About Us

Ashley Ruiz is a strong advocate for marginalized communities and is dedicated to creating sustainable solutions for the issues they face. As a first-generation college student, Ashley has first-hand experience of how advanced education and access to resources can be transformational in a person’s life. Ashley was raised in Fresno by her parents, who immigrated from Mexico at a young age. Ashley was recognized by Business Street Media Group in their annual 40 Under 40 programs, which recognizes some of the top young professionals in the Central Valley. She holds a master’s degree in Public Administration and bachelor’s degree in Organizational Leadership from National University. She loves living in the Central Valley for its small-town feel, where communities care for their neighbors and help each other overcome barriers.

Originally from Brooklyn, Kevin also lived in Jamaica and Minnesota before making his way to Fresno in 2019. He most recently served as the Director of Equity and Impact at Fresno EOC, and before that, worked in several other non-profit and government-related positions. As Vice President of Impact, Kevin’s role at UWFM is largely focused on overseeing the development and implementation of our organizational strategy. He believes everyone deserves the opportunity to live the life that they want, not the life that they were prescribed. Having come from a community where opportunities were scarce, where education was limited, and where several of his colleagues and friends never were invested into – some of them never even seeing adulthood – it is important to Kevin that he is not “the exception”, meaning that he recognizes his privileges and wants those same doors to be open to others like him. With family from Jamaica, Panama, and the United States, Kevin’s Afro-Latino identity helps give him a unique understanding of the intersectional nature of poverty alleviation and prosperity building work. He holds degrees in social psychology and business administration and loves science, science fiction, Legos, philosophy, comics, art, music, and fashion.

Kyle Rahn brings more than thirty years of progressive experience leading high-performing teams, strengthening donor and board relations, navigating high growth and turnaround, and strategic planning in industries ranging from private organizations to complex nonprofits. As the first female President and CEO of United Way of Southern Nevada, Kyle guided the organization’s cradle-to-career community-based agenda, building strong partnerships to improve outcomes in early childhood education, student success, post-secondary attainment and workforce development. A DEI champion, Kyle also created a diversity taskforce at UWSN, ensuring that all grant funding applied an equity lens. Kyle has developed a reputation as an adaptable, warm, transformational leader with an eye for quickly identifying and troubleshooting critical issues, creating and calibrating outstanding teams and providing strong fiscal and fundraising leadership for budgets exceeding $73 million. She is a graduate of Third Sector Company’s Interim Executives Academy.

Haley started as a consultant with United Way in the fall of 2019. She joined full-time in the beginning of March 2020, right before the team launched into emergency COVID and Creek Fire work. Haley comes to the team with a strong background in commercial and digital marketing, having worked as a casting director and producer for Windsong Productions, a writer and producer for Marketing Plus, a media technician for Tulare County Office of Education, and as a marketing consultant with clients like the Fresno-Clovis Convention and Visitors Bureau, Duncan Enteprises, StageWorks Fresno, and others. Haley considers herself a storyteller first and foremost and uses her undergraduate degree in Theatre Arts (California Lutheran University) and an MFA in Interdisciplinary Arts (Goddard College) to approach her marketing work. Originally from the small farm town of Corcoran, CA, Haley has lived in Thousand Oaks, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Staten Island, NY. She’s been in Fresno since the spring of 2012. In her spare time, Haley is involved in the local theatre and film scenes and is a community advocate, most frequently for the queer and Tower communities.

She is the founding Creative Director of The Fools Collaborative, a local arts and activism collective, and has won numerous documentary film awards along with other distinctions like Fresno’s “40 Under 40” (2018 class) and Employee of the Year at Windsong Productions. She presented “Heartfelt Marketing in the Fight for Equity” at the 2022 United Way Worldwide Western Regional Conference. Haley loves traveling and supporting homegrown businesses, organizations, artists, and creators in her spare time. She is a breast cancer survivor and auntie to the coolest, funniest, bravest little nibling on the planet, River. “No one is free until everyone is free.” – Fannie Lou Hamer

As the Director of Community Systems Impact department, I oversee the team that is responsible for creating and improving systems/tools that bring people and partners together. My team and I over see the 211 that can serve as a starting point to weigh options and provides initial methods to get connected. We are developing new supports for individuals and partners that inform the type of care coordination systems and process that best address our community and partners needs.

