HLI Class of 2024

Jacqueline Aguilar currently serves as the Community Relations Associate at Providence Strategic Consulting, the Central Valley’s premier strategic communications firm. She specializes in various initiatives, including public relations, public affairs, and marketing.  Jacqueline is a dedicated professional with a track record of making a significant impact in various areas, leveraging her educational achievements, advocacy experience, and passion for empowering the youth. As a first-generation college graduate, she holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a master’s in public administration from California State University, Bakersfield. Jacqueline has played pivotal roles in several historical campaigns, including the 2020 and 2022 campaigns for Bakersfield Councilmembers Eric Arias and Manpreet Kaur, as well as former Assemblymember Rudy Salas. Her political campaigning and economic development background demonstrates her commitment to driving positive change and empowering the youth by connecting them with the resources and guidance they need to foster motivation and prepare them for future leadership roles. Jacqueline is passionate about creating connections and amplifying the voices within her community.

Quintilia Ávila served as California Director of Civic Engagement for NALEO Educational Fund, where she was responsible for developing, leading, managing, and overseeing a broad range of activities focused on supporting the organization’s civic engagement agenda that includes naturalization, voter education, engagement, and protection, and other civic engagement and leadership efforts in the Latino community. Ms. Ávila served as Regional Program Manager-Southern California Lead for the California Complete Count Census 2020 Office, where she managed outreach and education efforts to ensure all Californians were accounted for in the census. She also served as Project Manager for the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California for 15 years, where she developed her expertise in project administration, resource and staff management, interpersonal skills, and medical research. In addition, Ms. Ávila has taught at the university and community college levels. While in graduate school, she worked at MALDEF, administering their Parent Leadership Program with Spanish-speaking parents in the LA area. In 2000, she worked at the first California Complete Count office.

Karina is passionate about environmental justice and developing economic opportunities in the Inland Empire (IE). She currently works at the Western Riverside Council of Governments (WRCOG) as a Senior Analyst for the Inland Regional Energy Network (I-REN). In her role, Karina supports energy efficiency projects and workforce development efforts to promote a clean energy economy. Prior to joining WRCOG, she worked as a Senior Associate consulting on environmental policies in Washington DC. Karina graduated with a Master of Public Policy from the University of California Berkeley. In graduate school, she worked with the UC Berkeley Labor Center, UC Office of the President Sustainability Office, and the California Energy Commission. Karina started developing her policy skills and expertise while working at the local level in Sacramento and San Diego on policy campaigns to strengthen public health ordinances in cities and counties across the state. Karina is a first-generation college student and graduated with a Bachelors of Arts in Criminology/Law & Society and International Studies from UC Irvine. She is a proud product of San Bernardino and is excited to be working towards making her home, the IE, a better place for future generations.

Chantal Camarillo is an accomplished individual who has significantly contributed to her community and profession. She is a native Angelino and a first-generation Mexican American who takes pride in her Latina heritage. Chantal is also a dedicated wife and mother to two children, Aden and Lyla, aged 10 and 8, respectively. Chantal holds the position of Vice President at Wells Fargo Bank, where she has a wealth of experience spanning two decades in the mortgage industry. One of Chantal’s central missions is to empower underserved communities by implementing wealth-building strategies through homeownership. Her remarkable work ethic and dedication to community service have earned her numerous accolades and awards, including the 2023 Hispanic Lifestyles “Latina of Influence” Award. Chantal has served on the Building Industries Association Contractors Council, the National Association of Minority Bankers, and the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals, where she held the position of President in 2013. Furthermore, Chantal recognizes the importance of advocating for change at the national and local level. She has actively used her voice as a constituent to promote affordable housing policies and access to credit solutions in Washington D.C.

Mayra was born and raised in Fresno County and is passionate about doing work for her community. Mayra is District Director for Fresno City Councilmember Annalisa Perea, served as President for the Fresno County Young Democrats (FCYD), and was awarded the “Rising Star” by the Fresno County Democratic Party.  Mayra began her career working for the California State Senate, helping represent the 14th Senate District. When she made the transition from State to Local government, she was awarded a Senate Resolution. In these capacities, she has worked in communication and social media, on city municipal code and state legislation, and on city and state infrastructure projects.  She also holds extensive experience in political organizing. She was campaign manager for Annalisa Perea for Fresno City Council 2022 and won with a 32-point lead, successfully electing the first openly LGBTQ+ person to the Fresno City Council. She then proceeded to join Esmeralda Soria for the State Assembly 2022 as field director and celebrated the newly elected Assemblywoman in the November general election. As part of FCYD, Mayra has hosted and given a speaking platform to inspiring Democratic leaders for Fresno County professionals.

