SHERI WEST, Founder, CEO & Chairwoman

Sheri West is a Founder & CEO, podcast host, speaker, and champion for equity and inclusion. She is a former Fortune 500 management executive turned social entrepreneur with over 25 years of corporate and leadership development experience. In 2014, she founded LiveGirl, dedicated to equipping the next generation of diverse female leaders, serving over 17,500 girls since. Sheri regularly speaks on a wide range of topics relating to women’s leadership and career readiness, co-hosts the award-winning Confident Podcast with her college daughter, and authors the LinkedIn newsletter, If Only.

Sheri was recently featured in The New York Times and at the Yale Women’s Leadership Launch. Her honors include being named “Best Friend to Girls” by Moffly Media and a Community Champion by the Boys and Girls Clubs of America. Her education includes BA Finance and Masters of Leadership Development from Michigan State University and Executive Women’s Leadership Certificate from the Yale School of Management. Originally from Michigan, she is married with three children and now lives in New Canaan, Connecticut, where she is actively involved in the community and served nine years on the Board of Education. Committed to progress, she serves on various boards and advocates loudly for policies that advance opportunities for women and girls.

(She/her/hers)

You may email Sheri at Sheri@goLiveGirl.org.

MARIA OGUNDOLANI, Program Director

Maria Victoria serves as the Program Director for Middle School and High School Programs at LiveGirl, where she leads initiatives to equip young women with confidence, leadership skills, and a sense of community. Maria's role encompasses developing impactful curriculums, overseeing mentorship programs, and creating inclusive spaces where students can explore their potential and prepare for their futures.

With a background in youth programming and project management, Maria brings extensive experience in mentoring and equipping young people to navigate their unique journeys. At New Vision International Ministries, she directed youth programs that empowered middle and high school students to embrace their individuality and build leadership skills. She also led innovative after school programs in Bridgeport, CT in creative media.

Maria’s passion for creativity and community shines in her work outside the classroom as well. She developed a robust social media strategy for her organization, building a team from the ground up and establishing systems to amplify their mission through engaging digital content. Her expertise in content creation and strategic planning is matched by her ability to inspire and lead others.

Maria holds a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Accounting from Sacred Heart University.

Driven by a deep commitment to centering historically marginalized voices, Maria is passionate about ensuring all young women have access to the tools and opportunities needed to thrive. In her role at LiveGirl, she is excited to continue shaping the next generation of confident, inclusive leaders.

You may email Maria at Maria@goLiveGirl.org.

HANNAH JEAN-PIERRE, SHE WORKS Program Manager

Hannah Jean-Pierre serves as the Program Manager for SHE WORKS at LiveGirl, where she directs and oversees student and employer outreach, vets and trains mentors, and hosts the SHE WORKS Career-Readiness Training. Hannah brings over five years of experience in community development, project management, and youth leadership programming.

In addition to her role at LiveGirl, Hannah actively leads community initiatives and mentors youth at New Vision International Ministries in Bridgeport, CT. She also serves as Chair of the Board of Directors and Administrator for Edifying Women Eternally, INC, a nonprofit organization dedicated to encouraging, educating, equipping, and restoring women in all aspects of their lives.

Previously, Hannah worked as the Program Assistant and Confidence Coach with LiveGirl in 2022. She has also held the role of Mental Health Counselor for the Department of Aging in New York. Passionate about empowering historically underrepresented women, Hannah is committed to driving impactful change through her work.

Hannah holds a Bachelor of Science in Sociology, with a minor in Women's Studies and Human Rights/Social Justice, from Sacred Heart University, and a Master’s in Social Work from New York University.

You may email Hannah at Hannah@goLiveGirl.org.

KALA MALVASO, Development Manager

Kala Malvaso joins the LiveGirl team with an extensive background in marketing, development, and nonprofit experience. A transplant to the tri-state area, she has lived in DC, Virginia, and is originally from the mountain state of West Virginia, giving her exposure to a variety of social and economic landscapes that have helped guide her to her current work with nonprofits.

Passionate about women’s initiatives, she serves on the board of the local Junior League of Stamford-Norwalk as their Communications Director and volunteers regularly in her community. She believes in the power of women and how connection can lead to opening doors in each other’s lives.

Kala has her Masters in Education from Virginia Tech where she graduated Summa Cum Laude and was part of the Golden Key Honor Society. She received her Bachelor of Science from Liberty University where she graduated with honors and helped co-found the Athletic Training Student’s Association.

You may email Kala at Kala@goLiveGirl.org.

FARRELL LINDEMANN, SHE CARES Program Manager

Farrell Lindemann is a social worker who believes in the resilience, strength, and uniqueness of adolescent girls. Farrell has worked with LiveGirl since 2018 and has loved working as a Confidence Coach, a She Cares Mentor, and now the She Cares Program Manager. 

