Our Leadership

As President & CEO, Mark Loranger sets Chrysalis’ strategy in partnership with the Board of Directors and oversees its operations. During his tenure, Mark has led significant expansion of Chrysalis, including doubling programmatic outcomes and the development or renovation of all five of its centers and locations. In 2019, Chrysalis helped over 2,500 of its clients find employment.

Prior to being named CEO in early 2009, Mark served as Vice President of Chrysalis Enterprises, a group of social enterprise businesses that provides transitional jobs for Chrysalis clients. These businesses employ more than 1,500 clients each year and are recognized as among the most innovative, successful, and impactful social enterprises in the United States.

Mark is a frequent speaker on the topics of Social Enterprise, homelessness, and employment. He is a contributing author to the book, “Succeeding at Social Enterprise: Hard-Won Lessons for Non-Profits and Social Entrepreneurs.” Mark’s civic and community activities include: Board Member & Co-Chair, Homelessness Policy Committee, Central City Association; Board Member, SVP-Los Angeles; Advisory Board Member, BLOOM Initiative of the California Community Foundation; Advisory Board Member, LA Mas; and Senior Fellow at USC’s Brittingham Social Enterprise Lab.

Mark has a diverse skill set developed over 30 years as both an entrepreneur and a corporate leader. Early in his career, Mark held various sales and technical positions for nearly a decade at IBM in both Washington, D.C., and New York. Among his entrepreneurial ventures, includes the founding, operation, and sale of a leading logistics and marketing firm in Southern California.

Prior to joining Chrysalis, Mark served as a consultant to nonprofit organizations such as the Alzheimer’s Association, the Avon Products Foundation, and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society – this included the development and execution of large-scale fundraising walks. He holds a B.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of California Davis and a Masters in International Business from George Washington University.

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Carlyne Ervin serves as Vice President of Human Resources. She leads the work in Human Resources & Facilities at Chrysalis with oversight of HR policies and processes, the direction and design of recruiting, onboarding/offboarding, performance management, and plays a key role in Chrysalis’ Diversity Equity & Inclusion work and the management of staff development across all levels of the organization. She also works closely with our facilities team on the safety and maintenance of all our centers.

Carlyne has over 23 years of experience working in human resources, specializing in organizational change management, labor law compliance, and employee engagement. Before joining Chrysalis, she worked at various nonprofit organizations helping to foster and develop culture change initiatives, implementing recruiting strategies, and standardizing performance management. She honed her HR craft early in her career by serving as the Director of Administration at the largest African American newspaper on the West Coast, The Los Angeles Sentinel.

Carlyne was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. She received her MBA & Bachelor of Science in business from The University of Phoenix and is PHR and SHRM-CP certified.

She is a firm believer in choosing a job you love so you never have to work a day in your life.

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Michael Graff-Weisner joined Chrysalis in 2007, and currently serves in the role of VP of Strategy & External Relations. At Chrysalis, Michael leads the organization’s work in the community, developing partnerships and projects, working with public-sector partners and policy-makers, as well as spearheading the agency’s plans for growth and expansion. Michael also oversees Chrysalis’ Program Data team, supporting the organization’s extensive use of data for program management, program improvement, and innovation.

Michael brings over 20 years’ experience in the nonprofit, private, and public sectors to his position at Chrysalis. His workforce development experience includes creating and managing job training programs at the Wilshire-Metro WorkSource Center in Los Angeles, and managing programs serving refugees at CAMBA in Brooklyn, NY. Outside of the workforce development field, Michael has worked as a technology consultant to nonprofit organizations, designed and launched an after-school program for high school students, and worked as a researcher at the Urban Institute in Washington, DC.

Michael is active in the community and currently serves on the Steering Committee of the Los Angeles Regional Reentry Partnership (LARRP) and as an elected member of the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority’s (LAHSA) Coordinated Entry System (CES) Policy Council. Born and raised in Los Angeles, Michael received a B.A. in Economics and Spanish from Amherst College and a Master of Public Policy from the John F. Kennedy School of Government.

