OUR TEAM | Board of Directors
Cynthia Mitchell-Heard
President & CEO
Cynthia Mitchell-Heard holds the respected position of President & CEO at the Los Angeles Urban League. Her tenure is marked by groundbreaking achievements. Cynthia is the organization’s first female Chief Operating Officer and, notably, the first woman in more than…
Wendell Younkins
Chief Financial Officer
As Chief Financial Officer he brings a wealth of experience in accounting, contracts and fiscal compliance. Throughout his career he has displayed a proven track record of developing and managing highly functioning finance organizations and teams…
Holly Harris-Monk
Chief of Staff
Leveraging a diverse background in executive leadership, Holly Harris-Monk brings extensive experience to the Los Angeles Urban League. in both the corporate and philanthropic sectors. Her career spans operations, IT, human resources and strategic planning, with Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit…
Laureen O’Hara Abeyta
Vice President of Business Development
As a development and marketing professional who is continually inspired and driven by a profound regard for equity, social justice and the importance of strategic partnerships within this space, Laureen O’Hara Abeyta works with the Los Angeles Urban League to support …
Deidrea Sherman
Vice President of Finance
Robert Zardeneta
Vice President of Programs
As Vice President of Programs, Robert brings vast experience and knowledge, as a seasoned leader in the Los Angeles nonprofit community. Known for his zest in driving toward positive change, Robert has a distinguished track record in fostering…
Darrell Hills
Director of Programs
Darrell is an experienced senior manager with 20 years experience in change management, business analysis, and quality control. An accomplished leader experienced in developing and implementing business goals to support growth and sustainability…
Sebastian Alvarez
Programs Coordinator
Sebastian Alvarez, a Los Angeles native raised in the vibrant south side, is a passionate newcomer to the Los Angeles Urban League. He brings a strong foundation in finance and business administration, having earned his Bachelor of Arts from…
David Garcia
Fund Accountant & Fiscal Liaison
David Garcia wears two hats at the Los Angeles Urban League; Fund Accountant and Fiscal Liaison. He brings 15 years of diverse financial experience to the organization. Having gained his bachelor’s in business administration while attending local colleges like East…
April Bundy
Director of Entrepreneurship Center
As Director of the Entrepreneurship Center at the Los Angeles Urban League, April leads initiatives focused on advancing small business growth, economic mobility…
Justin Monk
Programs Assistant
Justin Monk is a passionate newcomer to the Los Angeles Urban League’s robust Programs team. He brings a strong foundation in customer service, advocacy and leadership…
Franchesca Rodriguez
Entrepreneurship Center Outreach Program Manager
As the Entrepreneurship Center Outreach Program Manager at the Los Angeles Urban League, Franchesca supports community-centered initiatives…
Miguel Perez Guzman
Workforce Transition Navigator
In his role as Workforce Transition Navigator, Miguel brings an accomplished body of work to the Los Angeles Urban League, in the jobs and workforce development sectors.
Verdell Shumpert
Workforce Inclusion Program Manager
Verdell has thrived in the nonprofit sector for more than 20 years and is widely recognized as a Workforce Development and Nonprofit Specialist.