the strategy for talent management, benefits, compensation, and HR operations. Prior to CCSF, she spent four years as the Director for the Ann Martin Center and eight years as the HR Manager with California Institute of Integral Studies.

Allyson Halpern

Chief Advancement Officer

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Allyson Halpern
Allyson has spent her career in nonprofit management and philanthropy, specializing in mission-driven organizations that are starting up and/or at a critical stage of growth. Most recently she worked at Life Learning Academy (LLA) as its first Chief Advancement Officer, building the systems and capacity for major philanthropic growth. Prior to LLA, she spent seven years at 826 Valencia, where she helped the organization expand to two additional sites, triple its contributed income, amass a significant financial reserve, and double its student reach.
Howard Chi

Howard Chi

Chief Financial Officer

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Howard Chi
Howard Chi
Howard Chi is CFO of the Glide Foundation and serves on the Board of Directors for the Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital Foundation. He has led multi-million dollar brands and startups for more than a 20 years and is a California native. Howard is focused on sound fiscal policy and understands the drivers behind an organization’s long-term success. Many for-profit and nonprofit organizations have benefited from his leadership and strategy in turn around scenarios, mergers & acquisitions and numerous growth initiatives through defining key performance metrics and continued process improvement. Howard received a Bachelor's Degree in Economics Administration from the University of California Riverside and a Master of Business Administration from Golden Gate University. Howard is an auto enthusiast, enjoys live music and spends his free time with his wife and two children.
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Terrell Henderson

Senior Director of Legacy Programs

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Terrell Henderson
Terrell Henderson is a dedicated non profit social service professional with over 20 years of experience serving San Francisco Bay Area youth, families, & programs. Terrell began his career in this sector as a case manager, group facilitator, and coordinator at the SF Sheriff's Department's Post Release Education Program (PREP). In 2004 Terrell joined the YMCA as a Program Director for the Truancy Intervention Program with Urban Services, working collaboratively with agencies from the private and public sector city and state wide. Soon after, Terrell became the program director for the OMI Safe Haven, a violence prevention and intervention program serving high-risk high school aged students. As a Social Worker Associate with the nationally recognized Wraparound Project at UCSF, Terrell served as a community liaison, provided case mgt. services, and advocated for youth and young adults who are victims of violent crimes, and system-involved. Terrell also contributed to the growth of Wraparound by developing support programs, such as a men's group focusing on male empowerment by providing a platform for men to support one another. As the Director of Leadership & Community Development at Success Centers, he was instrumental in planning and overseeing a Leadership Academy which developed activities & provided training designed to improve the leadership skills of African Americans leaders in charge of non-profit organizations.

Marvin K. White

Minister of Celebration

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Marvin K. White
Marvin K. White is the Minister of Celebration at Glide Memorial Church. Marvin is a writer, artist, preacher and public theologian, articulating a vision for social, prophetic and creative justice. He earned a Master of Divinity from Pacific School of Religion, in Berkeley, CA, and is a well sought-out preacher, teacher and facilitator. Marvin has contributed to local and national publications, and is the author of four collections of poetry: Our Name Be Witness; Status and the two Lambda Literary Award-nominated collections, last rights and nothin’ ugly fly. His poetry has been adapted for stage and screen, and he has performed original works at many theaters. Marvin also performed nationally and internationally as a former member of the acclaimed theater troupe, PomoAfroHomos. He was a Teaching Artist for WritersCorps, and has continued to lead creative arts and writing workshops for a range of audiences. He holds a fellowship in the national African-American poetry organization, Cave Canem, and founded and sat on the board of two BIPOC and LGBTQ writer’s organizations: Fire & Ink and B/GLAM. In 2019, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts named him as one of the “YBCA 100”.

