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Meet Our Staff
Xóchitl Cortez
Executive Director & Co-Founder
Xóchitl is the Executive Director helping champion frontline youth, most impacted by social and environmental racism, to be the pioneers of sustainable development in their own communities.
Prior, Xóchitl served as the Chief Operating Officer for Community Vision Capital and Consulting advancing equity in the community development sector. She also served as the National Director of Operations at the National Nurses United/California Nurses Association, a labor union representing 100,000 healthcare workers, where she supported building the nurse’s movement for Medical-for-All.
When she is not advancing justice in marginalized communities, Xochitl likes to spend time with her beautiful four children, husband, and friends in nature or traveling to a new part of the world.
Raised in East Oakland since the age of five, Xochitl is active with several East Bay nonprofits and community partners that advocate for positive change in schools, healthcare, affordable housing, community safety, and fair immigration policies.
Xóchitl holds a BA in American Studies with an emphasis in Public Health from the University of California at Berkeley, and an MBA from the Lorry I. Lokey School of Business at Mills College.
Xóchitl is the Executive Director helping champion frontline youth, most impacted by social and environmental racism, to be the pioneers of sustainable development in their own communities.
Prior, Xóchitl served as the Chief Operating Officer for Community Vision Capital and Consulting advancing equity in the community development sector. She also served as the National Director of Operations at the National Nurses United/California Nurses Association, a labor union representing 100,000 healthcare workers, where she supported building the nurse’s movement for Medical-for-All.
When she is not advancing justice in marginalized communities, Xochitl likes to spend time with her beautiful four children, husband, and friends in nature or traveling to a new part of the world.
Raised in East Oakland since the age of five, Xochitl is active with several East Bay nonprofits and community partners that advocate for positive change in schools, healthcare, affordable housing, community safety, and fair immigration policies.
Xóchitl holds a BA in American Studies with an emphasis in Public Health from the University of California at Berkeley, and an MBA from the Lorry I. Lokey School of Business at Mills College.
Cece Alter
Program Manager
Cece Alter (they/them) is an educator from the Bay Area. Their teaching emphasizes hands-on learning, centering student voices, and equipping young people with the tools to critique and transform the world around them. As an OUSD teacher, they founded Highland Community School’s Rainbow Club, a space for LGBTQ+ youth to build community and engage in action projects that promote inclusivity. They also partnered with local parks and nonprofits to expand students’ science learning.
Outside the classroom, Cece has organized around issues like equitable learning conditions, school closures, and electing progressive leadership. They are also experienced in project management and curriculum development.
In their free time, Cece enjoys walking through East Bay parks, keeping up with their neighborhood book club, trying new sports, and sharing meals with family and friends.
Cece is thrilled to be part of Frontline Catalysts as a Program Associate and to collaborate with the team to strengthen the curriculum and empower youth leaders.
Cece Alter (they/them) is an educator from the Bay Area. Their teaching emphasizes hands-on learning, centering student voices, and equipping young people with the tools to critique and transform the world around them. As an OUSD teacher, they founded Highland Community School’s Rainbow Club, a space for LGBTQ+ youth to build community and engage in action projects that promote inclusivity. They also partnered with local parks and nonprofits to expand students’ science learning.
Outside the classroom, Cece has organized around issues like equitable learning conditions, school closures, and electing progressive leadership. They are also experienced in project management and curriculum development.
In their free time, Cece enjoys walking through East Bay parks, keeping up with their neighborhood book club, trying new sports, and sharing meals with family and friends.
Cece is thrilled to be part of Frontline Catalysts as a Program Associate and to collaborate with the team to strengthen the curriculum and empower youth leaders.
Karina Lopez
Program Manager
Karina is a dedicated advocate passionate about amplifying the voices of historically marginalized communities. Her personal experience growing up undocumented has shaped her commitment to social justice and community empowerment. Despite being told to live in the shadows, Karina discovered the transformative power of youth activism, which became the cornerstone of her professional journey.
As a Program Associate, Karina designs and implements initiatives that engage youth in meaningful activism, empowering them to become agents of change within their communities. Her work focuses on creating platforms where young people can participate in advocacy efforts and develop equitable solutions to the challenges they face. Karina’s approach is rooted in the belief that youth voices are essential in shaping a more equitable and transformative future.