Dr. Alma Castro is a School Board Member for Lynwood Unified School District, and the Director of the Multilingual California Project for the California Association for Bilingual Education (CABE).  She oversees a statewide grant from the California Department of Education to implement professional development in serving English Learners.  Dr. Castro has committed her educator journey of twenty years to serving as a PK-16 public school educator in multiple capacities. She serves as the Vice President for the Los Angeles County School Trustee Association (LACSTA) and serves on the Legislative Advocacy Committee for the California School Boards Association (CSBA). Dr. Castro is actively engaged with legislative advocacy at a local, state and national level. Dr. Castro is a keynote speaker and presenter at conferences on topics related to multilingual learners, equity, leadership, teacher capacity, SEL, and parents’ engagement.   Dr. Castro is an adjunct professor for CSULB College of Education, teaching master-level courses for the teacher preparation program and dual language teacher program. Dr. Castro earned a doctorate degree in Educational Leadership from California State University, Long Beach (CSULB).  She earned a M.Ed. in Teacher Education, and a B.A. in Sociology from UCLA.

Luz Castro serves as the Policy Associate Director at Inclusive Action, an organization dedicated to advancing economic justice through research, policy, and advocacy. Driven by a desire to understand the impact of policies on her everyday life, Luz ventured into politics, and began her career with the offices of Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard and Rep. Linda Sanchez. In her most recent role at CHIRLA, she spearheaded their federal policy portfolio while representing the organization in national campaigns such as Value our Families and Fair Immigration Reform Movement. Luz also led the initiation of CHIRLA’s “All in for Registry” campaign which aims to create a pathway to citizenship for the 11 million undocumented through an update to the immigration registry. In the 117th and 118th Congress, Luz played a key role in introducing one of the most straightforward and comprehensive immigration bills in Congress: Renewing Immigration Provisions of the Immigration Act of 1929. This bill proposes updating the immigration registry statute, allowing immigrants to qualify for green cards if they have resided in the U.S. for at least seven years. Luz brings expertise in immigration policy, coupled with extensive experience in civic engagement, and organizing.

Erika Cervantes serves as Policy and Advocacy Manager at Alliance for a Better Community. She is responsible for advancing ABC’s education policy and advocacy initiatives to improve college access and success and increase economic opportunities for Latino/as in Los Angeles. Erika works to strengthen coalition-building efforts and works with elected officials to raise awareness on key issues impacting Latino/as the LA region. Previously, Erika served as a registered lobbyist in California where she helped advance state-level policies towards solving homelessness by co-leading advocacy efforts for bills on topics of reentry, health and workforce development. She worked and led successful state-wide coalition-building efforts to include cross-sectional partners in advocating for state budget requests. Additionally, Erika has experience working with local governments and philanthropy in Southern California on issues including workforce and economic development, civic engagement, and environmental sustainability. She was also involved in diversity and inclusion recruitment programs for prospective graduate students with a particular focus on first-generation students during her time at UCLA. Erika is a Southern California native, daughter of immigrant parents, and a first-generation college graduate with a B.A. in Economics and Urban Planning from UC Irvine and a Masters in Public Policy from UCLA Luskin.

Sarah Chavez-Yoell serves as Local Government Affairs Manager for Pacific Gas & Electricity’s Greater Bay Area Region where she works with local elected officials, developers, private companies and community-based organizations to connect the nation’s largest utility company with regional stakeholders. Most recently, Sarah served as a Community Outreach, Government Relations, and Communications consultant, where she provided support to local businesses and non-profit organizations. Sarah is from East Oakland and the first in her family to go to college. Sarah has a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from California State University East Bay. Sarah was born to a teenage mom, and grew up living in poverty, receiving food and clothes from her local church and foodbank. The importance of local community-based organizations stuck with Sarah as an adult because of the impact they had on her adolescence. Sarah serves on several non-profit and business boards including the Unity Council, the Oakland Latino Chamber of Commerce & the Peralta Community Colleges Foundation. Sarah lives in the East Bay with her husband Mike and 4.5-year-old daughter Isabella.

