# Silicon Valley Latino > Silicon Valley Latino is the Bay Area's Emmy-nominated Latino media company celebrating Latino excellence through storytelling and advocacy since 2011. Public Ghost content for AI and LLM tooling. This file includes a bounded export of public pages first, then recent public posts. Append `.md` to any post or page URL to get the content in Markdown (for example, `/example-post.md`). ## Pages ### About Us URL: https://www.svlatino.com/about-us/ Last updated: 2026-09-23T21:23:21.000Z Silicon Valley Latino is dedicated to celebrating the success stories of Latino and Latina professionals. Through compelling content and engaging dialogue, we challenge perceptions and inspire new generations of Latino heroes. Join us as we continue to empower our community and showcase excellence. #JuntosAdelante #CreoEnTi ## Mission Silicon Valley Latino is the premiere media company in the Silicon Valley/San Francisco Bay Area that educates, inspires and engages the Latino community through its media platforms and events by showcasing the Latino and Latina experience. ## Vision Silicon Valley Latino is committed to CELEBRATE the stories of successful Latinas and Latinos, to CHALLENGE perceptions and INSPIRE new generations of Latino heroes. *You found us. That means something.* SVL has spent over a decade making the invisible visible — celebrating Latino excellence, naming hard truths, and calling our comunidad to action. Independent Latino journalism only survives when the community it serves decides it's worth protecting. There are two ways to stand with us: **Are you a Latino professional, entrepreneur, or leader ready to be celebrated?** Become a Cultura Ambassador — SVL's official community membership for Latino leaders who are ready to have their story told, their work amplified, and their excellence made visible. [Become a Cultura Ambassador →](https://www.svlatino.com/#/portal/signup/6a8db2d43e7c840008178b04/yearly) **Want to support our mission?** Become an Amigo de SVL. Your support keeps our journalism independent, our stories free, and our #CreoEnTi programs and community events alive — from Inspire Higher Tours to Latino Leaders Fireside Chats to College Declaration Day. No spotlight required. Just solidarity. [Support SVL as an Amigo de SVL →](https://www.svlatino.com/#/portal/signup/6a8e00f723b28c0001855fa0/yearly) ***Juntos Adelante. Because silence is complicity. And so is inaction.*** ## **Our Team** **Executive Staff** ![Alex Ontiveros](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/alex_ontiveros.jpg) Alex Ontiveros Founder & CEO [alex@svlatino.com](mailto:alex@svlatino.com) Read Bio → Alex Ontiveros has been a champion for the Latino community for decades, his community involvement began in the mid-'90s as he Chaired the Personal Management of Aztlan's Mentorship and Scholarship Program. Ever since then he has been involved in the community on boards of non-profits like the Hispanic Foundation of Silicon Valley, the Mexican American Community Services Agency, and the California Hispanic Professionals Association as well as a past member of the San Jose Rotary to name a few. Alex is also an award-winning social impact entrepreneur with an extensive range of professional experience and success in the areas of PR, brand development, marketing, community engagement, community development, community relations, business development, communication, and event design, event production and event management. Currently, Alex is the Founder and CEO of Silicon Valley Latino, LLC. Through SVL he has led the development of key empowerment programs under the #CreoEnTi umbrella such as the Inspire Higher Tours, Latino Leaders Fireside Chats, College Declaration Day and the Raices – Creo En Ti Summit. Previously Alex held the Chief Development Officer position at the Mexican American Community Services Agency, Inc. (MACSA), and was VP and Director of Community Relations for Citigroup (Citibank) in the Silicon Valley region. **Recognitions:** • 2019 Inductee to the Silicon Valley Fatherhood Hall of Fame • 2018 California State Assembly Certificate of Recognition • 2-time recipient of the U.S. President's Volunteer Service Award • AACSA 2010 "Gene Young Award" for Civic Leadership • MACSA 2009 Top 10 Most Influential Latinos of Silicon Valley ![Sergio Domeyko](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/sergio_domeyko.jpg) Sergio Domeyko Co-Founder, COO & Publisher [sergio@svlatino.com](mailto:sergio@svlatino.com) Read Bio → Sergio was born in Santiago, Chile and immigrated with his parents at a very young age to Sunnyvale, California. You can find him out trail running and when not on the trails he is an entrepreneur at heart with a supportive personality for new businesses and crazy ideas. This kind of spirit has taken him to work from the banking industry in corporate America to a family owned business back in Chile for eight years in the agricultural and timber industries, then back to the USA. A graduate of the University of San Francisco, Founder of Andes Trail Adventures, and a past board member of Greater San Jose Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and Sabor Del Valle. ![Joe Poni](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/joe_poni_150.jpg) Joe Poni Director & Cinematographer [joeponi@thesvlagency.com](mailto:joeponi@thesvlagency.com) Read Bio → Raised in San Francisco with over a decade of video production experience, Joe Poni has been a trusted filmmaker and storyteller for top brands in Silicon Valley. In 2016, he founded Experior Media, a video production company that creates impact videos with top tech and corporate brands. When he is not behind a camera, he serves as a volunteer to several high schools in the Bay Area teaching entrepreneurial workshops. Recently, he has joined his efforts with Silicon Valley Latino to create digital and social impact. Joe is a proud husband and father. ### #CreoEnTi URL: https://www.svlatino.com/creoenti/ Last updated: 2026-09-23T18:36:31.000Z ![Inspire Higher Tour panel discussion](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/inspire.png) The **Inspire Higher Tour** initiative consists of featuring four Latino professionals (two women & two men) from the STEAM industries through a one-hour moderated panel discussion at different high schools in the Bay Area whose student body is predominantly Latino. It also consists of a rotating panel, so each tour stop features a different set of Latino professionals. The program concludes with a 30 minute "Meet & Greet." We have been conducting this since 2015 and have impacted hundreds of students in the South Bay. [▶ Watch: Inspire Higher Program featuring SHPE](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B19B09gPGfE) ![Latino Leaders Fireside Chat with Ysabel Duron](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/leaders.png) The **Latino Leaders Fireside Chat Series** is an initiative designed to feature one stellar Latino leader at a time. It consists of a 2-hour segment where the featured guest is interviewed and shares their journey in an intimate setting. They share their journey in a very open and honest manner that is designed to inspire our audiences. For 90 minutes, the featured guests are interviewed with a series of predetermined values-driven questions in order to provide the best insight as to their professional and personal journeys. This program also concludes with a 30 minute "Meet & Greet" and has been a huge hit for our community. [▶ Watch: Latino Leaders Fireside Chat - Ysabel Duron](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NkQhiAvQ-1A) ![College Declaration Day group photo](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/college.png) The **College Declaration Day** initiative was inspired by the press conferences held for stellar high school football players as they declare which university they've decided to attend. SVL's College Declaration Day is focused on featuring several Latino academic honorees who have been accepted to notable universities throughout the country. The event provides the selected academic honorees a platform where they will declare which university they will attend. In addition, they also declare that they will be 100% committed to obtaining their college degree as well as make a commitment to return to their communities to give back. This event also allows the students the opportunity to thank those who have supported them through their academic journeys such as family members, mentors, teachers, etc. as well as the opportunity for the community to show their support and wish them well as they leave for their respective universities. [▶ Watch: College Declaration Day with The Foundation for Hispanic Education](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZOvJl0U1GsE) ### Advisory Board URL: https://www.svlatino.com/advisory-board/ Last updated: 2026-09-03T23:23:25.000Z ![Michael Archuleta](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/Michael_Archuleta_Pro_Pic.jpg) Michael Archuleta, MBA CIO, Mt San Rafael Hospital [Website](https://www.msrhc.org/) · [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelarchuleta1/) Read bio Recognized as a Top Hospital and Health System CIO to know and named a Rising Star in Healthcare, Michael is a cutting edge, innovative, visionary leader, disruptor, and collaborator who possesses strong leadership skills with extensive experience and a proven track record of driving increased levels of productivity, profits, high integrity customer relationship skills, and expert problem-solving approaches. Michael is also an active member of the College of Healthcare Information Management Executives, a cybersecurity advisor to several healthcare startups, and an active Speaker within the field of Health Information Technology. Under Michael's guidance and leadership, Mt San Rafael Hospital became one of the leading hospitals in the State of Colorado for leveraging advanced technology to enhance the patient and provider experience. ![Jose Benitez Cong](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/JoseCong_HeadShot-01.jpg) Jose Benitez Cong Global Head, Core Recruiting, Airbnb [Website](https://www.airbnb.com/) · [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/josecong/) Read bio José is recognized as a Silicon Valley industry thought leader in the field of talent management. He has been part of talent strategies behind some of the most recognized consumer electronics products in history, spending the 2000s organizing the growth behind the iPod, iPhone, and iOS cameras at Apple. In 2011, José left Apple to join Nest Labs, a startup set to re-invent the home, which went on to launch the critically acclaimed Nest Learning Thermostat and Nest Protect. Nest was successfully acquired by Google for $3.2B in early 2014\. Currently, José is the co-founder and CEO of Plause, an enterprise platform helping companies better engage and manage their workforce. ![Katty Coulson](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/1.png) Katty Coulson Board President, Ronald McDonald House Charities Bay Area [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/katty-coulson-6b5bb88) Read bio Katty Coulson is Vice President of IT at Oracle NetSuite, responsible for a variety of services that enable business processes and employee productivity. Before joining Oracle, Katty was CIO for Americas at Cisco Systems. She has a special interest in promoting STEM Education and Women in Leadership and Technology. "HITEC 100" Awardee in 2020, and "HITEC Top 50 Influential Hispanic Leaders in Latin America/Ibero-America" in 2017 and 2018, "Cisco IT Manager of the Year" in 2012 and 2015\. She has an education in International Business and Management from Harvard Business School, WHU in Germany, and Tecnológico de Monterrey in Mexico. Katty resides in San Jose, CA with her husband and three children. ![Anna Dapelo-Garcia](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/D7F0B2F5-344B-439F-80B1-8C1D91EB2B47.jpg) Anna Dapelo-Garcia Stanford Health Care; Founder, Lean In Latinas [Website](https://leaninlatinas.org/) · [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-dapelo-garcia-927baa5/) Read bio Anna Dapelo-Garcia, a Mexican American, was born and raised in East San Jose, California. She grew up in a paycheck-to-paycheck household and never heard the word "college" growing up. After acquiring a Master of Public Administration from the University of San Francisco and a Bachelor of Arts from Saint Mary's College while working full-time, Anna became the first Latina Executive Director at her place of employment. She also founded Lean In Latinas after realizing she wanted to give back to her community through her work with LeanIn.Org. ![Marcela Denniston](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/marceladenniston_460369c6-1295-458e-8ae4-8aa240b763ad.jpg) Marcela Denniston, CISSP Senior Director, Head of Cyber Defense Operations and Engineering, NVIDIA [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcela-denniston-mba-cissp-b2b75b50/) Read bio Marcela Denniston, CISSP, is Senior Director and Head of Cyber Defense Operations and Engineering at NVIDIA. Her career began in the U.S. Navy's cyber operations unit in the wake of 9/11, followed by service as an NSA cyber analyst and work helping the UAE government build its national cybersecurity infrastructure. A first-generation Brazilian American, Marcela co-founded Cyber Lantern and launched two influential LinkedIn communities, Latinos in Cyber Security and The Women of Cyber Security, dedicated to opening doors for underrepresented voices in tech. ![Dr. Maria Hernandez](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/maria-hernandez.jpg) Dr. Maria Hernandez Founder and Author, Latina Cubicle Confidential [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariahernandez) Read bio Dr. Maria Hernandez is a thought leader in health equity and pay-for-success initiatives designed to address the upstream social determinants of health among vulnerable populations. As President of Impact4Health, Maria led the Alameda County Pay for Success Asthma Initiative to test reducing pediatric asthma-related emergencies using health education and home-based environmental interventions. A first-generation Latina born and raised in Southern California, Maria holds a doctorate in community psychology from the University of Texas at Austin. In March 2019, she was inducted into the Alameda County Women's Hall of Fame for her work in healthcare. She co-founded LatinaVIDA, a nonprofit providing educational forums for career-minded Latinas nationwide. ![Dr. Belinda Hernandez-Arriaga](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/158D1CF0-CECD-4D5C-B449-3966708FD128_1_105_c_c4642fd7-5913-483a-b930-8069cb01a2db.jpg) Dr. Belinda Hernandez-Arriaga Founder and Executive