HLI Class of 2025

Anabel Cuevas is the Associate Director of Public Affairs at the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco, where she leads the Bank’s congressional program to advance its dual housing and liquidity missions. She collaborates with federal representatives to address critical housing needs and was recently recognized for her impact on the industry on the “Latinos in Finance” list by Latino Leaders magazine. Previously, Anabel served as a Senior Field Representative and Political Director for Congresswoman Linda Sánchez. Over her four years in this role, she led outreach initiatives across more than 15 cities and managed a broad policy portfolio that included labor, immigration, and Latinx and LGBTQ+ issues. Anabel also developed strategic engagement and communication plans, ensuring culturally relevant outreach for her constituents. Before joining Congresswoman Sánchez’s office, Anabel worked as an Immigration Caseworker at the International Institute of Los Angeles, where she advocated for immigrant rights and provided essential legal services to underserved populations. A first-generation college graduate, Anabel earned her Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Organizational Communication from California State University, Los Angeles. Her lifelong commitment to advocacy stems from her experiences as the daughter of immigrants and her passion for community empowerment.

Velma de la Rosa is the Vice President of Housing Development for Habitat of Humanity of Orange County. She believes her work aligns with her profound belief that accessible home ownership is a pivotal factor in breaking the cycle of poverty and fostering the creation of wealth generation. Through private public partnerships, Velma has more than doubled Habitat OC’s pipeline to 84 homes representing a $54 million budget. These homes are made available for home ownership to low- and moderate-income working families. Velma has built a successful and progressive career through her employment with major utilities such as the City of Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, global corporations such as Citigroup, and the TELACU Education Foundation, a national non‑profit organization. Through her consulting firm, The Monarca Enterprises, Velma applies the knowledge and expertise from her 30 years of corporate, public, and non-profit sector experience developing partnerships, implementing strategic initiatives and innovative programs, and executing philanthropic strategies to address the needs of targeted communities and populations at local, national, and global levels. In addition, Velma is active with organizations promoting greater access to education, the advancement of women and families, and leadership development.

With over 20 years of experience in education in Guatemala, I joined PIQE in 2016 and have served as the Executive Director of the Bakersfield Office since 2020. My passion for education stems from my parents’ strong belief in its value, and I was the first in my family to earn a master’s degree. In Guatemala, I advocated for women’s labor and education rights with Grupo de Mujeres Casa San Benito and supported leadership development with the Central American Institute of Spirituality. After moving to the United States in 2012, I started anew, attending Bakersfield College, learning English, and immersing myself in American culture. This journey has been challenging but rewarding, pushing me to adapt to new language and cultural norms. I believe education is key to fulfilling dreams and that active participation can lead to greater justice and equity for all. 

With over 25 years of experience, Melissa Diaz is a Talent Acquisition Executive.  She has a dynamic range of experience recruiting for prestigious companies within the banking, non-profit, legal and aerospace industries. She currently recruits for City National Bank within their Treasury Management Solutions, Community Banking and Office of the President divisions.  As a first-generation college graduate and professional, she builds a diverse pipeline of talent through partnerships with community organizations dedicated to developing first generation college graduates. Melissa currently volunteers with Food Finders and shares their commitment to eliminate hunger and food waste while improving nutrition in food-insecure communities.  Committed to the belief that everyone should have access to affordable, quality healthcare, she is a former board member for Northeast Community Clinics, which provides medical care to uninsured/underinsured, low-income residents of Los Angeles County As an advocate for inclusivity, she also sat on the board of CHIME Institute, a national leader in development and implementation of inclusive education. Melissa is the former President of the Bunker Hill Toastmasters club in Downtown Los Angeles.  She is a state champion speaker and enjoys speaking to groups about utilizing LinkedIn to expand their networks and building interview skills.