With a diverse background in grassroots organizing, Karina has collaborated with prominent youth-led organizations such as United We Dream and the Sunrise Movement. These experiences have honed her skills in community mobilization, leadership development, and policy advocacy. Her early involvement in youth-driven movements has provided her with invaluable insights into effective strategies for empowering young activists. Her work is characterized by a deep understanding of intersectionality, particularly how factors such as immigration status, race, and socioeconomic background impact youth experiences and opportunities.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Karina is an avid outdoor enthusiast who finds inspiration in nature through hiking. She is passionate about music and tries to attend concerts as much as possible. She is also a huge soccer fan!
Karina is a dedicated advocate passionate about amplifying the voices of historically marginalized communities. Her personal experience growing up undocumented has shaped her commitment to social justice and community empowerment. Despite being told to live in the shadows, Karina discovered the transformative power of youth activism, which became the cornerstone of her professional journey.
As a Program Associate, Karina designs and implements initiatives that engage youth in meaningful activism, empowering them to become agents of change within their communities. Her work focuses on creating platforms where young people can participate in advocacy efforts and develop equitable solutions to the challenges they face. Karina’s approach is rooted in the belief that youth voices are essential in shaping a more equitable and transformative future.
With a diverse background in grassroots organizing, Karina has collaborated with prominent youth-led organizations such as United We Dream and the Sunrise Movement. These experiences have honed her skills in community mobilization, leadership development, and policy advocacy. Her early involvement in youth-driven movements has provided her with invaluable insights into effective strategies for empowering young activists. Her work is characterized by a deep understanding of intersectionality, particularly how factors such as immigration status, race, and socioeconomic background impact youth experiences and opportunities.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Karina is an avid outdoor enthusiast who finds inspiration in nature through hiking. She is passionate about music and tries to attend concerts as much as possible. She is also a huge soccer fan!
Lizbeth Luevano
Program Manager and Storyteller
Lizbeth Luevano is a storyteller, healer, researcher, and environmental justice
advocate. As a visionary with a future-oriented praxis, she's driven to build, develop, and imagine new realities.
Her personal and professional experience spans multiple sectors, audiences, and geographies. From leading hundreds of
participants through environmentally focused workshops to
providing research support on California’s creative economy,
I’m committed to empowering diverse communities and co-
creating ecosystems where everyone is free.
Outside of work, you can find her boxing, listening to Dijon on
repeat, journaling, crafting, and enjoying pickled veggies under
the sun.
Lizbeth Luevano is a storyteller, healer, researcher, and environmental justice
advocate. As a visionary with a future-oriented praxis, she's driven to build, develop, and imagine new realities.
Her personal and professional experience spans multiple sectors, audiences, and geographies. From leading hundreds of
participants through environmentally focused workshops to
providing research support on California’s creative economy,
I’m committed to empowering diverse communities and co-
creating ecosystems where everyone is free.
Outside of work, you can find her boxing, listening to Dijon on
repeat, journaling, crafting, and enjoying pickled veggies under
the sun.
Angelia Vang
Program Coordinator
Angelia Vang proudly serves as the Outreach Coordinator for Frontline Catalysts. She is currently an undergrad at San Francisco State University studying psychology and in a college organization called Resist US-Led War which is an anti-war, anti-imperialist organization that exposes US led wars and fights for the liberation of all oppressed peoples around the world.
Angelia was first politicized in 5th grade after being shown the grave effects of climate disruption around the world. Environmental justice then became the spark that drove her to move beyond feelings of helplessness and take action for revolutionary change.
She joined her first organization in 2023 when the CSU system announced plans to increase tuition by 6% annually for the next five years. She saw this as a grave injustice, disproportionately affecting working-class students striving for an affordable education. Through her passion for fighting against this tuition hike, she joined the League of Filipino Students at SFSU. And from that, her organizing efforts only grew.
Now Angelia aims to organize for communities that are under-represented, exploited, and underserved in a society that prioritizes profits over people. She believes that building a socially and politically conscious future depends on empowering the youth and the working class, as they are the driving forces behind this envisioned generation. This is why she continues to organize and believes in the great works of Frontline Catalysts.
In her free time, Angelia enjoys bike rides in the city and taking part in various art forms such as music making and rug making.
