Speakers 2025
Lisandra Matos
Founder and Owner of Matos Personal Injury Lawyers
Lisandra Matos is a mother, a wife, a personal injury attorney and the founder and owner of Matos Personal Injury Lawyers located in Denver, Colorado. She immigrated to the United States from Cuba as a teenager, and since then, she has made it her goal to live a life of service to others.
Since moving to Colorado, she has immersed herself into the growing Hispanic community here. Her goal is to not only provide this community with top-tier legal help, but to uplift the entire group to help them live the best lives they can possibly live.
Mariana Del Hierro
Executive Director at Re:vision
Born in El Paso, Texas, Mariana is a proud fronteriza and mother who grew up in both Texas and Sonora. Mariana has proudly called Denver home for 10 years. Mariana has developed a wealth of knowledge and experience creating strategies and meaningful partnerships to advance health and racial equity throughout her career. Before joining Re:Vision, Mariana worked for over 10 years in the public health field creating systems level change with Denver Health at their Public Health Institute, co-authoring the proclamation declaring racism as a public health emergency with Denver Department of Public Health and Environment and Denver City Council and by developing as well as developing and implementing health and racial equity strategies for Denver Health’s network of community health centers.
At the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Mariana co-created and implemented an innovative practice of presenting indigenous youth and indigenous population data by blending quantitative and qualitative data in order to center the voice of Indigenous youth and indigenous populations in department strategy. Earlier in her public health career, Mariana partnered with the City of Phoenix on the project Reinvent Phoenix to embed health equity through community partnership in urban planning, a project that received national HUD recognition for community engagement.
At Re:Vision, Mariana has led the team through a period of organizational growth, increasing staff size and benefits, increasing programmatic size and impact, and adding two additional urban farms to Re:Vision’s urban agriculture portfolio through multi-sector partnerships with Councilwoman Torres, Denver Health, Denver Water, and community partners. Mariana is a Latino Leadership Institute and Leadership Denver fellow, and began her career as an immigrant rights community organizer, applying organizing strategies for community resilience in all her roles.
Xiomara Sánchez
Community Benefit Director at UCHealth
Xiomara Sanchez is a dynamic leader, entrepreneur, and community advocate with a passion for fostering meaningful partnerships and driving social impact. As the Community Benefit Director at UCHealth, she leads strategic initiatives across Metro Denver to enhance healthcare accessibility and community well-being. A proud immigrant from Cali, Colombia, Xiomara moved to Colorado 23 years ago, and her journey has shaped her deep commitment to community empowerment, advocacy, and multicultural engagement. With over a decade of experience in strategic partnerships, nonprofit leadership, and entrepreneurship, she has worked extensively with diverse communities, particularly within the Latino population. She is also the owner of Oh My Empanada, a Colombian empanada business that celebrates her heritage and love for food.
For almost 10 years, Xiomara has served as the President of the Fundación de Colombianos en Colorado, a volunteer-led initiative dedicated to supporting the Colombian and Latino communities through cultural programming, advocacy, and resource connections. She proudly leads this work alongside a great team of colleagues, ensuring a strong sense of belonging for Colombians across the state. Additionally, Xiomara has been an integral part of Latina Village since its inception, serving on the organizing committee from Day 1to help shape a space where Latina leaders connect, inspire, and empower one another. As a Latina Village panelist, she is excited to share insights on leadership, resilience, and navigating spaces as a Latina professional, encouraging others to embrace their voices and take up space in every room they enter.
Moramay Godoy Ecobedo
Consul General of Guatemala in Denver, Colorado
She is an outstanding Guatemalan Diplomat with 8 years of service abroad, who has dedicated her career to strengthening relations and development of Guatemalan communities abroad, as Consul General, she has been recognized for her human approach and her tireless work for the welfare of her compatriots, as well as in promoting commercial and cultural relations between Guatemala and the States of her constituency, She has a solid background in community development and a professional career that includes various roles in the Guatemalan Foreign Service, in which she has stood out for her ability to establish links between the public and private sectors, promoting initiatives that benefit both the communities and the growth of Guatemala.
Her commitment to social justice, equity and sustainable development has made her a reference in humanitarian diplomacy. Under her diplomatic service, she has organized trade fairs, business rounds, cultural events that have served as a platform to publicize the wealth of Guatemala and strengthen its presence in the global arena, in addition, its focus on trade relations have resulted in the opening of new investment opportunities for products and musical productions, entering diplomacy through music.