Stephanie Estrada is the Director of Government Affairs for Cruz Strategies, a Latino-owned lobbying firm in Sacramento. In this capacity, she diligently monitors issues critical to clients, while keeping them well-informed about California’s ever-changing political landscape. Prior to joining Cruz Strategies, Stephanie served as a Community Representative and Press Aide for the administration of Mayor Todd Gloria. Notably, she spearheaded San Diego’s inaugural High School Voter Registration Challenge, significantly boosting youth voter registration citywide. Additionally, Stephanie acted as Mayor Todd Gloria’s bilingual spokesperson, simplifying complex policy information for Spanish viewers and listeners. Stephanie began her career working for multiple local and regional campaigns. Most recently, as Campaign Coordinator for Todd Gloria’s mayoral bid in 2019. Stephanie earned a Bachelor’s degree in International Security and Conflict Resolution, with a Minor in Spanish from San Diego State University. She is a proud first-generation Latina college graduate from Richmond, CA, where her family operates a small business.

Irma Galicia is an Assistant Director, Constituent Engagement for the Office of LA County Supervisor, Holly J. Mitchell. In her role, Irma over sees a team who serves the Unincorporated Communities of the Second district by addressing their concerns or connecting them to county resources, local CBOs, or overlapping government offices. Prior to this role, Irma was a Senior Field Representative for Assemblymember Jones-Sawyer and served the communities of South Los Angeles and Unincorporated Florence Firestone. During the COVID pandemic, Irma helped organize food drives, secure PPE for local clinics and assist with constituent casework. As a first-generation Latina, Irma understands the importance of language access and activating communities. Irma has devoted much of her career to educating individuals about government services and uplifting Black and Brown voices. Irma earned her bachelor’s degree in History from California State University, Long Beach.

Stephanie L. Garcia is the Bilingual Local Engagement Specialist for the California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA), where she advocates for small businesses. In this role, Stephanie connects small business owners with essential resources to support growth, funding, and resilience, particularly within underserved communities and among women entrepreneurs. Since joining CalOSBA, she has distinguished herself through her commitment to fostering inclusive economic development across California.Previously, Stephanie was a Marketing Business Advisor at the San Diego and Imperial Valley Women’s Business Center, where she helped hundreds of entrepreneurs create strategic marketing plans, accessing capital, and navigating business challenges. Before her public sector work, Stephanie gained extensive experience in the private sector, spending eight years managing a large business territory in the consumer packaged goods industry.A 1st generation Mexican/Salvadorian American, Stephanie is also the first in her family to attend college, earning a BS in Business Administration from the USC Marshall School of Business. She is deeply committed to her community, volunteering and serving as Chair of the Area Parent Advisory Council for Neighborhood House Association Head Start Program. Stephanie also draws on her own experience as a small business owner to connect authentically with those she serves.

Supervisor Leticia Gonzalez proudly serves the residents of District 4 in Madera County. Elected to the Board of Supervisors in March 2020, Supervisor Gonzalez holds the historic distinction of being the first Latina woman to serve in Madera County’s 130-year history. She believes in the power of community and the responsibility we share to uplift one another. She serves on various committees and boards, including: First 5 Children & Families Commission Madera County Transportation Commission Community Action Partnership of Madera County Interagency Children & Youth Services Council Madera County Behavioral Health Board California State Association of Counties, Board of Directors CSAC Women’s Leadership Form, Rural County Chair Latino Caucus of California Counties, Secretary Water Education for Latino Leaders Board of Directors Central Valley Opportunity Center Board of Directors United Way Fresno & Madera Counties Board of Directors National Association for the Advancement of Colored People Madera Branch Madera Downtown AssociationHer extensive community involvement reflects her commitment to making a positive impact. Raised by a farm working family and the product of public schools, Leticia earned her B.A. in Criminology from CSU Stanislaus. Beyond her professional pursuits, she enjoys traveling, cooking, and cherishes quality time with family and friends.

