Our Board

 

ASHLEY MORALES, PRESIDENT

Ashley has been a part of MPower Alliance for 9 years and is a proud birthmother. With love and support from her son’s family, they have all stayed connected throughout the relationship and shared many milestones. She understands the complexity of adoption and advocates the importance of post-placement care for birth mothers/parents. Ashley appreciates the journey every birth parent shares and lifting up the voices from those experiences. Her professional background is in Event and Sales Management, where she has organized and networked for many events in Santa Clara and San Benito County. Ashley is thrilled to bring her experience and passion to the role of Board Vice President for MPower Alliance.

CHRISTINA OGBURN-CHOW, VICE PRESIDENT

Christina is a proud adoptive mother and adoptee. Her professional background is in project and program management, and she currently leads a team of program managers at Juniper Networks. She has been with MPower Alliance for six years in various Board roles and aims to use her professional skillset to further the goals of the organization. In addition to MPA, Christina also volunteers her time with the San Mateo-Foster City Education Foundation and Women's March San Francisco.

 

JENNY SINDEL, TREASURER

Jenny Sindel first became involved in the adoption community in 2005 when she worked as an open adoption counselor at a local agency. She started volunteering with MPower Alliance at its inception in 2008 then transitioned to an employee as Program Director from 2011 to 2018. Jenny has always had a special interest in meeting the needs of birth mothers. She has a BS in Human Development from UC Davis and a MS in Counseling from San Francisco State University. She is also a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.

JENNY BARNES

Jenny is a first mother who was introduced to MPower Alliance when her son she placed was 2 years old. After having her son’s adoption become closed and discovering the supportive birthmother community at MPA, she has become an advocate for post-placement birthmother services. She has led workshops at MPA birthmother retreats and has participated in several MPA Galas as a speaker. Jenny has studied early childhood education and currently works as a childcare provider.

RAMONA LUGO PEDERSEN, HISTORIAN

Ramona has been a member of the MPA board since 2012. She is a mother through adoption and a vocal advocate of open adoption. Ramona is the Event Manager for the British Consulate-General San Francisco alongside her volunteer activities with MPA. Her focus beyond birthmother and adoptee support are educational equity and voter rights.