Staff
Connie is the Executive Director at PWC and has been with the organization since its inception. Connie earned her Bachelor of Science in Business, with an emphasis in Management, from San Francisco State University and has over 30 years of business and contracting experience. She retired from the federal government, the General Services Administration (GSA) in San Francisco. Connie has a Certificate in Project Management from the University of California, Berkeley, and is a National Contract Management Association member. Her commitment to social justice and equal opportunities motivates her work with PWC.
Connie Russell
Executive Director
Jose joined PWC in March 2022 as the Program Facilitator and then transitioned to Program Director in July 2023. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from California State University Sacramento. Jose previously worked for Amazon as an Area Manager before committing to social justice and wanting to make a difference in underserved communities in Contra Costa County. As a Program Director, Jose is responsible for developing and fostering relationships with community organizations to focus on program growth. Jose's favorite part about the job is helping clients get out of their comfort zones, realize their true potential, and gain confidence to be productive citizens. Jose likes to play video games, watch his favorite soccer team, Club America, and spend time with his family outside of work.
Jose Nicasio
Program Director
Veronica Pope
Veronica Pope has served students throughout the East Bay area in both in-school and after-school capacities. Most of her career was as a mental health intervention specialist working with high, middle, and elementary school children in Alameda and Contra Costa counties public school systems. She founded the People Who Care Children Association (PWC) and has since continued to support at-risk youth and their families. She is a recipient of a Jefferson Award for public service. Veronica encourages young people and adults to get involved in mentoring programs.
Program Facilitator
Adriana was born and raised in Guanajuato, Mexico. She moved to Brentwood, CA, at 12, received her high school diploma from Liberty High School, and learned English as a second language. Adriana began working at Village Nurseries in Brentwood, California, where Adriana worked for six years as a crew leader, building experience in leadership and Management. She decided to take on a new challenge and join an administrative training program to gain the skills needed to work in an office. Adriana completed the program in 2020, gaining technical skills and business certifications. In July 2021, she came to the PWC team as an office assistant; from 2022 to the present, she has been the office manager. "I have always been motivated by helping others as I grow and develop myself personally and professionally."
Adriana Campos
Office Manager
Board of Directors
As a founding partner at Ahatis, Dan provides innovative solutions to his clients utilizing a mix of strategy and technology. Prior to Ahatis, Dan was Vice President of Technology & Strategy at Conagra Brands in Los Angeles, Omaha, and Chicago. Dan started his career working for Accenture in Los Angeles. Dan received his MBA from Claremont Graduate University and his Finance Degree from Brigham Young University (BYU). Dan serves on the Board of Directors of the BYU Alumni Association. He enjoys spending time with his family, golfing with friends, and officiating high school football for the CCFOA. He has mentored/coached youth throughout his life in various roles within his church and the local community.
Dan Jones
Board President
Anna earned her Bachelor’s degree in English and Spanish Language from Tulane University and has been in the greater Bay Area ever since her graduation in 2004. She has an MA in Educational Leadership and her CA single-subject teaching credential. Anna came to Pittsburg as a teacher at Black Diamond High School and has been there for the last decade, teaching all levels of Art, English, and Student Leadership. Prior to her role in PUSD, she worked as an administrator in Richmond, California.
Anna Green
Board Secretary
After graduating from UC San Diego with a BA in Quantitative Economics, Thad started his career over 30 years ago in international trade and logistics. Currently, Thad is a Vice President of Sales for Paramount Export Company, an International Produce Trading company selling to over 40 countries Worldwide. His leadership skills range from not only being one of the owners of Paramount, but from being a coach in various sports, along with team captains on his baseball teams through college, to earning the Eagle Scout rank at the age of 17. He is from Oakland, living in Danville and is proficient in the Spanish language.
Thad Ferre
Board Member
Simone encourages parents and volunteers to get involved with their children's education through resources and support for the school community. She studied Early Childhood Education at Sonoma State University. Simone has over 30 years of working in various paid and volunteer positions in schools centered around early education. Starting her passion for early childhood education with her oldest of two sons as a preschooler in Berkeley, CA. Currently, at the Marina Vista Elementary School in the Pittsburg Unified School District, she volunteers with Preschoolers through 3rd-graders, reading and conducting art projects with the children. She also tutors 2nd-grade students. More recently, she volunteered as the Secretary and treasurer, finally ending her becoming Club President of the Parents Club. To Simone, the journey was fulfilling.
Simone Delk
Board Member
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Helen earned a master’s degree in psychology from the University of Phoenix. She has a bachelor’s degree in social work with a minor in Psychology. Apart from her educational foundation and background, Helen has acquired knowledge and skills working in various fields. In the education field, she worked as a school counselor in a middle and high school setting, giving her opportunities to work with several minors and young adults. She also has experience working as a counselor for a drug rehabilitation program where she experienced the challenges of those dealing with addiction and mental health issues. Helen currently works in the field of criminal justice, dealing with youths and adults. In her leisure time, she enjoys reading, travelling, serving in her local church and mentoring.
Helen Obinyan
Board Member