Tenacious and compassionate, Mimi Hernandez, co-founder and Executive Director of Prosperity Lab, has risen to leadership roles in everything she does. Her initiative, resourcefulness and discipline proves to be an asset to her community. She immigrated with family from Mexico in the 70s, and though her parents had little education, they passed on lots of knowledge on ethics and economy. The single mother of four transitioned from a career in Insurance and Risk Management to small business support twelve years ago. In Spring 2020, she co-founded Prosperity Lab in San Jose, California. Her organization serves small business owners from historically disinvested communities She has earned various credentials in Insurance, Risk Management, has earned an Associate’s degree and is completing her Bachelors in Business Administration at San Jose State University. Outside of her organization, Mimi enjoys dancing, spending time with family and listening to vinyl records. She lives in San Jose, California with her husband Peter, surrounded by her friends and four generations of family.

Primitiva Hernandez is the Executive Director of 805UndocuFund, serving Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties. A passionate advocate for immigrant rights, Primitiva brings over a decade of nonprofit leadership experience, including work with the Santa Barbara Housing Authorities managing self-sufficiency programs for underserved families.As the daughter of farmworker parents, an undocumented college student, and a current DACA recipient, Primitiva’s lived experiences drive her commitment to community advocacy. She serves on the Santa Barbara Climate Collaborative Steering Committee, its Equity Advisory and Outreach Committee, and represents 805UndocuFund at regional disaster response groups.Primitiva is also Board Secretary for Importa Santa Barbara, the largest DOJ-approved provider of immigration legal services in the county. She volunteers as a tax preparer with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, provides business consulting for Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV), and promotes financial literacy with WEV’s Financial Literacy Advocacy Group. Primitiva holds a Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies from Antioch University Santa Barbara and an Associate’s degree from Santa Barbara City College. Recently, she was recommended to join the statewide Hispanas Organized for Political Equity Institute.

Rotce Hernandez is the Director of The LegiSchool Project at the Center for California Studies at Sacramento State University, where she has led statewide civic education initiatives since 2017. In this role, she designs and oversees all aspects of programming, implementing curriculum initiatives that reflect her commitment to equity, inclusion, and youth engagement. Rotce also leads outreach efforts, delivering impactful presentations that represent youth, students, alumni, and families from all backgrounds. With over a decade of experience in higher education, Rotce previously served as Coordinator for both the Assembly Fellowship Program and The LegiSchool Project. She has a proven record of fostering civic engagement across various platforms, helping to amplify program visibility. Earlier in her career, she supported donor relations and event logistics in Sacramento State’s University Advancement Office, gaining expertise in fundraising and alumni engagement.Rotce holds a B.A. in Psychology from Sacramento State and is currently pursuing an M.A. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies.

Dr. Sylvia Jauregui serves as Director of Partnerships & Government Affairs at Onetera, where she builds strategic relationships with local government agencies and partners. Previously, she directed the LMU Family of Schools, developing crucial partnerships between the university and schools. As the Senior Manager of Public Policy at Subject, she leveraged her policy expertise and stakeholder relationships to position Subject as a solution to improving student outcomes through innovative online learning. As Assistant Director of LMU’s Center for Equity for English Learners, Dr. Jauregui was pivotal in shaping state policies for English Learner education. Her career includes roles at the National Head Start Association and Texas Education Agency. The 41st Assembly District recognized her dedication to underserved communities by naming her 2024 Woman of Distinction.Dr. Jauregui holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership for Social Justice from Loyola Marymount University and earned her master’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin. As an LA County Commissioner, she draws upon more than 15 years of expertise to provide recommendations to the Board of Supervisors to strengthen the child care and development infrastructure. Beyond her professional achievements, she takes pride in being a single mother to her 4-year-old son.

