HLI Class of 2026

Adriana Ruelas is a powerful advocate in California’s state Capitol’s Latino community, passionately promoting greater Latina representation in leadership roles. She has been a committed public servant and has served as Chief of Staff for Several members of the legislature since 1998. Today, she serves as Chief of Staff to the first Native American to serve in the legislature, and she is a co-founder of the California Legislative Native American Foundation. Among her many achievements, in 2011 she was selected to participate in a 6-Sigma Efficiency Certification program overseen by the then-Governor Brown’s Office of Business and Economic Development, where she was tasked with making government leaner and more efficient. In 2018, her leadership as a plaintiff in litigation requiring the legislature to provide transparency into sexual harassment claims against members of the Capitol community led to the creation of the first-ever California Legislative Workers’ Conduct Unit. Today, she is spearheading and championing many efforts to address the missing and murdered Indigenous people (MMIP) crisis, including the creation and implementation of the Feather Alert System, securing funding for the first-ever California Native American Parade, and funding for the placement of the first Native American Monument in Capitol Park.

Alyssa Mireles is a proud Latina and first-generation college graduate passionate about creating meaningful change through health equity, leadership, and community engagement. She works as the Project and Community Outreach Manager for the Together for Wellness website at UCLA Health, leading statewide outreach to expand access to free and diverse mental health and wellness resources for youth, parents, and caregivers. Rooted in service and community leadership, Alyssa also serves as Deputy State Director for California LULAC, Secretary for the California LULAC Foundation, and Secretary for Oxnard LULAC Council #3147. She is a board member of Elect.org, which empowers young adults to pursue leadership and public office. She has helped organize women’s empowerment programs, young adult and youth initiatives, health-focused events, and statewide conferences that amplify diverse voices and strengthen civic engagement. A double alumna of San Diego State University, Alyssa earned her Master of Public Health in Health Management and Policy and Bachelor of Science in Public Health. Guided by her values of equity, inclusion, and service, she strives to create spaces where young Latinas can lead, thrive, and shape the future of their communities.

Dr. Amada Armenta is Faculty Director of the UCLA Latino Policy and Politics Institute (LPPI) and Associate Professor of Urban Planning and Sociology at the Luskin School of Public Affairs. In her role at LPPI, she leads a nationally recognized policy center that conducts research, improves data infrastructure, and hosts convenings on issues that impact Latino communities, including public health, workforce, and entrepreneurship. By embedding equity into research, policy engagement, and leadership pipelines, LPPI’s work transforms systems to reflect and serve Latinos and other communities of color. Dr. Armenta’s personal scholarship examines the intersection of immigration enforcement and criminal justice and the impacts of immigration law on Latino communities. Her book Protect, Serve, and Deport: The Rise of Policing as Immigration Enforcement (University of California Press, 2017) received multiple awards for its analysis of local policing’s role in immigration control. Dr. Armenta proudly hails from the Imperial Valley.

Amanda Hernandez is the Vice President of the Apple Valley Fire Protection District and serves as Government Relations Manager at Southern California Edison. With a career rooted in public service and community development, Amanda is passionate about fostering collaboration between local governments, businesses, and residents to drive sustainable growth and economic opportunity. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Southern California and an MBA from California State University, San Bernardino. Currently, Amanda is pursuing her law degree at Southwestern Law School, further strengthening her ability to advocate for policies that benefit communities across Southern California, especially in the Inland Empire.

Amanda brings extensive experience in public affairs, regional development, and stakeholder engagement, working to build meaningful partnerships that support infrastructure, safety, and economic vitality. Her leadership reflects a deep commitment to creating resilient communities through thoughtful planning and inclusive dialogue.

Brenda Villa is the Director of Community Programs at the Lompoc Valley Community Healthcare Organization (LVCHO), where she leads initiatives that strengthen health equity, community resilience, and leadership development. She manages multimillion-dollar grants, builds cross-sector coalitions, and develops programs that prioritize the voices of families and community members. In 2024, Brenda was elected to the Lompoc Unified School District Board of Education. As a trustee, she champions student wellness, equitable opportunities, and collaborative partnerships that connect schools with the broader community. She also serves as the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Chair for the American Association of University Women (AAUW), advancing inclusive practices and supporting women in leadership.

