Over the past several months, Tahirih has welcomed four new leaders whose expertise, passion, and dedication we are thrilled to share. Please meet them below!
Adriana López, Co-Director of Client Advocacy
Previously the Social Services Program Manager at Tahirih’s Greater DC office, Adriana brings eight years of experience advancing immigrants and gender-justice causes through advocacy, training and capacity-building, program development, and direct service work. As Co-Director of Client Advocacy, Adriana strengthens Tahirih’s interdisciplinary model of service, where legal and social services staff comprise one interdisciplinary team to holistically address clients’ needs and increase their access to safety and justice. Prior to joining Tahirih, Adriana worked at the New York City Alliance Against Sexual Assault, Kids In Need of Defense (KIND), and the Equal Rights Center.
Elaine de Leon, Director of Communications
Elaine joins Tahirih with over a decade of advocacy and communications experience on a variety of issues including economic justice, health and wellness, higher education, criminal justice, and human rights. As Director of Communications, Elaine leads Tahirih’s efforts to leverage the power of storytelling, public relations, and marketing to support and advocate for immigrant survivors of gender-based violence. Prior to joining Tahirih, Elaine served as Communications Director at Young Invincibles, the Institute for Policy Studies, and the Death Penalty Information Center, as well as an Account Manager at Vanguard Communications, a D.C.-based public relations and social marketing firm.
Michele Pérez, Chief Operations Officer
With more than 22 years of experience at service-driven agencies, Michele has led programs and strategically managed operations across government, nonprofit and philanthropic organizations. In her role as Chief Operating Officer, Michele oversees the execution of strategies that enable Tahirih to deliver on our core values and mission of advancing equity and social justice. Prior to joining Tahirih, Michele worked at the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Renée Stikes, Chief Development Officer
Renée has worked as a nonprofit professional for more than twenty years. In her role as Tahirih’s Chief Development Officer, Renée provides overall direction for Tahirih’s development initiatives working with development staff in the national and local offices on institutional fundraising, major giving, fundraising events, organization campaigns, and fundraising technology. Prior to joining Tahirih, Renée served as Executive Director of Horizons Greater Washington, and held development roles at KaBOOM!, CentroNia, Council on Foundations, Children’s Defense Fund, National Minority AIDS Council, and Building Futures