Alexandra Leon has served as Executive Analyst to the Assistant Vice Chancellor of Governmental & Community Relations and the Chancellor’s office at the University of California, Riverside, since May 2023. Alexandra is an alumnus of UCR, earning her degree in political science and Master of Public Policy in 2022. Since 2020, Alexandra has also been the Executive Director for Latino Network, a non-profit organization in Riverside that provides a forum to address community issues affecting and impacting the Latino community, hosting annual student leadership conferences and raising funds to provide student scholarships throughout Riverside County. Alexandra also served as a program administrator for UCR’s School of Education from 2020-2022, supporting campus initiatives such as the Civic Engagement Research Group and Connecting Classrooms to Congress. Alexandra has also previously served as an office manager and legal assistant. She also volunteered and served on the board of Club Rotario Sin Fronteras, a Riverside non-profit that provides low-income migrant families with educational supplies, meals, and student scholarships. Alexandra is passionate about immigration, education, and social and political advocacy and is committed to supporting the youth through civic engagement and community empowerment.

Marilyn Limon is a first-generation Mexican American with over a decade of experience spanning the private and public sectors. Currently, she serves as the Director of Government Relations for Equifax, where she advocates for the company’s interests in California, with a particular focus on supporting disenfranchised communities’s access to financial services and public benefits. Before transitioning to the private sector, Marilyn was the Legislative Director for Assemblymember Miguel Santiago, beginning her public service career as a Jesse M. Unruh Assembly Fellow in 2014. She also gained valuable experience through internships with Senator Ricardo Lara, Senator Lois Wolk, and Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi during his re-election campaign. Committed to empowering Latinx youth and fostering a pipeline for young Latinx professionals, Marilyn serves on the board of directors for the Chicano Latino Youth Leadership Project and previously served on the board of the California Latino Capitol Association Foundation. Her dedication to community extends to canvassing for state and local elections, as well as volunteering through her church to help meet the basic needs of underserved populations. A McNair Fellow, Marilyn holds a graduate certificate in Applied Policy and Government from CSU Sacramento and a bachelor’s degree in history from St. Lawrence University.

Jes Montesinos is a Senior Director for the San Francisco Foundation. In this role, Jes leads vibrant neighborhood efforts focused on affordable housing, policy, advocacy and systems change. They also lead the Latino Kitchen Cabinet, which is an advisory group of Bay Area Latino leaders aimed to build deeper partnerships with SFF and other foundations toward creating and implementing effective solutions for Latinx Bay Area communities. For over 25 years, Jes has worked in community development, partnering with organizations in the Bay Area and nationally to create equitable outcomes. This work ensures children and families have more opportunities and agency to lead fulfilling lives. Jes’s efforts span regional and national initiatives, driven by a commitment to addressing injustices. Born and raised by immigrant Latino parents in San Francisco’s Mission District, Jes’s passion for places, culture, and people is deeply rooted. Now raising three children in Oakland, Jes continues to instill values of social justice and racial equity. Jes holds a bachelor’s degree in economics and political science from UC Berkeley and a master’s degree in management and public policy, fueling a lifelong dedication to community development and the fight for justice and equity.

Karen Montufar-Federico is passionate about getting community members civically engaged. She currently serves as a Senior Community Representative for Supervisor Monica Montgomery Steppe. Previously, she spent five years at the City of San Diego, Fourth Council District providing constituent services, creating communication tools, and supporting transportation and economic development policy areas. Through her work, she is committed to having the government serve people. Karen comes with 12 years of experience in building electoral power and increasing voter turn-out in communities of color across the country, primarily around school board elections. She was born and raised in Southeast San Diego and currently resides in Encanto.

Jessica is a native of East San Jose who grew up in a family of immigrant entrepreneurs. She is a proud Alumni of San Jose State’s Lucas College and School of Business. In 2015 she was a fellow of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s CAPS Program (Creating a Path to Success) where she found a passion for small business.   Shortly after, she became an intern at the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Silicon Valley where she worked on the Healthy Corner Store Program in collaboration with The Health Trust. Jessica worked on helping small corner store businesses in underserved communities sell and market healthier food to their community.  Jessica is passionate about helping Latino Entrepreneurs become self-sustainable and contribute to the economy of their communities. In 2016 Jessica became a business advisor for the Small Business Development Center where she worked with small businesses one-on-one providing technical assistance in a variety of subjects such as starting a business, marketing, and capital funding in English and Spanish. The work Jessica is most prideful is supporting her family in start and growing their own business and making their family’s American Dream a reality.