Angelia Vang proudly serves as the Outreach Coordinator for Frontline Catalysts. She is currently an undergrad at San Francisco State University studying psychology and in a college organization called Resist US-Led War which is an anti-war, anti-imperialist organization that exposes US led wars and fights for the liberation of all oppressed peoples around the world.
Angelia was first politicized in 5th grade after being shown the grave effects of climate disruption around the world. Environmental justice then became the spark that drove her to move beyond feelings of helplessness and take action for revolutionary change.
She joined her first organization in 2023 when the CSU system announced plans to increase tuition by 6% annually for the next five years. She saw this as a grave injustice, disproportionately affecting working-class students striving for an affordable education. Through her passion for fighting against this tuition hike, she joined the League of Filipino Students at SFSU. And from that, her organizing efforts only grew.
Now Angelia aims to organize for communities that are under-represented, exploited, and underserved in a society that prioritizes profits over people. She believes that building a socially and politically conscious future depends on empowering the youth and the working class, as they are the driving forces behind this envisioned generation. This is why she continues to organize and believes in the great works of Frontline Catalysts.
In her free time, Angelia enjoys bike rides in the city and taking part in various art forms such as music making and rug making.
Climate Action Fellows
Gisell Espinoza
Gisell grew up in Oaxaca, Mexico which inspired her support for grassroots and people-led movements, especially those that push for equitable distribution of land and maintain a focus on improving the lives of vulnerable communities affected by the ongoing climate crisis. She has studied Conservation and Resource Studies at UC Berkeley with concentrations in Sustainable Transitions and Environmental Justice.
Previously, she has worked with The Watershed Project as a water quality monitoring intern and helped support their community engagement outreach, as well as data visualizations to detail creek restoration cleanups. At Marin Clean Energy, Gisell worked on the customer programs team, where she improved customer’s understanding of the renewable energy services provided to them, in particular with Spanish speakers. These experiences motivated her to continue to advocate for marginalized people, and ensure that they are not left behind (and rather, prioritized) in the move towards a more sustainable future.
Gisell is thrilled to join Frontline Catalysts and provide support as a bilingual speaker to bolster the team’s outreach with the wider community in Oakland, as well as empower youth and other vulnerable communities to understand the power of their lived experiences, build strong ties within their own communities as well as with other organizations, and ultimately to create positive change.
In her free time, Gisell enjoys puzzles, reading, traveling, trying new baking recipes, and cycling through different fitness and wellness gyms.
Sanjana Nitturkar
Sanjana is an environmental justice advocate, particularly passionate about food sovereignty, agroecology, and community health. Growing up seeing effects of climate injustice in their family’s farming hometown in Karnataka, India was the foundation for their understanding that we cannot address economic inequity without addressing the climate crisis, and vice versa. They strive to embody the just future we seek to create while in the present, not just through political action, but through embodying reciprocity in the relationships we have with one another (with both living & nonliving beings).
They studied Molecular Environmental Biology at UC Berkeley, where they built on their lived experience with coursework and community-based research. Studying agroecology in Chile and medicinal plants in Samoa were unique opportunities that developed their understanding of justice & liberation in global contexts. Her approach to EJ work is informed by public health frameworks and community-based models of care, such as Dr. Arline Geronimus’s Weathering hypothesis, the Black Panther Party’s Free Breakfast Program, and the Lincoln Detox Program.
Equally importantly, their experience as a graphic designer & illustrator make them skilled in accessible communication. They are particularly passionate about the role of humor in inspiring action. These skills helped them co-design a course on Alternative Economics at UC Berkeley, which explored existing community wealth building models developed by & for marginalized communities. She left this experience with a new passion for education, and is so excited to use her skills & experience in the programming done at Frontline Catalysts.
In her free time, she is passionate about making music, strengthening their body, drawing cartoons, and picking up new skills that often face a half-baked fate.
Naajia Shakir
Naajia Shakir is an environmental justice scholar and community advocate from New Jersey. They are focused on working within Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities disproportionately affected by environmental issues including food insecurity, gentrification, severe atmospheric pollution, and water contamination. She has previously worked on urban farms with BIPOC and immigrant farmers within Camden, NJ, King County, WA, and Detroit, MI. They have done extensive research and outreach with various environmental organizations that center empowering their communities through participatory research, listening sessions, health clinics, youth programs, policy, and more.
