Jessica Torres, Executive Vice President 

Natasha Bhave, Fund Development Vice President

Patricia Denyer, Community Vice President

Erica Kenyon, Membership Vice President 

Heather Kellagher, Operations Vice President

Julz McCusker, Leadership Development Vice President

Sarah Schwelger, Finance Vice President

Jacqui Laughlin, Chief of Staff

Meet our Management Team

Jessica Torres – Executive Vice President   
Jessica joined the Junior League of San Jose in 2018 after transferring from the Junior League of Pasadena. She has served as a New Member chair and Membership Transformation team lead. Jessica has also served on  the Community Partnership Committee, as well as fund development and special event ad hoc committees. This is her second year serving on the Board of JLSJ as the At-Large Director, Sustainability and now as EVP. She received her MCM from USC and spent a decade working in tech startups before moving to the Bay Area and volunteering full time. When she’s not volunteering she loves doing ceramics and playing indoor soccer.

Natasha Bhave – Fund Development Vice President

Natasha transferred to the Junior League of San Jose from San Francisco in 2015. She has served as a New Member Mentor and chaired New Member Training, in addition to serving on the Rummage Sale and Derby Day committees. Most recently she co-chaired the 2021 Silicon Valley Trivia Challenge Fundraiser. This will be her first year serving on the Management Team. Natasha has worked in elementary and special education for nine years. When not working, Natasha enjoys spending time with her 3-year-old son, reading, and learning to play tennis.

Patricia Denyer – Community Vice President

Patricia (PJ) is excited to be serving as your Community V.P. for the 2021-2022 League Year! In 2017, while working at The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay, PJ was chatting with a guest checking in, who was a member of JLSJ, and she raved about the wonderful organization. A month later, she went to her first GMM and knew she needed to join the amazing women in this organization. Since joining, she served two years on VRL as the Dignitary & Election Official Liaison, and for the last two years, she had the amazing privilege being a junior and senior delegate for the California Social Public Affairs Committee. As a member of Cal SPAC, she helped analyze SB 384, regarding family finding protocols for foster youth, that was supported by the delegation as a whole. Outside of the league, you can find PJ at the gym lifting weights, spending time outside or exploring local restaurants and wineries.

Erica Kenyon – Membership Vice President

Erica joined the Junior League of San Jose in 2015 after returning to the Bay Area from Denver, Colorado. Erica has served on the Community Impact committee, Rummage Sale committee, was New Member Trainer and held the role of Executive Vice President. Erica is serving as Vice President, Membership for a second term. Outside of the league, Erica is the Director, People (HR) at a startup, focused on producing sustainable and compostable food packaging products. She is an outdoor enthusiast; runner, skier, hiker, and starts each day with a cup of coffee, music and a walk outside. She is passionate about creating a favorable league experience for a diverse and talented group of women.   

Heather Kellagher – Operations Vice President

Heather joined the Junior League of San Jose in 2017 shortly after moving to San Jose. Heather is originally from Virginia, but also spent a few years in Los Angeles. JLSJ has helped Heather build her network and make San Jose a place she calls home! Most recently Heather has served as New Member co-chair and Membership Transformation co-chair. She has also served on the Community Partnership Committee and New Member Committee. Outside of the League, Heather is a Human Capital Consulting Manager at Deloitte where she supports clients through organizational transformations. When Heather is not working or volunteering she enjoys riding her Peloton and cooking.

Julz McCusker – Leadership Development Vice President

Sarah Schwelger – Finance Vice President

Sarah joined the Junior League of San Jose in 2017. She has served as a New Member Mentor, Treasurer of the JLSJ Derby Event and is currently serving in her second term as Finance VP. Professionally, Sarah is the Chief Financial Officer of Ocean’s Halo, a fast-growing CPG start up. In her free time, Sarah enjoys sailing, skiing, hiking and updating her 1920’s home with her husband.

Jacqui Laughlin – Assistant to the President & Executive Vice President 

Jacqui has been involved with the Junior League of San Jose since 2015 currently serving as assistant to the President and the Executive Vice President. She has held roles supporting the annual Volunteer Recognition Luncheon (VRL), new League members, and assistant to the President. Jacqui recently completed her MBA in the UK and is looking to learn more about the strategy and operations of the League by working with both the Board of Directors and the Management Team. Outside of JLSJ Jacqui is involved with her local sorority alumnae chapter by focusing on organizational engagement and development. She loves tacos, fashion, and wine tasting, all best enjoyed with family and friends.