VESTIA Board of Directors

About VESTIA

Together, we can strengthen our communities and help our neighbors who fall on hard times. Many of the families we serve are the “working poor” – those who are barely able to scrape by and are transitioning from public assistance to self-sufficiency. We admire their persistence, and are here to offer a hand when help is needed. We are optimistic that VESTIA will again meet the challenges that face the families of Country Costa County because of the dedicated volunteers and generous supporters.

VESTIA Board of Directors

Judy Pieralde, President

Most of my professional career was dedicated to serving children and working in hospitals, where I found great purpose in supporting others during some of their most vulnerable moments. When I retired, I knew I wasn’t ready to step away from helping people. That is why, in 2001, I began volunteering with VESTIA through the Holiday Helpers Warehouse Program. What started as a volunteer opportunity quickly became a calling.

In 2010, I was invited to join the VESTIA Board of Directors, and in 2013 I stepped into the role of President, again in 2020. Throughout these years, I have remained committed to strengthening our programs, expanding our reach, and ensuring that children, families, and individuals in need feel seen, supported, and valued.

It truly makes my heart sing to know that in some small way, I help bring joy, comfort, and hope to those facing hardship. Whether it’s putting smiles on people’s faces or gently helping to wipe away a few tears, this work continues to be one of the greatest blessings of my life.

Virginie Descamps, Vice-President

Virginie Descamps brings over 20 years of global experience in global management, marketing and digital transformation growing premium brands in fashion, cosmetics, wellness and personal care such as Disney, Estee Lauder Companies, Yves Saint Laurent and Perricone MD. She demonstrated a track record of success in innovation, product development, commercial and merchandising strategies. A French native educated in the US and a multi-cultural leader, she has conducted business in over 60 countries and lived in China and Hong Kong for 4 years.

Inspired by her internship at the United Nations working on women owned micro-enterprises, Mrs Descamps started her first business venture distributing fragrances in her mid-twenties. In 2014, she launched her consulting practice and continues to expand her services with new partners in Asia and South America.

Mentoring and volunteering are an important part of her daily life and commitment to her community. In New York, she joined Meals on Wheels as a volunteer and Board Member. In California, she volunteered for VestiaInc and joined their Board 3 years ago. She is also an advisor for Greater Vision Uganda, helping to build a non-profit school founded by Suzan Rickett, a registered nurse at Kaiser, to provide education, food, vocational training and healthcare to the children in her native village.

She has two daughters, Isabelle and Francesca, who live in Los Angeles and graduated from USC Marshall School of Business. Together, they go on family trips to France, Colombia and Asia.

Carolyn Harley

I have been an active member of the VESTIA Board of Directors since 1997. During the past 20 years I have served as President, Co-President, and Secretary. My interest in VESTIA was stimulated by membership on the Civil Grand Jury where I became familiar with the far reaching activities of Contra Costa Social Services (now Employment & Human Services Department). Prior to VESTIA, I served as President of the San Ramon Valley Education Foundation and was Run Chair for “The Run for Education”. My husband and I raised our three daughters in the San Ramon Valley.

Michelle Barnaba, Secretary
I’ve been volunteering with VESTIA since 1989. I was always active in my children’s school activities and programs when I discovered there wasn’t as much of a need for parent volunteers when they entered middle and high school. That’s when I found VESTIA, and the organization’s ability to reach out to so many in our communities in so many ways. It provided me with insight into some of the programs generated by the County to assist our neighbors. I joined the Board of Directors in 2007 and enjoy being hands-on with the Holiday Helpers Warehouse Program, Angel Tree Program, and as a “shopper” for used clothing for clients of Employment & Human Services Department. I like to think we’re giving a helping hand to future generations who, in turn, will reach out to those in need when the time comes.

Marilyn Lawver, Financial Reporter

I was introduced to VESTIA by Carolyn Harley years ago during a backpack drive. From there I started volunteering with Holiday Helpers. Previously I was a board member and financial reporter for VESTIA. I have since returned to VESTIA and am passionate about helping others. While my daughters were in school, I volunteered for their PTA and was on the board of the summer camp they attended. I spend tax season volunteering with TaxAide. I live in Danville with my husband. I am thankful that my daughters stayed close as it allows me to spend time with my three beautiful granddaughters.

Members at Large:

Pat Herrera, Financial Reporter
I was first introduced to VESTIA 29 years ago when my son was in 2nd grade at Green Valley Elementary School in Danville. I was the Homeroom mother and we were participating the in Adopt-A-Family Program. We provided clothes and toys for a needy Contra Costa Family. I made it a family project and we went out shopping together for the family. I used this time to explain to my kids about my childhood and how I grew up. My sister and I grew up in Oklahoma City with a single Mom who had mental health issues. My parents got a divorce when I was 6 years old and my mother worked part time jobs but always struggled to make ends meet. I remember one holiday when we stood in line at a Church for food and a toy. I could relate to the families that we support in VESTIA. My girlfriend and I have a Holiday Party each year and ask our friends to bring unwrapped toys and clothing for those Contra Costa families in need. We also collect back packs and school supplies each summer for the Back to School program. I have served on the board for the past 5 years and I am proud of the support we give to the local Contra Costa families and their needs.

VESTIA Logistics Team

Cynthia Smith
Coordinator

Alvaro Florez
Program Specialist