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Ali Baird - Board Chair
A passionate advocate for education and Larchmont Charter School, Ali Baird is a founding parent who has taught multiple grades in both public and private schools including 1st grade and middle school English and Social Studies. She left teaching to work for the non-profit Educators for Social Responsibility, now called Engaging Schools, which helps schools develop improved discipline practices, better engage students and implement advisory programs, and supports schools with programs on bullying, peer mediation, conflict resolution and diversity.
Ali is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a Master’s in Applied Psychology from Antioch University. She has counseled adults, children, couples and families at The Southern California Counseling Center and has supervised teens at TeenLine, a peer-to-peer hotline. Ali graduated from Groton School in Massachusetts, and she received her Bachelor’s in Psychology from Trinity College in Hartford, CT, where she focused on the effects of social justice and diversity on education. She is the mother of two children, both of whom attend LCS.
Ali is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a Master’s in Applied Psychology from Antioch University. She has counseled adults, children, couples and families at The Southern California Counseling Center and has supervised teens at TeenLine, a peer-to-peer hotline. Ali graduated from Groton School in Massachusetts, and she received her Bachelor’s in Psychology from Trinity College in Hartford, CT, where she focused on the effects of social justice and diversity on education. She is the mother of two children, both of whom attend LCS.
Frances Hoge - Vice Chair
Frances has over 20 years experience as a Corporate Strategist, combining strong marketing and management skills to create profitable and compelling consumer brands. Her senior executive roles at companies like Walt Disney and Google include Communications, Business Development and Creative Content. She continues to run an Independent Marketing firm, partnering with clients ranging from start-ups to Fortune 500 who are looking to seize market opportunity and achieve results in a rapidly evolving environment. Her non-profit work includes serving on the Board of multiple youth sports organizations, focusing on increasing access and opportunity for urban youth.
Frances graduated from UCLA with Honors with degrees in Communication and Psychology, and received her MBA from Wharton.
Frances graduated from UCLA with Honors with degrees in Communication and Psychology, and received her MBA from Wharton.
Nora Tillmanns Shear - Secretary
Nora Tillmanns Shear was born and raised in Los Angeles and is the product of LA charter, magnet, and independent schools. She credits her varied educational experiences - and her parents’ dedication - with shaping her core belief in accessible, excellent public education for all and the value of learning in diverse communities.
Nora is Vice President, Employment Counsel at Tubi Media Group, Fox Corporation where she serves as a strategic legal advisor to business and HR leaders on a broad range of workplace matters. Nora earned her J.D. from UCLA School of Law and her B.A. from Sarah Lawrence College. She serves on the Executive Committee of Bet Tzedek Legal Services’ New Leadership Council and on the Board of Directors of the UCLA Law Alumni Association.
Nora lives in East Hollywood with her husband and children.
Nora is Vice President, Employment Counsel at Tubi Media Group, Fox Corporation where she serves as a strategic legal advisor to business and HR leaders on a broad range of workplace matters. Nora earned her J.D. from UCLA School of Law and her B.A. from Sarah Lawrence College. She serves on the Executive Committee of Bet Tzedek Legal Services’ New Leadership Council and on the Board of Directors of the UCLA Law Alumni Association.
Nora lives in East Hollywood with her husband and children.
Jeff Lester - Treasurer
Jeff Lester is a CPA with more than 15 years of experience in public accounting, assurance, and forensic accounting. He provides forensic accounting and litigation support to attorneys and businesses in Los Angeles and was recently appointed to the Los Angeles Superior Court's Panel of Expert Witnesses. Previously, Jeff was a Senior Audit Manager at a regional CPA firm in Portland, Oregon, where he led engagement teams across audit, financial operations, and advisory services.
Jeff holds a Bachelor's degree in Mathematics from UC Santa Cruz and a Master's degree in Accounting from the University of Southern California.
An active youth basketball and soccer coach, Jeff lives in Los Angeles with his wife, Katherine, and their three children, two of whom attend Larchmont Charter School's elementary and high school campuses.
Jeff holds a Bachelor's degree in Mathematics from UC Santa Cruz and a Master's degree in Accounting from the University of Southern California.
An active youth basketball and soccer coach, Jeff lives in Los Angeles with his wife, Katherine, and their three children, two of whom attend Larchmont Charter School's elementary and high school campuses.
