Executive Leadership Program

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Meet the 2013 Fellows

NHLI is proud to announce the 2013 Class of the Executive Leadership Program Fellows who will start their leadership journey this December.

	Nory Angel Executive Director and CEO, SER-Jobs for Progress, Inc. New York, NY Nory Angel is the Executive Director and CEO of SER-Jobs for Progress, Inc an organization that specializes in workforce development services for the Latino Community. Ms. Angel was born in Los Angeles, California and is a first generation American. Her parents are immigrants from Central and South America. She earned her undergraduate degree in French from the University of North Texas and her Masters in Business Administration from Griffith University in Brisbane, Australia. She has dedicated her career to assisting the Latino community and other communities in need to transform their lives through employment and career training services. This year she was recognized and awarded as one of the Top 25 Women in Houston. Back to top
	*Liany Arroyo* Associate Director of the Education and Children’s Policy Project, National Council of La Raza Landover, MD Liany Elba Arroyo is the Associate Director of the Education and Children’s Policy Project at the National Council of La Raza (NCLR). She works on advancing NCLR’s education priorities and policies affecting Latino children and youth focusing on identifying policy solutions that address the social disparities faced by Latino children. Ms. Arroyo has been with NCLR since 2002 where she served as Director of NCLR’s Institute for Hispanic Health. She has published several pieces on Latino health and has been cited by Spanish and English media, including The New York Times, Newsweek, and Univision. Ms. Arroyo serves on the Latino Initiative Advisory Group for the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy and as a Board member of the Coalition on Human Needs. She is also an active volunteer with Latinas Promoviendo Comunidad/Lambda Pi Chi Sorority, Inc. where she works to advance the personal and professional development of Latina university students. Back to top
	*Patricia Barela Rivera* President and Owner, PBR Solutions Denver, CO Patricia Barela Rivera is President and Owner of PBR Solutions, a consulting firm that specializes in small business advisor/coaching, strategic planning, governmental and public policy consulting, creative marketing, community & public affairs and leadership development. She attended the University of New Mexico and majored in Business Administration. Ms. Barela River has been the recipient of 50+ awards and recognition nationally in the areas of volunteering, training, educating, mentoring and being a role model of men and women, specifically minorities and Hispanics. Back to top
	*Dr. Nancy E. Brune* Senior Policy Analyst, Sandia National Laboratories Las Vegas, NV Dr. Nancy E. Brune is a Senior Policy Analyst at Sandia National Laboratories and a Non-Resident Senior Fellow with the Center for a New American Security where she works on issues of natural security, energy security, the water-energy-food-security nexus, climate change and human impacts, national security, homeland security, and disaster preparedness. Dr. Brune has consulted for the Harvard School of Public Health, JPMorgan Chase, and the Overseas Private Investment Corporation. She has also consulted the World Bank on issues of international development, trade and investment, among other subjects. She is an adjunct lecturer at the College of Southern Nevada. Dr. Brune is the author of numerous peer-reviewed journal articles, reports, and op-ed pieces. Her work has appeared in the Journal of Energy Security, Americas Quarterly, IMF Staff Papers, Social Science and Medicine, World Politics Review and the Las Vegas Sun. Back to top
	*Theresa Cardenas* Vice President, TC Building & Realty Inc. Albuquerque, NM Theresa Cardenas builder, producer, and author, is the co-founder of TC Building & Realty Inc., an award winning home building firm based in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She is also the co-founder of Noble Renewable Group LLC., a renewable energy company that specializes in waste-to-energy technology. In addition to her 24 year design and building career, Ms. Cardenas is the founder and Artistic Director of Teresa Cardenas Spanish Dance Theater. Since its inception in 2001, the company has written and produced original musical recordings and staged dance dramas. In 2011,The National Hispanic Cultural Center awarded her an artist residency where she researched the importance of conducting oral history and art programming for hispanics with Alzheimer’s Disease. Back to top
	*Cindy Castillo-Wilson* Auto Claim Central Section Manager, State Farm Tulsa, OK Cindy Castillo-Wilson, CPCU, has been the Auto Claim Central Section Manager in Tulsa, OK since May 2011. She began her State Farm career as a Field Claim Representative in the Auto Company in Lubbock, TX in 1995. Castillo-Wilson became a Field Team Manager in Fort Worth, TX in 2000 before moving to the Dallas, TX to supervise the In-Language Team. Ms. Castillo-Wilson is a Texas native, graduating from Texas Tech University with a Bachelor of Science in International Economics and a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and studying abroad at the Unversidad de Cumplutense in Madrid, Spain. She is currently pursuing the Charter Life Underwriter (CLU) designation as a means to continue to grow in her professional role. Castillo-Wilson is an avid reader and college football fan who enjoys spending time with her family and traveling. Back to top
