Pronouns: She / Her 

Dr. Karen Ferguson is passionate about using her expertise and background to contribute to humanitarian, social justice and DEI initiatives.

Prior to her work with CORA, Dr. Ferguson was Executive Director of the Northern California offices of IRC–the International Rescue Committee. She led the regional offices serving Oakland, Sacramento, San Jose, Modesto and Turlock, providing comprehensive services for newly arriving refugees. She managed programs ranging from securing housing and providing financial assistance to employment and career development, with the goal of helping refugees achieve self-sufficiency and thrive in their new American communities

She also spent 10 years as the Alaska State Refugee Coordinator and Resettlement Director, directing assistance and resettlement services for refugees, immigrants and victims of trafficking, and establishing a resettlement program with a diverse portfolio of nationally recognized refugee services.

Karen is also a licensed Clinical Psychologist and possesses a PhD within the field. She previously served as the Clinical and Department Manager for Outpatient Mental Health Services at Southcentral Foundation Primary Care Center and as a Psychology Consultant for American Samoa Government. She has been a frequent invited speaker, including most recently presenting with the cast of Hamilton on issues of immigration.

Pronouns: she/her

Bio coming soon.

Pronouns: coming soon

Bio coming soon.

Pronouns: She / Her 

Melissa received her J.D. from the University of San Diego School of Law and holds a B.A. in Psychology and Criminal Justice from San Diego State University.  Melissa is passionate about helping survivors navigate the complexities of the civil and criminal legal systems and empowering them to make informed decisions for themselves.  In her free time Melissa enjoys rooting for the San Jose Sharks, spending quality time with family, and dancing.

Pronouns: coming soon

Rupinder began her public accounting career in 2007 in the Bay Area with Frank Rimmerman & CO, LLP after graduating from San Jose State University. She has provided accounting and consulting services to nonprofits since 2013 and is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Rupinder plays a critical role in partnering with the senior leadership team as CORA continues to enhance its programs throughout San Mateo County. She is an active member of the Sikh temple where she teaches kids Punjabi language every Sunday. After work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two boys.

Pronouns: She / Her / Ella

Celeste is from a small town in San Diego County named Fallbrook, also known as the avocado capital of the world and the friendly village. She relocated to the Bay Area in 2003 to attend college at San Francisco State University. She received her B.A. in Psychology and La Raza Studies. In 2008, Celeste joined the CORA team as a Crisis Counselor and in 2015 was promoted to the position of Crisis Support Services Coordinator.

Pronouns: coming soon

Yajaira is our Housing and Advocacy Manager at CORA. She has worked for CORA for 7 years and initially she was a crisis counselor. She is mission driven and passionate about advocating for her community. Yajaira supported multiple Hotlines in the bay area and constantly participates on walks such, ONE Billion rise and San Francisco Women Against Rape.

“I am grateful to be in a position that allows me to continue to advocate for clients who has put their trust in us. To be able to be part of their healing journey is an honor.”

Pronouns: she/her

Pronouns: She / Her, They / Them

Lynn has worked in the non-profit field since 1991, focusing on financial and program development. She has raised millions of dollars for services benefitting children, youth and families in the Bay Area. Her financial and program development efforts have included work with the YMCA of San Francisco, Samaritan House and StarVista as well as CORA. Highlights of her efforts include: helping to fund and develop several of the YMCA’s beacon centers and technology centers; developing a plan for and securing an infusion of emergency funds for a cohort of San Mateo County’s safety net organizations during the 2008 financial crisis; securing funding for CORA’s second safe house and StarVista’s Pride Center. A San Mateo County native, Lynn has volunteered for her son’s schools from preschool to high school; her community volunteer work includes her appointment to San Mateo County’s LGBTQ Commission in September 2014. When Lynn isn’t working, she enjoys spending time with her family and taking vacations to locations of historical significance.

Pronouns: She / Her

Alyssa is a mission-driven individual who is passionate about her work as a fundraiser. Having worked in both non-profit and political fundraising, she has a diverse skill set that she can apply to organizations and campaigns of any size. Prior to joining CORA, she independently managed a US Congressman’s reelection campaign in Indiana –securing its funds and building relationships amongst major donors and community leaders. Her work has taken her all over the globe, having worked and lived in Asia, Africa, and Europe. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree from DePaul University in Chicago and a Master’s Degree from the University of Nottingham in the United Kingdom. She is also a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals.