Dr. Parastou Najaf
Dr. Parastou Najaf is an experienced project and program manager specializing in disaster recovery, mitigation, and resilience. With a career built on leading large-scale programs from inception to implementation, she has developed and managed multi-million-dollar initiatives addressing the impacts of floods, wildfires, storms, and public health emergencies like COVID-19.
Her expertise spans hazard mitigation planning, long-term recovery strategies, and resilience-building efforts, ensuring communities can effectively navigate the complexities of post-disaster funding, policy development, and infrastructure restoration. She has a proven track record of securing and overseeing significant federal and state funding, driving projects that enhance disaster preparedness and reduce future risk.
With a PhD in Emergency Management, Dr. Najaf brings a strategic and evidence-based approach to disaster finance, program execution, and stakeholder collaboration. Her ability to integrate technical expertise with practical implementation has made her a trusted leader in the field, shaping innovative solutions for sustainable recovery and resilience.
DEM Group LLC
Founder & Principal Consultant
Kia Xiong
When emergencies and disasters strike, steady leadership and clear communication are essential to navigating the storm. Houakia “Kia” Xiong is a seasoned communications professional with over 15 years of experience spanning both the public and private sectors. She specializes in emergency and crisis communication planning and strategy, stakeholder engagement, and program implementation for diverse communities, including the access and functional needs community. Ms. Xiong has extensive experience developing and building public information infrastructures, enhancing emergency alert and warning systems, and strengthening partnerships with community and faith-based organizations. She holds an Executive MBA from Saint Mary’s College of California and a Bachelor’s degree in Communications Studies from California State University, Stanislaus. In her spare time, she loves exploring the outdoors, traveling to new places, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Marisol Torres
Marisol Torres is an accomplished public sector professional with over 15 years of experience in Public Health, Emergency Management, Equity, and Access and Functional Needs (AFN). She holds a bachelor’s degree in History and has dedicated her career to advancing community well-being through inclusive and equity-driven initiatives.
In her previous leadership roles, Marisol has successfully managed a wide range of public health programs and grants, including Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP), the Hospital Preparedness Program (HPP), Pandemic Influenza, Oral Health, Tobacco Control, Type 2 Diabetes Prevention, and community health initiatives. She has been instrumental in strengthening emergency preparedness by establishing diverse and inclusive emergency response teams to address public health threats.
During her tenure as an Emergency Preparedness and Medical Health Operational Area Coordinator (MHOAC), Marisol played a vital role in developing emergency response plans during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a particular focus on mitigating the virus’s impact on vulnerable populations. As an Access and Functional Needs Coordinator, she led the creation of programs and collaborative workgroups that integrated AFN considerations into emergency planning and response efforts, ensuring equitable services for all community members.
Marisol’s extensive expertise in disaster response, community engagement, and health equity has made a significant impact on the field of Public Health and Emergency Management. She is a passionate advocate for inclusive practices that prioritize the needs of diverse populations.
In her personal time, Marisol is an avid long-distance runner and enjoys spending time with her family.