OF DIRECTORS


BOARD

LANA FAHOUM

LANA FAHOUM

Board Chair

Lana has called the San Joaquin Valley home for the past 26 years, dedicating herself to serving the community throughout that time. She began her academic journey at College of the Sequoias, earning an Associate of Arts Degree in Social Sciences in 1999. She then transferred to California State University, Stanislaus, where she completed her Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice in 2001. Although initially inspired by her sister to pursue a career with the Visalia Police Department, Lana ultimately chose a different path, opting to follow her passion for real estate.

In 2005, Lana began her real estate career at All Estates Realtors, where she spent nearly three years before transitioning to new home sales with Centex. After gaining valuable experience, she moved into the corporate world for several years, yet real estate remained her calling. Lana returned to the industry as Assistant Manager at Century 21 Jordan-Link & Co., where she worked for three years. During this time, she also earned her Master of Business Administration with Distinction from Keller Graduate School of Management in 2016.

Currently, Lana serves as the Assistant Sales Manager for San Joaquin Valley Homes. Fluent in both Spanish and Arabic, she is known for her warm smile, infectious laughter, and unwavering dedication to her work. Trusted for her honesty and dependability, Lana is deeply committed to her family and her community. She serves on the boards of both Family Services of Tulare County and The Fresno Center, reflecting her ongoing dedication to making a positive impact.

Board Chair

Lana has called the San Joaquin Valley home for the past 26 years, dedicating herself to serving the community throughout that time. She began her academic journey at College of the Sequoias, earning an Associate of Arts Degree in Social Sciences in 1999. She then transferred to California State University, Stanislaus, where she completed her Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice in 2001. Although initially inspired by her sister to pursue a career with the Visalia Police Department, Lana ultimately chose a different path, opting to follow her passion for real estate.

In 2005, Lana began her real estate career at All Estates Realtors, where she spent nearly three years before transitioning to new home sales with Centex. After gaining valuable experience, she moved into the corporate world for several years, yet real estate remained her calling. Lana returned to the industry as Assistant Manager at Century 21 Jordan-Link & Co., where she worked for three years. During this time, she also earned her Master of Business Administration with Distinction from Keller Graduate School of Management in 2016.

Currently, Lana serves as the Assistant Sales Manager for San Joaquin Valley Homes. Fluent in both Spanish and Arabic, she is known for her warm smile, infectious laughter, and unwavering dedication to her work. Trusted for her honesty and dependability, Lana is deeply committed to her family and her community. She serves on the boards of both Family Services of Tulare County and The Fresno Center, reflecting her ongoing dedication to making a positive impact.

KONGMENG THAO

KONGMENG THAO

Board Vice-chair

Mr. Kongmeng Thao is a first-generation Hmong American. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Engineering from California State University and currently works as an Application Engineer at Schneider Electric. Throughout his career and community involvement, Mr. Thao has demonstrated strong leadership and dedication. He previously served as President of the Hmong Catholic Youth at St. Mary’s Church, Editor-in-Chief of the literary magazine Orientale, and Vice President of the Ploy Asian Communication for Knowledge organization at Fresno City College.

Board Vice-chair

Mr. Kongmeng Thao is a first-generation Hmong American. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Engineering from California State University and currently works as an Application Engineer at Schneider Electric. Throughout his career and community involvement, Mr. Thao has demonstrated strong leadership and dedication. He previously served as President of the Hmong Catholic Youth at St. Mary’s Church, Editor-in-Chief of the literary magazine Orientale, and Vice President of the Ploy Asian Communication for Knowledge organization at Fresno City College.

DR. LARRY WILDER

DR. LARRY WILDER

Board Secretary

Dr. Wilder is a passionate advocate for education and a strong supporter of the diverse communities in the Central Valley. With over 40 years of experience in the education sector, he has made a significant impact in both local government and civic leadership. From 1976 to 1994, Dr. Wilder served on the Reedley City Council, followed by 10 years as Mayor of Reedley. He also completed two terms as President of the South San Joaquin Division of the League of California Cities, served as a Board Member for the League of California Cities, chaired the Fresno Metropolitan Regional Occupational Center Board of Directors, and was a member of the CSU Fresno President’s Advisory Committee on Teacher Preparation.

