Meet the Team — UNA-USA Davis Chapter

UNA Davis Board of Directors 2026

Lynn Dykstra, Co-Advocacy Chair

Lynn Dykstra is an ardent human rights advocate, the Founder of Our Global Cry for Freedom — an international human rights story project — and an international special events professional photographer. She represents the Women’s Freedom Forum (in Washington, DC), with issues relating to the United Nations. These include WFF-sponsored programs that expand on the UN’s global programs, such as UN-CSW annual conference side-events with emphasis on Strategic Development Goal #5-Gender Equality, plus International Women’s Day and UN Elimination of Violence Against Women annual events held in the US Congress, and more. Women’s Freedom Forum, is a 501(c)(3) educational and human rights NGO, holding consultative status with UN ECOSOC and affiliated with the UN Department of Global Communications.

Lynn founded Our Global Cry for Freedom to document and publish the powerful stories of women and men who pay a horrific personal price in their fight for basic human rights in their authoritarian countries. She is dedicated to sharing their stories to help bring awareness to, understanding of and support for their unending courage, resilience and commitment.

With a deep passion to use photography to connect people to people in positive ways, Lynn founded Focused Images in 1984 to provide world-class photography for a world-class clientele. Her work, based out of Washington, DC, has documented the successes of thousands of national and international special events. Her portfolio includes U.S. Presidents, International Heads of State, European Parliamentarians, Nobel Laureates, Members of U.S. Congress and Senate, and key business and non-profit leaders who champion freedom and democracy. It is through her work with these leaders that Lynn's passion for international human rights continues.

Her own fervid commitment to human rights issues dates to the early years of her career. Lynn served for several years as an appointed Advisory Board Member to the San Francisco Human Rights Commission while working as a Director of Human Resources in San Francisco, CA.

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Lynn is a native Californian. She lived and worked in Washington, DC for over 30 years. One hot DC summer she drove across the United States and back with a five-foot tall “adventure bear” named Charlie. With photos and words, she captured the spontaneous joy, laughter and love Charlie’s new tourist friends shared with him along the way. The takeaway from this adventure? Kindness is everywhere when we open ourselves up to give and receive it. BE KIND!.

Ekta Jain, Social Media Chair

I have been working in the digital space since the early days when digital marketing was an emerging concept in the Indian market. My professional experience spans digital strategy formulation and account management, including branding, advertising and communications, web development project management, SEO and analytics reporting, social media management, online advertising campaigns, eCRM, direct mailing, and marketing consultancy.

Alongside my professional work, I am a committed advocate for the United Nations and a strong supporter of human rights, with a particular interest in leveraging digital platforms to advance social impact, ethical communication, and inclusive storytelling. I believe strategic digital work can play a meaningful role in promoting global awareness, equity, and responsible engagement.

A certified course in Strategic Relationship Marketing completed in Canada has further strengthened my skills, global perspective, and practical approach to building long-term, value-driven relationships. As I continue to grow professionally, I aim to establish a strong foothold in digital strategy consulting and branding, while aligning my work with purpose-driven initiatives that support human rights, sustainability, and international cooperation.

Kelly Mae Heroux, Board Member at Large

Kelly Mae Heroux is a doctoral researcher whose work seeks to advance positive social and ecological change through integrated, systems-based approaches. Inspired by the United Nations’ call for nexus thinking in addressing today’s global challenges, she focuses on locally grounded efforts within the food–water–energy nexus that can inform and contribute to global solutions. She earned a BSc in Sustainable Living from Maharishi University of Management, where her early work explored ecological consciousness, followed by an MSc in Global Change Ecology at the University of Bayreuth. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Soils and Biogeochemistry at the University of California, Davis.

Viki L. Montera-Heckman, President

Dr. Viki L. Montera-Heckman has dedicated her career to education, leadership, and democratic community engagement. Her work has spanned classrooms, unions, schools, universities, and reform initiatives, always centered on the belief that students, teachers, families, and communities should have a meaningful voice in shaping education.

She began her career as a classroom teacher in an innovative school in Colorado. Her interest in conflict management around organizational change led her to earn a master’s degree with a focus on organizational and community change. She later served as president of her local NEA affiliate, gaining experience in collective bargaining and shared decision-making while advocating for educators’ voices in policy decisions.

Dr. Montera-Heckman continued this work in Tucson and the University of AZ, where her participatory research focused on school-community relationships and educational practices rooted in student and community knowledge. She later served as principal of a progressive K-8 public school in Southern California before joining the University of Washington and, in 2004, UC Davis.

At UC Davis, she directed the Undergraduate Education Minor and co-directed the CANDEL doctoral program in educational leadership. Throughout her career, Dr. Montera-Heckman has remained committed to building inclusive learning communities, strengthening public dialogue, and creating democratic environments for all. These values are embedded in the mission of the United Nations Association of Davis.