Director, Ayudando Latinos A Soñar (ALAS) [Website](https://www.alasdreams.com/) · [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/belindahernandezarriaga/) Read bio Founder and Executive Director of Ayudando Latinos A Soñar, ALAS, a Latino Arts, mental health and social justice non-profit focused on working with families on the Northern Coast of California. Specialized in working with rural Latino families, newcomers, and migrant families as well as building community supports that lift voices and leadership of Latinos in community, creating opportunities for cultural wealth to become frameworks of healing and community engagement. Work and research includes working with children and families at the South Texas Border as part of the key team of the Bay Area Border Relief, supporting children and families seeking asylum. Strong work experience in immigration and mental health, providing psychological assessments for immigration cases including U-Visas, asylum cases, hardship cases, and other legal forensic evaluations. ![Antonio Humphreys](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/Antonio_T_Humphreys_Bio_Pic_69b99a6f-6d23-4344-b6e1-1ec086ecfed6.jpg) Antonio Humphreys Marketing and Communications, American Airlines [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/antoniohumphreys/) Read bio Antonio Humphreys is a passionate business leader, educator, board director, keynote speaker, podcast guest, and "everyday mentor." He has 25+ years of professional experience across multiple industry verticals and geographies, including NASA, Shell Oil, Hewlett-Packard, Gap, and Adobe. He's passionate about "all things business," with a global management portfolio in developing and delivering highly successful, innovative strategies in fast-paced environments that have generated millions of dollars in cost savings, revenue, and profit growth. ![Sylvia Juárez-Magaña](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/0219210833a.jpg) Sylvia Juárez-Magaña Education Consultant, College Application Coach, Higher Ed Advocate [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/sylviaju%C3%A1rezmaga%C3%B1a/) Read bio Sylvia Juárez-Magaña was born and raised in Indio, CA. From early on, she engaged in her community through various clubs and ASB at Indio High and was active in her church, Our Lady of Perpetual Help. Her commitment led her to attend U.C. Berkeley, where she continued her engagement through campus organizations and her sorority, Alpha Epsilon Phi. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in Chicano Studies. Ms. Juárez-Magaña was later selected as a National Urban Fellow and received her Master's in Public Administration in 2007 from Baruch College in New York City. ![Michelle Linares](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/Michelle_Linares_Natural_2.png) Michelle Linares Senior VP, Workforce Engagement and Impact, Pacific Clinics [Website](https://www.pacificclinics.org/) · [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-linares-mba/) Read bio Michelle Linares is Senior Vice President of Workforce Engagement and Impact at Pacific Clinics, where she leads enterprise-wide strategies to embed equity into workforce infrastructure and the delivery of culturally responsive, value-based care. Over nearly two decades in healthcare, including her time at Kaiser Permanente, Michelle has led local and national initiatives reducing health disparities through workforce inclusion, leadership development, and cross-sector collaboration. She believes health equity is not a program or initiative but a responsibility, and remains committed to building sustainable systems that center people and honor lived experience. ![Arnaldo Lopez](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/1798107E-D586-45D9-9119-FD7954260723.jpg) Arnaldo Lopez Forescout Technologies [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/arnlopez/) Read bio Arnie was born in La Paz, Bolivia and came to San Francisco, California with his family when he was a young child. He went to high school in Union City, CA and then attended San Francisco State University on partial scholarship while working two part-time jobs. He began his career at Target stores, first repairing desktop computers, then building application servers, and finally teaching himself how to be an IBM Mainframe Security Administrator. He then became a Network Security Engineer at PeopleSoft, where he was in charge of developing and securing their corporate applications and networks. This experience led to an offer from Cisco to join as a Systems Engineer working as a Security Specialist with the largest high-tech companies in Silicon Valley. He has continued to grow and develop his technical leadership career at a number of technology companies since. ![Lilian Peña](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/Lilian_Pena_Headshot_101818_1_2.jpg) Lilian Peña Account Executive, ABC7/KGO-TV [Website](https://abc7news.com) · [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/lilianpena) Read bio Lilian Peña is currently an Account Executive in the Sales and Marketing Department of Disney-owned Bay Area television station ABC7/KGO-TV, part of the Disney-ABC Television Group. In her sales role, Peña specializes in fostering and maintaining relationships with clients and agencies to generate revenue in support of the station's business operations. Her expertise, backed by several years of operational experience, makes her a valuable contributor in advertiser marketing budget planning, helping create effective campaigns across broadcast, streaming, digital, and social platforms. ![Angela Flores Robertson](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/Angela_R_2.png) Angela Flores Robertson Service Delivery Leader, Palo Alto Networks [Website](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/) · [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-flores-robertson-b470294/) Read bio Angela Flores Robertson is Service Delivery Leader at Palo Alto Networks, a first-generation Latina, and author of Chronicles of a First-Gen Latina. A contributing author to the Latinas 100 and Leaders 100 anthologies, co-founder of the Joel and Angela Robertson Legacy Foundation, and board member of the Hispanic Foundation of Silicon Valley and Sacred Heart Nativity Schools. Angela builds tables and makes sure every seat is filled with someone who almost didn't believe they belonged there. ![Oscar Robles](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/SVL_Oscar_Robles.jpg) Oscar Robles Financial Advisor, Merrill Lynch Wealth Management [Website](https://fa.ml.com/california/napa/oscar.robles/) · [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/oscar-robles-93867229/) Read bio Oscar has been in the financial services industry since 2004 and joined Merrill Lynch Wealth Management as a Financial Advisor in 2015\. His focus is on developing strategies for individuals, their families, and their businesses that help them pursue and achieve their short- and long-term financial goals. Oscar's approach to wealth management is consultative: he takes time to listen to and review each client's unique financial situation, offers recommendations for asset allocations designed to reflect each client's goals, and follows up with discussions covering investment, retirement, lending, risk management, estate planning, and philanthropic opportunities. ### Testimonials URL: https://www.svlatino.com/testimonials/ Last updated: 2026-09-23T16:30:27.000Z # What the Community is Saying Partners, educators, and leaders on working with Silicon Valley Latino. ![Patricia Carrera](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/Headshot_Carrera_800x.webp) Kaiser Permanente San Jose Medical Center has had the great pleasure of working with Silicon Valley Latino (SVL) over the years. The SVL team has allowed us to produce instrumental, area-wide videos that showcase our people, our places, and our culture. SVL helped us capture the essence of who we are through these videos, and have allowed us to cultivate stories that will last a lifetime. Working with the SVL team is always a pleasure. Their professionalism, expert consultation, ability to listen to our needs, and provide high-quality solutions are the reasons why we continue to do business with them. I would recommend SVL to any company or organization who is looking to enhance and showcase their brand. We are highly satisfied with the products and services they have provided to us. Patricia Carrera, MPA, SPHR Executive Consultant, Kaiser Permanente ![Eva Blanco Masias](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/EvaBlanco_800x.webp) Alex Ontiveros and his team at SVL are great and reliable resources for us. They have supported a number of our media and marketing efforts, each time rendering successful outcomes and yielding the highest quality of media assets and marketing service. We've come to greatly depend on SVL. Alex and his team are reliable, creative, thoughtful, always treating our brand with great care and working with my staff with a client-first approach. I recommend SVL highly. Eva Blanco Masias Dean of Undergraduate Admission, Santa Clara University ![Guillermo Diaz Jr.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/Guillermo_Diaz_Cover_Photo_14a89fd8-0e5a-4e0d-b2d5-c90a7bcb9cae_800x.webp) I am so honored to be working with the combined power team of SVL/SKC. As we launched our new and improved organization, the team exceeded our expectations in terms of connecting us to the appropriate media channels and making a huge impact to our launch! The team's can-do attitude and the feeling that this was their own business launch made for one of the best experiences I have had with a marketing and public relations partner. I look forward to their further success and how we can work together going forward. Guillermo Diaz Jr. CEO, Kloudspot ![Nancy Rosales](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/testimonial1_800x.webp) Silicon Valley Latino's network has empowered my business, thank you! I'm grateful to be part of the "Inspire Higher Tour" and inspired by their Fireside Chats featuring powerful Latino leaders. It's organizations like Silicon Valley Latino that help Latinos reach their goals. It's definitely taken my business and network to the next level. Events like their "Annual College Declaration Day" is confirmation that Silicon Valley Latino has created a foundation for Latinos to thrive. Nancy Rosales Entrepreneur ![Jorge Escobar](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/testimonial2jorge_800x.webp) In 2012, when I moved from Princeton, New Jersey to San Jose, I was fortunate to meet a group of valuable people who helped me connect with other Latino Professionals in the Bay Area. I had the pleasure of observing Silicon Valley Latino's work almost since its inception in 2011, and since then I've been supportive of their initiatives and active beneficiary of their high quality gatherings. Their work as a media outlet featuring positive stories about our community is unparalleled. Their community empowerment initiatives focused on inspiring our youth and creating a college-going culture through the "Inspire Higher" and "College Declaration Day" programs are exceptional. Recently, in partnership with SVL, SJCC launched the "Latino Leaders Fireside Chat Series" and the "#CreoEnTi campaign." I am proud of our joint work in the areas which help us deliver social change and transformation through education. I look forward to continued collaborations between SVL and San Jose City College. SVL, I believe in you. #CreoEnTi Jorge Escobar President, San Jose City College ![Darcie Green](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/testimonial3darcie_800x.webp) Silicon Valley Latino has been an invaluable partner as our organization continues to broaden our reach and deepen our impact in the community. From branding to marketing to video production, SVL has been a great resource for developing high-end creative and cost-effective ways to tell our story and promote our services. As a nonprofit working toward eliminating the health disparities Latinos face, it is important to us that we work with organizations that share our values and that care about the clients we serve. SVL not only shares our commitment to making our community a healthier place in which to live but they also demonstrate this care through their own excellent programming and events. We most recently partnered with SVL on our successful National Latino Cancer Summit and we look forward to working with SVL on future events. Darcie Green Executive Director, Latinas Contra Cancer ![Tony Quintero](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/testimonial4tony_800x.webp) SVL has made a substantial impact on our community with its programs encouraging education, business networking opportunities and positive stories about Latinos. Social, economic and political empowerment has occurred as a result of the programs that SVL has developed, which serve the student, business, professional and the entire community. They have inspired students to go to college, promoted cultural events, created business networking and role models to mentor our young people. SVL has and continues to provide its great positive contributions to our community. Tony Quintero Producer & Community Leader ![Jeffrey Camarillo](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/Jeff_Camarillo_800x.jpg) As the founding principal of the Luis Valdez Leadership Academy, a college prep charter high school in East San Jose, CA that serves over 90% 1st generation Latin@ students, we are always looking for powerful role models to place in front of our students. Silicon Valley Latino's Inspire Higher panels have allowed our students the transformational opportunity to learn from Latin@ leaders in the tech industry. Their stories and lived experiences provide both inspiration and hope to my students. My students are able to see themselves in the panelists, which further allows them to dream big and further embrace the power of education. I would highly recommend for any principal to host SVL's Inspire Higher panel if given an opportunity. Jeffrey Camarillo Founding Director, LVLA ![Octavio Díaz](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/Octavio_Diaz_800x.webp) SVL is a great partner who understands our vision of our restaurant. We are always looking for partners that understand our customers, culture and branding. SVL has done a great job connecting with outreaching Bay Area customers, who enter our restaurant as strangers and leave feeling as family. Our mantra is to do business with each other or find business for one another. Their message on video is straight to the point, clear, engages the audience. They have a creative vision which matches the theme of our restaurant. SVL