The families I meet and the struggles that I hear about when in community resonate with the experiences that my family and I faced. The feelings of insecurity, intimidation, feeling out of place, or feeling less than are things I’d like to help eradicate from our community’s experience when asking for help and looking for it within your community. I am a resident of one of the most underserved and so-called “bad” parts of town. I refuse to believe or let my neighbors believe that they are any less talented, less skilled or less deserving of opportunities to improve themselves and their families. I am raising a family here because I truly believe that this is how you change the narrative, from within. I want to help renew the sense of pride in who they are, where they come from and what they are capable of. The work that we are doing directly impacts my family and neighborhood.

In addition to my role as a director at UWFM, I am a daughter, sister, aunt, wife, and mother. I have a very close family. I lived in Los Angeles for undergrad and returned home as soon as I was done. Although I absolutely loved UCLA, I always felt like I was a tourist. The only TV I watch is sports. I very rarely get a chance to watch shows or tv. My family and I stay busy on our free time. We enjoy hiking, riding bikes, working out, enrolling the kids into sports or activities, taking trips or anything that gets us out of the house. I love building and supporting teams that learn and make changes together. I have close to 10 years of experience leading teams of different sizes across various community-based projects.

I started working with UWFM in August 2022. I have had a slight title change since then, but this was due to change in organizational structure by new leadership and not necessarily progressions or changes to my role.

Raul Salazar was born in Tulare, California in 1975. He grew up in Porterville California up to the age of 30. He is the youngest of 8 children, 6 boys and 2 girls. Raul has 4 nephews and 5 nieces. He went to Porterville high school where he was involved in track and field, the French club, and government club. Raul was voted Best Male Personality by his classmates. Raul attended Porterville College and California State University Bakersfield. Raul moved to Fresno in February 2006 for a job opportunity and is currently living there. Raul’s hobbies include going to the gym, going to the movies, bowling, occasional dancing, playing pool and hanging out with friends and family. One of Raul’s favorite quotes is “It’s better to know then to wonder what it could have been.”

My name is Christian Govea and I am the Director of Access and Opportunity. I directly supervise our Free Tax Prep Manager (soon to be Access and Opportunity Manager) Pa Houa Yang as well as the 6 AmeriCorps Volunteers through CERC (California Emergency Response Corps). I oversee the Free Tax Prep program, REACH program (Utility assistance), the AmeriCorps program, and am developing the Prosperity Coaching framework. The United Way mission matters to me because I have a passion for providing pathways to socio-economic development for the people in my community. I want to secure long-lasting change for my children, my neighbors, and my neighbors’ children. I am born and raised in Fresno and have lived here all of my life. I have previously worked in reentry at the Center for Employment Opportunities, providing support to folks returning from incarceration with professional development and advocating for them to local employers beginning in 2020. I then transitioned into a remote role where I assisted BIPOC led organizations receive funding through the SNAP Employment and Training program as Third-Party Partners. After my stint at CEO, I worked as the Partnerships Program Manager at Community Financial Resources where I facilitated the use of no fee non-predatory financial products for 150+ CBOs across the United States.

My goal is to eventually become the Executive Director/CEO of a nonprofit that focuses on direct service financial empowerment and workforce development. I am a single dad to a rambunctious 4-year-old boy named Lincoln and share a home with my girlfriend Melissa and older sister Marissa. I enjoy finding local food trucks, attending tailgates, and traveling to the Coast whenever I can.

I began my tenure at UWFM on April 28th, 2024. I have continued in my role as the Director of Access and Opportunity but have also undertaken the responsibilities as: the Site Coordinator and Head Chair of the AmeriCorps Oversight Committee(which I formed), the Impact Division’s representative on the CEO Transition Committee, absorbed the REACH program from 211 and turned the program into the number 2 REACH site in the country, and successfully applied for a scholarship for 14 staff members for the AFCPE (Accredited Financial Coach Professional Education) to receive fundamental financial coaching lessons.

Lilly Ramirez started her journey at United Way Fresno and Madera Counties one day before Election Day in November 2022. New to the area, she was excited to learn about the City of Fresno through the organization’s work within the community. It has been beyond enriching to walk through different stages at UWFM, serving as an opportunity to experience firsthand the ongoing impact the organization has in the community. There have been many key moments during her trajectory, however seeing how departments interwind and collaborate for the good of the community, providing relief and fulfillment for those in need is undoubtedly high on the list. UWFM has been a place where she has been able to explore new areas of interest, discover strengths and acquire new skillsets that have been essential when facing challenges; embracing a growth mindset particularly when stepping outside of her comfort zone. Ramirez values opportunities for growth and enrichment, while embracing constructive feedback as a fundamental learning strategy.

