Our Volunteers
Aaron Rodriguez
Aiden Orellana
Axel Oliva
Claudia Azucena Cortez
Claudia Lizet Cortez
Cristina Navarro
Demond Gibson
Gabriela Mena
Gladys Mejia
Jerrod Devers
Jorge Alvarenga
Leida Ramos
Melanie Shaygan
Niharika Upadhyayula
Patrice Milillo
Rosy Hernandez Barrera
Vadapalli Swetha Annapoorna
Valeria Mena
Wilbert J. Rodriguez
Aaron Rodriguez Aiden Orellana Axel Oliva Claudia Azucena Cortez Claudia Lizet Cortez Cristina Navarro Demond Gibson Gabriela Mena Gladys Mejia Jerrod Devers Jorge Alvarenga Leida Ramos Melanie Shaygan Niharika Upadhyayula Patrice Milillo Rosy Hernandez Barrera Vadapalli Swetha Annapoorna Valeria Mena Wilbert J. Rodriguez
María Fernanda Flores, born in Ecuador, is a dedicated legal professional with a deep commitment to justice and human rights. She holds a law degree from the Courts of the Republic of Ecuador and a Bachelor’s in Social and Political Sciences from the University of Cuenca. Additionally, she is a certified Mediator through the Pichincha Bar Association and serves as a Notary Public in California, accredited by the Secretary of State (http://www.socalexpressnotary.com/). Currently, María is advancing her legal expertise by pursuing Paralegal studies at Pasadena City College.
Passionate about justice, public service, and cultural preservation, María channels her love for art and culture through her initiative, RepresentEC (www.representec.com). Through this platform, she celebrates her Ecuadorian heritage by promoting creativity in design, urban art, and fine handcrafted products.
María also honors ancestral wisdom, embracing the concept of "Sumak Kawsay," which embodies the idea of living well and in harmony. She applies her knowledge of traditional plant uses to create essential oil blends in her "4 Elements" collection, designed to enhance the well-being of consumers (www.mycentsla.com).
Her multifaceted background and dedication to service and culture make María a dynamic advocate for positive change.
Maria Flores, Legal & Compliance Administrator
Michelle Solis is a dedicated student at the University of California, Los Angeles, pursuing a B.A. in Psychology with a Minor in Chicana/o Studies. Expected to graduate in the Class of 2025, Michelle is passionate about understanding human behavior and advocating for the Latinx community and other marginalized groups. Her academic journey highlights her commitment to mental health and cultural empowerment.
Born and raised in San Fernando, Michelle is a first-generation college student with Mexican immigrant parents. Her background has deeply influenced her academic and career goals. She is actively involved in various campus organizations, where she takes on leadership roles to promote mental health awareness and support marginalized communities. These experiences have sharpened her skills in communication, organization, and advocacy.
As an intern at My New House, Michelle is dedicated to making a positive impact in the community. She is eager to support the organization’s goals and provide valuable resources to those in need. Through this role, she hopes to deepen her understanding of social issues and strengthen her commitment to creating meaningful change.
In her spare time, Michelle loves spending time with her family, friends, and dogs. Walking her dogs and taking them to parks brings her great joy. She also enjoys adventures and spontaneous activities, embracing the thrill of exploring new places and the excitement of discovering the unknown.
Michelle Solis Sandoval, Case Management Development
Gabriela Mena holds a degree in communications and has developed a successful career in sports marketing and communications. Her experience spans a wide range of fields, including working with nonprofits, youth leadership programs, e-commerce, and photography. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Gabriela is also an active volunteer. She serves on the Finance Commission of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and plays a key leadership role for FIBA America. Additionally, she is a member of the women’s basketball commission board in El Salvador, where she continues to contribute as a strong female leader in the sport.
Gabriela Mena, Marketing Strategic Manager
-
Phyu Hnin Lwin
Website & Graphic Designer
Phyu Hnin Lwin, a proud immigrant from Myanmar and a first-generation college student, is currently in her third year at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. She is pursuing a major in Computer Science and Software Engineering. Phyu is dedicated to achieving her academic goals while actively seeking opportunities to learn from others. She aspires to make a meaningful and positive impact within her community through her studies and experiences.