has been a bridge for us at Agave Uptown to keep building relationships with our current and new customers. SVL's social media and PR work is top notch and professional. Their passion and commitment and values completely align with ours at Agave Uptown. We highly recommend SVL as they listen and understand where you want to go with your business. Octavio Díaz Founder, Agave Uptown ![Law Foundation of Silicon Valley](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/LFSV_noYears-logoStacked_blk_and_oxblood_800x.webp) Silicon Valley Latino, thank you for all your work with our video. We are so appreciative with how you took the complex stories and wove them together in such a meaningful way. We hope to partner with you again! Kelley Conway Director of Development, Law Foundation of Silicon Valley ### Privacy Policy — Editorial & Media URL: https://www.svlatino.com/privacy-policy-editorial-media/ Last updated: 2026-09-10T21:49:29.000Z Silicon Valley Latino (SVL) is committed to protecting the privacy of our readers, subscribers, and community members. This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, and your rights as a California resident under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). ### 01 · Who We Are Silicon Valley Latino (SVL) is an Emmy-nominated independent Latino media company founded in 2011 and incorporated as an S-Corporation in the State of California. Our website is svlatino.com, operated by Silicon Valley Latino. SVL operates as an integrated ecosystem of three platforms under common ownership: - Silicon Valley Latino — svlatino.com — editorial media platform - The SVL Agency — thesvlagency.com — full-service creative agency - ShopLatino.Market — Latino business directory ShopLatino.Market does not currently process payments. When paid features are introduced, transactions will be processed securely via Stripe, consistent with SVL's membership platform. Contact: [info@svlatino.com](mailto:info@svlatino.com) ### 02 · Information We Collect Information you provide directly: - Email address when subscribing to our newsletter through svlatino.com - Name, email address, and payment information when purchasing a membership through SVL's membership platform, processed securely via Stripe - Any information you voluntarily submit through contact forms or email Information collected automatically: - Website usage data including pages visited, time on site, device type, browser type, and general geographic location — collected through Google Analytics 4 - Cookie data that helps us understand how visitors use our site - YouTube engagement data when you watch SVL videos on our YouTube channel - Social media engagement data when you interact with SVL content on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram — each platform collects data according to their own privacy policies Information we do NOT collect: - SVL does not collect Social Security numbers, government ID numbers, or financial account numbers beyond what is required to process purchases through Stripe's secure payment system - SVL does not collect sensitive personal information such as race, ethnicity, religion, health data, or precise geolocation ### 03 · How We Use Your Information SVL uses the information we collect for the following purposes: - To send our weekly newsletter and editorial updates to subscribers through svlatino.com - To process membership purchases through Stripe - To analyze website traffic and improve our content and user experience through Google Analytics 4 - To respond to inquiries and communications from readers and community members - To understand our audience so we can better serve the Latino community of the San Francisco Bay Area, California, and beyond - To share relevant information among SVL's owned entities — Silicon Valley Latino, The SVL Agency, and ShopLatino.Market — for operational and community engagement purposes ### 04 · How We Share Your Information SVL does not sell your personal information to third parties. SVL does not share your personal information with outside third parties for their marketing purposes. **Sharing among SVL-owned entities** SVL may share your information among its owned and operated platforms — Silicon Valley Latino (svlatino.com), The SVL Agency (thesvlagency.com), and ShopLatino.Market — for internal operational purposes, community outreach, and to better serve our audience. All SVL-owned entities are subject to this Privacy Policy. **Third-party service providers** SVL works with the following trusted service providers who may process your data on our behalf: - Stripe — payment processing for membership purchases (stripe.com/privacy) - Google Analytics 4 — website analytics (policies.google.com/privacy) - YouTube — video platform operated by Google (policies.google.com/privacy) - LinkedIn — professional social media platform (linkedin.com/legal/privacy-policy) - Facebook — social media platform operated by Meta (facebook.com/policy) - Instagram — social media platform operated by Meta (help.instagram.com/519522125107875) Each of these providers has their own privacy policy governing how they handle your data. ### 05 · Cookies SVL's website uses cookies — small text files stored on your device — to help us understand how visitors use our site. Cookies are used by Google Analytics 4 to track anonymous usage data such as pages visited and time spent on the site. You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences. Disabling cookies may affect some functionality of the site. ### 06 · California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) As a California-based company serving California residents, SVL complies with the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). California residents have the following rights: - Right to Know — you have the right to request information about the personal data SVL has collected about you - Right to Delete — you have the right to request that SVL delete personal data we have collected about you, subject to certain exceptions - Right to Opt-Out — you have the right to opt out of the sale of your personal information. SVL does not sell personal information. - Right to Correct — you have the right to request correction of inaccurate personal information SVL holds about you - Right to Non-Discrimination — SVL will not discriminate against you for exercising your CCPA rights To exercise any of these rights, contact us at [info@svlatino.com](mailto:info@svlatino.com). We will respond to verified requests within 45 days as required by law. ### 07 · Email & Newsletter SVL distributes a weekly newsletter to subscribers who have opted in to receive it through svlatino.com. You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any newsletter email or by managing your email preferences through your account on svlatino.com. SVL does not share or sell subscriber email addresses to outside third parties. Subscriber information may be shared among SVL-owned entities as described in Section 04. ### 08 · Data Retention SVL retains your personal information for as long as necessary to provide our services and comply with legal obligations. If you request deletion of your data, we will process your request within 45 days. ### 09 · Children's Privacy SVL's website is not directed at children under the age of 13\. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13\. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us at [info@svlatino.com](mailto:info@svlatino.com) and we will delete it promptly. ### 10 · Changes to This Policy SVL may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we make material changes, we will update the "Last updated" date at the top of this page. We encourage you to review this policy periodically. ### 11 · Contact Us If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or your personal data, contact us at: Silicon Valley Latino [info@svlatino.com](mailto:info@svlatino.com) svlatino.com PO Box 2283, Fremont, CA 94536 San Francisco Bay Area, California ### Ethics & Correction Policy URL: https://www.svlatino.com/ethics-correction-policy/ Last updated: 2026-09-10T21:53:03.000Z **SILICON VALLEY LATINO — Ethics & Correction Policy** svlatino.com | Last updated: September 2026 Silicon Valley Latino (SVL) is an Emmy-nominated independent Latino media company founded in 2011 and based in Silicon Valley, California. We are committed to producing original, fact-based journalism that celebrates Latino excellence, names hard truths, and calls our community to action. This policy governs how SVL gathers, verifies, publishes, and corrects information across all of our editorial platforms, including svlatino.com, our newsletters, social media channels, and YouTube. ### 01 · Our Editorial Mission SVL exists to make the invisible visible, to tell the stories of Latino professionals, entrepreneurs, community leaders, and advocates whose work shapes the San Francisco Bay Area, California and beyond. Our editorial mission is guided by the following principles: - We celebrate Latino excellence with pride and name hard truths with clarity. - We are advocacy-forward and community-first. Our journalism serves the community, not advertisers or political interests. - We publish original, fact-based content grounded in sourced reporting and verified information. - We are culturally rooted. We tell stories from within our community, not about it from the outside. - We never publish from a place of victimhood or rage. We publish with defiance and dignity. ### 02 · Editorial Independence SVL's editorial decisions are made independently by our editorial team. Our coverage is not influenced by advertisers, sponsors, agency clients, or outside funders. **Cultura Ambassador Selection** SVL independently selects all Cultura Ambassadors — the Latino professionals, entrepreneurs, and leaders featured in our editorial profiles. Every Cultura Ambassador begins with an invitation from SVL's editorial team, based on the subject's community impact, professional achievement, and alignment with SVL's mission. Once invited, Cultura Ambassadors may purchase a membership that formalizes their relationship with SVL and provides community recognition, promotion, and amplification benefits — including their editorial feature, social media promotion, and access to SVL's network. SVL's editorial decisions are never initiated by a purchase request. The invitation always comes first. **Agency Clients** The SVL Agency, SVL's full-service creative agency, serves corporate clients including technology companies, healthcare organizations, small businesses and nonprofits. These client relationships do not influence SVL's editorial decisions. SVL's newsroom operates independently of its agency business. No agency client receives preferential editorial coverage as a result of their business relationship with The SVL Agency. **Sponsorships & Underwriting** SVL may accept sponsorships or underwriting support for specific editorial series or programs. When a story or series is sponsored or underwritten, SVL discloses this clearly — including in audio articles, where the sponsoring organization is identified at the opening of the audio. Sponsors have no influence over the editorial content of the stories or series they support. ### 03 · Reporting & Sourcing Standards SVL is committed to accuracy in all published content. Our sourcing standards are as follows: - Every factual claim published by SVL must be supported by at least one direct source — either the subject of the story, a named third party, or a verified published record. - Additional supporting sources are included wherever available to strengthen the accuracy and context of our reporting. - Data, statistics, and research cited in SVL articles are attributed to their original source with sufficient information for readers to verify the information independently. - SVL does not publish unverified claims, anonymous accusations, or speculation presented as fact. - When SVL publishes opinion or advocacy content, it is clearly framed as such and distinguished from factual reporting. **Interviews & Quotes** SVL publishes direct quotes from interview subjects based on recorded or written responses provided by the subject. Quotes are not altered in meaning. Minor edits for clarity or length may be made with the subject's knowledge. SVL does not fabricate or composite quotes. **Use of AI Tools** SVL uses artificial intelligence tools including ElevenLabs for audio narration of published articles. AI-generated audio is clearly identified as such on our platform. AI tools are used to enhance accessibility and engagement, not to generate or replace original reporting. All published editorial content is written, reported, and verified by SVL's human editorial team. ### 04 · Correction Policy SVL is committed to accuracy. When errors occur, we correct them promptly, transparently, and without qualification. **How We Handle Corrections** - When an error is identified, whether by a reader, a subject, or our own editorial team, SVL corrects the article as quickly as possible. - Corrections are made directly in the published article at svlatino.com. - A correction note is added to the article clearly identifying what was corrected and when. - When a reader or subject brings an error to SVL's attention and the correction is confirmed, SVL notifies that person directly that the correction has been made. - SVL does not silently remove or alter content to obscure errors. All significant corrections are documented in the article itself. **How to Report an Error** If you believe SVL has published inaccurate information, we want to hear from you. Email: [info@svlatino.com](mailto:info@svlatino.com) Website: svlatino.com Please include the article title, the specific information you believe is inaccurate, and any supporting documentation you can provide. Our editorial team will review your report and respond promptly. ### 05 · Conflicts of Interest SVL is committed to transparency about potential conflicts of interest. Our editorial team does not accept gifts, payments, or preferential treatment from story subjects or their representatives. SVL's editorial team discloses any personal relationships or affiliations with story subjects that could reasonably be perceived as a conflict of interest and recuses itself from editorial decisions where a conflict exists. ### 06 · Community Accountability SVL was founded to serve the Latino community of the San Francisco Bay Area, California, and beyond. We take our accountability to that community seriously. We welcome feedback, criticism, and engagement from our readers, subjects, and community members. We are committed to listening, learning, and improving our journalism in service of the community we serve. To reach SVL's editorial team directly: [info@svlatino.com](mailto:info@svlatino.com) ### Ownership Disclosure URL: https://www.svlatino.com/ownership-disclosure/ Last updated: 2026-09-10T21:54:47.000Z **Ownership** Silicon Valley Latino is independently owned and operated by its two co-founders: - **Alex Ontiveros** — Founder & CEO - **Sergio Domeyko** — Co-Founder, COO & Publisher SVL has no outside investors, shareholders, or third-party ownership stakes. All editorial and business decisions are made by SVL's own leadership. **Corporate Structure** Silicon Valley Latino is the parent company. The SVL Agency, our full-service creative agency, operates as a DBA (doing business as) under the same taxpayer ID and corporate entity as Silicon Valley Latino. SVL and The SVL Agency are not separate legal entities. **Funding** Silicon Valley Latino is entirely self-funded. Our revenue comes from The SVL Agency's client services, Cultura Ambassador and Amigo de SVL memberships, and sponsorships or underwriting of specific editorial series, as disclosed in our Ethics & Correction Policy. SVL does not receive funding from outside investors, political organizations, or government grants. ## Posts ### From Immigrant Kid to CEO: Alex Ontiveros' Story URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/entrepreneur/alex-ontiveros-immigrant-kid-to-ceo/ Last updated: 2026-10-08T18:36:33.000Z *Two teachers once wrote letters about a young man Alex Ontiveros didn't yet recognize. At a BILL fireside chat, the SVL founder shares how he became him.