Our Former Board Members

...resources; and applying knowledge and expertise of evidence-based and community-based participatory research approaches. Being born and raised in Vallejo, California, Desiree witnesses first-hand how social, economic, and environmental factors greatly impact the health of underserved communities. Grounded by the principles of social justice and ethical leadership, Desiree has spent over 4 years of experience developing, implementing, and evaluating various health promotion and youth development programs for institutions and organizations like Vallejo City Unified School District, Solano County Public Health, Touro University California, American Heart Association Hawaii, and Fighting Back Partnership.

Desiree has served as IHS Board Member since 2018, initially developing marketing and fundraising flyers and brochures for events such as ‘A Night of Cooking’, ‘Healthy Eating on a Budget’, and ‘Food Smart’ Senior Nutrition Classes. Currently, she holds a position as Board Treasurer, working closely with IHS’ CFO to help manage financial affairs and monitor the organization’s financial performance, which involves reconciliation of bank statements, reviewing program revenue and expenses, and ensuring tax filings are submitted on a timely basis. Her other responsibilities as Board Treasurer include preparing and reporting annual budget and financial summaries to Board Members at quarterly meetings, and consulting with IHS Administration and Board Members on financial and fundraising strategies by evaluating financial policies, approving budgets, and reviewing financial reports.

Desiree graduated from California State University Sacramento with a Bachelor of Science in Health Science, concentrating in Community Health Education, and a Master of Public Health degree, concentrating in Community Health from Touro University California. She was also a 2018-2019 Social Justice in Public Health Fellow and a recipient of the Social Justice in Public Health scholarship.

In addition to being IHS’ Board Treasurer, Desiree enjoys traveling to new places, spending time in her garden, going on long hiking trips with friends, crabbing on her kayak, and creating healthy alternatives of various cultural dishes for her and her family.

…while providing oversite to curriculum and professional development, sales, client relations, and fundraising, growing the organization’s impact by more than 300% during her tenure. In 2015, Sela joined San Jose State University, first in the Charles W. Davidson College of Engineering—the largest supplier of engineering talent to Silicon Valley and later in University Advancement fundraising for cutting edge research, scholarship, student support and social impact. She derives great satisfaction from building bridges and creatively leveraging opportunities for a more equitable and just world. Sela earned her Master of Fine Arts in Fiction in 2018. Her thesis focuses on the intersection of education, technology, diversity, and philanthropy. She is the mother of three sons, whom she created with being her biggest teachers. In her free time, she can usually be found at a baseball field or practicing yoga.

...and systems change and created sustainable operational efficiencies in the counties she served. In 2017, Franny began working with the Children's Council of San Francisco managing the Federal Food Program and HEAL programs for childcare home. She also co-chaired Shape Up SF, a city-wide coalition addressing health equity issues. In addition to her role at IHS, Franny also works at Aduro where she helps unlock human potential in the workplace by connecting people with the support and community they need to grow and flourish. She loves rock climbing, spending time at the beach with her Great Dane (Pickles) and eating bahn mi sandwiches from Dinosaurs in San Francisco. Franny has a Master of Science degree in Human Nutrition from the University of Sheffield and a Bachelor of Arts in Biology and Psychology from UC Santa Barbara. 

...including preoperative/postoperative inpatient care, home health, holistic health within med spas, nursing school clinical instructor and nursing administrator. She is the founder of JaciFIT, LLC where she guides, supports, and coaches ambitious women to their next level of success. Jaci Marie is a staunch believer in self-care and living a healthy active lifestyle.

... and collaboration for good. Fascinated with studying cultures and religions since she was young, Domenica has traveled and worked in several countries worldwide. Domenica has an undergraduate degree in Psychology from UC Santa Barbara and a graduate degree in Public Health from Touro University. During her Master's program, she traveled to Ethiopia to research health perceptions and knowledge of the local Health Extension Workers. While there, she developed a health marketing versus health education model to share information. Domenica has worked with government agencies, Tribal organizations, nonprofits, and social enterprises all over the greater Bay Area, Mendocino County, Sacramento County, and throughout the United States. In addition, over the years, she has become a speaker and guest lecturer on health and community-based communications, aiming to move the needle on the complex issues facing the United States. In her free time, she hosts a radio show on her local community access station analyzing policies at all levels, spending time with her pup Noir, international travel, and enjoying what all Sonoma County and the Bay Area have to offer.