Board Secretary

Dr. Wilder is a passionate advocate for education and a strong supporter of the diverse communities in the Central Valley. With over 40 years of experience in the education sector, he has made a significant impact in both local government and civic leadership. From 1976 to 1994, Dr. Wilder served on the Reedley City Council, followed by 10 years as Mayor of Reedley. He also completed two terms as President of the South San Joaquin Division of the League of California Cities, served as a Board Member for the League of California Cities, chaired the Fresno Metropolitan Regional Occupational Center Board of Directors, and was a member of the CSU Fresno President’s Advisory Committee on Teacher Preparation.

SUA VANG

SUA VANG

Board Treasurer

Mrs. Vang has been a dedicated board member for over 12 years, including 8 years as secretary. For more than 24 years, she has worked at the University of California Cooperative Extension, teaching nutrition, food safety, and healthy lifestyle practices to Southeast Asian families. Mrs. Vang earned her Licensed Vocational Nurse degree from Pacific Coast College in San Diego in 1986.

Board Treasurer

Mrs. Vang has been a dedicated board member for over 12 years, including 8 years as secretary. For more than 24 years, she has worked at the University of California Cooperative Extension, teaching nutrition, food safety, and healthy lifestyle practices to Southeast Asian families. Mrs. Vang earned her Licensed Vocational Nurse degree from Pacific Coast College in San Diego in 1986.

RITA BYRUM

RITA BYRUM

Board Member

Treasurer Rita Byrum has been a board member of The Fresno Center since 1996 and has served as treasurer for the past 13 years. She is the owner of RiCo Business and Financial Services and has over 26 years of experience in the field of taxation, specializing in corporate, tax-exempt, and individual returns. A member of the National Association of Tax Professionals (NATP) for 14 years, Rita has also served on the board of the California Chapter for 9 years, including three years as president. She is currently a member of the Western Area Stakeholder Council of the IRS and frequently presents at seminars for the California Chapter of NATP. Additionally, Rita volunteers as a trainer for the IRS's VITA and TCE programs.

Board Member

Treasurer Rita Byrum has been a board member of The Fresno Center since 1996 and has served as treasurer for the past 13 years. She is the owner of RiCo Business and Financial Services and has over 26 years of experience in the field of taxation, specializing in corporate, tax-exempt, and individual returns. A member of the National Association of Tax Professionals (NATP) for 14 years, Rita has also served on the board of the California Chapter for 9 years, including three years as president. She is currently a member of the Western Area Stakeholder Council of the IRS and frequently presents at seminars for the California Chapter of NATP. Additionally, Rita volunteers as a trainer for the IRS's VITA and TCE programs.

CLAUDIA SORIA-DELGADO

CLAUDIA SORIA-DELGADO

Board Member

Graduate of Dinuba High School, King River Community College, CSU, Fresno, & Northwestern University in Chicago. She has been a Consultant to non-profit & philanthropic organizations for over a decade. Claudia is passionate about education, community development, and empowering underrepresented groups. Her extensive experience in leadership roles has made her a valuable asset to the organizations she serves.

Board Member

Graduate of Dinuba High School, King River Community College, CSU, Fresno, & Northwestern University in Chicago. She has been a Consultant to non-profit & philanthropic organizations for over a decade. Claudia is passionate about education, community development, and empowering underrepresented groups. Her extensive experience in leadership roles has made her a valuable asset to the organizations she serves.

4879 E Cesar Chavez Boulevard

Fresno, CA, 93727

559-255-8395

info@fresnocenter.org

HOURS:

Monday-Friday

8 AM - 5 PM

Closed weekend

CLOSED HOLIDAYS

View closing dates >

4879 E Cesar Chavez Boulevard

Fresno, CA, 93727

559-255-8395

info@fresnocenter.org

HOURS:

Monday-Friday

8 AM - 5 PM

Closed weekend

CLOSED HOLIDAYS

View closing dates >

4879 E Cesar Chavez Boulevard

Fresno, CA, 93727

559-255-8395

info@fresnocenter.org

HOURS:

Monday-Friday

8 AM - 5 PM

Closed weekend

CLOSED HOLIDAYS

View closing dates >

4879 E Cesar Chavez Boulevard

Fresno, CA, 93727

559-255-8395

info@fresnocenter.org

HOURS:

Monday-Friday

8 AM - 5 PM

Closed weekend

CLOSED HOLIDAYS

View closing dates >

4879 E Cesar Chavez Boulevard

Fresno, CA, 93727

559-255-8395

info@fresnocenter.org

HOURS:

Monday-Friday

8 AM - 5 PM

Closed weekend

CLOSED HOLIDAYS

View closing dates >