Executive Director
Lesia Preston
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.
Associate Director
LaKesha Roberts
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 Associate Director is to ensure that we have adequate resources to serve the families in our community as well as overseeing program staff and HR responsibilities. EHP is more than a job; and I hope to continue a passionate career in serving my community.
EHP Staff
Nevida Butler, Outreach
Nevida Preston Butler was born in St. Louis, Missouri. One of seven children of an Arkansas sharecropper, she was the only one in her immediate family to receive a high school diploma, earned while employed as a domestic worker. It was her intent to attend college but these plans were derailed by the necessity of earning a living to support her younger siblings.
Nevida began her career in social work in Missouri, working for Jewish Employment Services as an employment counselor. When Nevida and her three children relocated to San Mateo County in 1973, she continued her 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 capable leadership, the Ecumenical Hunger Program grew steadily, adding new services and programs as the economic climate and the community changed.. At the time of her election to the San Mateo County Women's 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. But it was her compassion and dedication to helping others that clients, donors and volunteers remembered most. As her nominator to the Hall of Fame noted, “There is not a language or culture that is foreign to her because she has a special communication for all people."
Nevida has received awards from the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, the Menlo Park Chamber of Commerce, the Palo Alto 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 began her career in social work in Missouri, working for Jewish Employment Services as an employment counselor. When Nevida and her three children relocated to San Mateo County in 1973, she continued her 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 capable leadership, the Ecumenical Hunger Program grew steadily, adding new services and programs as the economic climate and the community changed.. At the time of her election to the San Mateo County Women's 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. But it was her compassion and dedication to helping others that clients, donors and volunteers remembered most. As her nominator to the Hall of Fame noted, “There is not a language or culture that is foreign to her because she has a special communication for all people."
Nevida has received awards from the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, the Menlo Park Chamber of Commerce, the Palo Alto 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.
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.
Kimberly Jackson, Family Services Coordinator
Hello! I am Kimberly Jackson, I am Acoma Pueblo/Apache born in New Mexico and raised in Palo Alto, Ca. Before working at EHP my family had a setback which forced me to quit my job at Toyota and move to Arizona to take care of my dad. Covid hit while I was living in Arizona which in turn made it hard to be there for my dad and led me back to the Bay Area to help my sister with her school age kids. Moving back at first was rough because I knew I needed to help my family financially. So, I looked and with the help of prayer I found EHP! I first heard of EHP from Facebook, loved that they really get involved with helping families in East Palo Alto and the surrounding cities. Being able to work here has been a blessing in all shapes and forms, from seeing the many different beautiful faces of our clients to seeing the eagerness middle/high school kids have to give back. EHP is a continuously learning experience in human kindness and I look forward to the many happy faces we will help in the future.
Marcela Jibaja, Family Services Coordinator
Bio coming soon!
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.
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.
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.
Frank Sinclair, Food Closet Associate
Bio coming soon!
George Vakameilalo, Warehouse Associate
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.
James Vakameilalo, Food Closet Associate
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.
EHP Contractors
Maleah Choi, Development Consultant
Chloe Sorensen, Social Media Specialist
Chloe was born and raised in California. She studied Psychology and Feminist Studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara and also received a certificate to teach English as a foreign language. From there, she became an English, Social Studies, and Dance teacher at Tulum International School in Mexico.
Chloe is the oldest sibling of three and has always loved teaching and guiding her younger brothers through life’s lessons. She wants to empower young minds through teaching key competencies such as social and self awareness, responsible decision making, relationship skills, and self management. She has always been an avid Community Outreach Coordinator, and loves connecting people together.
In High School she was a part of a counseling program (Students Offering Support), where she provided/paired students with their peers to connect with one another and open discussions between parties. Later on, she began using her skills as a social media point person for local restaurants, small businesses, and individuals needing assistance with their brand awareness.
Chloe is the oldest sibling of three and has always loved teaching and guiding her younger brothers through life’s lessons. She wants to empower young minds through teaching key competencies such as social and self awareness, responsible decision making, relationship skills, and self management. She has always been an avid Community Outreach Coordinator, and loves connecting people together.
In High School she was a part of a counseling program (Students Offering Support), where she provided/paired students with their peers to connect with one another and open discussions between parties. Later on, she began using her skills as a social media point person for local restaurants, small businesses, and individuals needing assistance with their brand awareness.
