Get to Know Our Staff

We have a dedicated team that we can’t wait for you to meet

Get to Know Uriel

Q: Where did you grow up?

My full name is Uriel Ernesto Valencia Olivares. I was raised in El Salvador, the smallest country in Central America. It is a beautiful Spanish-speaking, mountainous country bordered by the Pacific Ocean (perfect for surfing and long weekends at the beach), Guatemala and Honduras. Known as the Land of Volcanoes, El Salvador has frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity. And is the only country in Central America that does not have a coastline on the Caribbean Sea. I spent 20 years there before leaving to pursue the American Dream in the Bay Area.

Q: How did your journey with RMHC Bay Area begin?

With some experience in retail stores, call centers, and nonprofit organizations in El Salvador, I started my journey in the Bay Area at a local McDonald’s restaurant where I found out about Ronald McDonald House Charities. It’s been three years since I started working for Ronald McDonald House Charities Bay Area. I began as a part time Guest Services Associate, where I first learned about the mission of RMHC and its impact on families.  Shortly after, I had the opportunity to support the recently merged San Francisco House and its operation.  Then, I became the Volunteer Coordinator where I had the opportunity to work directly with all Stanford volunteers, learn all aspects of the volunteer program, and also support Comfort & Joy Drive, toy shop, and other drives. Lastly and most recently, I was the Family Programs Coordinator in supporting the youth programs team, activity rooms, programming, summer and winter camps, and engagement with community groups.

Q: What will you take on in your new role?  

An amazing journey that prepared me to take on this exciting challenge as the Volunteer and Community Relations Manager. As Volunteer and Community Relations Manager, I am responsible for the human resource backbone of the volunteer program, including recruitment, placement, scheduling, onboarding, and recognition in addition to managing volunteer run programs such as Comfort & Joy, summer camp, Oakland family support dinners, and Happy Wheels Programs Bay Area wide.

Q: How are you feeling about this new adventure? 

I am eager to make a positive contribution to the organization while working with all of our volunteers and our greater Bay Area Community.

Get to Know Martha

Q: Why do you think it’s important to celebrate National Hispanic (Latinx) Heritage Month?

National Latinx Heritage Month allows the community to recognize Latinx individuals for their strengths and resiliency. As the largest minority in the United States, the Latinx community continues to contribute in so many ways that many are unaware of and continue to face many inequities. This month highlights those contributions to society through building awareness of their hard work and many accomplishments. It allows a time to reflect on the history of Latinx individuals, and celebrate the culture beyond music, dance, food, and language.  This is imporant for Latinx children to develop and hold strong pride in their own heritage and strive to continue their resiliency despite difficult moments.

Q: What one or two things you want everyone to learn this month about the Hispanic/Latinx culture, people, communities, etc.?

The Latinx community is the largest minority in the United States, however continues to be one of the most underserved and dismissed communities. Latinx individuals face discriminiation, health disparities, lack of resources, amongst many other injustices on a regular basis. Despite, Latinx individuals having a long history of keeping America thriving and giving back, they have not been reciprocated with the same grace. I hope this month allows for reflection on how to bridge those injustices.

Q: What makes you most proud to be Hispanic/Latinx? 

As a daughter of Mexican immigrants, raised in a mixed-status household, I am most proud of my parents’ resiliency and determination to provide for my siblings and I. My family’s story is similar to many other Latinx families, in that my parents and siblings were unauthorized when they arrived in the U.S., we worked in agriculture for long tedious hours with minimal pay, and somehow we were able to push through the various barriers and obstacles placed in front of us. It was my parents’ resiliency and determination that instilled in me the dedication and perseverance that allows me to identify as a Latinx doctora; for that I am eternally grateful and proud of my parents.

Q: What are your favorite books/literary pieces written by Hispanic/Latinx authors, and why are they your favorite? Share your reading list with us! 

Gabriel García Márquez, Isabel Allende, Gloria Anzaldúa, Rodolfo Anaya, Patricia Arredondo