2025-2026 Program

MEET THE FELLOWS

Yashica Avhad

Yashica Avhad

B.S. Economics & Statistics, Data Science Concentration

Yashica is a junior double-majoring in Economics and Statistics with a concentration in Data Science. She is deeply passionate about promoting equity and is committed to making the world a more just and inclusive place, one step at a time. She loves working with both numbers and people, finding fulfillment in combining analytical thinking with human connection to create meaningful impact.

Myeshia Jefferson

Myeshia Jefferson

Master of Healthcare Administration

Myeshia Jefferson is a Licensed Medical Nail Technician, Certified Health and Wellness Coach, and Founder of Beauty Makes Cents LLC and MyDe Wellness Inc., where she bridges beauty, wellness, and technology to create accessible, community-centered care solutions. With over 20 years in the beauty and wellness industry, she has helped hundreds of clients transform their health from the inside out while empowering professionals to build sustainable, purpose-driven careers.

A Silicon Valley pitch competition winner, Myeshia is also a speaker and author whose frameworks, the C.E.N.T.S. Method™ and PETALS™ Wellness Suite, are used by corporations and nonprofits to prevent burnout and promote holistic well-being. Her work focuses on closing gaps in preventive care for underserved populations, especially women, seniors, and people with disabilities. Myeshia believes that beauty is more than appearance; it is a pathway to healing, confidence, and community impact.

Selin Sari

Selin Sari

MS Marketing Analytics

Selin Sari is a Marketing Analytics graduate student at Cal State East Bay and a participant in the Women in Leadership Fellowship track. With a background in digital marketing and brand development, she has spent the past seven years helping purpose-driven, predominantly female-led brands grow through thoughtful storytelling, digital strategy, and authentic communication.

Selin is inspired by leaders who create change through authenticity, emotional intelligence, and genuine human connection. Through the WIL program, she continues to explore how women can lead and influence with both heart and impact in today’s world.

Pierreline Jacob

Pierreline Jacob

B.S. Computer Engineering

Pierreline Jacob is a Computer Engineering student at Cal State East Bay and the President of the IEEE Student Chapter. Her work blends engineering, mentorship, and community leadership. She leads inclusive technical workshops and peer mentorship programs that help students build confidence in STEM.

Professionally, she has worked across R&D, manufacturing, and operations, turning real-world constraints into practical, scalable solutions. Pierreline is passionate about human-centered technology and expanding opportunities for underrepresented voices in tech. She is committed to building mentorship pipelines and creating pathways for women of color to lead and thrive in STEM.

Melanie Lopez

Melanie Lopez

MS Speech‑Language Pathology

Melanie is a graduate student in Speech-Language Pathology with a bachelor’s degree in Communication Disorders. She is passionate about bilingualism and its impact on communication and learning. As a woman in leadership, she is committed to empowering others and advancing the field of speech and language. She is dedicated to advocating for effective communication and evidence-based practices. Through her work, she aims to inspire and mentor future professionals in the field.

Zaina Abbas

Zaina Abbas

B.S. Health Sciences

Zaina Abbas is a Health Science major at ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ, East Bay, pursuing a path toward dentistry. Her passion for healthcare comes from witnessing how compassion, education, and access can transform people’s confidence and quality of life. She is particularly interested in preventive care and community outreach that helps individuals understand the importance of oral health and overall well-being.

Through her academic and volunteer experiences, Zaina has learned the value of leading with empathy and listening to others’ stories. She hopes to become a dentist who provides compassionate care and supports people who have experienced similar challenges, helping them feel seen, understood, and empowered.

Cicelli Zendejas

Cicelli Zendejas

MBA

Cicelli is currently pursuing her MBA at ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ, East Bay, building on her background in Nutrition and Dietetics with a minor in Chemistry. She is passionate about connecting science, community health, and business to create meaningful, people-centered impact.

Her career includes patient-centered dental care, sales leadership, and operations management, all of which have strengthened her ability to lead with empathy, communicate thoughtfully, and guide others through challenging situations. She is especially motivated to advocate for underrepresented communities and to help expand access to equitable opportunities.

She aims to continue growing as a purpose-driven leader and to create positive change across industries.