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Molly Larson leads a team of employment professionals and dedicated volunteers that delivers Chrysalis’ core program, supporting more than 6,500 clients a year throughout their job search. Prior to her current role, she oversaw Chrysalis Works and played an instrumental role in the launch of Chrysalis Roads, two divisions of our employment social enterprise, which employs over 1,600 clients in transitional jobs each year.

Before joining Chrysalis, Molly was an Associate at Blue Garnet Associates, a strategy consulting firm that works with businesses, foundations and nonprofit organizations to create lasting social change. She also has experience in the public sector, having worked for the City of Malibu as a Recreation Coordinator where she helped to create community through programming for residents and visitors as well as partnerships with organizations across the City.

Molly received her MBA from the University of Southern California Marshall School of Business, where she graduated top of her class. She received her B.S. in Physiological Science from the University of California, Los Angeles, graduating Summa Cum Laude.

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John Sonego is a seasoned development and communications professional who joined Chrysalis as the Vice President of Development & Communications in April 2023.

Prior to coming to Chrysalis, he served as the Associate Dean for External Affairs at the UCLA School of Law, one of the nation’s top-ranked Law Schools. His career in institutional advancement includes nine years at the USC Sol Price School of Public Policy and five at UCLA’s Fielding School of Public Health. At USC, he also served as an adjunct faculty member, teaching courses in the Sol Price School’s Nonprofit Leadership and Management program.

Sonego has extensive experience in nonprofit advocacy, having served as the Director of Programs and Communications at Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), where he was instrumental in the effort to persuade the New York Times to include same-sex couples in their Weddings and Celebrations section. In the early days of the AIDS crisis, he was one of the founders of Detroit’s Steppin’ Out AIDS Walk, which continues today.

Sonego is an active community volunteer. He serves as the vice chair of the Board of Directors of Project Angel Food, the chair of the Advisory Board for the Geffen Playhouse, and the chair of the Board of Trustees of the Hollywood Schoolhouse. He served for five years as a Commissioner to the Local Government Services Commission of Los Angeles County.

He is the author of “My Three Sons: The Birth of a New Family,” which chronicled his adoption of three brothers who had been in foster care, and of “In the Belly of the Fish: A Study in the Book of Jonah.”

Bianca Smith serves as the Assistant Vice President, Program Operations, supporting the Santa Monica, San Fernando Valley and Orange County Centers, as well as the Volunteer & Program Team. Bianca has spent the last 14 years working in the nonprofit sector and the last 10 in workforce development. She embodies a servant leader mindset, with an emphasis on integrity, trust, and innovation.

Prior to her current role, she held two positions within Chrysalis; Site Director of our Santa Monica Center and Senior Employment Specialist. In her 6 years with Chrysalis, Bianca has supported thousands of clients on their pathway to stability, security, and fulfillment in their work and lives. She embodies our mission, elevates the client voice, and advocates for systems change. She has developed high performing teams that exhibit a high level of customer service, expertise within their field, and the ability to achieve goal outcomes.

She has a B.S. in Political Science Pre-Law with a minor in Criminal Justice and a graduate certificate in Urban Studies. She is a graduate from the Southern California Leadership Program, Board Member of the Westside Coalition, and former mentor at Year Up. She has worked on several city-wide initiatives, including the Community Economic Development Committee, a working group of the City of Santa Monica’s Economic Recovery Taskforce.

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As Assistant Vice President, Chrysalis Enterprises, James Winfrey is responsible for overseeing the operations of the Chrysalis Roads social enterprise. Through a partnership with the Los Angeles Mayor’s Office of Reentry, Butte County Office of Education, and Caltrans, Chrysalis Roads employs clients on active supervision in freeway maintenance jobs. In his role, James has attached great importance to training and developing his team of supervisors in a strategic effort to provide effective leadership to our client workforce. His hope is that the on-the-job training clients receive will translate into the critical hard and soft skills that will be used once they transition to permanent employment. James seeks to impart to transitional employees not only technical skills but powerful tools in delivering and receiving feedback, de-escalation, and being a reliable team player.

