Corinne Fuller

Senior Project Lead​​​
Corinne is a project lead at the Center for Urban Excellence. She is soon to be a graduate of Spelman College with a degree in English and a focus on writing studies. A few of her hobbies include painting, crocheting, and writing creatively. Corinne loves giving back to those in need and looks forwards to giving even more in the future. 

Email: [email protected]

Anija Lee

Experience and Communications Coordinator
Anija serves as the Experience and Communications Coordinator at the Center for Urban Excellence. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies from California State University, Sacramento, graduating in May 2022. Outside of her professional role, Anija finds joy in reading, cooking, and cherishing moments with her loved ones. 

​Email: anija@centerforurbanexcellence.org​

Imari Fernandez

Junior Executive Director
​Imari is the Junior Executive Director at the Center for Urban Excellence. She has been working with CUE since 2020. Imari is currently pursuing a degree in Liberal Studies at California State University East Bay. A few of her hobbies include painting, spending time with her pets, and getting outdoors. Imari is passionate about serving her Bay Area community and is very excited about the future of CUE. 

Email: [email protected] ​

Anisa Smith

Chief Workforce Officer
Anisa is the Chief Workforce Officer of the Center for Urban Excellence. Ms. Smith earned a B.S in Family Studies and Human Services from Kansas State University in 2010.  Over the past 10 years, she has worked as a Workforce Development professional serving youth with barriers.  Anisa relocated from Charlotte, NC to the Bay Area in 2022 and is excited to use her knowledge and expertise to provide services and create change for Bay Area Youth and Young Adults.  

Email: [email protected]

Yvonne Beals, MPA

Chief Education Officer
Yvonne is the Chief Education Officer at the Center of Urban Excellence, brings over 20 years of experience in public policy and community building. A former Council Member/Mayor of the City of Pittsburg, she is a certified trauma practitioner dedicated to advocating for the educational needs and school stability of youth in foster care throughout the Bay Area. Yvonne's public service extends to various non-profit agencies, focusing on developing public policy and increasing community awareness for disadvantaged and underrepresented populations. Holding a B.S. in Criminal Justice from California State University, Sacramento, and a master's degree in public administration with a focus on Public Policy from California State University, Hayward, Yvonne Beals continues to be a driving force in creating positive change and ensuring accessible educational opportunities for all in the Bay Area. 

​Email: [email protected]

Mariah Castro, MS

Chief Operating Officer
Mariah is the Chief Operating Officer of the Center of Urban Excellence. For the past 6 years, she has dedicated her career to serving youth with barriers in being college and career ready. She also volunteers her time at the Contra Costa District Attorney's Office, in facilitating restorative justice circles to reduce and repair harm in the community. Mariah graduated San Jose State University in 2017 with a B.A in Psychology with a Minor in Global Studies and went on to complete a Master of Science in Educational Leadership from California State University, East Bay in 2020. You can find Mariah spending her free time at the gym or at home with her two fur babies reading a good book.  

Email: [email protected]

Reina Robinson, MA

Founder and Chief Executive Officer 
Reina is the Founder and CEO of the Center for Urban Excellence, a certified resilience and mental wellness practitioner, author, and advocate for underrepresented groups. With a focus on digital media literacy, spectrum thinking, and social and economic opportunity development, Reina's work embodies a commitment to fostering hope, healing, and antifragility. She earned her B.A. in Ethnic Studies, Black Studies, and a minor in Genders and Sexualities in Communities of Color, followed by a Master of Arts degree in Communication from California State University, East Bay. Utilizing Afrofuturism, art, and education, Reina shares her experiences to empower and uplift communities. 

Email: [email protected]