* Alex Ontiveros has kept the same letters of recommendation his entire life. Two teachers wrote them when he was a teenager, describing a young man so promising that UC Berkeley's admissions counselors came to his high school to meet him. For years, Alex wondered who those letters were talking about. In a fireside chat hosted by BILL's Latino employee resource group, the founder and CEO of Silicon Valley Latino and the SVL Agency shared the full story of how he grew into that young man, beginning with the day he arrived from San Luis Potosí, Mexico, at age six. ### The first of his generation Alex was the first grandchild on both sides of his family, and once his family arrived in the United States, he became what so many children of immigrants become: the translator, the reader of medical and banking documents, a mini adult before his time. What carried him, he says, was the foundation his family in Mexico built early on, a cultivation that gave him the confidence to attempt things no one expected of him. That confidence was tested. He talks openly about the voices that tell us we are not good enough, and about finally deciding he didn't have to be perfect. ### A friend, two teachers, and a thick envelope No counselor put Alex on the path to college. A friend did, walking him through applications in their junior year. Then came the letters. Two teachers, including UC Berkeley alum Alberto Amezquita, wrote with such conviction that Berkeley sent admissions counselors to interview him in person. He was admitted. He also talks about what came next, the part success stories often skip. He felt like a fish out of water, left after three semesters to help at home, and later re-enrolled at San José State University, where he graduated. ### From Citi to Silicon Valley Latino After a decade of community and nonprofit board service, Alex became Vice President of Community Relations at Citi, supporting organizations serving low and moderate income communities across the Bay Area. Of his 20-plus awards, he says the ones that stand out professionally came from the Campesinos project, the body of work that includes the documentary [*CAMPESINOS: America's Unsung Heroes*](https://youtu.be/UbaGxy0fLqw) and SVL's Emmy-nominated commercial, all directed by Joe Poni, the SVL Agency's director and cinematographer. He still remembers being struck by Joe's first cut of the documentary. The award closest to his heart has nothing to do with work: his induction into the Silicon Valley Fatherhood Hall of Fame, which he accepted alongside his children. In 2011, tired of negative portrayals of Latinos, he founded Silicon Valley Latino, with no journalism background, no publishing background, and no business degree. Just a simple goal: share positive stories about us. That mission grew into the SVL Agency, an award-winning creative agency whose very first client was Cisco. ### Creo en Ti Alex wore a T-shirt to the conversation on purpose. It read *Creo en Ti*: I believe in you. > "We needed to hear that, and we continue to need to hear that," he said. He shared two remixes that guide his work. The first, inspired by Maya Angelou: "Love what you do, love how you do it, love who you do it with, love who you do it for." The second, inspired by a line in Rick Rubin's book: "The object isn't to make money, but it's to be in that wonderful state which makes impact inevitable." And he came back to those letters. After presenting the CAMPESINOS: America's Unsung Heroes documentary to members of Congress in Washington, D.C., he finally recognized the young man his teachers had described. "That's who they were talking about." ### Passing the belief forward Those letters were two teachers saying creo en ti before Alex could say it to himself. That is the belief Silicon Valley Latino was built to pass on. Through our #CreoEnTi programs, including fireside chats, College Declaration Day, and the Inspire Higher tour and events, SVL brings Latino leaders face to face with the next generation, so young people can see themselves in people who started where they are. And our Collegiate Cultura Ambassador program celebrates the students, first-gens, and dreamers putting in the work early. Because every one of us needed someone who saw us before we saw ourselves. Now it's our turn to write the letters. **Creo En Ti. Creo En Nosotros.** ### Hear it in his own words Alex's full conversation covers even more: the Latino small business opportunity, how SVL met BILL, and producing BILL's cybersecurity videos. Watch the full fireside chat above, and subscribe to Silicon Valley Latino on YouTube for more stories from our community. --- **Stories like this don’t tell themselves.** SVL has spent over a decade making the invisible visible, celebrating Latino excellence, naming hard truths, and calling our comunidad to action. Independent Latino journalism only survives when the community it serves decides it’s worth protecting. There are two ways to stand with us: Are you a Latino professional, entrepreneur, or leader ready to be celebrated? Become a Cultura Ambassador, SVL’s official community membership for Latino leaders who are ready to have their story told, their work amplified, and their excellence made visible. [Become a Cultura Ambassador →](https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/entrepreneur/alex-ontiveros-immigrant-kid-to-ceo/#/portal/signup/6a8db2d43e7c840008178b04/yearly) Want to support our mission? Become an Amigo de SVL. Your support keeps our journalism independent, our stories free, and our #CreoEnTi programs and community events alive. [Become an Amigo de SVL →](https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/entrepreneur/alex-ontiveros-immigrant-kid-to-ceo/#/portal/signup/6a8e00f723b28c0001855fa0/monthly) ### ***Juntos Adelante. Because silence is complicity. And so is inaction.*** #WeAreSVL | #JuntosAdelante | #CreoEnNosotros | #SVLVoices | #Raíces | #HispanicHeritage365 ### Dr. Antonio Lopez Is Still Writing East Palo Alto's Story, One Poem at a Time URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/cafecito/dr-antonio-lopez-poet-east-palo-alto/ Last updated: 2026-10-06T15:00:34.000Z *Cafecito with SVL, Episode 1* *Cafecito with SVL is Silicon Valley Latino's new conversation series, coffee-style conversations with the Latino voices shaping our community. In Episode 1, SVL CEO Alex Ontiveros sits down with Dr. Antonio Lopez, poet, former East Palo Alto city council member, and San Mateo County Poet Laureate, to talk poetry, power, and the place that made him.* > "The decisions you guys make now are gonna affect the rest of your life." An eighth grade teacher named Miss Fitch said that to a room of 32 kids crammed into a Title I classroom in East Palo Alto. She slammed a textbook down to make her point land. Dr. Antonio Lopez was 13 years old. He didn't have a bigote yet. He didn't understand what she meant. He understands it now. He has spent the years since turning that understanding into poetry, into public office, into a PhD, and into a body of work that keeps circling back to the same question: what do we do with the experiences that shape us, and who do we become responsible for once we've survived them? ### A Zip Code Away from Stanford Lopez is East Palo Alto, through and through. His father, mi papá, left Michoacán on his 18th birthday in 1983 and got amnesty under Reagan. Lopez grew up a zip code away from Stanford and Google, in a Silicon Valley that, in his words, wasn't always silicon for everybody. He remembers the corners. The handwritten signs. The balloons. The epitaphs for people lost to violence or tragedy before they had the chance to grow up. Those memories don't disappear when you become successful. They wait. ### From Scholarship Boy to City Council Lopez went from EPA to McNair to Menlo School, then Oxford, then a Stanford PhD he finished just two weeks before sitting down for this conversation. For a while, he admits, he chased the prestige. "You start to drink the Kool-Aid," he said. He became what Richard Rodriguez calls a scholarship boy, a poster child for what a kid from EPA could accomplish. Then the pandemic hit. His father got furloughed. People he knew got sick. People died. And Lopez hit what he calls an existential crisis: all these degrees, all these fancy names, so what? The people he cared about most weren't going to read his dissertation. They didn't know where Oxford was. "They think Oxford, 'Oh, you mean Oxnard, like California?'" That crisis is what sent him into public office. He ran for East Palo Alto City Council on a whim and served four years, walking the walk instead of just talking about representation. He had about $6,000 in the bank while he was in office. Public service, he says plainly, is public sacrifice. He lost his evenings. He spent hours away from his family. Along the way, he became the Poet Laureate of San Mateo County and published *Gentefication*, a poetry collection that plays on the word gentrification while claiming gente, our people, as its own universe. His new book, *The Right to Remain Violets*, comes out through University of Arizona Press in early spring 2027\. The title remixes the Miranda warning. Where the state tells you that you have the right to remain silent, Lopez writes about what you do with the memories and experiences that shaped you: classmates who ended up in gangs or in trouble, and the systemic issues of the district, told through real newspaper articles and real research data. ### When Tragedy Hits, People Ask the Poetas to Speak In 2023, a shooting in Half Moon Bay shook the region, and it is one of the reasons Lopez got involved with ALAS. At an ALAS event, Dr. Belinda Arreaga asked him, still a sitting council member, to come up and say a few words. He read a poem about going to Oaxaca, meeting the families, and FaceTiming with a victim's sister, a trip where, he says, a piece of his heart was buried. Alex Ontiveros remembers the room. "There's no elected official I've ever met that has the dynamic elements that you do," he told Lopez on the recording. Lopez's answer gets at why poetry, not policy language, is what a grieving community reaches for: "It's not an accident that after shootings or tragedies people ask the poetas to speak." Politicians can throw money and words at a moment like that. Only the poets, he says, can capture what people are actually feeling. That belief runs through everything he makes. His poetry is meant to work like a mirror: who is my gente, and who am I leaving out of the room? He wants readers challenged, a little uncomfortable, but never without hope. Even the heaviest of his work carries ánimo, the refusal to be discouraged, because that, he says, is what we're made of. ### Chest in Front, Elbows Out Lopez left city council to finish his doctorate and now works with ALAS, helping build out the organization's research while keeping his creative life going. Days before our conversation, that meant Washington, DC, meeting with congressional offices as part of a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation grant focused on early childhood intervention. The same week it meant Sacramento, advocating for a state bill. In between, he's still writing. He's direct about why the work matters right now. DEI is a band-aid, he says, because at the root are people systemically left off the guest list at their own table. He points to Dr. King's answer when asked why the riots of his era were happening: a riot is the language of the unheard. People rebel, Lopez says, when they're tired of being given the short end of the stick. His answer to that exclusion isn't retreat. It's ownership. He wants our community to stop waiting for the day we go back to Durango, because for our kids, that day isn't coming. This is home. And the unlearning, he says, is to stop feeling like we don't belong here. "We do. And we ought to go in with our chest in front, elbows out." Imagine how boring and bland this region would be without the cultura, the sazón, the flavor. Little Saigon in San Jose. Little Manila in Daly City. The Bay's Black and brown melting pots are a slice of America that has always existed. "We're just as Silicon Valley as anyone else." ### Still Writing Dr. Antonio Lopez is now an official SVL Cultura Ambassador and contributing writer, with an open invitation to publish his reflections, his poetry, and his advocacy work with our community. When we sat down on July 3rd, he had just finished his PhD, a wedding was on the calendar, and he hadn't ruled out running for office again. For now, family and financial footing come first. A film project is already in motion for the inaugural Silicon Valley Latino Film Festival, and we'll go deeper on it in a future episode of Cafecito. His message, the one he carries onto every stage and into every meeting, is this: fear is what keeps our community quiet. The antidote, he says, is what Dr. Belinda Arreaga calls la cultura que cura, our culture that empowers. Feet on the ground. Chest up. Still writing. This conversation is the first in Cafecito with SVL. Watch the full episode above, and subscribe to Silicon Valley Latino on YouTube so you never miss the next one. --- **Stories like this don't tell themselves.