The Powermeter 100 list is a testimony of the influence that these 100 powerful individuals have had in the Hispanic community and the community at large. In order to select the 100 individuals that comprise the list, El Planeta holds a nomination process open to the public. With an average of 600 nominees collected each year, a panel of judges from the community and the paper’s editorial council selected those, whom based on their merits throughout 2013-2014, deserve to be called “one of the 100”.
The Powermeter 100 list is presented in alphabetical order by last name.
Haga click aquí para leer la versión en español.
Acevedo, Nader | Vice President | Hispanic-American Chamber Institute
Acevedo, Nader | Vice President | Hispanic-American Chamber Institute
Nader Acevedo, a leader in Boston banking, business, and community development, is the Executive Vice President of the Hispanic American Chamber Institute and leads the organization’s initiatives in the Northeast U.S. and Latin America. Nader served as President of the Hispanic-American Chamber of Commerce and Director of and Latin America Programs for the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. He held senior positions at several major Boston banks for nearly twenty years. Nader serves on various advisory and governing boards and is the recipient of numerous community service awards.
Agui Carter, María | Film-maker | Iguana Films
Agui Carter, María | Film-maker | Iguana Films
Founder of Iguana Films, Maria is an award winning filmmaker with two recent national broadcasts on PBS: No Job for a Woman and Rebel, winner of the 2014 Erik Barnouw Honorable Mention as best historical film in America, and now touring the country. Her new monologue 14 Freight Trains is about the first American soldier to die in Iraq, an undocumented Latino, and will premiere in Arena Stage the fall of 2014. She grew up as an undocumented “Dreamer,” graduated from Harvard, is a Trustee of the National Association of Latino Independent Producers, and is a member of the Writers Guild. She is turning Rebel into an action feature, and writing a new script on an undocumented teen hacker called The Secret Life of La Mariposa.
Aguilera, Cristina | Director of Organizing | MIRA Coalition
Aguilera, Cristina | Director of Organizing | MIRA Coalition
Cristina Aguilera is the Director of Organizing for the MIRA Coalition, where she advocates for public policies that advance the integration of immigrants and refugees in Massachusetts. She attended college at Universidad de Carabobo in Valencia, Venezuela. Upon graduation she moved to the US, where she worked on campaigns for labor rights in New York, Arizona, Michigan and North Carolina. In 2008, she received a merit scholarship to study a Masters in Public Administration at National University of Singapore. After more than a decade advocating alongside workers, immigrants and minorities, Cristina established herself in Boston in 2010 and began working for MIRA. She also co-founded VotoBoston, a volunteer-run organization that quadrupled the number of Venezuelans registered to vote in New England.
Alfaro, Daniel | Program Manager | Global Potential
Alfaro, Daniel | Program Manager | Global Potential
Daniel Alfaro is the Program Manager of Global Potential (GP), a non-profit organization that trains Boston Public School youth to become local and global leaders. Since 2011, Daniel has worked in Boston and Nicaragua supporting youth-led projects that promote social change. Most recently, Daniel coorganized a youth-led conference with UMass Boston to create dialogues on how youth can solve urban violence. In the last month Daniel got accepted at Boston University where he will be getting his MSW with a full scholarship. Daniel will remain involved and support our youth in inspiring a better tomorrow.
Alonzo, Pedro | Curator | Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston
Alonzo, Pedro | Curator | Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston
Pedro Alonzo is a Boston based freelance curator, he is currently an Adjunct Curator at Dallas Contemporary. Alonzo was formerly an adjunct curator at the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) Boston (2011-2013) and at the Institute of Visual Arts, University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee (1996-2002). He has organized exhibitions in public museums and private collections internationally. At the ICA Boston he curated Shepard Fairey’s 20-year survey titled Supply and Demand, a solo exhibition with Dr. Lakra in 2010, a site specific installation by artists Swoon (2011) and Os Gemeos (2012). Most recently he curated JR’s first museum exhibition at the Contemporary Arts Center, Cincinnati.
Alvaro Jr., Ferdinand | Member of the Board of Trustees | Eastern Bank
Alvaro Jr., Ferdinand | Member of the Board of Trustees | Eastern Bank
Ferdinand Alvaro is Partner-In-Charge of the Boston office of Gonzalez Saggio & Harlan LLP, the nation’s largest minority-owned law firm. Prior to joining GSH he was CEO of the Cantrell Nitrogen Company, a billion dollar joint venture based in Mexico. He serves on the Board of Trustees of Eastern Bank and the governing boards of the Private Industry Counsel of Greater Boston and the Mass. Department of Transportation. He served on the Massachusetts Judicial Nominating Commission from 2005 to 2007 and is a charter member of the Latino Legacy Fund of The Boston Foundation.
Amador, Victoria | Owner and CEO | Tremendous Maids
Amador, Victoria | Owner and CEO | Tremendous Maids
Victoria is co-founder and CEO of Tremendous Maids and Boston’s Best Commercial Cleaning, a full janitorial cleaning service based in Jamaica Plain, MA. She is also co-founder and CEO of DiscoverVedas.com, an online boutique store providing high-end handcrafted lifestyle accessories from different countries with same day delivery in the Boston area. Victoria has been an asset to the Hyde Square and Jackson Square neighborhood of Jamaica Plain since relocating to the neighborhood 2 years ago. She has shown strong community leadership skills by coalescing the business community and re-energizing the Hyde Jackson Business Association.
Apple, Linda | Director of Volunteer and Community Programs | Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
Apple, Linda | Director of Volunteer and Community Programs | Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (MFA)
Linda Apple is responsible for the MFA’s community engagement activities and overall management of volunteer, intern, and teen programs. She provides leadership for the Museum-wide Diversity and Multicultural Audience Development Initiatives and many community partnerships. The recent focus of her work has been to strengthen neighborhood relations by increasing awareness of the Museum as a resource, expanding community events to increase attendance and serving emerging audiences through cultural celebrations, growing teen programming. Her programs position the MFA as a destination for teen audiences, highlight and communicate the MFA’s community engagement efforts through media partners such as El Planeta.
Arbaje-Thomas, Milly | Director | ABCD
Arbaje-Thomas, Milly | Director | ABCD
Milly Arbaje-Thomas is a seasoned executive with 15 years of managerial experience in antipoverty programs. As the previous Director of Parker Hill/Fenway, Mattapan and Jamaica Plain centers at Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD), she created new programs, partnerships, and service delivery systems that led to replication across the agency. Milly opened ABCD’s first immigration clinic assisting hundreds of immigrants in learning English and becoming US citizens. Born in the Dominican Republic, Milly holds a Bachelor Degree in Psychology and a Master Degree in Clinical Social Work from Boston College, a Certificate in Non-Profit Management from Boston University and an Honorary Doctorate Degree from Emmanuel College.
Arnaez, Karina | Diversity Manager | MIT, School of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences
Arnaez, Karina | Diversity Manager | MIT, School of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences
Karina leads Diversity at MIT’s Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences School, where she focuses on identifying and implementing strategies to increase faculty diversity and continuing to attract and draw on the geniuses of many diverse populations. In addition to higher education, she has 20 years of experience in Healthcare, Technology, Power Systems, Financial, HR Consulting and non-profit. Karina is President Emeritus of the Boston Chapter of the National Society of Hispanic MBAs (NSHMBA) and co-founding President of a Fortune 500 Latino employee resource group.
Arredondo, Carlos | Peace Activist and Volunteer | American Red Cross
Arredondo, Carlos | Peace Activist and Volunteer | American Red Cross
Carlos Arredondo, a Costa Rican-American, is a peace activist, Red Cross volunteer and father of Alex and Brian Arredondo. Carlos with his wife Mélida have dedicated themselves to movements and causes that empower people and give voices to those who cannot speak for themselves. Both are advocates for peace, suicide prevention, veterans and military families. Carlos was a spectator at the 2013 Boston Marathon when tragedy struck. Carlos ran to help Jeff Bauman, who lost his legs. Both have since formed a lasting bond. A book on Carlos’ life as an immigrant, Gold Star dad and civilian first responder is being written.