Brenda Contreras serves as the Legislative Director to California State Assemblymember Juan Carillo, representing the 39th District which includes cities of Los Angeles and San Bernardino County. In her role, Brenda spearheads the team’s state legislative and budget priorities, working on a broad range of issues such as local government, transportation, housing, and labor.  Prior to joining Assemblymember Carrillo’s team, Brenda served in the office of Democratic Caucus Chair Mike Gipson where she held multiple roles, beginning as a Field Representative covering the city of Compton before moving into the position of Communications Director and Legislative Aide. In this role, she coordinated the Caucus Chair’s communications strategy and advised the Chair on issue areas such as public safety, education, and business and professions. Brenda also played a prominent role in staffing the Caucus Chair’s nationally recognized work as the Chair of the Select Committee on Police Reform. She began her career in politics in Los Angeles City Hall as a Communications Assistant and Field Deputy in the office of Los Angeles Councilmember Curren D. Price Jr. Brenda was born and raised in South Los Angeles and received her B.A. degree in Mass Communications with a Minor in Chicano/Latino Studies from CSULA.

Carmen Cuevas currently serves as an External Affairs Area Manager at AT&T. In her capacity, she is responsible for representing AT&T with local and regional governments in the San Gabriel Valley on all business issues and public policy issues. She previously served as a Legislative Analyst for the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services. For almost a decade, she served the California State Legislature in various roles, including District Director for former State Assemblymember Jose Medina and State Senator Sydney Kamlager. Carmen serves on the San Gabriel Valley Economic Partnership board of directors and previously served on the Board of the Riverside Latino Network. Recognized for her leadership and community involvement, the Greater Riverside Hispanic Chamber of Commerce honored her with the Josie Lozano Award for Distinguished Service. Carmen Cuevas was born and raised in Riverside, CA. The first in her family to attend college, she graduated from the University of California, Riverside, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. In 2018, she completed a Certificate Program in Community Leadership at the University of LaVerne. In 2023, she graduated with a Master’s in Public Administration degree from the University of Southern California.

Isabella Davidson is an experienced and meticulous administrative professional with a collaborative, creative, and proactive style. She is skilled in creative problem-solving, fiscal and data analysis, customer service, and connecting with people. She thrives in fast-paced, diverse, and dynamic environments while serving as a compassionate team-builder who combines medical, media, and service industry experience to coalesce into a unique paradigm. Ms. Davidson has a passion for process improvement to address short-and long-term political challenges.

Driven by a passion for creating a positive impact, and pouring into her fellow Latinx community, Marie Dueñas found accidental yet perfect synergy in the space of Multicultural Marketing & Community Engagement, at Comcast. Marie takes a holistic approach to her role and considers her mission to be more of a liaison between the brand and the community it engages. Consistently designing her campaigns with integrated & innovative collaborations amongst internal & external partners, is how she has orchestrated key symphony efforts, and where she has found her greatest impact on the business, and to the benefit of the local communities. Marie was born in Mexico, and was raised as the bilingual, bicultural, eldest daughter of “immigrants.” She has a deep commitment to the well-being of all those around her, a fierce curiosity for continued learning, an irrepressible knack for questioning the status quo, and a constant drive to understand how she can be of more service. One part brand strategist, one part humanitarian, one part visionary, two parts creative fixer – Marie is on a mission to refine her voice to make the spaces she inhabits, more conscious, responsible, and human; and her community more visible, supported, and empowered.

Alicia Espinoza, MPH, serves as the Office of Border Health Chief, under Public Health Services, for the County of San Diego, Health and Human Services Agency, where she facilitates collaborative activities among local, state, and federal organizations working in the California/Baja California border region. In her role, she participates on numerous projects ranging from emergency preparedness to mental health. The most important aspect of her job is building trusting and strategic partnerships with leadership in San Diego and Tijuana to facilitate cross-border collaboration. She previously managed and secured funding for the Drug Free Communities program for six-years with a local non-profit in north San Diego County, which primarily serves the Latino population. Alicia also attained her masters in public health during this time, at California State University San Marcos (CSUSM. Previous to this, Alicia served the County of San Diego for five-years with policy and prevention efforts for five-years, as Program Specialist with the MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) San Diego Affiliate, receiving the California State Employee of the Year award in her last year with MADD. Alicia enjoys building new partnerships and is passionate about promoting health equity amongst the Latine communities.

