Executive Director
Lesia Preston, Executive Director, Lesia Preston, Executive Director, serves as EHP's face to the broader community. She has been with EHP since 1982 and has been essential to program development over the past 2 decades. She works closely with the board of directors to plan for EHP's future. Lesia has an AA degree in Social Science with focus on Human Services and has extensive program administration and case management experience. She has served on many committees within the community in order to have a grasp on current needs, changes within the community and to be aware of resources available to EHP families. Lesia's extensive certifications include health and wellness, food and nutrition education, and health enhancement.
EHP Staff
Charlotte Brown, Volunteer Coordinator
I have worked for EHP since September of 2012. I utilize my vast and successful sales and fundraising experience to help negotiate and obtain resources in a difficult economy for families in need on behalf of EHP. I enjoy people and helping to improve the lives of families in need in our community. I feel that my work at EHP “fills my cup” and that my efforts prove “that it truly is more blessed to give than to receive.” I also find my work as the volunteer coordinator very rewarding I schedule volunteers from all walks of life: local students, families, scout troops, charitable groups, businesses and corporate partners to be a part of EHP’s efforts to be “neighbors helping neighbors with food and so much more!”
Suliana Finau, Food Closet Lead
I learned about EHP when Nevida Butler invited my family to have dinner at EHP’s meal program at St. Francis of Assisi Church. She then told me about the services at EHP; I received help for several years and eventually I started working for EHP in 2000. I ensure that items are distributed in a timely manner and the food closet is organized. I love my job because I know how it feels to be in need.
Donald Hunter, In-Kind Donations Supervisor
I was born in San Francisco. I grew up and went to school in the Peninsula area. A friend told me about EHP. I was really interested in what EHP does for the community. It mindset has been “do whatever it takes to keep EHP running!”
Ellen Izuka, Development Associate
Before I joined EHP in 2018, I worked as a Dental Hygienist and more recently as a bookkeeper. When I first started at EHP, I only knew a little about the organization, but was immediately struck by the dedication, camaraderie and compassion shown by the staff and all the volunteers. The level of caring support and assistance EHP provides to our community is inspiring and I am excited to be part of the EHP family and the amazing work they do.
Susan Marconda, Food Closet Associate
I volunteered for EHP and then became an employee. I worked for 10 years and then resigned due to personal reasons. I stayed in contact with staff at EHP and one day I came by for a visit and found out they were hiring. I was rehired in April 2016. I enjoy my work at EHP because I like helping people, and that is what EHP does.
Gilberto Nevarez, Van Driver
I found a job opening at EHP on Craigslist and applied. EHP is a place I wanted to work at because of the services they provide to those in need. I have worked at EHP since April of 2015. I live in San Jose but I was willing to commute for a better job.
Todd Quackenbush, Donations Assistant
I have worked at EHP since October 2011. I am totally blind and I am a very independent person. I attended Palo Alto schools -- Juana Briones elementary, J.L.S. middle school, and Gunn high school where I graduated with a 3.72 grade point average in June 1995. Besides working at EHP Wednesdays and Fridays, I attend De Anza College.
Cameron Ragland, Food Closet Associate
I was seeking additional employment and found EHP’s posting on Indeed.com. I am I am a local resident. I like helping people, especially those in the community. I have been a part of the EHP team since October 2017.
LaKesha Roberts-Evans, Associate Director
My journey as an employee began with EHP in 2013, however, I have been actively involved as a volunteer since my high school days at Eastside College Prep. I have fond memories of serving hot meals at Wednesday Night Meal (formerly Monday Night Meal), assisting in sorting and distributing gifts to children. I graduated from Bryn Mawr College in Pennsylvania in 2010 with a BA in Mathematics and Education. While my path in school was focused on teaching, I spent most of my free time volunteering in the Philadelphia community. My passion has always been to help others. After graduation, I worked in different jobs as a counselor to troubled youth while still finding time to be a part of the EHP community. My role as the Program Supervisor is to ensure that we have adequate resources to serve the families in our community as well as overseeing program staff. EHP is more than a job; and I hope to continue a passionate career in serving my community.
