Our Team

Nicole Williams spearheads the LISC LA office, which has invested nearly $1.6 billion in affordable housing, small businesses, economic development, health, education, community safety and jobs throughout Los Angeles over the last 36 years—all designed to close race, class and opportunity gaps that keep people from reaching their full potential.

Williams’ background spans finance, government and community-focused nonprofits, all of which she will draw on to lead LISC LA. Most recently, she was senior vice president and head of nonprofit banking for Banc of California, where she built a line of business focused on nonprofits and community development financial institutions (CDFIs) in California.

Previously, she spent nine years at J.P. Morgan, where she worked closely with top CDFIs across the country as executive director of the commercial bank’s Intermediary Lending team. During her tenure, Williams helped lead the development and closing of the $100 million Entrepreneurs of Color Loan Fund, an impact investment fund launched in collaboration with LISC to help CDFIs accelerate the flow of capital to minority-led businesses. Earlier, she served in the Government Banking group, providing treasury and credit solutions to municipal clients in Southern California and the San Francisco Bay Area.

In addition to her financial expertise, Williams also brings strong knowledge of public service and local government. She spent a decade in various roles with city and county agencies, most notably as senior director of economic development for L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.

In addition to her professional work, Williams has long volunteered her time in a number of capacities, including as the board treasurer for the New Village Academy for Girls and as an executive council board member for the Northern California chapter of Women in Public Finance, as well as other taskforces and committees.

Williams has an MBA from the Graziadio Business School at Pepperdine University and a Bachelor of Arts in economics from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana. She is an alumna of the Los Angeles African-American Women in Public Policy Leadership Institute.

Krista Phipps is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in communications, consulting and local community development in Los Angeles. With a wealth of knowledge in economic development, public policy and public relations, Krista has successfully navigated both the local government and private sectors. Krista has a unique ability to capture core business objectives and processes, excelling at translating needs into clearly defined and easily implemented systems, ensuring maximum efficiency and effectiveness. Krista's leadership skills and experience make her an invaluable asset in bridging barriers and driving change-making projects and policies forward. She is committed to leveraging her extensive knowledge and network to make broad positive impacts.

Krista joins LISCLA from the Global Policy Leadership Academy (GPLA) where she oversaw general operations and logistics, and career pathways management. She has also served in the private consulting arena as a senior account executive, in the public utilities space as a public affairs, crisis and regulatory affairs manager, and in local government as a city council district director and mayoral aide.

Krista holds a Master of planning, community & economic development finance degree from the University of Southern California (USC) and a Bachelor of Art degree in political science from Rosemont College. She has served on several business and community boards and has completed various continuing education leadership programs. 

Ray Mendoza will serve as LISC LA’s Director of Lending and Investments.  His principal responsibilities include developing a strategic approach to lending on various debt structures focused on the affordable housing and small and medium enterprises (SME) markets.

Prior to joining the LISC team, Ray worked at City National Bank as the CRA Program Manager responsible for the development and management of all CRA private equity investments focused on affordable housing and SME markets.  He also participated in the loan management process by providing credit and loan underwriting expertise in the Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) market.

During this tenure, Ray served on LISA LA’s Local Advisory Council and participated on the LISC LA Loan Committee and the Economic Development Project Review Committee.  He also actively worked with the affiliate National Equity Fund through its Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) equity investment program.

Ray has worked in business development, underwriting, and leadership positions with private funds OFS Management and California Economic Development Lending Initiative (CEDLI).  He began his career at CIBC World Markets, the investment banking arm of the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce.  Ray graduated with a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Southern California and an MBA from the University of Houston.

Recreationally, Ray spends fall weekends in the press box at the USC and UCLA football games working on the ‘stat crew’.  Previously, while working for the LA Rams, this group was named the #1 stat team in the NFL.

Brenna is an accomplished fundraising professional with extensive experience in grant management, digital fundraising, and strategic partnership engagement. She most recently served as the Director of Grants & Foundations at City Year Los Angeles, where she managed a grant portfolio raising over $3.5 million annually. Brenna is passionate about crafting compelling narratives and storytelling while leveraging data to engage existing and prospective partners in uplifting underserved communities.

Prior to her current role, Brenna was a Digital Account Manager at The Lukens Company, where she crafted and implemented digital fundraising strategies for a portfolio of nonprofit clients, driving strategy for long-term, sustainable funding. As Fundraising Manager at Washington Nationals Philanthropies in Washington, D.C., Brenna developed fundraising strategies and marketing collateral which generated more than $3 million in annual revenue and during the 2019 World Series set fundraising records still unmatched in D.C. sports history. Brenna received her Master’s Degree and Bachelor of Arts from The George Washington University in Washington, D.C.