Born and raised in Southeast Fresno, Laura Garcia is a proud daughter of farm worker immigrants who instilled in her at a young age the value of perseverance, a strong work ethic, love for community, and a passion to serve others. She was the first in her family to receive both a high school diploma and a Bachelor of Arts degree. She is a proud graduate of California State University, Fresno and holds a B.A. in Political Science with a double minor in Sociology and Philanthropic and Community Based Leadership. Laura currently serves as an elected board member to the Calwa Recreation and Park District and has served as Chief of Staff to Council President Tyler Maxwell since 2021. As Chief of Staff, she assists with creating and implementing policy, leading the day-to-day office operations, overseeing the implementation of over 60 park and capital improvement projects, as well as managing the office’s community relationships. Ms. Garcia began to work with the City of Fresno in early 2019 as a council assistant overseeing the district’s community outreach, events, communications, and special projects. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with her loved ones.

Carol Gonzalez is the founder of Latina Advocate, an advocacy firm. Prior to starting her own firm, Carol served as a Senior Legislative Advocate for Strategic Education Services.  Gonzalez has over eight years of political campaign experience, from volunteering and leading outreach for candidates to serving as a deputy field organizer. Carol served on various community-led organizations and boards, including a Nationwide nonprofit dedicated to mentoring high school Latinas, Advancing Latinas into Leadership. Carol is also a proud alumnus of nonpartisan organizations, including the New Leaders Council and the New Leaders of America. She previously worked for Planned Parenthood, the Committee for Hispanic Caucus BOLD PAC in Washington DC, local campaigns, and the Secretary of State’s office in the Elections Division. Ms. Gonzalez earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Communications Studies. Carol’s passion for politics formed at a young age through her activism in various marches and protests for immigration reform. She used her leadership abilities at her high school and became the first student elected for two terms as student body president. She then brought her passion and leadership to Sacramento. Through her roles in the private sector, political organizations, and nonprofits, she advances policies to improve the lives of underserved communities like her own (low socioeconomic, immigrant, BIPOC, and LGBTQ+).

Claudia Goytia is an experienced government relations professional. She brings legislative, project management, strategic policy campaign and grassroots organizing background to her role at Kaiser Permanente. As Associate Director of government and community relations, Claudia is responsible for leading and executing strategic planning, organizing our public policy agenda, managing government and community relations for our Southern California regional team. Claudia earned a Master’s degree in urban planning from the University of Southern California a Bachelor of Arts in political science from California Polytechnic University, Pomona. Before joining Kaiser Permanente, Claudia served as national senior advocacy consultant at American Heart Association Voices for Healthy Kids. She was responsible for leading strategic grant investments and policy campaigns across the country to help make the places kids, live, learn, and play healthier. Claudia began her career in advocacy working for the California State Legislature as a district representative. Growing into the role of district director Claudia witnessed first hand the role public policy plays in shaping the success of industries, communities and the public. Claudia was born in El Salvador and has called California her home since the age of six. She is the first in her family to earn a graduate degree. Claudia enjoys hiking, and cooking with her family.

Elsie Guerrero is an attorney, publisher/children’s book author of Promote Inclusion Books, founder of Advancing Latinas into Leadership Mentoring Program (ALLMP), an Adjunct Professor at American University, and a Legislative Counsel working for the U.S. House of Representatives. She is a profound leader with a desire to make a difference in her community, especially among the youth. Elsie founded ALLMP in 2016, a nonprofit that helps high school Latinas in Sacramento, CA and Washington, D.C. prepare for adulthood. She has mentored young Latinas and non-Latinas in different high schools and awarded six high school students a book scholarship for their first semester of college. She earned her Juris Doctorate from the University of the District of Columbia School of Law. While in law school, she served as president of two organizations: Law Students for Disability Rights (LSDR) and Latinx Law Student Association (LLSA). Elsie also earned her bachelor’s degree in Government (Political Science) with minors in Philosophy and Sociology from Sacramento State University, Master of Public Administration with a concentration in Judicial Affairs from Golden State University and a Master of Public Affairs and Practical Politics from the University of San Francisco.

