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Founder Sophie Alpert brought together the nurturing community that allowed Piece by Piece to blossom. The Board of Directors has been entrusted to carry that vision forward. The Board, currently led by Sophie, has deep experience in managing non-profit organizations as well as passion and commitment to the Piece by Piece Mission to provide free mosaic art workshops to residents of Skid Row, South Los Angeles, and surrounding areas who have experienced homelessness and/or are living with economic insecurity.
Board ChairSophie Alpert Sophie is passionate about helping the underserved and has been involved in the non-profit sector most of her life. She was the Development Director for Para Los Ninos, a non-profit day care center in Skid Row, before founding Piece by Piece, a social enterprise arts organization in 2007. In addition to her ongoing leadership of Piece by Piece, Sophie is involved with organizations helping to raise awareness and seek solutions for individuals experiencing homelessness.
Wendy Colman Levin is a Lecturer at UCLA’s Fielding School of Public Health where she teaches storytelling and public speaking. She has led workshops on communication and presentation skills at Yale College, Yale Law School, Loyola Law School’s Project for the Innocent, and the Veterans Administration Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System. In addition to her work with private clients, she volunteers as a coach with Speak Up! at the Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH), where she helps individuals who have had lived experience of homelessness develop and share their personal narratives to advocate for change on the local, state and federal levels.
Donna brings 37 years of media, marketing and loyalty expertise to the Piece by Piece board. She launched 1love.org for Bob Marley’s Family and licensed brands, worked with Dave Stewart to launch First Artist Foundation for Financial literacy, worked with Will and Jada Smith on their Careers in Entertainment initiative, and headed up the Policy Link initiative to create the winning on equity fund to support the 100 million people near poverty in the U.S. She worked with the Chopra Foundation to head up strategic partnership and help achieve the goal of impacting 1 billion people.
TreasurerAlan is the third generation President of Alpert & Alpert Iron & Metal, Inc.Alan is on the board of several organizations both professional as well as charitable and has held many leadership positions in the YPO Organization.He’s a drummer, father of 4, grandfather of 10 precious grandkids, and would love to someday get to that next level in golf!
SecretaryDerek Alpert serves as full-time President of the Concern Foundation for Cancer Research since September 2001. He became actively involved in 1979 as one of the original founders of Concern 2, the "young adult" second generation of Concern. He served as the Concern 2 volunteer President for over 12 years.
Mindy Freedman is an innovative philanthropist who is in constant pursuit of creating sustainable social change. A long-time proponent of the power of collaborative giving, Mindy founded The SAM Initiative—a giving circle comprised of philanthropic women who passionately pool their charitable dollars to fund and support programs committed to driving social change and promoting non-profit sustainability.
Quentin D. Strode is a community economic development leaderdedicated to offering equitable financial solutions for marginalized businesses of color.
Leveraging his expertise as a former executive for Bank of America and U.S. Bank, Quentin takes on a comprehensive approach to bridging the capital access gap for underserved community entrepreneurs and small business owners.
Virginia Tanawong is blissfully retired from a 35-year career in the entertainment and media industry. She held the role of Senior Vice President, Human Resources and Community Relations for Universal Studios Hollywood for 15 years. In addition to leading the HR function, Virginia oversaw the company’s philanthropic division, Discover a Star Foundation and was particularly proud of the significant growth in employee volunteerism and fundraising resulting in over $10M in support to local nonprofit organizations addressing poverty, homelessness and children facing critical illnesses.
Ethan Asofsky is an attorney at Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP where he focuses his practice on counseling companies and investors on corporate matters including mergers and acquisitions, dispositions, co-investments and joint ventures, all with a focus on sports, entertainment and media. His practice includes the representation of professional sports teams and sponsors of professional sports teams in connection with day-to-day operations, equity financings, sponsorship deals, licensing deals, stadium deals and other commercial matters.
David is an attorney at Covington & Burling, LLP, specializing in commercial litigation and white-collar investigations. His pro bono practice focuses on criminal justice and policing. He previously worked as an attorney for O'Melveny & Myers, LLP, and clerked for Judge Amit Mehta of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. David worked on President Biden's 2020 campaign helping promote the right to vote in the battleground state of Arizona.
David Freund is a manager in the advisory practice at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), where he has carved a niche for himself in implementing and evaluating Security and Controls tailored specifically to the Salesforce Platform. With a comprehensive skill set and a track record of success, David stands as a beacon of proficiency in the realm of technology-driven security solutions.
