Staff

Alyssa Akins is the Controller at the Samueli Foundation, bringing over 30 years of experience in accounting across both public and private sectors. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in accounting and earned her CPA license in 1995. Alyssa is a member of the California Society of CPAs.

Alyssa’s career began in public accounting, where she spent eight years developing hands-on expertise in various industries and fueling her passion for nonprofit work. She later served as Controller for a construction company for six years before joining H&S Ventures LLC, the Samueli family office. Over the past 18 years, Alyssa has been an integral part of the family office, serving as Senior Accounting Manager and overseeing the financial reporting of the family’s for-profit and not-for-profit entities, including the Samueli Foundation.

Outside of her professional role, Alyssa volunteered for several years as a board member for a local nonprofit childcare facility. Born and raised in Laguna Beach, Alyssa is deeply connected to her love for family, nature, and the outdoors. In her free time, she enjoys activities such as beach outings, hiking, snow skiing, gardening, and supporting the Anaheim Ducks. Always planning her next adventure, Alyssa is committed to creating meaningful memories and finding time to recharge.

Wendy Arciero has been with the Anaheim Ducks and Honda Center since 2005 as Director, Community Relations, administering all the charitable and community engagement initiatives; and as of 2023, Executive Director of the Anaheim Ducks Foundation (ADF).  

Leading ADF since its inception in 2008, Wendy oversees ADF’s mission to facilitate and support programs that produce positive change for children and families throughout Southern California by providing educational opportunities, broadening access to the sport of hockey, and addressing the health and wellness needs of our community.  ADF funds key community programs of the Anaheim Ducks, including in-class and physical education curriculum and a variety of hockey instruction programs, as well as financial grants to a variety of local nonprofit organizations serving Orange County families. 

Under Wendy’s tenure, the Anaheim Ducks and ADF have been recognized for their philanthropic work, notably by the Association of Fundraising Professionals as National Philanthropy Day’s Outstanding Business (2009 and 2014) and ESPN as a Sports Humanitarian Award Team of the Year Finalist (2018 and 2019). 

Prior to joining the Anaheim Ducks, Wendy was a Program Director for the Samueli Foundation.  She also served in development for the Santa Ana-based youth development nonprofit, The Wooden Floor (formerly Saint Joseph Ballet), managing its corporate and foundation relations. 

Wendy earned Bachelor of Arts degrees in Mathematics and Sociology with a minor concentration in Dance from the University of California, San Diego and a Master of Business Administration from the University of California, Irvine. 

Wendy and her family love living in North Tustin and are proud to have adopted the Ducks’ first official office & team pup, Daisy, into their family in 2023. 

Sarah Costanza serves as the Project Manager of Strategy and Research.  She assists with advancing new, special initiatives undertaken by the Samueli Foundation’s Board of Directors and President.  She works closely with Foundation leadership to advance new thinking, gather perspectives, and shape future direction, including internal and external initiatives. 

Sarah began working for Broadcom Corporation in 2006 supporting various business units including Finance, M&A, Investor Relations, the Office of the General Counsel, the Chief Technical Officer and the Broadcom Board of Directors.  

Sarah has worked directly for Henry Samueli since 2011 as his personal and Executive Assistant. In her current role, she works closely with senior management across all Samueli Family entities to support Dr. Samueli’s civic and philanthropic efforts.  

Sarah graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education from Washington State University and has taught elementary school, including in second, third and fourth grade classrooms.  She currently holds teaching credentials in both Washington State and California.  

Armed with her Elementary Education degree, in her free time, Sarah juggles life with her husband and three young kids. There is never a dull, or quiet, moment!

Claudia Fierro serves as the Accounting Manager. She focuses on translating the initiatives of the foundation into accounting and financial data that evaluates, tracks, and analyzes the day-to-day work. She works closely with the Programs and Grants teams to provide the visibility they need to determine their progress on each area of focus. Her collaborative work with the team contributes to the philanthropic values that are so important to all of us.