Arroyo, Félix G. | Chief of Health & Human Services | City of Boston
Arroyo, Félix G. | Chief of Health and Human Services | City of Boston
Félix G. Arroyo has dedicated over a decade of his life to public service and community organizing. Félix is a lifelong Bostonian, born in the South End, raised in Hyde Park, and a proud graduate of the Boston Public Schools. He is the son of Puerto Rican immigrants, and his father had a successful career as politician in Massachusetts. He was a candidate for Mayor of Boston in 2013 elections. At the beginning of the year, he was named Chief of Health & Human Services in Boston by Mayor Martin Walsh.
Assade, Laura | Communications Manager | Chelsea Public Schools
Assade, Laura | Communications Manager | Chelsea Public Schools
Since October 2009 Laura has been running the largest sites of the FUEL Education program in the Chelsea District which currently has over 150 families enrolled. Every year Laura along with the FUEL Education Team educates families about the process of higher education and assists with college and financial aid decisions, but most importantly eases the burden of unexpected costs by paying students expenses thought the programs savings account and scholarship match of up to $1500. Laura also provides families with scholarship opportunities so the students have an opportunity to attend school as close to debt free as possible. Over 110 students have graduated from our Chelsea Program and have gone on to college straight after high school.
Barahona, Evelyn | Director of Business Development | Quality Interactions
Barahona, Evelyn | Director of Business Development | Quality Interactions
Evelyn is Director of Business Development at Quality Interactions (QI), a mission driven organization committed to promoting quitable care throughout the healthcare system in the U.S. At QI, she works closely with heath plans and hospitals across the U.S. to enhance the patient experience in diverse populations through actionable, practicable and effective solutions. Her community involvement includes serving on the boards of Tuft’s Floating Children’s Hospital and ¿Oíste? Recent projects include Co-Chairing a Women’s Leadership breakfast, committee member for 2014 Poder Latino and serving as a mentor for ALPFA’s 2014 Mentorship pogram.
Barajas, Phyllis | Chief Executive Officer | Conexión
Barajas, Phyllis | Chief Executive Officer | Conexión
Phyllis is the Chief Executive Officer of Conexión and a lifelong Latina activist and social entrepreneur committed to developing and advancing Latino leadership. She served as the first Latina assistant dean for human resources at Harvard Kennedy School of Government. She is a former deputy assistant secretary in the U.S. Department of Education offices of elementary, secondary and bilingual education appointed by President Clinton. She serves on numerous non-profit boards and is a trustee of Eastern Bank. She is the first Latina trustee since the bank’s founding in 1818. She is originally from Omaha, Nebraska the proud daughter of Mexican immigrants.
Barriga, José | Founder and Director | Boston Latino International Film Festival (BLIFF)
Barriga, José | Founder and Director | Boston Latino International Film Festival (BLIFF)
After 10 years as a network TV producer in Los Angeles, José arrived in Boston in 2001 to work for a community based organization. José founded the Boston Latino International Film Festival (BLIFF) in 2001 with a small budget, volunteers and the support of the City of Cambridge Arts Council. After 12 years BLIFF became one of the most important film festivals in Massachusetts. He is a social psychologist by training, with grad studies from UCLA and specializes in Latino media in the U.S. He has worked with Telemundo, Fox Latin America, La Opinion newspaper and Enigma Entertainment. Besides directing BLIFF he is a marketing and media production consultant specializing in the U.S. Latino market.
Barros, John | Chief of Economic Development | City of Boston
Barros, John | Chief of Economic Development | City of Boston
Barros, a former school committee member and nonprofit executive, was once Walsh’s rival as both men ran for mayor last year in the crowded preliminary election. Barros is the son of Cape Verdean immigrants. He grew up off Dudley Street and rose from Roxbury to the Ivy League, attending Dartmouth College. After working in big business in Manhattan, Barros returned to the streets of his youth and helped run the Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative, a well-known nonprofit.
Beauchamp, Aixa | President | Beauchamp & Associates
Beauchamp, Aixa | President | Beauchamp and Associates
Beauchamp is an independent consultant who for more than 17 years has worked in the field of philanthropy and with nonprofit organizations in the United States, Europe, and Latin America. With her experience in philanthropy she has helped with development for the YMCA of Waltham, Milagros Para Niños of Children’s Hospital, and the Committee for Hispanic Children and Families, among other organizations.
Betancourt, Joseph | Director | MGH’s Disparities Solution Center
Betancourt, Joseph | Director | MGH’s Disparities Solution Center
Dr. Betancourt directs the Disparities Solutions Center, which works with healthcare organizations to improve quality of care, address racial and ethnic disparities, and achieve equity. He is Director of Multicultural Education for Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), and an expert in cross-cultural care and communication. Dr. Betancourt is also a co-founder of Quality Interactions, an industry-leading company that has created and deployed a portfolio of e-learning programs in the area of crosscultural care and communication. He is a practicing internist, and sits on the Boston Board of Health.
Caballero, Enrique | Director | Joslin Latino Diabetes Initiative
Caballero, Enrique | Director | Joslin Latino Diabetes Initiative
The Latino Diabetes Initiative at Joslin Diabetes Center, founded and directed by Dr. Caballero, is a comprehensive effort to improve the lives of Latinos who have or are at risk of developing diabetes. This initiative integrates culturally competent clinical care and patient education program, community outreach activities, professional education programs and a clinical research program. Dr. Caballero and team have studied the impact of multiple medical, psychological, socioeconomic and cultural factors on diabetes care among Latinos.
Cajigas, Helen | Founder | Massachusetts Hispanic Medical Association
Cajigas, Helen | Founder | Massachusetts Hispanic Medical Association
Dr. Cajigas founded the first ever Hispanic association of physicians in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, called the Massachusetts Hispanic Medical Association (MAHMA). Under her direction, that organization has set precedent for many spheres of the community knowing who to access when an issue related to the healthcare of Latinos arises. Also, the organization has empowered Latinos by having their own health forum. Dr. Cajigas has worked hard to create awareness about health issues affecting Latinos. She has planned, organized and proctored many health events, including health fairs, providing free screenings, medical consultations, promoting early detection of conditions in patients who otherwise would not have known about them.
Calderón-Rosado, Vanessa | Chief executive officer | Inquilinos Boricuas en Acción (IBA)
Calderón- Rosado, Vanessa| Chief executive officer | Inquilinos Boricuas en Acción (IBA)
Vanessa Calderón-Rosado, Ph.D., is the Chief Executive Officer of IBA-Inquilinos Boricuas en Acción, an organization dedicated to empower individuals through education, workforce development and arts programs, and to create vibrant affordable housing communities. Through her leadership, IBA has become the largest Latinoled nonprofit organization in Greater Boston. In 2009, Dr. Calderón-Rosado was selected for the prestigious Barr Foundation Fellowship. In 2010, she became the first Latina ever to be appointed to the Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education. She is a Founding Board member of the Margarita Muñiz Academy, the first dual-language innovation high school in Massachusetts.
Calvo, Alberto | President | Stop and Compare Supermarket
Calvo, Alberto | President | Stop and Compare Supermarket
Alberto Calvo is an engineer and entrepreneur. He held various positions in national defense companies, with a career spanning 30 years. He is President of Stop and Compare Supermarkets, a family business serving the Latino communities of New England. Under his leadership, the company has grown to three stores, employs over 100, and has gained the respect and support of the Latino families we serve. Alberto serves on various nonprofit Boards in Chelsea, Lynn and Boston. He is a graduate of Northeastern and MIT, and holds an MBA from Boston University. He is a native of Cuba and lives in Newton with his wife Betty.
Cardona, Diana y Angélica "Las Parceritas" | Entrepreneurs
Cardona, Diana y Angélica «Las Parceritas» | Entrepreneurs
Better known as “Parceritas” the sisters Diana and Angélica are both community leaders in East Boston. Originally from Colombia, they came to the U.S. in 1993 and since then, they have developed an intense volunteer activity in East Boston where they have become popular among Latinos. They produced and hosted a radio program at 1600 AM and a television show called “Las Parceritas” that aired on MasTV. In addition, Parceritas opened a restaurant and a coffee shop, and are currently engaged in producing and marketing Chocolaffe (mixture of cocoa and Colombian coffee) and Maninuts (peanuts with sesame seeds) which can be found in Compare supermarkets and convenience stores.
