Ninfa Delgado, MPA
Ninfa E. Delgado, MPA is the acting President and CEO of RCHF. She provides day-to-day leadership and support to the Foundation’s operations and organizational management, grant management, and the development of partnerships. In addition, Ninfa oversees the Foundation’s affiliate, the Community Settlement Association.
Her professional career spans 27 years working in the nonprofit and public health sectors.
Prior to joining RCHF she served as a Health Care Social Worker for the Riverside County Department of Public Health, Program Developer for Inland Agency People Reaching Out, and an Outreach Counselor for the Youth Service Center (now Carolyn Wylie Center).
Ninfa is first generation, born in the U.S. to Mexican parents. She lives her life rooted in faith, the fight for social justice and equity, and being in service to others.
Dawnesha K. Beaver, MPH, MAT
Dawnesha K. Beaver, MPH, MATserves as the Vice President of Programs and Services for the Riverside Community Health Foundation. With over a decade of experience in nonprofit leadership, Dawnesha plays a pivotal role in overseeing a broad portfolio of programs that address health equity justice, access to care, and the well-being of underserved populations.
Dawnesha holds an MPH in Urban Public Health from Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science. Additionally, Dawnesha holds MAT with an emphasis in youth, family, and culture from Fuller Theological Seminary. She also is a fellow of the USC Cecil Murray Center for Community Engagement and Inclusive America.
Grounded in faith, she works to see a future where health and justice are accessible to all.
Desirée Santos-Kho
Desirée Santos-Kho is the Grants Manager for RCHF. She manages the administration of RCHF's grantmaking programs and also works to secure funding for the Foundation's health strategy programs and initiatives.
Desirée is a big fan of storytelling podcasts and story slams such as “The Moth”; these connect her to the beauty and truth of the human experience.
As a tea aficionado, she enjoys the ritual and flavors of teas from around the world.
Terri Akens
Terri Akens is the Director of Community Health Programs for RCHF. A leader in the organization’s health education and outreach programs for over 10 years, Terri works to prevent, manage, and decrease the prevalence of chronic conditions.
Terri was instrumental in establishing the organization's Black Health and Wellness Coalition in 2017.
She has a bachelor’s degree in Social Work from San Jose State University and formerly worked as a Social Worker in Santa Clara County.
Terri is a wife and mother of three.
Lea Aragon
Lea Aragon serves as Director of Human Resources for RCHF. She is a Passionate HR professional with a diverse background spanning 25+ years in nonprofits and for-profit organizations. Lea's heart lies in serving others, and she believes Human Resources is the perfect platform to make a difference. Working with many different types of organizations has given her valuable experience in various areas.
Family is everything, and she treasures every moment with her husband, adult children, two grandboys, and two French bulldogs. Founder of Anchored, a women's group providing support and empowerment to women in all walks of life.
Jay Cambare
Jay Cambare is the Marketing Manager for RCHF, where he is responsible for steering the organization's success through strategic marketing initiatives. With bachelor’s degrees in graphic arts and ethnic studies from UCLA, Jay brings a unique blend of creativity and cultural awareness to his role.
With over 23 years of marketing experience, Jay has honed his skills in diverse industries, with notable experience in arts and crafts retail and pet product manufacturing.
In his spare time, he travels to National Parks, adds to his collection of Native American and other cultural art, sings with his chorus, practices photography, tends to his garden, and cares for his variety of pet reptiles.
Melissa Melendez
Melissa Melendez is the Development and Events Manager for RCHF. She manages RCHF's fund development and fundraising initiatives. As a 12-year event professional, she is a valuable resource for developing and organizing the Foundation's events. She has been with RCHF for over 4 years and is passionate about supporting the organization's mission through high-quality events and dynamic, considerate relationship-building, and finding joy in sharing the Foundation's story.
Melissa has been married to her husband for 8 years. She enjoys tending her garden and their small homestead. She delights in cooperative storytelling and creative, immersive experiences.
Gina Genovese
Gina Genovese is the Executive Administrator for RCHF.
She has over a decade of diverse experience working with senior leadership, boards and managing board governance, and has over 15 years of administrative experience.
Gina holds a MAT from USC and has a love of learning. In her free time, she is a gardener, farmer-florist and enjoys weekends with her family and three fur babies.
Jasmine Smith
Bio coming soon
Michael T. Matthews, PhD
Mike Matthews, Director of Impact and Evaluation at Riverside Community Health Foundation, oversees program and grantmaking evaluations, ensuring their effectiveness and community impact. He holds a Ph.D. in Sociology with a focus on criminology from UC Riverside and has over 25 years of experience in evaluation and research, including public health and criminal justice initiatives.
Mike is committed to lifelong learning, continually advancing his data analysis expertise and staying informed on the latest developments in evaluation and statistics. Outside of work, he enjoys traveling the world with his wife and two children, discovering new destinations, sampling local cuisines, and exploring fascinating cultural landmarks and museums.
Marlen Cortes
Marlen Cortes is the Operations Manager for Riverside Community Health Foundation where she manages the facilities and maintenance department. With over 12 years of experience in asset and property management and with her knowledge of different construction trades and vendor management, she ensures RCHF’s facilities are fully operational and well maintained.
Marlen is licensed with the California Department of Real Estate and has been involved in many property rehab projects throughout her career. In her free time, she enjoys long-distance running, gardening and exploring new restaurants.
Nayeli Peña-Quiroz, MPA
Nayeli Peña-Quiroz is the Community Center Manager at the Community Settlement Association (CSA), where she leads with heart, purpose, and a strong commitment to empowering others. In her role, she oversees the day-to-day operations, while managing, planning, and implementing impactful programs that support and uplift the community.
With a deep passion for advocacy and service, Nayeli knew that working in the nonprofit world was the perfect way to give back and create real change. Over the past nine years at CSA, she has developed and launched meaningful programs designed to meet community needs—driven by her belief in creating meaningful change. Along the way, she earned her Master’s in Public Administration to strengthen her leadership and deepen her impact.
For Nayeli, serving the community isn’t just a job—it’s her calling. She’s driven by the belief that everyone deserves the tools, support, and opportunities to build a better life.