Claudia comes with over twelve years of experience in accounting and finance with a diverse background in the fields of nonprofit, education, and real estate development. Driven by the mission behind nonprofits, Claudia has dedicated the most recent years of her career to making a difference in the community through her financial and accounting expertise with foundations.

In her spare time, Claudia enjoys being a foodie, exploring new places, connecting with nature, and spending quality time with family.

Michelle Freeman serves as Chief of Staff at the Samueli Foundation, where she oversees key aspects of the organization and collaborates across the Samueli family’s philanthropic network. She plays a vital role in advancing the foundation's growth, change management, and systems development, while also guiding a few portfolios and collaborating on several key initiatives. 

Prior to joining the Samueli Foundation, she facilitated state level policy and national communications projects at the National Center of Substance Abuse and Child Welfare. She also directed community school programs, served local community block clubs, and researched policy and data implications, as part of a place-based initiative supported by the Comer Science and Education Foundation in Chicago. She has an extensive background in data analysis, having served in a variety of positions at the City of Evanston, Children and Family Futures, and Center for Collaboration for Children at Cal State Fullerton, focusing on national, state and local research, data reports and community scorecards. 

She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Services with a minor in Child and Adolescent Studies from California State University, Fullerton, a Master of Arts from the University of Chicago Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy and Practice, and a Master of Public Policy from the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy.

In her spare time, Michelle enjoys travelling, exploring local desert locales, reading books, and spending time with her family. Although a proud product of Orange County, she now calls Arizona her home. You can still find her exploring new restaurants and volunteering in Orange County.

Dayna Herz serves as Vice President of Investments & Finance for Samueli Foundation and H&S Ventures LLC, the Samueli family office. In this role, she plays a pivotal role in providing strategic financial leadership, treasury management, and investment services across both the Foundation and family office.

Dayna began her career at H&S Ventures in 2006 as a key member of the investment team, working closely with both the family’s for-profit and not-for-profit entities. Over the years, her expertise has been integral in shaping financial and investment strategies. In 2024, Dayna transitioned into an expanded leadership role as the finance leader for the Samueli Foundation, where she ensures that the Foundation’s financial resources are managed with integrity and in alignment with its philanthropic mission.  Her strategic oversight of financial operations, including financial planning, budgeting, treasury management and accounting, supports the Foundation’s continued growth.

 Dayna holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from the University of Pennsylvania and earned her MBA from the UCLA Anderson School of Management. Prior to pursuing her MBA, she gained valuable experience at Deloitte in their Financial Advisory Services group, where she developed strong financial analysis and consulting skills while working with a wide range of clients in various industries.

A native of Southern California, Dayna resides in Aliso Viejo with her family. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys spending time with her family, often cheering her sons on from the sidelines at their basketball and soccer games.

Dr. Shlomo Markel earned his BSc, MSc (Resource Allocation), and DSc (A.I.), all in Electrical Engineering, from the Technion. He joined the Samueli Foundation in 2021 to oversee the Samueli family’s Israel portfolio and partner on its work in combatting antisemitism.

Shlomo served over two decades in the Israeli Navy, retiring at a R. Admiral rank, following roles in advanced technologies, complex multinational, and multidisciplinary programs. He received several recognitions for his military service, including the MoD ‘Creative Thinking’ award, the Chief of Naval Operations ‘Ingenuity Award’, Prime Minister ‘Quality Award’, and others.

Shlomo joined Broadcom Corporation as a Vice President in 2001 and worked there for two decades, with extensive responsibilities in R&D complex programs, M&A and Technology Roadmaps, as well as overseeing operations in Israel, where Broadcom acquired 15 companies. He also oversaw academic collaborations at Israeli universities, plus STEM education promotion with the Ministry of Education. Shlomo was the Chairman of Tel Aviv University TTO Board and is a current member of the University’s Executive Board.