Brenda has more than eight years of experience in nonprofit leadership and community engagement. Her approach is grounded in authenticity, cultural connection, and the belief that lasting change happens when people feel seen, heard, and supported. As a first-generation immigrant and first-generation college graduate, she draws on her lived experience to bridge gaps and uplift underrepresented voices. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Spanish Literature from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and an Associate degree in Political Science from Allan Hancock College.

Carla Castilla serves as Chief Consultant to the California State Assembly Committee on Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact, where she leads policies that strengthen California’s economy, expand opportunity for working families, and support the state’s 4.1 million small businesses. She is recognized for shaping initiatives that balance economic growth with equity and community impact. Previously, Castilla served as Chief of Staff to Assemblymember Rudy Salas, directing policy, legislative, and district operations that delivered measurable results for the Central Valley. Her leadership has earned recognition from California Women Lead as one of California’s “Fierce and Fearless Leaders” and the Kennedy Courage Award for dedication to public service and justice.

With more than two decades of experience, Castilla has led transformative efforts in workforce development, small business policy, and civic engagement, consistently building coalitions and empowering communities. A UCLA graduate in International Development and Business Administration, she began her public service in the Clinton White House, advancing equity and representation in federal appointments. More than opening doors, Castilla builds pathways for others, leading through service, guided by culture, courage, and purpose.

Clarissa Laguardia is the Executive Director of the California Center for Civic Participation (CalCenter), where she has led the organization since 2023. In this role, she has expanded programs that activate, educate, and mobilize young people across California, while strengthening the board, developing new partnerships, and creating a statewide platform for youth civic leadership and policy engagement. She is also the Founder and CEO of Laguardia Translations, a consultancy dedicated to advancing language access and equity. Through this practice, she advises nonprofits, government agencies, and advocacy organizations on culturally and legally informed communication strategies, ensuring that diverse communities are heard and represented in decision-making processes. Previously, Clarissa served as the Language Access Manager for the State of California’s Census 2020, where she created the statewide methodology and standards for language access. Her leadership was instrumental in reaching historically undercounted communities and expanding equity in one of the largest civic projects in the state. Earlier, she worked nationally as the Program Manager of the Newman Civic Fellowship at Campus Compact, supporting a diverse cohort of student leaders advancing equity and civic innovation in higher education. A proud Salvadoran immigrant, Clarissa has over 15 years of advocacy, board leadership, and coalition-building experience.

Claudia is currently a Supervising Attorney at the UFW Foundation. Her work includes representing children and families in deportation proceedings in immigration court as well as individuals pursuing affirmative immigration relief before U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Prior to joining the UFW Foundation, Claudia has worked for the County of Kern, Greater Bakersfield Legal Assistance and the Inland Empire Latino Lawyers Association. Her career has been dedicated to ensuring access to justice for those historically marginalized and protecting vulnerable populations through direct legal services and community advocacy. Claudia attended Claremont McKenna College where she majored in Government and Chicana/o Studies and earned her law degree from USC Gould School of Law. She is a Certified Yoga Teacher, having received her training at The Tree Yoga Cooperative, a BIPOC Female & Worker-Owner Yoga Cooperative in South Central Los Angeles. Outside of her legal career, Claudia sits on the board of Kern Literacy Council and is a Commissioner with the Kern County Animal Services Commission. She is a longtime volunteer with Latina Leaders of Kern County, the Kern County Library, and Bakersfield Food Not Bombs. Claudia is a staunch vegan and wholly believes in the rights of animals along with the preservation of our natural world. She is a proud danzante with Calpulli Ollincan Yolotl and stands in solidarity with all movements for justice and dignity.

