WFO Staff

Darice Jones is a Bay Area native with a long history of public service in the region. Her passion for advancing economic equity and removing barriers to success for the people who struggle most drew her to Wardrobe for Opportunity’s dynamic mission. Alongside her work in public service, Darice has honed great skills in marketing and new media while working as a writer and director in the arts. Darice is committed to leading WFO with a unique blend of strategic vision and heart.

Rebecca joined WFO in April 2012, bringing with her a variety of experience in the nonprofit sector. Before joining WFO, Rebecca spent a year as an AmeriCorps VISTA, helping low-income immigrant women become entrepreneurs. In that position, Rebecca developed and managed the volunteer program, created a marketing strategy for a distance learning program and recruited clients in a Spanish-English bilingual environment. Prior to that, she worked in partnership development and foundation research.

Rebecca is committed to empowering clients through personal and professional development. As the Manager for the Build a Career programs, Rebecca is excited to work with clients in the Pathways, Success Series and Alumni programs to build the skills for successful, long-term careers.

Sameer joined WFO in January 2013 and brings many years of experience in client relationship building, collaborating with cross-functional teams and consensus building with multi-faceted constituents in the US, Europe and India. He also adds expertise in planning, designing and executing large events, conferences and conventions for multinational corporations to the WFO team. Sameer is highly motivated, organized, detail-oriented and customer focused with an emphasis on providing quality service. He thrives in challenging circumstances and has consistently contributed his leadership skills, while managing the creative process, as well as motivating and empowering team members.

He graduated from The Conrad Hilton College at the University of Houston with a Masters Degree in Hospitality Management and was recipient of the Dean’s Award. A recent transplant to the Bay Area he enjoys cooking, traveling and movies.

Nichole is an AmeriCorps VISTA who will be spending her year of service at WFO. Nichole graduated from the University of California, San Diego with a B.A. in International Studies and Communication. She has a background in nonprofit marketing and graphic design and has helped establish Educate2Envision International, a nonprofit dedicated to providing educational opportunities to low-income communities in rural Honduras.

As the Development and Marketing Coordinator, Nichole will develop WFO’s social media fundraising campaigns, expand financial grant opportunities, and manage an in-kind grant program.

Mahogany joined WFO in March of 2010. With over 9 years of business experience in staffing and recruitment, Mahogany spent most of her career helping job-seekers secure employment in various industries. She also has extensive experience in coaching and developing people in their professional careers. Mahogany received her Master’s Degree in Public Administration, H.R. Management from CSU, East Bay in 2007.

While Mahogany’s experience started in the private sector, her passion for people and career development brings a unique approach to the programs offered at WFO. As Manager of Find a Job, Mahogany is dedicated to providing WFO clients the tools and resources to successfully find jobs.

Monica is an AmeriCorps VISTA who will be working with Wardrobe for Opportunity throughout 2013. She graduated from Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising with a degree in Fashion Merchandising and Holy Names University with a degree in Business Communication. As the Professional Image Coordinator, Monica hopes to work with the WFO team to enhance the experience of our clients and wonderful volunteers through streamlining merchandising efforts in our Oakland and Concord boutiques.

Monica will also work with community partners in securing donations and processing merchandise to provide ample opportunities for styling clients with professional wardrobes.

Niki joined Wardrobe for Opportunity in October 2011. After graduating from Bowdoin College with a B.A. in Government and Legal Studies, she relocated to Quito, Ecuador where she worked as a translator for a flower company and learned the art of salsa! Now a Bay Area enthusiast, Niki brings with her a passion for helping men and women gain the opportunity to find full-time employment and economic independence. At WFO, Niki is able to combine her passion for helping others and her love for writing, as she writes all grant materials and annual report content.

Emma is the first AmeriCorps VISTA member to work as an Outreach Coordinator at Wardrobe for Opportunity. Emma graduated from the University of New Hampshire with a degree in sociology and English. She has worked as a tutor in several education non-profits in the Bay Area and New England and is excited to work in WFO’s career advancement programs. In this new position, Emma will be building partnerships and recruiting clients for the career advancement programs.

Gary joined WFO in April of 2012 and brings with him over 25 years of experience in all aspects of accounting. He currently splits his time between WFO and MAC’s Children & Family Services, Inc. – a foster care provider in the Bay Area. When he’s not busy accounting for things, Gary can be found with his two German Shepherds, Dirk and Sapphire.

Hank joined WFO in October 2005 after many years of retail management and direct client service experience. Having grown up in a low-income Spanish speaking family, Hank knows firsthand the challenges that many of WFO’s clients face and the elation that comes with overcoming obstacles. His diverse background is evident in the ease with which he connects with clients. As Program Specialist, Hank ensures the successful delivery of WFO’s interview and image workshops while also managing all of WFO’s non-profit partnerships.

JD moved to the Bay Area from Washington state in the summer of 2011 and has loved the California atmosphere ever since. He graduated from Eastern Washington University in the spring of 2010 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Alcohol and Drug Counseling. As the client coordinator at Wardrobe for Opportunity, he enjoys meeting the residents of the surrounding area and helping them both physically and mentally in continuing their search for a career. His passion for helping others and for ensuring that both clients and volunteers have a great WFO experience is truly unmatched.