Who We Are

A proud daughter of San Francisco with deep Southern roots stretching back to Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The granddaughter of WWII-era migrants who settled in the Fillmore—once the Harlem of the West—Kenisha was raised on gospel, elders' wisdom, and Church Protocol. Her childhood was rich with community, history, and the sacred rhythm of Black tradition.

At New Providence Baptist Church, she found her voice through Easter speeches and oratory competitions—early seeds that would grow into a lifelong commitment to speaking up for her people. For Kenisha, church, community, and culture are not separate lanes—they’re one road, paved with memory and mission.

In 2003, she attended Fisk University to study Political Science, believing deeply that history and policy are tools of liberation for Black communities. She brought that conviction back home in 2008, beginning her work with the San Francisco Housing Authority, where she’s spent the last 20+ years as a bridge between systems and people—centering equity, dignity, and access.

Kenisha currently serves as Residence Services Director at Oscar James Apartments through Bayview Senior Services, overseeing community programs for 100residents, coordinating local partnerships, and building spaces that prioritize healing, wellness, and belonging. Her previous roles with Providence Foundation and SFHA focused on tenant rights, affordable housing access, and raising over $1M in resources for underserved neighborhoods.

Her heart beats for housing justice, cultural preservation, and breaking down systemic barriers. As Chair of the Bayview-Hunters Point Coordinating Council, she uplifts community-led solutions with urgency and care.

Whether she’s walking the blocks of her city, sitting with elders, or learning video storytelling to amplify unheard voices—Kenisha moves with intention: to honor the past, serve the present, and protect the future.

Born and raised in San Francisco’s District 11 (Oceanview/Lakeview), Oronde Sterling is a third-generation entrepreneur and first-generation licensed contractor, continuing a legacy deeply rooted in Black business excellence. His grandmother, Mary Sally, was a pioneering businesswoman who owned Sally’s Liquor on 1727 Ocean Avenue, an apartment building on 30–32 Randolph Street, and two gas stations in Bayview–Hunters Point—one on Industrial & Palou, and another on Bayshore. His mother, Phyllis Venoie Sterling, ran her own daycare, Venoie’s, while his father, Edward Jerome Sterling, owned Sterling Video Productions.

Oronde was raised by his mother in a single-parent household with his older sister. Despite financial hardships, his mother ensured they had food, clothes, and stability—sacrificing her own needs for their survival. A neighborhood kid who played two-hand touch in the streets and built treehouses in Brooks Park, Oronde spent his summers attending Byxbee’s youth program—provided his grades were up.

He has remained deeply rooted in the OMI and Lakeview communities. Over the years, Oronde has consistently volunteered to pass out food to elders in the neighborhood and assist retired residents—often living on fixed incomes—with light repairs and small projects around their homes. His commitment to community care runs just as deep as his professional mission.

After graduating from Philip & Sala Burton High School, Oronde faced real-life challenges that eventually led to a turning point: his daughter’s birth and a chance to join the Young Community Developers (YCD) apprenticeship program. In 2004, he began his journey in the Carpenters Union Local 22. One year later, he worked as an apprentice on Armstrong Place Senior Housing in Bayview with Roberts Obayashi.

Throughout 20 years in the trade, working across the Shipyard, West Point, and Oakdale, Oronde saw that Black workers were consistently the last hired and first fired. Motivated by this injustice, he made an oath to The Most High Yah to create opportunities for his people. In 2020, he became a licensed C5 Specialty Contractor, as well as a certified LBE (Local Business Enterprise) and SBE (Small Business Enterprise). He joined the San Francisco Hyper Local Building Trade Contractors Collective to push for the inclusion of both community contractors and micro developers on major projects.

In 2016, Oronde organized the Youth Rally for Hope to educate and inspire young people on entrepreneurship, trades, and the value of purpose-driven living.

Appointed Vice President of the Bayview Hunters Point Coordinating Council in 2024, Oronde serves with a mission to bring back economic power to the Black community. His areas of focus include workforce and economic development, housing equity for Black families, and youth education. For Oronde, this work isn’t just personal—it’s generational. And it’s in his blood to build, uplift, and lead.

 Creative Storyteller & Community Advocate, a photographer, videographer, and all-around creative with a heart for people and a passion for capturing meaningful moments. Ever since I was a teenager, I’ve loved using a camera to freeze time and grab those once-in-a-lifetime shots. For me, every moment tells a story, and I believe each one is a gift worth preserving.

Over the years, I’ve had the chance to work on everything from photo shoots and music videos to red carpet events, documentaries, weddings, and celebrity interviews. I also create promotional videos and digital content that highlight local businesses, events, and causes I care about. I'm always learning and currently expanding my skills in video production to better tell the stories that matter.

Creativity is just one side of what I do. I’m also deeply committed to serving the community. I've worked with families affected by violence, organized healing events, led mentorship programs, and supported public service efforts across San Francisco. Whether I was dispatching emergency services, driving shuttles, or mentoring foster families, my goal has always been the same: to help, uplift, and make a difference.

At the core of it all, I’m just someone who loves people, believes in purpose, and wants to use my gifts to create impact — both behind the camera and out in the world.