Clara Suh (she/her) supports LISC LA’s affordable housing lending as Community Development Underwriter. Clara is an urban planner and lender who joined LISC LA after seven years in the commercial banking industry. Her extensive experience in the financial services sector includes commercial real estate lending, financial technology consulting, and credit risk management. Previously, she was employed at First Republic Bank where she was part of a rising San Francisco-based team that originated $800 million in loan volume and managed $1 billion in deposits on behalf of high-net-worth clients in technology, venture capital and private equity, as well as multifamily real estate developers and property management companies.

A native Angeleno, Clara began her career in community energy working with Pacific Gas & Electric and Northern Californian cities committed to reducing their collective energy consumption in partnership with local community organizations. Her commitment to improving life in cities has spanned across the transportation, energy, and real estate sectors. She is a Fulbright Grant recipient with professional experience in Germany, Hong Kong, Mexico, and South Korea. Clara is an alumnus of University of Southern California and holds a master’s degree in City Planning from Massachusetts Institute of Technology

LaKisha Collman serves as the Grants Manager in the Los Angeles office, assisting the team in deploying and tracking impactful capital to partner organizations across multiple LISC LA programs. LaKisha has a strong background in social services and has developed a profound understanding of the challenges and opportunities that community-based organizations face. Most recently she was a contracted Program Officer for the California Emergency Rental Assistance Program administered by LISC. In this role, LaKisha managed a team of Assistant Program Officers to guide more than 145 Local Network Partners through the contracting cycle.

Armed with a master’s degree in organizational management from Antioch University, LaKisha possesses a unique blend of strategic insight and a passion for making a difference. Beyond her professional accomplishments, she finds inspiration in the world of performing arts and has a deep-seated passion for traveling. Whether she's immersed in a theatrical performance or exploring a new corner of the globe, these pursuits serve as a wellspring of creativity and cultural enrichment.

Jabbar Wesley oversees LISC LA’s Economic Development portfolio as Senior Program Officer, bringing 15+ years of experience in economic development, nonprofit management, and philanthropy to the role. He has led significant initiatives, such as founding the Novel City Venture Innovation Accelerator in partnership with Kauffman Foundation, and providing executive leadership to the Spire Foundation’s Corporate Social Responsibility Committee where he oversaw and deployed a $5.9 million annual social impact investment budget to community serving non-profits organizations. Jabbar excels in fund structuring, fund management, public-private partnerships, and stakeholder management. His economic development experience spans over 500 projects ranging from $50,000 to $4.5 billion in capital investment. Jabbar holds a BA & MA in Economics from the University of Missouri College of Arts and Sciences, a Masters in Legal Studies from Arizona State University, a certificate in Economic Development from University of Oklahoma and a certificate in Business Analytics from Harvard Business School. 

Crystal brings over six years of experience in program management, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement to her role as Program Officer for Economic Development. She is deeply passionate about ensuring communities are better served by government, institutions, and policies. In her previous role, Crystal was pivotal in the administration of the California Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) and a Local Partner Network (LPN) of more than 200 nonprofit and community-based organizations. The LPN delivered statewide multilingual and technical assistance that effectively reduced barriers to program access and targeted the most vulnerable populations. The program deployed over $4.7 billion in rent and utility assistance serving more than 371,000 households across the State during the COVID-19 emergency. Crystal’s expertise spans human-centered program design, program analysis, and crafting creative communication strategies to address community needs effectively.  Crystal holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a focus on International Relations from California State University, Fullerton, and has completed specialized training in International Relations and Business at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO). Crystal is committed to community service, actively volunteering with Mariners Church Homelessness Ministry to support populations at risk or experiencing homelessness. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, playing pickleball, exploring the outdoors, and spending quality time with her beloved dog, Kylo.

Diana is a native Angeleno leading the economic development capital initiative specializing in small business lending at LISC LA. In this role, she supports the Asset Building for Communities of Color (ABC) program designed to create pathways for diverse small business owners across the County of Los Angeles to grow, scale, and fuel job and wealth creation. Additionally, she designs and deploys wrap-around accelerator programs for small businesses and non-profits. With nearly 15 years of professional experience, Diana’s expertise lies in small business relationship building, business development, and creative solutions to client challenges.

Prior to joining LISC, Diana worked at Wells Fargo Bank as part of the Commercial Middle Market Banking SBA Division where she managed complex deals involving Commercial Real Estate Purchase, Business Acquisition, and Tenant Improvements. Diana has an MBA from Pepperdine University with a specialization in Conflict and Dispute Resolution. Diana is passionate about bridging the gap between underserved communities and resources historically unavailable to them.