Cynthia Valencia (she/her/ella) is a proud daughter of immigrants, born and raised in Southern California. She is the Civic Engagement Program Manager at the ACLU California Action. In her role, she leads the organization’s power-building program, including legislative accountability campaigns, voter education, and ballot measure campaigns. She brings eight years of advocacy experience at the ACLU across various roles, managing legislative portfolios covering immigrants’ rights, First Amendment rights, voting rights, and government transparency. Before her statewide work, Cynthia successfully led local advocacy campaigns in Orange County, organizing volunteers for voter engagement and advocating during local redistricting efforts to ensure historically marginalized communities were accurately represented. A highlight of her ACLU tenure was leading local advocacy for the CA Values Act, which restricts local law enforcement from using resources for immigration enforcement. She continues to advocate for the rights of California’s immigrant communities. Prior to the ACLU, Cynthia spent three years as a legislative aide for Long Beach City Councilmembers, performing policy analysis, drafting legislative items, and managing constituent services. Cynthia is a first-generation college graduate; she holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Business from the University of Southern California.

Danea Villegas-Peña (she/her/ella) is a strategic operations and systems leader dedicated to optimizing institutional processes that remove structural barriers for underserved communities. She is a community-centered catalyst, passionate about designing equitable systems that improve transparency, accountability, and outcomes for students and the workforce. With a deep commitment to systems-change work, Danea operates with a growth mindset and currently serves as the Director of Education at the Center for Employment Training, where she translates institutional priorities into high-impact operational and instructional strategies across multiple campuses. Throughout her career, Danea has demonstrated an entrepreneurial spirit in launching, strengthening, and scaling initiatives that expand access and opportunity. Notably, she played a key leadership role in the Eastside Education Initiative (EEI), helping establish sustainable operational frameworks and supporting programming that reached more than 1,500 students. Her leadership experience spans multiple sectors, including workforce development, STEM education, student services, and community engagement, as well as civic work supporting local campaigns in San Jose. Across roles, she is committed to cultivating leaders, strengthening cross-functional collaboration, and fostering environments where collective impact is the standard.

Danea holds a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Santa Clara University and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from California State University, East Bay. She continues to expand her leadership toolkit through professional development and community engagement, guided by a commitment to bridging gaps, building access, and advancing opportunity for the next generation of leaders.

Domonique C. Alcaraz serves as a Deputy Attorney General in the California Department of Justice’s Police Practices Section. She focuses on investigating California law enforcement agencies when allegations of unconstitutional policing arise, reviewing shooting deaths of unarmed people by the police, and, at times working, collaboratively with law enforcement agencies to implement reforms. Domonique previously worked in the Civil Rights Enforcement Section where she advocated for the protection of incarcerated youth, immigrants’ rights, voting rights, and the elimination of racial profiling in policing. In law school, Domonique participated in the nationally ranked Byrne Trial Advocacy Team, represented youth in delinquency court through Loyola’s Juvenile Justice Clinic, and coordinated the Young Lawyers Mentoring Program. Domonique has engaged in organizations that uplift Latinas in the legal profession and empower people who are impacted by incarceration. She is passionate about social justice because of her lived experience. Before law school, Domonique did a year of service with City Year Chicago, volunteered at an immigration law clinic, encouraged civic engagement through canvassing, and coordinated free legal clinics in Los Angeles. Domonique is a first-generation college and law school graduate who was born and raised in Boyle Heights, City Terrace, and East LA.

Dr. Donna San Miguel is the Executive Director of Community Relations at California State University San Marcos (CSUSM), where she leads initiatives that strengthen the university’s connection to the region through strategic engagement and inclusive program development. With over 24 years of experience in higher education, she is recognized for her expertise in outreach strategy and her commitment to building collaborative partnerships that empower students, educators, and community leaders.Her leadership is grounded in a deep commitment to diversity, educational equity, and fostering meaningful relationships between academia and the broader community. Dr. San Miguel holds a Ph.D. in Leadership Studies from the University of San Diego, a Master’s degree from San Diego State University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Arizona State University. In addition to her professional role, Dr. San Miguel is an active community leader. She currently serves as President of MANA de North County San Diego, Treasurer of JDS Creative Academy, and is a member of the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. She also facilitates the Leadership North County program at CSUSM, a regional initiative that brings together leaders from diverse industries to explore the challenges and opportunities facing North County San Diego.

