Jaelyn Graves
|
Youth Program Intern
Jaelyn Graves is the Youth Program Intern at CUE and a recent graduate of Tuskegee University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Health Science. Originally from Vallejo, California, Jaelyn dedicated her time at Tuskegee to serving her peers and the local community through various leadership positions. She is passionate about promoting health equity and securing resources for underrepresented and marginalized communities, and she actively works to bridge the gap between government and everyday life. Combining her experiences from living in rural Alabama with her knowledge of issues affecting her hometown, Jaelyn aims to enhance and inspire the lives of youth in Solano County and beyond. Outside of her professional pursuits, she enjoys being creative, playing soccer, traveling, and spending time with her family and friends. Email: [email protected] |
|
Nacarre Turner
Junior Accountant
Nacarre Turner 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]
Nacarre Turner 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]
Corinne Fuller
|
Senior Project Lead
Corinne is a project lead at the Center for Urban Excellence. She is a recent 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] |
|
LaKeisha Henry
|
Opportunity Coordinator
Lakeisha Henry 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. Email: [email protected] |
|
Anija Lee
|
Director of Experience and Communication
Anija serves as the Director of Experience and Communications at the CUE, where she combines her passion for community empowerment with her expertise in strategic communication. With a Bachelors of Arts in Communication Studies from CSU, Sacramento, Anija is dedicated to advancing the growth and success of youth and young adults. Through her creativity and communication skills, she plays a vital role in inspiring and supporting the next generation of leaders. Whether it's organizing impactful community events, managing digital media, or enhancing program development, Anija's work is driven by her commitment to making a positive difference. Outside of work, Anija enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with family. 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 Robinson is the Founder and CEO of the Center for Urban Excellence, a certified resilience and mental wellness practitioner, author, San Francisco Bay Area community developer and co-chair of the Board at the Museum of Children's Art. 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 system-impacted communities. When not working, she enjoys BBQing with family and dancing at a music festival. Email: [email protected] |
|
|
|
