Meet the Board of Directors
This dedicated group of local advocates, professionals, and visionaries works together to ensure every student in San Pedro has access to the resources, opportunities, and support they need to thrive.
Rick Magana
Rick Magana is a San Pedro-born real estate agent and investor based out of San Pedro and South Bay. For more information: San Pedro Real Estate Agent | Ricky Magana
Louie Mardesich
Louie Mardesich is an LAUSD educational leader who serves as the San Pedro Community of Schools Support Administrator, supporting and supervising local Pre-K–12 schools and the Career and Transition Center in San Pedro. He brings deep district experience, school leadership, and a strong commitment to student-centered learning to the SPEF board.
Emily Huff
Emily Huff is a senior nonprofit development and operations leader with more than 12 years of experience supporting mission-driven organizations through strategic fundraising and organizational growth. She currently serves as Development Director at Friends of Cabrillo Marine Aquarium and brings valuable nonprofit leadership and community engagement experience to the SPEF board.
Katie Sullivan
Katie is a professional educator with a Master’s in Teaching and Special Education Certification from USC, along with a B.A. in Human Development from CSULB. She has worked for the City of Los Angeles since 2014 and has been teaching since 2019, currently serving as a 1st grade teacher at Holy Trinity School.
Lee Williams
Lee Williams is a longtime San Pedro and South Bay real estate professional, licensed since 2005, with nearly two decades of experience helping families buy and sell homes across the Harbor Area and surrounding communities. Beyond real estate, he is deeply involved in local leadership and youth-focused causes, serving with organizations including the San Pedro Chamber of Commerce, Northwest San Pedro Neighborhood Council, Boys & Girls Club of the Los Angeles Harbor, Harbor Connects, and the San Pedro Education Foundation.
Martha Funes-Doughty
Martha Funes-Doughty is a dedicated educator, mother, and longtime San Pedro schools parent whose two children attended White Point Elementary, Dana Middle School, and San Pedro High School’s School for Advanced Studies. With a B.S. in Child Development, a Master’s in Education, and over 27 years teaching in the Lennox School District, she brings deep classroom experience and school leadership involvement to the SPEF board.
Ashley Esparza
Ashley Esparza is the Director of Community Relations & Social Responsibility at APM Terminals Los Angeles – Pier 400. She brings strong experience in community engagement, corporate social responsibility, and Harbor Area partnerships to the SPEF board.