Donna LaSala

COO/CIO

karl, headshot

Karl Robillard

Chief Communications and Public Affairs Officer

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Karl Robillard
Karl serves as GLIDE’s Chief Communications and Public Affairs Officer. He has lived in the Bay Area for over 20 years and has been a leading voice in shaping policy, philanthropy, and story-telling for organizations and residents of San Francisco and beyond. Most recently, Karl was the Global Head of Social Impact at Twitter. In this role, he directed cash and product donations totaling over $20 million annually and led community engagement efforts for 7,500 global employees. These investments focused on racial and economic justice, internet safety and education, freedom of expression and civil liberties, emergency response and disaster recovery, and combating the impact of climate change. Prior to joining Twitter, Karl spent 16 years working in the nonprofit community as the Director of Communications & Marketing at Meals on Wheels and the Senior Manager of Public Relations at St. Anthony Foundation. At these organizations, he played a vital role in creating opportunities for businesses in the Mid-Market to engage with and deepen their understanding of complex socio-economic issues that affect residents and organizations in the Tenderloin, SoMa, and Bayview neighborhoods of San Francisco. Karl has shaped his career on the fundamental belief that when diverse groups of people work together towards positive change, they are an unstoppable force for good. Karl was raised in Ithaca, NY and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from the College of Wooster in Wooster, OH. When he’s not at work, Karl is likely in the East Bay Regional Parks or the Sierra Mountains trail-running, cycling, skiing, or snow-camping. Or, he might be on the couch watching the PBS news hour with his husband Bob and their three kitties Boots, Buttons, and Wow.
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Naeemah Charles

Senior Director of the Center for Social Justice

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Naeemah Charles
Naeemah Charles is a proud San Francisco Bay Area native with a lifelong passion for social justice. She brings over 10 years of high-level experience in public policy, community organizing and government affairs. Naeemah is a political veteran with a plethora of knowledge in public policy, public speaking, grassroots organizing, and issue-based campaigns. She is a political veteran; using her expertise to uplift and advocate for social justice causes. Naeemah most recently served as the Senior Director of Public Policy Communication at Children’s Council of San Francisco (CCSF). She built the advocacy, policy, and government affairs Department from the ground up which transformed Children’s Council of San Francisco to become the leading policy voice for early care & education in San Francisco. Naeemah co-founded the SF Early Care & Education Advocacy Coalition, secured millions to expand childcare access in S.F & pushed forward innovative childcare policy for San Francisco families. She educated and mobilized community members to make their voices heard, turning out over 700 parents and child care educators in her final organizing effort. Prior to CCSF, Naeemah served as public affairs officer for Planned Parenthood Northern California. In that role, Naeemah directed public affairs operations in San Francisco, Marin, and Sonoma counties. Naeemah oversaw the passage of local ordinances, mobilized efforts around state and federal policy and analyzed various bills and ordinances related to reproductive and sexual health. Naeemah has also worked at the SF Democratic Party and the California State Assembly as a Jessie M. Unruh fellow. Naeemah is a Hope Institute, YP4, and College Democrats of America alum. She currently resides in San Francisco where she enjoys life with her mini poodle Meadow. In her spare time, she enjoys exploring various artistic forms of expression; currently, she practices Ashtanga yoga and is learning the guitar.
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JeTon Carey

Senior Director of Women, Children, and Family Services

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Jeton Carey
JeTon oversees GLIDE's Family, Youth, and Children's Center (FYCC), the Women's Center, and Family Resource Center (FRC), focusing on leading and expanding programming that services this specific population. JeTon joins GLIDE with more than 20 years of leadership experience in nonprofits, with expertise in strategic planning, program innovation, advocacy, and organizational operations. Most recently, JeTon held a similar position at Children's Council of San Francisco providing strategic leadership and program oversight of the city's Dream Keepers Initiative.
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Tami Minix