Farrell graduated from Boston University in 2014 with a Masters in Social Work and a specific focus on clinical work with adolescents. Farrell has worked with amazing and inspiring teen girls in both school and residential settings. During the pandemic, Farrell also founded a community of artists from 15 different states who make art together on Zoom. Farrell loves following LiveGirls’ lead in creating a safe and brave space for every person she meets with, and can’t wait to find out what makes you, YOU! 

(She/her/hers)

You may email Farrell at Farrell@golivegirl.org.

SELENA HUERTAS, Marketing & Operations Manager

Selena Huertas is an enthusiastic marketing and communications professional with extensive experience in nonprofit and mission-driven organizations. She has held key marketing positions at Full Circle PR, a leading healthcare marketing agency, and at Parc Center for Disabilities, a large nonprofit in St. Petersburg, FL. Selena excels in collaborative environments where she can connect with others and strategically implement impactful initiatives. Her creativity and forward-thinking approach enable her to develop narratives that engage diverse audiences and deepen community connections.

Originally from Florida, Selena is a proud graduate of the University of Florida, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations. As she embarks on new adventures, she is excited to apply her expertise to efforts that uplift and empower communities. With her dynamic energy and unwavering commitment to making a difference, Selena is ready to tackle new challenges and drive transformative change in the lives of young girls.

(She/her/hers)

You may email Selena at Selena@golivegirl.org.

MIA CAMPBELL, Program Assistant

Mia Campbell earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics from the University of Connecticut in 2024. She began her journey with LiveGirl as a SHE WORKS intern, where she served as Assistant Camp Director, and now proudly contributes as the Program Assistant.

While Mia is early in her professional career, she brings experience from diverse fields, including marketing and finance, which have helped her develop a unique perspective on problem-solving and teamwork. She thrives in roles that allow her to offer guidance, bring structure to projects, and infuse creativity into her work. Whether it’s brainstorming innovative ideas, supporting organizational initiatives, or helping others navigate challenges, Mia’s passion for creating meaningful connections shines through.

In her current role, she plays an integral part in supporting LiveGirl’s mission to build confident, career-ready young women. From coordinating events to managing logistics and offering fresh ideas for program development, Mia’s contributions ensure a seamless experience for LiveGirl’s participants and team members alike.

Mia is excited to continue growing her career in a space that combines her love for creativity, organization, and making an impact. She believes in the power of mentorship and collaboration to uplift communities and is dedicated to helping others find their confidence and purpose.

You may email Mia at Mia@golivegirl.org.

CHERI FARRIOR, Grant Writer

Cheri had focused her career on working to advance educational equity and close the Opportunity Divide. She has spent her career working in schools and various non-profit organizations. Her passion for working with children led her to become a 2013 Teach For America corps member, where she taught middle school social studies. After completing her corps experience, she found her niche in working in fundraising and development and has secured both public and private grants for non-profit organizations and schools. Her portfolios have included individual and institutional giving, with a focus on foundation and corporate relations.

Cheri has her Masters of Public Administration from Syracuse University and her B.S. in Journalism and Mass Communication (Public Relations) from North Carolina A&T State University. When she is not working, she enjoys traveling and trying new restaurants.

JESSICA WEAVER, Research Associate

Jessica Weaver is a recent graduate of the University of Connecticut where she earned a BA in Political Science while minoring in Business and Human Rights in 2019, and her Master’s in Public Policy in May 2020.

During her undergraduate and graduate career, Jessica served in a variety of governmental agencies and offices including the CT Office of the Treasurer, Congressman John Larson’s office, the Commission on Women, Children and Seniors, and the CT 2Gen Anti-Poverty Program. She also served as the Legislative Advocacy Fellow for the YWCA Hartford Region, was a part of the 2019 Obama Foundation Community Leadership Corps, and currently serves as an Ambassador for the United State of Women. In November 2019, Jessica was elected to the Board of Education in her hometown of Newington, CT at the age of 21, making her the youngest elected official ever in her town.

ELAINE LLOYD, Photographer

Elaine has spent her career working in finance at firms including Deutsche Bank, Morgan Stanley and JP Morgan. She is presently the co-founder of Risk Premium Investment Management Company in NYC. Elaine has an undergraduate degree from St. Anselm College and an MBA in finance from NYU. Photography is her passion and she frequently donates her time to photograph animals available for adoption for the Stamford shelter and for local rescues.

Ms. Lloyd is married and a resident of New Canaan where she raised her triplets. Elaine generously donates her photography skills to LiveGirl, and we are thrilled to offer a scholarship in her name.