Collette Williams Alleyne - Board Member
Collette Williams Alleyne, Senior Director of Education, has 18 years of experience in alternative and arts education. Currently, she serves as the Senior Director of Education at Inner-City Arts, in which she oversees all arts instruction programs for K-12 students. Previously, Collette served as the Director of Instruction for Opportunities for Learning and Options for Youth, where she established partnerships with schools to provide students with summer programs to reduce summertime learning loss. Collette joined Opportunities for Learning in 2004 and achieved several promotions in her tenure, having served as: Academic Recovery Teacher, Area Curriculum Advisor, Assistant Principal, Regional Supervisor, and Educational Programs Project Coach.
Collette holds a Bachelor of Arts in Education with a Multiple Subject Credential from the University of New Orleans, a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration from Pepperdine University, and a Clear California Administrative Credential. Before moving to California, Collette was an Instructor for New Orleans Center for Creative Arts, NOCCA|Riverfront, and Adjunct Instructor at Dillard University of New Orleans.
Collette holds a Bachelor of Arts in Education with a Multiple Subject Credential from the University of New Orleans, a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration from Pepperdine University, and a Clear California Administrative Credential. Before moving to California, Collette was an Instructor for New Orleans Center for Creative Arts, NOCCA|Riverfront, and Adjunct Instructor at Dillard University of New Orleans.
Charity Bailey - Board Member
Rashad Drakeford - Board Member
Rashad Drakeford is a senior marketing leader with 15 years of experience driving growth through brand strategy, product positioning, and go-to-market execution at global scale. A Queens, New York native now based in Los Angeles for nearly a decade, he has built brands and high-performing teams across multiple consumer categories at Beats By Dre, Amazon Music, and Levi Strauss & Co. Known for translating brand vision into culturally relevant storytelling, integrated campaigns, and live experiences, Rashad brings strong business leadership, including P&L ownership, team management, and cross-functional collaboration, to drive long-term brand growth.
Outside of work, he is a proud father with a deep love for the sports and the arts.
Outside of work, he is a proud father with a deep love for the sports and the arts.
Ben Howell - Board Member
Ben Howell is General Counsel at Caruso, a privately held real estate development company based in Los Angeles. Mr. Howell oversees Caruso’s legal affairs, representing the company and collaborating with its outside counsel on business and real estate transactions and litigation and land use matters. Prior to joining Caruso, Mr. Howell was an attorney at Munger, Tolles & Olson, LLP and served as a law clerk to Hon. Harold Baer, Jr. of the Southern District of New York.
Mr. Howell is a graduate of Stanford University and UC Berkeley School of Law. Mr. Howell is also on the board of The Los Angeles Neighborhood Land Trust, a non-profit dedicated to developing urban parks and community gardens in underserved neighborhoods in greater Los Angeles.
Mr. Howell is a graduate of Stanford University and UC Berkeley School of Law. Mr. Howell is also on the board of The Los Angeles Neighborhood Land Trust, a non-profit dedicated to developing urban parks and community gardens in underserved neighborhoods in greater Los Angeles.
Luciralia Ibarra - Board Member
Luciralia (Luci) Ibarra, is VP of Planning, Land Use, and Government Affairs for Caruso, working on entitlements and monitoring local, regional, and statewide policy for the company. She joined Caruso after 16 years with the City of Los Angeles Department of City Planning, having processed the City’s most regionally significant, technically complex, and more litigious development projects as head of Major Projects.
Luci was born and raised in Los Angeles and the San Gabriel Valley, attended Pitzer College (BA), and UC Berkeley (MCP). She is a Coro Public Affairs Fellow (San Francisco - 2001) and recent participant in Coro Southern California’s Executive Leadership Network (ELN – 2023). She lives in South LA with her family.
Luci was born and raised in Los Angeles and the San Gabriel Valley, attended Pitzer College (BA), and UC Berkeley (MCP). She is a Coro Public Affairs Fellow (San Francisco - 2001) and recent participant in Coro Southern California’s Executive Leadership Network (ELN – 2023). She lives in South LA with her family.
Rizwan Kassim - Board Member
Rizwan Kassim is the Co-Founder, Vice Chairman, and Chief Strategy & Financial Officer of Ultra & Mint Mobile, two hyper-growth disruptors in the wireless service space.