Prior to assuming this role, James spent a few years serving as a member of the Chrysalis Works management team and as the Government Relations Manager at the organization. He also spent nearly two years as the Los Angeles Director of Operations for a grass-roots organization where he directed a team of operations managers who provided oversight for projects in partnership with the City of Los Angeles, various L.A. Council Districts, and other non-profit partners. Before coming to Chrysalis, James worked in the banking industry as a project and operations manager in the areas of Treasury Management and Fraud & Loss Prevention. James’ love for non-profit work is rooted in his over 20 years as a bi-vocational itinerant pastor in the African Methodist Episcopal Church in Missouri, Georgia, and Alabama. His work ethic is grounded in the belief that every human being deserves dignity and respect, no matter where they are in life.

Nicole Huezo is our Senior Director of Client Services at Chrysalis’ Downtown Los Angeles center. She brings over 15 years in nonprofit leadership as an advocate for youth and working people. Prior to joining Chrysalis, Nicole was the Director of Programs and Strategic Partnerships with EXP – The Opportunity Engine: A youth services nonprofit that bolsters student achievement (academic and career) by utilizing career education to meet those goals. Nicole’s professional and lived experiences have solidified for her the importance of all people having access to a livable wage and high quality of life – regardless of circumstance or systemic inequity. Nicole is excited to blend her experience and passion for people-centered services in an innovative, social-enterprise setting at Chrysalis.

Nicole lives in Compton where she shares her life with her two cats and husband (who has reluctantly come around to this arrangement). She likes to spend her free time traveling, hosting social gatherings that end promptly by 9 p.m., enjoying nature, often from her car, going on long, slow walks, eating good food, and caring for her greatest joy, her foster baby, Natasha.

Afton Branche-Wilson is the Director of Policy and Government Relations, where she provides leadership to Chrysalis’ government relations strategy, connects with organizations leading advocacy efforts affecting our clients, and oversees programmatic grants administration and reporting for government contracts.

From corporate philanthropy to local government, Afton has worked in the social sector for over a decade and has maintained a commitment to working closely with people with lived experience of the systems she aims to improve. Previously, she was the Assistant Director of Community Initiatives at Poverty Solutions at the University of Michigan, where she led community-engaged policy research and evaluation projects in partnership with government and nonprofit organizations in Detroit. She also worked for Detroit City Council, where she delivered constituent services and launched a program focused on building the capacity of community leaders to engage in the policy process.

Afton has a Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service from Georgetown University and a Master of Public Policy from the University of Michigan.

As Director of Human Resources, Mark leads the Talent Acquisition team responsible for sourcing, hiring, and onboarding new Chrysalis employees. He also oversees Performance Management and Compensation, Compliance, Internal Audit, and the HRIS.

Mark joined Chrysalis after enjoying a multi-faceted career at a variety of organizations primarily in the Internet or telecommunications space. Because of his extensive experience in operations, quality, and systems management, he transitioned well into Human Resources – optimizing business processes already in place and introducing new ones. This has resulted in a more systematic approach to managing one of Chrysalis’ most important assets: its people. Throughout his career, he has managed HR functions in conjunction with previous roles and has a personal affinity toward recruiting and hiring talent.

Mark received his MBA from Fordham University in New York, NY and received his BBA in Information Systems from The George Washington University in Washington DC. Originally, from the east coast, Mark and his family reside in Santa Monica where they have been active in the community for years.

Christopher has extensive experience in partnering with organizations in reviewing their business processes, identifying and recommending solutions for deficiencies in systems and processes to improve efficiency, develop and implementing application/software changes. His experience in overseeing technology infrastructure, advanced automation, and modernization efforts in specialty areas such as Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Customer Relationship Management (CRM), and Business Intelligence/Reporting including business process analysis and solutions development has enabled him to be successful in delivering a streamlined and more efficient business environment to organizations where he has served as IT Director. He is also a solution-focused, team-oriented, self-directed individual who pays strict attention to detail and does whatever it takes to get the job done.