Elizabeth Andrade is the Executive Director of 2-1-1 Orange County, a key service of Orange County United Way. In this role, she leads the county’s central access point for health and social services, overseeing the 211 contact center, the GetHelpOC closed-loop referral system, and the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) for Orange County. Her work centers on improving care coordination, data integration, and equitable access to community resources. Prior to her current role, Elizabeth served as Chief Executive Officer of Family Assistance Ministries, where she guided the organization through a period of significant growth, expanding its reach and strengthening regional partnerships. She has more than 18 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, focusing on collaboration between public agencies and community-based organizations to address poverty, housing, and food insecurity. Elizabeth holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from California State University, Fullerton, and an MBA in Healthcare Organization and Leadership. She received the Dignity Care Scholarship for the Mini-MBA in Healthcare Leadership from the University of Arizona. A lifelong Orange County resident, Elizabeth serves on the board of the Delhi Center in Santa Ana and is passionate about advancing equity and civic engagement across the region.

Jen Delara is a dynamic Startup and Impact Leader recognized for her ability to drive growth by strategically leveraging technology, community, and innovation. As a Growth Catalyst, her most recent focus has been on cultivating Thriving Ecosystems and achieving Product Success within early-stage and high-impact ventures. This work involves blending data-driven strategies with innovative solutions and strong community engagement to deliver sustainable results. Prior to her current initiatives, she honed a polymath mindset, operating as a multidisciplinary leader across various sectors. She has consistently demonstrated a commitment to developing thriving communities and cultivating collaborative mindsets, enabling organizational scaling and achieving measurable social impact. Her foundational experience lies in acting as a Catalyst for Growth, bridging diverse fields to foster environments where ambitious projects and transformative ideas can flourish.

Jules Hirst is the Founder of Etiquette Consulting Inc. For the last eighteen years, she has worked as an Etiquette Coach empowering professionals, students, and organizations to communicate with confidence, lead with grace, and present with purpose. She has been featured in media outlets such as Good Morning America and NBC News. Her work includes tailored workshops and masterclasses in networking, business and dining etiquette, and professional presence.  She has worked with major corporations to universities and youth leadership initiatives. Previously, Jules served as Secretary and Board Member of the National Latina Business Women Association (NLBWA) and as Southern Director of the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce (CHCC), where she supported Latina entrepreneurship and community leadership development. As co-author of The Power of Civility and technical editor of Modern Etiquette for Dummies, she continues to elevate everyday elegance helping others not only master etiquette, but embody leadership, confidence, and purpose.

Born in San Diego and raised in Tijuana, Karen is proud to be a bi-national citizen. Her academic training in architecture began at Universidad Iberoamericana in Tijuana, Mexico, where she received a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture. It continued north of the border at Woodbury University’s San Diego Campus, where she received a Master of Science in Landscape + Urbanism. Karen is currently a Strategic Communications Consultant at HDR. A global firm that specializes in architecture, engineering, environmental and construction services. Karen works with an interdisciplinary team and leads community engagement for several capital improvement projects. Throughout her career, she has worked in the private, public and non-profit sectors. She is passionate about delivering positive results and adding value to her community through collaborative projects around youth empowerment, city planning, politics, and equity.