Ultra Mobile focuses on providing service for the underserved immigrant and unbanked community, while Mint Mobile is the nationwide leader in Direct to Consumer wireless service. Mint and Ultra serve millions of customers with high quality affordable cell phone service. Under Rizwan’s strategic direction, both brands have achieved prestigious accolades, including awards from J.D. Power and US News & World Report. His visionary approach culminated in the successful acquisition of Ultra Mobile and Mint Mobile by T-Mobile in 2024 for $1.35 billion.
Rizwan provides broad day-to-day leadership for the rest of the executive team, defines and drives the company’s broad strategic roadmap (including the sale to T-Mobile), while also supervising the Data Intelligence, Finance, Legal and Strategy teams. Beyond his executive roles, Rizwan is also the driving force behind several influential initiatives across the company’s business and technology spheres - an aspiring polymath, Rizwan has been involved across most of the company through the past fourteen years, including leading the Software and Architecture teams, Pricing and Product Strategy, Legal, Data and Finance teams as well as contributing deeply on Subscriber Churn Management and Lifecycle efforts.
A dynamic entrepreneur and visionary leader, Rizwan has a proven track record of scaling companies, at times to hypergrowth and others to high profitability. He founded and led several telecom and technology companies to the top of the prestigious Inc. 5000 Fastest-Growing Companies list. First in 2011 after founding Hometown Telecom, which pioneered monthly international calling plans, and again in 2015 when Ultra Mobile took the #1 spot as America’s fastest-growing private company with a 3-year increase of more than 100,000 percent. Subsequently, Mint Mobile was named as “Best Place to Work” and honored again as the Fastest Growing Company in America. In recognition of this success, Rizwan was awarded “Entrepreneur of the Year” by Ernst and Young in 2023. He was also recognized as part of the Bruin Business 100 at UCLA in 2025.
Rizwan is a graduate of the UCLA Henry Samueli School of Engineering. As a passionate advocate for education and entrepreneurship, he sits on the advisory board of UCLA’s Computer Science Department as well as UCLA Extension’s Technical Management Program, helping shape the next generation of technical leaders. In addition, he sits on the Board of Trustees of the California Science Center Foundation, a member of the Cedars-Sinai Board of Governors and serves as an advisor and mentor for a few startups. He is a member and finance chair of the Hollywood chapter of the Young Presidents Organization.
As Rizwan continues his impactful leadership at T-Mobile following the successful acquisition of Ultra and Mint, he is also committed to finding new and broader ways to contribute outside of the professional sphere. His passion for sharing knowledge and insatiable curiosity drive a pursuit of opportunities that support community organizations and provide support and guidance to growing entrepreneurs.
He lives in Los Angeles with his wife, Hollee, their 4-year-old son, Arjun, and their newborn, Arya.
Ultra Mobile focuses on providing service for the underserved immigrant and unbanked community, while Mint Mobile is the nationwide leader in Direct to Consumer wireless service. Mint and Ultra serve millions of customers with high quality affordable cell phone service. Under Rizwan’s strategic direction, both brands have achieved prestigious accolades, including awards from J.D. Power and US News & World Report. His visionary approach culminated in the successful acquisition of Ultra Mobile and Mint Mobile by T-Mobile in 2024 for $1.35 billion.
Rizwan provides broad day-to-day leadership for the rest of the executive team, defines and drives the company’s broad strategic roadmap (including the sale to T-Mobile), while also supervising the Data Intelligence, Finance, Legal and Strategy teams. Beyond his executive roles, Rizwan is also the driving force behind several influential initiatives across the company’s business and technology spheres - an aspiring polymath, Rizwan has been involved across most of the company through the past fourteen years, including leading the Software and Architecture teams, Pricing and Product Strategy, Legal, Data and Finance teams as well as contributing deeply on Subscriber Churn Management and Lifecycle efforts.
A dynamic entrepreneur and visionary leader, Rizwan has a proven track record of scaling companies, at times to hypergrowth and others to high profitability. He founded and led several telecom and technology companies to the top of the prestigious Inc. 5000 Fastest-Growing Companies list. First in 2011 after founding Hometown Telecom, which pioneered monthly international calling plans, and again in 2015 when Ultra Mobile took the #1 spot as America’s fastest-growing private company with a 3-year increase of more than 100,000 percent. Subsequently, Mint Mobile was named as “Best Place to Work” and honored again as the Fastest Growing Company in America. In recognition of this success, Rizwan was awarded “Entrepreneur of the Year” by Ernst and Young in 2023. He was also recognized as part of the Bruin Business 100 at UCLA in 2025.
