Over the past 30 years, I’ve had the privilege of serving on the boards of nonprofit organizations that make a real difference in people’s lives. Giving back—through time, experience, and leadership—has been one of the most meaningful parts of my journey.

For the past five years, I’ve served on the board of SOS Meals on Wheels. I began as treasurer, and for the last two years, I’ve had the honor of serving as board president. What drives me is simple: the belief that every meal we deliver carries more than nutrition—it carries compassion. For many of our clients, we may be the only person they see all day. That moment of human connection is just as vital as the food itself.

Before dedicating myself to community service, I spent ten years as a chemical engineer, earned my MBA from Stanford, and ran a healthcare consulting practice for 35 years. Since retiring a decade ago, I’ve focused my energy on causes that matter. In addition to my work with SOS Meals on Wheels, I currently serve as vice chair of the Oakland Mayor’s Commission on Aging.

If you’re curious about our work or want to explore how you can get involved, I’d be happy to connect. The more we come together, the more we can do for those who need us most.

Supporting homebound and frail older adults is a passion for Mary Louise Zernicke. As the Senior Nutritionist for Adult and Aging Services in Alameda County for over 25 years she provided technical assistance and oversight to all Alameda County senior health and nutrition programs, including over 2,500 meals on wheels daily and over 40 senior dining site programs. Mary Louise also supported health promotion, falls prevention and disease prevention programs provided by Alameda County Social Services Agency.

Mary Louise was the tenured Department Chair and Program Director in the Nutrition and Dietetics department at Merritt College for 15 years.

Mary Louise has a Bachelor of Sciences and Master in Public Health from UC Berkeley, and a Master in Science from University of New Haven. She is also a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) and is a Certified Specialist in Gerontology
(CSG).

Bill has over twenty years of experience working in technology companies across product, engineering, and analytics roles. He has worked at a wide range of organizations, from founding his own startups to working at Adobe and Yelp. He now serves as an angel investor and consultant to tech startups.

During the 2020 pandemic, Bill and his wife Lauren joined SOSMOW as volunteers. He has been working on the Board since 2023 and is currently Treasurer.

He's passionate about serving Alameda County's seniors and brings financial and operational experience to SOSMOW.

Dr. Judy Chen is a committed advocate for community well-being. Her role on the Fundraising Committee underscores her dedication to ensuring that homebound seniors receive nutritious meals that are vital for their health and independence. With extensive experience in strategic leadership and a passion for community service, Dr. Judy leverages her skills to enhance the organization's outreach and fundraising efforts. Her previous roles, including her time at Electronic Arts (EA) and running her own consulting company, Expanchen Services, have equipped her with unique insights into project management and strategic growth, which she applies to support SOS Meals on Wheels' mission. Additionally, her mentoring roles at Techstars and SCORE East Bay reflect her commitment to nurturing talent and fostering community connections. 

I have been a Meals on Wheels volunteer since 1989.  Yes, I am that old!!

Meals on Wheels has been a major part of my life and the people I have met, the lessons I have learned, and the compassion of the Meals on Wheels people are something that has made me a better person. 

My experience with home visits to our homebound seniors, delivery of meals or just a friendly visit I have learned that our seniors are an invisible part of our society, and we have an obligation to protect and care for them.

My job is as a sales rep for an electrical manufacturer and Meals on Wheels enthusiast by night!

Krista has a passion for senior nutrition, distributing groceries to seniors throughout Alameda County as the Director of Mercy Brown Bag Program for 15 years. She brings decades of service to vulnerable populations including work at Juma Ventures and St. Anthony Foundation, and holds a Master of Non-Profit Administration degree from the University of San Francisco. 

Meg is an energetic, empathetic leader with years of experience in both the for-profit and non-profit sectors. She is deeply committed to helping improve the lives of others and passionate about seniors. Meg started her career in hospitality and healthcare, then shifted to work in senior services and housing, in roles focused on integrating technology, people, and processes to meet the strategic goals of an organization. She is driven by a firm belief that success is most likely when each of us contributes according to our passions and unique skills.

Meg’s early family and life experiences taught her that any one of us can suffer an unexpected health, personal or financial setback leaving us in need of assistance. Her work as a board member at various non-profits has shown how powerful that assistance is both for the recipient and the person offering help. SOS Meals on Wheels is a perfect example of harnessing that power, while offering nutritious daily meals and reducing isolation for older adults.

Meg spends her free time baking, walking the hills with her rescue dogs, or reading a novel with a cat in her lap.

Pcyeta Stroud is a passionate advocate for community empowerment and currently serves as a dedicated Board Member for S.O.S. Meals on Wheels. With over 13 years of experience in economic and workforce development, she brings a deep commitment to equity, service, and leadership in every role she holds. As the Director of Strategic Business and Career Development for RSSC, Pcyeta’s work is grounded in creating access and opportunity, particularly for underserved communities throughout the Bay Area. Her dedication to community service is reflected in her broad civic engagement, from mentoring emerging leaders to securing critical funding for local businesses. Beyond her professional and volunteer commitments, Pcyeta is a mom and wife who loves to eat, run, and indulge in hate-watching movies. Whether through nonprofit leadership or public service, she remains steadfast in her mission to uplift others and make a meaningful, lasting impact.

With a background in social services and experience as a small business owner, I bring both a heart for people and a practical understanding of leadership to my role on the board. After earning my Masters Degree I began my career serving individuals and families in need, work that continues to shape how I show up in the world. I later built and successfully exited a restaurant business, which deepened my appreciation for community, resilience, and connection. I’m honored to serve on the board of an organization whose mission aligns so closely with my own values, and I’m committed to supporting its continued impact.