APPLY
VISIT
GIVE
CBAPP Advisory Board Chair
Mr. Leo Chu, President
California Casino Management
Ms. Esther Anaya - 2014 BS, Business
International DJ, Singer, Violinist and Producer - Esther Anaya Live (EAL)
Esther Anaya is a Colombian born DJ, singer/songwriter, music producer, and classically trained violinist whose unique sounds and imaginative performances captivate audiences worldwide. She moved to the United States under political asylum at a young age, bringing with her a rich cultural heritage and a passion for music.
With over 20 years of musical training and over a decade of professional experience, Anaya seamlessly blends her classical roots with pop, Latin, and electronic music. Her performances are a dynamic fusion of electric violin, DJ sets, and live vocals that have resonated with fans across four continents.
Anaya's illustrious career includes performances with Rihanna and Kanye West at the Staples Center in 2011 and being the opening act for Maluma's 21-city European tour. She has collaborated with Lil Yachty, released music with Snoop Dogg, and graced the stages of major festivals like Coca-Cola Flow and Baja Beach Fest alongside J Balvin and Bad Bunny. Recent highlights include being the official DJ for the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium, performing at Super Bowl 2023, Pro Bowl 2023, WM Open 2023, and EDC Mexico City 2024. Her partnership with Cadillac has taken her on a tour with iHeartMedia, further cementing her status as a musical force.
Anaya's residencies at iconic venues like Zouk Nightclub in Las Vegas and E11even Miami showcase her ability to energize and connect with diverse audiences. She has shared the stage with international powerhouses such as David Guetta, Calvin Harris, Zedd, DJ Snake, Snoop Dogg and Sean Kingston. Beyond the stage, Anaya has been featured on national news segments like Fox Sports and CBS Sports and performed for popular radio shows like iHeartRadio.
Esther Anaya's journey from a classical conservatory to the forefront of the global music scene is a testament to her versatility, creativity, and relentless dedication to her craft.
Mr. Redy Babasa-Thompson, Vice President/Client Advisor
Partners Bank of California
With over two decades of banking experience, Redy Babasa-Thompson specializes in commercial and SBA lending, deposit management, and portfolio oversight. He has a strong track record of exceeding financial goals and providing tailored financial solutions that drive business growth. His expertise includes credit analysis, risk management, and commercial real estate lending, all underscored by a deep commitment to client service.
Beyond his professional achievements, Redy is actively engaged in community development and economic empowerment initiatives. He has held leadership roles in several organizations, including serving as an Assistant Governor for Rotary International District 5280 and as Past President of the Rotary Club of Historic Filipinotown. He also serves as a board member of the Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Los Angeles and volunteers with Meals on Wheels, supporting underserved communities.
At 荔枝视频, Dominguez Hills, Redy serves on the CBAPP Advisory Board, where he provides strategic guidance, industry insights, and mentorship to help shape academic programs and career opportunities for students. His dedication to education, business, and community service reflects his passion for fostering meaningful connections and long-term success.
Mr. Kim Defenderfer, Executive Vice President & Regional Manager
Banc of California
Kim Defenderfer manages the Banc of California鈥檚 South Bay and West LA Commercial Banking Offices.
Mr. Defenderfer is a Board Member of Upward Bound House, a nonprofit providing transitional housing and support services for families in Los Angeles with minor children. He is also on the Advisory Board for 荔枝视频, Dominguez Hills College of Business Administration and Public Policy and a past board member of the Torrance and Gardena Carson YMCA鈥檚 and the Santa Fe Springs Chamber of Commerce.
Prior to banking, Kim owned a solar water heating sales and installation company, lived in France and England for 18 months and was a logger in Oregon.
He obtained his undergraduate degree from the University of Oregon and his MBA from the Anderson Graduate School of Management at UCLA.
Ms. Linda DeYampert - BS, Business 1999; MBA 2006
Director, Studio Environmental Health and Safety - National Football League (NFL)
A trailblazer in sports and entertainment, Linda DeYampert is the first African American woman to hold a management position at the NFL. As Director of Studio Environmental Health and Safety, she brings decades of expertise in operations and scheduling, ensuring excellence across the league鈥檚 productions. Since joining the NFL in 2014, she has held pivotal roles, including Senior Manager of Scheduling Operations, Lead Program Coordinator, and Co-Chair of the Black Engagement Network. Before that, she spent over 20 years at NBC as Production Scheduling Manager.
