Who We Are

Cher provides oversight for the Foundation team and guides the activities of the Foundation on behalf of the board of trustees. Cher has worked in the music industry and as a professional actress. Among her many academic degrees and certificates, Cher holds a BA in organizational management from Ashford University and post-graduate certifications from Cornell University and Harvard Graduate School of Education. Cher is also a member of the first graduating cohort in a National Human Services Assembly (NHSA) nonprofit executive leadership program; a collaboration with Arizona State University, Indiana University and the Lilly School of Philanthropy. In 2019, Cher completed her master’s degree in ethical leadership from Claremont Lincoln University. She is also a member of the first graduating cohort in a National Human Services Assembly (NHSA) nonprofit executive leadership program; a collaboration with Arizona State University, Indiana University and the Lilly School of Philanthropy. Cher has served on a variety of nonprofit boards and serves on the Human Relations Committee for the City of Claremont to help oversee their Diversity, Equity and Inclusion efforts, serves on the Policy and Practice Commission for the Child Welfare League of America (CWLA), and is on the Juvenile Justice Steering Committee for the California Alliance for Children & Families. In her spare time, Cher performs stand-up comedy professionally.

Jenelle oversees the day-to-day operations and staffing of the Foundation, which includes fundraising events, volunteer coordination, community outreach and donations. Above all, Jenelle’s focus is to identify and access resources in order to help children heal, learn and thrive. She earned a bachelor’s degree in communications from California State University Fullerton and has become very involved in the community. She is active in her church, owns an art gallery, organizes the local art walk and is on the executive board of the downtown district’s marketing group.

Linh supervises a team of accountants in processing incoming and outgoing donations as well as balancing our expenses. Linh has been serving on our team for nearly 15 years and spends her free time volunteering at the Foundation with her children.

Isabel contributes content for our social media, blog, newsletters and promotional materials. She recently earned a bachelor's degree in English from California State University San Bernardino and is currently working on her master's degree. Isabel began working with our team as an intern and, luckily for us, never left. Prior to her work at CFA, she was a substitute instructional aid, provided clerical assistance at Trinity Youth Services, and was a supervisor at Starbucks. She has also volunteered as an aid at local elementary schools and notably achieved "Partner of the Quarter" at Starbucks in 2017. Isabel currently serves on Trinity Youth Services' Diversity, Inclusion, Value, Equity (DIVE) team creating a curriculum for foster youth to explore social justice through various forms of communication. Isabel also facilitates the CFA Communications Committee innovating our social media presence and advocacy for children in need.

Gail networks with those in community and educates the public about our cause. She aims to increase awareness and encourage support for children in need. After graduating from the University of San Diego, she spent years as a stockbroker, then found her passion helping nonprofits through development and fundraising. She enjoys speaking to groups and has been interviewed multiple times on television. Gail successfully turned a failing nonprofit business into a well-known San Diego boutique thrift store and hugely profitable business. Gail looks forward to working with the Children’s Foundation of America with a goal to help improve the lives of foster children.

Briana leads our volunteer program through various campaigns and volunteer activities year round. Briana describes her responsibility as helping to create a space for everyone to come volunteer and find community in serving a greater purpose than our own. Briana graduated with a bachelor's degree in communication with a focus on public relations at California State University San Bernardino. During her time at CSUSB, she was a student recruiter and tour guide. Having enjoyed her experience working with students and public speaking, working with volunteers seemed like a natural step. Briana joined our team in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic and helped advance our volunteer systems with technology and provided virtual volunteer opportunities when possible. In 2019, Briana was awarded the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) Scholarship and was invited to the 33rd Annual HACU Conference in Chicago, IL. In addition to her position at CFA, Briana also serves on the Diversity, Inclusion, Value, Equity (DIVE) team at Trinity Youth Services helping to create a curriculum for foster youth to explore social justice through expression. Briana is also a participant in the Claremont Chamber of Commerce Emerging Leaders network.

Isabel contributes content for our social media, blog, newsletters and promotional materials. She recently earned a bachelor's degree in English from California State University San Bernardino and is currently working on her master's degree. Isabel began working with our team as an intern and, luckily for us, never left. Prior to her work at the Foundation, she was a substitute instructional aid, provided clerical assistance at Trinity Youth Services and was a supervisor at Starbucks. She has also volunteered as an aid at local elementary schools and notably achieved "Partner of the Quarter" at Starbucks in 2017.

Paula researches and writes for granting opportunities. She majored in human services at Brigham Young University and has experience in marketing, public relations and nonprofit work. She has served on PTA boards and school site councils as well as volunteered in local schools for more than 15 years. She started her own grass-roots charity, which has served people in the US, India, Mexico and Africa through campaigns that provided food, clothes, hygiene products, medical supplies and instruments, and items to help entrepreneurs start home based businesses.

Chea facilitates work requests for donation deliveries, pick-ups, warehouse crew scheduling, and supply orders. If you drop off a donation to our warehouse, Chea will most likely be the friendly face who greets you. Chea received a bachelor's degree from Cal State LA and previously worked in medical billing and clinic management.