Our Team
MISSSEY is Black femme and survivor led.
Our lived experience gives us the perspective and presence to achieve healing and freedom for ourselves while making the world safer for Black girls and nonbinary youth of color. We know what the young people we serve are going through because many of us have gone through it too. This work is personal for us and we are passionate and focused on healing ourselves and each other. We are devoted guides, always there to listen, comfort and lift up the young people we serve, and capable partners to the ecosystem of organizations and professionals we work with. Our dedication to ending sexual exploitation and the systemic conditions that uphold it – racism, sexism and capitalism – fuels our tireless commitment to serve and center young people.
Our Team
MISSSEY is Black femme and survivor led.
Our lived experience gives us the perspective and presence to achieve healing and freedom for ourselves while making the world safer for Black girls and nonbinary youth of color. We know what the young people we serve are going through because many of us have gone through it too. This work is personal for us and we are passionate and focused on healing ourselves and each other. We are devoted guides, always there to listen, comfort and lift up the young people we serve, and capable partners to the ecosystem of organizations and professionals we work with. Our dedication to ending sexual exploitation and the systemic conditions that uphold it – racism, sexism and capitalism – fuels our tireless commitment to serve and center young people.
Senior Leadership
Jennifer Lyle
For over twenty-five years, Jennifer has actively worked towards the well-being of youth and their families. Today she serves as the Executive Director of MISSSEY and provides smart, steady internal leadership for the organization.
Carole Belisario
Carole comes to MISSSEY with more than 20 years of cause-driven leadership in non-profit and development-partner organizations. From the YMCA of San Francisco, to the United Nations, and the Philippine Country Office she brings a deep well of knowledge to support MISSSEY's mission.
Angela Scott
Angela has over eight years of youth development experience working in nonprofits and as a certified career coach. Today, she serves as the Programs Director with the passion and a commitment to strengthen our community.
Admin Team
Imani Lott
Imani comes to MISSSEY with a strong administrative and youth development background. Today, as Human Resources Generalist, they manage Human Resources at MISSSEY and oversee Operations.
Renée Smith
Renée comes to MISSSEY with more than a decade of experience in operations and communications. Today she works to advocate for the youth we serve, raise the consciousness of our community through communications and support fund development to allow the team to continue their work.
Loren Powell
Training Institute
Andrea Diaz
Andrea comes to MISSSEY with a wealth of outreach, counseling, and case management experience. Today she passionately advocates and supports youth through education, providing workshops throughout the Bay Area.
Integrated Services
Nilda Aldredge
Nilda comes to MISSSEY with an undeniable passion for helping youth face and overcome trauma and adversity. Becoming a member of the MISSSEY Team is a dream come true for Nilda who now works as a case manager and will work tirelessly to Motivate, Inspire, Support & Serve Sexually Exploited Youth in her community.
Phebe Williams
Phebe has over 10 years experience working with women and youth in the community as well as a background in supporting people with mental health challenges. She works as a case manager at MISSSEY living out her passion for supporting people and being of service to the community.
Kanetha James
HBCU graduate Kanetha comes to MISSSEY with years of social service experience working with a wide range of systems-involved youth, including with CSE survivors. She is passionate about supporting the next generation so that 'nothing dims the light that shines within' them.
Vesta Bell
Vesta comes to MISSSEY with 5 years of experience working in social services specializing in youth, homelessness and addiction services. She is passionate about making a difference with young women of color and helping them find their voice through their trauma while navigating life after MISSSEY.
Alexis Waugh
Alexis brings her lived experience and over a decade of collaborative work with survivors of sexual exploitation and foster youth to her work as a Transformation Coach at MISSSEY. Her experience ranges from creating group homes and drop-in centers, to case management, and training.
Tanya "T" Carvajal
Tanya brings years of experience supporting youth to attain housing and remain safely housed. Her wealth of knowledge in direct service, trauma-informed care, and harm reduction practices informs her work managing MISSSEY's Housing First program.
Adrian Morris
Adrian hales from the Bay Area and is a proud member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, a UCLA alumna, and a first generation college graduate. She brings her passion for holistic wellness and financial literacy to her work as a Transformation Coach, along with lived experience as a foster youth.
Engagement Services
Adaysha Patton
Adaysha comes to MISSSEY with over two years of experience in workforce development and more than eleven years experience working in underserved communities. Her mission to inspire young people to create their own pathways for success is a welcome addition to the team.