	*Ileana Cintrón-Aguilú* Program Manager, Jobin-Leeds Partnership for Democracy and Education, LLC Boston, MA Ileana Cintrón-Aguilú is the Program Manager at the Jobin-Leeds Partnership for Democracy and Education, LLC in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where she supports the development of the Women’s Pipeline for Change. Previously, Cintrón-Aguilú was the Senior Associate for Community Capacity Building at Community Training and Assistance Center, where she provided technical assistance to community organizing groups across the northeastern U.S. Ileana is a member of Neighbors United for a Better East Boston, a member of the Massachusetts Democratic Party’s State Committee, a member of the Massachusetts Women’s Political Caucus’s Political Action Committee, a former board member of East Boston Ecumenical Community Council, and a graduate of the Emerge Massachusetts Class of 2011. Ileana received a B.A. in anthropology and Latin American studies from Yale University. Back to top
	*Dr. Frances Colón* Deputy Science and Technology Adviser, U.S. Department of State Arlington, VA Dr. Frances Colón is the Deputy Science and Technology Adviser (D-STAS) at the U.S. Department of State where she promotes global scientific engagement, innovation as an engine of economic growth and development, science diasporas as a diplomacy tool, and the advancement of women in science around the world. In 2011, she was chosen for the Spanish government’s competitive “Young U.S. Hispanic Leaders Program” and is currently the Vice President for Civil Service of the Hispanic Employees Council of Foreign Affairs Agencies. Dr. Colón earned her Ph.D. in Neuroscience in 2004 from Brandeis University and her B.S. in biology in 1997 from the University of Puerto Rico. Back to top
	*January Contreras* Attorney Phoenix, AZ January Contreras is an Arizona attorney who has advanced the interests of women, children, and families at the highest levels of state and federal government. Contreras currently serves as the Interim Executive Director of the Halle Center for Family Justice at Arizona State University. Most recently, Contreras served as Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and as a Senior Advisor to Secretary Janet Napolitano. In recognition of her commitment to addressing the needs of women through public policy, January was appointed as a designee to the White House Council on Women and Girls. In Arizona, she led the Arizona Department of Health Services after serving as Health Policy Advisor to Governor Janet Napolitano and an Assistant Director at Arizona's Medicaid agency. Before discovering a love for public policy, January was a Deputy County Attorney and Assistant Attorney General in Arizona. Her leadership in government and on boards, including the Arizona Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Los Abogados, and Mujer, has been recognized with awards including Phoenix's Outstanding Forty Under 40 Valley Leaders and 40 Hispanic Leaders Under 40. Back to top
	*Joanna Ilizaliturri Diaz* Principal, JD & Associates Whittier, CA Joanna Ilizaliturri Diaz is an author, a playwright, project strategist coach, and a leader within the healthcare industry. She holds bachelor’s degrees in business administration and business management. Her business career includes partnering with small to medium businesses to strategize their business plans. She has held officer roles within nonprofit organizations, including Toastmasters International, and is currently a thriving business owner. Diaz's creative works have been featured in Ride to the East Side CASA 0101 theater productions and she was the co-producer and co-writer of the Imagen Award winning 8 Ways to Say I Love My Life for best theatrical production. Back to top
	*Liz Fernández* Dean of the Class of 2013, Ethical Culture Fieldston School Riverdale, NY Liz Fernández is a bilingual and bicultural educator, trainer, and speaker. She has written curriculum and facilitated workshops throughout the Americas, Asia and South Africa focused on gender identity, cross cultural competency, conflict management and curriculum development for grades pre-Kindergarten through twelfth grade. She has served as an administrator, teacher and facilitator in the independent school community and currently, serves as the Dean of the Class of 2013 at the Ethical Culture Fieldston School where she also teaches Ethics. Between 2000-2011, she served on the faculty of the National Association of Independent Schools, Student Diversity Leadership Conference (SDLC) and for eight years was the co-chair of the conference. She is an alumna of and serves on the Board of Directors of Bloomingdale Family Head Start Programs, Inc. a NYC pre-school program serving low-income families with comprehensive educational support services. Ms. Fernández holds a BA in Sociology and Anthropology from Hamilton College and an MA in Social Sciences with a concentration in Sociology and Education from Binghamton University, State University of New York. Back to top