Chacon, Richard | Executive Director of News Content | WBUR
Chacon, Richard | Executive Director of News Content | WBUR
Richard Chacón oversees all aspects of local radio and digital news content for WBUR Boston. His career includes more than 20 years of experience in journalism, politics and government. He has worked at The Boston Globe, New York Newsday, WCVB-TV and KTSM in his native El Paso, Texas.He served as Director of Communications for Deval Patrick’s gubernatorial campaign in 2006, and served in the Governor’s Office as Director of Policy and then as Executive Director of the Mass. Office for Refugees and Immigrants. Richard received a Nieman Fellowship from Harvard (2004) and an Eisenhower Fellowship in Brazil and Germany (2008). He holds a bachelor’s degree from Boston University and master’s degrees in public administration and journalism from Columbia University.
Chang-Díaz, Sonia | State Senator | Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Chang- Díaz, Sonia | State Senator | Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Sonia Chang-Díaz is the first Latina elected to the Massachusetts State Senate. Senator Chang-Díaz has accomplished an impressive list of legislative and budget victories on many issues; including dropout prevention and recovery, youth violence prevention and civil rights. One of the Senator’s bills recently passed into law strengthens reporting requirements for public contractors to help ensure construction projects funded by taxpayer dollars are creating local jobs and promoting workforce diversity. Senator Chang-Díaz represents the Second Suffolk District in Boston, and serves as the Senate Chair of the Education Committee.
Cintron, Ileana | Co-Chair | Massachusetts Democratic Latino Caucus
Cintron, Ileana | Co-Chair | Massachusetts Democratic Latino Caucus
Ileana Cintrón is the Co-Chair of the Massachusetts Latino Democratic Caucus, a committee of the Massachusetts Democratic Party that activates Latino political participation and organizing. She works as Research Manager at the Jobin-Leeds Partnership for Democracy and Education, where she identifies progressive candidates, issues and trends in the political landscape. Ileana relocated to Boston from Puerto Rico in 2007, where she led a nonprofit focused on school reform and civic participation. Ileana is also a 2013 National Hispana Leadership Institute Fellow and a member of Neighbors United for a Better East Boston. She holds a B.A. in anthropology and Latin American studies from Yale University.
Contreras, Omar | Founder | Boston Banda de Paz de El Salvador
Contreras, Omar | Founder | Boston Banda de Paz de El Salvador
Omar Contreras is the founder of Boston Banda de Paz de El Salvador, a martial band that started in 2012 and is devoted to preserve the cultural roots of El Salvador and involve the youth in a cultural activity so they can be busy and safe. Participants are taught to play a musical instrument to join the band. Contreras is also founder of Comite de Festejos de Loma Larga, a non-profit organization that raises money to fund development projects in Loma Larga, El Salvador, such as parks and affordable houses.He is also a dancer and works as a choreographer for Latino “quinceañeras” parties.
Correa, Claudia | Community Leader and Activist | Mohegan Sun Massachusetts/ Suffolk Downs
Correa, Claudia | Community Leader and Activist | Mohegan Sun Massachusetts/ Suffolk Downs
Since Claudia got involved in the Elizabeth Warren Campaign back in 2012, her passion for community inclusion and civic engagement has grown immensely. The understanding of the importance of the Latino community engagement and civic participation has lead Claudia to be part of numerous local political campaigns. During the last couples of years Claudia has registered large number of Latinos and gotten them out to vote. Claudia has become the Latino Liaison for projects such as the Mohegan Sun Casino Resort proposal increasing the participation of the Latino Community by inviting them to be part of the project, of which many are small business owners who want to be part of the development.
Cuenca, Peter | Founder and CEO | CUENCAVISION
Cuenca, Peter | Founder and CEO | CUENCAVISIÓN
Cuenca has made the Powermeter list several times, first appearing in 2005. He owns Cuencavisión, a Spanish television channel in Boston, and La Semana, a Spanish-language weekly. He is a pioneer in the Hispanic TV and radio industry in New England. Cuenca has a TV show in which he discusses the content featured on his newspaper.
De La Rosa, José | Founder and CEO | Guardian Healthcare, LLC
De La Rosa, José | Founder and CEO | Guardian Healthcare, LLC
Jose de la Rosa is an entrepreneur in the healthcare and real estate industry. An immigrant from the Dominican Republic, he came to Boston in 1989 and attended Northeastern University, earning a bachelor’s degree in finance. Jose founded Guardian Healthcare in 2008, a company that brings nurses, therapists and home health aides to sick and disabled people to their homes, currently employing over 170 cultural competent clinicians, improving the lives of our elderly and disabled adults.Recently, Jose opened Family Caregivers, helping sick and disabled adults obtaining care at home and their family who can earn tax-free income for taking care of them.
De La Torre, Ralph | Chairman and CEO | Steward Health Care System
De La Torre, Ralph | Chairman and CEO | Steward Health Care System
This cardiac surgeon of Cuban origin is the chairman and CEO of Steward Health Care System. In 2010 de la Torre saved his organization, then called Caritas Christi Hospital Network—the second largest hospital system in all of New England—from financial ruin by arranging to sell it to a New York based private investment group. Thanks to de la Torre’s management, Caritas Christi is now the successful Steward Health Care System. He was voted one of the 25 most powerful physician executives in the United States by Modern Healthcare magazine.
De los Reyes, Eileen | Deputy Superintendent for Academics | Boston Public Schools
De los Reyes, Eileen | Deputy Superintendent for Academics | Boston Public Schools
Eileen de los Reyes is the Deputy Superintendent for Academics at the Boston Public Schools. Previously she served as the Assistant Superintendent for English Language Learners since 2009. Prior to working with the Boston Public Schools, she was a Research Associate at the Mauricio Gaston Institute at the University of Massachusetts, Boston and published the work: If our Students Fail, We Fail. If they Succeed, We Succeed: Case Studies of Five Boston Public Schools (June 2008). Her book Pockets of Hope: How Students and Teachers Change the World (2002) focuses on the creation of democratic classrooms where students are educated in the practice of social and political change.
Díaz, Junot | Contemporary Pulitzer Prize Writer
Díaz, Junot | Contemporary Pulitzer Prize Writer
Junot Díaz was born in the Dominican Republic and raised in New Jersey. He is the author of the critically acclaimed Drown; The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao, which won the 2008 Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Critics Circle Award; and This Is How You Lose Her, a New York Times bestseller. A recipient literary and artistic awards, Díaz is currently the fiction editor at Boston Review and the Rudge and Nancy Allen Professor of Writing at MIT. Díaz has been active in a number of community organizations and the immigrant experience has been central to his work. At MIT, he is on the board of Freedom University and is part of a group of writers and scholars attempting to overturn the Sentencia which threatens to denationalize Dominicans of Haitian descent.
Drew Hohn, Marcia | Director of the Public Institute | The Immigrant Learning Center
Drew Hohn, Marcia | Director of the Public Institute | The Immigrant Learning Center
Marcia Drew Hohn is Director of the Public Institute for The Immigrant Learning Center, Inc. (ILC) in Malden, Massachusetts. In this role since 2003, she developed a multi-pronged program to raise the visibility of immigrants’ economic and social contributions through 1) research studies about New England immigrants as entrepreneurs and workers; 2) developing online education programs for K-12 educators and for immigrantserving practitioners (Talking to America about Immigrants and Immigration), 3) initiating a research website for comprehensive information about immigrants. With a specialty in immigrant entrepreneurship, Marcia has made many presentations and published articles that describe the positive impact of immigrants.
Duarte, Jose | Chef and Owner | Taranta Restaurant
Duarte, Jose | Chef and Owner | Taranta Restaurant
Duarte is a Peruvian-Venezuelan chef. He studied at the Hotel and Restaurant School in Boca Raton, Florida, where he completed a MBA in food service operations. In 2000 he opened Taranta Restaurant in Boston’s historic North End, which fusions Italian and Peruvian cuisine. Duarte has been a leader in the green movement in regards to sustainability. His Restaurant Taranta minimized garbage production to 1% by composting and recycling, buying local, using green power, and energy efficient lighting and appliances. Duarte received the “Green Business Award” 2008 from the City of Boston, 2010 MassRecycle Award and 2011 Chef of the Year in Massachusetts. This month his restaurant was selected as one of the the most innovative restaurants in the USA by Zagat.
