Interim Executive Director

In addition to her role on the Board of Directors, Vonya serves as the Interim Executive Director of Starting Over Strong. She brings her extensive experience and deep commitment to advocacy and systemic change to this role, ensuring that the organization stays true to its mission of supporting re-entry, building support for essential services, and amplifying the voices of those impacted by the carceral system.

Operations Director

Nathan P. Kempe is an experienced operations director with a strong background in administrative functions, campaign management, and mathematics. An Eagle Scout, Nathan holds a lifelong commitment to the ideals of Scouting, including service, leadership, and community engagement. His dedication to imaginative and transformative justice was recently recognized by the Riverside County Democratic Party's Bosworth Award.

Renee Quarles is a committed leader in the nonprofit sector, focusing on initiatives that support re-entry and community reintegration for formerly incarcerated individuals. Her work includes developing programs that address housing, education, and job training. Renee’s role in SOS emphasizes advocating for policy reforms and community investments that promote long-term stability and self-sufficiency for vulnerable populations.

Vonya Quarles is the co-founder and Executive Director of Starting Over, Inc. She has extensive experience advocating for the rights and support of vulnerable populations, focusing on providing housing, job placement, and other essential services. Vonya blends her experience, education, and community advocacy to create systemic change. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and a Juris Doctorate and is a licensed and practicing attorney. Vonya is a Women Organizing for Justice Fellow, Women’s Policy Institute Fellow, and recipient of several awards including the J. Irwin Award and Eleanor Jean Grier Leadership Fellowship. She has been instrumental in organizing and lifting the voices of historically marginalized people, and her work has been recognized for its impact on family reunification and addressing the complexities of criminal convictions. Her leadership in SOS focuses on advocating for systemic changes to support essential services and amplify the voices of those impacted by the carceral system​ (Starting Over, Inc. (Copy))​​ (Women's Foundation California)​​ (Repeal ASFA )​.

Renee Quarles is a committed leader in the nonprofit sector, focusing on initiatives that support re-entry and community reintegration for formerly incarcerated individuals. Her work includes developing programs that address housing, education, and job training. Renee’s role in SOS emphasizes advocating for policy reforms and community investments that promote long-term stability and self-sufficiency for vulnerable populations.