Naajia believes that by building community and cultivating food and nature, one not only has autonomy over their own resources but can also grow connections to the land and one another. Practicing methods that their ancestors once did to sustain themselves and coexist with the environment, working towards community empowerment and liberation for all.
In their free time, Naajia likes to take walks in nature, read, try out new ice cream flavors, attend art events, and spend time with friends and family.
Board of Directors
Ifeoma Adams
Board Member
Ifeoma M. Adams, CPA, SPHR, is a compassionate financial leader with over 20 years of experience supporting nonprofits, social service organizations, and small businesses. Originally from Nigeria, she has made her home in the Bay Area, where she uses her expertise to strengthen community-based initiatives through strategic financial guidance and tax services.
As a Certified Public Accountant with an MBA, Ifeoma has dedicated her career to advancing social impact. Her leadership as Controller for the California Nurses Association and Business Manager at the Making Waves Foundation reflects her commitment to supporting organizations that uplift communities. She has also worked to ensure financial sustainability for public education institutions as Director of Business Services at West Sonoma County Union High School District and Alameda County Office of Education.
Passionate about economic empowerment and equitable access to resources, Ifeoma’s values align with Frontline Catalysts’ mission to foster frontline leadership and drive social and environmental justice. She believes in the power of financial stewardship to build resilient communities.
Beyond her professional contributions, Ifeoma serves her community as a board member of the Ephesian Children’s Center and has led initiatives with the Obosi Development Association. Her dedication to service and advocacy remains at the heart of her work. In her free time, she enjoys golfing, running, and spending quality time with her granddaughters in Oakland, CA.
Ifeoma M. Adams, CPA, SPHR, is a compassionate financial leader with over 20 years of experience supporting nonprofits, social service organizations, and small businesses. Originally from Nigeria, she has made her home in the Bay Area, where she uses her expertise to strengthen community-based initiatives through strategic financial guidance and tax services.
As a Certified Public Accountant with an MBA, Ifeoma has dedicated her career to advancing social impact. Her leadership as Controller for the California Nurses Association and Business Manager at the Making Waves Foundation reflects her commitment to supporting organizations that uplift communities. She has also worked to ensure financial sustainability for public education institutions as Director of Business Services at West Sonoma County Union High School District and Alameda County Office of Education.
Passionate about economic empowerment and equitable access to resources, Ifeoma’s values align with Frontline Catalysts’ mission to foster frontline leadership and drive social and environmental justice. She believes in the power of financial stewardship to build resilient communities.
Beyond her professional contributions, Ifeoma serves her community as a board member of the Ephesian Children’s Center and has led initiatives with the Obosi Development Association. Her dedication to service and advocacy remains at the heart of her work. In her free time, she enjoys golfing, running, and spending quality time with her granddaughters in Oakland, CA.
Gopal Dayaneni
Board Member
Gopal is an educator, organizer and activist focused on racial, economic and ecological justice who currently teaches at San Francisco State University and Antioch University. Gopal also supports social movements through various organizing projects. Gopal believes that grassroots, bottom-up, inter-generational social movements on the frontlines of the interconnected crises of social inequity and ecological erosion are the key to deep, transformative change-making.
Gopal co-founded Movement Generation: Justice and Ecology Project, a collective committed to realigning movement strategy with the healing powers of living systems. MG has helped launch The Climate Justice Alliance and developed a Just Transition Framework widely used across US-based Climate Justice movements.
Gopal has an MA in Urban Sustainability from Antioch University in Los Angeles and a lifetime achievement award in the form of two amazing young adult children.
Gopal is an educator, organizer and activist focused on racial, economic and ecological justice who currently teaches at San Francisco State University and Antioch University. Gopal also supports social movements through various organizing projects. Gopal believes that grassroots, bottom-up, inter-generational social movements on the frontlines of the interconnected crises of social inequity and ecological erosion are the key to deep, transformative change-making.
Gopal co-founded Movement Generation: Justice and Ecology Project, a collective committed to realigning movement strategy with the healing powers of living systems. MG has helped launch The Climate Justice Alliance and developed a Just Transition Framework widely used across US-based Climate Justice movements.
Gopal has an MA in Urban Sustainability from Antioch University in Los Angeles and a lifetime achievement award in the form of two amazing young adult children.
Lisa Dinh
Board Member
Lisa Dinh is a Program Associate at the Skyline Foundation supporting climate and education grantmaking. Her work focuses on trust-based support in grantee relationships and grants management within an operationally lean, yet financially robust private foundation.
