Meet the Speakers
Jose Alonso-Centeño
Health Education Specialist, Special Projects
San Bernardino County Department of Public Health
Jose is a Health Education Specialist with the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health’s Special Projects team. He supports San Bernardino County’s Naloxone Distribution Project and the Traffic S.A.F.E. Program.
Kathleen Baldwin
President and CEO
Travelers Aid International
Kathleen Baldwin began serving as the president of Travelers Aid International on Feb. 11, 2019.
She formerly served as president of the Travelers Aid Society of San Diego, a position she held for 18 years. Kathleen was a member of the TAI Board of Directors for the last 13 years, holding the positions of chair of the Professional Council and board treasurer before resigning to take on her current leadership role.
Kathleen has led four organizations in her long nonprofit management career and also has served on numerous nonprofit and foundation boards.
She earned an undergraduate degree from the University of California and an MBA from Pepperdine University, and has participated in several leadership fellowships in the San Diego area.
Atif Elkadi
CEO
Ontario International Airport
With over 17 years of extensive senior-level expertise across various facets of the aviation industry, including airport operations, strategic marketing, social media, brand management, public relations, marketing, advertising, and strategic communications, Atif Elkadi currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer for Ontario International Airport. In this capacity, he orchestrates day-to-day operations, spearheads an expansive capital development program, oversees revenue management, finance, administrative functions, marketing and communications, and information technology, consistently exploring innovative approaches to drive both revenue and passenger growth.
Atif’s journey with Ontario International Airport commenced in the role of Senior Director of Marketing before progressing to the position of Deputy Chief Executive Officer.
Prior to his leadership at Ontario, Atif played a crucial role as the Senior Corporate Communications Manager, where he developed comprehensive communication strategies and managed initiatives to align with the strategic objectives of Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, the world’s fourth busiest airport. His responsibilities included shaping the overall communication strategy and overseeing its successful implementation.
Bringing his expertise to the global stage, Atif made significant contributions to Dubai International Airport, the world’s busiest airport for international passengers. During his tenure, he spearheaded the development and management of internal communications, customer service communications, and social media strategies, ensuring alignment with the diverse communication needs of employees and customers.
Atif holds a Master’s Degree in Communication Management from the University of Southern California, an M.B.A. from the University of Phoenix, and a bachelor’s Degree in Journalism from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. His diverse educational background, combined with his wealth of experience, positions him as a highly accomplished professional in the aviation industry.
Scott Elmore
Vice President, Communications and Marketing
Airports Council International – NA
Chair, Board of Directors
Travelers Aid International
Scott Elmore joined the Airports Council International-North America (ACI-NA) in May 2014 as vice president of communications and marketing. In this role, he is responsible for executing public relations efforts to advance legislative priorities and promote ACI-NA initiatives.
Prior to joining ACI-NA, Elmore was senior director of communications and marketing for the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA), where he was responsible for developing and executing the association’s media relations and marketing efforts.
Elmore has also served in the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) as a spokesman for Ambassador Susan C. Schwab on international trade and foreign policy issues.
Elmore is on the Board of Directors for Travelers Aid International and has led community outreach efforts with local businesses and organizations, including the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority.
Elmore earned his Master’s degree in Mass Communication from the University of Central Florida and his Bachelor’s degree in American Studies from Mount Vernon Nazarene University.
Albert Fuentes
Deputy Airport Coordinator, Miami International Airport
Travelers Aid International
Albert Fuentes serves as the Deputy Airport Coordinator for Travelers Aid International at Miami International Airport. In his role, he coordinates the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) operations at several key airports, including Miami (MIA), Washington (IAD), and Atlanta (ATL). Albert is skilled in fostering strategic collaborations with stakeholders, such as U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Miami-Dade Aviation Department (MDAD), ensuring that operations run smoothly and in full compliance.
Born in Panama, where his parents sought refuge from the Cuban regime, they instilled in him a deep commitment to assisting others embarking on their journeys in the United States. As a part of Travelers Aid International, he takes pride in being among the first faces many international visitors see when they arrive in the United States, contributing to their initial experience in the country. Before his current role, Albert served as an Immigrant Integration Coordinator for AmeriCorps at the Office of New Americans. In this position, he led community initiatives, organized immigration clinics, and worked closely with community leaders to assist immigrants in their transition to life in the U.S. His work in community outreach and his experience managing key partnerships continue to influence his leadership in aviation operations.
