The women behind
She Excels
Chrissy Watson | Founder | Chief Executive Officer
Chrissy Watson was raised in New Mexico by a single mother of three. She relocated to Los Angeles, CA in 2005 and began a career in Property Management. She worked her way up to a leadership level in the industry with no college degree or formal training. In her many leadership roles, she quickly discovered her passion for teaching and training new employees. Chrissy has always had a desire to work closely with women experiencing homelessness. She volunteered at many local organizations that worked to meet the basic needs of homeless women. Chrissy’s volunteer work combined with her own professional history inspired her to create an organization specifically tailored to homeless women in need of practical skills training to achieve their own career goals. Chrissy built She Excels on a belief that any person with passion, commitment, and the right support can change their world for the better.
Lenae Price | Chief Financial Officer
Lenae Price was a teenage mother who put herself through college, studying Civil Engineering, and went on to create a decent lifestyle for her and her son. Becoming a mom at a very young age, she knows the struggles of being a single mom and making her own way. She raised a well-rounded son, who later made her a proud grandmother. Her love for children and philanthropic nature feeds her passion for helping others, particularly women and single moms. Lenae has over twenty-five years of leadership experience. The last fifteen of those years has been in the Multifamily, Real Estate industry. Throughout her career she has created, managed and maintain budgets for multi-million dollar generating, multifamily properties. She has a proven ability to meet budgeted needs, improve processes and deliver bottom line results. She is excited to bring her expertise and passions to the She Excels organization.
Alex williams | Director of family tutoring | secretary
Alex Williams has six years experience as a fifth grade teacher, and professional experience in education for more than 10 years. In addition to teaching, she is the math lead and coach of her elementary school, where she tutors all elementary-age students in math. Prior to teaching, she worked at an educational non-profit, where she led efforts related to their relationship with elementary schools, presenting to teachers to encourage greater use of technology in schools, and many other education-focused initiatives. When she is not teaching, Alex loves traveling, and working with kids; it's truly her passion. She hopes to share that passion with each child that comes through the She Excels program.
Laura lemansky | Director of Interview Training & Prep
Laura has been in the workforce for over 30 years and spent the last 16 years in the Multifamily industry. She was a working single mom for a number of years and is now married with 3 sons. Throughout her working life, she has managed large teams and hired countless employees. Her expertise is in interview techniques and strategies and she brings her passion for helping others to the She Excels organization. Laura has worked with organizations such as Illumination Foundation, Dress for Success LA, and Family Promise Glendale.
Karissa Freano | Board Member
Karissa has been practicing law in southern California for six years. Her practice, Pacific Coast Attorneys, focuses on estate planning, adoption and family formation, and nonprofit law. Karissa earned her J.D., M.A. in Dispute Resolution, and B.S. in Business Administration and Nonprofit Management from Pepperdine University. During law school Karissa served as an anti-human trafficking intern at a nonprofit organization in India, clerked for the major crimes division of the Los Angeles District Attorney’s office, and spent one summer as a law clerk for the nation’s largest pro bono law firm. Prior to Law School Karissa worked in the non-profit sector as a development coordinator and program fellow. Karissa hopes to provide guidance and support to the She Excels team.