Founder and Executive Director
Alicia Sewald-Cisneros, LPC, CCTP
A bilingual and bicultural therapist, Alicia combines her training as a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional with her personal experience as an immigrant. This unique combination drives her commitment to building accessible and culturally competent spaces to provide emotional support to the Hispanic community. Her passion is building bridges, offering safe spaces, and increasing accessibility to resources that optimize mental well-being for those most in need.
Our Board
Elizabeth Stephenson is a retired social worker with over 40 years of experience, focusing on at-risk children, youth, and families. She developed and led strength-based trauma-informed programs to promote healthy family and community relationships. With a master’s degree and a License in Social Work, she believes in empowering the vulnerable to find their own voice. Elizabeth is a proud mother and grandmother, dedicated to family and community service.
James Shamlin is a psychotherapist and owner of Cranberry Psychological Center, focusing on well-being, personal growth, and interpersonal relationships. He has served on the Butler County Humane Society board and organized events for various nonprofits benefiting animal shelters, victims of domestic violence, and others. James is dedicated to fostering support, well-being, and stronger community ties, especially with Spanish-speaking populations.
Miryam Pacheco is a Board Secretary with 11 years of experience in social responsibility, both in private companies and social organizations. She specializes in project evaluation, fundraising, and strategic partnerships for nonprofits. Holding a Masters in Human Resources from UCAB and numerous certifications, she has developed fundraising strategies for Venezuelan nonprofits and focuses on corporate social responsibility and sustainable development.
Jeff Sewald is an award-winning writer and filmmaker specializing in the cultural significance of people, places, and events. He founded Backstory Partners LLC and created documentaries such as “Gridiron & Steel” and “We Knew What We Had.” A published author, his 2020 book was about forensic pathologist Cyril Wecht. Jeff’s current projects include a documentary on Dr. Jim Withers and the global street medicine movement for the homeless.
Adriana Jiménez is the Director of Grants Management at Resources Legacy Fund, where she provides strategic oversight of the organization’s grantmaking operations. She has been working in the philanthropic and non-profit sectors for over 20 years, specializing in helping funders develop and implement more streamlined and effective grantmaking practices. Adriana holds an MA in Arts Administration from Columbia University. She currently sits on the advisory board of the Latin American Cultural Center (LACC) in Pittsburgh, and is a board alum and current volunteer of PEAK Grantmaking, a community of over 8,000 grants professionals advancing best practices in philanthropy.
Alexis accrues decades of professional experience in supply chain management, business and finance. Currently he serves as Associate Principal, Practice Director, Supply Chain Planning, Americas for Westernacher & Partner Consulting, Inc. Alexis holds a Master of Science in Management and Public Policy from Heinz College at Carnegie Mellon University, a Master of Science in Finance from IESA, and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Sociology/Anthropology from Ohio Wesleyan University.
Prior to this role, Baida was the Director of the Center for Engagement and Inclusion at UPMC, where she led DEI strategies across more than 40 hospitals and clinics. She also co-founded and served as President of eCareDiary, Inc., a healthcare technology startup supporting family caregivers of aging adults.
Her earlier career includes executive roles at Fortune 500 companies such as Avon, Estée Lauder, and Starwood Hotels. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Emory University and completed executive leadership training at Vassar College.
Susan Baida is deeply engaged in community service. She sits on the boards of the Women’s Center & Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh, La Promesa Foundation, Instituto Cimarrón, and the Association of Latino Professionals for America (ALPFA) Pittsburgh. She is also co-leading a new organization of Latinas in Western Pennsylvania aimed at mobilizing the Latine vote.
Our Team
Program Manager
Jannette holds a Master’s degree in counseling from Cambridge College, Puerto Rico, and is working on her PA license. She coordinated the initial program rehearsal, connecting Pittsburgh’s Spanish-speaking population with local therapists. Additionally, she led virtual psychoeducational groups on life skills and domestic violence prevention for adults.
Contact: jannettec@ayudate.net
Business Manager
Luz holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Lisandro Alvarado Central Occidental University, Venezuela (2006), with 15+ years of experience. She is passionate, detail-oriented, and adaptable. As Business Manager, she handles administrative tasks like bills, payments, reports, and contracts. Luz is pursuing a Clinical Mental Health Counseling Master’s degree in Pittsburgh.
Contact: Luzp@ayudate.net
IT manager (Latin-Tech)
Ernesto specializes in digital transformation for nonprofits, improving efficiency and expanding impact. With a Bachelor’s in Industrial Engineering from Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Argentina, he’s pursuing a specialization in Information Systems. He collaborates with Ayudate on projects like digital maturity, custom software, and strategy development.
Contact: eperoche@gmail.com