In her free time, Ramirez enjoys spending time with family and her dog, Toxtli Rayito. She loves museum hopping, exploring new cuisine and watching sports, especially women’s soccer and basketball. She is a firm believer of gender equality, and it has been truly special witnessing its impact and support in the world of women sports. Additionally, she also enjoys photography, travelling and chasing sunsets.

Ali, born in Anaheim, California to Egyptian immigrant parents, grew up facing
the challenges of disadvantaged inner-city environments. After his family moved to Fresno in 2006, Ali excelled in football and maintained a strong work ethic instilled by his parents. Though his path took unexpected turns, his determination and support system helped him succeed.

After earning an Associate’s degree, Ali was accepted into Cal Poly Pomona, where he balanced university life with supporting himself financially. During this time, he rediscovered his passion for fitness, working as a personal trainer while completing his studies. Though he initially pursued a fitness management role after graduation, Ali soon realized his true calling was helping under-served communities.

This led him to United Way Fresno & Madera Counties (UWFM), where he joined as Executive Assistant in March 2024. Ali is passionate about contributing to the organization’s mission of providing resources and opportunities to those in need. Beyond his professional role, Ali mentors youth and volunteers in his community, driven by his own experiences growing up in underserved neighborhoods.

Ali’s life revolves around Faith, Family, Friends, and Fitness. He enjoys spending time with his two cats, Tweetie and Mushu, and looks forward to making a lasting impact with UWFM. One day, he hopes to pursue a career in politics to further advocate for positive change in communities like the one he grew up in.

AubreyEnna grew up in Wyoming. She graduated from CSU Fresno in 2019 as a Humanics alumni with a bachelor’s in Sociology and a minor in Philanthropic and Community Based Leadership. AubreyEnna’s committment to United Way’s mission stems from her experience as a mother. As a parent, she believes it’s essential to abolish systemic barriers in order to create a better world for all children. Aubrey’s favorite part of working at United Way is learning from her co-workers, who teach by example. She is grateful to work with Social Justice Warriors who make equity their personal mission. Aubrey thinks a key component to breaking down systemic racism is by building systems that embrace equity solutions, and by advocating for and implementing laws that dismantle barriers and build equity. AubreyEnna thinks that some of the most important work at United Way are the initiatives that create cash infusions and put real dollars directly in client pockets. #LIVEUNITED

I am a Senior Program Manager. I oversee and assist in the deliverables of various projects such as LISTOS, Sierra San Joaquin Jobs, USDA, and Employment Development Department. My grandparents and parents received assistance from United Way when I was a child. It is special to me to be working here many years later and be a part of the history that assists community members and partners. I started in June 2023.

I was born and raised in East Fresno. First generation college graduate. First generation master’s graduate. Single mother to two children, 3 and 7 years old. I live very close to the office and consider our clients to be my neighbors. I am fluent in Spanish. I have a background in radio and reporting for Fresno Bee and Fresno land. I sometimes still do freelance reporting. I lead Impact Church’s women’s ministry. I am the Founder of Blossoming, a series of annual events for women. I host events in the community. I have a party business.

As the Senior Program Manager for the 211 project, my responsibilities include overseeing the execution of contracts, managing grants, and nurturing partnerships within the community. Additionally, I support and help implement the development of care coordination efforts. This involves working closely with the Resource Navigators, the Resource Specialist, and my director to ensure our team is on the same page and moving forward together. I joined UWFM in January of this year! I am happy to be a part of this team.

The mission of UWFM is important to me because everyone deserves equitable access to community services and resources that can help them move from crisis to prosperity. I have over 15 years of experience working in non-profit organizations. I enjoy spending time with my nieces and nephews, and I recently learned how to ride a bike. I love going on road trips and hope to do more of them. I have called Fresno home for the past 30 years and do not see myself living anywhere else.

My name is Pa Houa Yang. I am the Free Tax Prep Program manager at the United Way Fresno and Madera Counties. My responsibility was to collaborate with the Free Tax Preparation Assistance sites, subgrantees, and community outreach. The most interactive team that I have to work with would be the Access and Impact team. The United Way mission matters to me because I love to work with the community and help taxpayers solve their issues I graduated from Fresno State University with a bachelor’s in accounting.

My goal is to use my knowledge and experience to help the taxpayers to be aware of all the tax credits and get the most refund instead of paying the tax preparation fee. This will be my first year working at the United Way Fresno and Madera Counties.

Lilibeth oversees the development and management of the relationship between the communities of Fresno and Madera counties and UWFM. Lilibeth is responsible for establishing systems and tools to capture the voice of Community to inform the strategic planning for the organization. She manages qualitative data collection, survey development, community event development, engagement strategies, centering community priorities and leveraging existing resources to create tools and systems for the organization to use across the Teams. Lilibeth’s role is collaborative, and she creates spaces for team building across the organization. She meets regularly with Kevin, Megan, Arasely, Christian and Haley.