Carolina Herrera is the Director of Legislative Advocacy and Government Affairs for the County of Riverside. She works in concert with the Board of Supervisors, department leaders, and stakeholders to drive advocacy efforts that serve the interests of 2.5 million residents, at the state and federal level.  Carolina is a dedicated public servant who is committed to helping improve the lives of Californians through advocacy and public policy. Most recently, Carolina served as a Community & Government Relations Manager for Kaiser Permanente. She has held various leadership roles representing elected officials across California. She helped manage campaigns for and led the district offices of State Assemblymember Bill Quirk and State Senator Tom Torlakson. She served as a district representative to State Senator Loni Hancock and Contra Costa County Supervisor Karen Mitchoff. Carolina began her career in the California State Capitol as a California Latino Caucus Institute for Public Policy Richard G. Polanco, serving as a Legislative Aide to Senator Alan Lowenthal and as a Committee Consultant to the Senate Transportation and Housing Committee. Carolina has a Bachelor of Art in Ethnic Studies and Public Policy from Mills College and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Southern California.

Alani Jackson is a respected and dynamic government leader based in Sacramento and is Deputy Director at the Office of Youth and Community Restoration within the California Health & Human Services Agency, with over 18 years of public policy and advocacy experience in health and human services.  She has been a public servant with the State of California since 2007 and has extensive experience in correctional healthcare, Medi-Cal/Medicaid – state and federal agencies with a niche in oral health, as well as the state budget. Prior to joining the State of California, Ms. Jackson worked for a nonprofit advocacy organization – Children Now – to secure health care for all children and protect funding for K-12 afterschool programs. She was also one of six inaugural California Latino Caucus Institute for Public Policy Fellows who worked for a state legislator with a focus on health and human services, local government, and housing finance. Ms. Jackson is a skilled and effective policy maker committed to creative solutions that connect policy and practice in an efficient and culturally competent manner. Ms. Jackson earned a MPA from USC and a BA/BS in Community and Regional Development and Political Science from UC Davis.

Stephanie A. James, appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of the Boys & Girls Clubs of South County on January 1, 2022, made history as the first Latina and woman to hold this pivotal position. Her journey with the Club spans multiple crucial roles, notably as Chief Operating Officer, Program Director, and various leadership positions in Resource Development, Finance, Marketing, and Program Services. Beyond her significant contributions to the Boys & Girls Clubs, Stephanie has held influential roles including serving as the Latinos Unidos Chair, a resource group for Latinos in Boys & Girls Clubs. Her commitment to fostering philanthropy led to her contributions to the Advancing Philanthropy team. Stephanie was awarded the BGCA Scholarship in 2012, acquiring a bachelor’s degree in business management from the University of Phoenix. With over two decades of dedicated service to the Boys & Girls Clubs of South County, she remains devoted to creating a safe, nurturing environment for youth from diverse backgrounds, shaping them into responsible citizens and future leaders. Her vision and leadership continue to inspire and expand services into underserved communities, reflecting her deep commitment to the growth and success of the South San Diego community.

As Principal of Mariposa Strategies LLC, Noerena provides strategic consulting on housing policy and programs on issues ranging from housing supply, to bridging the racial wealth gap. In 2023, Noerena was appointed to the Board of the California Housing Finance Agency by Governor Newsom. Additionally, she serves as a Housing Fellow for the UC Berkeley Terner Center for Housing Innovation. Most recently, Noerena served as EVP of Public Policy and Industry Relations at the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP) and has worked both at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and at The White House under President Barack Obama. Noerena received her B.A. from UC Berkeley, & MPP from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government.

Janet López is currently employed as the Executive Director of State Relations for the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). At UCLA, Janet leads a three-person team and manages various state relations issues impacting the university and 11 of its professional schools. Before joining UCLA, Ms. López served in the same capacity for the University of Southern California (USC) and its 19 professional schools for 11 years. Additionally, she worked for a diverse group of employers to promote early childhood education and health care access for low-income populations. She also worked on K-12 and higher education policy issues for both Governor Schwarzenegger and Governor Davis. Janet is a product of California’s public K-12 education system and is a proud alumna of U.C. Berkeley where she received a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Political Science and History. She also holds a Master in Public Administration (M.P.A) from USC’s Sol Price School of Public Policy. Ms. López, an English Learner, is a native Californian and grew up in Galt.

Guadalupe Manriquez is a Program Budget Manager at the California Department of Finance serving as a fiscal policy advisor to the Governor’s Office on health care issues, including the Medi-Cal program which provides health care coverage for over 15 million low-income Californians. Prior to Finance, she worked for the California State Senate and was an Executive Fellow for the Governor’s Office. With over ten years of experience in California health care fiscal policy, Guadalupe has been involved in major initiatives including the expansion of Medi-Cal to all income-eligible Californians regardless of immigration status, behavioral health initiatives, and policies to improve access and quality of care. Guadalupe received dual undergraduate degrees in Political Economy and Ethnic Studies, with a minor in Native American Studies from UC Berkeley, and has a Master of Business Education from the Haas School of Business, UC Berkeley. Lupe is a proud double bear from Helm, California, a small agricultural town in west Fresno County and is the proud daughter of farmworkers.

