The Executive Committee
Sean Allen
President
Sean Allen is a father, husband, former candidate for Sheriff, lifelong martial artist and dedicated to the mission of the NAACP. His law enforcement experience includes over 25 years as a trainer, supervising/managing Personnel, investigating police misconduct/performance, investigations and Union leader.
James H. Staten
1st vice president
James is a native Californian, but was educated in New Jersey, both high school and college, graduating from Kean University with a degree in biology. He also holds a masters of education degree and is a high school science teacher. James served on the Milpitas PAL soccer board for many years and has co-chaired the NAACP’s Youth Leadership Forum for the past three years.
Dr. Patrick Marshall
2nd vice president
Dr. Seher Awan
3rd Vice president
Dr. Seher Awan is a proud daughter of immigrants, a first-generation community college graduate, and the youngest college president in the California Community College system. As President of Mission College in Santa Clara, she leads with unapologetic courage, centering equity, shared power, and student voice to transform lives through education. Dr. Awan is committed to dismantling systemic barriers and ensuring every person, especially those from historically marginalized communities, has the opportunity to thrive.
President
Sean Allen is a father, husband, former candidate for Sheriff, lifelong martial artist and dedicated to the mission of the NAACP.
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1st Vice President
James is a native Californian, but was educated in New Jersey, both high school and college, graduating from Kean University with a degree in biology.
Dr. Seher Awan
(she/her)
3rd Vice President
Dr. Seher Awan is a proud daughter of immigrants, a first-generation community college graduate, and the youngest college president in the California Community College system.
Secretary
Carla Torres has over 25 years experience as a community advocate. She identifies as a Xicana and proud daughter of immigrant parents from Mexico.
Candice Brooks
(she/her)
Treasurer & Chair of
Finance Committee
Candice holds a Master of Science in Higher Education and has dedicated much of her professional career to advancing equity and access for Black and Brown communities.
Chair of Executive Committee, Freedom Funders, and Women in the NAACP (WIN) Committee
Dedicated to the mission of NAACP, Sharon has been a long time advocate of the African American Community and has been the recipient of several awards for her work with both Black and Brown youth and families.
Dr. William Armaline
Member
Dr. William Armaline is a Professor of Sociology and the founder of the Human Rights Minor Program and Human Rights Institute at San José State University.
Nicole Chiu-Wang
(she/her)
Education Committee Chair
Nicole Chiu-Wang is a nonprofit executive director, attorney, and entrepreneur with a long-standing commitment to equity in education.
Michael Ybarra
Health Committee Chair
Michael’s bio will be provided soon.
Lejoi Reese
(she/her)
Communications
Committee Chair
As an educator, administrator, and mother, Lejoi is keenly aware and has a deep understanding of the challenges faced by under-represented students and other marginalized communities.
Dr. David Piper
Member
Dr. David Piper, AKA Dr. P. Mission College Faculty: Psychology, Humanities, Academic Counseling and serves as Lead/Liaison, Equity Division.
Ruth Silver Taube
(she/her)
Member
Ruth Silver Taube is the Supervising Attorney of the Workers’ Rights Practice of the Katharine & George Alexander Community Law Center, Supervising Attorney of the Santa Clara County Office of Labor Standards Enforcement Legal Advice Line, and an Adjunct Professor at Santa Clara University School of Law.
Colsaria Henderson
(she/her)
Member
Previous to her current position as an Executive Director of Next Door Solutions to Domestic Violence, Colsaria led nonprofit capacity-building with an emphasis on Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Access, and Liberation.
Aram James
Member
Aram’s bio will be provided soon.
Theresa Diola
Member
Theresa’s bio will be provided soon.
J. Edward Stevenson
Member
J.Edward’s bio will be provided soon.
Jeff Cormier
Member
Jeff’s bio will be provided soon.
Michael Pati
Member
Michael’s bio will be provided soon.
Maisha Jones
Member
Maisha’s bio will be provided soon.
Rev. Kaloma Smith
Member
Kaloma’s bio will be provided soon.
Mike Braxton
Criminal Justice
Committee Chair
Mike is a retired San Jose Police officer and a Santa Clara County Criminal Investigator. He is also a student of Filipino Martial Arts and a life long track and field fan and golf enthusiast. He continues to be an advocate for the San Jose/Silicon Valley community and is dedicated to the mission of the NAACP.
Dr. Yusra Hussain
(she/her)
Member
Yusra Hussain, MD is an Adjunct Assistant Professor in Medicine at Stanford University School of Medicine with a subspecialty in Geriatrics.