Rizwan is a graduate of the UCLA Henry Samueli School of Engineering. As a passionate advocate for education and entrepreneurship, he sits on the advisory board of UCLA’s Computer Science Department as well as UCLA Extension’s Technical Management Program, helping shape the next generation of technical leaders. In addition, he sits on the Board of Trustees of the California Science Center Foundation, a member of the Cedars-Sinai Board of Governors and serves as an advisor and mentor for a few startups. He is a member and finance chair of the Hollywood chapter of the Young Presidents Organization.
As Rizwan continues his impactful leadership at T-Mobile following the successful acquisition of Ultra and Mint, he is also committed to finding new and broader ways to contribute outside of the professional sphere. His passion for sharing knowledge and insatiable curiosity drive a pursuit of opportunities that support community organizations and provide support and guidance to growing entrepreneurs.
He lives in Los Angeles with his wife, Hollee, their 4-year-old son, Arjun, and their newborn, Arya.
Steven Kim - Board Member
Steven has over 21 years working in the financial industry specializing in wealth management and planning. He is currently the Senior Financial Consultant at Charles Schwab in Century City. He grew up and went to school in Los Angeles. He attended University of Pennsylvania for engineering and then switched to complete his B.A and Licentiate in Philosophy while living and studying in Europe.
Steven has worked several years with an international non-profit organization dedicated to the education and development of youth and family. For over 20 years he has been an active collaborator in the financial education of engaged couples. He was an Officer of Military and Hospitaler Order of St. Lazarus of Jerusalem, a world-wide charitable group dedicated to help leprosy. Steven has served as the head of the Korean Parents Association at LCS for 3 years and as the Scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 145 (a 100-year old troop) in Little Tokyo. He is a Rotarian with the Wilshire Rotary, and serves as an active member of the guidance committee for Christ the King Church.
An avid foodie, a semi-professional photographer, and a classically trained musician (clarinet), Steven is a 13th year LCS dad whose 3 children attended Larchmont Charter School.
Steven has worked several years with an international non-profit organization dedicated to the education and development of youth and family. For over 20 years he has been an active collaborator in the financial education of engaged couples. He was an Officer of Military and Hospitaler Order of St. Lazarus of Jerusalem, a world-wide charitable group dedicated to help leprosy. Steven has served as the head of the Korean Parents Association at LCS for 3 years and as the Scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 145 (a 100-year old troop) in Little Tokyo. He is a Rotarian with the Wilshire Rotary, and serves as an active member of the guidance committee for Christ the King Church.
An avid foodie, a semi-professional photographer, and a classically trained musician (clarinet), Steven is a 13th year LCS dad whose 3 children attended Larchmont Charter School.
Eunice Lakis - Board Member
As a User Experience Lead at Google, Eunice Lakis leads research to build cutting-edge AI tools for Google developers. Her work involves identifying AI opportunities as well as mitigating potential risks. She holds a Ph.D. in Social Psychology and over a decade of leadership in AI/technology at companies including Google, Autodesk, Opower and Intuit.
Eunice grew up in Hancock Park, lived most of her adult life in the bay area, and moved back to the area in 2021. She lives with her husband (Jason), 5 year old son (Elliot), and 2 dogs (Rosie and Frida).
Eunice grew up in Hancock Park, lived most of her adult life in the bay area, and moved back to the area in 2021. She lives with her husband (Jason), 5 year old son (Elliot), and 2 dogs (Rosie and Frida).
Angelica McAdoo - Board Member
Angelica was born in El Salvador and came to the U.S. at the age of 5. She grew up in Inglewood, CA, where she was raised by her dad. She is the mother of 3 bi-cultural children. They all attend Larchmont Charter, are in 3rd (Hollygrove), 10th and 12th grades (LFP). For the last 15 years Angelica was a caregiver for her dad until his departure in June of 2020. Currently she is working for The City of Hope in Duarte CA. Caregiving fulfills her soul-- she will be starting a new career and will attend school to become an LVN. One of her most admirable attributes is empathy and belief in equity for all. Angelica is genuinely invested in Larchmont Charter School. She loves what it represents for the community, which is why she was attracted to the school. She is a member of the LFP Site Council, ABAR (Anti-Bias Anti-Racist) Committee, and the African American Affinity Group at LFP. She enjoys being of service to her community.