In 2013 Shlomo received national recognition from the President of Israel for his contributions to the Israeli economy. In 2016 he received the Technion Honorary Fellowship Award for his contributions and in 2019, he received an Honorary Doctorate from Tel Aviv University for his contributions to Israel economics, education, security, and academia. In 2021, he was named a ‘Honorary Citizen” of the city of Haifa.

Shlomo is married to Arielle, a father of three, Gal, Ken and Amit, a happy grandfather of eight grandchildren and loves music. 

Anna Martinez serves as Project Manager for the Samueli Foundation. She works closely with the President and foundation leadership to provide administrative and programmatic support in executing internal and external initiatives and day-to-day foundation operations. 

Anna began working at the Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute at UC Irvine Health in 2017 supporting front office operations and educating patients on their medical insurance benefits. In 2022, she began working at H&S Ventures as Michael Schulman’s Executive Assistant, working closely with senior management across all Samueli family entities. 

Anna earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry with a minor in Biology from Mount Saint Mary’s University and a Master of Business Administration from The Paul Merage School of Business at the University of California, Irvine. 

Born and raised in Orange County, in her free time, Anna enjoys traveling and honing her boxing skills. She also has a deep love for animals and is the proud mom of two cats and a bearded dragon.

Dr. Shauntina Sorrells embraced a new chapter with the Samueli Foundation in 2023, stepping into the role of Chief Program Officer. With a Doctorate in Social Work from the University of Southern California and an MSW from California State University, Long Beach, Shauntina’s passion for learning lays the groundwork for her genuine drive for positive change in the world. 

Shauntina's leadership in the nonprofit sector in Orange County and beyond has been marked by transformative initiatives that significantly elevated impact. As Chief Program Officer at Orangewood Foundation, she spearheaded the successful launch of innovative programs.  Her strategic approach, rooted in trauma-informed practices, drove remarkable improvements in program effectiveness and youth outcomes at her previous roles including her work in expanding programming across multiple states, improving services and enhancing community reach in her tenure at Boys Town.

Grounded in her commitment to community well-being, Shauntina's approach centers on community centered practices and evidence-based methodologies, fostering improved program outcomes. Beyond the programs, she seamlessly transitions into academia, where she shares her insights as an Adjunct Professor, creating a nurturing space for the next generation to explore social work, research, and program design and evaluation. 

Outside the professional realm, she finds joy in family life, cherishing moments with her two sons and exploring her love for the outdoors. Whether camping, hiking, or relaxing on the beach, crafting and reading books by a fire in a mountainside cabin, enjoying road trips with her furry and loyal companion, Hermione, Shauntina finds solace and inspiration in all aspects of life.

Lindsey Spindle serves as President of the Samueli Family Philanthropies. Appointed by Henry and Susan Samueli in March 2022, Lindsey was brought on to rapidly build a creative, high-performance constellation of activities that can meet their diversified, intensified philanthropic ambitions. Lindsey presides over philanthropic organizations including, but not limited to, the Samueli Foundation and Anaheim Ducks Foundation as a way of providing strategic clarity and increased connectivity across all Samueli-supported philanthropic organizations. Lindsey also serves as a senior strategy advisor for H&S Ventures, the Samueli family office.

Lindsey has been a philanthropy executive for a decade, having partnered with two of America’s most remarkable engineering entrepreneurs, Henry Samueli and Jeff Skoll. Previously she was President of The Jeff Skoll Group, where she connected and advised Mr. Skoll’s portfolio of philanthropic and commercial organizations that include the impact entertainment company Participant, Capricorn Investment Group, and the Skoll Foundation. Lindsey remains a Board director for The Skoll Foundation, serving as chair of the audit and governance committees.

The common thread in Lindsey’s career is her dedication to shaping organizations and campaigns that improve people’s lives, particularly women and children. She was the first-ever Chief Communications and Brand Officer of Share Our Strength, a national nonprofit focused on ending childhood hunger in America through its groundbreaking No Kid Hungry campaign. Under her leadership, The No Kid Hungry campaign won PR Week’s prestigious Nonprofit Campaign of the Year in 2015 and increased participation in federal meal programs by several million children year over year.