-
Niharika Upadhyayula
Website & Graphic Designer
Niharika Upadhyayula, a recent Master's in Computer Science graduate from George Mason University and a front-end developer with a knack for turning ideas into sleek, user-friendly web experiences. She loves crafting clean, efficient code and creating interfaces that users genuinely enjoy. She's always eager to learn new things and push the boundaries of what’s possible on the web.
-
Vadapalli Swetha Annapoorna
Data Analyst
Passionate about using technology for social good,I volunteer as a Data Analyst at My New House. My role involves collecting and analyzing data to extract meaningful insights, managing a detailed donor database, and aiding the implementation of data-driven strategies that amplify our programs' effectiveness. Dedicated to fostering positive change, I excel in collaborative settings, where I contribute to crafting innovative solutions that serve the community.
Bianca Marrujo is a compassionate social work volunteer at My New House, driven by a strong desire to uplift others. Growing up in the San Fernando Valley as a first-generation college student, Bianca’s experiences have deeply influenced her path toward social work. She understands firsthand the challenges faced by disadvantaged families, having been raised by a single mother alongside her four siblings. This background fuels her passion for helping those in need and gives her a unique perspective on the struggles many face daily.
Currently enrolled in the Masters of Social Work program at USC, Bianca is committed to excelling in her studies and making a positive impact. She previously earned a Bachelor of Social Work from UMASS Global University (formerly Brandman University). As a proud mother to a six-year-old daughter, Bianca values the importance of family and strives to create nurturing environments for others.
In her role as a physician coordinator at UCLA Health, Bianca has seen the significant impact social workers can have on patients' lives. This experience has further motivated her to pursue a career in social work. At My New House, she is dedicated to acquiring resources for those in need and working tirelessly to achieve the organization’s goals. Bianca’s passion, experience, and dedication make her an invaluable asset to the social work field and to our team at My New House.
Bianca Marrujo, Social Worker
Joisi Olsen, a committed case management worker at My New House, truly exemplifies the spirit of service. Currently pursuing her Master’s in Social Work at USC, she previously earned her Bachelor of Social Work from UMASS Global University. Joisi’s deep passion for social justice is rooted in her own experience as an immigrant from Guatemala at age 13. Raised in a traditional Christian household, she was instilled with values of kindness, compassion, and service, shaping her desire to make a meaningful difference in the world.
A pivotal moment in Joisi’s journey was her work at the Guatemalan General Consulate in Los Angeles, where she witnessed the injustices people faced due to a lack of resources. Determined to create positive change, she began educating and empowering individuals, helping them understand their rights and access necessary assistance.
Beyond her work at My New House, Joisi holds certifications as a Medical Assistant and degrees in Psychology and Behavioral Science. She is dedicated to becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, with a special focus on supporting children and families. Driven by her own experiences, Joisi strives to help others navigate life’s challenges and make informed decisions.
Joisi’s Christian faith guides her, and she actively participates in church activities, finding peace in spending time with her children, family, and friends. Her ultimate goal is to empower individuals and communities, making a lasting impact on their lives. Joisi’s dedication, empathy, and commitment to social justice position her as a beacon of hope for those in need, and she is determined to create a more equitable society.
Joisi Olsen, Social Worker
Case Management Department
Recent Event: Affordable Housing Applications Now Open!
We sincerely thank all our dedicated volunteers for your unwavering commitment to the vision and mission of My New House. Your efforts are making a real difference, and we encourage you to continue being a vital part of our journey toward creating positive change.
We also want to express our deep appreciation to our one-time volunteers. Whether your contributions were big or small, they have greatly impacted our mission. Your willingness to step in and support our cause means the world to us, and we look forward to having you back as part of our community of changemakers.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, click the button below. It will take you to the application.
Thank you for your time, dedication, and continued support!