Speakers 2024
Selene Figueroa
Director of Donor Relations at Metropolitan State University of Denver
Selene Figueroa is a renowned nonprofit professional focused on community access, leadership, and advocacy. Throughout her career, Selene has had the pleasure of incorporating an inclusion lens into her fundraising and program development work. She has focused on removing systemic barriers, increasing access to resources, and elevating the voices of historically marginalized communities.
Selene Figueroa is the Director of Donor Relations at Metropolitan State University of Denver. She leads the Donor Relations team to ensure our network sees the impact their generosity has on the MSU Denver community.
Selene is honored to serve on several boards in the Denver metro area, including co-chair of the Denver Urban Debate League, the Latina Initiative, and treasurer of the Latinas First Foundation. She and her husband run a small consulting business that supports fundraising, educational access, and equitable program structure for nonprofits and debate teams across the United States.
Yvonne García Bardwell
Associate Director of Community Relations at Denver Botanic Gardens
Yvonne Garcia Bardwell is an accomplished professional known for her exceptional contributions to community engagement and inclusivity. Currently serving as the Associate Director of Community Relations at Denver Botanic Gardens, she brings over 12 years of experience spearheading impactful initiatives that foster connections and positive change.
Yvonne’s dedication to diversifying the Gardens’ outreach has led her to cultivate strong relationships with various community organizations across the Front Range. Her commitment to cross-cultural communication is evident through her academic pursuits in international and Spanish-language marketing.
Before her role at Denver Botanic Gardens, Yvonne’s journey encompassed two transformative years of AmeriCorps service. As a Team Leader for NCCC, she showcased her leadership skills in diverse settings, followed by her impactful role as a VISTA for Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado, highlighting her commitment to environmental stewardship and community enhancement.
As an advocate for positive change, Yvonne Garcia Bardwell has established herself as a bridge-builder, fostering inclusivity, education, and collaboration. Her leadership underscores her impact in launching community engagement programs, such as the Clinton Family Fund Go2Gardens Free Shuttle Program and the annual Dia de los Muertos celebration.
Yvonne’s reputation as a trusted collaborator has led to authentic partnerships with diverse individuals and organizations, resulting in innovative programming and opportunities. Her involvement in various board memberships, including the Colorado Historical Foundation and the American Public Gardens Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, & Accessibility Committee, further exemplifies her commitment to meaningful community impact.
Claudia Moran-Pichardo
Executive Director Museo de las Américas
Claudia Moran-Pichardo was born and raised in Guadalajara, Mexico and moved to Denver in 2002. Given her formal education in archeology and expertise in ancient Rock Art, Claudia has developed a passion for artistic expressions.
She recognizes the power art holds to shed light on the traditions that shaped the life of ancient civilizations as well as contemporary societies. Her passion for art along with her aspiration to support Latinx communities has kept her at Museo de las Americas, her 17-year experience at Museo has significantly shaped her philosophy on the role of museums and firmly believes in Museo’s mission of providing vital Latinx arts and culture exhibitions and programming for the local and regional communities can inspire and
educate audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
Currently she is a Livingston Fellow, Board member of the National Museum of Women’s in the Arts Colorado Committee and Latina Safehouse. She has also participated in the National Association of Latino Arts & Culture Leadership Institute and she was a Denver Business Journal 40 Under 40 nominee.
Dra. Luz Marcela Serrano
Medical Director of Primary Care at Intermountain Health Peaks Region
Dr. Marcela Serrano is a graduate of the University of Chihuahua (UACH) School of Medicine. She obtained her specialty in Family Medicine in Las Cruces, NM. She also has a subspecialty in Gynecology from the University of Illinois in Peroia. She currently serves as the Medical Director of Primary Care at Intermountain Health Peaks Región
Rosy Aburto McDonough
Executive Director at First Southwest Community Fund
Rosy Aburto McDonough has extensive experience as an independent business consultant in financial, strategy and business development, and procurement and certification state-wide. She comes to First Southwest Community Fund as the Executive Director. Under her current position she oversees all aspects of the operation, funding strategy, educational programs, and business development for the organization.
Her personal mission is to support and elevate Colorado’s small, minority, and disadvantaged businesses. She comes from the Hispanic Contractors of Colorado (HCC) where she was the Executive Director.
Prior to the above-mentioned roles she served as the Director of the Minority Business Office of Colorado at the Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT). McDonough is credited for developing the statewide vision for OEDIT focused on supporting small minority- women- and veteran-owned businesses. Under her leadership, staff implements the strategic plan, continuously meeting and exceeding established annual performance measures, and impact goals.