Leticia Oregel-Reyes is the Director of Dual Enrollment at Alliance College-Ready Public Schools, where she leads districtwide efforts to expand equitable college access for high school and middle school students across Los Angeles. A passionate advocate for first-generation and low-income scholars, she collaborates with college partners, counselors, and district leaders to build systems that empower students to earn meaningful college credit and develop strong college-going identities. Leticia also serves as an Adjunct Professor and member of the School Counseling Advisory Board at Concordia University Irvine, where she helps guide the vision and direction of the master’s program in School Counseling. In both roles, she mentors future counselors to design data-driven, equity-centered, and comprehensive programs aligned with the ASCA National Model. Before entering higher education and district leadership, Leticia served 14 years as a high school counselor with Green Dot Public Schools in South Los Angeles and later as a Counselor Coach for Santa Ana Unified School District. Leticia’s values are deeply rooted in community, and her leadership is driven by her unwavering commitment to advocacy, access, and social justice.

Libier Gonzalez is an experienced educator and counselor with nearly a decade of experience working with middle school students in Mexico. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Universidad del Valle de Atemajac. Libier’s most profound experience, however, comes from her work as a parent and advocate for her three children, Oliver, Mayra, and Andrea. She currently serves as the Family and Advocacy Director for the Latino Education Advancement Foundation, where she strengthens family engagement programs and supports Latinx families in East San José. In this role, she also oversees the advocacy program, equipping students and families with the knowledge and tools to advocate for educational equity and equitable funding in the Eastside. Previously, Libier was Regional Director at the Parent Institute for Quality Education (PIQE), where she provided leadership in program operations, partnered with community organizations, and ensured a strong, trained, and reliable team to deliver quality services. Libier has also contributed to community engagement initiatives, including serving as chair at Bellarmine College Preparatory, helping create the first Latino Families group at Presentation High School, and participating in PIVOT at SUMMIT Tahoma.

Maria Fernanda Manjarrez serves on Airbnb’s Public Policy and Government Relations team, where she helps shape and implement housing and tourism policy initiatives across California. In her role, she partners with local governments, community organizations, and industry stakeholders to promote fair, forward looking policies that strengthen local economies and expand equitable travel opportunities statewide. Before joining Airbnb, Maria worked at Strategies 360, a leading public affairs and communications firm. During her tenure, she supported high impact campaigns in community outreach, government relations, and regional economic development, bridging public and private interests to deliver measurable results. Earlier in her career, Maria was appointed by Governor Jerry Brown to the California Student Aid Commission, where she contributed to statewide policy discussions on higher education access and financial aid reform. Maria holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Bachelor of Science in Public Policy. She is passionate about civic engagement, community empowerment, and building collaborative solutions at the intersection of policy and innovation.

Melissa Canela is a nonprofit leader dedicated to advancing equity, advocating for cultural empowerment, and community engagement across Silicon Valley. She currently serves as the Deputy Director of Programs at the School of Arts and Culture at MHP, where she leads strategic initiatives that align arts, culture, and community development with long-term organizational goals. In this role, she oversees program strategy, sustainability planning, and cross-sector partnerships that expand access to creative and community-based opportunities for local families.

Previously, Melissa served as Director of Programs at the Hispanic Foundation of Silicon Valley, where she increased partnerships and managed large-scale education and leadership programs serving Latino students and families. Her earlier work at Grail Family Services strengthened her commitment to early childhood development and parent empowerment. Beyond her professional experience, Melissa is deeply involved in civic leadership and advocacy. She serves as Co-Chair of the Latino Leadership Alliance Board of Directors and has played key roles in supporting the political campaigns of Latina and BIPOC women leaders in San José at the school board, city, and county levels, advancing representation and equity in local government. Melissa is committed to building inclusive, culturally grounded leadership that drives systems change and uplifts underrepresented communities.

Melissa is a Senior Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions at Caltech. In her role, she focuses on DEI outreach and programming, particularly related to small town and rural recruitment. She oversees Caltech’s involvement in the STARS (Small Town and Rural Student) College Network as their inaugural director. As a first-generation graduate, she is passionate about education and mentorship, and hopes to be a useful tool for students navigating their academic journey.

Melissa has previous experience as an adjunct professor, a higher education fellow to Congresswoman Nanette Barragan, and a consultant in the college prep and curriculum design field. She received her master’s degree in education from Teachers College, Columbia University, and undergraduate degrees in philosophy and the humanities from CSU Fullerton.

