Tamika Farr
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Tamika Farr is a strategically focused Chief Executive Officer holding a bachelor’s degree in child development, a master’s degree in business administration, an executive leadership certification from Cornell University, and over 13 years of nonprofit executive management experience. Tamika Farr’s previous work experience includes serving as Executive Director of El Centro de Amistad. She oversaw the fiscal, staffing, compliance, resource generation, and strategic leadership necessary to advance the agency’s mission.
Tamika also served as Executive Director of the YWCA Pasadena – Foothill Valley, where she directed all functions at the national organization with over 400 members. Tamika honed her fundraising skills as Development Director of Rosemary’s Children’s Services, where she collaborated with the board of directors and staff to create strategies that attracted major donors. Mrs. Farr developed fundraising strategies that increased revenue by 336%.
Tamika Farr is an experienced leader that is passionate about leveling the playing field for disenfranchised communities. Tamika believes that marginalized children and adults hold talent and resilience to aid in their success and the advancement of their families and communities. She sees it as her responsibility to ignite hope and provide the support and resources needed to advance those in need.
Tamika is a constant learner who has served in many leadership and board member roles, including The Association of Community Human Service Agencies; Pasadena Commission on the Status of Women; Valley Industry and Commerce Association, and is a graduate of Leadership Pasadena. She enjoys developing leaders to reach their full potential.
Lisa Cahill
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
Lisa Cahill joined Pathways LA as the Deputy Executive Director in July 2020, with over a decade of non-profit experience. Lisa oversaw the strategic visioning process at TreePeople, directed the partnership with Mayor Garcetti’s “Save the Drop” campaign and was a co-founding chair of the Neighborhood Council Sustainability Alliance. Lisa has also served on the board of directors for the reDiscover Center and is an Advocacy Coordinator for JDRF. She has written for the Huffington Post and has been interviewed by the New York Times, Washington Post, and Los Angeles Times. A native Texan, Lisa credits her grandparents for teaching her the value of hard work and kindness. Lisa’s primary motivator for wanting to do good in the world are her two amazing children. Her family enjoys hiking with their two rescue Labradors, going to the beach and gardening.
Araceli Quintero
DIRECTOR OF CHILD CARE SUBSIDY PROGRAMS
Araceli Quintero joined Pathways LA in 1999 as a Specialist in our Resource and Referral Department, helping parents locate and access quality child care. In her current Director capacity, she oversees all three of Pathways LA’s subsidy departments, working closely with managers and directors to ensure our programs reach as many families as possible. Araceli is responsible for program efficiency, customer service improvements, community outreach efforts and helping parents navigate the complex landscape of child care subsidies and social services.
Sally Valenzuela
DIRECTOR OF FAMILY & PROVIDER ENRICHMENT SERVICES
Sally Valenzuela has been with Pathways LA since 1998 and currently serves as Director of Family and Provider Enrichment Services. She began as a Case Manager, and now uses her decades of experience in child development and early care and education to oversee programming and act as a community liaison to promote and maintain partnerships. Sally holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Child Development and Family Studies from California State University, Long Beach, and has completed the Nonprofit Leadership Development Program with the Center for Nonprofit Management, the Executive Management Development Program for Entrepreneurs at UCLA, and the National Association of Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies’ Executive Management Leadership Institute.
Karina Velasquez
DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES
Karina Velasquez joined Pathways LA in 2002 as the coordinator of Human Resources. Her experience and passion working for the organization has propelled her to now serve as the Director of Human Resources. Karina is responsible for key HR functions that include administering employee health and welfare plans, recruitment, and maintenance of HRIS for the agency. Karina exercises her expertise to plan, lead and develop policies in order to maximize the organization’s mission and further expand Pathways LA’s work ethic, diversity and inclusion.
Karina holds a Certificate of Human Resources Management from the Institute of Applied Management & Law Inc.
Lygia Hernandez
DIRECTOR OF ADMINISTRATION
Lygia Hernandez joined Pathways LA in 1998 as the coordinator of Administration. With over 25 years of experience, Lygia is responsible for the organization’s administrative and operational systems that include the development of business plans and day to day functioning of the organization. Lygia has a passion in serving the community, families and early childhood educators in making sure all operational functions are performed with the highest level of efficiency and professionalism.
Lygia enjoys her time with family exploring the outdoors, traveling, good food and movies.