Senior Director of Clinical Services & Programs

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tami minix
Tami Minix
Greetings!  My name is Tami Minix, and I grew up in San Francisco, California in the Haight/Ashbury and Fillmore districts. These neighborhoods grounded me and surrounded me with positive influences, creating many wonderful memories during my upbringing. Graduated from California State University, Hayward with a degree in Criminal Justice Administration, graduated with a degree in Counseling Psychology from John F. Kennedy University, and pursuing a second graduate degree in Addiction Studies from Arizona State University.  I have worked at St. Anthony’s Residential, HealthRight 360’s WaldenHouse, Bonita House, Inc., Bayview YMCA, Tenderloin Housing Clinic, and Community Housing Partnership (aka HomeRise). I spent many years working mostly in San Francisco’s vulnerable communities, where I felt these communities have provided me with valuable insight, awareness, and training in the realities of hardships of poverty, trauma, and health disparities. I think when human beings experience trauma or severe life stressors; it is not uncommon for their lives to unravel. My great passion is bringing about a purpose, healing, and balance to people who have been through a traumatic/stressful experience. Over the years, I have realized that no single approach is the right one for every individual; and therefore, I believe it takes a diverse team or an eclectic village to support clients’ journey through the stages of change. My hope for any client is for them to find healthy perceptions of themselves and strengthen their supportive connections so that they can know themselves as peaceful, complete, respected, and valued individuals. 
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Lillian Mark

Chief Program Officer

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Lillian Mark
After 17 years of service at GLIDE, Lillian Mark now serves as Chief Program Officer where she oversees GLIDE’s portfolio of client service programs and implementation of GLIDE’s strategic initiatives for client services. Lillian joined GLIDE in 2004 while she was an undergraduate student at UC Berkeley through the organization’s Epworth Emerging Leaders Internship Program, and then she never left… Upon graduation, Lillian joined GLIDE’s Executive Office as a project assistant, but found herself wanting to be more proximate to the community. From then, she has worked in multiple roles supporting program operations and managing client services. Most recently, Lillian served as GLIDE’s Deputy Director of Programs where she led GLIDE programs through significant developments including integrating mental health training with the Community Safety Team, structural changes to holiday events, and in the past year, leading the Tenderloin Community Resource Hub with its COVID-19 testing and vaccination efforts. If you want a good story about GLIDE “back in the days,” do not let her somewhat youthful outer appearance fool you – she’s got some good stories!

Nathanael W. Dickinson

Senior Director of Real Estate & Development

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Senior Director of Real Estate & Development
Nathanael Dickinson is a Real Estate Development and Construction Expert with 20 years of experience in California. As a Project & Real Estate Development Executive & General Contractor, Nathanael has experience building and managing Project Teams and directly oversees programs and various projects. He has experience leading large Cap-Ex budgets for Real Estate portfolios with budgets over $350MM annual including hundreds of projects. He is very experienced in developing projects from due diligence, entitlements, pre-construction, feasibility, planning, design/ engineering, construction, close-out, and stabilization for sale or lease/ occupancy. Nathanael has won awards for best repositioned assets and historical preservation in San Francisco, California. Nathanael is a Canadian Citizen and a Permanent Resident in the USA who studied with UC Berkeley, is a father to beautiful twin daughters and strives to make a positive impact on society with his work.

Michael Discepola

Senior Director of Health Access

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Director of Health Access
Michael Discepola is Director of Health Access at GLIDE. Michael oversees GLIDE's Harm Reduction Program and emerging health project and program teams. He received his B.A. in Psychology at Southern Connecticut State University and M.A. in Marital & Family Therapy at Southern Connecticut State University. He spent nearly 14 years at the San Francisco AIDS Foundation, beginning as Associate Director of The Stonewall Project up until his appointment as Vice President of Behavioral & Substance Use Health. He worked previously at UCSF (University California, San Francisco) in several capacities, including as Coordinator of HIV Prevention Services, Director Training & REACH Program (including HIV Prevention, Mental Health and Substance Use Counseling) and as Associate Director, The Stonewall Project. He currently is a member of the LGBTQQI Advisory Committee, SF Human Rights Commission; the Health Care for the Homeless Board, SF Department of Public Health), and The San Francisco Eastern Neighborhoods Democratic Club (ENDC). He previously served on the San Francisco Mayor’s Methamphetamine Task Force and the Mayor’s Safer Injections Services Task Force.
Francesca Delgado Jones