Luisa Ortega, Ed.D., is an Indigenous, first-generation Chicana, a mother, and a passionate advocate for youth in marginalized communities to have access to education and mental health. Dr. Luisa Ortega’s academic journey is marked by significant achievements. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Berkeley, a master’s degree in education from San Diego State University, and a doctorate from the Rossier School of Education at USC. Her published research, which focuses on educational best practices for Latino males in the Los Angeles area, is a testament to her commitment to improving educational outcomes. Luisa’s personal life is a testament to her dedication. She is the proud daughter of immigrant parents, whose faith, tenacity, and steadfast support have been instrumental in her success. As a mother of three children, two of whom are in college, she is deeply invested in the future of education. Today, she leads the Chicano Latino Youth Leadership Project as the executive director, with the primary goal of strengthening and addressing disparities at the root of Latino/Chicano youth’s growing educational and civic needs.

Susanna Osorno-Crandall is a health equity and social justice professional with experience working in community based and health care organizations. In her current role in Community Health for Kaiser Permanente Northern California she leads a broad portfolio that spans mental health, equity, and environmental stewardship. She is responsible for strategy development, grantmaking, scoping new strategic partnerships, and working with internal and external cross-system stakeholders to advance social health projects. Before joining the KP team, Susanna was the Director of Strategic Partnerships for the Center for Youth Wellness (CYW) in San Francisco. She led place-based initiatives, strategic partnerships, community education, and community engagement. Susanna was also a leader in Juvenile Justice Reform and youth development as the Manager of Juvenile Justice Initiatives at the Center for Court Innovation (CCI) in New York City. She was responsible for implementing the Juvenile Gang Task Force, a multi-stakeholder collaborative to reduce juvenile gang involvement and violence in East Harlem. She supervised all youth programming at the Harlem Community Justice Center. Susanna earned her Bachelor of Arts in sociology, with a minor in criminal justice from San Francisco State University and a Master’s in Public Administration from Wagner Graduate School of Public Service, New York University.

Lizbhet is an accomplished leader with over a decade of experience in public sector management, working with local governments and inter-jurisdictional agencies. Currently, as a Community Planner for the City of Santa Ana, CA, she drives strategic initiatives that prioritize community engagement and environmental justice policies. Lizbhet demonstrates exceptional leadership by collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to implement, execute and sustain community efforts, goals, and policies that optimize resource allocation. Her leadership enables setting program objectives, conducting financial feasibility analyses, and leading a multidisciplinary team responsible for community mobilization and involvement.Lizbhet engages with public agencies and promotes community involvement in culturally diverse areas. As a community liaison, she forges strong partnerships with civic organizations, businesses, and residents, fostering trust and collaboration. Her commitment to professional growth is evident in her certification in grant writing and her role in facilitating community conflict resolution through the Department of Justice.Before her current role, Lizbhet led impactful policy analysis and development projects at the University of Southern California, addressing critical issues like housing shortages and environmental concerns. Earlier in her career, her expertise began with at the Irvine Ranch Water District for nearly a decade as a Development Services Specialist.

Jessica Rocha serves as the Legislative Director to California State Assemblymember Mike Fong, representing the 49th District which includes the cities of Alhambra, Arcadia, San Gabriel, El Monte, Monterey Park, South Marino, South Pasadena, East Pasadena, and Temple City in Los Angeles County. In her role, Jessica leads the team’s legislative priorities. She works on a broad range of issues such as health, labor, education, and public safety. She launched her career with the California State Assembly in 2018 and prior to joining Assemblymember Mike Fong’s office, she worked for Assemblymember Eggman, Assemblymember Chu, and Assemblymember Villapudua. She has been nominated by Assembly Leadership to be part of the California Legislative Staff Education Institute, Associate Health Cohort where she develops deeper understanding of health issues in California. From an early age, she was taught the importance of education and the opportunity education provides to working class families. She is a strong advocate for education and continues to ensure those opportunities are available to all Californians. Jessica was born and raised in Sacramento and received her B.A. degree in Government and a Minor in Business from California State University, Sacramento.