Dr. Arlene Cano Matute (she, her, ella) serves as the Assistant Director of Chicano Student Programs and co-founder and co-chair of the Hispanic Serving Institution Committee at the University of California, Riverside. She received her B.A. in Ethnic Studies and Political Science: Law and Society, M.Ed., and Ph.D. in Higher Education, Administration and Policy at UC Riverside.  She serves on various committees on her campus, is a member of community organizations, is a certified facilitator on civic reflection and volunteers as an advisor to several student organizations at UC Riverside. As a first generation, system-impacted, parent scholar and researcher she is passionate about working alongside students and the community focusing on identity development/empowerment, social justice, community service, leadership and equity in higher education. Her research examines the experiences of Chicana/o/x and Latina/o/x students at Hispanic Serving Research Institutions (HSRIs) in the University of California. She is particularly interested in the ways in which Chicana/o/x and Latina/o/x students, and minoritized students overall, thrive in HSIs/HSRIs with an emphasis on access, retention, and persistence. Through her work, she hopes to impact educational policy and practice grounded in transformative change.

Abigail Mejia is the District Director for State Senator Lena Gonzalez. As District Director for the 33rd Senate district, she helps oversee nearly 1 million residents in Southeast Los Angeles, Signal Hill, portions of South Los Angeles and Lakewood, and her hometown of Long Beach. Prior to working for the State Senate, Abigail served as the Legislative Deputy for Mayor Robert Garcia. During her time in the Mayor’s Office, she advocated for underserved communities and implemented successful programming and created municipal policies. Abigail is an active board member of numerous boards where she holds leadership positions, such as Vice Chair of the Long Beach Transit Board of Directors and Secretary for ORALE, a nonprofit organization. Abigail received her bachelor’s degree in political science and history from California State University, Long Beach. She is a Southern California native and has been a Long Beach resident for over twelve years. She is a second-generation immigrant and a first-generation college graduate.

Vanessa Montañez is senior vice president and community lending national sales manager at City National Bank. She is responsible for building and implementing strategies to encourage sales growth, as well as managing an external mortgage sales team to expand loan sourcing channels. Vanessa has more than 28 years of experience in residential lending and sales and business development management. Prior to City National, she worked at U.S. Bank, where she served as vice president and national strategic markets and diverse segments manager. In that capacity, she was responsible for the development and execution of targeted market strategies to increase sales production and market shares for affordable lending. Vanessa has been named to the Los Angeles Business Journal recognized her as one of the most influential women in finance in 2022. She’s also a contributing writer on diversity for “Women’s Mortgage Magazine” and has been featured on Univision and TV Azteca. Active in the community, Vanessa currently sits on several boards in housing and real estate related. Vanessa earned her doctorate of executive leadership with honors from the University of Charleston and her master’s degree in business administration from Pepperdine University. Vanessa is currently writing her first book.

Elsa Morales-Roth is a Latina leader and connector with 16 years of experience in communications, philanthropy, community relations, and government affairs in both Mexico and the United States. She is the Executive Director of the Emilio Nares Foundation, a nonprofit that supports low-income families in navigating their child’s battle against cancer and other illnesses. She leads a team that offers bilingual services in San Diego, Imperial, and Orange Counties. Elsa leverages her expertise to develop strategies and programs that advance health equity in Southern California. She is passionate about supporting her community. Growing up in a Honduran-Mexican home on the Tijuana/San Diego border, she has deep knowledge of the opportunities and challenges of the binational region. Currently, Elsa serves as the Board Chair at the International Community Foundation and has worked alongside various organizations such as the Mexican Consulate in San Diego, the University of California San Diego, Planned Parenthood, and Pasitos A.C. to advance social justice and empower communities of color, including immigrants and refugees, to become agents of change. Elsa holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communications from the Universidad Autónoma de Baja California and a Master’s degree in Nonprofit Leadership and Management from the University of San Diego.