Meet the Associates

Empress Love

Empress Love

B.S. Political Science, Pre-Law Concentration

Empress Love is an undergraduate student at ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ, East Bay, pursuing a Political Science degree with a Pre-Law concentration. She is developing her Infrastructure Displacement Political Marginalization Theory (IDPMT), which explores how gaps in infrastructure access can lead to displacement and political marginalization in vulnerable communities. Committed to social equity, justice, and sustainability, Empress is passionate about ensuring that all communities have access to clean air, safe water, and urban solutions to extreme heat,  including increasing albedo and expanding green spaces.

Beyond her academic pursuits, Empress is deeply engaged in her community, volunteering with unhoused populations and supporting initiatives that broaden access and inclusion. She has earned a Paralegal Certificate through CSU East Bay Continuing Education and plans to attend Berkeley Law in 2027. Known for her curiosity, empathy, and determination, Empress integrates research, advocacy, and hands-on service to empower others and create meaningful change. She approaches leadership with intention and care, believing that equitable solutions begin with listening, learning, and taking action to uplift those most impacted by systemic challenges.

Astrid Scott

Astrid Scott

MS Public Administration, Policy Analysis Concentration

Astrid Scott is a graduate student pursuing a Master of Public Administration with a concentration in Policy Analysis. She works in the California State Legislature while balancing life as a working student, mother, and caregiver. As a first-generation college graduate, she is passionate about expanding opportunities and access for communities often excluded from decision-making spaces.

With prior experience in nonprofit management and community outreach, Astrid brings empathy, persistence, and a strong sense of service to everything she undertakes. She is grateful to be part of the WIL program, where she continues to grow as a leader and learn from other women who are shaping meaningful change in their fields.

Alexis Snyder

Alexis Snyder

B.S.  Political Science

Alexis Snyder is a senior Political Science major at ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ, East Bay, passionately preparing to pursue a Master’s in Social Work. She is committed to advancing accessible health and wellness resources for women, children, and minority communities. During her time volunteering with a nonprofit organization for young women, Alexis led business meetings, developed leadership competencies, and supported volunteer management and service project coordination.

Previously, she served as a youth representative across two states, contributing collaborative insight and amplifying the voices of young people in broader community service discussions. Alexis aims to integrate policy-informed practice with grassroots outreach, working to ensure that health equity initiatives become the standard rather than the exception.

She is eager to bridge her academic training with community-based work, learning from the experienced and inspiring mentors of WIL as she continues empowering women and children through innovative, accessible health and wellness programming.

Alaya Herrera

Alaya Herrera

B.S. Sociology

Alaya Herrera is in her final year of undergraduate studies in Sociology. She has experience working with a diverse range of students with disabilities, and her interests include engaging academically with youth in inner-city communities and exploring family dynamics.

After earning her BA, she hopes to pursue a master’s degree in either child development or marriage and family counseling. Alaya’s drive for leadership stems from the lasting, meaningful impact she hopes to make through her service to her community.

Nishta Chouraria

Nishta Chouraria

MS Marketing Analytics

Nishta Chouraria is a graduate student at ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ, East Bay, pursuing a Master’s in Marketing Analytics. With a strong foundation in data-driven strategy and brand storytelling, she combines analytical insights with creative problem-solving to support impactful marketing decisions.

She is passionate about sustainability, community engagement, and creating meaningful social impact through data-driven initiatives. Nishta believes in giving back to society and integrating purpose into leadership. Outside of academics, she enjoys 
activities that help her stay grounded and inspired. Such as hiking, exploring, preparing diverse cuisines at home, and practicing heartfulness meditation.  

Madison Gomez

Madison Gomez

B.S. Business Administration - Marketing

Madison Gomez is in her final year at ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ, East Bay, where she is studying Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing. She previously worked on campus as a communications and operations specialist and student assistant for the B.E.T. McNair program, and she is currently completing a marketing internship at Eden Youth, a nonprofit organization in Hayward. After graduating this spring, she plans to pursue a summer internship to gain additional marketing experience and continue developing her leadership skills in the field.

As someone who expresses herself through fashion and music, Madison hopes to work in creative industries where she can incorporate her marketing expertise. She is also a student athlete on the Cal State East Bay cross country and track teams, where she has grown into a leadership role, motivating her teammates and contributing to the development of the program. As a competitive athlete, she is also interested in applying her marketing skills within the sports industry.