Francisco, Paul | VP, Workforce Development Programs & Global Inclusion | State Street Corporation
Francisco, Paul | VP, Workforce Development Programs & Global Inclusion | State Street Corporation
Paul Francisco is a Vice President of Workforce Development Programs & Global Inclusion at State Street Corporation. In this role, Francisco is responsible for the setting of short and long term strategies to support State Street’s diversity and inclusion goals globally. Francisco is an active member of the National Board of ALPFA. He was recognized by Governor Deval Patrick with a Certificate of Achievement for the work done on behalf of the Hispanic Community in Massachusetts.
Funes, René | Radio Host | SPC NOTICIAS – WUNR 1600AM
Funes, René | Radio Host | SPC NOTICIAS – WUNR 1600AM
With more than 35 years of experience in Spanish-language media, René Funes has won a place of honor among Massachusetts Hispanics thanks to his program, SPC Noticias, which has been on the air since 1993. This Guatemalan’s program specializes in topics of interest to Hispanics who live in Massachusetts. This is his seventh consecutive year on the Powermeter.
Garcia, Naheem | Actor | Huntington Theatre Company
Garcia, Naheem | Actor | Huntington Theatre Company
Cuban Naheem (Alexis R. Garcia) has been performing and teaching theatre for over 25 years and is very well known in New England for his outreach work using theatre as an educational tool. He began his professional career with Boston Youth Theatre and has continued to act, direct and teach with renowned local theatre companies. He has also worked in the Boston Public School system as a teaching artist and a Dean of Discipline at the Boston Renaissance Charter School. He is currently working at the Huntington Theatre Company as an Education and Community Associate. Naheem is a member of AFTRA and Screen Actors Guild and has been a working actor for many years. Commercial and independent film credits include films The Proposal, The Heat, Lift and Maiden Heist.
Marcela García | Journalist
Marcela García | Journalist
Bilingual writer Marcela García has more than 10 years of experience in journalism focusing on Latino and minority issues coverage in the United States. She is currently a regular contributor to the Boston Globe editorial and op-ed pages, and a frequent guest at WGBH Radio 89.7 FM, Boston’s NPR station. Previously, she was a special correspondent for Telemundo Boston; a writer for the Boston Business Journal; and the editor of El Planeta, the leading Spanish-language newspaper and bilingual website in Massachusetts. Marcela received a graduate degree in journalism from the Harvard Extension School in 2005, and also holds a B.S. degree in Economics.
García, Nobel | Owner | Oriental de Cuba Restaurant
García, Nobel | Owner | Oriental de Cuba Restaurant
Nobel García is a beloved figure in the local Latino community. Many of his Jamaica Plain neighbors, as well as people from all over Massachusetts, visit El Oriental de Cuba, which is by now something of a fixture in Boston. Charismatic and welcoming, García has always been determined to keep his business thriving. This Cuban is a fighter who has consistently supported various Latino causes in Boston.
García, Yvonne | National President| ALPFA National
García, Yvonne | National President| ALPFA National
Yvonne is a Senior Vice President at State Street Corporation on the Investment Manager Services team, part of the Global Services business. Yvonne has global responsibility for new client engagements and provides consulting services to existing State Street clients. Yvonne is also National President of the Board of Directors of ALPFA National. She is also the co-founder of Milagros para Niños, a board at Children’s Hospital in Boston, which has raised more than $3 million in funds to provide medical care Hispanic children who can’t afford it. In addition, she served on Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick’s Latino-American Advisory Commission Board.
Gerena, Jesus | Director | Family Independence Initiative
Gerena, Jesus | Director | Family Independence Initiative
Since the launch of the Family Independence Initiative in Boston and under Jesús’ leadership, the organization has grown from the an initial 35 households in 2010 to over 600 households representing over 2400 adults & children. In that time families have had impressive results many purchasing home, starting or growing businesses, improving their health, or furthering their and their children education. Over and again demonstrating the abilities of low income and working class families to achieve their goals once they have choice to seek their goals, access to capital, and strong connections to support them.
Gerena, Digna | Ethnic Media Consultant | Boston Latino Media
Gerena, Digna | Ethnic Media Consultant | Boston Latino Media
Ms. Gerena is a Public Relations and Ethnic Media Consultant at Boston Latino Media. In her current role of Marketing Specialist at Family Caregivers, she is responsible for increasing the organization’s visibility. In 2013 she was the Ethnic Media Press Secretary at the Massachusetts Democratic party where she established and maintained communication between multicultural/multilingual media outlets statewide. Past roles included Sr. Production & Programming Associate at Mas Media Group, Marketing Director at Telemundo Boston, Creator and Executive Producer of Boston Latino TV as well as the Workforce Diversity Program Manager at the MGH. Ms. Gerena earned a B.S. in Film and Television from the Boston University.
González, Cristina | VP and Associate General Counsel | Staples
González, Cristina | VP and Associate General Counsel | Staples
Cristina Gonzalez is Vice President, Associate General Counsel at Staples. She is responsible for advising senior executives and Board members on corporate and finance matters. She manages a team responsible for intellectual property, technology and privacy matters. Cristina was a founding co-Chair of HOLA, Staples’ employee affinity group for Hispanic or Latino employees. She served on Staples’ Global Diversity Committee, a group of senior business leaders driving diversity and inclusion efforts. She has spoken at several ALPFA and Minority Corporate Counsel Association events and spoken to students at local universities. She serves as a mentor in ALPFA Boston’s Mentoring Program.
Gonzalez Albuixech, Maria | Director of Communications and Marketing | Health Care For All
Gonzalez Albuixech, Maria | Director of Communications and Marketing | Health Care For All
María R. González Albuixech graduated in Political Science and International Relations at Suffolk University in Boston, MA. She worked for Noticias Univision Nueva Inglaterra. In 2011 her professional career took her to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, where she worked as the Community Education Manager. In 2012, Health Care For All recruited her to become their Director of Communications and Marketing where she currently also supervises outreach activities, community organizing efforts and direct services offered at HCFA’s HelpLine where counselors connect residents with the health insurance they need.
Guerra, Lucas | Principal & Creative Director | ARGUS
Guerra, Lucas | Principal & Creative Director | ARGUS
Lucas Guerra is a business entrepreneur and creative professional with extensive experience in marketing and advertising. He is recognized for leadership and active community involvement. Born in Argentina, four-time Emmy award-winner Lucas Guerra is the founder of Argus, a full-service marketing and communications agency serving local, regional and national clients. In 2006, Argus was named by ICIC and Inc. Magazine as one of the top 100 fastest growing inner-city companies in America. Lucas serves on the Board of Trustees of the Hyams Foundation and the Governor’s Advisory Council on Inmigration and Refugees.
Guzman, Rafael | President and Owner | RM Technologies
Guzman, Rafael | President and Owner | RM Technologies
Mr. Guzman is the founder of RM Technologies, a company specialized in contracting services, full environmental remediation, hazardous material abatement and demolition. The firm has recently been certified by the Massachusetts Department of Capital and Assets Management with a 93% client satisfaction rating as a General Contractor, and permitted to perform up to 8 Million dollar worth of aggregate projects in the Commonwealth. The company’s success also helps boost the economic development of one the poorest cities in the state of Massachusetts, the city of Lawrence. Guzman holds a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from UMass Amherst.
Hammock, Ana | Director of Lending | Accion East
Hammock, Ana | Director of Lending | Accion East
Since 2011, Ms. Hammock has managed the entire lending program for Accion East. She stepped into this role after successfully leading the New England Program with a 2.6 million microlending portfolio and establishing corporate relationships with both Samuel Adams and the New England Revolution Program raising over $250,000 for the organization. Ana joined Accion in 2006 to launch and oversee the organization’s financial education program. She received her Master’s degree in 2004 from the Fletcher School at Tufts University. In 1999, she graduated from Earlham College with a Bachelor’s degree in Latin American Studies and a minor in Spanish.
