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The Dynamic Staff of Community Bridges
Though small in number, our staff works closely with the board, interns, mentors, and other volunteers to bring the benefits of our programs to more than 300 at-risk girls in ten schools in the Long Branch Community.

Ana Lopez, Executive Director--A native of Silver Spring/Takoma Park, Ana has a passion for empowerment and educational programming for low-income youth of color. With more than eight years of experience with Latino immigrant families and youth in Brooklyn and East Harlem, New York, and in Washington, DC, she has worn many hats working as an individual and group counselor, social worker, youth empowerment promoter, and organizational development advocate. She is a graduate of Leadership Montgomery (Class of 2007), is a member of the Nonprofit Montgomery! Steering Committee, and of the Montgomery County Executive's Latin American Advisory Group.
Prior to coming to Community Bridges, Ana worked at the Latin American Youth Center, where she managed the Transitional Living and Street Outreach Program, which serves homeless Latino youth in Washington, DC. Ana holds a master's degree from the Columbia University School of Social Work, with a concentration in program development. She also holds a bachelor from Vanderbilt University in Human & Organizational Development with a concentration in Community Development and Social Policy. In her spare time, she enjoys the outdoors, listening and playing music (from bluegrass to tango), reading, and cooking and eating great food, especially with friends and family. She hopes to complete a triathlon one day as well as visit all seven continents.

Sherry Marshall, Deputy Executive Director--Sherry joined the staff in 2003 after a long career in marketing and association management. Seeking new opportunities in which she could help make a difference where it's needed most, she enjoys using her business experience to help Community Bridges operate more effectively and efficiently. A lifelong resident of the area, she grew up on a family farm in Montgomery County, and has a degree in psychology from the University of Maryland. Over the years she has seen the dramatic growth and changes in our communities, and the critical need for services to disadvantaged and immigrant families. Sherry is a volunteer Court Appointed Special Advocate for abused and neglected children. She also loves traveling the world, from Asia to Africa, and especially to Savannah, Georgia to be with her daughter and her family.

Judy Hurbon, Youth Program Director--Born to Dominican immigrant parents in Brooklyn, New York, Judy began her involvement in the Latino community at a young age. She has a zeal for positive development of youth and is a product of a girls' empowerment program in New York City. She now has over five years' experience in the non-profit sector and has worked with various community organizations such as Centro Pedro Claver, Congreso, Associasion de Puertorriquenos en Marcha , and Latin American Youth Center. She holds a bachelor's degree in Spanish and French from West Chester University of Pennsylvania. She also spearheaded a program in Guadalajara, Mexico for at-risk youth and served as a board member of Raices Culturales Latinoamericanas in Philadelphia. During her leisure time, Judy enjoys traveling, and performing with Latin Fiesta and Brazil Productions. She loves to dance Salsa and Brazilian Samba.

Ashley West-Nesbitt, Middle School Program Leader-- Ashley joins the Community Bridges staff with a strong belief in women’s empowerment and social activism. A native of Baltimore, Maryland, Ashley engaged herself in many community service and athletic activities while attending Howard University. She graduated with a B.A in English and Print Journalism. Her passion for writing and teaching led her to work for local non-profit organizations that focused on providing young adults with the ability to increase their academic potential and job readiness skills. In her spare time, Ashley enjoys reading science fiction books, fashion magazines, impersonating movie characters, and spending time with loved ones.

Crystal Adegbola, Elementary School Program Leader--Crystal's passion for community advocacy was born out of her parent's dedication to community adovcacy in their adopted hometown of Columbus, Ohio. As a child of Nigerian immigrants she has come to appreciate the emphasis the Nigerian community places on giving back to others, especially youth. After finishing her undergraduate education at Smith College in December 2004, Crystal came to Washington, D.C. to follow her passion to work with youth from immigrant backgrounds. Crystal has worked with youth and immigrant communities for the past 7 years and appreciates all that she has learned through those experiences. She sees her current position as a wonderful opportunity to encourage young women to embrace their uniqueness and see themselves as valuable parts of their community. Crystal finds it important to dedicate her time to causes she finds important such as the effort to fight human trafficking and Advocates for Youth. As a lover of the arts she is especially interested in movements that intersect the arts with advocacy and education. Crystal is a dancer who has studied various types of dance and is currently a member of Raices de Borinquen, a Puerto-Rican Folkloric Dance troupe in Washington, DC.

Hana Kim, Volunteer Coordinator & Program Aid Supervisor-- Hana was born and raised in South Korea. After graduating from high school in Korea, she spent the next five years studying abroad in China. She received her bachelor's degree in Chinese Language and Literature at the People's University in Beijing. Since arriving in the U.S in 2005, Hana has studied at Georgetown University and interned at the Korean Embassy. In her free time, she enjoys cooking Korean food for her family and friends, practicing yoga and reading design magazines. She loves diversity because it provides more opportunities to learn, understand, and respect others from different cultures. She considers herself fortunate to join such a diverse staff and become a part of a diverse community. Hana is excited to get to know the people from all over the world and looks forward to sharing her knowledge and cultural experiences.

Jacilyn Smith, High School Program Manager-- Jacilyn holds a Master of Science in Social Work from the University of Texas at Austin and a Bachelor of Art in Psychology from the University of Maryland-College Park. She was raised in a military family and has lived in many places, which has helped her to develop an appreciation for diversity. Jacilyn worked for several years providing direct services to children and families of complex trauma, including domestic violence, child maltreatment, homelessness and HIV/AIDS. She believes that every person has inherent worth and is passionate about coming alongside others, especially children and youth, to help them find their vision for their lives. Jacilyn is active in her faith community and enjoys travelling, the arts, being outdoors and playing with her dog.

Shelby Cochran, L.U.N.A Program Leader--Shelby’s passion for youth empowerment and multicultural awareness has taken her from participating in numerous community projects in the United States and Latin America to now working with Community Bridges. While studying for her Bachelor’s degree in Spanish and Psychology at Ursinus College, she participated in many service activities including helping to organize an English as a Second Language (ESL) program for custodial workers at the college. She also helped build community centers and medical clinics and worked at an orphanage in Latin America. Prior to joining Community Bridges, Shelby was an English as a Foreign Language teacher at a university in Guayaquil, Ecuador. When she is not traveling, Shelby loves to knit, dance, and read.

Sherry M. White, Elementary School Program Leader--Sherry was born and raised in Washington D.C. She knew from an earlier age that she wanted to work to better the lives of children and underserved populations. She believes that all of our blessings, gifts and talents are meant to be a blessing to others around us. Sherry holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology/Sociology from Tennessee State University. She has worked for other non profit organizations coordinating volunteer projects for youth, planning activities and counseling youth. Her favorite thing to do is LAUGH! She also enjoys African American studies, live music and spending time with her family and friends.