Lorenzo Hernandez
Acting Executive Director & Senior Director of Community Resources

Lorenzo Hernandez has been working in the Education and Nonprofit sectors for about 20 years.  He has an undergraduate degree in Liberal Studies and a Master's Degree in Public Administration.  As an undergraduate student, Lorenzo completed a school classroom based observation assignment and this led to him deciding to work with inner city families.   

Lorenzo has taught families to review and understand a school report card and Individualized Education Plan (IEP). He has helped families to self advocate for themselves and for their children and has helped them realize their dreams.  Lorenzo has also worked as a case manager and regional manager at one of California's 21 Regional Centers.  Currently, Lorenzo is the Director of Community Resources at Toberman Neighborhood.  Lorenzo manages the FamilySource Center, Rental Assistance, CARES, and Covid education programs.  

Merced Pereda
Director of Finance

Merced comes to Toberman with over 25 years of experience in both the nonprofit and corporate sectors. Her non-profit experience includes leading and collaborating with local community and health care organizations, including working with the largest gang intervention, rehabilitation and re-entry program in the United States. Her for-profit experience includes retail, wholesale and distribution, and financial and organizational management in textile, home furnishing, children toys, and water treatment companies.

Over the years Merced has consistently served as a volunteer at her local church as a community leader in Children and Youth programs. She has a passion to serve families in need and empower their children to become the best version of themselves. Merced holds a Master’s Degree in Business and Organizational Leadership, a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, and minors in Spanish and Youth Ministry. She grew-up in Southeast Los Angeles, where she still resides and continues to be a community leader alongside her family.