Mario Perez - Board Member
Mario serves as the Director of the Division of HIV and STD Programs for the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health where he is responsible for guiding a team of more than 320 employees and managing the annual investment of more than $105 million in local, State and federal resources that support the delivery of HIV and STD services through more than 70 partner organizations. He is a leader on State, local, and national HIV policy issues, serving as a past member of the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV and AIDS in the Obama Administration, the Board of Directors of the National Minority AIDS Council, a member of the National Council of STD Directors, a member of the AIDS United Public Policy Committee and a member of the Los Angeles County Commission on HIV. Over the last 20 years, he has testified before Congress, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, and the Los Angeles City Council to address a range of HIV/AIDS issues, including the need for scientifically-proven interventions, adequate resources, and increased accountability.
Mario earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from UC Berkeley and a Master of Public Health degree from UCLA. He was born and raised in Los Angeles and lives with his wife Karly and two sons Luca and Milo.
Mario earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from UC Berkeley and a Master of Public Health degree from UCLA. He was born and raised in Los Angeles and lives with his wife Karly and two sons Luca and Milo.
Arri Shelton-Edwards - Board Member
Arri Shelton-Edwards is a professional who prides herself on providing a fresh approach to traditional roles. With nearly 20 years of experience in education and the nonprofit sector, she has cultivated a diverse skill set encompassing various areas such as overseeing after-school programs, college counseling, socio-emotional counseling, program design, non-profit management, and executive leadership. One of the highlights of her career was serving as the Executive Director of Lean In Girls for the esteemed Sheryl Sandberg and Dave Goldberg Family Foundation. Through this groundbreaking initiative she spearheaded as its architect, she brought together girls to enhance their leadership skills while equipping them with strategies to navigate gender bias. Before joining SGFF, Arri was the Managing Director of Programs at iMentor—a non-profit organization that leverages mentorship relationships for positive impact. She also worked with KIPP (Knowledge is Power Program) and Derek Jeter's Turn 2 Foundation.
In her most recent endeavor as an entrepreneur, Arri ventured into opening Los Angeles' first Black-owned UPS Store. Through her varied experiences across different sectors, Arri has consistently demonstrated her ability to drive change and make meaningful contributions toward creating a more equitable society. Her commitment to reshaping existing paradigms and championing new approaches sets her apart in any professional setting. With each opportunity that comes her way, Arri continues to bring innovation, inspiration, and transformation in all areas she touches.
Arri completed her undergraduate studies at Spelman College, where she obtained a Bachelor's degree in Child Development. Later, she pursued further education and earned a Master's in Educational Psychology from New York University.
In addition to her academic achievements, Arri has been actively involved in various organizations. She served as the President of the NY National Alumnae Association of Spelman College and the board for over ten years. Arri is also an engaged member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, and Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated.
Alongside her professional life and community involvement, Arri is a wife, mother to two daughters, a dog Ali, and a spin enthusiast.
In her most recent endeavor as an entrepreneur, Arri ventured into opening Los Angeles' first Black-owned UPS Store. Through her varied experiences across different sectors, Arri has consistently demonstrated her ability to drive change and make meaningful contributions toward creating a more equitable society. Her commitment to reshaping existing paradigms and championing new approaches sets her apart in any professional setting. With each opportunity that comes her way, Arri continues to bring innovation, inspiration, and transformation in all areas she touches.
Arri completed her undergraduate studies at Spelman College, where she obtained a Bachelor's degree in Child Development. Later, she pursued further education and earned a Master's in Educational Psychology from New York University.
In addition to her academic achievements, Arri has been actively involved in various organizations. She served as the President of the NY National Alumnae Association of Spelman College and the board for over ten years. Arri is also an engaged member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, and Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated.
Alongside her professional life and community involvement, Arri is a wife, mother to two daughters, a dog Ali, and a spin enthusiast.
We are profoundly grateful
to our former Board Chairs for their
exemplary leadership and unwavering
commitment to our community:
Heather Boylston
Danny Corwin
Kriste Dragon
Alicia Lara
Paulette Light
Susan Lee
Ben Paul
Octavio Pescador, PhD
Eugene D. Straub
Lindsay Sturman
To contact our Board of Directors, please email board@larchmontcharter.org.
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