our leadership

zaida ismatul oliva

executive director

Bi-cultural, proud immigrant, first in family, English-language learner, dual citizen—so many ways to describe our Executive Director, Zaida make her empathetic to the lives of the young women we serve. More importantly, her life experience renders Zaida profoundly committed to cultivating a world of women empowering women, a sisterhood of love and uplifting one another.  She came to Chica Project from her leadership role at Bunker Hill Community College where she directed dual enrollment and early college related programming. Her experience conducting outreach, recruiting 60-90 mentors annually, spearheading curriculum and trainings for academic achievement and cultural competency brought her to what she describes as her dream job. (Of course, second place to her role as mom to 3-year-old Luna). 

 

our team

We are firm believers in the fact that Together Everyone Achieves More. That all-for-one-and one-for-all is the way to success (and happiness) because great things are never done by just one person. They’re done by groups of people with common values and goals, dreams and ideals.

Our team brings its best to every moment, focused on creating a world in which chicas—girls and young Women of Color—thrive. Unencumbered by obstacles society and history often place in their way. 

full time & part time team

part time per diem team

interns & fellows

Headshots: Dante Luna & Travis Alex