Calu Rodriguez, born in Puerto Rico and now residing in Los Angeles with her partner Christian, has dedicated over 15 years to Corporate America within the Tech, Sports, and Entertainment industries. Her roles have spanned the globe, where she has infused multicultural awareness into business strategies, cultivated inclusive employee experiences, and influenced company culture. Calu is the Global Latinx Community Advisor for employee groups at Google. As part of the People Operations Team, she spearheads strategic efforts to drive Latinx inclusion at the company across all regions globally. Early in her marketing career, Calu collaborated with exceptional professionals, witnessing their navigation of corporate challenges in pursuit of their aspirations. This inspired her transition to People Operations, where she amplifies employee voices to leadership, fostering understanding of the diverse identities and needs within organizations. Throughout her career, Calu has been a resilient champion of inclusion, adeptly leading and delivering in complex environments. She has spearheaded DEI strategies amidst disruption and organizational change, building influential frameworks across stakeholders and teams. Calu’s approach to change management is characterized by empathy, strong partnerships, and empowering individuals to embrace transformation.

Olga Rodriguez is director of the PPIC Higher Education Center and a senior fellow at the Public Policy Institute of California, where she holds the Thomas and Marilyn Sutton Chair in Higher Education Policy. As center director, she works with a team of researchers to identify programs and policies to help make the state’s higher education system more successful, equitable, and sustainable. Her own research focuses on college access and success among underserved students. Her recent work has examined statewide reforms to developmental education, English as a second language, dual enrollment, and assessment and placement systems in California’s community colleges. Before joining PPIC, she was a postdoctoral research associate at the Community College Research Center at Teachers College, Columbia University. She holds a BA in economics/mathematics and Spanish from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and an MA and PhD in economics and education from Columbia University. 

Lucia grew up in San Ysidro, right on the border between Tijuana and San Diego. She currently serves as Chief of Staff to California State Assemblymember Lisa Calderon. Prior to this role, she was Assemblymember Calderon’s Legislative Director. Lucia found her way to Sacramento as a Jesse M. Unruh Assembly Fellow, placed in the office of Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin. Lucia previously served as the Co-Chair for the California Latinx Capitol Association Foundation (CLCAF) in 2021 and recently graduated with her MBA from UC Davis, which she obtained while working as a full-time staffer in the State Capitol. She is a proud alumna of Barnard College of Columbia University in New York City, where she obtained a degree in Political Science and a minor in Ancient Studies.

Mitzi Romina Salgado is the founder and CEO of The Cultura Media, a bilingual media platform focused on empowering Latino communities with culturally relevant content on topics like education, health, and financial literacy. Through the Cultura Media, Mitzi has developed high-impact campaigns highlighting social and political issues affecting the Latino community. Additionally, she leads the Transfronterizo Institute, an organization dedicated to supporting transborder students in the U.S.-Mexico border region, where she organizes initiatives like the Transborder Café Tours to bridge educational gaps and empower first-generation college students.Significant achievements marked Mitzi’s career before founding The Cultura Media. At Harvard University, she managed Fulbright programs, stewarded vital partnerships, and managed a multi-million-dollar contract. Her role as an Immigration Policy Fellow in the Mayor’s Office for Immigrant Advancement in Boston further honed her policy expertise, where she briefed on legislation impacting immigrant communities in local government. Mitzi holds a master’s degree in International Public Policy from the University of Southern California and serves on the Border Angels and Cultura Media board. The San Diego Business Journal named her a Latino Leader of Influence in 2023. Mitzi is driven by her commitment to advancing social justice, educational access, and representation for Latino communities.

