OUR TEAM
Our team and board are some of the best and brightest minds in LA all working to transform futures for our youth.
THE SHAREFEST TEAM
CHAD MAYER, Executive Director
Chad Mayer is an accomplished leader and founding director of Sharefest. With a unique blend of leadership skills, marketing expertise, networking know-how and a deep commitment to community, Chad has been instrumental in growing Sharefest from a one-day community service event to a thriving youth development organization. Chad's vision and guidance have enabled Sharefest to make a positive impact on underserved communities, earning him recognition from local civic and governmental groups through numerous awards, certificates, and accolades.
GRETCHEN DOWNEY, Vice President, Programs
Gretchen Downey is a 25-year veteran in youth physical, mental and social health services who now serves as Sharefest’s Vice President of Programs. With a strong background in program innovation, Gretchen is passionate about developing programs that enable youth to reach their full potential. She is deeply committed to building partnerships between organizations, schools, government, and volunteers. Gretchen is also a best-selling author and speaker who has been featured in the LA Times, Parent Magazine, and on Los Angeles area news.
BETSY CHOU, Vice President, Finance and Operations
Betsy Chou is the Vice President of Finance and Operations who expertly manages Sharefest’s financial records, human resources and organizational operations. Since 2016, her careful management of funds and resources has enabled Sharefest to invest wisely in programs that transform futures for youth. Betsy brings a solution-finding and team-building approach to her role, empowering the people around her to do their best work.
THOMAS VALENCIA, Director of Education
Thomas Valencia is an educational leader with over 20 years of teaching and administrative experience. As the Director of Education at Sharefest, Thomas uses his experience as a classroom teacher and Principal to train Instructor-Mentors, guide the development of transformational curriculum and build essential relationships within partner schools. Thomas believes in fostering a passion for learning through creativity, collaboration, and real-world applications.
LIBERTY COHEN, Workforce Development Manager
Liberty Cohen is a driven leader with experience overseeing and facilitating training initiatives from small group facilitation to nationwide onboarding. Liberty’s background in workforce development paired with her passion for the SoCal communities who raised her make her uniquely qualified to serve as the Workforce Development Manager at Sharefest. Her enthusiasm, dedication and passion for learning are all essential as she leads the continued buildout of the Workforce Development Program.
LISSETTE VALLEJO, Program Coordinator
Lissette Vallejo believes strongly in educational equity and is committed to working to achieve equity for all students. As the Program Administrative Specialist at Sharefest, Lissette draws heavily on her experience as an LAUSD and UC Berkley graduate, as well as her experience tutoring K-12+ students. She is passionate about about giving back to her community and continuing to learn new things in her areas of interest such as architecture, psychology and writing.
KOANA LAIMANA, Development Manager
Koana Laimana started her career in education and the entertainment world while earning a BA in Psychology from Vanguard University. As the Development Manager, Koana brings a unique understanding of what Sharefest youth face as she grew up in LAUSD in a low-income area facing some of the same barriers. Koana thrives while working with corporate partners and donors who share her passion for giving back to help stop the cycle for youth.
KELLY HAMILTON, Individual Giving Manager
Kelly Hamilton is a community-focused nonprofit leader with extensive experience in development and marketing. As the Individual Giving Manager, Kelly is focused on building authentic relationships with the dedicated individuals who make Sharefest’s work possible. She uses her passion for technology and creativity to fuel her work as she builds connections between individuals and Sharefest. Kelly’s curiosity for the world around her, focus on building community and belief that everyone deserves the same respect drive everything she does.
LAURA CASTILLO, Operations Specialist
Laura Castillo brings 20 years of experience in operations and human resources to her role as the Operations Specialist at Sharefest. Skilled at promoting collaboration, improving performance and developing teams, Laura works diligently to help the organization continue to level up. Laura graduated from LAUSD and is committed to helping more youth gain a solid foundation for their occupational development.
PHONNYTA SENG, Career Counselor
Phonnyta Seng is brings a wide array of experiences to her role as a Sharefest Career Counselor. Art instruction, business ownership, life and health coaching are just some of the experiences she draws from as she inspires youth to find the right career path. Phonnyta understands each student needs to set individual goals and thrives in guiding them to uncover their potential.
DAMEANE DOUGLAS, Instructor Case Manager
Dameane earned both his BA in Sociology and Master’s in Education at Loyola Marymount University where he also played Division 1 basketball as a student-athlete. With a strong background in interpersonal communication and creating genuine, meaningful relationships with others, Dameane is motivated to have a positive impact on youth and help underserved communities and children reach their fullest potential both inside and outside of the classroom. Dameane‘s vision is to create enriching opportunities that will foster profound effects on the futures of our youth.
THE SHAREFEST BOARD OF DIRECTORS
ERIC RUEHLE, Chair
Prior to founding West Harbor Capital, Eric Ruehle was a Senior Vice President at Sitex Group, a national industrial real estate private equity firm where he led the firm's expansion into Southern California. Eric has also held key roles at CenterPoint Properties, First Industrial Realty Trust and AEW Capital Management. Eric currently serves on the board of directors for the NAIOP Inland Empire chapter and the SIOR Los Angeles chapter.