** SVL has spent over a decade making the invisible visible, celebrating Latino excellence, naming hard truths, and calling our community to action. Independent Latino journalism only survives when the community it serves decides it's worth protecting. There are two ways to stand with us: Are you a Latino professional, entrepreneur, or leader ready to be celebrated? Become a Cultura Ambassador, SVL's official community membership for Latino leaders who are ready to have their story told, their work amplified, and their excellence made visible. [Become a Cultura Ambassador](#/portal/signup/6a8db2d43e7c840008178b04/yearly) Want to support our mission? Become an Amigo de SVL. Your support keeps our journalism independent, our stories free, and our #CreoEnTi programs and community events alive. [Become an Amigo de SVL ](#/portal/signup/6a8e00f723b28c0001855fa0/monthly) ### Juntos Adelante. Because silence is complicity. And so is inaction. #WeAreSVL | #JuntosAdelante | #CreoEnNosotros | #SVLVoices | #Cafecito | #CulturaAmbassador ### The Home We Carry, The Home We Create URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/raices/the-home-we-carry-the-home-we-create/ Last updated: 2026-10-05T16:42:17.000Z Your browser does not support the audio element. ### Publisher's Note *For Hispanic Heritage Month, SVL asked members of our community one question: what does home mean to you? Executive Cultura Ambassador and author Jazmin Diaz answers with her senses first, the tortillas, the café con leche, the pólvora of las Fiestas in Degollado, and then with the home she and her husband built for their four children.* --- For a long time, if you had asked me where home was, I probably would have pointed to a place. Degollado, Jalisco. But the older I get, the more I realize that when I think about home, I don't first see a place. I smell it. Home is the smell of my Tía Esther's handmade tortillas in the morning when I lived in Degollado, warm and fresh, something so ordinary then that I couldn't have known how much I would later appreciate it. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/10/Photo812331209874_inner_9-23-738-23-9-977-738-977--1-.jpg) Home is my Abuelita Rosa. The unmistakable smell of the Faros cigarettes she smoked mixed with the olive oil she put in her hair. A combination that may mean nothing to anyone else, but to me, smells like her and transports me back to her casa. It's the fresh cow's milk my Papá Chuy would bring to the house from his rancho, for breakfast, or a warm café con leche later in the evening. And home is the smell of pólvora. During las Fiestas in Degollado, we would gather in the Plaza to watch the castillos burn. I can still smell the powder in the air and remember the anticipation as sparks and colors lit up the night, waiting for the grand finale, when la corona would break free and fly high into the sky. As a little girl, I didn't know those moments would later become precious memories that I would cherish for the rest of my life. Home was something being created around me. I didn't think about who was making the tortillas, bringing home the milk, preparing the meals, preserving traditions, or creating the feeling that I belonged. I was simply living in it. Then I became a mother. And my understanding of home changed. My husband and I weren't simply creating a place for our four children to live. We were creating the backdrop of their childhood, the place where they would first experience family, culture, belonging, love, and tradition. As a mother, I've come to understand that home should be the place where we can take our armor off. The world will ask things of us. It will measure us, challenge us, disappoint us, and sometimes misunderstand us. There will be places where we feel we have to prove ourselves, protect ourselves, or become a certain version of ourselves to belong. Home shouldn't be one of those places. Home should be where we can exhale. Where we can rest without having to earn it. Where we can make mistakes, have a hard day, laugh too loudly, sit quietly, change our minds, and simply be who we are, the good, the bad, and the ugly, without judgment or scrutiny. I can't protect my children from everything they will encounter beyond our doors. Nor should I. They have their own lives to live and their own lessons to learn. But together, my husband and I could offer a space where all of us know we are loved before we accomplish anything, explain anything, or prove anything. That, too, is home. Of course, when you're raising a family, you don't always experience it so philosophically. Life moves incredibly fast. My Tía Esther probably wasn't making tortillas thinking, someday Jazmin will remember this. Papá Chuy wasn't bringing fresh milk home because he was trying to create a core memory. And my Abuelita Rosa certainly wasn't thinking that Faros cigarettes and olive oil would someday make her granddaughter smile. They were simply living. And so were we. I wonder now what my children will remember about the home my husband and I created. I hope they'll remember all the cuddles, the way their dad and I loved having them close, all of us together, warm, safe, and perfectly content just being with one another. Or maybe hearing cumbias or Juan Gabriel will take them back to our kitchen, where the music filled the room while I made caldo de pollo, papas con chorizo, or another home-cooked meal. Or perhaps, they'll remember our morning school drop-offs listening to Live 105, with Linkin Park, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Radiohead coming through the speakers. But Friday drop-offs were different. Fridays were for “Vivir Mi Vida.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/10/20150609_182216.jpg) We'd turn up Marc Anthony in the Denali, and there we'd be, me and my four babies, singing our hearts out together on the way to school. I can still hear their little voices. At the time, it was simply our Friday thing. I wasn't trying to create a tradition or a memory. We were just living it. And maybe that's exactly how the memories we treasure most are made. Then there were the holidays. Making tamales with my mom, their Tita, who always made special little “baby tamales” just for them. Gathering around the fireplace to watch Home Alone and Elf, the smell of cinnamon filling the house, with hot chocolate and pan dulce nearby. And suddenly, I understand my own childhood differently. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/10/Photo812387644414_inner_9-340-738-340-9-867-738-879.jpg) The tortillas. The fresh milk. The Plaza. The pólvora. What felt ordinary then became extraordinary with time. And now another generation is collecting its own version of home. Their memories won't look exactly like mine, and they shouldn't. They are a blend of where we come from and who we've become. México and the life we've built here. Spanish and English. Tamales and holiday traditions . Juan Gabriel and Radiohead. The traditions passed down to us and the ones we've created along the way. There is something beautiful about that. We don't simply inherit home. We carry pieces of it forward. We add pieces of ourselves. And without always realizing it, we create something new for the generation that comes next. My mom making “baby tamales” for her grandchildren is part of the same story as my Tía Esther making tortillas all those years ago. They did these things intentionally, to make others feel loved and special. Different kitchens. Different generations. Same love. So where is home really? I've come to believe it isn't one house, one town, or even one country. Home lives in us, in the people who shaped us and the people with whom we build our lives. It's in the traditions we inherit, the ones we create, and the seemingly ordinary moments that become extraordinary only after enough time has passed. But home is also something more. It's the place where the armor can come off. Where we can exhale. Where we are known, loved, and allowed to simply be. So my invitation to you is simple: Be present for the moment. Stay at the table a little longer. Turn up the music. Sing in the car. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/10/Jazmin-High-Res040A0983--1-.jpg) Make the recipe your grandmother taught you. Ask about the story you've already heard a hundred times. Notice the smells coming from the kitchen. Listen to the laughter, the chisme, and even the chaos. Because while you're busy living your life, you may also be creating someone's definition of home. The moments that feel ordinary today may one day become the memories you treasure most. Be there for them while they're still happening. --- **More from the Home series** [Two Flags, One Home](https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/raices/two-flags-one-home/) by Eddie García [Where Home Really Is](https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/raices/where-home-really-is/) by Nancy Marmolejo [What Home Means to Me](https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/raices/what-home-means-to-me/) by Francisco Jiménez [Home, In Their Own Words](https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/art-culture/home-in-their-own-words/) by SVL Advisory Board [From Where We Started to Where We’re Going](https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/raices/from-where-we-started-to-where-were-going/) by Michael Archuleta [Sazón, Familia y Amor: The Flavors of Home](https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/raices/sazon-familia-y-amor-the-flavors-of-home/) by Angela Flores Robertson --- **Stories like this don’t tell themselves.** SVL has spent over a decade making the invisible visible, celebrating Latino excellence, naming hard truths, and calling our comunidad to action. Independent Latino journalism only survives when the community it serves decides it’s worth protecting. There are two ways to stand with us: Are you a Latino professional, entrepreneur, or leader ready to be celebrated? Become a Cultura Ambassador, SVL’s official community membership for Latino leaders who are ready to have their story told, their work amplified, and their excellence made visible. [Become a Cultura Ambassador →](https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/raices/the-home-we-carry-the-home-we-create/#/portal/signup/6a8db2d43e7c840008178b04/yearly) Want to support our mission? Become an Amigo de SVL. Your support keeps our journalism independent, our stories free, and our #CreoEnTi programs and community events alive. [Become an Amigo de SVL →](https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/raices/the-home-we-carry-the-home-we-create/#/portal/signup/6a8e00f723b28c0001855fa0/monthly) ### ***Juntos Adelante. Because silence is complicity. And so is inaction.*** #WeAreSVL | #JuntosAdelante | #CreoEnNosotros | #SVLVoices | #Raíces | #HispanicHeritage365 ### Sazón, Familia y Amor: The Flavors of Home URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/raices/sazon-familia-y-amor-the-flavors-of-home/ Last updated: 2026-09-30T17:45:36.000Z Your browser does not support the audio element. ### **Publisher’s Note** Our Home series continues this Hispanic Heritage Month. We asked our Advisory Board, our guest writers, and our own team one question: what does “home” mean to you? Today’s essay comes from Angela Flores Robertson, Service Delivery Leader at Palo Alto Networks. --- *By Angela Flores Robertson* When I think of home, I first remember the smell—tortillas warming on the stove, frijoles simmering in a pot, carne asada cooking outside, and pan dulce waiting for later. At my abuela’s house on Bahama Way in East San José, there might be tamales, enchiladas, pozole, mole con arroz, chile verde, or carnitas. There was always plenty of food, but what I remember most is that there was always enough for one more person. Vicente Fernández or Los Bukis played while my tías filled the kitchen with laughter and overlapping conversations. We children ran in and out of the house until someone called, “¡Ya está la comida!” Then we all rushed toward the table. Doña Natty reminded us to be *buenos niños.* She taught Sunday school and tried to keep us on our best behavior. My Tío Santiago had a different approach. When we became too loud, he would yell, “¡Apláquense o el Cucuy te va a agarrar!” Almost every adult in the neighborhood became a *Tía* or *Tío,* whether we were related by blood or not. They could feed us, correct us, protect us, and tell our parents when we had done something wrong. We belonged not only to our immediate families but to an entire community that helped raise us. My abuela always kept her *libro de oraciones.* She wrote down the names of people who were sick, struggling, looking for work, or simply needed a little extra hope. If one of my tíos needed a job, she gave him her bendición and lit a candle for him. She also kept a list of elders in the neighborhood who needed food, medicinas, a ride to the doctor, or help with paperwork. Don Víctor was one of those elders. We children regularly took food to his house. If he was having a good day, we pushed him in his wheelchair so he could join the carne asada and listen to the music. He was not related to us by blood, but he was family. He belonged with us, so we found a way to bring him in. Everyone was welcome at my abuela’s house—La Señora Pico, families who had lived in the neighborhood for years, and the family down the street who had recently migrated from Somalia. It did not matter where someone was born, which language they spoke, or how long they had lived on our street. If there was food, music, and room to pull up another chair, they were invited. That was how I first learned what *comunidad* meant. Home was not simply a house. Home was noticing who was missing, going to find them, and making sure they still had a place at the table. Home was not always easy. My parents, Felipe and Estrella, worked multiple jobs, and our family cleaned offices at night. I began helping when I was a little girl. At the time, I did not understand everything my parents were carrying. Today, I understand the exhaustion, sacrifice, and love behind those nights. Those offices became part of home, too, because home was wherever my family was working, sacrificing, and holding on to hope together. My family’s roots reach back to Zacatecas, Mexico. Our story stretches across the borderlands to Del Rio and Terlingua, Texas, and then to East San José. I do not have to choose between where my family comes from and the life I have today. I carry Zacatecas, Texas, and East San José with me. I keep my cultura alive through our food, music, language, stories, and the way I treat people. I was raised to notice who had not eaten, who was sitting alone, and who might need help but did not know how to ask. That is what I try to bring into every space I enter. To younger Latinos and Latinas, I would say: Listen to the stories being told around your kitchen table. Ask your parents and grandparents about their lives. Sit with your tías, even when they tell the same story for the tenth time. Never believe you must hide your name, your accent, your family, or your cultura to belong. And when you reach a place your family once dreamed about, make room for someone coming behind you. *La primera, pero no la última.