His experience in both the non-profit and for-profit sectors—including Manufacturing/Production, Accounting/Finance, and Engineering—has allowed him to gain invaluable experience in Operations Management, IT Support Services, IT Training, Project Management, and IT Advisory services.

George Escandon serves as the Director of Client Services in the Inland Empire overseeing case managers, coordinators, and volunteers.

Through a partnership with the Butte County Office of Education and Caltrans, George helped establish the Inland Empire center back in April 2022 while serving as a Sr. Operations Manager. During this time, he helped launch nine Roads crews which employ over 90 transitional workers who provide vital highway maintenance and landscaping services throughout the Inland Empire.

With over 10 years of nonprofit experience, George believes that everyone deserves a second chance and that all should be treated equitably and respectfully. Before joining Chrysalis in 2016, he worked for multiple nonprofit organizations, bringing experience in case management, job development, community outreach, and guidance counseling.

George has seen the impact that Chrysalis has had on his community in the San Fernando Valley – where he was born and raised – and is dedicated to bringing the same resources and opportunities that Chrysalis offers to the Riverside and San Bernardino counties.

Elizabeth Ford joined Chrysalis as Director of Program Data in May 2019. Elizabeth provides leadership to the Data Team in program performance management, outcome tracking, and grant reporting. She manages the design, development, and implementation of regular reports for internal and external audiences, including Chrysalis staff, funders, board members, and partners.

Prior to her arrival at Chrysalis, Elizabeth worked for nine years in clinical tobacco research at the University of Minnesota, before moving to Los Angeles to work with Youth Policy Institute (YPI). As Research and Evaluation Manager with YPI, she supported program staff in the development of performance measures, monitoring program goals, and participant outcomes.

Elizabeth has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Smith College and a Master of Public Health from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities.

Nichole Fowler assumes the role of Director of Client Services at Chrysalis, Santa Monica, bringing with her a wealth of experience from her tenure as a Program Manager and Interim Director for Community Career Development at various centers, including Wilshire/Metro, Rancho Dominguez, and Willowbrook/Watts Workforce Development. Her nonprofit leadership, workforce development, and program management background reflects her deep commitment to advocating for marginalized communities and empowering individuals to reach their full potential.

In her previous capacity, Nichole oversaw a diverse team responsible for delivering workforce development programs, managing grant-funded initiatives, and fostering partnerships with stakeholders. Her collaborative approach facilitated staffing assistance and resource provision to numerous employers, driving successful business development strategies and enhancing job placement outcomes.

Moreover, Nichole served as a key liaison with onsite partners, forging collaborations with both mandatory and nonmandatory entities, such as EDD, DOR, Department of Probation, Five Keys Charter School, and more. Her efforts extended to recruiting and assisting various vulnerable populations, including people experiencing homelessness, veterans, and justice-impacted individuals, in securing employment through strategic partnerships with Metro transportation.

Nichole’s educational journey, rooted in education and social transformation with a focus on human resources and administration, underscores her dedication to effecting positive change in society. Outside of work, she finds joy in spending time with her family, engaging in activities like reading, painting, long walks, and embracing all things related to the ocean.

Jessica Fuentes first joined Chrysalis in July of 2019 as Operations Manager with Chrysalis Works, a division of our employment social enterprise, Chrysalis Enterprises (CE). Today, she serves as Director of Operations with Chrysalis Safekeeping, our fourth and newest business line launched in early 2021. This division of CE encompasses our contracted housekeeping and safe storage (Bin) services, which we previously provided for many years as a division of Chrysalis Works. In this capacity, Jessica oversees a team focused on connecting clients with housekeeping work in various settings as well as janitorial and customer service jobs at three free, safe storage facilities, where housed and unhoused patrons can store and access their personal property.