DAN SIMON, CFO
Dan Simon is the Director of Finance at Wedbush Inc., overseeing daily operations, including finance and accounting, and directly involved with underlying investments, as a Board or Committee Member. He joined in 2006 as CFO of Wedbush Capital Partners, overseeing funds administration and supporting financial due diligence. Dan was previously CFO of early-stage venture capital firm DynaFund Ventures and started his career in the attestation group of Ernst & Young LLP. He is a Certified Public Accountant (inactive).
FRANK SCHULZ, Secretary
Frank Schulz is a born leader who spends his days serving his corporate clients at The Klabin Company and helping them solve their commercial real estate needs. Frank has served his professional association SIOR (Society of Industrial & Office Realtors) in Los Angeles as its Chapter President and at a national level as Leader of its Young Professional Group. Collaboration, hard work, and building relationships are what makes Frank tick.
CHAD MAYER, President & Executive Director
Chad Mayer is an accomplished leader and founding director of Sharefest. With a unique blend of leadership skills, marketing expertise, networking know-how and a deep commitment to community, Chad has been instrumental in growing Sharefest from a one-day community service event to a thriving youth development organization. Chad's vision and guidance have enabled Sharefest to make a positive impact on underserved communities, earning him recognition from local civic and governmental groups through numerous awards, certificates, and accolades.
JEFF ETHERINGTON
Jeff Etherington is Alaska Airlines’ Director of Sales for California/Arizona/Mid-West/ East Coast /Mexico. Jeff began his airline career with Delta Air Lines in Dallas, Texas and transferred to Los Angeles following the Delta/Western merger. While at Delta, Jeff was Regional Director of Sales for the West Region and General Manager Corporate Sales - West Region. Jeff joined Alaska Airlines in January of 2005. A resident of the greater Los Angeles area, Jeff serves on the board for Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce, past Board member for Junior Achievement of San Diego County, former Chairperson for the March of Dimes Annual Health Walk. Jeff was formerly on the Torrance Unified School District West High Site Council as Chair and was a board member with the California Travel Association. A native of Tucson, Arizona, Jeff graduated from the University of Arizona with a bachelor’s degree in Marketing and minor in International Relations.
MOISES FIGUEROA
Moises Figueroa is the Regional General Manager of SA Recycling Ports/Anaheim region, responsible for overseeing five facilities and 300 employees, collectively loading 1.5 million tons of scrap per year. With over three decades of experience in scrap metal business, Mr. Figueroa has held key positions in equipment, operational, production, and service management on a large scale. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering at Lima University and his Associate degree in Hydraulics and Fluid Power Technology at the University of Washington. Mr. Figueroa is an active member of the San Pedro Chamber of Commerce and Wilmington Chamber of Commerce Board, dedicated to educating the community on the importance and benefits of recycling.
JESSICA IBARRA
Jessica Ibarra is a seasoned professional with 15+ years of experience in creating iconic destinations, with guiding principles rooted in hospitality, place, service, food, and art. With a degree in illustration from Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, she has worked for notable design firms and MGM Resorts in design, management, and marketing. Jessica's career highlights include designing all the signage, water features, and Fine Art Collection at CityCenter in Las Vegas and supporting development investment in Los Angeles with Mayor Eric Garcetti during a trip to China. Currently, she oversees a portfolio of 5 small family businesses with 65 team members across 6 cities in Asia/North America.
REBEKAH KIM
Rebekah Kim is a seasoned public affairs and government relations expert with nearly 20 years of political experience at the federal, state, and local levels. As the former Chief of Staff to the Southern California executive for AECOM, she oversaw the Harbor and Palos Verdes Peninsula region. Rebekah also served as Deputy to U.S. Congresswoman Jane Harman, focusing on the South Bay and Beach Cities in addition to labor, aerospace/defense, port, and transportation issues. Her public sector career also includes positions with the Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Harbors and the office of Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. Rebekah's expertise in engaging with elected officials, department heads, and key staff at the County and City of Los Angeles makes her a valuable asset to any organization.
MARK LIMPERT
Mark Limpert is a Principal at ColdWater Partners, a privately held Real Estate Investment firm focusing on opportunities in the Western United States. Prior to joining CWP, Mark served as Vice President at two large institutional real estate private equity firms where he focused on asset management responsibilities. Mark holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Dartmouth College.
GABRIELA MEDINA
Gabriela Medina is the District Director to Councilwoman Traci Park, representing the communities of Brentwood, Pacific Palisades, Sawtelle, Del Rey, Mar Vista, Venice, Playa del Rey, Westchester, Ladera, and Playa Vista. In this capacity, she oversees district operations and works collaboratively with the field team to guarantee city services to a constituency of 285,000 residents. She was born and raised in South Central Los Angeles, attended the University of California, Los Angeles, and majored in Sociology. This is her 11th year serving the residents of Los Angeles. Gabriela is a proud daughter of immigrant parents from Mexico and El Salvador.
VINCENT VANACORE
Vincent Vanacore serves as Senior Vice President, Market Manager in the South Bay Market and is focused on supporting privately held businesses and their owners in Southern California. He joins CalPrivate Bank after serving as Vice President, Commercial Lender at Boston Private and prior to that was a Relationship Manager at Bank of Manhattan which then merged with Plaza Bank. Vincent is a native of Southern California and grew up in the South Bay where he still resides. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from California State University, Long Beach and an MBA from Loyola Marymount University.