Meet Our Team

Dr. Raquel Pinderhughes is Professor of Urban Studies and Planning at San Francisco State University and the Founder and Executive Director of the Roots of Success Environmental Literacy and Job Training Apprenticeship/Pre-Apprenticeship Program. Her teaching and research is focused on improving quality of life for people living in underserved communities. An internationally recognized expert on green jobs and workforce development, Raquel conducted the landmark study “Green Collar Jobs for Individuals with Barriers to Employment” and co-authored the Federal Department of Corrections first report on “The Greening of Corrections: Creating a Sustainable System” in addition to many other publications in the field. Her programmatic work  on preparing youth and adults who face barriers to employment for living wage jobs in the "green" economy informed the Obama Administration’s ARRA “Pathways Out of Poverty” program and the development of hundreds of green job training programs in the United States.

Amber Snow is the Operations Manager at Roots of Success, where she supports finance, human resources, operations, and communications to help keep the organization running smoothly. Amber is a proud citizen of the Cherokee Nation and she brings a deep commitment to equity, community, and justice to her work, along with a strong grounding in both lived experience and academic insight. She holds an associate’s degree in anthropology and is currently transferring to California State University, East Bay to continue her education. She is also pursuing a Certificate in Nonprofit Management to strengthen her leadership and organizational development skills. Amber approaches her work with care and strategic thinking, and her background in community-based efforts makes her a vital force in advancing long-term, sustainable change.

Michael Smith is the Workforce Development & Reentry Programs Specialist with Roots of Success, where he contributes to strategic communications, web and graphic design, data coordination, branding, and workforce development initiatives. Currently incarcerated in Maine, he participates in Roots of Success through a partnership with the Alliance for Higher Education in Prison and the Maine Department of Corrections, supporting paid, project-based learning experiences. Michael is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Systems with a focus on web design at the University of Maine at Augusta. His work is informed by lived experience, a commitment to environmental and social justice, and values rooted in his Penobscot heritage.

Tori Vela is a Consultant for Roots of Success, responsible for supporting and supervising program partners nationwide as they deliver the Apprenticeship and Pre-Apprenticeship program in community and carceral settings. Based in the Bay Area, Tori has a strong background in the nonprofit sector, having worked as a Community Engagement Manager, Urban Farming Apprentice, and Food Access Coordinator at a local farmers market. Passionate about sustainability, equity, and community empowerment, she holds a B.A. from the University of Texas at Austin and a MPH from the Colorado School of Public Health.

Brandon Coleman is an intern with Roots of Success, where he is working on marketing research, strategic planning, communications, and digital storytelling. Brandon is currently incarcerated in the state of Maine and able to work with the Roots of Success program through a unique project-based training experience designed to build workforce skills and support successful reentry. Brandon is a double-major student in Business Management and Computer Science at Washington County Community College.

Kristen Maggard is a graduate from the University of Virginia with a Bachelor’s in Computer Science. She is passionate about using data to create a more equitable and sustainable world.

Curtis Penn brings extensive experience in justice services, workforce development, program leadership, and strategic partnerships that expand opportunities for justice-involved individuals. His expertise in organizational leadership, public administration, and systems change will strengthen Roots of Success as it expands high-quality environmental literacy and workforce development programs nationwide.

Bruce Calderon brings expertise in public service, law, public administration, and organizational leadership, grounded in a career focused on justice, education, and opportunity for communities too often denied institutional support. His experience as an advocate and public-sector leader reflects a commitment to advancing equitable systems, expanding reentry pathways, and creating practical solutions for people impacted by poverty, incarceration, and systemic barriers. Bruce’s leadership aligns closely with the mission of Roots of Success and will help strengthen the organization’s long-term strategic vision, institutional impact, and community reach.

Amy Kiser has served on the Roots of Success Advisory Board since 2018, providing invaluable guidance on grant writing, strategic planning, communications, and nonprofit governance. She brings more than 25 years of experience helping nonprofit organizations build partnerships, secure funding, and communicate their impact. Amy's leadership and long-standing commitment to the organization make her a natural addition to the Board of Directors.

Sandra Kozma-Kennedy brings extensive experience in environmental education, workforce development, curriculum design, and community engagement. Their work developing educational programs for youth, adults, and justice-impacted communities closely aligns with the mission of Roots of Success. Sandra's expertise in sustainability education and equitable workforce pathways will help strengthen the organization's educational programs and partnerships.

Chad Flores is Director of Product Management at Cohesion. His expertise is in nonprofit organizational management and environmental policy. Previous to his work with Roots of Success, he worked for the online fundraising nonprofit Network for Good and the social innovation incubator Hub Bay Area. Chad holds a M.S. in Public Service Management from DePaul University’s School of Public Service and a B.S. in Biomedical Sciences from Marquette University. He is passionate about issues at the intersection of public health, economy, policy, and innovation.

Raquel Pinderhughes is Executive Director of Roots of Success.