Our leadership team reflects the broader collaborative spirit of UCASA: only by bringing together people from all sectors of society can we create innovative solutions that address the issue of sexual assault in our communities. If you would like to contact a member of our Board of Directors, please email them at [email protected].
Executive Committee:
Megan Manning - Chair
Megan Manning is a development professional who was born and raised in Salt Lake. She is committed to advocating for women in her community, and especially those who are survivors of abuse and exploitation.
Megan has a bachelor’s degree in International Business Management from Utah Valley University and a background in nonprofit development and relationship management. She has fundraised for programs and worked in over 20 developing countries improving accessibility to self-sufficiency resources.
She believes that a fulfilling life is established in service and striving to help others become the best version of themselves, reach their goals, and give back to the community. When she’s not working or spending time with her dogs and husband, you can find her running or skiing in the Wasatch mountains.
Ryan Cook - Secretary
Ryan studied Anthropology and International Development in both her undergraduate and graduate degrees and loves how anthropology combines her passions for history, languages, and the arts into one subject that focuses on human complexities. She has a growing background in the nonprofit world and in the past has worked with organizations in teaching international entrepreneurship skills, addressing high maternal mortality rates, and research on gender dynamics within indigenous communities. She currently is managing operations and programs at a local non-profit organization called Women of the World which focuses on empowering forcibly displaced women to become self-reliant and independent here in Utah. She is also an adjunct professor at Utah Valley University and a lover of dogs, plants, and all activities outdoors.
Som Chivukula - Treasurer
Som Chivukula is a finance professional in the healthcare sector. Most recently, he was the CFO of a family-owned optical business. He is pleased to provide his expertise for the treasurer board role for UCASA. Som considers himself to be a servant leader, and empowers everyone around him to be their best selves.
Som also is the program chair of the Utah chapter of the Healthcare Financial Management Association. His other passions include sports, wine, jazz and blues, and continuous learning. He holds master's degrees from Fordham University, the University of Utah, and soon, UCLA. You can connect with him on LinkedIn under Som Chivukula.
Directors:
Kari Herron
Kari is a seasoned professional with nearly three decades of experience in the legal arena, having worked in law firms and corporations. Graduating with a degree in Social Work from the University of Wyoming and holding an ABA approved paralegal certificate, she brings a unique blend of skills to her endeavors. Outside of work, Kari enjoys spending time with her family, running Utah Women and Wine, and exploring new destinations through travel. She is particularly passionate about empowering survivors and is excited to be making a meaningful contribution to the local community.
Susi Feltch-Malohifo’ou
Susi Feltch-Malohifo’ou is a Co Founder and current Chief Community Engagement & Development Officer after 8 years serving as CEO of Pacific Island Knowledge 2 Action Resources (PIK2AR) a 9 year old Community powered 5O1C3 non profit based in Salt Lake City, Utah whose mission is to eradicate poverty, reduce harm, Economic Advancement rooted in the Arts & Humanities .
Susi is a proud Community Health Worker, Certified Peer Support Specialist, Survivor and Advocate in life long recovery that was born in the Kingdom of Tonga in the South Pacific, is a trans-racial adoptee, immigrated to the US when she was 13 years old with her adopted family and grew up in Vernal, Utah. Has lived and worked in Dallas, Texas, Honolulu, Hi, Tucson, AZ, San Francisco, CA areas and relocated to Salt Lake City, Utah area 13 years ago when she married her biggest supporter and advocate, Simi Poteki.
Susi’s life time work is centered in the margins championing and empowering the most vulnerable, the under-resourced in communities through self-determination, turning challenges into strengths, building and regaining cultural self value with as many chances as people need to strive and thrive.
Susi sits on several Boards and Governors Committees & Subcommittees. Utah Community Health Workers Association, UCASA, Governors Food Security Committee, Governors Recitivation, Community Sub Committee, AG’s Trafficking Service Providers Sub Committee and co leads Living Color Utah, a coalition of 10 diverse Chambers of Commerce.
A few awards and accolades are: April 2024 ABC4 selected Susi as 1 of the 4 Remarkable Women of Utah Honorees, received the 2022 National ACE (Asian American, Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islander Chamber of Commerce & Entrepreneurship) Advocate of the Year Award and Utah's “40 Over 40” awardee. In 2021 Forbes Magazine named Susi one of the “50 Over 50” for Impact. In 2019 FBI Directors “Community Leadership Award” for the State of Utah and honored as one of Utah’s 50 Enlightened.
Gary Scheller
Ethan Pisciotta
Ethan is full time student at Brigham Young University studying neuroscience. He has learned and studied the importance of understanding neural circuitry and neuropsychology. He has a long time experience of volunteering in a diversity of different roles and has an enthusiasm for helping those in the community. He loves spending time with his wife, Kassidee, and together they like to spend time outside, such as playing pickleball or golfing.
Alyssa Blake
Alyssa is an acquisition and procurement professional with over nine years of experience. As a Lead Acquisition Program Manager, she specializes in contract management, process improvement, and regulatory compliance, ensuring efficient and effective procurement operations.
Passionate about advocacy and community service, Alyssa brings her leadership and strategic planning expertise to UCASA’s mission. Outside of work, she loves dogs, enjoys reading novels and traveling, always seeking new perspectives and experiences.
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