Amy Haug

Administrative Assistant

Amy serves as an Administrative Assistant at CUE, where she supports community violence intervention initiatives through program coordination, administrative operations, grant support, and community partnerships. With more than 10 years of management experience and a background in engineering, Amy brings an organized, analytical, and solutions-focused approach to her work. She has also spent more than a decade volunteering in violence prevention and advocacy. Through Moms Demand Action, she serves as a national trainer and mentor for the Be SMART secure firearm storage campaign and as California’s volunteer Be SMART State Lead.
Amy is passionate about strengthening the partnerships and systems that help create safer, healthier communities.

Email: [email protected]

​Gabriela Banos

Spanish Translator & Opportunity Coordinator

Gabriela Banos serves as a Spanish Translator and Opportunity Coordinator at the Center for Urban Excellence, where she helps make programs, resources, and opportunities more accessible to Spanish-speaking individuals and families. She brings 12 years of experience with the Contra Costa County Office of Education, including seven years as an Instructional Assistant before being promoted to Transition Specialist.

Throughout her career, Gabriela has taken on a variety of roles that have strengthened her ability to connect with and support people from diverse backgrounds. She is proud to bring her experience, compassion, and language skills to CUE and is passionate about helping individuals feel welcomed, informed, and connected to their community.

Email: [email protected]

Lauren Keltz

Intervention Specialist

Lauren Wilson-Keltz serves as an Intervention Specialist at the Center for Urban Excellence, where she supports individuals and families impacted by violence through crisis response, advocacy, trauma-informed intervention, intensive case management, and community-based services. A proud Vallejo native, Lauren brings a strong background in trauma-informed care, systems navigation, and public advocacy. She is passionate about empowering individuals, strengthening families, and promoting healing through compassionate, relationship-centered support that fosters resilience and long-term stability.
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Outside of her work at CUE, Lauren enjoys gardening, cooking for family and friends, exploring the outdoors, volunteering, and creating spaces where people feel safe, connected, and supported. She believes healing begins when people are seen, heard, and treated with dignity.

​Email: [email protected]

Jaytwann Bell

Project Manager
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Jaytwann Bell serves as Project Manager at the Center for Urban Excellence (CUE), where he leads community engagement initiatives, youth programming, and special projects that strengthen connections between CUE and the communities it serves. He coordinates outreach efforts, manages partnerships, oversees community events, and supports programs that empower youth and young adults through leadership development, education, and access to resources. Jaytwann is passionate about creating meaningful opportunities for individuals to grow, connect, and succeed. His collaborative leadership style and commitment to service help advance CUE’s mission of building stronger, healthier communities.
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Email: [email protected]

Enoshia Leslie

Transition Specialist
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Enoshia Leslie serves as a Transition Specialist, supporting justice-involved youth as they navigate their paths toward stability and long-term success. She holds an Associate of Arts degree in Criminal Justice and brings over a decade of experience working within the juvenile justice system.

Her commitment to this work is grounded in a deep passion for advocacy and a firm belief in the transformative power of guidance, support, and second chances. Enoshia is driven by the principle that while we all have free will, it is the choices we make that ultimately define our futures. It is both her mission and privilege to help young people make informed, positive decisions that lead to brighter and more empowered lives.
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Email: [email protected]

Nacarre Turner

Junior Accountant
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Nacarre is the Junior Accountant at the Center for Urban Excellence, where his technological intelligence, precise attention to detail, and exceptional organizing skills make him well-suited for his role. He is currently enrolled in Community College, on the brink of obtaining his Associate’s degree in Business Administration, with plans to transfer to a four-year university to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting. Nacarre’s competitive nature, rooted in his sports background, drives him to excel in all his endeavors. He is also passionate about nature; he enjoys gardening, composting, and has contributed to creating and maintaining a beekeeping apiary business.

​Email: [email protected]

LaKeisha Henry

Opportunity Coordinator
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Lakeisha is the Opportunity Coordinator providing case management, career coaching, and skills development for the Fostering Resilience Workforce Program. Known for being hardworking, detail-oriented, motivated, quick-thinking, and creative, Lakeisha brings a wealth of experience and dedication to her position. Outside of her professional role, she enjoys bowling and spending time with her loved ones.
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Email: [email protected]

Jailesha Blue

Youth Outreach Specialist
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Jailesha serves as the Youth Outreach Specialist at the Center for Urban Excellence, where she builds meaningful relationships with youth and connects them to programs, resources, and opportunities that support their personal and professional growth. She is passionate about creating safe, welcoming spaces where young people feel empowered to reach their full potential. Through community outreach, mentorship, and engagement, Jailesha helps strengthen connections between youth, families, and local resources. She is committed to making a lasting impact by fostering trust, promoting resilience, and encouraging the next generation of leaders.
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Email: [email protected]

Anija Lee

Executive Director

Anija Lee is the Executive Director of the Center for Urban Excellence, where she leads programs and partnerships that expand opportunities for youth, young adults, and families. Her leadership is rooted in collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to creating meaningful community impact. Anija holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies from California State University, Sacramento, and a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership from Arizona State University. In her free time, she enjoys reading, traveling, exploring new creative projects, and spending time with family.

​Email: Anija@centerforurbanexcellence.org​