	*Ramona Ferreyra* Private Public Partnership Program Manager, U.S. Pacific Command Aiea, HI Ramona Ferreyra is currently a Private Public Partnership Program Manager with U.S. Pacific Command in the Strategic Partnerships division. In this role, she oversees the University of Hawaii partnership throughout the Asia Pacific region. Under her stewardship, this partnership evolved into the Asia Pacific Resilience and Risk Reduction Network (APDR3). Previously, Ms. Ferreyra spent time as an Honors Intern at the Federal Bureau of Investigation. IN this role, she championed community outreach efforts focused on Hispanics. She is currently a Masters candidate at Hawaii Pacific University pursuing a Masters of Arts degree in Diplomacy and Military Studies. She holds graduate certificates in National Security and Strategic Studies and International Disaster Management and Response. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Forensic Psychology with a minor in Sociology from John Jay College of Criminal Justice. Back to top
	*Anne Garcia* Social Services Director, Ayuda Washington, DC Ms. Anne M. Garcia, LICSW is a Licensed Independent Social Worker in the District of Columbia. She is originally from a small South Texas town. She attended St. Mary's University and received a Masters in Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania. She has worked in the non-profit sector providing social services such as case management, individual, and group therapy to individuals who have experienced domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking for over five years. She is currently the Social Services Director at Ayuda, a local non-profit in Washington DC metropolitan area which works with low-income immigrants. She also is a Commissioner for the Commission for Women board, in which she was appointed by the DC Mayor. In her spare time, she enjoys teaching Zumba, cooking, and relaxing. Back to top
	*Abigail Golden-Vazquez* Vice President and Deputy Director Leadership Initiatives, Aspen Institute Washington, DC Abigail Golden-Vazquez manages the Aspen Institute’s geographical (Africa, Central America, India, Middle East, and China.) and functional leadership initiatives (education and environment) working closely with Peter Reiling, Executive Vice President Leadership Initiatives and Policy Programs. The goal of these ventures is to stimulate a new generation of local leaders to play a greater role in the social and political development of their countries. She is responsible for developing and expanding Aspen’s growing portfolio of leadership initiatives into an active network called the Aspen Global Leadership Network. As a Vice President at the Aspen Institute, she forms part of the executive management team working on strategy at the Aspen Institute. Back to top
	*Dr. Isaura Gonzalez* Psychologist Hackensack, NJ Dr. Isaura González, or as she is most affectionately referred to by her clients, Dra. Isaura is an Executive Coach, Anger Management Facilitator, Speaker, Educator, and Licensed Psychologist. She currently has a private practice in Staten Island, New York that focuses on improving individual and organizational behavior with an emphasis on anger management. Isaura is actively engaged in the community where you will find her often volunteering at school or community events. When not in her office, you will find her teaching at several local universities and mentoring psychology students. Prior to her private practice, Isaura worked for the State Of New York and City of New York in various positions of leadership. She is a New York State Licensed Psychologist and is completing California state licensing. Dr. Gonzalez also has a certification in Anger Management from Anderson and Anderson , the most trusted leader in Anger Management training and certification. Isaura is married and has four young, beautiful and gifted children for whom her heart beats. Back to top
	*Ixchell Gonzalez* Superintendent, Brooks Academy of Science and Engineering San Antonio, TX Ixchell Gonzalez has been a professional folklorico dancer/instructor all around the U.S. and throughout México. She is the chief architect behind the contemporary Project Administrator position of the SAYLC. Gonzalez is currently the Superintendent of Brooks Academy of Science and Engineering, a T-STEM school in San Antonio, Texas. Gonzalez incorporates her expertise in the leadership development and training of high school students, college students (of different disciplines), graduate students, and young professionals utilizing game technology and social lab experiences to increase higher level thinking, empowerment, articulation, and community involvement since 1996. In addition, she has volunteered over 1000 hours in visionary leadership development for high achieving high school students who serve as mentors and teachers for young, high-achieving students. Back to top
	*Dr. Gloria Gonzalez* Social Science Research Analyst, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food, and Nutrition Washington, DC Dr. Gloria González is a Social Science Research Analyst in the Office of Research and Analysis for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service. Prior to her current position, Dr. González was the Director of Research, Educational Research and Analysis, at the American Dental Education Association, where she managed the daily operations of the association legacy surveys as well as research focusing on dental education and higher education. Gloria holds a Doctorate and Master’s degree in Sociology from the University of California, Los Angeles, and a Bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Berkeley. She is dedicated to issues of equity in education, health, gender, race, and ethnicity. Gloria was born and raised in Southern California and currently resides in Washington, DC. She enjoys participating in marathons and Ironman triathlons. Back to top