Jennifer Lyle
For over twenty-five years, Jennifer has actively worked towards the well-being of youth and their families. Today she serves as the Executive Director of MISSSEY and provides smart, steady internal leadership for the organization.
Imani Lott
Imani comes to MISSSEY with a strong administrative and youth development background. Today, as Human Resources Generalist, they manage Human Resources at MISSSEY and oversee Operations.
Renée Smith
Renée comes to MISSSEY with more than a decade of experience in operations and communications. Today she works to advocate for the youth we serve, raise the consciousness of our community through communications and support fund development to allow the team to continue their work.
Andrea Diaz
Andrea comes to MISSSEY with a wealth of outreach, counseling, and case management experience. Today she passionately advocates and supports youth through education, providing workshops throughout the Bay Area.
Myeasa Allen
Myeasa came to MISSSEY as a TAY Case Manager with many years of experience and knowledge working with youth and young adults ranging from all walks of life with the expectation that they will become thriving adults. Today she serves as the Integrated Services Team Lead with the desire of becoming a change maker and thought partner for the young people she serves regardless of crisis and life achievements.
Deborah Schooley
Deborah has a strong passion for social justice and community outreach. Born and raised in the Bay Area, she serves as a case manager at MISSSEY. Deborah brings her focus on historical disparities experienced by people of color and its effects on dual-diagnosis to her work.
Jasmine Smith
Jasmine has a background in research, specifically on the relationship of musical expression in the Black community. She now works as a case manager hoping to continue to advocate for women’s empowerment with a focus on inclusivity for Black girls and women.
Kenya Davis
Kenya comes to MISSSEY with a positive mindset and a passion for teaching young girls and women to use their voices no matter who is in the room. She works with MISSSEY as a case manager and is excited to grow with MISSSEY and work collaboratively with her clients to achieve their goals.
Nilda Aldredge
Nilda comes to MISSSEY with an undeniable passion for helping youth face and overcome trauma and adversity. Becoming a member of the MISSSEY Team is a dream come true for Nilda who now works as a case manager and will work tirelessly to Motivate, Inspire, Support & Serve Sexually Exploited Youth in her community.
Phebe Williams
Phebe has over 10 years experience working with women and youth in the community as well as a background in supporting people with mental health challenges. She works as a case manager at MISSSEY living out her passion for supporting people and being of service to the community.
Angela Scott
*Coming Soon*
Alisha Murdock
Alisha Murdock comes to MISSSEY with a personal and professional connection to direct youth service and youth engagement work. After nearly a decade of experience working with youth who have been impacted by the criminal justice system she is now serving as the Leadership and advocacy Coordinator passionately making sure that young people’s voices are heard.
Cameron Hayes
Cameron comes to MISSSEY with a history of helping people navigate through difficult situations; at church, in schools and in the workplace. Serving as the Engagement Services manager, Cameron hopes to help individuals discover the power that lies within themselves and figuring out how to use that power to reach their goals.
Frederica Webster
Frederica comes to MISSSEY with a background in Human Resources, and many years of volunteering and working for the Boys and Girls Club. Today she serves as a Youth Engagement Specialist advocating for and helping young people to be the best they can be in this world.
Jennifer Lyle
For over twenty-five years, Jennifer has actively worked towards the well-being of youth and their families. Today she serves as the Executive Director of MISSSEY and provides smart, steady internal leadership for the organization.
Imani Lott
Imani comes to MISSSEY with a strong administrative and youth development background. Today, as Operations Manager, they manage Human Resources at MISSSEY and oversee Operations
Renée Smith
Renée comes to MISSSEY with more than a decade of experience in operations and administration. Today she supports the team to improve the efficiency and elevate the systems that allow the team to continue their work.
Andrea P. Diaz
Andrea comes to MISSSEY with a wealth of outreach, counseling, and case management experience. Today she passionately advocates and supports youth through education, providing workshops throughout the Bay Area.
Nefertari Sloan
Sloan comes to MISSSEY with an abundance of youth and LGBTQIA+ advocacy experience. Today they serve as Training and Prevention Coordinator with the aim of teaching about youth exploitation in a way that is authentic, consensual, and engaging.
Angela Scott
*Coming Soon*
La Toya Gix
La Toya Gix has worked as an advocate for those who have experienced harm in impoverished communities and has worked with government agencies and nonprofit organizations to do so. Today she is instrumental in helping youth who need support with basic needs, individual and collective healing, systems navigation, skill-building, career exploration, and school enrollment; or who simply need a place where they can be themselves.
