Danielle is an Oakland native who brings over 17 years of educational leadership and non profit experience. She is also a College Women’s Basketball Coach and has been fortunate to have the opportunity to connect both her passion for education and sports to support over 1,000 student-athletes to accomplish the goals that they have set out for themselves, and she has played a pivotal role in helping them balance their athletic pursuits with their academic and personal aspirations.

Danielle’s ability to connect education and sports underscores the idea that these two domains are not mutually exclusive. Instead, they can complement each other and provide students with holistic growth opportunities. Her achievements also highlight the positive impact that individuals who are passionate about both education and sports can have on the lives of young people.

She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology from San Jose State University and a Master’s degree in Coaching and Athletic Administration from Concordia University Irvine.

Sabrina is a San Francisco native passionate about creating positive change in under-resourced communities. She has first-hand experience of how a lack of adequate resources can discourage individuals from obtaining their goals. She has over 15 years of experience serving the community in the healthcare field and brings high attention to detail with a strong organized mentality to the SFA team.

I am fortunate that SFA chose me to be a part of an amazing organization that makes a difference within the community I grew up in. The connections that SFA creates with not only our young men but the team and stakeholders are truly irreplaceable.

Mara Matosic brings a wealth of experience from both the private and nonprofit sectors, having worked with renowned organizations such as The Economist, PepsiCo, and Nielsen. With a multicultural background, Mara has seamlessly integrated her skills in marketing, communications, and partnership building to drive positive change. Following the successful launch and exit of her own venture, Mara transitioned back to the nonprofit sector, driven by her commitment to making a meaningful impact in the world.

Born in Croatia and raised in Mexico, Mara’s journey has been marked by a quest for community and a passion for driving change. Her leadership as Country Director at Women Who Code, a global organization dedicated to empowering women in tech, resulted in significant growth in volunteer engagement, exceeding 300%, and forged partnerships with industry giants such as Microsoft, Facebook, Stripe, and WeWork.

Additionally, Mara served on the Board of Directors of the STTE Foundation, where she contributed to strategic planning in marketing and communications, furthering the organization’s mission to empower youth in STEM and entrepreneurship.

Mara holds a Dual Degree in International Relations and Business Administration from Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México (ITAM) and has also pursued studies at the William Esper Acting Conservatory in New York. She is a human-focused, data-driven leader committed to driving social impact through innovative strategies.

In her current role as a nonprofit consultant specializing in digital donor experience, a term she coined, Mara collaborates with nonprofits in the Bay Area to optimize their engagement strategies and foster meaningful connections with donors. Outside of work, Mara enjoys hiking, reading, exploring new places, and spending time with her family.

Kiani Shaw is an educator, healer, poet, and youth development specialist from Bayview Hunters Point in San Francisco, CA. She has worked in youth development for over 15 years, specializing in culturally relevant practices and equity in under-resourced communities in San Francisco. She has worked with students in under-resourced communities in many capacities such as: case management, afterschool programs, community volunteer projects, community activist groups, family support services, and life coaching. She holds a B.A. in English from California State University, Fresno, an M.Ed in Social Justice and Equity from San Francisco State University, and is currently enrolled in Cal State East Bay’s EdD program in Educational Leadership. Her commitment to youth and community development coupled with her skills of cultural communication and healing, youth empowerment, and advocacy make her a dynamic contributor to the San Francisco Achievers team.


"It only takes one person to take a stand, but it takes a community to make a change" - Kiani Shaw

Miles has had a remarkable journey with the SF Achievers organization, having been part of it for over 17 years as both a scholar and a professional since receiving the scholarship in 2008. In 2016, he established the High School Support Program, which has successfully secured over $2 million in grant funding so far, to support African American young men. He directly engages with high school students, providing them with essential academic and professional guidance.

His passion for community engagement is evident in his family’s long-standing tradition of roller skating, particularly through organizing events at the Skatin’ Place in Golden Gate Park and running their own rink, the Church of 8 Wheels. Miles has dedicated himself to fostering relationships with youth, and through his family business, he has provided many paid opportunities to students to learn about the skating business, and enhance their resumes.

After a year away, Miles is thrilled to rejoin the team, bringing with him a wealth of experience. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies from San Jose State University. His commitment to empowering the next generation shines through in all his endeavors.

Born and raised in San Francisco, Nakia is a proud product of the SFUSD public school system and a long-time member of SFA. He earned his B.A. in Psychology with a Minor in Child & Youth Studies from the University of San Francisco (USF), where he continues his academic journey—currently pursuing a Master’s in Counseling Psychology with a concentration in Marriage and Family Therapy, on the path to licensure as a therapist. Rooted in community and built with resilience, he is deeply committed to supporting under-resourced populations, with a special focus on the growth, well-being, and future of African-American young men. His lived experience in San Francisco and long-standing involvement with SFA have shaped his perspective and fueled his dedication. He brings both heart and intention to his work, driven by a desire to bridge gaps in education, mentorship, resource access, and emotional support. With a genuine passion for uplifting others, he remains focused on creating meaningful change—investing in the promise and potential of the next generation.

My name is Julian Vaughn Hamilton I am 27 years old. I grew up in East Oakland, Hobbies: video games, anime, meditation, hikes, camping, etc. I love to help people. I bring my eclectic thinking style to every team I work with: always out the box, analytical with empathy. I consider my authenticity a skillset and hope it inspires everyone around me to be themselves so we can do our best work ! Thinking communally, leading with love for humanity; I bring that perspective with me. I am looking forward to being the leader I needed; teaching youth skills that I fought for because they deserve to have tools they need to succeed. I am excited to do meaningful, impactful work for individuals that reflect me. I look forward to nourishing the youth.