Board Members

CHAIR

Linda Renteria

Linda Renteria earned a B.S. in Civil Engineering from the Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara, Mexico and an M.S. in Engineering & Construction Management from UC Berkeley. Currently she is on the Board of the Hayward Chamber of Commerce and St. Rose Hospital Foundation. She also continues to volunteer in the community to promote STEM and manufacturing careers. Linda has over 33 years of project management experience working for PG&E, the San Francisco Unified School District and Casa Sanchez. Together with her husband, Linda owns and manages in 3rd generation Casa Sanchez Foods, located in Hayward. The company has over 130 employees serving California, Nevada, Arizona and Hawaii.

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CO-CHAIR

Jen Nelsen

Jen Nelsen brings over 10 years of senior leadership experience at HRtoGO, where she serves as Vice President of Sales & Marketing. She has supported SMBs across California, by ensuring delivery of expert guidance on HR best practices, compliance, benefits administration, workplace safety, and conflict resolution. Under Jen’s leadership, HRtoGO has successfully partnered with diverse employers in industries ranging from healthcare and manufacturing to professional services, transportation, and hospitality. She’s led a variety of teams and departments designed to build supportive workplace cultures.

SECRETARY

Sandeepa Nayak

Sandeepa Nayak is the owner of Kha Creation LLC, a web development company based in Antioch, CA that specializes in building tailored digital solutions for businesses. With over 22 years of experience, she brings strategic insight into creating a strong online presence and long-term digital growth. Her background includes guiding diverse clients through web development, SEO, and accessibility best practices. Sandeepa is passionate about helping businesses navigate digital change with clarity and confidence.
TREASURER

Jacqueline R. Forrester

Jacqueline R. Forrester is the founder and owner of Forrester’s Accounting and Bookkeeping Services, LLC. She has a solid background in construction office and accounting management, with proven success in staff development, training, customer service, and the use of various software applications. Jackie thrives in dynamic environments, easily connecting with people from all walks of life and adapting quickly to new situations with creativity and resourcefulness.
BOARD MEMBER

Svetlana Smirnova

Svetlana Smirnova earned her MS in Electrical and Mechanical Engineering from the Moscow Aviation Institute, Russia, and her MBA in Human Resources, Finance and International Business from the California State University, East Bay. She has over twenty 20 years of experience in multiple HR roles at Ernst & Young, and at Chevron. Svetlana has also extensive global management experience.

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BOARD MEMBER

Charles Reader

Charles Reader brings over 20 years of transformative experience in human resources, talent management, and leadership development. Currently serving as Chief Talent Officer at California Health Care Foundation, Charles is at the forefront of advancing equitable health care for underserved communities across California. He leads CHCF’s people strategy with a focus on staff engagement, talent acquisition, benefits administration, and fostering a culture of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging.
Legal Chair

Jason A. Geller, JD

Jason Geller is regional managing partner of the San Francisco office of Fisher & Phillips LLP. His specialties are employment law, representation of employers in litigation before state and federal courts and administrative agencies, preventative counseling and training of employers, drafting of employment agreements, handbooks and agreements governing various facets of the employment relationship.

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EXTERNAL & SOCIAL MEDIA RELATIONS CHAIR

Maitjian Welke

Maitjian Welke is founder and chief security officer of CMIT Solutions Silicon Valley, a service provider for IT infrastructure, cyber security, and IT Consulting and CIO/CISO services. Maitjian has a background in computer science along with extensive IT and software engineering. In the last 20 years, she has done expansive work with Fortune 500 corporations. She is an advocate and expert in implementing cyber security for organizations and businesses for data protection and compliance.

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EXTERNAL & SOCIAL MEDIA RELATIONS CHAIR

David Ford

David Ford DSL, MBA, SHRM-SCP earned graduate degrees in Strategic Communication, Business Administration (MBA), and a doctorate in Strategic Leadership (DSL). David currently works in the insurance and HR consulting industry and holds an insurance license in Accident/Life and Health and a SHRM Senior Certified Professional HR certification. David has in-depth knowledge of HR, payroll, and benefit underwriting.

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EACA COORDINATOR

Sandy Yerena

Sandy Yerena currently serves in dual roles with the State of California Employment Development Department (EDD). As an Employer Advisory Council Coordinator and Employment Program Representative within the Workforce Services Branch. She has over 10 years of experience in process improvement, business management, and workforce development. Sandy specializes in streamlining operations for greater efficiency, managing extensive portfolios, and providing coaching and training to drive success.
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