Braulio Robinson, Truck Driver
I was job searching on Craigslist and saw the position for a Truck Driver. I was waiting on two calls, and EHP called first. The job description matched my character, and what I was looking for with my next job. Prior to working at EHP I was a manager at a local Target. I started working at EHP August 2015.
Delcy Taylor
I am a loving, kind and respectful person and I truly enjoy lending a helping hand to anyone in need. My passion is to help and this is the reason why I love EHP. EHP is a life saving resource for many families, including mine. When I first came to this country, I had nothing and EHP opened their doors and provided help to me and my family as they do with all families who come in for assistance. I was grateful and determined to give back in some way for all of the help that I had received which is the reason I started working here. I am very thankful to be a part of this great organization. Helping people is not just a job to me, it is a passion.
James Vakameilalo, Truck Driver Assistant
I was previously a volunteer at EHP and was hired as an employee in August 2016. As a teen I have done speaking engagements for EHP. I enjoy working at EHP because it’s not just a job, you are helping others. I am happy to be a part of the EHP family.
George Vakameilalo, Driver Assistant
My Name is George Vakameilalo and I am an east Palo alto native. As many Polynesian people I come from a huge family so it only felt right to join the EHP team. I first heard about EHP when I was in the 6th grade and became a volunteer, I volunteered up until I graduated from high school. I have watched EHP Grow from a small food pantry to a well-organized Machine. I have been passionate about our community and have always wanted to extend a helping hand to everyone in need. I see the families we help and I am proud to be part of the EHP family.
Brandy Wilson
I have been working with EHP for a year. I chose to go to college and study nursing because I wanted to help others. And now I have the opportunity to do this every day. During my free time I like to go on trail hikes and have adventures in nature.
EHP Contractors
Nevida Butler, Outreach
Nevida Preston Butler, one of seven children born to a St. Louis, Missouri (later Arkansas) sharecropper, was the first in her family to receive a high school diploma. She earned it at age 17 while employed as a domestic worker. Her father did not believe education was necessary for women. Her plans to attend college were derailed by the necessity of earning a living caring for younger siblings.
Nevida, with her three children, came to San Mateo County in 1973. She began a career in social work with the American Red Cross. In 1976 she started as a volunteer for the Ecumenical Hunger Program, a nonprofit organization established to assist low income people in need of emergency food and other critical support services. Her organizational and management skills quickly led to her appointment as executive director of that organization in 1981.
Under her leadership, the Ecumenical Hunger Program grew steadily. At the time of her election to the Hall of Fame, the organization was serving over 2,000 people a month with emergency food, clothing, furniture and essential family counseling. By 1994, 3,000 families per month were being helped. “There is not a language or culture that is foreign to her because she has a special communication for all people”, notes her nominator.
Nevida has received awards from the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, the Menlo Park Chamber of Commerce, the Career Action Center, the California State Assembly and the Sertoma Club of Palo Alto. In November of 1990, she was elected to the East Palo Alto City Council.
Nevida, with her three children, came to San Mateo County in 1973. She began a career in social work with the American Red Cross. In 1976 she started as a volunteer for the Ecumenical Hunger Program, a nonprofit organization established to assist low income people in need of emergency food and other critical support services. Her organizational and management skills quickly led to her appointment as executive director of that organization in 1981.
Under her leadership, the Ecumenical Hunger Program grew steadily. At the time of her election to the Hall of Fame, the organization was serving over 2,000 people a month with emergency food, clothing, furniture and essential family counseling. By 1994, 3,000 families per month were being helped. “There is not a language or culture that is foreign to her because she has a special communication for all people”, notes her nominator.
Nevida has received awards from the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, the Menlo Park Chamber of Commerce, the Career Action Center, the California State Assembly and the Sertoma Club of Palo Alto. In November of 1990, she was elected to the East Palo Alto City Council.
Maleah Choi, Development Consultant
2411 Pulgas Ave., East Palo Alto, CA 94303 ~ (650) 323-7781 ~