Emy is the LISC LA Program Officer supporting housing technical assistance and strategy in Los Angeles. Emy is motivated by multi-sector systems change and has a background in capacity-building within education and philanthropy. She completed two years of AmeriCorps service with a national education nonprofit in Boston before joining the Annie E. Casey Foundation in Baltimore City, MD. While at the Annie E. Casey Foundation, she was a member of the Leadership Development team, facilitating capacity-building programs with social services leaders across the country.

Emy returned to the best coast to complete a dual master’s degree program in Social Work and Urban Planning from the University of Southern California. She has experience convening and facilitating stakeholders critical to land-use decision-making and affordable housing. In Los Angeles, Emy contributed to the policy and coalition efforts of a South LA community-based action organization and a member of Los Angeles City Council District 8’s Capital Projects team. At CD8, Emy assisted with the Planning, Land Use, and Management Committee and efforts related to HHH-funded affordable housing projects.

Sabin Kim is a community development professional with a background in small business development programs and a strong commitment to driving sustainable change in underserved communities. In his current role as a Program Officer at LISC LA, he actively supports small business initiatives, including the Asset Building for Communities of Color (ABC) program, working to help diverse small business owners in Los Angeles County grow their enterprises, create jobs, and build wealth.

Previously, Sabin managed a collaborative group of small business technical assistance providers through the Small Business Administration’s Community Navigators Program. His experience spans from his role as an economic development volunteer with the Peace Corps in Timor-Leste to his work on various community economic development programs with the Koreatown Youth and Community Center (KYCC). Sabin holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of California, Los Angeles

Allure Mitchell plays a key role in managing programs, outreach, and communications for the LISC LA local office. With a background in public policy and government contracts, she has developed a strong foundation for understanding the complexities of community needs. Before joining LISC, Allure held various positions, including managing social media for the Office of Study Abroad at California Polytechnic State University, Pomona, and providing clerical support at Pasadena City Hall. She has also contributed to public service through an internship in Assemblyman Chris Holden’s office, where she assisted with constituent relations and event organization.

Allure graduated from California Polytechnic University, Pomona, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance, Real Estate, and Law, emphasizing Business Law. Additionally, she was a participant in California’s 41st Assembly District 2019 Young Legislators Program.

Christian Fonseca assists in program management, managing media & communications and policy research for the LISC LA local office. Prior to joining LISC, Christian worked as the Administrative Assistant for the Campaign Legal Center, a national watchdog organization based in Washington, D.C. that works to advance Democracy through law. At CLC, Christian oversaw internal communications, event coordination, and office management for the organization. He also worked to assist departments outside of his own on a regular basis, having worked on several Policy and Advocacy assignments, as well as serving as a backstop for positions within the Human Resources and Communications teams.

Christian is a graduate of University of California, Irvine, receiving his Bachelor's of Arts degree in Political Science with honors. He also interned at the League of United Latin America Citizens (LULAC), serving as their Policy and Technology intern. 

Paola Herrera began her journey at LISC by supporting the CA-ERAP team, where she skillfully managed a $10.9 million federal fund portfolio from the U.S. Department of Treasury. Her role encompassed compliance monitoring, invoicing, and cultivating strong partnerships. She also played a key role in assisting the Grants Manager with the $32.5 million Alternatives to Incarceration program, excelling in compliance oversight and financial management.

Currently, Paola serves as an Assistant Program Officer, contributing to the development and management of affordable housing programs across Los Angeles. She also collaborates with the Communications Team, providing support with website updates and other communication needs to amplify LISC’s mission and impact.

In addition to her work at LISC, Paola brings a diverse professional background in finance and psychology. As a former mortgage loan officer, she empowered numerous first-time homebuyers throughout Los Angeles. Paola holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Bates College, reflecting her dedication to both professional growth and academic achievement.

Joe is a community and economic development professional with more than twenty years of nonprofit and leadership experience. He currently serves as the Western Region Program Vice President for LISC, responsible for urban program offices in California, Washington and Arizona. Mr. Horiye has also served as an independent consultant focusing on the impact of people and place in traditionally less served neighborhoods and markets; as Vice President of Community Development at the Jacobs Center for Neighborhood Innovation (JCNI); and as Executive Director of both San Diego and Los Angeles LISC.

Additionally, Mr. Horiye’s background includes university fund development and the roles of auxiliary corporation president and non-profit affordable housing development company founder and president. He received both a Bachelor of Science Degree in Finance and a Community Economic Development Practitioner’s Certificate from San Diego State University (SDSU). Mr. Horiye is an experienced, innovative and dynamic community and economic development professional with a proven track record of leadership who has demonstrated skills in both fiscal and problematic analysis with a strong results-oriented and high impact focus.