Hakan Ozcelik, Board Member at Large

Dr. Ozcelik is a Professor of Management in the College of Business Administration at the Sacramento State University. He received his Ph.D. in Organizational Behavior from the University of British Columbia, Canada. He holds a double‐major degree in Management and Political Science, and an MBA from Bosphorus University, Turkey. His research focuses on the role of emotions in organizational life, including such topics as discrete emotions in organizations, including loneliness and anger; surface acting; emotions in leadership; emotional climate; emotions and decision making; and emotional awareness in cross-cultural business communication. He also leads the Annual CBA Film Festival and the interdisciplinary CBA Organizational Wisdom Studio Project.

Dr. Ozcelik has published in academic outlets such as Academy of Management Journal, Organization Science, Journal of Organizational Behavior, Journal of Managerial Psychology, Journal of Management Education, Research on Emotion in Organizations, Personnel Review, and the Academy of Management Best Papers Proceedings; and presented his studies at several conferences. His research has also been cited in popular press outlets such as New York Times, The Guardian, Fortune Magazine, Harvard Business Review, Comstock’s Magazine, the Wharton School’s business radio broadcast, The Washington Post, Society for Human Resource’s Magazine, and Bloomberg.

During his career do date Professor Ozcelik has received the CSU Faculty Innovation and Leadership Award; the CSUS Outstanding Research Award; Outstanding Teaching Awards from the UBC and the CSUS; Citation of Excellence Award from the Emerald Management Reviews; the Outstanding Reviewer Award from the Academy of Management; the Dean’s Outstanding Research Awards from the CSUS; and the Research and Creative Activity Award, Provost’s Research Support, and Pedagogy Enhancement Award grants from the CSUS. Outside academic work, he has been involved with theater as an amateur actor and director for many years and performed in several productions. He is married and has one son and one daughter, who make Hakan and his wife learn how to rediscover the joys of life..

Hendrix Thomas Dyke, Vice President/Membership Chair

Hendrix is excited to serve on the board of the UNA-USA Davis Chapter because his values and professional work have consistently centered on service, equity, and building systems that empower individuals and communities to engage with global issues. His background includes leadership in community organizing, program management, and public health outreach, including supervisory roles supporting CDC-funded initiatives and nonprofit programs focused on community well-being. He has experience collaborating with community partners, nonprofit leaders, and public agencies, while guiding teams, and supporting initiatives that advance health access, education, and civic participation. These experiences have shaped his belief that global priorities such as public health, humanitarian cooperation, and inclusive development depend on local activism and effective governance. As a member of the UNA-USA Board of Directors, he is committed to thoughtful stewardship, strategic collaboration, and mission-driven oversight that strengthens organizational impact and deepens community engagement with the work of the United Nations.

Laleh Rastegarzadeh, Board Member at Large

Laleh Rastegarzadeh is a passionate advocate for social justice, human rights, and community empowerment. She currently serves as a member of the board for the United Nations Association of Davis, where she has been instrumental in advancing the chapter's mission through effective leadership and collaborative initiatives. Laleh holds a Master of Environmental Engineering from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, and extended graduate research in UC Davis. Her academic and professional background has equipped her with a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities in creating sustainable change at both the local and global levels.

During her tenure on the board, Laleh has played a key role in organizing impactful events, enhancing member engagement, and strengthening the chapter's connection to the broader UNA-USA network. Her leadership has been marked by her ability to foster inclusivity, inspire action, and promote awareness of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. Laleh’s dedication to advocacy extends beyond her board service. She has contributed to numerous community and nonprofit initiatives, leveraging her expertise in research, event planning, and community building to amplify voices and drive meaningful change.

Her volunteer work includes organizing cultural and educational workshops and campaigns that emphasize equality, diversity, and global cooperation. Laleh Rastegarzadeh is a passionate advocate for social justice, human rights, and community empowerment. She currently serves as a member of the board for the United Nations Association of Davis, where she has been instrumental in advancing the chapter's mission through effective leadership and collaborative initiatives. Laleh holds a Master of Environmental Engineering from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, and extended graduate research in UC Davis. Her academic and professional background has equipped her with a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities in creating sustainable change at both the local and global levels.

During her tenure on the board, Laleh has played a key role in organizing impactful events, enhancing member engagement, and strengthening the chapter's connection to the broader UNA-USA network. Her leadership has been marked by her ability to foster inclusivity, inspire action, and promote awareness of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. Laleh’s dedication to advocacy extends beyond her board service. She has contributed to numerous community and nonprofit initiatives, leveraging her expertise in research, event planning, and community building to amplify voices and drive meaningful change. Her volunteer work includes organizing cultural and educational workshops and campaigns that emphasize equality, diversity, and global cooperation.