For Albert, technology has always been not just a tool—it’s a trusted companion. As a child, he enjoyed modifying video games, and in 2012, he first mined Bitcoin on a barely functioning laptop. From using AI and other technologies to streamline processes and improve operational efficiency, he learned to appreciate each piece of tech for its unique qualities and potential. Even in moments when his health limited physical movement, technology became a constant source of enrichment and creativity, always offering a way to stay connected and engaged with the world. His journey with tech reflects a deep respect for its capabilities, showing that with patience and care, technology can be a true partner in overcoming challenges and navigating life’s complexities.
Tameka Gunn
President, and CEO
Community Link
Tameka Gunn is president and chief executive officer at Community Link, an affordable housing nonprofit organization based in Charlotte, N.C. She succeeded Floyd R. Davis, Jr., who retired in January 2023 after 20 years of service to the agency.
Gunn is a leader on housing issues in the region. She currently serves as chair of the Coordinated Entry Oversight Committee for Mecklenburg County. Coordinated Entry connects individuals and families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness with housing resources.
Gunn joined Community Link in 2007 as a housing coordinator. Over time she has worked in all of Community Link’s Homeless to Housing services. She was also the program director for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, which provides free tax preparation for lower-income individuals and families.
Gunn discovered her life’s work early in her career. Following graduation from Old Dominion University with a B.S. in Human Services and a minor in special education, she taught students with learning disabilities and emotional behavior disorders in Virginia and Washington, D.C.
In 2005, Gunn began working for the Gastonia Housing Authority. She came to realize how difficult it is for most disenfranchised people to stay in housing by gaining meaningful access to social services. Her passion for this work is all about family and community. The lives that Community Link has changed continue to inspire her passion for service.
Gunn holds a Master of Public Administration from Strayer University. She has been married to her husband Darryl since 2007. They have one son.
Diana Farias Heinrich
CEO and Founder
Habrá Marketing
In 2016 Diana Farias Heinrich, left her e-commerce job and went to Ghana to help women in a rural village start a sustainable, clean water business. When she came back she adopted a new driving mantra: “There is so much left to do.” She volunteered her way into a new career in nonprofit development and communications using photography and storytelling. Then, after being laid-off during the pandemic, she focused on that mantra once again and created Habrá Marketing.
Habrá supports nonprofits that are building up their communications and marketing capacity. We understand the budget and resource constraints that nonprofits face in this area. We aim to alleviate that struggle with “done-for-you” communications and marketing services to show people the amazing work you do.
As a Latina, Diana knows that it’s time to change the face of philanthropy. We believe in being brave enough to say what is needed to advance social justice. We want to work with nonprofits who are willing to step out of the mold, engage in hard conversations, and will not let inequity slide within the industry.
Habrá means “there will be.” Habrá kindness, integrity, and social justice in the nonprofit industry and we’re here to make that happen.
Scott Higa
Staff Training Instructor
Community Education Program
San Bernadino County Department of Behavioral Health
Scott Higa is a Staff Training Instructor with San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) Community Education Program (CEP). Prior to his time with the county, Mr. Higa spent 16 years as a pastor at a local church, mostly working with children and youth. During that time, he created programs and systems to support young people, giving them a safe environment in which they could thrive. Mr. Higa brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his presentations, which are marked by authenticity, humor, and a desire to inspire the audience to take active steps for their own well-being and the well-being of others. Mr. Higa holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communications from California State University, Fullerton, and a Master of Divinity from Fuller Theological Seminary. He is a certified POST/Academy Instructor and Mental Health First Aid Instructor.
John Ishu
Director
Travelers Aid Chicago
John is the Director of Travelers Aid Chicago at O’Hare International Airport. He has been with the program for 25 years. He is responsible for not only the daily operation of the program, he also maintains and expands partnerships within the airport community including but not limited to US Customs/Border Protection, Chicago Police Department, Transportation Security Administration, over 40 airlines that serve O’Hare, and Chicago Department of Aviation.
A graduate of The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology, previous to Travelers Aid Chicago, John has 9 years experience with other non-profits including an advocacy program for quality childcare and as Program Manager for a teen drop-in center.
John is a two-time nominee of O’Hare’s Wings of Vision Award and is a graduate of the Inaugural Class of US Customs/Border Protection Field Office’s Partnership Academy. Under John’s leadership, Travelers Aid Chicago at O’Hare has grown from a small office of 2 full-time staff and 40 volunteers to a considerably large office with 15 Social Service and Volunteer Coordination staff, as well as over 120 of the most loyal, dedicated, and consistently trained airport volunteers on the planet at 7 information desks throughout O’Hare.