Her background informs her love for and motivation in science communication, the arts, culture, and education. She believes in interdisciplinary education (arts+sciences) and peace building through support of intersectional communities. In addition to her work in philanthropy, Lisa serves as a DEI chair of the co-op, Cal Sailing Club where she hopes to celebrate community and culture through self-confidence building in the sport of sailing.
Lisa holds a BA in Human Evolutionary Biology from Columbia University where she was awarded Multi-Cultural Affairs Honors for students who have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to diversity, social justice and multiculturalism during their undergraduate careers. Additionally, Lisa has been a selected fellow in University Innovation — Design Thinking through Stanford’s Hasso Plattner d. School, a Philanthropy Fellow with the Silicon Valley Community Foundation, and a Northern California Grantmakers Rising Leader in the 2025 Cohort.
Lisa Dinh is a Program Associate at the Skyline Foundation supporting climate and education grantmaking. Her work focuses on trust-based support in grantee relationships and grants management within an operationally lean, yet financially robust private foundation.
Her background informs her love for and motivation in science communication, the arts, culture, and education. She believes in interdisciplinary education (arts+sciences) and peace building through support of intersectional communities. In addition to her work in philanthropy, Lisa serves as a DEI chair of the co-op, Cal Sailing Club where she hopes to celebrate community and culture through self-confidence building in the sport of sailing.
Lisa holds a BA in Human Evolutionary Biology from Columbia University where she was awarded Multi-Cultural Affairs Honors for students who have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to diversity, social justice and multiculturalism during their undergraduate careers. Additionally, Lisa has been a selected fellow in University Innovation — Design Thinking through Stanford’s Hasso Plattner d. School, a Philanthropy Fellow with the Silicon Valley Community Foundation, and a Northern California Grantmakers Rising Leader in the 2025 Cohort.
Jason Ferreira
Board Member
Jason Ferreira is Associate Professor Department of Race & Resistance Studies located within the College of Ethnic Studies at San Francisco State University. He has been a recipient of the University of California President’s Postdoctoral Fellowship, and in 2019-20, he served as a Visiting Scholar at Harvard University in the Charles Warren Center for Studies in American History.
Jason sits on several boards including the Board of Directors of the Kendra Alexander Foundation. He also co-founded the Center for Political Education, a vibrant community institution located in the Bay Area whose ongoing mission has been to provide a space dedicated to building strong movements and the Left through education, analysis, theory, dialogue, and activism. He is also the Project Director of the Eyes on Arizona Project, an initiative dedicated to providing political education, encouraging civic engagement, and developing leadership skills in youth in pursuit of immigrant justice.
Jason is a life-long student of social and radical movements for freedom, enjoys exploring and listening to global music (who can be found DJing as a side gig), and finds his greatest joy in spending time with his beautiful twin girls.
Jason has a BA in History from the University of Illinois at Urbana/Champaign and both an MA and Ph.D. in Comparative Ethnic Studies from the University of California at Berkeley.
Jason Ferreira is Associate Professor Department of Race & Resistance Studies located within the College of Ethnic Studies at San Francisco State University. He has been a recipient of the University of California President’s Postdoctoral Fellowship, and in 2019-20, he served as a Visiting Scholar at Harvard University in the Charles Warren Center for Studies in American History.
Jason sits on several boards including the Board of Directors of the Kendra Alexander Foundation. He also co-founded the Center for Political Education, a vibrant community institution located in the Bay Area whose ongoing mission has been to provide a space dedicated to building strong movements and the Left through education, analysis, theory, dialogue, and activism. He is also the Project Director of the Eyes on Arizona Project, an initiative dedicated to providing political education, encouraging civic engagement, and developing leadership skills in youth in pursuit of immigrant justice.
Jason is a life-long student of social and radical movements for freedom, enjoys exploring and listening to global music (who can be found DJing as a side gig), and finds his greatest joy in spending time with his beautiful twin girls.
Jason has a BA in History from the University of Illinois at Urbana/Champaign and both an MA and Ph.D. in Comparative Ethnic Studies from the University of California at Berkeley.
Cristy Johnston Limon
Board Chair
Cristy is the Executive Director at the Haas School of Business’ Center for Social Sector Leadership, which trains and supports social impact leaders and organizations across sector and industry to advance social change. She is also the former Director of Youth Speaks, a national youth spoken word and literary arts organization.