Brian is a Group Director, Vice President at Flagstar Private Bank, where he focuses on providing full-service private banking, lending and investment management services to high net worth individuals, businesses, and non-profits. Previously, he spent 5 years at First Republic Bank and was a recipient of the 2020 “Rising Star” Award, awarded to select top performers within their first three years at the bank. Prior to banking, Brian worked in various finance roles within Entertainment for 10 years.
Eric is a Vice President at Goldman Sachs in the Asset & Wealth Management division. He specializes in serving entrepreneurs, family offices, and non-profits, providing tailored investment management solutions, wealth strategy, business advisory, and philanthropy services. With previous experience at Uber Technologies, Snap Inc., and First Republic Bank, Eric brings a wealth of expertise to his current role.
After years of working in the education sector, Michelle has taken a step back to take care of her kids full time. Prior to having children, Michelle was a classroom teacher and a nonprofit leader. Following her graduation from the University of Pennsylvania (with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and minors in Music and Spanish), Michelle joined New York Teaching Fellows program. Michelle taught fourth grade at a traditional district school in the South Bronx for several years, while simultaneously receiving her Masters in Education from Fordham University.
Jamie is from Los Angeles and brings a passion for the betterment of this City to her role as a Piece by Piece board member. Jamie's background is in real estate investing and development, and previously, she spent nearly 10 years working at GPI Companies. GPI is a real estate investment and development firm based in Los Angeles that invests in a range of properties that can be enhanced through redevelopment, repositioning or increased operational efficiencies.
Alex brings over a decade of experience in the International Humanitarian Aid sector, working primarily for the International Rescue Committee. She specializes in working with refugee and migrant populations in conflict and reconstruction settings. She has helped manage aid programs across West Africa, the Middle East, South East Asia and Eastern Europe.
The Piece by Piece advisory board is comprised of community members who have expertise in the work and services offered by Piece by Piece. They offer insight in to how the programs help the community; how Piece by Piece can continue to serve the community; and also help identify and address some of the unseen issues and barriers that Piece by Piece artists face in their day to day lives. This unique perspective from diverse voices allows for a better understanding of what participants need and how Piece by Piece can grow to address those needs.
Artist June is a respected and supportive member of Piece by Piece, known for her kindness and welcoming spirit. A breast cancer survivor and graduate of the Speak Up! Advocacy program, she has represented Skid Row and South LA in Sacramento, addressing homelessness, domestic violence, women’s health, and arts wellness. As a trained artist, she creates both large and small commissions and enjoys portrait work inspired by people who move her.
Artist and assistant instructor Jose has been with Piece by Piece for over twelve years. He also founded Art of Heart, a mosaic program supporting communities like KIWA. A dedicated advocate for immigrants and labor rights, Jose is a pillar of the program, known for his encouraging instruction. He enjoys creating geometric art and collaborating on large-scale projects.
Luz Mack-Durini leads the Piece by Piece artist team in the fabrication of commissions, both large and small. She has traveled to study with renowned mosaic masters and won awards for her art. Luz was granted a scholarship to study at The Studio of the Corning Museum of Glass in New York and selected to receive the Robin Brett Mosaic Scholarship by The Society of American Mosaic Artists (SAMA).
Bea Jones is an instructor, supporting in all workshops and may also be found in the Piece by Piece Studio helping with Large-Scale commissioned artwork. Her encouraging assistance and expert knowledge is an enormous benefit to both participants and instructors.
Victor is an artist from Oaxaca, Mexico currently living in Los Angeles. Inspired by his hometown, he has a colorful approach to his designs/work. Victor's style is geometric and abstract with pattern and use of bold colors.
Los Angeles based, Mercedes currently works as an Independent Consultant to non-profit organizations bringing a lifetime commitment to the arts, community, and cultural diversity and decades of experience as a marketing executive for major studio and independent film clients.
We are so grateful for our amazing artist instructors and the expertise they bring.
Senior Instructor & Artistic DirectorDawn Mendelson has provided leadership in the development of Piece by Piece since 2007. She has over time built an arts curricula for participants that fosters learning in design, drawing, creativity and mosaic technique with progressive benchmarks. Dawn specializes in pique assiette, a style of mosaic which uses recycled materials. Her passion is working with people, especially those who are new to art, and enjoying their moments of self-discovery.
