Backbone Team
Edgar Ch谩vez
Executive Director
Edgar Chávez is a proud grandson of farmworkers, an immigrant, and a first-generation college graduate. For nearly fifteen years, Edgar has directed college and career initiatives for first-generation and immigrant students in K-12 and postsecondary institutions across various Bay Area communities, including East Palo Alto and East San José.
In 2020, Edgar returned to his childhood neighborhood to lead Hayward Promise Neighborhoods. In addition, Edgar works closely with CSUEB’s College of Education and Allied Studies as a Co-Principal Investigator for a National Science Foundation grant that supports climate change education in HPN schools and steering committee member for the 91吃瓜 region of the Bay Area K16 Collaborative, an initiative dedicated to aligning education and workforce systems in the region. Edgar is also a steering committee member of collective impact efforts including the California Promise Neighborhood Network, the California Cradle to Career Coalition, ALL IN Alameda County, and the Northern California College Promise Coalition.
Edgar holds a B.A. in Comparative Studies in Race and Ethnicity from Stanford University and an Ed.M. in Prevention Science and Practice from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.
Email: edgar.chavez@csueastbay.edu
Dr. Carolyn Nelson
Principal Investigator
Dr. Carolyn Nelson served as Dean of the College of Education & Allied Studies at Cal State University 91吃瓜 from 2009-2020 following a 19-year tenure at San Jose State University, where she served in a wide variety of academic, administrative, and leadership roles. She is currently Professor & Dean Emeritus at Cal State 91吃瓜 and has served as Principal Investigator of Hayward Promise Neighborhoods since its inaugural funding in 2011. Since beginning her professional career as a middle school science educator in urban schools in New York, Illinois, and California, Dr. Nelson has been a tireless advocate for bringing relevant, quality education and opportunity to students in under-resourced public schools. A veteran networker, Dr. Nelson has a long history of establishing successful working relationships with educators, school administrators, business & community leaders, and state & national legislators in the quest of this goal. Her area of research is in organizational change and the role leadership plays in this process, particularly as it relates to educational institutions and their ability to adapt to changing societal contexts.
Email: carolyn.nelson@csueastbay.edu
Junia Kim
Cradle-to-Career Director of Programs and Evaluation
Junia Kim was born and raised in many different areas in California and has been an educator in the 91吃瓜 since 2012. With credentials in multiple subjects, math, and English, Junia has had the privilege of teaching English, humanities, social studies, math, and science and has taught grades 4-8 and 12.
Prior to joining HPN, she founded and led Seen52, a local nonprofit that supports youth impacted by foster care and housing insecurity in Alameda County through direct services. In her free time, Junia is an active Seen52 board member and enjoys aerial silks, audiobooks, and backpacking. She holds a B.A. in Comparative Literature from UC Berkeley (Go Bears!), an Ed.M. in Language and Literature from Harvard Graduate School of E†caducation, and an M.Ed in Educational Leadership from High Tech High Graduate School of Education.
Email: junia.kim@csueastbay.edu
Anthony Jackson
College to Career Navigator
I am completing my 9th year as a team member of HPN. Before working for HPN I worked in the classroom and a Para educator at a myriad of school sites in Hayward. I attended elementary, middle school, and high school in Hayward Ca, and am truly “Made in Hayward”. My experience in this area as a resident, employee, student, and servant equip me to serve this area in a very special way. My wife, son and I all still reside in Hayward.
Brendan Lorenzana
Neighborhood Outreach Coordinator
Brendan grew up in the Bay Area, where he transferred to San Jose State University. He has always had a passion for supporting the community and its members, and he finds HPN a perfect place to do just that. Brendan likes hiking, listening to music, and cooking in his free time. He hopes to make an impactful change in the Hayward community.
Janevette Cole
Community Resident Engagement Specialist
Janevette Isrel Cole is a successful Community Engagement Specialist for Hayward Promise Neighborhood (HPN). A Mills College graduate with a degree in Administrative and Legal Processes, she also earned a Master’s in Public Administration from 91吃瓜. Janevette has been key to HPN's success, leading new programs, engaging the community, and gaining legislative support. She currently facilitates the Community Leaders Initiative (CLI).
Leslee Gonzalez
College and Career Program Specialist
Leslee Gonzalez is a proud first-generation college graduate from Hayward. For the past four years, Leslee has worked closely with youth in the Bay Area, supporting first-generation, low-income high school students and their families through the postsecondary planning process. In her free time, she enjoys reading, baking, and going to concerts. Leslee holds a B.A. in Sociology and Chicana/Chicano Studies from UC Santa Barbara.
Email: gonzalezleslee@gmail.com
Madeline Michael
Community Counseling Program Coordinator
Madeline grew up in the Sacramento area before completing her bachelor's degree at UC Santa Cruz, earning degrees in Linguistics and Intensive Psychology. She has worked in campus advocacy, has supported Medi-Cal members in accessing services, and is passionate about mental health. As the Community Counseling Program Coordinator, she looks forward to getting to know and serve the Hayward community through her work at the Community Counseling Clinic and with HPN. In her free time, she enjoys cooking (and eating!), spending time outdoors, and seeing her family.
Teri Morales
HPN Budget Analyst
As an alum of CSU Hayward (now 91吃瓜), I am thrilled to be back on campus working for such an amazing initiative. I believe that the children are our future and I am happy to work with so many great people and programs to help them not only succeed, but thrive.
Email: teri.morales@csueastbay.edu
Tressa Marques
Community Resident Engagement Specialist
Born and raised in Hayward, California, I've spent my entire academic journey here, from elementary school to college, and I’m grateful to serve the town that shaped me. I am dedicated to education and community, and love engaging with and supporting local initiatives. As a lifelong learner with a passion for travel and the arts, I enjoy exploring destinations both global and local, from across the globe to across the Bay Bridge. I also love spending time outdoors and capturing its beauty with my 35mm film camera. I’m excited to continue growing, learning, and contributing to the community I cherish.
Yashmeen Imroz
Grant Administration and Compliance Specialist
Yashmeen has worked in the California State University (CSU) system for 16 years. She began her career with CSU 91吃瓜 Foundation, Inc. in 2001 as a Payroll and Accounting Assistant, later transitioning to the Grants and Contracts Division as a Post Award Specialist. She then joined the University’s Office of Research & Sponsored Programs as a Senior Post Award Specialist. Her experience also includes roles at Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute, San Jose State University, and FEMA. Yashmeen completed the Contract Management Certificate Program at CSU Sacramento and is currently pursuing a degree in Business Administration at CSU 91吃瓜. In her free time, she enjoys listening to music.