One of my core beliefs is that people are of the most value, who should have access to the full development of Self, including holistic wellness, freedom, and peace. These are Community pillars. I am a daughter, a sister, an aunt, a plant mom, an artist, a researcher, an organizer, and student of life. I am a faithful person who values connection and relationship as precious gifts. Professionally I worked in global public health research, community organizing, and the nonprofit sphere in San Diego, Orange County and now home in Fresno but the tools that empower me in every space are the ones I learned from my mother, my father, and my uncle. I am incredibly grateful to be anchored in family and community values which are strengthened by Public Health and Ethnic studies training.

I became a part of the United Way team on May 28th, 2024. During the first quarter I became familiar with the role we play as a team and as individual team members. It was important to me to understand where we were to better plan for where we want to go. In this next quarter, I am assisting the team in honoring our previous commitments, identifying the resources and tools we have not had the opportunity to use and beginning the implementation of different strategic approaches to meet our organizational goals.

Karina Perez has been with United Way Fresno and Madera Counties since 2020. She grew up in a small town called Firebaugh, CA. The town has a small population with one elementary school, one middle school, and one high school. Throughout the years, Karina started to volunteer to help others and make a difference in the small community. She volunteered at school and church, and also coached youth softball.

This work has taught her the importance of giving back to our community and the difference we can make. She loves being part of the community and making a difference in helping them succeed. In her spare time, Karina loves to spend time with her family and go on spontaneous trips together. She has a dog that is half German Shepherd and half Husky, who is currently 10 years old and loves long walks and belly rubs. As for her hobbies, she also enjoys photography, and powerlifting is something new she recently got into and loves how strong she gets every day.

I enjoy the work I do at United Way, particularly the variety it offers. There are times when I can focus on data analysis, and other times when I shift to a project management perspective. I take the lead in grant management and tracking, regularly communicating with our VP of Impact about grant updates. Additionally, I ensure that all state and federal reports are submitted by their deadlines. I have taken the lead in creating dashboards for our major programs, including 211 data, Free Tax Prep, Listos, and the USDA program. I have also implemented Asana, our new project management tool, to streamline our workflow.

Throughout my educational journey, I’ve gained insights into the various barriers that impact individuals and communities—be it the challenges of access to services, the high cost of living, issues related to health literacy, or the scarcity of resources. It’s this understanding that fuels my commitment to our mission. Being part of an organization that actively focuses on breaking down these barriers in the community is truly rewarding.

My background includes a recent graduation from California State University, Bakersfield, with a master’s degree in healthcare management, as well as a degree in public health from California State University, Fresno. I have a strong passion for making a positive difference in the community, particularly in health outcomes and breaking down barriers to help individuals achieve a healthy lifestyle. I recently worked at the Madera County Department of Public Health as a health education specialist, supporting the operations department during the COVID-19 pandemic. I took the lead on outreach efforts, contact tracing, and collaboration with partners, while also collecting data using Qualtrics and working on other projects.

Prior to that, I interned with various nonprofits, including the American Cancer Society and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. I am the oldest of three siblings, with a younger brother and sister. I recently got engaged, and we enjoy going on hikes, trying new foods, and traveling together. On weekends, you can often find me spending quality time with my family and our beloved Goldendoodle, Lucky. My goal is to continue progressing and growing in my career. I aim to advance my skills and experience, and I have taken the lead on significant grants such as EDD CERF, USDA Relief, and the CSD grant, which have helped me learn and develop new abilities. I’m excited to continue being part of more grants and ensuring we meet and track deliverable.

I have been with United Way for two years and three months. I started as an Operations Analyst in July 2022 and was promoted to Data and Project Manager in March 2024. During this time, I have taken the lead on various projects and new implementations within the organization, which has allowed me to grow significantly in my role. I have learned a lot and advanced my skills. In my new position, I have taken on more responsibilities and tasks, and I am excited to continue progressing and growing with the organization.

Sam Gill is our Staff Accountant in our Finance Department. He holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Administration Concentration in Accounting from Fresno State and is an eligible CPA Candidate. He has worked with us for almost 1 year. In addition to his professional work, Sam is passionate about Finance, Pickleball, Basketball, and the 49ers.