R.J. Jackson
Impact Speaker and Mindset Coach
The Courage Giver
RJ Jackson is a seasoned giant slayer renowned for her unwavering determination and extraordinary ability to overcome life’s formidable challenges and emerge victorious. With a global presence, she has shared her inspirational journey with audiences worldwide, earning recognition and accolades for her impactful work.
As an award-winning speaker, RJ Jackson empowers individuals to conquer their giants, instilling confidence and driving tangible results. She serves as an accountability coach and a dedicated cheerleader, offering a unique blend of attentive listening, empathetic support, and trademark humor to engage and inspire her audience.
RJ’s commitment extends beyond profit; she embraces a holistic approach that combines purpose and prosperity. Having triumphed over a life-threatening accident, she embodies resilience and encourages others to look beyond their struggles and experience breakthroughs.
RJ’s mission is clear: to see you and your team win every step of the way.
Graham MacLean
Assistant Program Manager
Travelers Aid Dulles International Airport
I’m a native of Scotland and arrived in America in 1997 with my then girlfriend. and now wife, Karen. We have 3 incredible daughters who have either just graduated college or soon to do so. The money saved when that is complete, will be life-changing!
Most of my working life has been as a Soccer Director of Coaching for youth soccer clubs including in New Orleans, LA, Roanoke, VA, and Haymarket, VA. In addition, in 2018, I opened a successful small family café which taught me so much about running a business, exceptional customer service, and time management! Unfortunately, when your best staff leaves to go to college (daughters!), the family business isn’t as much fun when it’s just two and you both work full time!
In 2023, the position of volunteer coordinator became open at Travelers Aid, and I gladly took on the challenge. I have since been promoted to Assistant Program Manager which has been a lot of fun – every day is sunshine at Dulles, until it isn’t, and then we have Travelers Aid to come to the rescue! I love working with Travelers Aid and at the airport – I get to interact with truly interesting and wonderful people, while the position encourages me to be creative and fun.
Morgan McBrearty
Program Manager
Travelers Aid Philadelphia International Airport
Morgan has worked for Travelers Aid for three years, holding the positions of Volunteer Coordinator, Assistant Program Manager, and is now the current Program Manager of Philadelphia. She is one of the original hires to implement and develop the TAI-PHL Volunteer Program.
As program manager, she oversees the Volunteer Navigators and staff for the airport. Her goal is to ensure Travelers Aid International provides the highest standard of customer service to guests and airport employees along with growing the PHL program.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from Stockton University and has ten years of experience in both customer service and community engagement. With knowledge in community building, she brings a unique perspective to non-profit management alongside guest experience. She is passionate about bringing impactful change, and inspiring new forms of team building and elevating service.
Tony Medina
Volunteer Coordinator
Travelers Aid Chicago
Tony Medina joined the Travelers Aid family in November 2013 as a Social Service Supervisor and has been at the reigns of Travelers Aid Chicago’s Volunteer Program since October 2015.
A native of the Greater Chicago Land area-and the smoothest man in the galaxy, his illustrious non-profit career spans over 15 years. A surprisingly good dancer for a man his size, Tony has forged a deep connection with the Immigrant and Refugee community in Chicago. Through these connections he enjoys exploring other cultures via food, film and music. Travelers Aid Chicago, Volunteerism and O’Hare International Airport is a natural fit for his intellectual, professional and personal interests.
Jason Miller
CEO
Families Forward Philadelphia
Jason Miller brings 17 years of experience as a social work leader in a variety of nonprofit and community organizations. He received a BSW from Goshen College in 2000 and a MSW in 2006 from the University of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy and Practice.
In August 2017, Jason was appointed as the CEO of Families Forward Philadelphia, which provides emergency shelter and housing to families who lack permanent housing in Philadelphia. In this role, Jason focuses on fundraising, program development, staff supervision, training, evaluation, board management, public relations, government relations, new business ventures and strategic planning.
Jason has taught a section of the Social Work Macro Practice class at The University of Pennsylvania since 2010 as a visiting professor. He has also provided social work field instruction to BSW and MSW student interns at the University of Pennsylvania, Temple University and Indiana University.
Marcy Roke
President and CEO
Travelers Aid San Diego
President and CEO Marcy Roke has worked for Travelers Aid Society of San Diego for 18 years. In her role, she collaborates with community partners to further Travelers Aid’s mission, creates responsive programs to fill unmet needs in the region, and works to secure the organization’s position in the fabric of San Diego’s social service space. Marcy engages with staff, board members, clients, vendors, and partners in order to serve the agency’s thousands of clients.