Francesca Delgado-Jones

Senior Director of Public Affairs and Communications

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Francesca Delgado Jones
Francesca Delgado-Jones
Francesca serves as GLIDE’s Senior Director of Public Affairs and Communications. In 2021, she joined GLIDE in the Executive Office as board liaison and managed special, cross-departmental projects lead. Currently, Francesca leads efforts to advance and lift GLIDE’s voice and mission by advancing key strategic organizational priorities for GLIDE and strengthening relationships with elected officials, members of the media, and community leaders. Prior to GLIDE, Francesca was an education systems project manager at WestEd, a nationwide education non-profit, where she ensured consistent alignment of team projects, designed and conducted research projects, facilitated community engagement sessions, and contributed to strategic planning processes. In 2015, Francesca received her Master’s in Public Policy from the University of California, Berkeley. During this time she worked with the local HOPE SF initiative and interned for the Obama Administration’s anti-poverty Promise Zones initiative at the U.S. Dept of Housing and Urban Development. Prior to graduate school, Francesca was a Probation Officer supervising high-risk, adult offenders in Seattle, WA. When Francesca is not at GLIDE, she is keeping her two young children busy with her husband and two dogs.
Lanie Igtanloc

Lanie Igtanloc

Family, Youth, and Childcare Center Director

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Lanie Igtanloc
Lanie Igtanloc
Lanie Igtanloc is a dynamic and dedicated professional in the field of childcare and afterschool education committed to creating enriching environments for children. With a career spanning over a decade, Lanie has become a driving force in shaping positive experiences for young minds. Born in the Philippines , Lanie embarked on her journey in early childhood education with a profound desire to make a difference in the lives of children. Armed with a degree in Bachelor in Elementary Education she quickly rose through the ranks, earning a reputation for her innovative approaches and unwavering dedication. Currently serving as the FYCC Director overseeing Childcare and Afterschool Programs .Under Lanie's guidance, the childcare and afterschool programs have flourished, implementing educational curricula that foster holistic growth. She is a strong advocate for creating inclusive spaces that celebrate diversity and promote a sense of community among both children and their families. Lanie's commitment extends beyond the daily operations of the programs. She actively engages with parents, educators, and community stakeholders to ensure a collaborative approach to childhood development.
debra chambers sharp

Debra Chambers Sharp

Senior Director of Human Resource Operations

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debra chambers sharp
Debra Chambers Sharp
Debra Chambers Sharp is Senior Director of HR Operations at GLIDE. Debra oversees GLIDE's workforce planning, talent management, employee development and relations, organization development, compensation and benefits administration, and regulatory compliance across the organization. She received her B.S. in Business Administration/Finance at University of Missouri- Kansas City. Debra brings more than 30 years of experience serving as a senior leader in Human Resources and Financial Operations and has a demonstrated commitment to and understanding of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB), and the ability to apply and integrate core concepts of DEIB into everyday practice. Most recently, Debra was the Associate Director of Human Resources (Compensation & Benefits) at The Tenderloin Neighborhood Development Corporation. In this role, she led and assumed overall accountability for strategy development, design, implementation, administration, and governance of all payroll, benefit and retirement operations and compliance programs and processes. She regularly reviewed benefits market data, managed benefit broker resources, benefits enrollment process, and managed leave administration. She worked previously at KRON-TV, San Francisco in several capacities, including as, Director of Finance and HR Administration, Controller and Manager of Accounting. She led HR and payroll operations, ensuring that HR processes, systems, and communication were efficient, scalable, compliant, and enhanced the employee experience. She managed financial operations, labor relations for multiple unions, and pushed innovative approaches, policies, and procedures to continually improve the efficiency of the organization.

Essential Needs

206

families with children served by GLIDE

176

children received direct care from GLIDE

+1,000

people reached by GLIDE’s Center for Social Justice community engagement and experiential learning programs

+23,005

people participated in Sunday celebrations with GLIDE Memorial Church

Family & Community Building

3,937

people reached with vital services, including harm reduction, essential goods and services, violence intervention, and support for families and children

1,932

people connected to social benefits like CalFresh food assistance and SSI

533,298

meals served to unhoused and low-income community members across San Francisco

7,904

grocery bags distributed to families in need across the city

$24 M

secured in state funding for housing subsidies, shelters, and mental health support through coalition work

$114 M

allocated to California’s state budget for food banks as a result of coalition-based advocacy