Program Manager & Lead InstructorLuz Mack-Durini leads the Piece by Piece Mosaic Program, and plays a key role in the Social Enterprise. She has traveled to study with renowned mosaic masters and won awards for her art. Luz was granted a scholarship to study at The Studio of the Corning Museum of Glass in New York and selected to receive the Robin Brett Mosaic Scholarship by The Society of American Mosaic Artists (SAMA).
Assistant InstructorJose Morales has exhibited commendable growth over his years of participation in Piece by Piece learning workshops, attaining top-level Artisan skills. We are extremely proud of his accomplishments including his recent advancement to the role of Assistant Instructor.
InstructorBea Jones is an instructor, supporting in all workshops and may also be found in the Piece by Piece Studio helping with Large-Scale commissioned artwork. Her encouraging assistance and expert knowledge is an enormous benefit to both participants and instructors.
InstructorWith a background in ceramics, mosaics, and jewelry design, Ellen shares her knowledge in the arts in Directed Studies classes. She has wide-ranging interests and curiousity of the arts around the world, which she highlights and shares in virtual Inspiration talks. Ellen is a wonderful teacher who values personal connections. She really enjoys connecting with individual artists and seeing their growth and development. She finds it very gratifying to be part of the Piece by Piece community.
InstructorBetty Rosen is a professional freelance mosaic artist, community builder, and educator. Her work can be seen in Eagle Rock Park, the Tacoma Museum of Glass, Angels Gate Cultural Center and private residences and collections nationwide.
InstructorWendy is a Picerne Foundation Artist Outreach Instructor. She has been working as a volunteer with non-profits for over 20 years. She is passionate about helping underserved communities and currently volunteers teaching art to the skid row communities. She has worked in the internet/entertainment industry most of her life but has always created art. She is a mixed media artist who enjoys working in mosaics, jewelry design and mixed media art. She has been working in mosaics for over 25 years and enjoys using recycled materials in her artwork.
Also a creative group — they just happen to use paper and apps rather than tile and substrate!
Executive DirectorMaggie Bohlman has 20+ years of experience leading mission and values-driven organizations. With a focus on program design, operations, and fundraising in the nonprofit sector she has worked tirelessly to better our community. She previously has served as the Executive Director for Opportunity Junction and Senior Action Network, and was the Chief Community Engagement Officer at David & Margaret Youth and Family Services. She actively sought out the opportunity to join Piece by Piece as she was so impressed with the agency. Maggie currently serves on the RaiseAChild board of directors and has a long history of volunteer service. She holds a B.A. from Occidental College and an MBA from The Anderson School of Management at UCLA. Maggie lives in Los Angeles with her son, two Spanish Water Dogs, cat and tortoise.
Social Enterprise Operations ManagerJadie Delgado has a longtime passion for the arts and has been working in the nonprofit sector since 2018. Initially, she managed social media for organizations. Given her natural affinity for storytelling and her sincere interest in people, she moved into marketing and fundraising roles. Her attention to detail and ability to keep everything organized landed her in operations where she is able to combine her interests and skills. Jadie lives in beautiful Pasadena with her daughter and two dogs.
Marketing Coordinator,AmeriCorps VISTA VolunteersBorn in South Los Angeles, Marieme Dramé is a recent graduate from UCLA, where she majored in English Literature. Brought up in a household that valued art and humanitarianism, her passion for creativity and philanthropy has inspired her to take an academic break to serve AmeriCorps VISTA as a volunteer to non-profit organizations. She is filled with gratitude to be able to serve the community that raised her through Piece by Piece.
Volunteer Coordinator,AmeriCorps VISTA VolunteersAmir Abdolvahabi is a recent honors’ graduate of the University of California, Irvine. As a member of AmeriCorps VISTA, he is a federally funded, national service volunteer with a passion to eliminate poverty. As a social media fundraiser, Amir has personally distributed funds in three countries. As a research assistant, he contributed to a soon-to-be-released book on populism and white-collar crime. For his term of AmeriCorps service, Amir is thrilled and grateful to be Volunteer Coordinator for Piece by Piece.
Outreach Coordinator,AmeriCorps VISTA VolunteersJohn is an artist deeply committed to community service and capturing life’s raw, unfiltered moments through various mediums. He has previously served in AmeriCorps for two years, working closely with diverse communities to foster growth and engagement. Reflecting on his AmeriCorps experience, John shared, “The AmeriCorps experience profoundly influenced my approach to art and community involvement, shaping the work I do today.” Through projects like Transennial and open mic poetry readings, he endeavors to capture and share the beauty and complexity of life.