I am the 211 Resource Specialist. I started with UWFM in January 2024. My duties include maintaining and growing the 211-resource database along with creating and updating the contact forms used by the call specialists. I am passionate about improving Fresno and Madera Counties. Through my work I hope to contribute to improving the quality of life of our community members.

I was born and raised in a small town here in the Central valley, I moved to Fresno at 18 to attend Fresno State University and have since made Fresno my home. I was married in July of this year in a small courthouse ceremony. My husband and I enjoy rock climbing at Metalmark gym, traveling, and watching movies. I sew as a hobby and even made my wedding dress. I love music, Christmas, and Penguins. I live to learn and am always working my way through books, podcasts, and documentaries.

I started with United Way FM on March 18, 2024. I serve as the 211 Resource Navigator within the Community System Impact team. My role involves assisting community members in accessing vital resources and support. Additionally, I coordinate care for these individuals, aiming to remove economic barriers, address healthcare issues, and meet essential needs like food, transportation, and other material goods. I also collaborate with various community organizations to utilize their services for the benefit of our community members. I am committed to United Way Fresno Madera Counties mission because I also believe that “we fight for those who need it most to have access to health, education, and financial security” to thrive in life. I believe we need to pave pathways and provide resources to those who lack the knowledge to achieve their goals to be able to sustain themselves today. I have learned that workplace equity widens the opportunity for everyone to grow either professionally or personally within the company. It provides an environment where everyone can expand and develop new skills yet still be their authentic selves. I believe the most important work that United Way does is providing resources through collaboration with other agencies to the communities to empower individuals to become self-sufficient and succeed in life.

I graduated from Fresno State with a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies. I am a very outgoing person, who loves the outdoors. My love for the outdoors began when I started running, I am not very athletic, but I did run many marathons. I also love to go hiking, especially challenging trials.

Born in San Diego and raised in Fresno, Charles graduated from UC Riverside in 2019 with a BA in Philosophy. Their passion for critical thinking and problem solving led them to pursue a career in software sales after graduation. After a few years in the tech space, Charles found his way into the nonprofit sector, where they aim to make a meaningful impact.

In their free time, Charles enjoys reading and staying active. They are deeply committed to the mission of United Way because he believes that everyone, regardless of their background, should have the opportunity to thrive.

Since joining United Way Fresno and Madera Counties (UWFM), Charles has appreciated the team’s shared dedication to advancing equity and creating long-term solutions to address poverty. A key lesson they’ve learned during their time at UWFM is that equity is often misunderstood, and it is essential to educate the community on its significance.

For Charles, the most important work United Way does is tackling the root causes of poverty within Fresno and Madera, working upstream to break the cycle and build a more equitable future for all.

With my two teens and partner of 19 years by my side, I’ve built a life that balances my passion for community work with the simple joys of road trips, camping adventures, and lazy days by the water. When I’m not experimenting in the kitchen or buried in a good book, you’ll find me pouring my energy into my role at United Way of Fresno and Madera Counties.

My commitment to community work isn’t just professional – it’s personal. I’ve seen how systemic barriers can shape lives, and that’s what drives me every day at United Way. Being a former foster youth, the work we do is tied to my heart for serving the community. Here, I get to work with an incredible team that turns hope into action, creating real change through education, economic justice, and community empowerment.

What I love most about this work is that it’s always evolving. Every day teaches me something new about the power of listening, learning, and lifting up diverse voices. Whether I’m collaborating with colleagues or engaging with community partners, I’m constantly inspired by how bringing people together can transform lives and build stronger communities.

When people ask why I’m so passionate about our United Way’s mission, I tell them it’s simple: I believe everyone deserves a fair shot at success, and I’m lucky enough to work somewhere that turns that belief into reality. Our LIVE UNITED philosophy isn’t just a slogan – it’s a testament to what we can achieve when we truly work together.

As Regional Advocacy Coordinator, Susan helps give a voice to those who are unable to speak for themselves. She served for 14 years as District Director for two California state senators, and worked in bank management for 17 years before joining UWFM. Susan also currently owns and operates her own consulting firm specializing in government advocacy and public relations. Her hobbies include ballroom dancing, political activism, and spending time with her husband, Dave, and dog, Princess.

Miguel enjoys creating graphics for UWFM’s many programs. He believes one of the best ways to assist in poverty alleviation is to prioritize making information accessible, culturally competent, and easy to understand. For fun, Miguel enjoys theatre, singing, visiting Disneyland, and hanging out with his cat, Audrey. He is a founding board member of Fresno arts and advocacy group, The Fools Collaborative, and also works at CSU Fresno as a Communications Specialist and Box Office Manager for the Theatre & Dance department.