Nilda Aldredge
Nilda comes to MISSSEY with an undeniable passion for helping youth face and overcome trauma and adversity. Becoming a member of the MISSSEY Team is a dream come true for Nilda who now works as a case manager and will work tirelessly to Motivate, Inspire, Support & Serve Sexually Exploited Youth in her community.
Phebe Williams
Phebe has over 10 years experience working with women and youth in the community as well as a background in supporting people with mental health challenges. She works as a case manager at MISSSEY living out her passion for supporting people and being of service to the community.
Jasmine Smith
Jasmine has a background in research, specifically on the relationship of musical expression in the Black community. She now works as a case manager hoping to continue to advocate for women’s empowerment with a focus on inclusivity for Black girls and women.
Frederica Webster
Frederica comes to MISSSEY with a background in Human Resources, and many years of volunteering and working for the Boys and Girls Club. Today she serves as a Youth Engagement Specialist advocating for and helping young people to be the best they can be in this world.
Kenya Davis
Kenya comes to MISSSEY with a positive mindset and a passion for teaching young girls and women to use their voices no matter who is in the room. She works with MISSSEY as a case manager and is excited to grow with MISSSEY and work collaboratively with her clients to achieve their goals.
Deborah Schooley
Deborah has a strong passion for social justice and community outreach. Born and raised in the Bay Area, she serves as a case manager at MISSSEY. Deborah brings her focus on historical disparities experienced by people of color and its effects on dual-diagnosis to her work.
Alisha Murdock
Alisha Murdock comes to MISSSEY with a personal and professional connection to direct youth service and youth engagement work. After nearly a decade of experience working with youth who have been impacted by the criminal justice system she is now serving as the Leadership and advocacy Coordinator passionately making sure that young people’s voices are heard.
Our Board
Kym Johnson
Board PresidentKym is the CEO of BANANAS, Inc., an early care and education organization that provides resources for families and child care providers to support and educate our youngest learners. She is committed to MISSSEY because she is committed to protecting our young people so they have the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential. Her prior executive level positions include CEO of Harambee Community Services and Executive Director of Rebuilding Together Oakland. Kym is also on the executive committee of Oakland Starting Smart and Strong, a ten-year initiative focused on creating universal access to high-quality early learning and a Golden Life member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Her previous volunteer experiences include board member of the Association of Fund-Raising Professionals – Golden Gate Chapter, the San Francisco Autism Society, Mentor with East Bay College Fund, board trustee at Head-Royce School, Advisory Board member Heads Up Program, co-founder of the Nia Endowed Scholarship Fund, board member of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the East Bay and co-founder of the San Francisco Alumnae Delta Community Foundation.
Kym has an MBA from the University of San Francisco, a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from California State University – East Bay and a BA in Marketing from San Francisco State University. A native New Yorker from the Bronx, she misses the beautiful colors of autumn and the diversity of the seasons but loves Oakland – her adopted hometown. A former traveling soccer mom and proud mom of a Fulbright Scholar, she now enjoys having her weekends to do whatever she wants! Kym lives and works in Oakland, CA.
Jyotshna Kansakar
Board TreasurerJyotshna was born and raised in the foothills of the Himalayas in Kathmandu, Nepal. She moved from Nepal in 2004 at the age of 19 to pursue an accelerated Bachelors and Masters degree in Accounting from Fairleigh Dickinson University in New Jersey. After graduating, she obtained her CPA license in 2010 in the state of New Jersey. Since 2009, Jyotshna has held different roles within internal and external audit functions, gaining experience across several industries including energy, financial markets and technology. She is currently working at Google in the third party risk management and compliance space.
Coming from a society where patriarchy still reigns and women are actively trafficked across the border to neighboring countries, Jyotshna is deeply passionate and remains a strong advocate for the welfare of women and children. She believes that empowering women is one of the most critical elements to ensure a functioning society. This interest has led her to volunteer her time with women at elderly homes in Nepal, be an active micro-financer supporting women in agriculture, and join the Board of MISSSEY.