McDonough has extensive experience as an independent business consultant in financial, strategy and business development, and procurement/certification state-wide. She is a former Associate Director of the Denver Metro SBDC and lead finance consultant and trainer in the areas of strategic management and operations, financial analysis and funding sources, personal and business credit, and business development. She was an affiliate faculty at Regis University Dual Language Program, where she taught strategic management, business sustainability, and accounting. Rosy achieved her bachelor’s degree in actuarial science (applied mathematics) at the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México in Mexico City.
Her graduating dissertation was Risk Management. Rosy completed an MBA with emphasis in Finance and International Business at the University of Colorado at Denver. She has an entrepreneurial spirit and as a result has owned several businesses throughout her life. Her latest initiative, a credit reporting agency serving the mortgage lending and property management industries nation-wide in the U.S., and various Latin American markets. Her banking experience includes community development, specialty/minority markets, corporate relations, credit analysis, lending, and business banking.
Rosy was born and raised in Mexico providing her with a deep sense of biculturalism. She spends most of her free time with her three girls and husband. Her home is a tri-lingual and culturally diverse household with languages and diverse interest in Chinese and Latin cultures and traditions.
Speakers 2023
Patsy Landaveri
Co-Founder & CEO de Impacto.
Patsy Landaveri, Founder and CEO of Impacto. Impacto is a technology and consulting firm based in Denver, Colorado. Under Patsy’s leadership, Impacto helps companies develop, measure and evolve their environmental, social and governance (ESG) strategies to create long-term value between companies and their impact on the world.
Originally from Peru, Patsy brings decades of experience in the energy sector, having led ESG communications strategies and award-winning initiatives in the oil and gas and utility industries. Patsy leverages her multicultural experience and the Impact team ensures that programs support and encourage a diverse, inclusive and multicultural approach.
Patsy has put down deep roots in Colorado. She was appointed by Governor Polis to the Colorado Limited Gaming Control Commission, graduated from the Colorado Governor’s Fellowship Program, the Denver Chamber’s Leadership Foundation Class of 2017, and was named a 2017 Top Woman in Energy by the Denver Business Journal. Patsy serves on the boards of the Denver Public Schools Foundation, the Colorado Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and the Red Cross of Colorado and Wyoming. She also serves the Institute for Science and Policy as a member of its Strategic Council.
Patsy holds a master’s degree in global energy management from the University of Colorado, a graduate certificate in communications management from the University of Denver, and a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Kentucky.
Vanessa Huerta
gBETA Managing Director para gener8tor
Vanessa is originally from Mexico City and has had the opportunity to live in four countries. She has a deep respect for other people, nations and cultures.
She currently holds the position of gBETA Managing Director for gener8tor, a venture capital investment organization and business accelerator. Her role is to help entrepreneurs scale their early stage businesses and she has the opportunity to work with entrepreneurs in various parts of the United States. Previously, she managed the gBETA program in Colorado, helping 10 local companies scale and receive investment in 2022.
Vanessa has extensive experience as a small business advisor. Prior to gener8tor, she worked as a business advisor for Mile High United Way’s United for Business program. In this role, she worked hand-in-hand with small business owners, primarily women and minorities, to help them achieve their business goals through free consulting services.
Vanessa was the Director of Talent Development at Natural Produce LLC, a local organization where she was responsible for the well-being of the employees and the company. It was here that she found her passion for community service, especially in at-risk communities.
Vanessa spent nine years of her career working independently for Babson College, where she led the Latin American expansion strategy for the F.W. Olin Graduate School of Business. Olin Graduate School of Business.
She is a 2020 Latino Leadership Fellowship graduate and holds an MBA from Tec de Monterrey. For the past two years, she has had the honor of serving on the Board of Directors for Adelante Community Development, a non-profit organization based in Commerce City, CO.
In her free time, Vanessa enjoys spending time with her family, running a few miles around town, or volunteering with organizations that serve the community.
Impact Statement:
By helping people and offering my time, knowledge, and relationships, I can make a positive impact on them and the community.
Tamil Maldonado
Chief Operating Officer de Raíces Brewing Co.
Tamil Maldonado Vega identifies as a Caribbean and Latin American woman. She was born and raised in Puerto Rico. Since she was a child, she has been involved in community self-management organizations, cooperatives, artistic groups and cultural organizations.
In her community, she developed the youth group of her neighborhood. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Computational Mathematics from the University of Puerto Rico and participated in summer internships in the U.S. at Carnegie Mellon University in Pennsylvania and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in Maryland. Tamil has always developed projects, reactivated groups and stood out as a leader. While working on her undergraduate degree, she reactivated the Mathematics and Computer Science Association as president, was a student representative in the university’s Academic Senate, and mobilized students to fight against tuition increases and for access to university education in Puerto Rico from 1994-1999.
