Our Volunteers 2024
Case Management Team
Website Development Team
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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.
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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.
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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.
Marketing Team
Toy Giveaway Team
Governance Team
Biographies
Maria Flores,
Legal & Compliance Administrator
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.
Gabriela Mena,
Marketing Strategic Manager
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.
Michelle Solis Sandoval,
Case Management Development
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.Elizabeth Zamets, Social Worker
Elizabeth Zamets, born in Los Angeles, is an avid artist and prospective graduate student passionate about growth, healing, justice, and human connection. She holds a bachelors degree in Communication Arts from Otis College of Art and Design and is working toward earning her Masters Degree in social work.
Passionate about healing the deleterious effects of childhood trauma, intervening in young peoples lives, and forging a secure bond from which growth and healing can occur, Elizabeth works every day to learn and grow through psychoeducation and the therapeutic process. Elizabeth knows the effects of trauma, having grown up in a dysfunctional family system punctuated with substance abuse and illness. Through the loss of her Mother to substance abuse and Multiple Sclerosis, and the continued care of her sister with mental health struggles, Elizabeth has been thrust into the world of mental health through grief, healing the self and the passion to influence others positively. It is through the avenue of Social Work that she hopes to form compassionate bonds with others who also struggle, and to guide others and herself through dark nights of the soul.
Joisi Olsen,
Social Worker & Toy Giveaway Coordinator
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.
William Lopez, Social Worker
William Lopez is a student at California State University, Los Angeles, pursuing a B.A. in Social Work. William is passionate about social justice, educational equality, and advocating for underserved and underrepresented communities.
Born and raised on the west side of Los Angeles. As a first-generation college student, William has always been driven by the belief that one can make a difference by standing up for what is right, lending a helping hand, and taking pride in one’s roots. His mother instilled in him the importance of community, compassion, and resilience, which continue to guide his work today.
Currently, he is an intern with LAUSD’s School Mental Health program, where he supports students facing mental health challenges. With a strong focus on empowerment, he is dedicated to helping students and families overcome obstacles and thrive. William is a big advocate of educational justice, ensuring that all students, regardless of background, have access to the opportunities they deserve.
Outside of his professional work, he’s a die-hard Los Angeles Dodgers fan. When he's not cheering for his favorite team you can find him hiking, watching anime, or enjoying a nice thrilling roller coaster.
Bianca Marrujo, Social Worker & Toy Giveaway Coordinator
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.
Katherine Ma, Fundraising
Katherine Ma is a driven and dedicated product entry volunteer at My New House, having joined the team in late 2024. She graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, with a Bachelor of Arts in Film and Media and is also a community college alumnus. While working towards her degree, she developed an aspiration to hopefully take part in film, television, theatre, and web series productions in the future that not only entertain people but also comfort people, inspire people, provide companionship to people, provide something people can look forward to,and/or possibly give something that viewers and audiences can take away from. As she continues to figure out how to work towards this aspiration and is currently navigating what to do after graduation, she also wants to take part in helping people beyond these mediums and continue learning. As a product entry volunteer at My New House, Katherine helps further the organization’s mission to provide resources for various day-to-day necessities to those in need.
Marc Rideout, Intake Administrator
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!