Izzo, Cynthia | Principal of IT Advisory Practice | KPMG
Izzo, Cynthia | Principal of IT Advisory Practice | KPMG
Cynthia is a principal in KPMG’s IT Advisory Practice. As the firm’s local Information Protection & Business Resiliency practice leader, she specializes in providing information security/ privatization services to leading global financial institutions, retailers and universities. She also spearheads the firm’s regional efforts in building a comprehensive diversity program. Currently an ALPFA Corporate Advisory Board member, and Co-Chair for the We Are Boston Gala, Cynthia has held increasingly responsible positions within the organization over the past decade. She also served as Vice President of the Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts (GSEM), and several years as a Board Member.
Jackson, Deborah | President | Cambridge College
Jackson, Deborah | President | Cambridge College
Deborah C. Jackson is the President of Cambridge College and an accomplished civic and non-profit leader. Her work has proven effective on local, national and global issues involving public policy research, workforce development, education, health care, urban policy and community services. She has established the College’s position as an innovative force in educating the underserved. She has been the recipient of numerous awards and was featured in the Boston Magazine’s “100 Most Influential Women in Boston”. She is a frequent speaker on issues including social justice and access, women’s leadership, and leadership in the non-profit sector.
Leyton, Juan | Interim Executive Director | ¿OISTE?
Leyton, Juan | Interim Executive Director | ¿OISTE?
Juan Leyton emigrated from Chile two decades ago. A consultant who works with foundations and nonprofits, Leyton has worked with the Greater Boston Latino Network, Pueblo Nuevo/ New World Media Network, and the Family Independence Initiative. He was executive director of Boston-based Neighbor to Neighbor and previously executive director of City Life- Vida Urbana in Jamaica Plain. Earlier, he was a program officer for the Solidago Foundation where he managed funds to support organizations working on social justice issues in several cities around the country. Leyton is currently working with the board of ¿Oiste? to conduct a search for a permanent executive director.
Lima, Alvaro | Director of Research | Boston Redevelopment Authority
Lima, Alvaro | Director of Research | Boston Redevelopment Authority
Lima is the Director of Research for the Boston Redevelopment Authority. Originally from Brazil, he recently served as Senior Vice President and Director of Research of the Initiative for a Competitive Inner City (ICIC), a non-profit organization founded by Harvard Professor Michael Porter. Prior to that he was the Director of Economic Development at Urban Edge, a Boston-based community development corporation. He has also worked as Chief of the Economic Development Department of the Ministry of Industry and Energy in Mozambique. In Brazil, he was the Coordinator of Regional Development Projects at the Institute for Social and Economic Research – IPARDES. Mr. Lima holds a Master’s degree in Economics from the New School for Social Research.
Lopez, Juan | Public Servant | City Hall
Lopez, Juan | Public Servant | City Hall
Juan is a public servant in the municipal government. He has worked for more than three decades serving in the administrative branch with Mayors White, Flynn and Menino, and the legislative branch of the Municipal Council as the central liaison of legislative committees. Juan is Executive Producer of the TV show Política Entre Amigos, which celebrates democracy and advocates freedom of speech. Juan is Co-Chair of the Massachusetts Democratic Latino Caucus.
Lopes, Manny | Chief Executive Officer | East Boston Neighborhood Health Center
Lopes, Manny | Chief Executive Officer | East Boston Neighborhood Health Center
More than two decades ago, Manny Lopes joined the East Boston Neighborhood Health Center (EBHC) as an 18-year-old researcher before working in Human Resources and Operations. After a mid-career stint as a business consultant for Fortune 1,000 companies, Manny returned to EBNHC as Vice President and Chief Information Officer and earned his MBA at Northeastern University. In 2010, Manny became Deputy CEO and in 2012, CEO. Manny’s breadth of experience gives him an unparalleled understanding of the health center, our vibrant, largely Latino community, and the vital importance of providing highquality health care and education.
López, Isabel | Founder and President | Isabel Original
López, Isabel | Founder and President | Isabel Original
Isabel came to America in 1992 from her native country of Colombia in pursuit of her dream to design fashions that accentuated the sensual curves of a woman’s body, captured in a spirit of elegance. In 1998, Isabel’s Original designs were featured in the “Miss Mundo Colombia Beauty pageant” in Manhattan, New York. In addition to her own annual fashion shows, Isabel’s Original designs have been featured in many special events in the Boston area. She also publishes the magazine Original Living. In 2013 she was nominated for the Woman of Success award by Colombian Foundation.
Markey, Ed | U.S. Senator for Massachusetts
Markey, Ed | U.S. Senator for Massachusetts
Edward Markey has a prolific legislative record on major issues across the policy spectrum. While serving for 37 years in the U.S. House of Representatives, Markey focused on energy policy and has consistently fought to create new jobs in American clean energy and served as a leading consumer against rising gas prices and foreign oil. He was Chairman of the House Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming from 2007 to 2011. In 2013, following John Kerry’s appointment as United States Secretary of State, he was elected to serve out the balance of Kerry’s sixth Senate term in a 2013 special election.
Martínez, Claudio | Executive Director | Hyde Square Task Force
Martínez, Claudio | Executive Director | Hyde Square Task Force
Claudio Martinez is the Executive Director of Hyde Square Task Force, an organization that develops the skills of youth and their families so they are empowered to enhance their own lives and build a strong and vibrant urban community. A recognized civic leader, Claudio serves on the boards of The Boston Foundation, The Nellie Mae Education Foundation, Boston After School & Beyond, and on the Advisory Board of RoxMAPP. He is Vice Chair of the Boston School Committee, a member of the inaugural class of the Barr Foundation Fellows Program, and is a 2013 MIT CoLab Mel King Community Fellow.
Martínez, Josiane | Excecutive Director | Mass. Office for Refugees and Immigrants / Archipielago Strategies
Martínez, Josiane | Excecutive Director | Mass. Office for Refugees and Immigrants / Archipielago Strategies
Josiane Martínez serves as Executive Director of the Mass. Office for Refugees and Immigrants (ORI), the state agency that oversees the resettlement of refugees and asylees in the Commonwealth and that coordinates state policies and programs that serve immigrant communities. Martínez worked as a consultant for the Patrick-Murray Campaign, where she launched and produced the first multicultural, multi-language ethnic media advertising and public relations strategy for a gubernatorial campaign in the history of Massachusetts. She is also an experienced reporter and photographer, covering Latino communities for several ethnic news outlets.
Massó, José | Director of Community Relations | Massport
Massó, José | Director of Community Relations | Massport
José Massó’s career has included prominent positions in education, communications, media, politics, government, entertainment, sports and philanthropy. Recently, he joined MassPort’s senior leadership team as the Director of Community Relations under the direction of CEO & Executive Director Tom Glynn. Massó directs the five-member Community Relations and Charitable Giving staff that serves as the first point of contact for the Authority with community groups and is critical to the success of MassPort in its responsibility to be a good neighbor. José continues his role as announcer/ producer of “¡Con Salsa!” every Saturday night on WBUR 90.9FM.
Mondejar, Oswald | Sr. Vice President for Mission and Advocacy | Partners Healthcare
Mondejar, Oswald | Sr. Vice President for Mission and Advocacy | Partners Healthcare
Oswald “Oz” Mondejar is the Sr. Vice President for Mission and Advocacy at Partners Health Care. He is responsible for community relations, marketing & communications and human resources. But he is also devoted to the advancement of many constituencies including the LGBT community, people with disabilities and the Latino community. His professional projects include: founding member of the Latino Legacy Fund, co-sponsor of culturally competent care at home for the LGBT community and oversight of communications related to the Boston Marathon survivors.
Montes, Patricia | Excecutive Director | Centro Presente
Montes, Patricia | Excecutive Director | Centro Presente
Patricia Montes is the executive director of Centro Presente, an immigrant rights organization in Massachusetts. Patricia is a recognized immigrant rights leader and a tireless advocate for just economic and social policies, including a just U.S. immigration policy. She serves on the Executive Board of the National Alliance of Latin American and Caribbean Communities (NALACC), and is a board member of The Boston Women’s Fund and the Women’s Pipeline for Change, a group that is trying to build a sustainable infrastructure to support progressive women of color as they enter, navigate and move up the pipeline to political leadership.