Andrew Jower, Board Member at Large

Andrew Jower is a UC Davis student pursuing degrees in Science and Technology Studies and Organizational Studies. His academic interests focus on organizations, social movements, and the ways institutions can bring people together to create meaningful and lasting social change. Andrew brings extensive student leadership and organizational experience to the UNA-Davis Board. He currently serves as Co-President of the Humankind Movement, where he works with fellow student leaders on organizational development, governance, leadership transitions, and strategic planning. He previously served as President of the Science and Technology Studies Club at UC Davis, helping build campus partnerships, expand professional development opportunities, and strengthen the organization’s leadership structure.

Andrew also has a background in data science and research, including experience with the UC Davis DataLab and work in the private sector involving emerging technologies, artificial intelligence, and organizational research. His interdisciplinary background has shaped a strong interest in understanding how science, technology, and organizations affect society.

As a member of UNA-Davis, Andrew looks forward to supporting the chapter’s outreach and events, strengthening connections with students and campus organizations, and advancing awareness of the United Nations and the Sustainable Development Goals. He is particularly passionate about the role that international cooperation and strong local organizations can play in building a more peaceful, equitable, and sustainable future.

Jolynn Shoemaker, Co-Advocacy Chair

Jolynn Shoemaker is the Senior Director of Global Engagements in Global Affairs at UC Davis, where she supports the UN Sustainable Development Goals and other strategic initiatives. Jolynn has a background in international law, human rights and peace and security with more than 20 years of experience across government, non-governmental organizations, think tanks, and universities. She is a recognized expert on Women, Peace and Security and worked in several key non-governmental organizations in Washington DC on peace and security issues. Currently, she is a non-resident fellow at Our Secure Future, conducting research to advance Women, Peace and Security. She has served in the U.S. Department of Defense, Office of the Secretary of Defense and in the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor. She holds a J.D. with a focus on international law and an M.A. in Security Studies from Georgetown University and a B.A. from UC San Diego.

Fred Dastmalchi, Board Member at Large

Fred Dastmalchi. Trained as an engineer, Fred recently retired from a 25-year career with CalTrans. Prior to CalTrans he was employed by the County of Sacramento in a related job.

He arrived from Iran with $50 in his pocket in 1986 and settled in the Sacramento Valley where he became a US citizen, raised his family and continues to live. He is an avid outdoorsman having accomplished several extreme hikes around the world and in our own Sierra Nevada range.

His passion for freedom and human rights is apparent in his volunteerism and commitment to United Nations oriented programs and looks forward to helping the UNA chapter in Davis, CA..

Edgar Trujillo, Treasurer

Edgar Trujillo is a first-generation Mexican American who has made significant contributions in his career and community. Born and raised in Soledad, California, Edgar grew up with a passion for education and social justice. He pursued his academic interests at the University of California, Davis, where he earned a degree in Sociology and Spanish.

After graduating from college, Edgar began his career as a Public Education Specialist at UC Davis. He was responsible for coordinating various outreach programs that aimed to increase the diversity of students attending the university. Through his work, Edgar helped underrepresented students gain access to higher education and helped create a more inclusive campus environment.

After several years of successful work in the education sector, Edgar transitioned to a new role at UC Davis Conference Center as an Event Venue Manager. In this role, he used his exceptional organizational and leadership skills to manage and execute events ranging from weddings to large-scale conferences. Under his management, the UC Davis Conference Center became a highly sought-after venue for events in the Sacramento area.

Edgar's passion for community involvement led him to volunteer with the United Nations Association of Sacramento in 2017. As an advocate for the UN's vital importance, he worked tirelessly to raise awareness about the UN's critical work addressing climate change, sustainable development, human rights, and more. His efforts helped to educate people about the UN's role in promoting peace and social justice worldwide.

Verena Borton, Chapter Adviser

Meet Verena Borton, an exceptional leader whose journey with the United Nations Association (UNA) began in the 1990s and has since blossomed into an inspiring legacy. Currently serving as the Chapter President, Verena's profound dedication to the ideals of human rights, sustainable development, and international cooperation stands as a testament to her unwavering commitment.

With a remarkable journey spanning decades, Verena's association with the UNA showcases her enduring passion for creating positive change on a global scale. Her leadership role reflects not only her depth of knowledge but also her remarkable ability to mobilize individuals toward a shared vision. Through her tireless efforts, Verena has fostered a community of like-minded individuals who share her passion for making the world a more just and sustainable place.

Verena's journey is a living embodiment of the UNA's mission, demonstrating how one person's dedication can ripple out to impact lives across borders. Her journey inspires others to engage actively in the pursuit of a better world, making her an exemplary figure in the realm of international advocacy.