Anette Padilla’s career trajectory showcases a remarkable growth journey and a steadfast commitment to driving positive change within AEG and her local communities. As AEG’s Director of Community Foundation and Social Impact, Anette oversees the company’s philanthropic initiatives, including nationwide grantmaking from the AEG Community Foundation, employee volunteering initiatives, collaboration with non-profit organizations, and local government relations initiatives. Much of the past outreach has been based in Los Angeles, but since becoming Director, she has focused on expanding community impact nationwide in the places where AEG has business. Before leading the department, Anette worked as AEG’s Community Affairs Program Manager, managing the initiatives she now oversees. Before aligning her career with her passion for philanthropy, Anette worked in sales and marketing roles within the sports and live entertainment industry. Her career at AEG started as the Premium Sales Manager at now Crypto.com Arena. She sold the Premium Suites and seats to corporate clients and learned firsthand the importance of relationship building, networking, networking, and effective communication skills. However, Anette’s path to success isn’t solely marked by corporate accolades. She is a new mom, an Ironman and an adventure seeker who strives for authenticity and excellence in her personal and professional life.

Vilma Palma-Solana is a Supervising Deputy Attorney General at the California Department Justice’s Civil Rights Enforcement Section. Vilma’s practice focuses on investigations and state and federal court litigation involving a wide range of civil rights matters. She is also part of a team that inspects immigration detention facilities. Previously, Vilma worked at Perkins Coie LLP as a litigation attorney where her practice focused on complex business litigation. Vilma’s pro bono practice has focused on immigration matters and representing a death row inmate in Texas. Vilma attended UCLA School of Law, where she served as co-chair of the La Raza Law Students Association and Managing Editor for the Chicana/o Latina/o Law Review. She attended the University of California – Irvine where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Criminology, Law & Society. Born in El Salvador and raised in the Coachella Valley, Vilma is dedicated to the advancement of people of color and devotes her spare time on pipeline initiatives to diversify the legal profession.

Mayra Pelagio is a consultant specializing in supporting non-profit organizations to craft effective community-building and organizing strategies in East San Jose and Santa Clara County. With her prior role as the Executive Director of Latinos United for a New America (LUNA), Mayra dedicated herself to advancing the mission of aiding Latino immigrants in overcoming the hardships brought on by inequalities that were exacerbated after the Great Recession. Her commitment to social change led her to complete a fellowship in immigrant justice at the UCLA Labor Center, where she refined her skills as a community organizer. Mayra’s migration journey to East San Jose at age 13 adds a deeply personal dimension to her work. Her academic achievements, a B.S. in Environmental Science and Management from UC Davis and an M.S. in Environmental Studies from San Jose State University, led her to foster connections between people and nature by leading immigrant communities on outdoor adventures like hiking and camping before her work as a community organizer. Mayra’s personal and professional experience underpins her expertise in shaping strategies for community development and social progress. Mayra is a dynamic advocate for policy development, community building, and social change.

Born and raised in Orange County, Felipa Peñaloza is a Senior Account Supervisor at GrassrootsLab, a California-based public affairs firm specializing in data-driven research. Since she joined the firm in 2015, Felipa has guided political action committees, managed non-profit groups focused on civic engagement, launched multiple publications covering local policy, and authored several reports focused on the gender and ethnic representation of elected officials. Previously she worked for the American Diabetes Association doing Latino community outreach. Here she spearheaded the bilingual Passport to Health program, overseeing all aspects of the program, including bilingual press materials, organizing informational workshops, and coalition building with medical professionals and community organizations. Felipa is a proud first-generation graduate from California State University, Long Beach and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism with a specialization in Public Relations and a minor in Sociology.

Norma Quiñones resume includes over 20 years’ experience in the non-profit sector with extensive knowledge in all aspects of workforce development including, business development, curriculum design, development and implementation, project and business development, grant writing and agency advocacy. Norma’s extensive history with San Gabriel Valley Conservation Corps began in 2008 when she was brought on to help with program management and operations. She was mentored by the Founder/Executive Director and quickly learned “the ropes”. In 2016, she took a once in a lifetime opportunity to work under Supervisor Hilda L. Solis’ administration as her District Director overseeing the San Gabriel and Pomona Valley area. Through her experience there, she quickly learned how county government functions. Making Norma a more well-rounded leader. In 2019, the Board of Directors of SGVCC scouted Norma to return to the organization as the Executive Director. Norma returned to SGVCC as the Executive Director in November 2019.  Her experience in non-profit and in the government sector has launched the organization in a new direction and has grown the organization’s budget from 1.2 million to 3 million since her return.