After completing her undergraduate degree, she had the opportunity to pursue a Master’s degree in Applied Mathematics and a minor in Education at Arizona State University (ASU). During her master’s program, she was the only Latina/Hispanic woman in the Applied Mathematics program. She was also very active in the ASU International Student Organization where she was involved in projects and activities for the members of the organization.
In AZ, she worked as a teacher and coach in public schools (Tempe High School), charter schools (Maya Charter School), community college (Mesa Community College), and Arizona State University (ASU). Her goal during this time was to work with different groups of students, ages, backgrounds, cultural identities, and different types of educational institutions to create a more comprehensive education and experience.
During the summers of 2001 and 2002, she traveled to Europe, Asia, and Latin America to immerse herself in different cultures and learn more about the history of different peoples.
In 2003, she returned to Puerto Rico to teach at the University of Puerto Rico. During the summers, she participated in scientific research cruises related to atmospheric sciences, air quality, and global warming. This opened doors for her to take graduate courses in atmospheric sciences at Howard University in Washington DC. There, she founded and served as president of the Atmospheric Sciences Student Association, which evolved into an American Meteorological Society chapter and continues today.
She came to Colorado in 2011 through an internship opportunity at the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR). There, she once again opened doors and opportunities for underrepresented individuals in the atmospheric sciences through a diversity proposal she developed while interning in the Atmospheric Chemistry Division.
Decides to settle in Colorado and in 2012 founded an organization to promote Latino identity, arts and culture called Barrio E', served as Arts Commissioner in the City of Boulder and participated in the Board of Directors of the Boulder County Arts Alliance, realized as a mom in February 2015 and established Barrio E' Center in October of the same year, the first multicultural community center in Colorado. In 2016 she co-founded Raices Brewery, where she currently serves as Chief Operating Officer – Director of Operations for the Raices Project.
The Raíces Community and Culture Project is really a collection of experiences, values and thoughts that are summarized in the project’s pillars: Community, Culture and Beer, by providing opportunities for visibility, participation, leadership and value of our Latino people, our cultural heritage, our contributions to society.
It is also a development center through our internships, providing employment opportunities to people who have not had access to the craft beer industry, and in particular, it means giving opportunities to people who are underrepresented in the industry, such as Latinos and women, breaking barriers in an industry that has been mostly male and Anglo-Saxon. The Raíces workforce is currently 100% Hispanic Heritage. And with a majority of female employees.
The impact Tamil has had on the Latino community and the community at large through its programs and opportunities has created visibility for artists, artisans, small businesses and vendors, jobs, community participation and leadership, group and community integration. It has created value for our identities, our Latin American cultures, and our well-being. And most importantly, it is an example for Latina women in our city and state.
Elizabeth Muñoz
CDC Administrator for 9health:365.org
Elizabeth demonstrates an exemplary commitment to her community, profession and family. She grew up in North Denver and is a graduate of North High School and the University of Colorado at Denver. She is a single mother who has dedicated her life to ensuring that her two children attend school with minimal hardship.
Elizabeth has lived a life of service to others: Her community involvement began at Mi Casa Resource Center, where she was recruited as a youth leader at the age of 16. She helped recruit young women to participate in the Mi Carrera Youth Leadership Program. Elizabeth is well known in the Latino community for her selfless acts of giving back to her community, no matter the time or day. Whether it is serving or preparing meals for our homeless communities, helping another woman, assisting with fundraising, chairing non-profit organizations, volunteering to clean up or organizing a community event. She is at the beck and call of the people.
A proud moment for Elizabeth was in 2018, when she led several community leaders to volunteer at a clothing drive to help people from Honduras who were traveling to Tijuan Mexico to seek asylum in the United States. The clothing drive was a huge success. Her dedication, fundraising and passion for helping our communities throughout her life is amazing and continues to this day. From 2009 to 2015, Elizabeth helped coordinate Rosalinda’s annual Thanksgiving event. At the time she joined Rosalinda’s Restaurant, they were serving over 750 people. Through her dedication and leadership with the Aguirre family, the number of meals served grew to over five thousand by 2015. She served as committee chair until the restaurant closed in 2015.
In 2018, Elizabeth received the Latina Safehouse Esperanza Award for her commitment to Latina survivors of domestic violence and their families. She began serving as a committee member in 2014, often chairing the annual fundraiser and volunteering for the annual golf tournament.
In 2021, Elizabeth was recognized as an influential community leader by Univision-Denver Television Network as part of their Hispanic Heritage Month celebration.