Growing up in San Francisco’s Mission district, Cristy received a bilingual public-school education, infused with dance, music, and theater that ignited her passion to create spaces where all young people have access to the arts. She describes her work of building communities through multi-sector partnerships and collaboration as being centered in the arts, culture, business, and philanthropy.
Cristy is excited to be on the board of Frontline Catalysts to give voice to our community most affected by climate change and to advance climate justice.
When she is not working, Cristy likes to cook and spend time with her husband and two daughters ages 2 and 7.
Cristy earned her undergraduate degree in political science at UC Berkeley and an Executive MBA from the Haas School of Business.
Cristy is the Executive Director at the Haas School of Business’ Center for Social Sector Leadership, which trains and supports social impact leaders and organizations across sector and industry to advance social change. She is also the former Director of Youth Speaks, a national youth spoken word and literary arts organization.
Growing up in San Francisco’s Mission district, Cristy received a bilingual public-school education, infused with dance, music, and theater that ignited her passion to create spaces where all young people have access to the arts. She describes her work of building communities through multi-sector partnerships and collaboration as being centered in the arts, culture, business, and philanthropy.
Cristy is excited to be on the board of Frontline Catalysts to give voice to our community most affected by climate change and to advance climate justice.
When she is not working, Cristy likes to cook and spend time with her husband and two daughters ages 2 and 7.
Cristy earned her undergraduate degree in political science at UC Berkeley and an Executive MBA from the Haas School of Business.
Angela Aguilar
Board Member
Angela Aguilar is a collective member and co-director at Movement Generation, where she co-leads the Communications and Cultural Strategy team. She also plays various roles on MG’s Land Team to take care of and restore 43 acres of liberated land in the East Bay hills. Together with Movement Generation, she visions culture shifting towards ecological justice through liberated land care, storytelling, experience making, and political education, strategy, and analysis.
The foundation of Angela’s work is based in her life roles as a parent, full-spectrum birthkeeper/death worker and cultural worker. Through this work she integrates sexual health justice, ecological justice and community care that is trauma/healing/grief informed. She incorporates the teachings of curanderismo and her ancestral and familial wisdom in all of her offerings: from plant medicine, palabra and laughter, to sobadas (body work) and limpias. As a survivor of CS trauma, Angela’s central intention is to support people and their families who are survivors and thrivers as they reclaim their power at all scales.
Angela is a proud community college transfer student, receiving her AA in Anthropology from Fullerton College. She transferred to UC Berkeley where she received her BA in Ethnic Studies and Anthropology, Masters in Ethnic Studies and a Masters in Public Health.
She also teaches an Introduction to Curanderismo class once per year at Laney College in Oakland, and taught college writing in the Department of Ethnic Studies at UC Berkeley for 10 years.
On the daily, Angela enjoys being in awe of her two witty children, and to keep her creative juices flowing she moonlights as a ceramic artist and budding filmmaker.
Angela Aguilar is a collective member and co-director at Movement Generation, where she co-leads the Communications and Cultural Strategy team. She also plays various roles on MG’s Land Team to take care of and restore 43 acres of liberated land in the East Bay hills. Together with Movement Generation, she visions culture shifting towards ecological justice through liberated land care, storytelling, experience making, and political education, strategy, and analysis.
The foundation of Angela’s work is based in her life roles as a parent, full-spectrum birthkeeper/death worker and cultural worker. Through this work she integrates sexual health justice, ecological justice and community care that is trauma/healing/grief informed. She incorporates the teachings of curanderismo and her ancestral and familial wisdom in all of her offerings: from plant medicine, palabra and laughter, to sobadas (body work) and limpias. As a survivor of CS trauma, Angela’s central intention is to support people and their families who are survivors and thrivers as they reclaim their power at all scales.
Angela is a proud community college transfer student, receiving her AA in Anthropology from Fullerton College. She transferred to UC Berkeley where she received her BA in Ethnic Studies and Anthropology, Masters in Ethnic Studies and a Masters in Public Health.
She also teaches an Introduction to Curanderismo class once per year at Laney College in Oakland, and taught college writing in the Department of Ethnic Studies at UC Berkeley for 10 years.