* If I could describe home in one phrase, it would be: **“Ven, mija, siéntate. Come sit with us.”** Home is someone pulling out another chair. It is a plate being placed in front of you before you have to say you are hungry. It is hearing music from the kitchen and knowing there is a place for you at the table. That feeling matters deeply today, when so many people in our comunidad are being asked to prove that they belong. Our stories are proof enough. Our families’ labor, sacrifices, and love matter. The communities we have built matter. We are here. We are seen. And we belong. --- If this story reminded you of your own home, share it. And stay with us, more voices in this series are coming all month. **More from the Home series** [Two Flags, One Home](https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/raices/two-flags-one-home/) by Eddie García [Where Home Really Is](https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/raices/where-home-really-is/) by Nancy Marmolejo [What Home Means to Me](https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/raices/what-home-means-to-me/) by Francisco Jiménez [Home, In Their Own Words](https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/art-culture/home-in-their-own-words/) by SVL Advisory Board [From Where We Started to Where We’re Going](https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/raices/from-where-we-started-to-where-were-going/) by Michael Archuleta **Stories like this don’t tell themselves.** SVL has spent over a decade making the invisible visible, celebrating Latino excellence, naming hard truths, and calling our comunidad to action. Independent Latino journalism only survives when the community it serves decides it’s worth protecting. There are two ways to stand with us: Are you a Latino professional, entrepreneur, or leader ready to be celebrated? Become a Cultura Ambassador, SVL’s official community membership for Latino leaders who are ready to have their story told, their work amplified, and their excellence made visible. [Become a Cultura Ambassador →](https://www.svlatino.com/#/portal/signup/6a8db2d43e7c840008178b04/yearly) Want to support our mission? Become an Amigo de SVL. Your support keeps our journalism independent, our stories free, and our #CreoEnTi programs and community events alive. [Become an Amigo de SVL →](https://www.svlatino.com/#/portal/signup/6a8e00f723b28c0001855fa0/monthly) ***Juntos Adelante. Because silence is complicity. And so is inaction.*** #WeAreSVL | #JuntosAdelante | #CreoEnNosotros | #SVLVoices | #Raíces | #HispanicHeritage365 ### From Where We Started to Where We’re Going URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/raices/from-where-we-started-to-where-were-going/ Last updated: 2026-10-08T18:36:56.000Z ### **PUBLISHER’S NOTE** *Our Home series continues this Hispanic Heritage Month. We asked our Advisory Board, our guest writers, and our own team one question: what does “home” mean to you? Today’s essay comes from SVL Advisory Board Member, Michael Archuleta,CIO at Mt San Rafael Hospital in Colorado.* --- ### **A Fighting Chance** I was raised in rural southern Colorado, and part of my childhood was spent in government housing in a rough neighborhood. I knew kids who had never left their hometown. There were places we had never seen and opportunities we did not know how to reach. My mother was determined that I would find a direction, even when I struggled to see beyond what was around me. Boxing helped widen that view. My coach worked a second job so we could train and travel across Colorado without worrying about payment. Those trips gave us experiences our families could not otherwise have afforded. In the gym, I learned discipline, composure, and accountability. Outside it, I discovered how much existed beyond my neighborhood. My coach wanted us to have a fighting chance to improve our lives. Today, home means remembering the people who made that chance possible and recognizing when I can do the same for someone else. ### **From Government Housing to Boardrooms** Mi tía Sandra kept my Peruvian heritage close through family stories, traditions, and the familiar tastes of anticuchos and chicha morada. She helped me understand the history behind my name. That connection has stayed with me through every professional milestone. My Hispanic identity is part of the person making the decisions, wherever those decisions take me. My career has taken me from government housing to boardrooms, from needing opportunities to helping create them. As a technology entrepreneur, investor, and adviser, I have founded ventures and helped companies grow, including businesses that later went public. Colorado’s governor appointed me to the eHealth Commission, where I advocated for stronger connectivity and cybersecurity support for healthcare providers. At Mt. San Rafael, I lead technology in an organization that has earned a CMS five-star rating and HIMSS Analytics Stage 6 recognition. Those accomplishments reflect demanding work by a committed team. Building that standard of excellence in the community that raised me gives success a meaning I could never separate from home. ### **I Believe in Us** When I shared my HITEC 100 recognition, I opened my jacket in the photograph to reveal a shirt that read “Creo en Nosotros.” I believe in us. I wanted those words beside my name because I know what it can mean to see someone with a background like yours recognized at that level. I want young Hispanic professionals to imagine themselves leading organizations, building companies, and influencing the direction of an industry. Being named among Becker’s healthcare CIOs to know and its Hispanic and Latino Leaders to Know, selected as a 2026 Colorado Technology Association APEX CIO/Tech Leader of the Year finalist, and featured on the Spring 2026 cover of HealthTech magazine has brought national attention to our work. I use that visibility to advance a conviction: “Your ZIP code should never determine your healthcare outcomes.” I know the families behind those words. My heritage and upbringing influence whose needs I notice, whose potential I take seriously, and what I am willing to advocate for. Recognition gives me a larger audience. What I do with it is my responsibility. ### **Make Opportunity Tangible** Learn your family’s stories while you can still ask questions. Then take your own ambitions seriously enough to prepare for them. Develop your expertise, accept honest feedback, and pursue responsibility. You can build a life your family has never experienced while remaining deeply connected to them. The discipline I learned through boxing still serves me: prepare, keep your composure, and be accountable for your effort. Those of us already in leadership must make opportunity tangible. Through the Archuleta Creo En Ti Foundation, I have sponsored multiple technology and educational events that give underserved children experiences they might otherwise miss, including opportunities to participate free of charge. I once stood where those children stand. A fee, transportation, or simply never being introduced to a field can keep a young person from discovering an ability. Leaders can do something about that. Creo En Ti means I believe in you. I want children to understand those words through the opportunities we put within their reach. ### **Creo en Nosotros** ### Creo en nosotros. At an educational event I supported, a student approached me with a copy of HealthTech magazine and asked for my autograph. We stood together holding it, and I thought about the child I had been. Someone once gave me the opportunity to see beyond my neighborhood. Now I could help a young person see beyond the limits they might have imagined for themselves. That is what I want my accomplishments to make possible. This Hispanic Heritage Month, I am mindful of families facing uncertainty about their future together. Every child deserves security, belonging, and a chance to develop their abilities. I keep putting my time, resources, and influence behind that conviction. Someone gave me a fighting chance. I have spent my life doing something with it. Now I’m helping others get theirs. ***I know where I came from. I’ve earned where I stand. Your ZIP code should never determine your future. Creo En Nosotros. #GSD*** --- If this story reminded you of your own home, share it. And stay with us, more voices in this series are coming all month. **More from the Home series** [Two Flags, One Home](https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/raices/two-flags-one-home/) by Eddie García [Where Home Really Is](https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/raices/where-home-really-is/) by Nancy Marmolejo [What Home Means to Me](https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/raices/what-home-means-to-me/) by Francisco Jimenez [Home, In Their Own Words](https://svlatino.com/blogs/art-culture/home-in-their-own-words-svl-advisory-board-reflects) by SVL Advisory Board **Stories like this don’t tell themselves.** SVL has spent over a decade making the invisible visible, celebrating Latino excellence, naming hard truths, and calling our comunidad to action. Independent Latino journalism only survives when the community it serves decides it’s worth protecting. There are two ways to stand with us: Are you a Latino professional, entrepreneur, or leader ready to be celebrated? Become a Cultura Ambassador, SVL’s official community membership for Latino leaders who are ready to have their story told, their work amplified, and their excellence made visible. Cultura Ambassador: [https://svlatino.com/collections/join-our-tribe](https://svlatino.com/#/portal/signup/6a8db2d43e7c840008178b04/yearly) Want to support our mission? Become an Amigo de SVL. Your support keeps our journalism independent, our stories free, and our #CreoEnTi programs and community events alive. Amigo de SVL: [https://svlatino.com/collections/join-our-tribe/products/amigo-de-svl](https://svlatino.com/#/portal/signup/6a8e00f723b28c0001855fa0/monthly) ### ***Juntos Adelante. Because silence is complicity. And so is inaction.*** ### #WeAreSVL | #JuntosAdelante | #CreoEnNosotros | #SVLVoices | #Raíces | #HispanicHeritage365 ### Home, In Their Own Words URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/art-culture/home-in-their-own-words/ Last updated: 2026-09-28T21:55:07.000Z ### **PUBLISHER'S NOTE** This Hispanic Heritage Month, our Home series continues with four voices from SVL's Advisory Board, leaders who show up for community in boardrooms, classrooms, and neighborhoods across the Bay Area and beyond. We asked them the same question we've asked all month: what does “home” mean to you? Their answers took us from a childhood shaped by love and family to two cultures straddled since childhood, to a New Mexico kitchen simmering with red and green chile, to a community built because it needed to exist. Four reflections, four different roads to the same word. --- **Home, In Their Own Words** ### **Arnaldo Lopez** *SVL Advisory Board · Technology Executive | Technology GTM Advisor* Home for me has always been where my heart is, close to those I love. Early in life, that meant my mom, my sister, my grandmother. Later, it evolved into my wife, my children, my closest friends. Home was never a building. It was the people who created it. If I could describe the feeling of home in one word, it would be love. My home has always been where I feel the most love from family and friends. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/ArnieLopez_24-03-09_NewRelic_0101_1_600x600.jpeg) --- ### **Sylvia Juárez-Magaña** *SVL Advisory Board · Advising & Coaching Consultant, College Application Coach* Home to me is where roots are set, where you learn your family's history. I have straddled two cultures all my life: expected to learn English, determined to preserve my first language, Spanish. My responsibilities grew, first to my family, then to my community, then to my own success, and success became how I could represent my family to the world. We can celebrate for a month, but our impact as comunidad reaches far beyond that, crossing every boundary our ancestors ever laid down. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/Copy_of_Sylvia_Juarez_SVL_Picture_600x600.jpeg) --- ### **Antonio Humphreys** *SVL Advisory Board · Passionate Business Leader | Board Director* I moved away from my hometown of Albuquerque, New Mexico almost thirty years ago, but I still make it back once or twice a year, missing the familiar accents, the local food, the high desert climate. Since then, I've had the chance to call Houston, the Bay Area, and even London home too, each place teaching me something new. Here in the Bay Area, I seek out Hispanic and Latino-owned businesses, events, and volunteer opportunities. This comunidad brings me closer to where my family comes from, because we all find pride in our collective Latinidad. Red or green? This is a reference to our unique style of chile grown in Hatch, New Mexico that goes on every meal of the day (my preference!). You can order just green, just red, or ‘Christmas’ for the best of both worlds. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/Antonio-Humphreys-Portrait.jpg) --- ### **Anna Dapelo-Garcia** *SVL Advisory Board · Founder, Lean In Latinas* For me, home has always been about more than a place. It's family, community, culture, that feeling of knowing you belong. I was born in San José and have spent my life in the Bay Area; today I call Mountain View home. But home is also connected to where my family came from, and the values and traditions passed down to me. As I've gotten older, my definition of home has expanded. Home is also the communities we create, and the people who make space for us to be fully ourselves. That's part of why I founded Lean In Latinas: to build a space where Latinas could come together, learn from one another, and know that our voices matter. If I had to describe home in one word, it would be belonging. Home is where you don't have to prove that you belong. You simply do. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/IMG_7616.jpeg) --- **Stories like this don't tell themselves.