Morales, David | VP for Public Policy and Planning | Steward Health Care
Morales, David | VP for Public Policy and Planning | Steward Health Care
David Morales is the Vice President of Public Policy and Strategic Planning at Steward Health Care System. He oversees public policy at Steward for both federal and state government. Morales advises the Chairman and CEO regarding strategic and innovative initiatives for the system. Morales previously served as Commissioner of the Massachusetts Division of Health Care Finance and Policy where he led efforts to enhance access to care, while reducing health care costs in the nation’s health care market. Morales is a dedicated public and community servant, who has founded multiple non-profit organizations committed to fostering leadership and civic engagement in Massachusetts.
Negrón, Jacobo | President and Founder | Massachusetts Latino Police Officers Association
Negrón, Jacobo | President and Founder | Massachusetts Latino Police Officers Association
Jacobo Negron is the President and Founder of the Massachusetts Latino Police Officers Association (MLPO), a professional association that provides support, advocacy and professional development to its members. MLPO was formed in September 2012 as officers of Latino descent felt a need for representation of their culture, values, and their community. Consistent with their philosophy on diversity, their membership is an exciting mix of officers in state, city, campus, sheriffs or corrections law enforcement fields, which brings a broad set of skills, experience, and perspective. Mr. Negron is a Detective with the Harvard University Police Department-Criminal Investigations Division.
Nova, Radhames | Executive Director | ALPFA Boston
Nova, Radhames | Executive Director | ALPFA Boston
Radhames Nova is Executive Director of ALPFA Boston, the city’s largest Latino professional organization with over 3,000 members and more than 40 corporate partners. Radhames works with the chapter’s Board of Directors to ensure ALPFA Boston provides great value to its members, corporate partners and the Greater Boston Community. He serves as a board member for the Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence, Boys & Girls Club of Chelsea, Massachusetts Society of CPAs Educational Foundation and founded the Montagne Project Network at Central Catholic High School in Lawrence. Radhames was born in the Dominican Republic and has lived in Massachusetts for 25 years. He obtained his B.A. from Middlebury College and his MBA from Boston University.
Nova, Yadires y Salcedo, Angel | TV Hosts and Producers | Encuentro Latino
Nova, Yadires y Salcedo, Angel | TV Hosts and Producers | Encuentro Latino
Yadires is the host and producer of WBZ- TV’s “Centro,” a special news segment that examines issues of importance to the Latino community. She and her husband Angel also run their own Spanish news and entertainment show “Encuentro Latino.” Yadires is on the Board of Governors of the Boston/New England Chapter of the National Television Academy and is a member of the Latino Professional Network and the New England Ad Club. She is a frequent guest speaker at local schools and donates her time to several charitable events throughout New England.
Oliver- Davila, Alexandra | Executive Director | Sociedad Latina
Oliver-Davila, Alexandra | Executive Director | Sociedad Latina
For more than 20 years, Alexandra Oliver-Dávila has worked to create a community that supports young Latinos, values their input, and believes in their ability to create positive social change. Serving as Executive Director since 1999, Alexandra has transformed Sociedad Latina into a cutting-edge, data-driven youth development organization. Under her leadership, Sociedad Latina has quadrupled its budget, expanded board membership, increased the number of youth and families served, expanded programming, and developed a new Cultural Studies curriculum
Oliveros, Gladys | Community Activist | Casa de la Cultura East Boston
Oliveros, Gladys | Community Activist | Casa de la Cultura East Boston
Gladys Oliveros is a pillar of the Latino Community and has long been an active ubiquitous presence in Cultural and Political events within New England, New York, New Jersey as well as international. Gladys was a member of the Arts & Cultural Transition Team for the 2014 elect Mayor Marty Walsh. For the last three years, Gladys has had the honor to represent Boston Latinos in the annual Flower Festival in New York City. She has aptly grasped the art of building community relationships and is known as the Latino Community Liaison and the go to person for Political Campaign support.
Ortega, Rafael | Professor and Vice-chairman, Dept. of anesthesiology | Boston Medical Center / BU School of Medicine
Ortega, Rafael | Professor and Vice-chairman, Dept. of Anesthesiology | Boston Medical Center / BU School of Medicine
Rafael Ortega, MD is from Santo Domingo and trained in anesthesiology at Boston Medical Center. He is Professor and Vice-chairman in the Department of Anesthesiology at Boston University School of Medicine. Dr. Ortega has published papers in a range of topics including a book to spearhead the restoration of the Ether Monument in the Boston Public Garden. As Dean of Diversity, he fosters cultural competence and diversity among everyone. Dr. Ortega strives to make Boston University Medical Campus as inclusive as possible and is committed to unquestionable openness and inspiring all to learn from each other while appreciating their differences.
Ortiz, Carmen | United States Attorney for Massachusetts
Ortiz, Carmen | United States Attorney for Massachusetts
Carmen M. Ortiz, nominated by President Obama as the United States Attorney for the District of Massachusetts, was confirmed by the U.S. Senate in 2009. She is the first Hispanic and the first woman to represent Massachusetts as U.S. Attorney. As the chief federal law enforcement officer in Massachusetts, Ms. Ortiz supervises the prosecution of all federal crimes including the prosecution of corrupt Massachusetts Speaker of the House Sal DiMasi, gangster James “Whitey” Bulger, and currently the Boston Marathon bombing. Additionally, she has led the District to some of the largest civil settlements, including that of health care giant GlaxoSmithKline.
Ortiz, David | Baseball Player | Boston Red Sox
Ortiz, David | Baseball Player | Boston Red Sox
A Dominican- American baseball player. He is a 3-time World Series Champion (2004, 2007, 2013) all with Boston. 2013 World Series MVP. Veteran of 18 Major League Seasons (Minnesota Twins 1997-2002) and Boston Red Sox (2003-present). Ortiz Won the 2011 Roberto Clemente Award (Major League Baseball’s highest honor for those who best represent the game of baseball through positive contributions on and off the field). Ortiz created the David Ortiz Children’s Fund, a nonprofit organization committed to providing critical pediatric services to children in New England and the Dominican Republic.
Patrick, Deval | Governor | Comonwealth of Massachusetts
Patrick, Deval | Governor | Comonwealth of Massachusetts
Deval Patrick was reelected to a second term as Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in November 2010, renewing his commitment to expanding opportunity and prosperity in Massachusetts. Despite a challenging economic environment, the Patrick administration expanded the state’s investment in critical growth sectors while delivering timely budgets and cutting state spending. Governor Patrick funded public education and its school reform initiatives earned Massachusetts the top spot in the national Race to the Top competition.
Piña, Hector y Nivia | Owners | Merengue & Vejigantes Restaurants
Piña, Hector y Nivia | Owners | Merengue & Vejigantes Restaurants
The local restaurateurs Nivia and Héctor Piña have had a great experience in the culinary industry for around 20 years now. Not only does this pair of successful restaurateurs keep their Dominican restaurant, Merengue, thriving in Roxbury since 1994; they also have expanded last year. In 2012 they opened Vejigantes, an establishment in the South End that that serves traditional Puerto Rican food. The couple is well known in the Latino community for their constant collaboration and involvement.
Pineda, Lucy | Founder and Director | Latinos United in Massachusetts
Pineda, Lucy | Founder and Director | Latinos United in Massachusetts
A native of El Salvador, Lucy is a leader and a social advocate for the Latino Community in the Greater Boston Area. She began her community work in 1992 at Centro Presente, where she fought to defend the rights of the immigrants and help them to maintain long lasting roots in their cultures. Lucy was part of the formation of COSMA (Salvadorian Committee) whose purpose was to preserve strong cultural values within the Salvadorian community. She also founded Latinos United in Massachusetts (LUMA) in 2002 and is currently the director of the organization. LUMA defends the rights of every migrant in the Community and provides educational programs such as English as a Second Language, History, and Civics classes that are open to the general public.