Leticia Rosas-Gonzalez

Leticia Rosas-Gonzalez

B.S. Business Administration: Marketing, Data Science Concentration

Leticia is a senior at ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ, East Bay, majoring in Marketing Management. She has a strong passion for digital marketing and hopes to build a career in the beauty industry. Born and raised in the Bay Area, she enjoys attending concerts and reading in her free time. Leticia is excited to be part of the WIL program and looks forward to contributing to and growing within the community.

 

Samiya Jackson

Samiya Jackson

B.S. Civil Engineering

Samiya Jackson is an undergraduate student at ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ, East Bay, majoring in Civil Engineering. She is passionate about sustainable energy systems, creative problem-solving, and community issues such as basic needs insecurity. With experience in collaborative research, engineering project design, and basic simulation work, Samiya plans to use her skills to pursue additional research opportunities.

She is currently part of the SPARK program, where she is studying the connection between student food insecurity and mental health. Her project incorporates this intersection into an intergenerational meal program that brings college students and older adults together. By sharing meals, the program aims to reduce food insecurity among students and strengthen the mental health of both students and senior participants through meaningful social connections. Samiya looks forward to continuing her growth in communication and leadership.

Srividya Peri

Srividya Peri

MS Marketing Analytics

Srividya Peri is a Master’s student in Marketing Analytics at ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ, East Bay. With over four years of experience as a copywriter, content writer, and content strategist and manager, she is fascinated by how creativity and data come together to tell meaningful stories that drive real impact. Her work has demonstrated how storytelling can shape brand perception and make data more human and relatable.

She holds an MBA in Marketing Management, providing her with a unique blend of technical, analytical, and creative expertise. She also earned a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication and Journalism with a focus on Advertising and Digital Media.

At ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ, Srividya is passionate about turning marketing data into insights that inspire innovation and smarter strategies. She serves as the Community Outreach Officer for the Business Analytics Club, connecting students with industry opportunities and fostering spaces for collaboration and learning. Additionally, she works as the Graduate Student Assistant for the Center for Community Engagement, where she ensures accurate placement and partner data, drives engagement with external organizations, guides students toward experiential learning and public sector career opportunities, and develops clear and impactful resources to support informed decision-making.

Outside of academics and work, Srividya enjoys expressing herself through music by playing the guitar and singing. She is also passionate about traveling, exploring new cultures, meeting people, and gaining fresh perspectives that inspire her creativity.

Hana Abbas

Hana Abbas

B.S. Health Sciences

Hana is a Health Science student pursuing a career in dentistry, driven by a strong commitment to community-centered healthcare and oral health equity. Their academic and volunteer experiences have deepened their understanding of the connections between health access, education, and overall well-being. They are passionate about creating meaningful impact through service, advocacy, and patient-focused care. As a Women in Leadership Associate, [Name] seeks to continue developing leadership skills while collaborating with others dedicated to equity and positive social change. They are motivated by the belief that compassionate healthcare can empower individuals, strengthen communities, and transform lives.

Mary Lu Gonzalez

Mary Lu Gonzalez

MBA

Mary Lu Gonzalez is an accomplished biologics CMC leader with more than twenty years of specialized experience advancing therapeutic candidates from early discovery through BLA readiness. She is currently pursuing her MBA at ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ, East Bay, with an expected completion in Fall 2026. Mary is committed to expanding her strategic leadership capabilities to drive innovation at the intersection of science, business strategy, and emerging technologies in drug development.

Throughout her career, Mary has demonstrated a distinctive ability to build and lead high-performing and highly collaborative teams while maintaining deep technical expertise. As Director of Cell Line and Upstream Process Development, she has successfully guided more than fifteen scientists through complex development programs, contributing to six IND submissions. Her leadership philosophy centers on empathy and empowerment. She takes time to understand her team members’ perspectives, encourages them to ask thoughtful questions, and cultivates an environment where innovation grows through experimentation and responsible risk-taking.

In addition to her scientific and operational expertise, Mary is passionate about using artificial intelligence and advanced analytics to transform biologics development strategies. She is pursuing her MBA to strengthen her business acumen and apply data-informed decision-making across scientific and commercial functions. Her long-term goal is to become an even more effective strategic leader in the CMC field, ensuring that high-quality therapeutics reach patients in need through more efficient and intelligent development approaches.

Mary holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of California, Riverside, and has completed specialized training in project management, leadership development, design of experiments, and regulatory submissions. She is a strong advocate for inclusiveness and is dedicated to fostering environments where diverse perspectives strengthen both scientific and business outcomes.