Kelly Paschal-Hunter
Board MemberKelly Paschal-Hunter is the Chief Curator for Fruition Multimedia, providing services in event management, business development, intellectual property development and social impact investing. Her prior work experience includes Product Management roles at Kaiser Permanente, leading and supporting projects for several departments including Healthworks & Product Innovation, Member Services Compliance and Community Benefits. Before her transition into healthcare, she spent 10 years as a marketing and product development professional for Universal Music Group (Interscope Records, MCA, Geffen Records, Blue Note, Verve). She also served as the only all genre Director of Marketing for A&M Records. As an entrepreneur, she has over 25 years of contemporary art curation experience, representing visual artists and producing art exhibitions, including ICONIC: Black Panther, an art exhibition fundraiser celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Black Panther Party.
Kelly became a mentor at MISSSEY in 2014 and never looked back. As a Board member at MISSSEY and as an advocate for social and systemic change, she believes in protecting the most vulnerable and believes it is the responsibility of the community to enact change. Her previous volunteer experiences include Florence Crittenton Home for Teenage Mothers (SF), Operation Dignity, Contra Costa County Food Bank, Alameda County Food Bank, Harbor Lights 1 HOA (VP & Secretary), Henry J. Kaiser Elementary School (SSC Council, PTA) East Oakland Community Project, East Oakland Collective, Children’s Hospital Oakland, La Casa de las Madres, and A Safe Place. Kelly was born and raised in San Diego, CA, she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Communicative Disorders, with an emphasis in Speech Pathology from San Francisco State University. She is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Sepia Collective, and board member of the Dublin Arts Collective.
Denishia L. Clark
Board MemberA Bay Area native and public health advocate, Denishia holds a Bachelor of Science degree from San Diego State University, a Masters in Urban Public Health (MPH) from Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Social Justice (Ed.D.) from Saint Mary’s College of California. She is the Associate Director for Stanford BioSci Careers, where she supports emerging leaders in Biosciences to expand their professional networks.
Experienced in the improvement of health practices and systems for underserved communities; Denishia also has over a decade of experience in program management, curriculum development, and building sustainable partnerships; skills that she developed while working with Stanford University, School of Medicine as the manager for Global Health Education and Experiential Learning and at the Black AIDS Institute, the only national HIV/AIDS think-tank in the country, as the manager for Training and Capacity Building. At BAI, she collaborated with countless community-based organizations and partners representing various sectors to increase the utilization of high-quality HIV and sexual health services.
Inspired by her grandmother, who dedicated her life to public service in Black communities, Denishia is devoted to equity and social justice with a particular interest in the intersectionality of health, science, and education. MISSSEY’s mission and beliefs align with her vision for solidarity, healing, advocacy, community empowerment, and meaningful systemic change. She joined the board of directors to contribute to our strategic efforts that advocate and support youth who are sexually exploited. Denishia loves Oakland and cares about the empowerment of girls and gender-expansive youth.
Christina Li
Board MemberChristina was born in San Francisco and grew up in the South Bay and began volunteering with MISSSEY in 2017, working anywhere she could, including tabling, organizing fundraisers, and helping with our annual financial audit. Now, she is excited to be a new member of the board. She currently works as program manager at First Republic Bank and brings a background in app /web development, process improvement, reporting and capital markets. As the newest MISSSEY board member, Christina is very motivated to continue to contribute her time in impactful ways, especially for youth in the community, which is something she finds very motivating!
Our Board
Kym Johnson
Board PresidentKym is the CEO of BANANAS, Inc., an early care and education organization that provides resources for families and child care providers to support and educate our youngest learners. She is committed to MISSSEY because she is committed to protecting our young people so they have the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential. Her prior executive level positions include CEO of Harambee Community Services and Executive Director of Rebuilding Together Oakland. Kym is also on the executive committee of Oakland Starting Smart and Strong, a ten-year initiative focused on creating universal access to high-quality early learning and a Golden Life member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Her previous volunteer experiences include board member of the Association of Fund-Raising Professionals – Golden Gate Chapter, the San Francisco Autism Society, Mentor with East Bay College Fund, board trustee at Head-Royce School, Advisory Board member Heads Up Program, co-founder of the Nia Endowed Scholarship Fund, board member of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the East Bay and co-founder of the San Francisco Alumnae Delta Community Foundation.
Kym has an MBA from the University of San Francisco, a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from California State University – East Bay and a BA in Marketing from San Francisco State University. A native New Yorker from the Bronx, she misses the beautiful colors of autumn and the diversity of the seasons but loves Oakland – her adopted hometown. A former traveling soccer mom and proud mom of a Fulbright Scholar, she now enjoys having her weekends to do whatever she wants! Kym lives and works in Oakland, CA.