Portillo, Tony | Member of the Board | East Boston Chamber of Commerce
Portillo, Tony | Member of the Board | East Boston Chamber of Commerce
Portillo is a Salvadoran businessman with impressive credentials in the cleaning industry, advertising and entertainment. His company StarService is dedicated to outsourcing cleaning staff for the corporate sector. This firm is considered a helping hand for many Latinos helping them to get their first job in Massachusetts. Portillo also owns Stars Advertising, formerly known as B&N Graphics, a company with large production capacity of promotional items for advertising. Portillo owns the sports bar La Barra in Everett. He is a member of the Board of the East Boston Chamber of Commerce.
Quintero, Carlos | JOURNALIST
Quintero, Carlos | JOURNALIST
Carlos Quintero came to Boston in 1969 as a college student. From 1972 to 1975, he became a writer for the Boston Globe with a weekly column called “The Spanish Globe”. He was also an anchor at Channel 7 in Boston and the first editor of El Mundo Newspaper. Quintero is the director of Radioperiodico Expresion of Radio 1600, and has also been the producer of the television show Expresion Positiva, that broadcasts on Cuenca Visión. Additionally, he teaches in East Boston a workshop about verbal expression and broadcasting for TV and radio.
Reif, Rafael | President | MIT
Reif, Rafael | President | MIT
Rafael Reif has served as the 17th President of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) since July 2012. Before taking on the presidency, Dr. Reif served for seven years as MIT’s Provost. In this role, he helped create and implement the strategy that allowed MIT to weather the global financial crisis; drove the growth of MIT’s global strategy; promoted a major faculty-led effort to address challenges around race and diversity. An elected member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, Dr. Reif is the inventor of 15 patents, has edited or co-edited five books and has supervised 38 doctoral theses.
Reyes, Evelyn | Officer in International Finance US Management | State Street
Reyes, Evelyn | Officer in International Finance US Management | State Street
Evelyn Reyes Beato is a first generation American-born Dominican. Since 2003 she has been a Coordinator for the Boston network of Las Comadres Para Las Americas, a nationally known Latina organization that connects and empowers Latinas all over the world. Mrs. Reyes is a three-time colon cancer survivor, a strong advocate for colon cancer patients. She holds a position as an Officer in International Finance US Management at State Street Bank and also hosted and co-produced segments for Boston Latino TV. In her spare time, she mentors a young Dominican girl through the Big Sister organization.
Rivera, Daniel | Mayor | City of Lawrence
Rivera, Daniel | Mayor | City of Lawrence
Dan Rivera is the Mayor of Lawrence, Massachusetts. He is the son of a single mother who emigrated from the Dominican Republic. After high school, he served as a USA Military Police officer in Germany where he was deployed to Iraq and Kuwait. When he returned home, Dan returned to school to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree at UMass, Amherst and a MBA from Suffolk University. Dan later worked as Economic Development Director for Congressman Marty Meehan before joining the private sector for a career in marketing.He served as an At Large City Councilor and was elected Vice President of the Council during his second term.
Rivera, Reinelda (Chickie) | President | Massachusetts Puerto Rican Festival
Rivera, Reinelda (Chickie) | President | Massachusetts Puerto Rican Festival
Reinelda Rivera is better known in the community as “Chikie” and she is the President of The Puerto Rican Festival of Massachusetts one of the most successful and far reaching festivals in New England. Trough this event, Chikie seeks to promote a sense of belonging and cultural affirmation within the State. Chikie is well-known as a community activist who advocates and support the Puerto Rican people and the general Latino community in Massachusetts. She has managed to attract big crowds to the event, providing a community celebration that exhibits the vitality and commitment of the Latinos of Massachusetts.
Rivers, Robert | President & Chief Operating Officer | Eastern Bank
Rivers, Robert | President & Chief Operating Officer | Eastern Bank
Bob is the President & Chief Operating Officer of Eastern Bank, the oldest and largest mutual bank in the U.S. He is involved extensively in the community, serving on several non-profit boards in Boston, and on the South Shore and Merrimack Valley. Named after the late Senator Robert F. Kennedy, Bob’s passion for advocating for social justice causes and sustainability issues and his work in championing greater board and senior management diversity has been recognized by The Boston Globe, The Partnership, Get Konnected!, Color Magazine, the Massachusetts Immigration & Refugee Advocacy Coalition, the Asian American Civic Association, and ALPFA.
Rizzuto, Saritin | AVP Community Relations & Business Development | Metro Credit Union
Rizzuto, Saritin | AVP Community Relations & Business Development | Metro Credit Union
At Metro Credit Union Saritin takes on the traditional role of her job as only she can, finding the time to incorporate community organizing and building partnerships to benefit low income and emerging populations. She is a board member of Casa Myrna, North Suffolk Mental Health, The East Boston Social Center, The Chelsea Chamber of Commerce, Bunker Hill Community College Adult Education Advisory Board and the Hispanic American Chamber of Commerce. Her most recent effort to organize Latino businesses to join and have a voice in the Chelsea Chamber of Commerce is proving highly successful.
Robles, Veronica y Lopez, Willy | Musician, TV Host and Producer | Órale con Verónica
Robles, Veronica y Lopez, Willy | Musician, TV Host and Producer | Órale con Verónica
Verónica Robles and Willy López are the producers of Órale con Veronica, a show dedicated to learn and enjoy Latino art and culture. Verónica is a cultural gem in the state of Massachusetts. TV host, songstress, educator, businesswoman, community activist, and cultural ambassador–she brings it all to the table. She is a role model for young women, and an enormous contributor to our cultural wealth. Willy López is a music engineer, composer and singer. He is the President of the record label Cantipista and LTV Productions.
Romero, Karla | Founder & President | Mass Appeal International
Romero, Karla | Founder & President | Mass Appeal International
Karla Romero supports affordable top quality healthcare for all, and is the only Latina to serve on the Board of Directors for Hallmark Health Hospitals as a Corporator. Ms. Romero is the founding President of Mass Appeal International charity, and in that capacity, has started two innovative programs which feeds and clothes over 2000 low income people each month with organic food, and new high-end designer clothing free of cost. Ms. Romero accomplishes this without the use of tax dollars. She is the founder of the Million March Against Child Abuse Boston which provides outreach and educational workshops to spread awareness.
Sánchez, Jeffrey | State Representative | Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Sánchez, Jeffrey | State Representative | Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Representative Jeffrey Sanchez serves as Massachusetts State Representative for the 15th Suffolk District. His work is concentrated on improving quality and access in health through systematic reforms in the public health and health care systems. Representative Sánchez has recently been named as a Harvard School of Public Health Fellow and serves as the Treasurer for the Board of Hispanic Caucus Chairs, as Vice Chair of the National Conference of State Legislatures’ Health Committee, as a member of the NCSL Task Force on Federal Health Reform Implementation, a board member of the MA Health Policy Forum.
Sorto, Manny | Producer & President | Miss and Mister Belleza Latina USA
Sorto, Manny | Producer & President | Miss and Mister Belleza Latina USA
Manny was part of the Somos Latinos LGBT organization and was recognized by the City of Boston as an activist in the LGBT community. He produced Miss El Salvador NE 2007, Mr. and Ms. Belleza Latina Boston 2011, 2012, 2013 and is currently president and producer of Mr. and Ms. Belleza Latina USA, gay and straight versions. Manny is also a fashion designer, catwalk and modeling instructor, promoter of Latino gay nightclubs and producer of fashion shows. In August he will launch his new collection.
Suárez, Sara | News Anchor and News Director | UNIVISION Nueva Inglaterra
Suárez, Sara | News Anchor and News Director | UNIVISION Nueva Inglaterra
Sara is in charge of Noticias Univision Nueva Inglaterra where she works as News Anchor and News Director. Under her leadership the newscast has received recognition locally from the Mass. state legislature and nationally from Mothers Against Drunk Driving for culturally relevant news coverage and the newscast’s important role in getting information out to the Latino community. Sara Suarez has been chosen as one of the most influential figures in the area by several local community-based organizations. She also participates in annual fundraising activities for Boston Children’s Hospital through Milagros para Niños.