Before joining us here at Chrysalis, Jessica worked at Coalition for Responsible Community Development, where she provided work source case management, often referring participants to Chrysalis. Jessica loves the beach and water sports. She also has a young daughter who shares her love for Disneyland, sweet treats, and loud music.

Justin Graber is Chrysalis’ Director of Operations, Roads, a $5 million employment social enterprise business that employs justice-impacted individuals in freeway maintenance jobs through a partnership with the Los Angeles Mayor’s Office of Reentry, the Butte County Office of Education, and Caltrans.

In April 2017, Justin joined Chrysalis’ job-readiness program and was quickly referred to our Roads program. As a crew member, his work ethic, reliability, and exceptional ability to lead by example were quickly recognized. A few short months later, he accepted a full-time, permanent supervisor position. The first program participant to secure a management role within Chrysalis Roads, Justin was later promoted to Operations Manager and, eventually, Senior Operations Manager. In every capacity, Justin has played a significant role in supporting our Roads supervisors and leads, ensuring seamless program logistics and fidelity, and providing the highest level of customer satisfaction.

Justin shares that his journey has evolved into one of second chances, transformation, hope, and – most of all – freedom to be a part of Chrysalis and change lives every day.

As Director of Major Gifts, Simona Grace oversees Chrysalis’ strategy for cultivation, stewardship, and expanding relationships with a multi-faceted portfolio of individual donors. By developing a long-term pipeline for individual major donor engagement, her efforts contribute to nearly $2 million raised annually in support of our programs.

Simona began her career in education and publishing, including working for Pearson, the largest global education company. There, she managed a multi-million-dollar territory in California and addressed issues and challenges facing students, faculty, and institutions. After working in the private sector for nearly a decade, she founded Moms in Office, a political organization dedicated to electing mothers to public office while advocating for economic justice for all women.

Simona has been nationally recognized for her advocacy efforts and work as a nonprofit leader. In 2022, she was awarded the Visionary Leader of the Year Award for exceptional entrepreneurial social activism and helping women everywhere get closer to living their dreams. In 2020, she was named California Mother of the Year and served as an ambassador for California mothers during visits with members of Congress.

Through her experience in the political fundraising space, Simona has worked closely with many candidates, elected officials, and on campaigns. This includes her contributions to the LA Mayor’s race in 2022, during which she was inspired to make a greater local impact in her community and join a nonprofit where she could combine her fundraising experience with her commitment to social justice, workforce development, and education.

Simona graduated summa cum laude from UCLA with a bachelor’s degree in Comparative Literature. She lives in Sherman Oaks with her 13-year-old son and loves spending time with her dog, Oliver.

As Chrysalis’ Director of Institutional Giving, Kristen Laskaris is a dedicated and motivated professional with a track record of fundraising success. She has overseen the organization’s institutional giving program since 2011. By developing partnerships with foundations and corporations, Kristen’s efforts contribute more than $2 million annually to support Chrysalis’ programs.

With a nonprofit career spanning more than two decades, Kristen has a breadth of experience in supporting organizations that work in the areas of affordable housing, healthcare, homeless services, and workforce development.

Prior to joining Chrysalis, Kristen was the director of development at Venice Community Housing for 10 years. Before that, she held progressively responsible development and communications positions at AIDS Project Los Angeles and Venice Family Clinic.

Kristen also practiced as an attorney in Los Angeles before working in the nonprofit sector. She received her law degree from Loyola University in Los Angeles and a Bachelor of Arts from Boston University. Though she grew up on the North Shore of Boston, she considers Los Angeles to be her home.

Mallory Powers Loring has worked for more than 15 years in communication and creative fields, with her strengths being grounded on cornerstones including her education in journalism and experience in public relations. Prior to her role as Chrysalis’ Director of Donor Engagement & Communications, Mallory served as the organization’s Manager of Marketing, Communications, & Design. In her past five years with Chrysalis, she has contributed her leadership, messaging expertise, and branding knowledge to the organization during a period of great growth – starting in 2017 with a historic strategic plan that challenged the organization to support clients in ways that would double the annual number of job outcomes by the end of 2021. Through an ethical storytelling lens, she strives to present, facilitate, and support the organization through communications to its many stakeholders, supporters, and partners. As a member of the Development & Communications Department, connecting with donors and supporting fellow team members who also communicate with supporters and partners is central to her everyday work.