Cris Ramirez is a visionary leader in education with a wealth of experience. As Director of Eastside Education Initiative at Silicon Valley Education Foundation, she spearheads transformative programs that empower every student to pursue higher education, academic excellence, and promising career pathways. A first-generation college graduate and child of immigrants, Cris has a deep commitment to equity in education and economic mobility. Cris’ impressive career has included roles as a school vice principal, instructional coach, teacher, and clinical social worker, each building upon her dedication to helping students find success. Her strategic skill in scaling resources and rallying staff and educational partners around a data-driven approach maximizes student and community impact. Cris’ visionary leadership creates opportunities for students’ academic proficiency and social-emotional wellness, guiding them towards a bright future in college and the workforce. Her innovative programs and initiatives have established her as an invaluable asset in the space of education.

Current Director of Fresno County Program with Youth Leadership Institute and proud Latina brings six years of invaluable experience in the nonprofit sector, centered on empowering the youth of Fresno County. Her commitment to community engagement and collaboration has been pivotal in orchestrating impactful events, fostering partnerships with local governments, mayors, school districts, and cultural hubs in Fresno. Her multifaceted expertise in nonprofit work, coupled with her passion for community empowerment, has left an indelible mark on Fresno County, serving as an inspiring example of advocacy, cultural celebration, and youth engagement.

Andrea Rivera is committed to uplifting the voices and experiences of diverse communities to achieve a California for all. In her role as Associate Director of Legislative Affairs at the California Pan-Ethnic Health Network (CPEHN), she is responsible for the development of statewide campaigns and plays an integral role building relationships with state policymakers to advance policies on health and racial equity. The proud daughter of immigrants and a Bay Area native, Andrea grew up in a predominantly Black and brown community which deeply shaped her experiences and desire to pursue a career in public service. Andrea moved to Sacramento in 2016, after receiving a B.A. in Political Science and Chicano/a Studies from San Jose State University. Prior to joining CPEHN, Andrea engaged in statewide advocacy for inclusive, pro-immigrant policies and accessible K-12 education. Her unique experience on the systemic disparities and intersections between public safety, health care, and education equip her with valuable perspectives. In her spare time, you can typically find Andrea gardening, thrifting, and exploring new restaurants with her fiancé and their dog, Adobo.

Dr. Alia Rodriguez is the CEO of the Corona-Norco United Way, a nonprofit organization that provides health and human services to community members most in need. Though her primary focus is supporting victims of domestic violence, Dr. Rodriguez consistently works to transform the lives of women and youth in her community. She is an educator in the History and Government Department at California Baptist University, where she also serves on the University’s Diversity Committee, working towards racial and cultural justice. Additionally, she owns her own consulting company, ARIA, which focuses on rebuilding struggling nonprofit organizations and cultivating healthy workplaces in public/private organizations with a sharp focus on efficiency and effectiveness. Her commitment to community wellness extends into her roles as the Vice-Chair for the Community Action Partnership and a Governing Board of Director for Corona Regional Medical Center. She maintains a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, a Bachelor’s degree in Human Development, a Master’s in Public Administration, and a Doctorate in Public Administration. Dr. Rodriguez’s multifaceted career embodies a wealth of knowledge and reflects her tireless dedication to fostering excellence in every professional endeavor. However, her role as a Christian, wife, and mom is always primary.

Dianna Zamora-Marroquin serves as the Senior Director of Public Affairs for Planned Parenthood Mar Monte (PPMM), responsible for lobbying, community engagement, advocacy, and media affairs.  Her work has resulted in securing millions of dollars to expand reproductive healthcare and in the passage of legislation that protects patients. Prior to joining PPMM, she was the Senior Director of Political Strategy and Operations for a Bay Area labor council, where she developed the Council’s political program and ran the largest grassroots political operation in the South Bay. Dianna has served as a Consultant for the Select Committee on California-Latin American Affairs for a State Assembly Member and the Public Policy Manager for a State Senator. She worked for a renowned research firm as their Senior Project Director and, in Washington, D.C., served as the Communications Director for two California Congressmen. Dianna serves as the President of the Latina Coalition of Silicon Valley, on the Santa Clara Task Force on DEI, the Santa Clara County Race and Health Disparities Board, and the Democratic Activists for Women Now Board. Dianna, who is fluent in Spanish, earned a B.A. in International Relations with a minor in Italian from USC and a M.S. in Global Leadership from USD.