The Directors

"My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor and some style."     - Maya Angelou

Appointed Executive Director in August 2019.  CarsJanae has been an advocate and member of the community for 17+ years.  She has devoted herself to help and serve those in need.  CarsJanae has worked with non-profits in the community like Ecumenical Hunger Program and Voices of Recovery in East Palo Alto.  She is a devoted wife and mother to three beautiful girls, and firmly believes in the  need to establish a strong foundation in our communities for the betterment of our future generations.  She has always worked her way up in any company/organization that she has worked with, and prides herself on a strong work ethic and professional demeanor.  She is thrilled to hold her knew position with Drew Health Foundation, Inc and ecstatic to bring new programs and funding to the organization. 

               West Texas State graduate, born in Texarkana, Texas- this Queen City (TX) raised lady has made a magnificent impact to her community of East Palo Alto, CA since 1963.  Opal continued her education at San Mateo Jr. College and San Jose State.  From there she began to impart her wisdom during her tenure at Ravenswood City School District from 1967-2000.  Opal is the Chairperson (President) of Drew Health Foundation, a charter member of Faith Missionary Baptist Church and a longtime community advocate and volunteer/friend of Ecumenical Hunger Program in East Palo Alto and East Menlo Park, CA.  Opal is a 

loving wife (now widowed) and mother of two daughters, grandmother of four and a great-grandmother of two.  

"In God's Kingdom, greatness comes through service."

 This is a principle that has been an integral part of Mrs. Sterling's life.    

Sandra has been involved with the community starting with her employment with the Ravenswood School District for 34 years.  Sandra has led a life of servitude to her church and community, holding positions as a Teacher, Youth Developer, Principal, Board Trustee, Advisor, Volunteer and more.  Mrs. Sterling has worked with many community affiliates and programs in the community and continues to broaden her scope of service.  Life for Mrs. Sterling is measured in being a servant.  She embraces and applies the lyrics of the song "If I can help one somebody, as I travel along, then my living shall not be in vain."

Born in Long Beach, CA to a Naval Officer, Alvin spent the majority of his young life moving around. Being one of seven children, Alvin quickly learned to make friends of all different backgrounds; not realizing he was molding his future for the type of people he would be interacting with and the person he would later become. Alvin was no stranger to meeting different types of people and races, however, he fell in love with the black culture and himself as a black man. 

Enduring racism and discrimination through high school, at the time, the thought was “that was just the way of the world.” Due to Alvin’s bubbly personality, a lot of thought was given to racism and how we can move forward. Through his experiences in life, it led Alvin to devote his time to uplifting those who have suffered from racism, mistreatment and being passed over. Aside from working and tending to his high school sweetheart (wife) and family, Alvin has committed himself to working with non-profits like EHP, volunteering at the Wednesday Night Meal program, working with the Kiwanis club and serving on the board of DHF, Inc. 

Jason was born and raised in San Francisco, CA and currently an active member of the community and home owner.

Jason worked at the DMV for 10 years, before starting his own DMV registration service (G.A.M. Entp. located  at 1848 Bay Rd.)  in 2001 in East Palo Alto, CA.  While he is devoted to servicing this community, his main devotion is to his family.  Married  for 24 years with four loving kids (3 girls and 1 boy), and joyous about watching his family grow.   Because of Jason's passion for community involvement, he joined the Drew Health Foundation, Inc. board in 2019.  As a new board member, Jason looks forward to servicing the East Palo Alto and Menlo Park community in a greater way and sharing the wonderful work of the Drew Health Foundation.