A proud 荔枝视频 alumna, Ms. DeYampert is deeply engaged with her alma mater. She serves on the CBAPP Advisory Board, was the 2021 荔枝视频 Commencement Speaker, and actively supports initiatives such as the 荔枝视频 Alumni Banner Campaign, Professor for a Day, and the Circle of Change Leadership Experience. She is also a strong advocate for 荔枝视频 students, while assisting them with opportunities in sports.
Her impact extends beyond the league. In 2024, she received the NFL Commissioner鈥檚 Superlative Award for 鈥淐oach of the Year,鈥� the Hidden Figures Award from the Black Sports Business Symposium, and was recognized at the White House for her work with LACF foster youth. A champion of diversity and mentorship, she continues to break barriers and create opportunities in the sports industry.
Mr. Wade M. Downey - BS, Business 1992
Partner - Downey, Smith & Fier
WADE M. DOWNEY, CPA is a founding partner of Downey, Smith & Fier a Tax Consulting firm in Long Beach, CA. Wade has over 30+ years of state tax experience assisting both public and private companies to resolve state sales and use tax controversies, implement tax planning strategies and compliance improvements, and recover overpaid sales and use taxes.
Mr. Downey鈥檚 experience includes 22 years as a partner with Downey, Smith & Fier, five years as a Senior Manager with Deloitte鈥檚 Los Angeles Multistate Tax Services group and four years as Revenue Auditor for the CA Department of Tax and Fee Administration. Wade is a proud alumnus (1992) of 荔枝视频 Dominguez Hills graduating Magna Cum Laude with Bachelor鈥檚 degree in Accounting and received a Master鈥檚 in Business Taxation from the University of Southern California.
Wade and Rosie have been married for 31 years and lifetime residents of So. California with two children, Jacob (26) who graduated from San Diego State as a Computer Science Engineer and Cora (22) who graduated from UC, Berkeley as an Interactive Marketing Project Manager. Wade is an avid golfer and fishermen who enjoys the outdoors and spending time with family and friends.
Mr. Gene Eidelman, MBA
Cofounder - Azure Printed Homes, Inc.
From developing multifamily projects to revolutionizing the construction industry with 3D-printed homes, Gene's journey in real estate is marked by innovation and impact. After coming to the US as a refugee from Ukraine, Gene developed over 3,000 condominiums and apartments.
He launched Azure Printed Homes in 2022, breaking new ground with a patented 3D printing process that constructs entire structures from recycled polymers. This eco-friendly method is not only 70% faster but also 30% cheaper than traditional construction, revolutionizing how we think about building homes. Azure Printed Homes delivers units ranging from backyard studios, ADUs, tiny houses and primary residences to emergency housing, with a focus on sustainable, affordable housing for all.
Gene is a sought-after speaker and thought leader in the fields of innovation, entrepreneurship, sustainability, 3D Printing, construction and real estate. He recently delivered a TEDx talk on the future of housing, which is currently streaming on .听听
Mr. Richard T. Fleming
CEO & Founder - FLEMING | Neuro-Architect
A visionary in neuro-architecture, Richard T. Fleming has spent over two decades designing transformative, human-centered environments that engage all the senses. As the CEO and Founder of FLEMING, he challenges traditional design paradigms to create innovative user experiences. His work spans more than 10,000 built projects for global brands, including The Walt Disney Company, Apple, Starbucks, Ferrari, the City of London, UCLA, and the Irvine Company. As Principal Architect at Disney, he received the prestigious Spirit of Disney Award for his outstanding contributions to innovation and culture.
Beyond architecture, Richard is an entrepreneur and award-winning innovator. He co-founded Ryzzz, an AI-driven wearable that gamifies cognition and neuroscience, earning recognition as one of the Top 8 Tech Stars. He also serves as an advisory member for IntelliTwin, a healthcare AI product named a Top 5 Finalist at the AiMed International Conference.
Richard is a committed educator and mentor, collaborating with universities worldwide, including UCLA, UCI, ETH Zurich, and 荔枝视频. Since joining the CBAPP Advisory Board in 2023, he has actively supported 荔枝视频鈥檚 Innovation Incubator, helping students launch and grow small businesses.
A sought-after speaker and author, Richard is honored to contribute to the United Nations General Assembly Science Summit, fostering global collaboration in neuroscience, AI, climate, and space exploration.
Mr. Michael S. Grimshaw
Director - The Entrepreneurs Sandbox @荔枝视频
Managing Partner - The Grimshaw Group
A dynamic entrepreneur, educator, and investor, Michael S. Grimshaw has over 35 years of senior-level experience in sales, management, and start-up leadership within the highly competitive technology industry. He has held key positions at IBM, Cisco, Andrew, Nortel, and Unisys, successfully launching strategic products and earning numerous industry awards. As the founder of more than 15 companies, including Pace Data and RAD Network Devices, Mike has guided multiple startups鈥擡quinox Networks, Cascade, Shasta Networks, and Ellacoya鈥攖o funding, acquisition, or IPO.