Kelly San Martin is the Lead Admin Contract Analyst for the County of San Diego’s Department of Purchasing and Contracting. In this role, she oversees high-profile contracts valued at over $500 million, prioritizing equity, sustainability, and support for small businesses. Additionally, she serves on the Board of Directors for the San Diego Employees Charitable Organization, which provides grants to local nonprofits and employee crisis funds. Kelly played a pivotal role in the COVID-19 T3 project, coordinating the establishment of testing and vaccination sites throughout San Diego, including the Mexican Consulate and the San Ysidro Port of Entry. Prior to this position, she worked as a social worker for Aging and Independent Services in San Diego and Santa Barbara. A strong advocate for education, she taught job training skills in local jails and prisons and developed the first online college course for juvenile hall dependents. Kelly also served on the Executive Board for Homeless Court, partnering with local judges and the District Attorney to help clear misdemeanor offenses for homeless individuals. A first-generation native San Diegan with roots in Durango and Sonora, Mexico, she holds both an undergraduate and a master’s degree, which enrich her community engagement.

Adriana Sanchez is a passionate leader, advocate, and the creative force behind key initiatives at the Latino Community Foundation (LCF). As Director of Community Organizing, Adriana spearheads PoderArte, a $2.5 million art and culture initiative that blends civic engagement with pro-immigrant narratives. She has also contributed to establishing LCF’s economic justice program, advancing Latina entrepreneurship and workforce development, and plays a major role in the foundation’s $50 million endowment campaign to strengthen Latino-led power across California. With over a decade of experience, including her time at the Open Society Foundations, Adriana managed a $10 million grant portfolio for immigrant and refugee rights and coordinated the $20 million Emma Lazarus II Fund, building legal capacity to support DACA recipients. Her career began in the Central Valley, advocating for undocumented students and organizing educational initiatives. Adriana also serves as Board Vice President for Arte Américas in Fresno, amplifying Latino arts and culture. A Fresno State alumna, she holds a Master’s degree in International Relations and a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Latin American Studies, and Spanish Literature. Outside of work, Adriana enjoys dancing, traveling, and vlogging.

Francis De Leon Sanchez was elected in November 2022 to represent the residents of Bell Gardens, bringing a deep commitment to community service and a wealth of qualifications. She currently serves as Assistant Principal at Hacienda La Puente Unified School District, where she was recognized as Administrator of the Year and was a state finalist for the ACSA XV region in 2021. Prior to her administrative role, Francis spent over a decade at Montebello Unified School District (MUSD), where she served as an English Teacher, Activities Director, and ACE Pathway Lead at Applied Technology Center and Schurr High School. Her dedication to education runs in her family, with multiple members also working as educators. Francis earned her Bachelor of Arts in English Education and a Teaching Credential from California State University, Long Beach, followed by a Master’s in Educational Leadership from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. She is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Educational Leadership at the same institution. A lifelong resident of BG, Francis has been involved in community service since her youth, from serving as Commissioner of Education to mentoring students and working with local youth programs. She is proud to continue advocating for her community with passion and humility.

Mayra Tostado is PG&E’s external engagement lead for the South Bay and Central Coast Region where she develops diverse cross-functional external outreach initiatives to enhance brand reputation, drive customer engagement, and support business growth and resiliency. She also manages the Regional Vice President’s external engagements and produces executive communications materials to build trust and share a strategic vision with stakeholders. Prior to this role, Mayra was PG&E’s spokesperson and regional communications lead for the company’s San Francisco, Peninsula, South Bay, and Central Coast regions. She has been in external communications roles for over ten years and during that time, served as the global crisis and issues communications lead for Micron Technology in 2020. She was recognized as a Micron Culture Champion that same year and previously in 2018, received PG&E’s President’s Diversity Champion Award for promoting a diverse and inclusive workplace, and contributions as a spokesperson and advocate for multicultural customers. Prior to PG&E, Mayra worked as a producer and reporter at Telemundo in the Bay Area for five years. Mayra holds a BA in Broadcast Journalism from San Jose State University, is fluent in Spanish, and has a working knowledge of Portuguese after studying abroad in Portugal and Brazil.