Before focusing on domestic hunger eradication, Lindsey spent nearly 20 years in health care communications, policy, and government relations working for some of the nation’s most respected commercial and nonprofit organizations. These include Georgetown University, Brookings, and Porter Novelli. Lindsey has shaped major national campaigns such as the groundbreaking ‘truth’ campaign that curbed youth smoking by 30% in one year and was eventually named by Advertising Age as one of the top ten ad campaigns of the 21^st century; increased patient safety through reduced medical errors; and secured bipartisan Congressional funding for improving health care safety and quality.

Lindsey was a member of the pioneer class of girls to attend the Lawrenceville School outside of Princeton, New Jersey, and is a graduate of the University of Michigan. She’s a fourth generation native Washingtonian turned California transplant along with her husband David and two children.  In her spare time, Lindsey is a professional hockey fanatic, book-a-week reader, adventurous eater, Boston Terrier lover, and reformed distance runner turned Peloton enthusiast.

Paula Vasquez Alzate is the Grants Manager, Operations & Data at the Samueli Foundation, where she oversees the Foundation’s grants pipeline, data, and systems, ensuring compliance and data integrity. Originally from Colombia, Paula’s upbringing deeply influences her commitment to multidimensional solutions that enhance performance, center community partners, and drive meaningful change.

In 2014, she moved to the United States to pursue a career in contemporary dance. After performing and living in New York City and Miami, Paula relocated to Minneapolis, where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance and advanced her career as both a professional dancer and arts administrator. Her passion for the arts, coupled with involvement in the nonprofit field, led her to philanthropy and grants management.

Before joining the Samueli Foundation, Paula served as a Grants and Program Associate at the McKnight Foundation in Minneapolis, where she managed the grantmaking budget for the Vibrant & Equitable Communities program, supporting hundreds of nonprofit organizations and government entities across Minnesota. In 2024, she earned her Master of Business Administration from the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota, and upon completion, made the move to sunny Southern California.

When she’s not working, Paula loves going for walks, getting creative with arts and crafts, and traveling the world to visit friends and family. She’s happiest by the ocean and makes it a point to visit the dog beach at sunset every week with her two sweet puggles, Nala and Ema.

Stephanie Wander serves as Program Director for the Samueli Foundation and currently oversees its STEM and Workforce portfolios. Stephanie is a technology and innovation strategist with a successful track record of launching large-scale projects to solve global grand challenges and drive positive social impact. Prior to the Samueli Foundation, Stephanie held positions at the Atlantic Council including Director of Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships for the Atlantic Council Technology Programs and Acting Director of the GeoTech Center.

Prior to the Atlantic Council, Stephanie worked as a Lecturer at the University of Southern California’s Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work where she taught graduate social work professionals in design, innovation, and disruptive technology. She is also a former Senior Manager of Prize Development at the XPRIZE Foundation, where she led the design of IBM Watson Artificial Intelligence XPRIZE and competitions for on-demand urban aviation and tissue engineering. Stephanie was also a contributing designer on the Wendy Schmidt Ocean Health XPRIZE and the Global Learning XPRIZE competitions.

Stephanie has written and spoken about disruptive technologies and processes, notably at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s On-Demand Mobility Workshop, at South by Southwest, and on CXOTalk. She co-authored the chapter “The Power of Prize Competitions” in the book What Matters: Investing in Results to Build Strong, Vibrant Communities. She has also been quoted in various publications including Sports Illustrated, Wired Germany, Vice, Engadget, Digital Trends, Geekwire, Futurism, I Programmer, IFLscience, and The Verge.  

Stephanie is a graduate of the University of California, Los Angeles Anderson School of Management and Northwestern University. She is passionate about collaborating with experts and teams to identify opportunities for transformative social change and to deliver high-impact results through innovation.