Beyond business, Mike is deeply committed to fostering entrepreneurship through education. As Founder of Entrepreneur Sandbox at 荔枝视频, he creates a thriving ecosystem for students, faculty, and the broader community. A faculty member in Business Management and Entrepreneurship, he inspires students to pursue their ventures while mentoring entrepreneurs nationally and internationally.
Mike is also a co-founder of serious improv!, a leadership training company using improvisational comedy to enhance communication and creativity. An active angel investor, he is a member of professional organizations including the LA Venture Association and the Institute of Management Consultants. A Vietnam veteran awarded the Bronze Star, Mike brings leadership, innovation, and mentorship to every endeavor.
Dr. Fred Haney, Founder & President
Venture Management Co.
Dr. Fred Haney is a venture capital expert, entrepreneur, and mentor with decades of experience guiding high-tech startups. He is the founder and president of Venture Management Co., where he provides strategic support to emerging companies. An influential figure in the investment community, he co-founded Tech Coast Angels, one of the largest angel investor networks in the U.S., and founded 3i Ventures, California, a venture capital fund that invested $80 million and produced 19 public companies.
A passionate advocate for innovation, Dr. Haney has been a co-founder of multiple startups, including NovaDigm Therapeutics, DRC Computer, and NMR Finder. He has served on over 30 corporate boards, including Parcel Pending, acquired for over $100 million, and Rainbow Technologies (NASDAQ: RNBO), acquired for $457 million. His contributions to the entrepreneurial ecosystem earned him recognition as 鈥淢entor/Angel of the Year鈥� and 鈥淒irector of the Year for Early Stage Companies.鈥�
Dr. Haney is deeply committed to supporting the next generation of business leaders at 荔枝视频. As a long-standing CBAPP Advisory Board member, he frequently shares his expertise with students through guest lectures, mentorship, and hands-on guidance. His sponsorship of the South Bay Economic Forecast helps advance research and economic insight in the region, strengthening connections between academia and industry.
Ms. Margie Harvey - BS, Business 1997
Director of Marketing & Social Responsibility - Mitsubishi Electric US, Inc.
Mr. Dennis Hum, Vice President, Community Manager of Long Beach
JPMorgan Chase
Dennis Hum, a South Bay native, brings a wealth of financial expertise with 19 years in the banking sector and 22 years in leadership roles. A graduate of 荔枝视频 Long Beach's College of Business, his academic focus includes Management, Supply Chain Operations Management, and Marketing.
Currently, as Community Relations and Business Development at JPMorgan Chase, Dennis advocates passionately for the South Bay. Beyond his corporate role, he serves as Vice Chair at the Long Beach Center for Economic Inclusion, contributes to economic advancement being a board member with the SoCal Community Development Corporation, and serves on the Small Business Council with the Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce.
Dennis's commitment to community wellbeing is evident through extensive volunteerism and advocacy in various sectors, reflecting his dedication to community-based nonprofits, schools, universities, churches, youth centers, veterans, and military. His leadership journey of 16 years has honed his skills in team leadership and community building 鈥� contributing significantly to helping residents create generational wealth through his financial empowerment seminars throughout the cities of the South Bay.
Ms. Sophia Lin, Executive Director
JPMorgan Private Bank
Ms. Katrina Manning 鈥� BS, Business 2010; MPA 2017
Mayor Pro Tem - City of Hawthorne
Katrina Manning is a trailblazing leader, dedicated community advocate, and visionary public servant. Elected to the Hawthorne City Council in 2022, she became Mayor Pro Tem in 2024, bringing transformative leadership to her city. A proud double alumna of 荔枝视频, Dominguez Hills, she earned a B.S. in Business Administration and a Master of Public Administration. She is a passionate champion for 荔枝视频, serving on the CBAPP Advisory Board, mentoring students, speaking in classes, and delivering keynote addresses at campus events.
With a deep commitment to community impact, Katrina has launched and supported numerous initiatives. She introduced Movies in the Park and National Night Out in Hawthorne, founded Math Maze to improve math proficiency for youth, and led efforts to implement school safety programs and public health initiatives. Her leadership resulted in key city improvements, including safety measures and park enhancements.