In her prior capacity as Director of Development and Communications, it was her responsibility to improve the agency’s outreach, marketing, and fundraising efforts. She previously worked in the fields of advertising and marketing for 16 years, focusing on publishing, editing, graphic design, and project management.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.
Tiffany Sanders
Director of Customer Experience
Ontario International Airport
I’ve spent the last five years focusing on Customer Experience (CX) in the aviation industry; however, I’ve held various jobs in multiple industries throughout the 25+ years I’ve been a professional, and one fact remains true – I am who I am! I am an empath. I am a connector. I am a motivator. I am an includer. I am WOO in physical form. I’m a travel enthusiast who once dreamed of writing for Conde Nast. I’m a dessert guru who could survive off chocolate cake and Talenti. I prefer the scenic route in life, and I’ve always traveled the path less chosen. I believe that chicken wings should be their own food group. Aside from that, I believe that people and culture are the keys to true happiness at work. It’s not pay, it’s not title, and it’s not occasional recognition in meetings (although all those things matter) …for me, it’s walking into work with a smile and knowing that the days might be long and/or tough, but my colleagues and leaders are right there in the trenches with me getting it done. It looks like mutual respect and understanding, and it feels like fun. I’ve had my fair share of struggles and just as many triumphs, both professionally and personally, and I speak transparently about it all. Every single moment has brightened the light inside me, and it can’t be dimmed. If you know me, you know. If you don’t know, you better ask somebody!
Allexandra Servey
Operations Manager
Travelers Aid San Diego
With a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Media Studies, I bring a strong foundation in effective communication to my role as Operations Manager at Travelers Aid Society. I oversee a dynamic team of volunteers who provide essential transportation services to low-income seniors and domestic violence survivors. With over a year and a half of experience, I’m passionate about improving access to vital services and supporting community outreach. My background in customer service and social media management helps me build strong relationships and engage with our community. Let’s connect to explore ways we can make a difference together!
Chet Sobotka
Director of Volunteer Services
Travelers Aid of the Inland Empire
Chet is the Director of Volunteer Services for Travelers Aid of the Inland Empire (TAIE) at the Ontario International Airport (ONT).
He began his career with Travelers Aid as a volunteer and was selected to become the new Director of Volunteer Services in August 2018. He is responsible for the overall management of the Airport’s Volunteer program and is focused on enhancing the Airport’s superior guest experience. He also is the Vice President of Friends of the Airport, another non-profit organization made up of community residents that follow and support the airport. He also sits on the Board of Directors of Travelers Aid International, out of Washington D C., which is the parent organization of Travelers Aid of the Inland Empire.
Chet is a 10-year Navy and Vietnam Veteran. After his time in the Navy, he worked for a major Defense Contractor for 34 years before retiring. He started his career there as an instructor/curriculum writer and finished as a Logistics Program Manager managing one of the largest Army programs that his division had at that time.
He has made Fontana his home for the last 35 years. He has three grown children, 2 sons, and 1 daughter, and is the proud grandfather of 7 grandchildren, whom he calls his “Magnificent Seven”.
A.J. Steinberg, CFRE
Principal
Queen Bee Fundraising
With over 20 years’ experience as a nonprofit event producer and engagement strategist, A.J. Steinberg has worked on over 100 successful events and raised millions of dollars for organizations with her Los Angeles-based production company.
A.J.’s team has produced almost every type of fundraising event, including intimate high net-worth donor gatherings, galas, festivals, and fashion shows.
In 2015 A.J. launched Queen Bee Fundraising to share the art and science of nonprofit event planning, sponsorship acquisition, and engagement strategies with organizations worldwide. She is a recognized topic expert and trainer, and presents on subjects such as nonprofit event planning, event sponsorships, committee and volunteer leadership, generational giving, fundraising, and guest engagement.
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ajsteinbergproductions
Twitter: https://twitter.com/QueenBeeMalibu
Facebook: www.facebook.com/queenbeefundraising
Contact:
A.J. Steinberg
Adrianna Yemhapte
Program Manager
Travelers Aid San Diego
Adrianna Yemhatpe has been with Travelers Aid Society of San Diego for nine years, now serving as the Director of Social Services. In her role, she assists in creating and implementing programs that serve San Diego’s most vulnerable populations, including older adults, people with disabilities, unhoused individuals, and individuals fleeing domestic violence. In her time with TASD, she has created numerous relationships with local nonprofits and medical facilities to best support the 1,800 active clients currently enrolled to receive transportation assistance.
Adrianna is a graduate of the State University of New York at New Paltz with a BA in Sociology and Black Studies.
As a San Diego native, she is happy to be back raising her two sons in the community in which she was raised.
