FEC Staff
Our certified Financial Coaches work with clients toward their future financial goals, helping with safe & affordable financial account access, establishing/building credit, reducing debt, and growing savings.
International Rescue Committee (IRC)
Jesus Salas, Financial Empowerment Center Manager
Jesus leads the Financial Empowerment Center's team of Financial Coaches, working closely with the City of Sacramento and external partners to maximize the program's impact on the community. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from California State University, Stanislaus, and is a Central New Mexico Certified Coach. With four years of financial coaching and program management experience at the International Rescue Committee, Jesus is passionate about advancing financial wellness and economic empowerment. He also serves as the Assistant District Director at SCORE Mentors for the Central California District, where he supports small business growth and community development. Jesus joined the FEC as Program Manager in November 2024.
LaShon Shaw, Financial Coach
LaShon has over 15 years of experience in social service and community development. She has collaborated with financial institutions and non-profit organizations in over 20 countries across the globe. She has witnessed the transformative impact that quality financial opportunity services can have on individuals and communities, and she strongly believes that everyone should have access to these resources, regardless of their background or financial situation.
As a member of the FEC team, LaShon is excited to apply her skills and expertise to support the Sacramento community in achieving its financial goals. She is honored to be part of such an incredible organization and is eager to work alongside her colleagues to make a positive difference in the lives of those the FEC serves. During her free time, LaShon enjoys various activities such as cooking, spending time with family, exploring nature with her husband, collecting sneakers, watching comedy shows, and traveling.
Savannah Hastings, Student Loan Specialist
(funded direct to International Rescue Committee through the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation)
Savannah is a born and raised Sacramentan and is passionate about helping lift up her neighbors. She worked with hundreds of community members during her time as the Volunteer Services Coordinator at a local food bank, and has seen firsthand the positive impact that access to support, education, and resources can have. Savannah graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a degree in Sociology, concentrating in Social Services and Ethnic Studies. She is committed to making financial education more equitable and accessible, especially regarding student loans. In her free time she enjoys paddleboarding, cooking, and playing pickleball.
Bushra Seddique
Bushra Seddique brings several years of experience supporting refugee and immigrant communities through program coordination and client-centered services. As a Financial Coach at the International Rescue Committee, she supports individuals and families in building financial stability, navigating complex systems, and accessing resources that promote long-term economic empowerment. A former refugee herself, Bushra understands firsthand the importance of financial stability in the resettlement process and approaches her work with empathy and cultural responsiveness. She is deeply committed to advancing equity and expanding access to financial opportunity for the communities she serves. She offers coaching in English, Dari, and Pashto.
Health Education Council (HEC)
Patricia Parra, Financial Empowerment Center Manager
Patricia Parra is a Program Manager at the Financial Empowerment Center and Economic Well‑Being Program Director at the Health Education Council (HEC). She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from CSU Sacramento and is a Certified Financial Counselor through the National Association of Certified Credit Counselors (NACCC).
Patricia has worked with diverse communities to deliver culturally relevant financial education, launch workforce development programs, and support small business initiatives for youth and adults. Her passion for financial empowerment is shaped by her experience as an immigrant and her family’s early financial hardships, motivating her to help others build sustainable financial futures for themselves and their loved ones.
Outside of work, Patricia enjoys listening to podcasts, volunteering at her church, and exploring new coffee shops with her husband. She is bilingual in English and Spanish.
Adrian Hernandez, Financial Coach
Adrian graduated from CSU Sacramento with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies and has two years of nonprofit experience at the Health Education Council (HEC), where he developed a strong commitment to community service. He has a strong ability to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds, particularly within the Hispanic community. Adrian recently joined the FEC as a Financial Coach, supporting clients with budgeting, credit building, debt management, and long-term financial goal setting. He has his Financial Counselor Certification through the National Association of Certified Credit Counselors (NACCC).
Adrian’s passion for financial empowerment is rooted in his personal experience growing up with financial challenges, which motivates him to support those who face similar struggles. He strives to create a supportive and culturally responsive environment.
Outside of work, Adrian enjoys fitness and staying active. He is bilingual in English and Spanish.
Aleksei Kozhanov, Financial Coach
Aleksei has a background in community health, working at a local nonprofit, the Health Education Council (HEC) and is a Financial Coach with the Financial Empowerment Center. He has his Financial Counselor Certification through the National Association of Certified Credit Counselors (NACCC). Aleksei has experience facilitating engaging financial education games to help community members better understand budgeting, debt management, and foundational financial concepts. Aleksei is committed to creating a comfortable, supportive environment where clients can openly discuss their financial situations while building financial awareness, sustainable habits, and connections to available resources.
Outside of work, Aleksei enjoys running, staying active, spending time with his children, and continuing his personal and professional development. He speaks English and Russian.
Tou Vang, Financial Coach
Tou is dedicated to helping individuals build financial stability and confidence. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Psychology from the University of California, San Diego, bringing a strong blend of analytical thinking and people centered service to his work.
Tou recently joined the Health Education Council (HEC), a nonprofit serving the greater Sacramento region, as a Financial Coach with the Financial Empowerment Center. He has his Financial Counselor Certification through the National Association of Certified Credit Counselors (NACCC). Tou supports clients in understanding budgeting, credit and savings to work toward long-term stability. Tou believes financial education is a key driver of opportunity and is committed to making it accessible and practical for the communities he serves.
Outside of work, Tou enjoys staying active through pickleball and hiking, as well as exploring new restaurants in the Sacramento area. He speaks English and Hmong.