Management

Manuel Cerda Program Director - [email protected] 

Manuel Cerda oversees grant development, is the liaison between AJCC operations and the County of Los Angeles, and assumes key responsibilities for program wide functions. He began his career in workforce development in 2013 and has experience working with Adult, Youth, and Justice Involved programs. Manuel graduated from the University of La Verne with a Master’s in Business Administration with an emphasis in Management and Leadership; Cal State L.A with a B.A. in English and also completed a Grant Writing and Administration Certificate with Cal State Dominguez Hills. He is passionate about mentoring and assisting both youth and adults with employment and educational services throughout Los Angeles. 

Jesse Limon Associate Director - Quality Improvement - [email protected]   

Jesse Limon, started his career with AYE in 1999 as an intern under the JTPA program. While attending high school, he worked part-time in the evenings in the Accounting Department. After graduating high school, Jesse was transitioned to a permanent full-time staff role while attending night school and graduated with a B.S. in Telecommunications from Mount Sierra College. Jesse now oversees the IT, MIS, Payroll, and Accounts Payables for AYE.

Carol J. Champion Quality Improvement Manager / Finance - [email protected] 

Carol J. Champion has over 40 years of experience in a variety of industries including Law, Entertainment, Real Estate, Information Systems, Accounting, and Nonprofit. She is a lifelong resident of Los Angeles with a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Mount Saint Mary’s University.  Carol also holds certifications in Human Resources Management, ADP, Insurance, Notary Public, and Los Angeles County Child Support Workshop. Carol is currently pursuing her CPA, and is a member of the Mount Masters Toastmasters International.

Evelyn Nguyen Quality Assurance Manager / Finance - [email protected]

Evelyn Nguyen began her career in 1989 at Irvin Industry, an Account Payable Supervisor, and was responsible for reviewing all coding invoices, reconciling with general ledger, and resolve any invoice issue with all vendors.  Due to Company relocation outside of California In 1992, Evelyn left Irvin, and worked for Cal-Avatron as a payroll supervisor for 3 years.  Evelyn Joined SELAC WIB in 1995 as a general accountant for 7 years.  After, she moved on to ResCare as a project accountant in 2002 and ended in June 2018 due to the Company closedown. Evelyn enjoys hiking, traveling, and exploring different cuisines and cultures.

Maricela Herrera Operations Manager - [email protected]

Maricela Herrera is the Operations Manager and oversees one of the busiest America’s Job Centers of California in South Los Angeles.  Ms. Herrera is best described as a dedicated and passionate employee; she loves to give back to her community, mentor youth and staff, and has earned the respect of her peers, key community leaders, including County and City of Los Angeles employees.  She currently serves over 2,000 clients from her center which is co-located at Los Angeles Southwest College. 

Tiffany Piña Operations Manager - [email protected]

Tiffany Piña is the Operations manager for the East Los Angeles/West San Gabriel Valley AJCC that oversees daily operations of youth, adult and re-entry programs. She establishes partnerships with schools, community based organizations and businesses to improve community engagement. Tiffany attended East Los Angeles College and obtained her Associates Degree in Criminal Justice Administration in 2014, then went on to obtain a Bachelor’s of Science in Criminal Justice Administration from California State University Dominquez Hills in 2016. She has experience working with Probation youth and adults and has assisted them with the life skills necessary to reintegrate into the workforce. Her passion to help others furthered her interest in pursuing a Master’s degree in Public Administration. She is currently enrolled at California State University Dominquez Hills where she is obtaining her MPA with a concentration in Public Management, she is anticipated to graduate Fall 2023.


Maria Murillo Operations Manager - [email protected]

Maria Murillo oversees Los Angeles City, County, and Private Fund program operations for the Central and South areas. She has been with AYE for over ten years and has extensive experience with city programs. Maria graduated from California State University, Los Angeles with a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Criminal Justice. She began her career with AYE as an Instructor, actively engaging and mentoring hundreds of youth, served as a Program Coordinator, Program Supervisor, and is currently the active Area Manager for both city areas. Highly motivated, her passion has been to serve as a mentor, help youth in the community become self-sufficient, and be a positive impact for our young adults.


Gail Guenther Assistant to the Director - [email protected]

Gail Guenther has been with AYE for over 20 years and has over 40 years’ experience in administration working directly with executives, leadership teams, advisory board, elected officials, and local City and County personnel. She previously has worked as a legal secretary and in accounting for a major publication firm.  Gail also has extensive experience with publicity, fundraising and organization of volunteer services.