Miravel Navarro currently serves as the Director of Health and Wellness for Madera Unified School District, where she leads comprehensive initiatives that promote the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of more than 20,000 students across Madera County. Prior to joining Madera Unified, Miravel served as the Substance Use Disorder and Justice-Involvement Division Manager for Madera County Department of Behavioral Health Services, overseeing programs that addressed prevention, treatment, and reentry support for justice-involved individuals. Before that, she was the Public Health Program Manager for Madera County Department of Public Health, where she managed community-based programs designed to strengthen local health outcomes through data-driven and collaborative strategies. Earlier in her career, Miravel served as the Justice-Involved Coordinator for the Madera County Workforce Development Board, where she developed reentry and workforce training programs for individuals returning to the community after incarceration. Between these roles, she also worked as a self-employed program evaluator, supporting organizations with program design, implementation, and performance improvement. Miravel holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a Master’s Degree in Organizational and Strategic Leadership. A passionate advocate for community wellness and equity, she remains committed to advancing systems that support health, education, and opportunity throughout the Central Valley.

Miroslava de la O currently serves as the Director of Operations in the Office of Governor Gavin Newsom, where she ensures the Governor’s Office runs efficiently and effectively. During her seven-year tenure in the executive branch, her past roles have included Special Assistant to the Governor and Special Assistant to two separate Chiefs of Staff to Governor Newsom, roles in which she supported high-level policy and organizational priorities.

An immigrant from Zacatecas, Mexico, Miroslava moved to California at 14 years old and earned her B.S. in Crop Science and Management from the University of California, Davis. She brings a vital Latina perspective to state leadership and is dedicated to mentoring and uplifting other young Latinas in public service. Miroslava resides in Davis, California, with her husband Kyle and their two children, Olivia and Nicolás. In her free time, she’s a dedicated club soccer mom and a competitive tennis player.

Natalie Hernandez is a specialist in environmental policy and community planning. She currently holds the position of Environmental Project Manager at the Gateway Cities Council of Governments. She was previously a Director at Climate Resolve, where she managed the “Ready for Tomorrow” grant writing and research, co-authored the state’s Adaptation Planning Guide, provided technical expertise on climate grant programs, and led the community outreach for urban cooling and climate vulnerability projects in Baldwin Hills, South Los Angeles, Canoga Park, and broader LA County. Natalie is knowledgeable about climate change funding, planning processes, stakeholder engagement, and resilience. She has a strong passion for environmental justice and climate equity, which she attributes to growing up in Long Beach, a core hub of goods movement, air quality issues, and climate adaptation in the Los Angeles area. Her past experience includes positions at the California Natural Resources Agency, California Air Resources Board, Institute for Local Government, and USC Equity Research Institute. Natalie holds a Master of Urban Planning from USC and a BA in Urban Studies and Spanish from Loyola Marymount University. In her spare time, she enjoys running, eating tacos with her family, and learning from fun people and new places.

Norma Amezcua was born in Veracruz, Mexico. While growing up, she faced numerous challenges, including living in an under-resourced community and becoming a teenage mother. Despite these obstacles, she persevered and committed herself to becoming a humble and generous individual. After graduating from high school, Norma vowed she would not become just another statistic. She earned an Associate of Arts degree in Child Development from Los Angeles City College, a Bachelor’s degree in Human Development from Pacific Oaks College, and a Master’s degree in Child Development from California State University, Long Beach. For the past 19 years, Norma has worked at the Mexican American Opportunity Foundation, a non-profit organization that serves under-resourced communities. Throughout her career there, she has held various positions within their Early Care & Education Programs. In her current role as the Early Childhood Education Academic Director, she supports and guides educators with their professional growth and development.Prior to her new role, she served as the Early Care & Education Program Director, overseeing 27 state-funded ECE centers. Additionally, she is an active civic leader in her community, serving as a member of the Norwalk La Mirada Unified School District Board and as a member of the Norwalk Lions Club.