Tolay, Claudia | Founder & President | Healthy and Happy Kids
Tolay, Claudia | Founder & President | Healthy and Happy Kids
She is a successful businesswoman that lived in Chile and Europe for 13 years before moving to Boston. Leading Healthy and Happy Kids Claudia gives hope to disadvantaged children who are seriously ill and can’t be cured in their home countries due to various reasons. Thanks to her those children are treated in different hospitals in Boston. She has been called by several international media “the angel of children in need.”
Torres, Alcy R. | Director of the International and Hispanic Program | Boston Medical Center
Torres, Alcy R. | Director of the International and Hispanic Program | Boston Medical Center
Dr. Torres was born in Quito, Ecuador. He obtained his MD degree at Central University of Ecuador where he was first in his class. He completed his residency in pediatrics at Miami Children’s Hospital and Pediatric Neurology at Boston Children’s Hospital at Harvard University where he remained in staff for 12 years. He is currently a member of the Department of Neurology and Director of the International and Hispanic Program at Boston Medical Center. He is Assistant Professor at Boston University. Dr. Torres is a founding member and Vice President of AENI and is known for his social work and community service.
Troncoso, Magalis | Executive Director | Dominican Development Center
Troncoso, Magalis | Executive Director | Dominican Development Center
Magalis Troncoso Lama is the lead organizer of the Boston Tenant Coalition and the Executive Director of the Dominican Development Center which she founded in 2007. The Center advocates for immigrant justice through a youth leadership program, citizenship and ESL classes for Dominican immigrants. While acting as a community organizer and advocate for the past 15 years, Troncoso Lama has also been active in the media and public relations. She now hosts SPC News on 1600 AM radio. Presently, Magalis is Vice Chair of the Board for City Life-Vida Urbana, and serves on the Executive Committee of the Board of Greater Boston Legal Services.
Vargas, Miguel | Founder / Director / Choreographer | BAJUCOL
Vargas, Miguel | Founder / Director / Choreographer | BAJUCOL
Miguel Vargas was born in Bogota, Colombia. He holds a B.A. in Business Administration from Northeastern University and a HR Certification from the UMass Boston. In 1995, motivated by the need for promoting the true culture and image of Colombia, Mr. Vargas founded the Ballet Folklórico Juvenil Colombiano (BAJUCOL). Throughout all these years, he has been working with young people and young adults from Roslindale, East Boston, Malden, and Revere; organizing events, workshops, parades and festivals. Vargas donates his free time to work with BAJUCOL. Currently he is working for Aetna Student Health Company.
Vasallo III, Alberto | PRESIDENT AND OWNER | El Mundo Newspaper
Vasallo III, Alberto | PRESIDENT AND OWNER | El Mundo Newspaper
El Mundo’s President, Alberto Vasallo III, has made his own mark through his work at the paper and on local television and radio. He has also forged his own mutually beneficial relationships including a long running partnership with the Red Sox, which has cosponsored Latino Youth Recognition Day at Fenway Park every year since 1995. El Mundo embraces new and social media, but Vasallo believes growth remains even in the print arena, with the weekly serving as much as a window into the community focused on events and photos of people at them as a news source.
Vázquez, Josefina | President and CEO | The Boston Women’s Fund
Vázquez, Josefina | President and CEO | The Boston Women’s Fund
El Mundo’s President, Alberto Vasallo III, has made his own mark through his work at the paper and on local television and radio. He has also forged his own mutually beneficial relationships including a long running partnership with the Red Sox, which has cosponsored Latino Youth Recognition Day at Fenway Park every year since 1995. El Mundo embraces new and social media, but Vasallo believes growth remains even in the print arena, with the weekly serving as much as a window into the community focused on events and photos of people at them as a news source.
Vázquez, Dania | Headmaster | Margarita Muñiz Academy
Vázquez, Dania | Headmaster | Margarita Muñiz Academy
Dania Vazquez is the headmaster for a newly created Innovation School in Boston, the Margarita Muniz Academy (MMA), dedicated to educating students in a dual language immersion model coupled with a focus on the arts. Vázquez focuses on a number of key initiatives including principal preparation, leadership development, curriculum development, and school governance. She also led whole school transformation efforts in Boston and throughout the State. In addition, she coordinated a range of services for the Boston Pilot Schools/ Horace Mann Network including leadership coaching, professional development, and project coordination as well as Pilot Network advocacy with the district and community.
Vega, Juan | President and CEO | Centro Latino
Vega, Juan | President and CEO | Centro Latino
Since July 1998, Juan has been Executive Director of Centro Latino, a non-profit community-based organization that for over 19 years has focused on addressing the health, education, and social well-being goals of Latino and immigrant families in the Greater Boston area. In this role, he has increased the profile and reach of the organization, and successfully managed the growth of Centro Latino into one of the state’s largest Latino-directed human service organizations. Juan served as a City Councilor until 2001 when he stepped down to focus on his family and career. He serves on various community boards and committees.
Vega, Gladys | Executive Director | Chelsea Collaborative
Vega, Gladys | Executive Director | Chelsea Collaborative
Gladys Vega, joined Chelsea Collaborative in 1990, two years after its inception as the Chelsea Human Services Collaborative. She took on increasing responsibility with each passing year, moving from receptionist to community organizer to the Executive Director in 2006. Ms. Vega has worked as an organizer and an advocate to insure that the Latino community has a role in determining the ways its needs and concerns are addressed. Ms. Vega believes that empowerment of the individual leads to empowerment of the community and that social action is the vehicle an empowered community can use to achieve its goals.
Wahnon, Carla | VP of Product Commercialization | State Street Corporation
Wahnon, Carla | VP of Product Commercialization | State Street Corporation
Born and raised in São Paulo, Brazil, Carla Wahnon immigrated to Massachusetts in 1989. She has worked for State Street Corporation for most of her career where she has held many positions, mostly involving product commercialization and communications. She is an ALPFA member and the first Brazilianborn to be part of State Street’s Latin American Professionals Group (LAPG) Steering Committee. In addition, Carla participates in the State Street’s Mentorship Program advising young professionals in their careers and professional development. Carla holds a Bachelor Degree in Business Administration from Fundação Getulio Vargas, São Paulo, and a Master Degree in Education from Lesley College, Cambridge.
Martin J. Walsh, Mayor of Boston
Martin J. Walsh | Mayor of Boston
Born and raised in São Paulo, Brazil, Carla Wahnon immigrated to Massachusetts in 1989. She has worked for State Street Corporation for most of her career where she has held many positions, mostly involving product commercialization and communications. She is an ALPFA member and the first Brazilianborn to be part of State Street’s Latin American Professionals Group (LAPG) Steering Committee. In addition, Carla participates in the State Street’s Mentorship Program advising young professionals in their careers and professional development. Carla holds a Bachelor Degree in Business Administration from Fundação Getulio Vargas, São Paulo, and a Master Degree in Education from Lesley College, Cambridge.
Elizabeth Warren, Senior United States Senator from Massachusetts.
Elizabeth Warren | Senior United States Senator from Massachusetts.
Elizabeth Warren is the senior United States Senator from Massachusetts. She is widely credited for the original thinking, political courage, and relentless persistence that led to the creation of a new consumer financial protection agency, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. She led the establishment of the agency, building the structure and organization to hold accountable even trillion-dollar financial institutions to protect consumers from financial tricks and traps often hidden in mortgages and other financial products. She has written a number of academic and popular works, and is a frequent subject of media interviews regarding the American economy and personal finance.
Zuniga, Enrique | Commissioner| Massachusetts Gaming Commission
Zuniga, Enrique | Commissioner| Massachusetts Gaming Commission
As a Commissioner of the Mass. Gaming Commission, Mr. Zuniga works to create a fair, transparent, and participatory process for implementing the expanded gaming law passed by the Legislature and signed by the Governor in November, 2011. Commissioner Zuniga recently served as the Executive Director of the Massachusetts Water Pollution Abatement Trust. Under his tenure the Trust re-procured all its advisors and service providers, issued a competitive short term financing of $100 million, and prepared for the permanent financing of $450 million of loans.