** SVL has spent over a decade making the invisible visible, celebrating Latino excellence, naming hard truths, and calling our comunidad to action. Independent Latino journalism only survives when the community it serves decides it's worth protecting. There are two ways to stand with us: Are you a Latino professional, entrepreneur, or leader ready to be celebrated? Become a Cultura Ambassador, SVL's official community membership for Latino leaders who are ready to have their story told, their work amplified, and their excellence made visible. Cultura Ambassador: [https://svlatino.com/collections/join-our-tribe](https://svlatino.com/#/portal/signup/6a8db2d43e7c840008178b04/yearly) Want to support our mission? Become an Amigo de SVL. Your support keeps our journalism independent, our stories free, and our #CreoEnTi programs and community events alive. Amigo de SVL: [https://svlatino.com/collections/join-our-tribe/products/amigo-de-svl](https://svlatino.com/#/portal/signup/6a8e00f723b28c0001855fa0/monthly) ### ***Juntos Adelante. Because silence is complicity. And so is inaction.*** ### What Home Means to Me URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/raices/what-home-means-to-me/ Last updated: 2026-10-07T23:50:17.000Z Your browser does not support the audio element. ### **PUBLISHER'S NOTE** *Today's essay in our Home series comes from Francisco Jiménez, longtime SVL Executive Cultura Ambassador and author of The Circuit, the acclaimed memoir of his childhood as a migrant farmworker, read in classrooms across the country for over two decades. A professor emeritus at Santa Clara University, Francisco has been part of the SVL comunidad for years, and his reflection on home carries the weight of a life spent writing his way back to it.* --- When I think about what home means to me, I realize that home is much more than a physical place. My understanding of home has been shaped by my childhood as a migrant farmworker, by my family's search for stability, and by my later reflections on those experiences. I believe home has three essential dimensions: being and identity, place, and community. Home begins with who we are, our physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual selves. It is also the place where we live, the space that provides security, familiarity, and a sense of belonging. And it extends beyond our immediate surroundings to the many communities of which we are a part. For my father, home was Mexico, the land of his birth. Although he lived and worked in the United States, he never felt completely at home here. He dreamed of working, saving money, and eventually returning to Mexico with his family. Mexico remained his home in his mind and in his heart. For my mother, home was wherever our family was together. Whether we lived in an old garage, a tent, or a dilapidated labor camp, she called each place nuestra casa, our home. When we lost our possessions in a fire, she reminded us that we were safe and that we still had one another. For her, family was what made a place home. My own understanding of home was different. As a child, I longed for a permanent place to live. I wanted stability, especially so that I could attend school without interruption. Moving from place to place and missing weeks of school each year made me yearn for a place I could call my own. Even the small possessions I carried with me, my collection of pennies and my little vocabulary notebook, gave me a sense of continuity and belonging. Eventually, my family found a more permanent home at Bonetti Ranch. Although we lived in an old, run-down army barrack, we transformed it into a home through our work and care. For the first time, I could attend school from beginning to end. That stability meant a great deal to me. Yet when I left home for college, I discovered that home could also be found in memory. I missed my family and longed to be with them again. As I reflected on my childhood and began writing about those experiences, I discovered that my memories connected me to my family, my past, and my identity. Writing became a way of going home. Today, I understand home as place, community, and, most importantly, being and identity. Home is also memory and history. It is not simply where we live, it is where we belong, where we find meaning, and where we carry the people and experiences that have shaped us. In many ways, my life has been a search for home. As a child, I left one place after another longing for permanence. Later, while away at college and writing about my childhood, I discovered that I could carry home within me. **I left home to find home.** --- Stories like this don't tell themselves. SVL has spent over a decade making the invisible visible, celebrating Latino excellence, naming hard truths, and calling our comunidad to action. Independent Latino journalism only survives when the community it serves decides it's worth protecting. There are two ways to stand with us: Are you a Latino professional, entrepreneur, or leader ready to be celebrated? Become a Cultura Ambassador, SVL's official community membership for Latino leaders who are ready to have their story told, their work amplified, and their excellence made visible. Cultura Ambassador link: [https://svlatino.com/collections/join-our-tribe](https://svlatino.com/#/portal/signup/6a8db2d43e7c840008178b04/yearly) Want to support our mission? Become an Amigo de SVL. Your support keeps our journalism independent, our stories free, and our #CreoEnTi programs and community events alive. Amigo de SVL link: [https://svlatino.com/collections/join-our-tribe/products/amigo-de-svl](https://svlatino.com/#/portal/signup/6a8e00f723b28c0001855fa0/monthly) ### Juntos Adelante. Because silence is complicity. And so is inaction. ### #HispanicHeritageMonth #JuntosAdelante #WeAreSVL #Raíces ### Where Home Really Is URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/raices/where-home-really-is/ Last updated: 2026-10-05T16:41:03.000Z Your browser does not support the audio element. ### **Publisher's Note** *Our Home series continues with an essay by* [*Nancy Marmolejo*](https://svlatino.com/blogs/cultura-ambassador/she-learned-to-read-people-at-a-flea-market-now-shes-teaching-leaders-how-to-listen)*, SVL Executive Cultura Ambassador. It moves through a crossed-out address book, a grandmother's rosary and stolen sip of margarita, and a year spent as her mother's caregiver, arriving at a definition of home that has nothing to do with walls at all.* --- Before email, laptops, and smartphones, people wrote your contact information into an address book. Divided up in alphabetical order, you'd thumb through until you found the person you needed to call or send a card to. We all had one, filled with pages and pages of addresses and phone numbers. There were no backups except for maybe the list of emergency contacts taped on the wall next to the phone. I was the person whose address got crossed out and updated so many times that an extra piece of note paper had to be slipped into the pages to list my current whereabouts. Being a young adult in 1980s San Francisco, it wasn't uncommon to move a few times a year for any host of reasons: lower rent, better landlord, new roommates, nightlife, safety, public transportation, parking if you had a car. To my family across the bridge not living the bohemian life, I drove them crazy. Crossed out address after crossed out address, new phone number after new phone number. It took commitment to stay connected. I knew how to make any space mine by bringing in my plants, my favorite art, the cool chest I found on the street and painted. These were places I stayed but always knew were temporary. Home was something completely different. ### The One Constant The home I grew up in stayed the one constant in my 20-something nomadic life. It was the place I could always return to and be welcomed. There was always food for at least eight people (even when it was just my two parents living there), the latest family gossip, updates on my mom's garden, and tales of sinister squirrels who stripped the fruit trees bare. My childhood home remained that one stable place, no matter how often I packed up and moved from apartment to apartment. It was a home where anyone in our family, sometimes even non-family, could find shelter and respite during hard times, transitions, breakups, divorces, all of it. No questions asked, just remember to pick up your plate from the table and put it in the sink. The best memories were when my grandmother came to live there when she was 95\. She'd shuffle through the house, rosary beads in hand, happily being served by my mom while simultaneously commenting in Spanish on her every move. My dad would slip a margarita over to settle her down, her eyes delighted by the scandal of it all. My grandmother was never a drinker but after two sips she'd start telling you about being crowned La Reina de las Fiestas Patrias as a teen, and how many suitors vied for her hand in marriage. Her face, mapped by wrinkles, her eyes fading, still held the joy of the youthful woman she'd been so long ago in Mexico. Years later, my father passed away, and suddenly my mom was living alone. And yet, she was still the woman with the house full of food, ready for anyone who stopped by, a spare room available if needed. With six kids and ten grandkids, there was no lack of traffic coming and going from the house. You'd get fed for sure, but you'd also get asked to carry a box, figure out the remote, or celebrate whatever was blooming in her garden. As time went on, my mother was diagnosed with stage 4 colorectal cancer. My life circumstances put me in yet another need to move, so I came home, this time with my ten-year-old daughter. Having watched my mom provide a home and hospitality to so many, it was now my turn to be the keeper of the home and to be her caregiver. We spent a remarkable year together. I took her to chemo, drove her wherever she wanted to go, watched classic movies with her, looked at old photos, and entertained the steady stream of family stopping by to visit. At the end, I took care of her every need, from physically carrying her frail body into bed, to administering morphine. It remains the most sacred and memorable year of my life. After my mom passed, my siblings and I made the decision to sell the house. It was a strange feeling giving up the place where so many memories were made, so many parties held, so many people housed. Our realtor advised us to update everything because, in his words, "it was stuck in a time warp." Yes, it was. Wood paneled walls, ancient linoleum floors, unfashionable carpets, and less than modern window coverings covered every surface. By the time the painters came, and the stager made the rooms into unrecognizable vignettes, the house no longer felt like the home where I grew up. It was a structure that housed our family for almost five decades, but now it was going to be a structure for someone else's next five decades. It was at that moment that I realized home is not a house, not a floor plan, not a yard with sinister squirrels and flowers blooming. Home, for me, was the feeling of being welcomed in no matter how life's circumstances were. It was a safe haven, a respite from the harshness of the world. It was acceptance, comfort, a hug. **For me, home is familia. It is where people love you no matter what, and where there is always a place set for you at the table.** --- Stories like this don't tell themselves. SVL has spent over a decade making the invisible visible, celebrating Latino excellence, naming hard truths, and calling our comunidad to action. Independent Latino journalism only survives when the community it serves decides it's worth protecting. ### There are two ways to stand with us: Are you a Latino professional, entrepreneur, or leader ready to be celebrated? Become a Cultura Ambassador, SVL's official community membership for Latino leaders who are ready to have their story told, their work amplified, and their excellence made visible. Cultura Ambassador link: [https://svlatino.com/collections/join-our-tribe](https://svlatino.com/#/portal/signup/6a8db2d43e7c840008178b04/yearly) Want to support our mission? Become an Amigo de SVL. Your support keeps our journalism independent, our stories free, and our #CreoEnTi programs and community events alive. Amigo de SVL link: [https://svlatino.com/collections/join-our-tribe/products/amigo-de-svl ](https://svlatino.com/#/portal/signup/6a8e00f723b28c0001855fa0/monthly ) ### **Juntos Adelante. Because silence is complicity. And so is inaction.** ### #HispanicHeritageMonth #JuntosAdelante #WeAreSVL #Raíces ### Two Flags, One Home URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/raices/two-flags-one-home/ Last updated: 2026-09-30T17:45:25.000Z Your browser does not support the audio element. *Today marks the start of National Hispanic Heritage Month, and with it, a new SVL series. We asked our Advisory Board, our guest writers, and our own team one question: what does "home" mean to you?* *We open the series with an essay by Eddie García, and it is a gift. A Sunday morning kitchen. A molcajete retired to a place of honor. A father who asked "are you mad at me?" with tears in his eyes from salsa that was too good to put down. It's the kind of memory that makes you homesick for a place you've never been.