In 2022, Elizabeth retired as President and Director of the Museum of the Americas after more than 5 years of leadership. That same year, she received the 2022 Denver Mayors Award for Community Service.
Elizabeth currently serves on the
– Board Re: Vision Coop
– District Accountability for Denver Public Schools,
– Judge for the 16th Street Mall Art Project.
Recently: Volunteered as MC for the ArtistiCO Dance Company Ellie Caulkins Opera House fundraiser for over 2000 people. Currently: She volunteers with the DPS Readers Program (1st grade) as part of the Denver Public Library: She volunteers with the Denver Lions Club to distribute eyeglasses.
Today, Elizabeth is the CDC Administrator for 9health:365.org. Her work takes her across our state to help vaccinate BIPOC communities. As part of the 9health:365 team, she has vaccinated more than forty-two thousand people in Colorado.
María De Cambra
Director of Communications for Governor Jared Polis.
Maria De Cambra is the Director of Communications and Community Liaison for Colorado Governor Jared Polis. She is the highest-ranking Latina in the Governor’s office and a member of his senior leadership team. Prior to her current role, she served as Deputy Mayor of the City of Westminster and Senior Associate at Hilltop Public Solutions.
Maria has spent nearly two decades leading community organizing and public policy efforts. Maria has served as the Westminster City Council liaison to the Adams County Economic Development Board, the Affordable Housing Task Force, the Board of Human Services, the Northern Area Transit Alliance (NATA), and the Transportation Committee. Colorado Municipal League Policy. María has also served on the boards of other Colorado nonprofit organizations such as KIPP Colorado, Emerge Colorado, FRESC, Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition, NARAL Colorado, Adelante Mujer, Inc. and Colorado Organization of Latina Opportunity and Reproductive Rights ( COLOR). In 2008, she received the Organizer of the Year Award from the Colorado Chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers Association. In 2020, she received the Denver Business Journal’s “40 Under 40” award.
Maria was born in Tallahassee, FL and spent her childhood in Caracas, Venezuela. In 2000, she moved to the United States to attend The Ohio State University and graduated with a degree in Political Science. In 2017, Maria completed the Senior Executives in State and Local Government program at the Harvard Kennedy School.
Speakers 2022
Erika Bailon
NASA – MARS Proyect 2020
She is the successful Erika Bailón. Born in Florida, she grew up in Mexico after her father was deported when she was young. She attended the National Autonomous University of Mexico for two years, but had to come to the United States alone at the age of 20. With no knowledge of English, but very hardworking, Erika looked for work in several places, the most stable being 6 years as an immigration legal assistant.
There she learned some English and saved money to bring her family over. When she felt ready, she decided to go back to school. Taking one class a semester to get acclimated, Erika earned her associate’s degree in 2016. Fortunately, she was surrounded by people who supported her as she continued her studies, applied to colleges, and earned her bachelor’s degree. She attended the University of Colorado at Boulder and found a world of people who helped her get to where she is today. She had the opportunity to volunteer for activities and use her tutoring and mentoring skills.
In her senior year, she was able to inquire about a NASA JPL project and they were interested in her and her skills, so they gave her an interview. After much negotiation, they hired her remotely. She is now trying to get back into the community and her goal is to continue to support and give back to the community.
Carolina Cambra
Directora Nacional de Salud Mental para Refugiados en EEUU
The brilliant Carolina Cambra is proudly Colombian-Peruvian, a pioneer and a visionary. She is the creator and director of the first adolescent therapeutic treatment program for unaccompanied female minors in the United States through the Office of Refugees and Resettlement (ORR), an office of the Administration for Children and Families within the Department of Health and Human Services.
Carolina has a proven clinical background and over 10 years of experience working with immigration and integrated care in the Latinx community. Prior to opening the therapeutic program, Carolina developed and managed the first level of care for unaccompanied minors in the state of Colorado. Prior to joining ORR, Carolina spent six years at Children’s Hospital Colorado, where she participated in several projects, including the opening of the True Center for Gender Diversity and Mindful Coping. To maintain her clinical skills, Carolina continues to provide consultation services in the Emergency Department at Children’s Hospital.
Carolina is currently enrolled in a Doctoral Program in Behavioral Health at the University of Arizona, holds a Master’s Degree from the University of Denver’s Professional School of Psychology, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture from the Rhode Island School of Design. She has always cared about her community and has been especially supportive of the immigrant community.
