Meet our directors

Shelia LeFridge is an entrepreneur and business owner providing a broad spectrum of financial services. As a community advocate and philanthropist, she has a penchant for social action and working for a cause. She served over 15 years working inside of a foundation, ten years of which she sat in various executive board positions. She is a retired Senior Analyst with over 40 years management and administrative experience from the private sector, the Los Angeles Police Department, Los Angeles City Controller, and the Bureau of Street Lighting in the City of Los Angeles. Her vast experience runs the gamut including store manager, human resources specialist, university faculty, special events coordinator, crime analyst, emergency response worker, and financial professional. Shelia has a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Science and certification in Health Education. She also has a Master of Arts degree in Organizational Management. Over the past 35 years, Shelia has performed community and charitable work for many non-profits, worked on numerous political campaigns, and led several community groups. She brings to the board an exuberance for non-profit work, compassion for the welfare of impacted communities, and vision for the future of the Clarissa Manuel Foundation.

“My vision is for The Clarissa Manuel Foundation to become a highly valued community partner in the City of Long Beach and its neighboring communities, supporting education and programs that positively impact minority families.” 

Clairessa Spencer is one of the original Founders of The Clarissa Manuel Foundation, currently serving as Board Vice President. She has served as a Board Member multiple separate terms and has remained active in various capacities from its inception. Clairessa brings a wealth of nonprofit and board experience in management, program planning, and fundraising. 

Clairessa Spencer is a proud native of Long Beach. She received her B.A. Degree from U.C. Santa Barbara in Sociology and Black Studies and a Masters Degree in Social Work from California State University, Long Beach. She is a licensed Clinical Social Worker and works for the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services as a Supervising Children’s Social Worker. When she’s not working, you can find her spending time with family, mentoring youth and traveling the world.

Gail Johnson aims to serve, help and educate. Her grandmother, Ernestine Johnson raised her as an only child in Gardena, California. She graduated from Pius X High School, earned a BA in speech communication (CSULB) and a Multiple Subject Credential (CSUDH). Once she graduated from CSULB she began working as an Americorps Vista for an LAUSD school, and later began teaching for LAUSD. Presently, Gail works as an educator in various capacities. She focuses on working in her community.

Moreover, Gail enthusiastically works to make a difference, empower, motivate and inspire. She enjoys giving and working on projects that to help others. Gail noticed that many women she knew who achieved were members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. In 2001, her observation inspired her to pursue and acquire membership in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She works to strengthen the DST Long Beach Alumnae Chapter and their community service programs.

Finally, Gail decided to elevate her support and join the Clarissa Manuel Foundation (CMF) in the Fall of 2018. In 2018, Gail began as a Board of Director and worked as the recording secretary. She looks forward to helping CMF continue to grow, thrive and make a difference as the Grant Writing and Oversight Committee Chair.