Our Leadership
Women Against Abuse's leaders carry extensive experience in their fields of expertise and contribute to the growth and sustainability of the agency.
Executive Team
Joanna Otero-Cruz, Executive Director and President
Joanna Otero-Cruz has a distinguished history of serving children, families, and survivors of intimate partner violence, and currently serves as Board President of the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence. She is a seasoned nonprofit leader with deep roots in the Philadelphia region.
Most recently, Joanna was appointed by Mayor Kenney as Deputy Managing Director of Community Services for the City of Philadelphia, where she oversaw eight city departments and managed a $23 million budget.
Previously, Joanna served as Executive Director of Concilio (Council of Spanish Speaking Organizations) for six years, leading a comprehensive organizational revitalization that included strategic planning, rebranding, relocation, restructuring, and board development.
Earlier in her career, Joanna directed Behavioral and Family Health Services at Congreso de Latinos Unidos, overseeing the organization’s bilingual domestic violence program—one of Women Against Abuse’s longstanding community partners.
As Executive Director and President of Women Against Abuse, Joanna provides strategic and operational leadership to advance the organization’s mission and impact.
Contact Joanna at 215-386-1280 ext. 6104
Michelle Byrne, Vice President of Human Resources
Michelle Byrne brings more than 25 years of Human Resources (HR) experience, with 12 years in non-profit Human Services/Homeless Services Agencies and 10 years in the for-profit sector. She leads Women Against Abuse’s HR recruitment and retention efforts, and manages the agency’s safety and risk management programs.
Contact Michelle at 215-386-1280 ext. 6118
Nicole Drake, Vice President of Program Operations
Nicole Drake has over 25 years of experience working with homeless families in Philadelphia and has her masters in psychology. Throughout her professional career, Nicole has been responsible for the development and implementation of programming for children, youth and families that address social and developmental needs related to homelessness, substance abuse, domestic violence and poverty issues. Nicole oversees social services and facilities management at Women Against Abuse.
Contact Nicole at 215-386-1280 ext. 6123
Maritza Padua, Vice President of Policy and Strategic Initiatives
Maritza Padua brings more than 15 years of cross-sector experience spanning government, healthcare, nonprofit leadership, and political campaigns. She has led initiatives that strengthen businesses, expand community engagement, and increase access to services for underserved populations. Her background includes leadership roles in Medicaid managed care, state and local government, and grassroots community development, and she is widely recognized as a business developer, product strategist, and organizer.
As Vice President of Policy and Strategic Initiatives at Women Against Abuse, Maritza provides executive leadership across prevention, outreach and education, volunteerism, and strategic initiatives, while advancing the organization’s public policy and advocacy agenda. She oversees implementation of the strategic plan, cultivates key partnerships, and fosters an organizational culture where staff thrive. She also served as Campaign Manager for State Representative Danilo Burgos’ first successful election to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.
Contact Maritza at 215-386-1280 ext. 6105
Sheila Weeks-Brown, Vice President of Finance
Sheila Weeks-Brown has more than 35 years of experience in the accounting and finance field. She has spent over 30 years of her career in the nonprofit sector. Sheila is a skilled professional in financial and budget management, strategic planning, and policy development and implementation. She serves as the principal fiscal officer for Women Against Abuse, overseeing all of the agency’s financial operations.
Contact Sheila at 215-386-1280 ext. 6120
Beth Vogel, Vice President of Advancement
Beth Vogel has more than 25 years of experience leading development, communication, and employee health and wellness programs in the non-profit and government sectors. She is a versatile fundraiser who has developed strategic, innovative campaigns that build public awareness, and grow and engage audiences. Her decades of experience include overseeing advertising and marketing portfolios, internal and external communications, and fundraising, recruitment and staff morale boosting events. Beth is a skilled networker who fosters authentic connections to help build strong teams, loyal donors, and engaged board members. Beth oversees the communications and development functions at Women Against Abuse, including marketing, grants, and corporate and individual fundraising.
Contact Beth at bvogel@womenagainstabuse.org.
Senior Management Team
Molly Callahan, Esq., Legal Center Director
Molly Callahan is the Legal Center Director of Women Against Abuse. A graduate of Connecticut College and Georgetown University Law Center, Molly began her career as a staff attorney with Women Against Abuse. With a passion for advocating for those who are too often voiceless in the legal system, Molly became Women Against Abuse’s Managing Attorney and then Legal Center Director. Molly serves on the Mayor’s Task Force Against Domestic Violence and co-chairs the STOP Domestic Violence Law Enforcement Committee. She is also the co-chair of the Philadelphia Bar Association’s Domestic Violence Committee, as well as the Family Law Working Group of the Philadelphia Bar Association’s Access to Justice Task Force. A frequently sought expert in the field, Molly often conducts seminars and trainings on domestic violence, and comments on pending legislation affecting survivors.
Maria A. Giraldo Gallo, Director of Evaluation and Learning
Maria A. Giraldo Gallo brings 10 years of experience in public service and project management in Philadelphia. Her career started at the School District of Philadelphia, where she assisted managing programs for multilingual children and youth. Working closely with school leaders, Maria realized her passion for language inclusion through projects that involved translation and interpretation. She then served as Director of Language Access Programs for the City of Philadelphia and received the Integrity Icon Award in 2023 for her contributions and work ethics. Maria is a global citizen who graduated from the Nonprofit Leadership Program at the University of Pennsylvania, where she received the Richard J. Estes Global Citizenship Award. Her vision is to continue to bring innovation to the non-profit sector using agile methodologies and developmental evaluation.
Ayesha Hosten, Director of Longer Term Housing Services and Supports
Ayesha Hosten has a more than 15 year career serving within Philadelphia’s nonprofit human services agencies. She has extensive experience advocating for vulnerable families experiencing complex issues, including domestic violence, substance abuse, mental illness and homelessness. Ayesha is dedicated to breaking the cycle of domestic violence and passionate about providing quality trauma-informed services to families. She oversees Women Against Abuse’s transitional housing program (Sojourner House), its community-based Safe at Home program and its economic empowerment programming.
Arlene Malcolm-Bell, Senior Residential Director
Arlene Malcolm-Bell has worked in a variety of K-12 and adult education settings, including 11 years creating engaging learning experiences for children served by Women Against Abuse. She oversees the organization's residential programs. Arlene’s work is rooted in the belief that change happens when individuals and families have a supportive environment that allows them to overcome obstacles and realize their potential to move forward and thrive.