Carolina Hellal
Chic Talk CEO
This is the talented Carolina Hellal, a fashion and lifestyle blogger behind “Chic Talk”. Her blog highlights her love for all things fashion, style/beauty tips, and her life as a mother of two. Carolina was born and raised in Cúcuta, Colombia. She lived there for 17 years before moving to Denver, Colorado where she studied English and attended Denver Community College.
While deciding on her major, she took art classes and two years later began attending Colorado State University in Fort Collins. There, Carolina studied fashion and merchandising design for a year. In 2007, she decided to return to Colombia to attend fashion school. After three years of study, she began working as a merchandiser for Mango, a Spanish clothing company. A few months later, she decided to return to Denver in search of better job opportunities. Back in Denver, she worked as a visual merchandiser for a teen apparel store.
Carolina had the opportunity to be part of the expansion team and travel around the country opening stores, which she loved. While working for them, she started blogging. In early 2013, she created “Chic Talk” and three years later, she became a full-time blogger and digital content creator. In 2015, she married her best friend Mauricio, also from Cúcuta, Colombia. They have now lived together in Denver for nine years and have two children, a three-year-old daughter and a two-month-old baby boy. She continues to share her creativity and experiences as an incredible mom.
María Lucy Moncada
Inclusion and Community Participation Coordinator at ALPINE BANK
Meet the admirable Maria-Lucy Moncada, who has been ALPINE BANK’s Community Inclusion and Engagement Coordinator for almost 12 years. Incredibly, she has also lived in the United States for about 12 years after immigrating from Cali-Valle del Cauca, Colombia. Maria-Lucy graduated as a Social Worker from the Universidad Del Valle in Cali-Colombia and has over 37 years of experience working and helping communities.
She takes pride in helping young people attend college with scholarships from Alpine Bank and the Roaring Fork, Rotary Club of Glenwood Springs, of which she is president. Maria-Lucy is a divorced single mother who is very proud of her son’s three college degrees. She currently lives in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, and enjoys spending time with her family. Maria-Lucy is passionate about supporting the community in any way she can and strives to make a positive difference every day.
Camelia Robles
Camelia Modern Mexican Cuisine
Camelia Robles is a renowned businesswoman in the restaurant world. She represents the Latino community as a leader who always remembers the values of hard work, humility and honesty, all values instilled in her by her parents. Camelia lives by the motto: “Always remember that the opportunities are there and if you give it your all, you will succeed! Born in Jalisco, Mexico, Camelia and her family moved to the United States when she was very young in search of the American Dream.
Camelia began working at a young age in various jobs such as retail, restaurants, schools, accounting and more. Camelia and her husband Francisco Cuevas began focusing on the restaurant industry in 2014 when they opened their first restaurant, creating a unique variety of family restaurants. These include El Coco Pirata, one of the best seafood restaurants in Colorado, La Machaca De Mi Ama, where you can taste the homemade touch in every bite, Cabron Carbon, which takes tacos to another level, and soon Camelia Modern Mexican Cuisine, where customers will be able to sample some of the highest quality signature steak cuts and authentic signature Mexican dishes.
It is very important to Camelia that every customer has the best experience and customer service. Camelia pays attention to every detail. Camelia’s passion is to continue to grow and find new creative ways to provide the best customer experience and to contribute and provide career opportunities at each of her family’s restaurants. One of her goals in the near future is to create a program where she can empower and guide other women and young generations who want to start their own business to push them, guide them, and help them believe in themselves and succeed.
Speakers 2021
Susana Salamun
Vice President of Inclusion and Community Outreach for Alpine Bank
Susana is the Vice President of Inclusion and Community Outreach for Alpine Bank. She acts as a strategic and administrative leader to serve minority populations throughout the state. She also serves as a board member on the following non-profit organizations: Aspen Community Foundation, Latino Chamber of Commerce in Boulder, State of Colorado Minority Business Office Advisory Council, Colorado Lending Source and Latino Community Foundation of Colorado.
A Mexican national by birth, and now a U.S. citizen, Susana is a graduate of the Instituto Tecnológico de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey, Campus Laguna. She has been invited to speak at multiple events related to self-improvement, finance, job fairs, women’s empowerment, and the voice of immigrants in the United States. Her passion is continuous personal and professional growth and improvement, serving as an inspiration and example to others.
Yoli Casas
Vice President of Inclusion and Community Outreach for Alpine Bank
She is the founder and executive director of ViVe Wellness, a non-profit organization that addresses the health equity and wellness needs of Denver’s low-income Latino youth, many of whom, face significant health disparities and lack of access to physical activity, facilities and equipment.