	*Brenda Ivelisse* Associate Dean of Students, Portland Community College Portland, OR Brenda Ivelisse is a transformative educator in Portland, Oregon where she is active within the immigrant rights community. As a fourth generation educator in her family, she continues the tradition of challenging students to develop themselves as individuals, realize their voice, and use that voice to speak out about things they care about. She has been awarded various leadership awards in recognition of her commitment to community building from the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Distinguished Leadership Award to the MANA National Student Leadership Award. Back to top
	*Migdalia Loyola Meléndez* Director of Education Outreach, Planned Parenthood Minneapolis, MN Migdalia Loyola Meléndez has over fifteen years of experience in organizational leadership, community organizing and project management. Her work has focused on addressing reproductive health, healthy eating, and tobacco control in high priority populations. Loyola is currently the Director of Education & Outreach at Planned Parenthood Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota. She is responsible for the design, implementation and evaluation of community programs that promote public health. Previously, she worked as a consultant for Invitation Health and Wellness and Project Manager for the Center for Prevention at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota. Under her leadership, the Center for Prevention launched the successful EBT and Farmers Market Initiative that assisted many farmers markets to begin accepting Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) payments from people receiving federal food support. Loyola developed and implemented Entre Amigas, a Planned Parenthood program that prepares Spanish-speaking Latinas as lay health advisors and community leaders in reproductive and sexual health. Loyola received Centro Legal’s 2004 “Excellence in Service” award and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Minnesota recognized her with the “25 on the Rise” Award in 2006. She received her Master in Public Affairs from the Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota. Back to top
	*Lupe Morales* Director of Operations, McDonald’s USA Frisco, TX Lupe Morales is currently a Field Service Manager for McDonald’s USA. She represents the Greater Southwest Region in Dallas, Texas where she is responsible for providing leadership, coaching and strategic direction to her assigned Operations Consultants and Franchisees to deliver superior customer experience and to maximize short- and long-term sales and profits. She also serves as an advocate for both the Franchisees and the Company.In the 18 years with McDonald’s Corporation, Morales has worked her way through different functions and levels of the company. In her most recent role as an Operations Manager in both Dallas, TX and Seattle, WA, she played an integral role in the development of staff members and Restaurant Managers. Morales currently co-chairs the Greater Southwest Regional Women’s Business Leadership Network and is a member of the steering committee for the McDonald’s Hispanic Employee Business Network. She is also actively involved with the Ronald McDonald House Charities which provides a “home-away-from-home” for families so they can stay close to their hospitalized child at little or no cost. Back to top
	*Nilda Oyola* Vice President of Sales, Majestic Drug Co., Inc. Walden, NY Nilda Oyola is the national sales and marketing manager at Majestic Drug, a manufacturer of niche oral care and personal care products. She has over 24 years of experience in diverse areas of the manufacturing/distributing industry including supply chain, quality, process development of oral care products within her company. Oyola is a proponent and dedicated to ensuring future leaders are made and contributes to her church. She holds an Associates of Science in Business Management from SUNY Orange in New York and is pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Marketing from SUNY New Paltz in New York. She lives in New York and enjoys spending time with her husband, Efrain Oyola and her family. Nilda also enjoys reading and crocheting Back to top
	*Jennifer Rodriguez* Owner, The Gala Company Los Angeles, CA Jennifer Rodriguez began her career in sports and entertainment at the National Football League in the public relations department and within her first two years at the league landed a position as events coordinator. This New York native of Dominican heritage is an accomplished dancer, having trained at Alvin Ailey Dance School and interned at The Dance Theater of Harlem. “Beauty Queen” was added to her resume when she won the title of Miss New York Latin Image and went on to place third at the national competition. Incorporating her business skills and love for entertainment, Jennifer developed the Miss and Teen California Latina ™ pageants into the largest competition for Latinas in the state. In 2009, Jennifer was recognize by the city of Los Angeles and awarded for her success with the organization and her community invlovment. She was a nominee for the Los Angeles Business Journal Latino Awards in 2010, 2011 and 2012. Jennifer is also one of the hosts and creators of “On The Inside Sports”, a sports entertainment talk show. Back to top