Norma C. Cardona has an internal anchoring to kindness and boldness. She is actively creating the world she dreamed she would live in as a child. After a short but life-changing experience leading in a dream tech company, Norma witnessed what true equity in the workplace could look like such as livable wages, accessible health care, and second chances for all, not just a privileged few. Experiencing this level of dignity and inclusion transformed her understanding of what’s possible. Rather than return to traditional systems that often undervalued people, she chose to build something new. She boldly founded Cultiva Greatness LLC, a consulting firm rooted in empowerment, human connection, and transformation. Through it, she teaches overlooked leaders self-empowering tools to nurture resilience, overcome the imposter phenomenon, and build belonging in the workplace. By embodying this approach, leaders cultivate greater empathy, kindness, and genuine human connection. Norma leads transformational trainings and facilitates circles of practice with Spanish-speaking rural communities—serving the same kinds of communities she grew up in while living in Santa Maria, California. A servant-leader at heart, she walks through life with honesty, responsibility, and authenticity—modeling the integrity and courage she strives to cultivate in others.

Raquel Román is a Chicana with Indigenous Yaqui and Nahua-Otomi roots, born in Los Angeles’ Chinatown (Tongva Land) and raised in Southeast Los Angeles. She earned her B.A. in Chicana/o Studies with a minor in Gender and Women’s Studies from California State University, Northridge, and her Master of Social Work from the University of Southern California in 2021.
Raquel currently serves as the Executive Director of Proyecto Pastoral at Dolores Mission, where she leads programs advancing equity, education, leadership development, and community empowerment. Before this role, she was the organization’s Director of People, Culture, and Equity, promoting inclusive and justice-centered workplace practices.From 2017 to 2021, Raquel served as Director of the Guadalupe Homeless Project (GHP), becoming the first woman to lead the program. She helped transform the shelter to better meet the needs of immigrant men and women experiencing homelessness. In 2014, she launched a women’s shelter for unhoused women aged 55 and older in Boyle Heights—one of the first of its kind in the area. Raquel’s leadership was recognized with La Opinión’s 2014 Mujer Destacada Award in the Leadership category.

Raquel Morales currently serves as the Manager II of Government Affairs at EdTrust-West, a statewide nonprofit that focuses on educational justice and closing opportunity gaps for students of color. In her role, Raquel brings her own lived experience as a formerly undocumented, first-generation student. She understands the importance of educational equity for California’s students on a deeply personal level. Raquel’s passion for advocacy and social justice began during her time in undergrad where she championed college accessibility and affordability. She is fortunate to be able to continue that legacy in both her professional life and personal life, where she serves on local boards and committees to support her hometown of Sacramento and its next generation of leaders. Raquel holds dual Bachelor’s degrees from the University of California, San Diego, in Ethnic Studies and International Studies.

Rosyo Ramirez is a public sector administrator with more than 24 years of experience in the areas of public health, social services, housing, victim services, and emergency management. She currently serves as a Human Services Program Manager for the County of San Diego’s, Health and Human Services, Housing and Community Development Services, where she oversees over $14 million in annual federal funding that supports affordable housing, infrastructure development, and other supportive service programs for low-income individuals. Previously, Ms. Ramirez served as Deputy Director of the Community Health Division for the Imperial County Public Health Department, overseeing a division of over 60 staff and managing multi-year budgets totaling over $20 million. She directed programs such as communicable disease control and prevention, emergency medical services, disaster preparedness, health promotion, and COVID-19 emergency response operations. For almost ten years, Ms. Ramirez led the Imperial County In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) Public Authority, serving as the Employer of Record for more than 4,000 in-home caregivers. She managed budgets, labor contracts, and workforce training programs that allowed for the independent living of seniors and individuals with disabilities. In her free time, she enjoys traveling and spending time with family and friends to recharge.