Yoli and her team reach over 600 underserved children and families each year. ViVe teaches physical and motor skills such as swimming, but also shows children and their parents the emotional, mental and physical benefits of healthy living through wellness programs, education and exercise classes.
Ninety percent of ViVe’s staff are women, youth and young adults who have participated in and emerged from ViVe’s previous programs.
Ángeles Ortega
CEO of Mi Casa Resource Center
CEO of Mi Casa Resource Center. Ortega is an experienced leader in the Public Sector and Non-Profit Organizations who has supported the well-being and advancement of diverse communities. In her role as CEO, Ortega provides strategic direction, management and overall leadership, supporting Mi Casa Resource Center’s mission to create pathways to better jobs and higher incomes through professional and business development.
Previously, Ortega worked for the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, as Director of Advancement, overseeing a team and securing $2-4M in annual fundraising to support operations and strategic initiatives. Ortega also worked at the U.S. Census Bureau in Denver, Colorado and previously at the North Carolina Regional Census Office. Ortega served in the 12-state western region to disseminate Census products, create workshops and data presentations, and develop new agreements with various organizations to support participation in the decennial Census. Ortega also served as Executive Director of the Latin American Coalition in Charlotte, NC, a non-profit organization that serves the Latino community to create greater access and opportunities for community connection.
Betzy Valdez
President of Hispanic Women of Weld County (HWWC)
From Pachuca, Hidalgo, Mexico, she is a proud mother, wife, community leader, and entrepreneur. She is also a proud “Dreamer” (DACA beneficiary).
She is the founder of Empowered Leader, her vision to provide a variety of opportunities for personal growth, connection, and community involvement. Betzy engages with a wide variety of individuals and organizations to build strong relationships that make a lasting impact in Northern Colorado.
Betzy also serves as president of Hispanic Women of Weld County (HWWC), a non-profit organization that engages civically, awards academic scholarships and recognizes the achievements of Latinas throughout Weld County.
Betzy has served as a speaker for various events and is also a contributing writer for The We Spot Blog. In her free time, Betzy enjoys spending time with family, supporting friends and colleagues, and finding new ways to make an impact in her community.
Speakers 2020
Ale Spray
Originally from Guadalajara, Jalisco and a Colorado resident since 1999, Ale has 20 years of experience in construction. During her career Ale has held roles as a Project Engineer, Marketing and most recently in Business Development. Ale has been dedicated to developing and implementing strategies for project procurement, diversity and inclusiveness, community outreach, and the continued support of minority companies and small businesses.
Ale received her B.S. in Civil Engineering from the Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Occidente. He recently became a member of the Latino Leadership Institute, a leadership program at the University of Denver.
Ale has participated in several panels sharing her story as a woman in the construction industry, career opportunities in construction and the importance of diversity and inclusiveness in public projects.
Involved in the community Ale is a past board president of the Hispanic Contractors of Colorado, an association that supports minority companies in construction. She currently serves on the advisory council of the Colorado State Minority Business Enterprise Office, the board of directors of Centura Avista Hospital in Louisville and on the board of directors of Bellco Credit Union.
A proud mother of two teenagers, Ale is committed to helping and mentoring young professionals.
Dr. Violeta García
Dr. Violeta Garcia’s mission is to advocate for advancing students who have historically been marginalized and re-engaging them in high quality learning experiences through educational opportunities. Dr. Violeta is dedicated to designing experiences in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Through her business, STEM Learning by Design, she has been able to help organizations design initiatives to inspire, motivate and prepare our next generation of scientists, technicians, engineers and mathematicians.
Nationally and locally, Dr. Violet is a sought-after content expert, as well as an influencer who facilitates collaboration and partnership between industry, education and communities. Dr. Violeta thinks systemically: she loves to disrupt outdated ways of thinking and believes that all students should have access to high quality, culturally relevant and responsive learning experiences. In her current position, Dr. Garcia advances Denver Urban Gardens’ mission to teach metro Denver residents to grow food, cultivate community, and advance opportunities to mobilize the community to find food resources and use their voice to advocate for justice and equity in these spaces.
Dr. Violeta is originally from El Salvador and currently resides in Denver, Colorado with her two daughters who attend Montessori del Mundo and her husband, Juan Coronado. She loves to travel and her passion project is to design a food forest and outdoor learning lab for community use on the acre of land behind her home.
