Our Team
Chris Willard PRESIDENT
Chris Willard has worked in the hospitality industry for nearly a decade and is a partner with Genre Hotels; a reputable consulting and representation company for Independent Hotels. Knowing that success comes from within, not the materialistic things of this world; he wanted to be apart of something bigger than himself, utilizing the resources within his industry to support those in need. In 2013, 2 Hands 2 Employ was created equipping many individuals with mentorship, education, and placement within the hospitality industry. Chris owes much of his motivation and spiritual outlook to his grandfather, who taught him to put God first in all circumstances. As the foundation continues to be established in Los Angeles; he will help continue to cast him vision to his team to continue the mission within supporting the underserved throughout the United States.
Victoria Young VICE PRESIDENT
Dynamic human resources professional, with over twenty years of experience in luxury service delivery design and hospitality human resources. I am passionate about building and implementing the HR function and structure within the hospitality industry. Whether it’s a new property or one that has been around for years, creating an environment for a healthy company culture brings me immense gratification.
Farima Maradnouri TREASURER
Farima Moradnouri obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Business Economics, with an emphasis in Accounting, from the University of California Santa Barbara. She is an Active CPA, currently working as the Director of Finance at Squeak E. Clean Studios, a Global Music and Audio Post Production company based in Los Angeles, CA. Her primary responsibilities include management and leadership, focused around the Company’s finances and US based operations. When she is not working, she is passionate about helping her community and those around her acquire the right skills and tools needed to excel in their professional careers.
Edward Vicedo SECRETARY
Edward Vicedo is passionate about creating spaces for everyone to experience growth and joy. He brings to 2H2E 30 years of varied fine dining restaurant and hotel experience, including rewarding stints with celebrity chefs and James Beard Award winning institutions. He currently passes his time as an executive and transition coach for leaders in the hospitality industry and views his passion for personal development as the perfect way to help 2H2E create amazing impact for its students and the service industry.
Kerry Flowers BOARD ADVISOR
The fun and energetic Kerry Flowers is a marketing guru for Genre Hotels with over 30 years of relationship marketing experience. He has worked for companies such as Hyatt, Kimpton Hotels and Kerry Hotels, which he founded in 1996. With a Bachelor of Science in Hotel Management from Purdue University, Kerry has a passion for mentoring people who want to achieve more than the status quo. With this goal in mind, in 2010 he founded Kerry Camp, a sales training company that gives people the personal and professional tools to achieve success. Kerry looks forward to aligning Kerry Camp with 2H2E. His other charitable involvement includes supporting Sigma Chi Fraternity along with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and others. In his free time, Kerry loves playing tennis, gardening, practicing yoga, and attempting to beat Chris Willard in ping-pong.
Time will tell!
Antquan Washington BOARD ADVISOR
Antquan Washington is the Co-founder and Executive Director of Broken Hearts Ministry. Antquan studied Biblical Studies at Biola University and completed his AA at Fullerton College. Prior to Broken Hearts, he invested his time into various communities in the Los Angeles and Orange County areas. From Planting Churches in Watts with World Impact, to soup kitchens in Costa Mesa with Rock Harbor Church, to leading sports camps with you at Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Antquan has been able to love on the spectrum of faces and places. Antquan also serves as the Vice Chair for the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) Board of Directors.
Darie Ofek BOARD ADVISOR
Darie Ofek is an international business lawyer, and serves as corporate and strategic counsel to businesses of all sizes and stages. He is closely involved with the growth of numerous organizations. He is involved with numerous charities as a board member and is passionate about the mission of 2Hands2Employ.
Ursula Allen PROGRAM & COMMUNICATION DIRECTOR
Ursula Allen has over 37 years in accounting and tax preparation and over 32 years of corporate management, she has garnered a wealth of experience and knowledge which she has put to use in the corporate world, education, as well as in nonprofit. Maintaining a full schedule she still finds time to volunteer and serves her community. Part of Ursula’s goal and objective is to help others seize the reality of their dreams. Ursula is the founder and President of LADIES (Leading Advancing Individuals to Empower Success) an organization that helps women of all ages and ethnicities to realize their dreams and empower them to live their life on Purpose.
Maurianna Carpenter MENTORSHIP DIRECTOR
Experienced General Manager with a demonstrated history of working in both the hospitality industry and mental health industry. Strong operations professional with a developed skill set for optimization, organization and writing training curriculum. Thoughtful team member with a passion for creating systems that bring the most good for the most involved.
Jacqui Leanza ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR
With over 25 years in the hospitality industry, Jacqui brings a diverse blend of corporate and independent restaurant operational experience, as well as valuable recruiting expertise. Originally from Chicago, she has also worked in other major markets such as New York, Dallas, and Las Vegas. Jacqui is currently the Senior Director of Management Recruitment for Brad Metzger Restaurant Solutions, a premier hospitality recruitment firm based on the Westside of Los Angeles. From a young age, she has been passionate about being of service to others and is grateful to be a part of the 2 Hands 2 Employ Leadership Team. Jacqui is driven to utilize her background in hospitality to help support 2H2E participants as they journey to develop themselves and their careers.