Dr. Sonia Arreguin, LCSW, is a bilingual therapist, educator, and community leader with over 15 years of experience in mental health, leadership, and social advocacy. She currently serves in private practice through Rula Health, providing trauma-informed and culturally responsive psychotherapy for adults navigating life transitions, anxiety, and emotional healing. Dr. Arreguin is also the Clinical Director at SJET Clinical Services, where she supervises clinicians, develops training programs, and promotes reflective, strength-based practice across interdisciplinary teams. In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Arreguin served as President of the Central California Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, is the current Vice President of the Central California Hispanic Foundation, and Central Region Director for the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce, leading initiatives that advance Latino business, education, and community development. Dr. Arreguin earned her Ph.D. in Transpersonal Psychology from Sofia University. Her work explores mindfulness, trauma, and Latina empowerment through a Mujerista framework. Dedicated to equity and holistic healing, she integrates her roles as therapist, advocate, and educator to foster personal and collective transformation in the communities she serves.

Teresa Acuña is Founder and Principal of Ascend Advisors LLC, a consulting and public affairs firm that partners with organizations to turn complex challenges into winning strategies. With over 15 years of experience, Teresa has a proven track record of converting ambitious ideas into actionable policy strategy and execution across federal, state, and local government.
Teresa served the Biden-Harris Administration as Climate Advisor and Co-Founder of the Good Jobs Initiative at the U.S. Department of Labor, shaping federal investment strategies to advance job quality, equitable workforce development, and worker empowerment nationwide. Previously, she was Legislative Director in both the U.S. House of Representatives and the California State Legislature, where she developed and advanced forward-looking policy solutions in complex political environments.

She holds a Master’s in Public Administration from the Harvard Kennedy School, where she was recognized as a Roy and Lila Ash Fellow in Democratic Governance and a Sheila C. Johnson Leadership Fellow.

Veronica Zuniga Lopez is a sales account manager specializing in acute care at Medline Industries, where she manages multimillion-dollar hospital contracts across the Inland Empire region and partners with clinical and administrative leaders to improve healthcare efficiency and patient outcomes. Before returning to Medline in 2022, Veronica served as a Data Analyst for Green Dot Public Schools. Here, she collaborated with the English Language Development team to analyze student performance data and write grant proposals that helped secure federal and philanthropic funding for English Learner programs. Earlier in her career, she worked for the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles (LAFLA) as a Law Clerk in the Immigration Unit under former Director Michael Ortiz. Here, Veronica supported cases involving asylum, U-visas, VAWA, T-visas, and unaccompanied minors seeking immigration relief.

Beyond her professional work, Veronica volunteers with the Los Angeles Civil + Human Rights and Equity Department (2024-2025), the Riverside Latino Network, and UNIDOS of Inland Empire. A proud first-generation college graduate and daughter of immigrants, Veronica holds both a B.A. in English and an MBA in Finance from California State University, Long Beach. She currently resides in the Inland Empire and is passionate about advancing civic leadership for Latinas in Southern California.

Veronica Pugin has thirteen years of experience leading solutions in economic access, international engagement, and public-private partnerships across business, government, non-profit, and academia. Veronica currently serves as Vice President at the Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC). In this role, she leads programs to promote LA jobs through critical industries, small businesses, and international collaboration. Previously, Veronica served as Senior Policy Advisor at the White House and the U.S. Small Business Administration, working on economic policy. In business, she was a management consultant for Deloitte Consulting in San Francisco and Mexico City; led labor market planning at LinkedIn; and managed the Latin America portfolio for Juntos Finanzas, a financial education tech start-up. In education, she holds a B.A. from Claremont McKenna College in Economics and International Relations and an MBA from Stanford, and she taught Political Economy at the University of San Francisco. As a thought leader, she has completed over 60 media interviews in English and Spanish on economic issues and consulted campaigns on Latino voter outreach. Veronica is a proud Californian, Latina, and daughter of immigrants. She aspires to participate in the HOPE Leadership Institute to collaborate with Latina leaders and prepare to run for elected office.