In order to maintain the integrity of the organization and to ensure that all activities are in conjunction with its mandate, YAP operates under the direction of a devoted Board of Directors who volunteer their time and expertise to the success of this organization.
Devon Libran, President
First introduced to performing for a crowd as an award-winning public speaker from Oakland, CA, Devon Libran segued into theatre participating in numerous independent productions throughout the San Francisco and Oakland area. Notable performances include those at the Paramount Theatre and Yerba Buena Gardens.
While continuing his college education, Devon split his summers between training in the arts and football, with possible hopes to go pro. After juggling the two, his true passion for acting emerged as his primary focus and has since made appearances in film, television, and radio.
Devon now serves as the SVP, Creative and Production for Republic Records and Federal Films.
Cherie Crutcher, Vice-President
Cherie Crutcher is the Assistant Vice President of Marketing, Strategic Communications and Public Relations at Riverside Community Hospital with over 18 years of experience. She has an established reputation as an expert in building collaborative relationships to support revenue growth through local, civic, and state political leaders to leverage resources and support. Cherie is a seasoned professional skilled in advertising, development, integration, and implementation of a broad range of marketing, government relations and public relations activities relative to the strategic direction and positioning of the organization and its leadership.
Cherie has been with Riverside Community Hospital for 12 years and has been in the Marketing and Public Relations field for over 18 years. Over the years, she has established a name that is trusted and well respected within her community, and holds herself to a high standard of excellence and accountability. Cherie is married with three children, has a Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Business Management and Marketing and is currently in an MBA program. She currently sits on a number of boards within the community.
Dezzarae Henderson, Secretary
Dezzarae Henderson is a Human Resources professional with experience that expands 20 years. Henderson is a graduate of Chapman University with a BS in Business Administration and also holds a Master’s degree from Azusa Pacific University in Human and Organizational Development. Dezzarae’s professional memberships include SHRM, PIHRA, and NAWBO IE where she was a nominated as a finalist for the 2020 NexGen Business Award. During her career, she has worked for major companies like Paychex, Inc., McDonald’s Corp., General Motors, and San Manuel Band of Mission Indians. In these roles, as a leader, she combined her HR and business knowledge to help companies grow, develop talent, and implement strategies in highly competitive markets. In 2017, Dezzarae incorporated and officially began her HR consulting firm- 4HiRE HR Solutions, LLC, which has already helped many companies develop, strengthen, and grow their employment practices and systems. In 2019, she was certified by WBENC as a Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) and a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) by the NMSDC.
Dezzarae also works as an adjunct professor, teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in management and human resources since 2007. She currently teaches as part of the HR certificate program at Cal Poly Pomona’s School of Continuing Education. Being recognized as a knowledgeable HR partner, Henderson was asked to be a content reviewer and item writer for HRCI’s (Human Resources Certification Institute) PHR and the PHR exam for California. She has consulted for and trained leadership teams all over Southern California in management and human resources topics. In 2019, Dezzarae expanded upon her mission of helping businesses protect their profits by staying compliant. She did this by joining SCORE Inland Empire as a volunteer member and workshop presenter, and educates businesses on HR laws that can effect them.
Dezzarae is a Southern California native and she enjoys giving back.
Roger W. Whitenhill, Treasurer
Roger W. Whitenhill is a Vice President serving as a Relationship Manager with JP Morgan Chase Commercial Bank, covering the Inland Empire & Orange County. Mr. Whitenhill works directly with executives delivering commercial lending solutions, treasury management services, and strategic consulting to privately-owned middle market companies with revenues up to $500 million. Prior to joining JPMC, Mr. Whitenhill served as a Commercial Relationship Manager with City National Bank.
During his time with Wells Fargo he functioned as a Portfolio Manager actively managing a credit portfolio within Commercial Banking. In addition, Mr. Whitenhill served as a Fixed Income Credit Analyst with City National Rochdale Asset Management in Beverly Hills managing several bond investment funds. He has also spent time on Wall Street as an Agency Bond Trader with Bank of America Securities (New York City) and started his banking career as a Business Banker with Citibank (Orange County, CA).
During undergrad he earned dual B.A. degrees in Economics and International Studies from the University of California, Irvine. Subsequently, he attended business school at the Booth School of Business in Chicago and proudly received his MBA designation in 2008.
Mr. Whitenhill believes it is important to “pay-it-forward” and seeks opportunities to enrich the community and mentor professionals. He accomplishes this through board appoints such as the Youth Action Project as well as serving as a board member for the Inland Empire Economic Partnership and as an ambassador for JP Morgan Chase Advancing Black Pathways.
Rina Dakanay, Board Member
Rina Dakanay partners with higher ed institutions, small businesses and non profit organizations to amplify their brand and communities online and off. She has spent over a decade working in PR and Marketing and has worked part time as an Advertising Instructor. She is the Marketing Communications Manager at Claremont Lincoln University – part of the (AMA) American Marketing Association’s marketing team of the year. Rina believes in the power of empathy and storytelling–that one’s life experiences are meant to be shared to help and engage with others, and that one’s unique gifts and talents can make a direct impact in their communities and in shaping the lives of others–particularly the youth, who are awakening to their own potential and champion inside.
Rina is a proud Inland Empire native and first generation Filipina-American. Her social impact work focuses on youth employability, inclusion, and diversity through her service on local Boards and Advisory councils. She received her B.S. in Biological Sciences from UC Irvine, her MBA from University of Redlands, and is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Education from the American College of Education in Instructional Technology.