Since beginning with Chrysalis, Mallory has both led and supported relaunches of ChangeLives.org, established annual communications plans and calendars, and supported her fundraising colleagues by producing and contributing to materials such as newsletters, appeal campaigns, and digital marketing, such as videos and content for online platforms. She has worked with a multitude of journalists reporting on workforce development, social enterprise, homelessness, and recidivism to amplify Chrysalis’ impact and message from the community.

Mallory’s public relations background provided her with more than half a decade of media management, campaign strategy, event implementation, digital marketing, and speechwriting experience – during which time she worked with electric utilities, construction companies, healthcare entities, and nonprofit clients. She is a graduate from the University of Arizona with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Political Science.

David Milian is the Director of Client Services, San Fernando Valley.

In his role, he leads, supports, mentors, and manages the San Fernando Valley Client Services team consisting of six direct reports and provides oversight of administrative duties. David also tracks and monitors program data to ensure quarterly goals are met. In addition, David conducts outreach, manages key partner relationships, and develops and oversees programmatic objectives and strategic initiatives.

Before coming to Chrysalis in 2012, David served as an AmeriCorps year-of-service member for two years with the Chrysalis center in Pacoima. During this time, he learned about motivational interviewing and how to deliver services with empathy. While obtaining a Bachelor’s in Political Science with a Minor in Labor Studies, David worked with the CENSUS 2010 and for a nonprofit organization as Community Outreach Worker, advocating for State propositions that impacted individuals affected by the judicial system.

David believes that the butterfly never gives up. The power of change and nonprofits like Chrysalis offers a unique space and experience for clients to overcome job search challenges and ultimately learn from those experiences to become self-sufficient. David is a person who takes pride in results and creating a work environment that reflects Chrysalis’ values of respect, empowerment, equity & inclusion, innovation, and integrity. With hard work, dedication, and solution-based thinking, we can make permanent changes that affect our society in a positive way.

David is a first-generation immigrant from Guatemala and was born and raised in the San Fernando Valley. He also likes to learn about ancient histories and enjoys gardening! Feel free to reach out to David if you would like to share any gardening tips!

Born and raised in Southern California, Liz Morton joined the Chrysalis team in 2024 as Director of Development and External Relations. Focused on growing support in Orange County, her work includes cultivating meaningful relationships with individuals, businesses, and organizations to enhance Chrysalis’ impact on the community.

Liz is passionate about working with supporters to harness their resources to effect positive change. She attributes this to her maternal grandparents, who left most of their estate to charity. From an early age, they taught Liz the value of hard work and giving back to the nonprofits closest to your heart.

Liz brings a wealth of experience in human services to her role. Her professional journey began at Braille Institute, working with planned giving donors; she was most recently with Meals on Wheels Orange County, where she helped grow annual giving from $1 million to $2.5 million.

Liz holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology from California State University San Marcos and a master’s degree in sociology from California State University Fullerton. She is also a Certified Specialist in Planned Giving (C.S.P.G.), a designation from the American Institute for Philanthropic Studies.

In her spare time, Liz enjoys reading, making Christmas ornaments, and camping with her husband. Additionally, she finds joy in preserving Anaheim’s history through volunteering at a local historic site and dedicating time to maintaining her own century-old home.

As Director of Operations, Works, Emeline oversees programmatic initiatives and day-to-day operations. The $9 million division of Chrysalis’ employment social enterprise is the largest professional Business Improvement District street maintenance business in Southern California.

Prior to joining Chrysalis in 2020, Emeline worked at Enterprise Holdings as a Branch Manager, overseeing operations for the Exotic Car Rental Division.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Economy and Development from the University of Arizona, a Human Resources certification from UCLA, and a master’s in Business Administration from Pepperdine University’s Graziadio School of Business and Management.

