Meet the Peace4Kids Team

Peace4Kids is anchored by a diverse group of leaders that are committed to improving the child welfare system through giving their time, expertise and care. Each member of our leadership team began their career as a volunteer for Peace4Kids or is an alumnus from foster care. We’ve discovered that when you show up to listen and learn, the people you believe you’re serving teach you something that can change the world. All of our leaders are trained to learn the language of youth in foster care and ensure that they have a safe place to discover their greatness. The members of our team live by a simple motto, “We were born to relatives, but we choose our family.”  

Take a moment to meet our family that is changing foster care for the better!

Zaid Gayle

Executive Director

As Executive Director, Zaid oversees an ambitious organizational growth plan, with the intended impact of helping youth impacted by foster care transition successfully into adulthood. Having been involved in community leadership and program development for almost 30 years, Zaid co-founded Peace4Kids to promote peaceful conflict resolution among youth in South Los Angeles. In over twenty years with Peace4Kids, he has served as a volunteer, mentor, board member, and teacher. Click here for Zaid's full biography. 

Read Zaid's Welcome Letter    >

Jacob Stein

Youth + Volunteer Development Manager

Jacob has served as a Peace4Kids Volunteer Coordinator since 2012. Prior to Peace4Kids, he served as the Tournament Coordinator at Hollywood Park Casino where he organized 50+ charity events, galvanizing hundreds of employees to raise $200K+. Most recently he’s been the Artist and Foundation Manager for the International musical group – The Green Children. Jacob was instrumental in successfully accelerating the band’s fan growth through online marketing efforts and innovative social ventures to generate resources for vulnerable children around the world. As Volunteer Coordinator Jacob recruits, trains and supports our most valuable asset, ensuring that Peace4Kids fulfills its mission to improve the outcomes for youth impacted by foster care.

Diane Martell

Deputy Director

Diane Martell is an entrepreneur who’s a catalyst for positive, well-organized change – personally, professionally and environmentally.  She splits her time as an organizational development consultant and landscape designer, where she finds inspiration in supporting others to achieve their maximum potential and encouraging symbiotic relationships with people and their surroundings. Involved in the learning and development industry for 25+ years, Diane is also is a certified yoga instructor, master gardener, and is active in the community, facilitating educational sessions that develop conscious and holistic leadership. Diane spent the latter part of her teen years in the California foster care system, and today strives to give back, helping youth successfully transition into adulthood.

Miriam Cortez-Cáceres

Program Coordinator

A chance encounter at a bus stop introduced Miriam to Peace4Kids. Since that time, she has been dedicated to growing, discovering and sharing her talents in the Peace4Kids community. Prior to Peace4Kids, Miriam held the position of Legal Assistant at Ramo Law, PC, where she provided high-level day-to-day attorney support. Miriam’s creative side is equally impressive. She's been featured in music videos for renowned musicians. and has been front and center in Peace4Kids’ efforts to lift up the strengths of youth in foster care, utilizing art as a tool to assist youth in finding their voice.  As an alumna of foster care, Miriam draws upon her personal experience to help advance an agenda of equity for youth impacted by trauma.

Landon Clark

Transportation Coordinator | Fitness Facilitator

By trade, Landon is a Licensed Massage Therapist and health advocate. As a Compton native, Landon is very committed to improving the outcomes of youth in his community. He joined the Peace4Kids team in 2014 to ensure that our youth with transportation limitations would not have any barriers that prevented them from participating in program activities. His ability to connect with youth, and his knowledge about fitness and the biology of the human body earned him the opportunity to lead our fitness programs. Each Saturday at Peace4Kids, Landon gets our youth to the program and also ensures they expand their knowledge about health and wellness through fitness activities.