On the daily, Angela enjoys being in awe of her two witty children, and to keep her creative juices flowing she moonlights as a ceramic artist and budding filmmaker.
jawno okhiulu
Board Member
jawno okhiulu is a philanthropic practitioner, singer/songwriter, educator, and community builder based in San Francisco. His work is rooted in a single animating question: what does it take to build communities where we are better toward each other and the planet we call home?
At Waverley Street Foundation, jawno leads grantmaking at the intersection of climate justice, food systems, arts and culture, and community well-being — centering community-led solutions, deep relationships, and the initiatives that enable everyday people to shape their own futures.
He is also the Founder and Director of Eager Arts & Culture Hub (EACH), a Bay Area network of artists and cultural workers who gather for community visioning, ritual, and resource sharing.
jawno previously served as a Tom Ford Fellow and Program Associate at the Decolonizing Wealth Project, supporting grantmaking strategy across Black and Indigenous food and land justice and reparations movements throughout Turtle Island. He has also worked as a Land and Organizational Steward at Black Earth Farmers in Oakland, developing community curriculum in Afro-Indigenous food sovereignty and liberation agroecology.
jawno holds dual bachelor's degrees from Stanford University in Human Biology and African & African American Studies, and returns to Stanford as a visiting lecturer in land ethics, food justice, and environmental justice. He is a Ron Brown Scholar, Dalai Lama Global Fellow, and graduate of the Next Economy MBA. He serves as Board Chair of Feed Black Futures and on the boards of Frontline Catalysts, Squared Network, and the Ecotrust Capital & Fundraising Committee.
jawno okhiulu is a philanthropic practitioner, singer/songwriter, educator, and community builder based in San Francisco. His work is rooted in a single animating question: what does it take to build communities where we are better toward each other and the planet we call home?
At Waverley Street Foundation, jawno leads grantmaking at the intersection of climate justice, food systems, arts and culture, and community well-being — centering community-led solutions, deep relationships, and the initiatives that enable everyday people to shape their own futures.
He is also the Founder and Director of Eager Arts & Culture Hub (EACH), a Bay Area network of artists and cultural workers who gather for community visioning, ritual, and resource sharing.
jawno previously served as a Tom Ford Fellow and Program Associate at the Decolonizing Wealth Project, supporting grantmaking strategy across Black and Indigenous food and land justice and reparations movements throughout Turtle Island. He has also worked as a Land and Organizational Steward at Black Earth Farmers in Oakland, developing community curriculum in Afro-Indigenous food sovereignty and liberation agroecology.
jawno holds dual bachelor's degrees from Stanford University in Human Biology and African & African American Studies, and returns to Stanford as a visiting lecturer in land ethics, food justice, and environmental justice. He is a Ron Brown Scholar, Dalai Lama Global Fellow, and graduate of the Next Economy MBA. He serves as Board Chair of Feed Black Futures and on the boards of Frontline Catalysts, Squared Network, and the Ecotrust Capital & Fundraising Committee.
Vivyana Prado
Board Member
Vivyana Prado is a staff attorney at Leadership Counsel for Justice and Accountability, where she works alongside organizers and policy advocates to advance environmental justice in rural frontline communities across California’s San Joaquin Valley. Her work focuses on air quality, water access, and equitable land use, supporting community-led solutions to environmental and public health challenges.
Vivyana earned her Juris Doctor from UC Law San Francisco, where she concentrated on environmental justice, energy, and water law. During law school, she partnered with community-based organizations, including Frontline Catalysts, contributing to community-informed research and education efforts that bridge legal analysis with on-the-ground climate justice work. She also engaged in advocacy and legal training through organizations such as Natural Resources Defense Council and Sustainable Economies Law Center, and was recognized for her leadership and commitment to public interest law with multiple awards.
Prior to law school, Vivyana worked at the Energy Foundation, where she supported grantmaking for environmental and racial justice initiatives—including funding partnerships with organizations like Frontline Catalysts. She holds a B.S. in Environmental Science from University of California, Los Angeles, with minors in Environmental Health and Chicana/o Studies.
A first-generation professional and fluent Spanish speaker, Vivyana brings a deep, long-standing commitment to community-centered advocacy and environmental justice to her role on the Frontline Catalysts Board.