Emeline is passionate about closing gaps for people experiencing barriers to the workforce and bringing communities together through beautification.

Sandra serves as the Director of Client Services in Orange County. She is an empathetic leader who strives to enable the Orange County Client Services team to do their best work. In her role, Sandra oversees and develops the achievement of programmatic objectives and strategic initiatives. In addition, she tracks and monitors program data to ensure quarterly goals are met, conducts outreach, and manages key partner relationships.

With over 15 years of experience in the nonprofit and public sectors, she holds a strong commitment to serving disadvantaged youth and adults. Prior to joining Chrysalis, Sandra was the Housing Solutions Program Manager at Mercy House overseeing their Rental Assistance and Homeless Prevention department. During this time, she was introduced to Chrysalis as a resource for her clients and was given the opportunity to attend the grand opening of the Orange County location in 2018 (a full circle moment).

Sandra is proud to be a part of the Chrysalis team where the mission, vision, and values of the organization are aligned with hers. She currently resides in Orange County with her husband and her two dogs, Loki and Thor. She enjoys cooking, traveling, going to concerts, attending comedy shows, and is an advocate for the infertility community.

Cosme Sandoval is the Director of Business Development & Community Engagement.

In his role, he is responsible for leading both employer hiring partnerships and community referral partnerships across communities Chrysalis serves in Southern California. Through the Direct Hire program, Cosme develops strategic partnerships with private businesses, nonprofits, and government organizations, with a focus on providing connections to job opportunities for Chrysalis clients. In addition, he works to lead Chrysalis’ outreach strategy, building and maintaining relationships with the full spectrum of community stakeholders that refer individuals for services at Chrysalis and to whom Chrysalis refers clients.

Before coming to Chrysalis, Cosme worked for several nonprofit organizations, serving the reentry population. Being system-impacted himself, Cosme is very passionate about serving this population, as well as all of the people who come through the doors at Chrysalis. He believes in diversity, equality, inclusion, and opportunities for all, which is one reason why he chose to be a part of this community.

Cosme holds degrees in Social & Behavioral Sciences, American Studies, and Business Administration. He has also received formal training in conflict resolution, anger management, motivational interviewing, as well as restorative justice and trauma informed practices.

Outside of work, he is a little league dad, who shares his love for baseball with his wife and sons. All of whom bleed blue and are loyal Dodgers fans! Cosme enjoys spending time with family and friends, as well as walking his two beautiful golden doodles, Metztli and Chicoacen (Chico)!

Cosme has committed his life to affecting positive change in society, and he looks forward to continuing to be of service at Chrysalis!

In his role as Director of Operations & Special Projects, Roy provides analysis, strategic guidance, and project planning/implementation for complex cross-departmental projects across multiple domains at Chrysalis. Roy is an ardent believer in working collaboratively to uplift communities and also serves in volunteer roles for organizations in the LA area that are committed to causes ranging from food insecurity to social-emotional wellness.

Before joining Chrysalis, Roy supported operational strategy efforts related to COVID-19 response, technology infrastructure management, and data initiatives at Occidental College. Prior to that, Roy oversaw operations for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Monica, helping scale programs, systems, and processes that supported over 3,000 youth per year.

Roy graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics with a minor in Information & Computer Science from the University of California, Irvine.

As Director of Special Events, Lori Simpson oversees fundraising and event production for all special events benefiting Chrysalis. This includes the annual Butterfly Ball, the annual Go-All-In Poker Night, and a variety of third-party events – raising over $1.5 million annually in support of Chrysalis’ programs and services. Additionally, she collaborates with other members of the Development & Communications team to coordinate in-house, donor cultivation, and ad hoc events throughout the year.