Beyond public service, Katrina is a licensed realtor specializing in probate real estate since 2003. She also serves on the LAWA Los Angeles Airport Advisory Board and as Vice President of the Baldwin Hills & Urban Watersheds Conservancy Board.
Her leadership has been recognized with numerous accolades, including Citizen of the Year (Hawthorne) and Woman of Influence (Los Angeles Business Journal). A devoted wife and mother, Katrina continues to inspire change, uplift communities, and open doors for future leaders鈥攅specially at 荔枝视频.
Shokouh Shafiei, President & CEO
DSA Signage
Mr. Shan Sundar
CEO - Saira Solutions
Shan Sundar is the Founder and CEO of Edgesoft, where he leads overall company operations, establishes strategic partnerships, and oversees business development. His vision, energy, and integrity have positioned Edgesoft as a world-class technology company.
Before founding Edgesoft, Shan served as Chief Information Officer for Audio-Digest Foundation, the world鈥檚 largest medical education provider. With over 17 years of experience spanning healthcare, manufacturing, publishing, telecommunications, and government sectors, he has also trained IT professionals at several Fortune 1000 companies.
A recognized industry expert, Shan has been a featured speaker at conferences for Apple, Verizon Wireless, and Fire Chief associations across the U.S. He holds a Master of Science degree from the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay and a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Madras University.
Shan is a member of the Millennium Momentum Foundation and a past recipient of the Champion of Diversity Award. He is passionate about mentoring students and is willing to speak on topics such as career development, municipal maturity models through technology, life balance and meditation, and selling to the government.
Mr. Erwin Walker - BS, Business 1986
Senior Manager - Internal Revenue Service
Erwin Walker is the Lead Senior Manager of Technical Training for the Large Business and International Division (LB&I) of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). In this role, he oversees the design, development, and implementation of tax law training for mid and senior-career professionals transitioning into IRS Revenue Agents. Since 2017, he has led multiple teams of senior managers, instructors, and specialists in delivering comprehensive training curricula, equipping over 3,200 new hires with the expertise needed to conduct complex federal income tax examinations. In fiscal year 2024 alone, over 2,100 agents have executed the program under his leadership.
Previously, Erwin served as a senior territory manager for LB&I鈥檚 Western Compliance Practice Area, overseeing tax compliance for large businesses headquartered in Southern California. He also led tax compliance operations for multiple industry groups, including Communications, Technology and Media, Natural Resources and Construction, and Heavy Manufacturing and Transportation, covering large and mid-size businesses across the West Coast, Hawaii, and Nevada. Since the inception of the IRS鈥檚 Large and Mid-Size Business Division in 2000, Erwin has been instrumental in shaping compliance strategies at the national level.
With 38 years of IRS experience鈥�29 in leadership, including 25 as a Senior Manager鈥擡rwin brings a wealth of knowledge to the field. He has been a licensed California CPA for 33 years and has shared his expertise as an adjunct lecturer in accounting and auditing at 荔枝视频, Dominguez Hills for 12 years. A dedicated member of the CBAPP Advisory Board since 2012, Erwin remains committed to bridging real-world business insights with academic excellence to prepare students for successful careers.
Beth K. Whittenbury, Esq.
Attorney - Beth K. Whittenbury & Associates
Beth K. Whittenbury began her legal career at what was then San Francisco鈥檚 largest law firm, litigating employment cases and advising employers. She later founded her own legal consulting practice, dedicated to resolving workplace disputes without litigation. She specializes in employee mediations and conducts training on implicit bias, anti-discrimination, and anti-harassment for both managers and employees. Additionally, she assists organizations in fostering inclusive workplace cultures to prevent harassment and discrimination.
Beth is an accomplished author, with her book Investigating the Workplace Harassment Claim earning a spot on the American Bar Association鈥檚 Best-Seller List. She has also written A Manager鈥檚 Guide to Preventing Liability for Sexual Harassment in the Workplace and How to Handle Sexual Harassment in the Workplace During the #MeToo Era: A Guide for Employees and Managers, along with numerous articles published in law reviews and practitioner journals.
A recognized leader in the legal community, Beth is a Life Fellow of the American Bar Foundation (ABF). She has chaired the Section of Civil Rights and Social Justice of the American Bar Association (ABA) and the Employment Law and Litigation Committee of the ABA鈥檚 Tort, Trial, and Insurance Practice Section (TIPS). She currently serves as Vice Chair of the California Lawyers Association Delegation to the ABA House of Delegates and remains an active member of the California Bar Association.
In addition to her consulting work, Beth shares her expertise with students as a lecturer in Business Communications at 荔枝视频, Dominguez Hills.