Dana Rodríguez
If you met Dana Rodriguez on the street, you would never know that she grew up on a farm with no running water or electricity, or that she helped her mother grind corn to make tortillas almost every day at lunchtime. You certainly wouldn’t guess that she studied computers or that she owned her own clothing and food store with her parents in her native Ciudad Juarez Chihuahua, Mexico. In fact, Dana has come a long way. What you would know if you met her, is that she is immediately engaging: her friends and almost everyone in the restaurant industry know her simply as “Loca”. Loca is the kind of woman who fills a room the instant she walks in: her laughter spreads above the noise, and you know right away that you’re in the presence of a salt-of-the-earth woman who wants to be on top of everything, cook and work hard.
After vacationing and visiting family in Colorado twenty years ago, Dana decided to stay in the state and applied for a job at Panzano, an upscale Italian restaurant in the Hotel Monaco. It was there that she met Jennifer Jasinski, the chef who took Dana under her wing, focused on her strong work ethic and intelligence, and helped shape Dana into the talented chef she is today. From dishwashing to prep, to pasta making and baking, and finally as a sous chef at Panzano, Dana worked her way through the ranks learning from Jasinski and others the skills needed to excel at each job and how to manage the staff.
Dana continued to work with Jasinski and his partner, Beth Gruitch, for many 15 years, eventually becoming a sous chef at Rioja and Chef de Cuisine at Bistro Vendome. It was in these roles that Dana learned what it was really like to run a kitchen. In late 2012, Dana’s path crossed with Tony Maciag (Tony and Dana had been friends for almost fifteen years, since the Panzano days), and thus Work & Class was born. In her role as owner and executive chef, Dana is excited to cook food that reminds her of home, food that is close to her heart.
María González
Maria Gonzalez, President & CEO of Adelante Community Development. Wife, Mother, Daughter, Sister, Grandmother, Friend and Entrepreneur. Leader in developing programs and services for the access and improvement of Latino families and entrepreneurs in Colorado through government agencies, businesses and the community, business and community. Founder of Adelante Community Development creator of the first Spanish language “Sal Y Pimienta” development program to operate a mobile food business in Colorado.
mobile food business in Colorado.
Maria represented state and local government for 14 years. For 13 years, Maria was an entrepreneur for a well-known insurance company Gonzalez Insurance insuring the construction and transportation industries. For over 25 years she has represented boards of directors of governmental and non-profit organizations. Maria is a 2018 graduate of the Latino Leadership Institute.
Areas of expertise: Economic Development, Business Development, Marketing, Community Development
Dr. Gabriela Chavarría
Dr. Gabriela Chavarría is Vice President and Chief Curator of the Research and Collections Division at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, where she is responsible for providing vision and leadership to the research and collections team, as well as ensuring that the Museum engages in quality scientific research, that we responsibly appropriate our collections, and that exhibit content and educational programming are relevant.
“For as long as I can remember growing up in Mexico City, I have been passionate about nature and science, from the tiniest bee to the mighty jaguar. I followed my calling to the United States. After years of education in Mexico City, I earned a degree in Biology at the National Autonomous University of Mexico, followed by advanced degrees from Harvard University and courses culminating in a Ph.D. in Evolutionary Biology with Dr. Edward O. Wilson, perhaps the greatest naturalist and thinker of our time.”
Growing up in Mexico City, Dr. Chavarría fell in love with bees at an early age. She has dedicated her career to the conservation of native pollinators, especially bumblebees. Before coming to Denver, her research was in wood anatomy, focused on combating illegal trafficking of tropical hardwoods.
She received his bachelor’s degree in biology from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), and his master’s and doctorate in evolutionary biology from Harvard University. He has conducted research in more than 30 countries around the world. She serves on the advisory board of several organizations together with the Science Works Museum in Ashland, the Doris Duke Conservation Scholars at the University of California, Santa Cruz, and the American Institute of Biological Sciences. She is committed to guiding the next generation of scientists.
Speakers 2019
Dr. Vanessa Aponte
Dr. Vanessa Aponte who teaches us that women can literally reach the stars, if we are interested.
She is an Aerospace Engineer and works on Nasa projects, so she shows us the way to reach beyond the moon.
Esmeralda Dominguez "Ezzie"
She is an active member of more than 15 local, state, national and international organizations fighting for women’s labor rights and serves on the parent board of Action For Healthy Kids and JeffCO Cameo in Colorado.
Marisol Villagomez
Mexican. With more than 12 years of experience in the professional sports market. Today he is the marketing manager of the Broncos.
Lorena Cantarovici
Founder of María Empanada. Originally from Argentina, she arrived in the U.S. with $300 dollars in her pocket and started selling empanadas at home. Today she is a great entrepreneur. Among her achievements is the “small business entrepreneur award for the state of Colorado”. Recognized as “one of the 8 emerging brands nationwide” and much more.