Lori began her career in entertainment marketing, representing clients including Ray-Ban, Reebok, Pepsi, and Marriott for product placement and promotion in film and television. After working with multiple nonprofits on sponsorships for their charitable events, she was inspired to move to the nonprofit sector, where she could combine her love of all things entertainment with her need to support causes such as workforce development, healthcare, and education. She had the opportunity to work with both The Motion Picture & Television Fund Foundation and The Paley Center for Media, before supporting Chrysalis as a volunteer – and later joining the staff.

Lori has a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from the University of California, Santa Barbara. She lives in Los Angeles, surrounded by lots of Italian relatives, and enjoys planning events in her everyday life as well – including themed dinners, movie nights, family reunions, and anything involving tennis.

Jazmine “Jay” Sims is the Director of Operations for Roads within Chrysalis Enterprises (CE).

In their role, Jazmine oversees the ongoing operations, development, and success of the Roads program in Orange County and Inland Empire. Through a partnership with the Butte County Office of Education and Caltrans, Chrysalis Roads employs transitional clients in freeway maintenance jobs.

Emily Van Ostran is the Director of Internal Operations within Chrysalis Enterprises (CE).

In her role, Emily oversees the recruitment and onboarding as well as job placement and fleet management functions for all four of Chrysalis’ social enterprises. Emily has worked with the Chrysalis Staffing team for nine years, first as the Operations Coordinator, then Operations Manager, and most recently the Senior Operations Manager. Prior to joining CE, Emily was an Employment Specialist for short periods of time at both the Downtown Los Angeles and Santa Monica centers.

Before coming to Chrysalis in 2014, Emily worked with Mother of Sorrows School in Los Angeles. This role included substitute teaching, event planning, and extracurricular activity facilitation for the students. She worked as a Sales Representative and Manager of Sales for several years before moving to Los Angeles to pursue work in more service-oriented organizations.

Emily graduated with honors from Eastern Illinois University with a Bachelor of Science in Geography. While in college, Emily was an active member and leader with the Association of Honors Students and the local chapter of Habitat for Humanity. She helped plan and organize multiple alternative break trips including the local chapter’s first international trip to Guatemala to help build houses for several families.

Emily cares deeply for the Chrysalis mission and loves seeing clients grow and develop as professionals.

Rose Ivonne Waters is the Director of Reentry Initiatives overseeing the Breaking Barriers and DOORS programs. She first came to Chrysalis in 2017 as the Client Services Operations Coordinator (CSOC) in our Santa Monica office. Since starting as the CSOC, she has held many roles at Chrysalis, including Resource and Outreach Coordinator, Employment Specialist at Santa Monica and DOORS, Program Manager for Breaking Barriers, and her current role as the Director of Reentry Initiatives.

Rose Ivonne grew up in Los Angeles, California when incarceration rates, substance use, and homelessness were at an all-time high. It was not until she became a case manager that she realized the impact that can be made in an individual’s life once they receive the proper support and resources. She was first introduced to re-entry while working with Lifers in a transitional home in South Los Angeles and quickly became passionate about this population and has worked in reentry since then.

Rose Ivonne has partnered with several organizations to help implement new procedures, create programming and facilitate access to resources specific to the re-entry population. Her mission is to support individuals break down barriers and overcome obstacles while on their path toward self-sufficiency and reintegration.

Alan Zeng is the Director, Career Pathways within our Client Services department.

Alan’s passion is to build a more inclusive workforce that no longer shuts out formerly incarcerated people. In his role, he oversees the Skills and Experience for the Careers of Tomorrow (SECTOR) program, which combines training, paid work experience, and mental health support to help justice-impacted clients enter high-growth industries for livable wages.

Before joining Chrysalis in 2020, Alan worked at a humanitarian nonprofit in Afghanistan to tackle food scarcity and poverty through sustainable agriculture. He is an alum of Occidental College and is a current Master of Business Administration candidate at the University of Southern California.

Alan grew up in Seattle, Washington as a child of Chinese immigrants and now lives in South Los Angeles with his wife. He enjoys cooking and eating his way through the countless cuisines in Los Angeles.