Our Team

Executive Director

Rudy Corpuz

Born and raised in San Francisco, Rudy Corpuz Jr. is the Founder and Executive Director of United Playaz. As an ex-felon, Rudy got involved in the Second Chance program of the Extended Opportunity Program Services (EOPS) at SF City College. United Playaz was able to recently purchase their building. Rudy is now a stakeholder in SOMA and is working hard to build up the community that he once destroyed. Rudy feels blessed to serve with the people and believes strongly in the UP motto that “it takes the hood to save the hood”.

Directory of Community Involvement & Family Engagement

Misha Olivas

Misha represents UP in the community with our private and public partners and funders. She supports parents and families in accessing resources, facilitates workshops and trainings and coordinates fun events. Misha also coordinates the Soma Youth Collaborative to bring people together in support of Bessie Carmichaels specifically and Soma Youth over all.

Director of Operations

Carolyn Caldwell

Carolyn oversees administrative and fiscal systems, grants and contracts, Human Resources, and facilities management.

Director of Programs

Heather Phillips

Heather is responsible for program design and ensuring UP’s programs align with it’s mission and meet the needs of our community. Heather gets to work with a talented team of program coordinators who bring UP’s programs to life.

Executive Administrative Manager

Leriza Bea Madriaga

Bea works closely with Rudy, assisting with administrative related tasks and representing United Playaz in different events. With United Playaz expanding as an organization, she helps lessen his workload and continue to strengthen UP’s connections with other organizations.

Program Manager K-5

Salvador Villalobos

Salvador oversees the elementary and middle school programs. He is a former youth participant at UP, and working with UP was his first job. Salvador started out working with youth and is now a Program Manager. He ensures that the youth and staff are receiving the support they need in order to better themselves. Salvador also facilitates sports activities. His son is a participant in UP programs.

Program Manager Middle/High School

Vanessa Bis

Vanessa develops curriculum for youth that influences their ability to seek self-power within themselves in making a positive impact to their environment and the world around them, all while creating experiences that build character and life-learning skills.

High School Coordinator

Carlo Gascon

Carlo works with middle school students by supporting them both in their academic lives and personal lives. He provides school support, after school programming and case management. The thing he loves most is staying connected to the kids even after middle and high school.

Program Coordinator K-5

Maria Fabia

Maria works with kindergarten and first grade students. She teaches them life skills and engage with them through connections and games, intellectually and for fun. She enjoys creating bonds and memories with the kids throughout the time she has with them. She also enjoys seeing their growth in every aspect. She also likes to do outside activities like go on hiking, reading books about spirituality, drawing, journaling, listening to music and spending quality time with friends and family.

Program Coordinator Middle School

Brandon Jackson

Brandon strives to be a positive role model for his community and serve as an example to others that second chances are possible.

Program Coordinator - K-5

William Ramirez

Will helps teens with social emotional learning, skill building, academic/employment support to build principled, self-loving, healthy-minded individuals.

Program Coordinator - K-5

Marjorie Ruiz

Marjorie is one of the program coordinators for the 2nd through 3rd grade students. She provides academic support and facilitates daily enrichment activities to allow them to take on leadership roles.

Program Coordinator - Middle School

Gabriella Gonzalez

I support our Middle School Group. I provide a safe space through art for the youth to be able to express themselves. I truly enjoy the relationship building that happens in UP. I believe in the phrase “It take a village”. I feel blessed to be apart of this village helping and supporting the youth in our community. I like hanging out with my friends and family. I enjoy cooking and thrifting as well.

Facilities Coordinator

Cesar Domantay

Cesar works in the kitchen, making sure that the kids are well-fed and healthy.

Office Coordinator

Randy Nichols

Randy works at the front door, greeting visitors and ensuring the safety of our guests, staff, youth, and the building.

Program Coordinator for K-5

Jason Lacey

I help coordinate programming for the after school program. I love working with the next generation. My favorite hobby is exercise.