Vivyana Prado is a staff attorney at Leadership Counsel for Justice and Accountability, where she works alongside organizers and policy advocates to advance environmental justice in rural frontline communities across California’s San Joaquin Valley. Her work focuses on air quality, water access, and equitable land use, supporting community-led solutions to environmental and public health challenges.
Vivyana earned her Juris Doctor from UC Law San Francisco, where she concentrated on environmental justice, energy, and water law. During law school, she partnered with community-based organizations, including Frontline Catalysts, contributing to community-informed research and education efforts that bridge legal analysis with on-the-ground climate justice work. She also engaged in advocacy and legal training through organizations such as Natural Resources Defense Council and Sustainable Economies Law Center, and was recognized for her leadership and commitment to public interest law with multiple awards.
Prior to law school, Vivyana worked at the Energy Foundation, where she supported grantmaking for environmental and racial justice initiatives—including funding partnerships with organizations like Frontline Catalysts. She holds a B.S. in Environmental Science from University of California, Los Angeles, with minors in Environmental Health and Chicana/o Studies.
A first-generation professional and fluent Spanish speaker, Vivyana brings a deep, long-standing commitment to community-centered advocacy and environmental justice to her role on the Frontline Catalysts Board.
Colin Andrew Logan
Board Member
Colin Andrew Logan is a Cultural & Community Organizer with the Reclaim Our Power: Utility Justice Campaign, where he works to advance community-led energy solutions and build power for a just transition beyond investor-owned utilities. His organizing focuses on communications, coalition building, and supporting grassroots leadership to advocate for safe, renewable, and democratically controlled energy systems. He also collaborates with Frontline Catalysts through shared leadership within the Reclaim Our Power campaign.
Colin brings over a decade of experience at the intersection of climate, racial, and economic justice. He currently serves as a Senior Associate with Environmental Justice Solutions and has held leadership roles with the Oakland Climate Action Coalition and Bay Localize, supporting community-driven climate resilience efforts across the Bay Area.
His work is grounded in long-standing relationships with youth and frontline communities. Colin has organized alongside Frontline Catalysts youth leaders in Sacramento, supporting student-led walkouts and building youth power in climate justice movements. Across his career, he has centered low-income communities of color in advancing solutions that build collective health, resilience, and self-determination.
Earlier in his career, Colin worked with organizations such as Ella Baker Center for Human Rights and Urban Habitat, contributing to regional climate policy, equitable transportation planning, and green jobs advocacy. He also spent time as an educator in Oakland public schools and abroad, grounding his approach in language, culture, and community connection.
Colin holds a B.A. in Urban Studies from Stanford University with a focus on environmental justice, and a bilingual teaching credential from San Francisco State University. A multilingual educator and longtime Oakland organizer, he brings a deep commitment to cultural strategy, youth leadership, and frontline power-building to his role on the Frontline Catalysts Board.
Colin Andrew Logan is a Cultural & Community Organizer with the Reclaim Our Power: Utility Justice Campaign, where he works to advance community-led energy solutions and build power for a just transition beyond investor-owned utilities. His organizing focuses on communications, coalition building, and supporting grassroots leadership to advocate for safe, renewable, and democratically controlled energy systems. He also collaborates with Frontline Catalysts through shared leadership within the Reclaim Our Power campaign.
Colin brings over a decade of experience at the intersection of climate, racial, and economic justice. He currently serves as a Senior Associate with Environmental Justice Solutions and has held leadership roles with the Oakland Climate Action Coalition and Bay Localize, supporting community-driven climate resilience efforts across the Bay Area.
His work is grounded in long-standing relationships with youth and frontline communities. Colin has organized alongside Frontline Catalysts youth leaders in Sacramento, supporting student-led walkouts and building youth power in climate justice movements. Across his career, he has centered low-income communities of color in advancing solutions that build collective health, resilience, and self-determination.
Earlier in his career, Colin worked with organizations such as Ella Baker Center for Human Rights and Urban Habitat, contributing to regional climate policy, equitable transportation planning, and green jobs advocacy. He also spent time as an educator in Oakland public schools and abroad, grounding his approach in language, culture, and community connection.
Colin holds a B.A. in Urban Studies from Stanford University with a focus on environmental justice, and a bilingual teaching credential from San Francisco State University. A multilingual educator and longtime Oakland organizer, he brings a deep commitment to cultural strategy, youth leadership, and frontline power-building to his role on the Frontline Catalysts Board.
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