Jyotshna Kansakar
Board TreasurerJyotshna was born and raised in the foothills of the Himalayas in Kathmandu, Nepal. She moved from Nepal in 2004 at the age of 19 to pursue an accelerated Bachelors and Masters degree in Accounting from Fairleigh Dickinson University in New Jersey. After graduating, she obtained her CPA license in 2010 in the state of New Jersey. Since 2009, Jyotshna has held different roles within internal and external audit functions, gaining experience across several industries including energy, financial markets and technology. She is currently working at Google in the third party risk management and compliance space.
Coming from a society where patriarchy still reigns and women are actively trafficked across the border to neighboring countries, Jyotshna is deeply passionate and remains a strong advocate for the welfare of women and children. She believes that empowering women is one of the most critical elements to ensure a functioning society. This interest has led her to volunteer her time with women at elderly homes in Nepal, be an active micro-financer supporting women in agriculture, and join the Board of MISSSEY.
Kelly Paschal-Hunter
Board MemberKelly Paschal-Hunter is the Chief Curator for Fruition Multimedia, providing services in event management, business development, intellectual property development and social impact investing. Her prior work experience includes Product Management roles at Kaiser Permanente, leading and supporting projects for several departments including Healthworks & Product Innovation, Member Services Compliance and Community Benefits. Before her transition into healthcare, she spent 10 years as a marketing and product development professional for Universal Music Group (Interscope Records, MCA, Geffen Records, Blue Note, Verve). She also served as the only all genre Director of Marketing for A&M Records. As an entrepreneur, she has over 25 years of contemporary art curation experience, representing visual artists and producing art exhibitions, including ICONIC: Black Panther, an art exhibition fundraiser celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Black Panther Party.
Kelly became a mentor at MISSSEY in 2014 and never looked back. As a Board member at MISSSEY and as an advocate for social and systemic change, she believes in protecting the most vulnerable and believes it is the responsibility of the community to enact change. Her previous volunteer experiences include Florence Crittenton Home for Teenage Mothers (SF), Operation Dignity, Contra Costa County Food Bank, Alameda County Food Bank, Harbor Lights 1 HOA (VP & Secretary), Henry J. Kaiser Elementary School (SSC Council, PTA) East Oakland Community Project, East Oakland Collective, Children’s Hospital Oakland, La Casa de las Madres, and A Safe Place. Kelly was born and raised in San Diego, CA, she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Communicative Disorders, with an emphasis in Speech Pathology from San Francisco State University. She is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Sepia Collective, and board member of the Dublin Arts Collective.
Denishia L. Clark
Board MemberA Bay Area native and public health advocate, Denishia holds a Bachelor of Science degree from San Diego State University, a Masters in Urban Public Health (MPH) from Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Social Justice (Ed.D.) from Saint Mary’s College of California. She is the Associate Director for Stanford BioSci Careers, where she supports emerging leaders in Biosciences to expand their professional networks.
Experienced in the improvement of health practices and systems for underserved communities; Denishia also has over a decade of experience in program management, curriculum development, and building sustainable partnerships; skills that she developed while working with Stanford University, School of Medicine as the manager for Global Health Education and Experiential Learning and at the Black AIDS Institute, the only national HIV/AIDS think-tank in the country, as the manager for Training and Capacity Building. At BAI, she collaborated with countless community-based organizations and partners representing various sectors to increase the utilization of high-quality HIV and sexual health services.
Inspired by her grandmother, who dedicated her life to public service in Black communities, Denishia is devoted to equity and social justice with a particular interest in the intersectionality of health, science, and education. MISSSEY’s mission and beliefs align with her vision for solidarity, healing, advocacy, community empowerment, and meaningful systemic change. She joined the board of directors to contribute to our strategic efforts that advocate and support youth who are sexually exploited. Denishia loves Oakland and cares about the empowerment of girls and gender-expansive youth.
Christina Li
Board MemberChristina was born in San Francisco and grew up in the South Bay and began volunteering with MISSSEY in 2017, working anywhere she could, including tabling, organizing fundraisers, and helping with our annual financial audit. Now, she is excited to be a new member of the board. She currently works as program manager at First Republic Bank and brings a background in app /web development, process improvement, reporting and capital markets. As the newest MISSSEY board member, Christina is very motivated to continue to contribute her time in impactful ways, especially for youth in the community, which is something she finds very motivating!