Meet our Staff
They serve as our girls’ mentors and allies throughout the programs and after our girls graduate.
LaVonda Baldwin
Executive Director
Centered on social justice and youth empowerment, LaVonda has championed equity in education and elevated the voices of countless young people through her work with public and private youth development organizations. Her priority has remained in leading girls and young women to develop the skills, confidence, and resilience they need to succeed personally, interpersonally and beyond. Prior to joining Oasis, LaVonda served as a U.S. diplomat focused on public diplomacy, where she advanced meaningful engagement, mutual understanding and collaboration between people and nations. Her personal commitment to Christ and fostering community has always been at the heart of her identity as she infuses love, compassion and unwavering dedication into every aspect of her life.
Ryan Yarborough
Program Director
Ryan Yarborough is a dedicated youth advocate from Oakland, California, with over seven years of experience supporting students from TK–12th grade. Passionate about creating safe and nurturing spaces, Ryan has worked extensively in after-school and summer programming within the Oakland Unified School District and EXLO. Through strong partnerships with community enrichment programs, stakeholders, school staff, and families, Ryan has built lasting relationships that center youth development, belonging, and empowerment. With a deep commitment to providing young people with opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive, Ryan continues to uplift the next generation through community-driven programming.
Eliza Hicks
Program Leader, CREATE
Eliza joined Oasis for Girls in May 2024. She is a Latina who is very passionate about arts and activism as well as promoting social justice, youth empowerment, and feminism. She graduated from Brown University with a B.A. in Sociology and Urban Studies, where she explored these topics in great depth. Eliza has worked for a wide variety of organizations that empower youth, immigrants, disabled folks, BIPOC, and people with chronic illnesses. She has a lot of experience with photography, videography, dance, visual art, collage, block printing, etc. She has worked as a wellness coach, helping individuals create wellness visions, and to reach their health goals. She is passionate about helping girls to creatively express their thoughts about different social and environmental justice topics.
Shanté Thomas
Program Leader, ENVISION
Shanté, known as "Ms. Tay" to her students, is originally from the East Bay and earned her Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice at CSU East Bay and a Master's Degree in Justice Studies at San Jose State University. She previously worked as a first grade teacher at Commodore Sloat Elementary School and has a twin sister who currently teaches there. A huge Disney fan, she loves to read, go to escape rooms and have game nights. Shanté is dedicated to empowering and uplifting girls and feels honored to be a part of their Oasis journey!
Deli Mehrkish
Program Leader, RISE
Deli is a passionate advocate for women’s rights, dedicated to advancing gender equality and empowering women in all spheres of life. She graduated from University of California, Santa Cruz with a B.A in Sociology where she focused on the intersection of education and social justice through activism, volunteer work, and working with youth in classrooms throughout the Bay Area. Deli’s favorite joys in life involve spending time with family, going to live shows, spinning the pottery wheel, and eating delicious and diverse foods all around the city.
Jen Wana
Operations Director
After two years as an Oasis board member, Jen joined the staff as Operations Director in March 2022. She has over two decades of experience in fashion, retail, and publishing. Jen began her career at InStyle Magazine, followed by marketing and merchandising roles at L'Oreal Paris, Gap Inc., and Williams-Sonoma, Inc. Prior to Oasis, she worked for UC Berkeley in admissions and career advising. She received her BA in Communications from the University of Pennsylvania and her MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business.