Executive Director and Founder

Angelo is a former telecom executive who worked in the industry for over 10 years. He realized the addictiveness of cell phones in 2016 and disconnected his cell phone for a year while deciding how to show up in the world. For the past 8 years he has dedicated himself to working in and around California, sharing the life enhancing skills of mindfulness and yoga with marginalized communities; namely, inner city schools, jails and prisons. During the pandemic, acknowledging the mental health crisis that young people were facing in part due to technology and social media; Angelo embarked on writing a children’s book called Screen Time. The book touches on the themes of anxiety and depression in relation to exposure to social media on their phones. Many of our young people today can identify with the themes in Screen Time in our current social climate. Angelo Founded Mindful You with goal empowering both young and old to build relationships with technology, themselves and the world around them.

Media Strategist

Ellias is a dedicated board member of Mindful You 501(c)(3), passionately advocating for the mental well-being of today's youth. With an undergraduate degree in Business Administration from Morehouse College and a graduate degree in Applied Media Theory from California State University, Ellias brings a unique blend of strategic insight and creative innovation to his role.

His professional experience spans education technology, biotechnology, and financial services, reflecting his commitment to leveraging technology for impactful solutions.

Ellias's dedication to Mindful You is driven by his belief in empowering young people with the tools and resources needed to navigate life's challenges with resilience and mindfulness

Secretary

Carolina has 14 years of nonprofit management and leadership experience, with an emphasis on education and working in Title I low income schools and communities. Carolina has overseen the design, implementation, and evaluation of youth development programs for YMCA and Boys and Girls Clubs, supporting youth and their families across the Bay Area. In recent years Carolina transitioned into development and fundraising, bringing her passion for building relationships, uplifting marginalized voices, and  storytelling. In 2024 Carolina moved from Oakland, the place she had called home for 15 years, to Sacramento to be closer to family. She now works in philanthropy, overseeing programs and fundholder education initiatives for the Yolo Community Foundation. Carolina holds a BS in Psychology and in her free time she enjoys reading psychological thriller books and is training for the Oakland half marathon

Board Chair

Alex is a dedicated advocate for labor rights and social justice, with a long-standing commitment to advancing both causes throughout his career. As a union attorney, he has spent years representing workers and fighting for fair wages, better working conditions, and the protection of workers' rights. His passion for justice extends beyond the courtroom, having served on the Board of La Peña Cultural Center, where he worked to promote cultural activism and community engagement. With a deep belief in solidarity, Alex has been a tireless voice for marginalized communities, ensuring that the fight for equity and dignity continues both within the labor movement and society at large.

Outreach Stategist

Tsehayu is a proud first-generation Ethiopian, deeply inspired by his family’s rich history of driving social change in Ethiopia and beyond through politics and movements like the Ethiopian Student Movement. Guided by this legacy, Tsehayu has dedicated over a decade to empowering children, youth, and young adults. His passion lies in uplifting the next generation through workforce development, mentorship, and fostering intergenerational connections—essential ingredients for building vibrant and thriving communities.

A firm advocate for wellness, Tsehayu believes that prioritizing self-care is key to showing up as your best self and for others. Outside of his professional work, he finds joy in fashion, exploring nature, and long-distance running. He has a B.A. in Comms from California State University East Bay.

Treasurer

Joseph brings over 13 years of expertise in tax compliance, audit defense, and financial strategy to the board of Mindful You. As the founder of Strategic Financial CPA Services, he has dedicated his career to helping individuals and businesses navigate complex tax regulations. Joseph’s background as a former auditor for the State of California, combined with his MBA in Accounting and CPA licensure, equips him with deep insights into tax law and financial planning. His firm has supported a diverse range of industries, from hospitality and retail to tech and cannabis. With a commitment to financial integrity and community impact, Joseph provides strategic guidance to Mindful You, ensuring financial sustainability for the organization’s mission.

Sales and Marketing Strategist

Ryan has a varied professional background that includes entrepreneurship, corporate training and development, education, and music production, promotion, and performance. As the founding member and CEO of TeamBuilding ROI, based in Silicon Valley, Ryan and his team facilitated over 3,000 corporate team events for Fortune 100 companies like Apple, Meta, Google, Microsoft, and Amazon. He exited TBROI successfully in 2024. Prior to that, Ryan was a high school English teacher, Event Planner, Paralegal, and VP of sales, marketing, and business development in Texas, California, and Delaware. Ryan also has fronted the band Little King as the guitarist and singer and has written, performed, and produced 7 albums and numerous tours.