Meet Our Dedicated Leadership Team

Chief Program Officer

Shireen Varga initially joined The Priority Center in May 2014 as a crisis clinician for the Children’s In-Home Crisis Stabilization program, subsequently being promoted to Program Director of the Outreach and Engagement program. She has a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology, is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and in her free time serves as the Executive Officer for the California State Guard’s Medical Command.

Shireen’s current role as the Chief Program Officer is important to the organization’s inclusive work culture, day-to day- operations of all county, state and federal contracts and grants, informing strategic planning and program design, objectives, compliance and innovation. Shireen is passionate about emergency management, extreme sports, and is fluent in three languages, Italian, English and Spanish.

Chief Development Officer

Shahana Shah is the Chief Development Officer at The Priority Center, an organization that deeply aligns with her personal values. Growing up and living in Orange County, Shahana is passionate about creating long-lasting, meaningful change in the community she calls home. The Priority Center’s mission to assist those in crisis and break cycles of trauma is work that she finds both fulfilling and vital.

Prior to joining The Priority Center, Shahana worked at the Tiger Woods Foundation, where she was instrumental in advancing development efforts that supported educational equity. With over 15 years of experience in the nonprofit world, Shahana has focused her career on raising awareness, forming strategic partnerships, and generating the resources needed to tackle pressing issues like homelessness, education access, and human rights. Her commitment to equity and inclusion has always been at the forefront of her work.

When not at work, Shahana enjoys traveling, discovering new recipes in the kitchen, and attending live music events. She’s also a proud dog mom to Bean and loves spending time with him. As an avid sports fan, Shahana follows the Lakers and Cowboys, always cheering them on with enthusiasm.

Shahana is honored to lead development efforts at The Priority Center, working alongside a dedicated team to make a positive, lasting impact in Orange County.

Chief People Officer

Isabel Valdivia joined The Priority Center in 2019 with over 35 years of experience as a Human Resources consultant and executive in Los Angeles and Orange County. Prior to her role as the Director of Human Resources at The Priority Center, Isabel worked for corporations in the automotive and software industries, and brings a wealth of experience in talent recruitment, development and retention. She has depth of knowledge in the areas of HR administration and compliance, organizational development and conflict resolution. Isabel holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from California State University, Los Angeles.

Chief Accounting Officer

Experienced General Manager/Director with a demonstrated history of working in vast industries from Automotive, white appliances, construction industry to Non-profit organizations. Strong business development professional skilled in Revenue generation, Budget forecasting, Cost effectiveness, Operations Management, Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), Quality Management, Root Cause Analysis, and Continuous Improvement. Best known for working at ease in adverse/critical situations and seamlessly handling multiple project management.