Who We Are

Fujimoto brings more than 35 years of corporate and nonprofit experience to her position. She previously served for 18 years as the executive director of the Change a Life Foundation, based in Orange, California. The foundation sunset in December 2018 after providing $41 million in grants to over 250 charitable organizations throughout California along with $8 million in collegiate scholarships to low income, high risk youth along with former foster youth/emancipated youth.

Prior to the Change a Life Foundation, Fujimoto worked in the child welfare arena with Olive Crest and Children’s Bureau, as well as with Orange County Rescue Mission working with the less fortunate and impoverished here in Orange County. Lisa also had the opportunity to manage the community relations and public affairs team at the happiest place on earth, the Disneyland Resort.

Her expertise is in building and strengthening organizations, board development, team building, and collaborations with the public and private sectors and creation of strong partnerships and alliances. She has served on 20 charitable boards over her tenure in the nonprofit sector.

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.

Shireen Varga joined the Priority Center in May 2014  working her way from crisis therapist for the Children’s In-Home Crisis Stabilization program (CIHCS) working with suicidal and homicidal children and teens, 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 the Alpha Detachment Commander for the Joint Medical Command for the California State Guard, while simultaneously being embedded in the National Guard as a Behavioral Health Officer part-time.

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.

With a remarkable journey spanning over 15 years in the non-profit industry, Brandon Ito is a seasoned professional dedicated to making a meaningful impact. In 2011, he took a courageous step and founded My Wish List Foundation, a visionary endeavor aimed to relieve the stress and anxiety that comes along with cancer treatment. He most recently comes from Five Acres, a 135-year-old organization whose mission is to provide a safe, loving, permanent home for children and families.

Brandon tries to embody the heart and soul of our nonprofit, inspiring all of us to strive for positive change and make a lasting impact in the community. His passion, expertise, and unwavering commitment continue to guide us toward a better tomorrow.

He epitomizes the spirit of determination, compassion, and innovation, leaving an indelible mark on his community. Beyond his professional endeavors, Brandon is an avid golfer and can often be found hitting the links on the weekend.