* It was any given Sunday. The unmistakable smell coming from the kitchen woke me up – chorizo and eggs, *papas*, and homemade flour tortillas. I wondered if I had died and gone to heaven. Rubbing my blurry eyes cleared up my vision. Nope. I wasn't dead. I was only 11 or 12, way too young for the graveyard. I was definitely in my bedroom at 48 Viewmont Avenue on the east side. Two single beds and a dresser dominated the space. A large Mexican flag hung on one wall, and a larger American flag graced another. On the remaining wall space, thumbtacks held up posters of Hank Aaron’s historic 715th home run, Pele’s famous bicycle kick, and a San Francisco Giants pennant. The cramped kitchen had just enough room for a refrigerator, a round table with a restaurant booth wrapped around one side, and a couple of chairs. On the narrow countertop squeezed between the fridge and the stove sat a coffee can of thickened grease from the previous meal, and a small radio tuned to KOFY 1050 AM – *Radio Español*. Sunday-morning sounds mingled with the scrumptious aroma coming from the kitchen. Chorizo and eggs sizzled in one cast-iron pan as the *papas* simmered in another. The music coming from the radio sounded like mariachis. I couldn't make out the tune, but I heard the melodic thumping of a *guitarrón* and the bright, brassy sound of trumpets, followed by the deep voice of a male disc jockey talking at warp speed, most likely introducing the next song or pitching sponsored products. On the counter space at the other side of the stove sat a bread box and a blender. There was a little room to lay down a *trapo* (dish rag) to stack freshly made tortillas straight from the round cast iron *comal* (griddle). My mouth watered with anticipation as I ran to the kitchen for a piping-hot tortilla with melted butter. Next to the blender was a retired *molcajete* (mortar and pestle). Mom used to make salsa in that *molcajete*, pressing the pestle into serrano chiles, onions, tomatoes, garlic, and cilantro. When the blender arrived in the late 1970s, the *molcajete* stayed to take a place of honor on the counter. I’ll never forget Mom’s beaming smile when she made salsa for the first time in the blender. It seemed like a historic moment on 48 Viewmont. By the time I was in the kitchen, gleefully savoring my tortilla-and-butter breakfast appetizer, Dad had been sitting in his spot at the end of the booth, sipping his third or fourth cup of coffee. He was already dressed for the day, wearing a button-down long-sleeved shirt, slacks, and dress shoes. He dressed like that even if he had no particular place to go in the morning. Mom put the finishing touches on breakfast, usually by warming the salsa in a small pot. Microwave ovens had not yet reached 48 Viewmont Avenue. Dad sat waiting to be served with a tortilla already in hand and a *trapo* at the side of the plate. God forbid if Mom gave him a paper napkin. She served healthy portions of *papas* and chorizo scrambled with eggs, and cold milk for me, Stevie, and our little sister, Sisi (her birth name is Maria Elena, but that is a story in and of itself). Dad’s breakfast was always a special order. He liked his eggs sunny-side-up with a portion of fried chorizo and *papas* on the side. Mom walked over to his spot with the sizzling salsa still in the little pot, then poured the spicy sauce over Dad’s sunny-side-up eggs and *papas*. I tried Mom’s salsa once, just a tiny bit of juice without seeds at the tip of my tongue. It was ridiculously and unbearably spicy. I am positive I lost quite a few taste buds from that experience. Dad loved when Mom made outrageously hot salsa. He sat hunched over his plate, beads of sweat forming on his bald forehead. His eyes watered as if he had been crying for days. Tamping down his forehead with the *trapo*, he would look up at Mom with a mischievous chuckle and jokingly ask her, “Are you mad at me?” He followed up with, “Man, this salsa is GOOD!” Stevie would take a couple of teaspoons; Sisi never got an offer of salsa, and I always declined. My inner voice said that the spicy sauce that almost made Dad go into convulsions had no business landing on my plate. I loved my taste buds just the way they were. I eventually grew up and got an education, started a family, built a career, and moved to a “nicer” neighborhood. No matter where I may be, “home” will always be family, Mexican music, and the aroma of fresh tortillas and comfort food. As xenophobic scaremongers once again place blame for their woes on our community, we are comforted that home will be our safe harbor. Our community is resilient. We have faith. We have hope. We are home. ***Somos Americanos*.** We are Americans. We always have been. **Stories like this don't tell themselves.** SVL has spent over a decade making the invisible visible, celebrating Latino excellence, naming hard truths, and calling our comunidad to action. Independent Latino journalism only survives when the community it serves decides it's worth protecting. There are two ways to stand with us: Are you a Latino professional, entrepreneur, or leader ready to be celebrated? Become a Cultura Ambassador, SVL's official community membership for Latino leaders who are ready to have their story told, their work amplified, and their excellence made visible. Cultura Ambassador link: [https://svlatino.com/collections/join-our-tribe](https://svlatino.com/#/portal/signup/6a8db2d43e7c840008178b04/yearly) Want to support our mission? Become an Amigo de SVL. Your support keeps our journalism independent, our stories free, and our #CreoEnTi programs and community events alive. Amigo de SVL link: [https://svlatino.com/collections/join-our-tribe/products/amigo-de-svl](https://svlatino.com/#/portal/signup/6a8e00f723b28c0001855fa0/monthly) **Juntos Adelante. Because silence is complicity. And so is inaction.** #HispanicHeritageMonth #SomosAmericanos #WeAreAmerica #JuntosAdelante #WeAreSVL ### We Are the Economy Too: What $1.26 Billion Tells Us About Who Powers Cook County URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/business/1-26-billion-gone-the-university-study-that-finally-puts-a-number-on-what-we-already-knew/ Last updated: 2026-10-09T16:48:05.000Z Your browser does not support the audio element. *A new University of Illinois Chicago study set out to measure the cost of fear. What it actually proved is something Latino families have always known: we do not just support our own comunidad. We help power the entire regional economy, and when we pull back, everyone feels it.* ### **The number** $1.26 billion. That is the estimated amount of retail and restaurant commerce lost across Cook County, Illinois during the first year of heightened federal immigration enforcement, according to [Hunkering Down: The Hidden Economic Cost](https://greatcities.uic.edu/news-stories/hunkering-down-the-hidden-economic-cost-of-federal-immigration-enforcement-in-cook-county-il/) of Federal Immigration Enforcement in Cook County, IL, published September 8, 2026, by UIC's Great Cities Institute. The study used weekly foot-traffic data to track something specific: how often residents of neighborhoods with a high share of Latin America born residents traveled outside those neighborhoods to shop, eat, and spend. Before January 2025, that travel was routine. Nearly four in ten visits from these neighborhoods crossed into other parts of the county. Then the trips stopped. ### **This is not a story about Latino neighborhoods. It is a story about the whole county.** Here is the finding that should reframe how we talk about this. Visits to businesses inside Latino neighborhoods stayed essentially unchanged. The real damage landed somewhere else: in suburban retail corridors, at businesses owned by people of every background, who depend on Latino customers walking through their doors. **The suburban retail decline was more than twice as large as the decline in Chicago proper.** > *"If there's this idea that Latin American born or neighborhoods with high Latin American born shares of the population are in some way isolated, or maybe they're insular. It's not true."* > > *\- Matthew Wilson, Associate Director, Great Cities Institute, UIC* Latino families were never a separate economy sitting off to the side. We were, and are, customers at the same breweries, diners, hardware stores, and strip malls as everyone else in the county. When fear pulled that spending back, it did not just cost Latino neighborhoods. It cost the businesses that never thought of themselves as depending on us at all. ### **Fear, not budgets** Essential trips, to grocery stores, pharmacies, gas stations, banks, and healthcare providers, fell by 7.7 percent. That is nearly as steep as the drop in discretionary restaurant and retail spending. If this were about tighter household budgets, essential spending should have held steady while discretionary spending dropped. It did not. Both fell together, which points to something else entirely: fear of moving through unfamiliar areas at all. > *"I have to go grocery shopping, but I haven't. What if ICE is there?"* > > *\- Caridad, a Chicago waitress, via* [*NPR*](https://www.npr.org/2026/09/08/nx-s1-5955787/new-report-shows-the-economic-toll-of-ice-raids)*, September 8, 2026* That is not an economic calculation. That is a family deciding it is safer to go without than to risk the drive to the store. Multiply that decision across hundreds of thousands of households, and the county loses $1.26 billion. ### **The math the county cannot ignore** Researchers checked whether that missing spending simply moved somewhere else inside the county. It did not. The Great Cities Institute found no evidence the activity relocated. It was not delayed. It was not redirected. It was gone. Cook County lost an estimated $107 million in local sales tax revenue, money that funds schools, streets, and services used by every resident of the county, Latino and non-Latino alike. ### **The money did not move. It disappeared.** One detail in the study is easy to miss, and it matters. This was not a story of Latino families simply shifting where they spent, pulling back from suburban stores and redirecting that same money to Latino owned businesses closer to home instead, the very thing SVL and organizations across the country promote and advocate for every single day. Visits to businesses inside Latino neighborhoods stayed essentially flat. The money did not move. It disappeared. That distinction matters. Even the safest, most trusted option, a neighbor's shop, a familiar face, a business built by someone who looks like them, was not enough to bring people out of their homes. This was not a community making a calculated choice about where to shop. This was a community choosing not to leave home at all. We are not a separate economy operating alongside everyone else's. We are part of the same one: the same stores, the same restaurants, the same breweries, the same tax base that funds the same schools and streets. When fear drives us out of that shared economy, the county doesn't lose a Latino problem. It loses $1.26 billion, $107 million in tax revenue, and the customers that suburban businesses, owned by every background, actually depend on. ### **The pattern beyond Chicago** Cook County is not an isolated case. Minneapolis estimates total economic damage from ICE enforcement sweeps at nearly $700 million, with small businesses losing more than $81 million in revenue in a single month. A Brookings Institution analysis found a roughly 1.7 percentage point decline in aggregate consumer spending across states with high enforcement activity. In SVL's own Latino Business Survey, conducted in November and December 2025 across California, Oregon, Texas, Florida, and North Carolina, business owners named immigration enforcement and declining consumer confidence among their top concerns. Not as political opinions. As daily business realities they were already living. ### **Closer to home: what we heard directly** This pattern is not abstract to us. In June 2025, SVL reported directly from Los Angeles on what Latino owned businesses themselves were experiencing under the same enforcement climate this UIC study now measures at the county level. A bakery owner in Boyle Heights told us: "I built this business over 15 years. I lost half my staff in one day." She called it worse than COVID. Juan Ibarra, who owns a produce market, watched daily revenue fall from $2,000 to $300\. A restaurant owner reported losing $7,000 a week. Luis, a hot dog vendor, described a severe and immediate drop in income. > *"Employees are scared, tenants are scared and customers are scared. We are all indirectly impacted by the raids and what this administration is doing to our community."* > > *\- Barney Santos, LA County Department of Economic Development, speaking directly to SVL* Two different studies, two different cities, the same pattern: fear moves through a community and the economy feels it, whether the business owner is Latino or not. ### **What you can do** Every dollar spent at a Latino owned business is proof of what this report already shows: that our comunidad is not separate from the American economy. We are one of the engines that keeps it running. Shop. Visit ShopLatino.Market to find and support Latino owned businesses near you. Every purchase keeps that engine turning. Share this article. The more people understand how connected we all actually are, the harder it becomes to treat this as someone else's problem. Read the full UIC report at [greatcities.uic.edu](https://svlatino.com/blogs/business/greatcities.uic.edu). Stories like this don't tell themselves. SVL has spent over a decade making the invisible visible, celebrating Latino excellence, naming hard truths, and calling our comunidad to action. Independent Latino journalism only survives when the community it serves decides it's worth protecting. There are two ways to stand with us: Are you a Latino professional, entrepreneur, or leader ready to be celebrated? Become a Cultura Ambassador, SVL's official community membership for Latino leaders who are ready to have their story told, their work amplified, and their excellence made visible. [Become a Cultura Ambassador ](#/portal/signup/6a8db2d43e7c840008178b04/yearly) Want to support our mission? Become an Amigo de SVL. Your support keeps our journalism independent, our stories free, and our #CreoEnTi programs and community events alive. [Become an Amigo de SVL](#/portal/signup/6a8e00f723b28c0001855fa0/monthly) Juntos Adelante. Because silence is complicity. And so is inaction. ### **Sources** Great Cities Institute, University of Illinois Chicago. Hunkering Down: The Hidden Economic Cost of Federal Immigration Enforcement in Cook County, IL. September 8, 2026. NPR. New report shows the economic toll of ICE raids. September 8, 2026. Brookings Institution. ICE Enforcement Employment Effects in U.S. Cities. City of Minneapolis. Economic impact assessment, January 2025. SVL Latino Business Survey. November to December 2025. Silicon Valley Latino. When Resilience Is Raided: The Unseen Toll on Latino Entrepreneurs. June 17, 2025. Reuters. Immigration raids in Los Angeles hit small business owners: It's worse than COVID. June 17, 2025. **#LatinoBusinessGap #ShopLatino #SVLVoices #JuntosAdelante #WeAreSVL #WeAreAmerica** ### Why the Mexica Story Matters URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/raices/why-the-mexica-story-matters/ Last updated: 2026-09-30T15:25:27.000Z Part 3: Why the Mexica Story Matters Your browser does not support the audio element. ### From Silicon Valley Latino This closes Volume 2 of Raíces. Historical memory shapes more than our understanding of the past. It influences identity, belonging, and what individuals and communities believe themselves capable of achieving. In the final installment of this three-part series, Salomón Quintero explains why he chose the Mexica as the subject of Flight of the Hummingbird, how their civilization has often been narrowly portrayed, and why recovering a fuller understanding of Indigenous history matters to Latino communities today. Missed the rest of the series? Read Part 1, From Activism to Ancestral Memory, and Part 2, Entering the Mexica World, at svlatino.com/blogs/raices. ### Author's Note Our history and culture shape self-esteem, belonging, and a sense of possibility. The images and narratives we encounter through education, entertainment, and the media influence how we understand who we are, where we came from, and what we might become. When the history of a people is ignored, distorted, or reduced to its most disturbing elements, something important is lost. Reclaiming a fuller understanding of the past allows us to recover some of what has been omitted, and to take greater pride in the depth and complexity of our cultural inheritance. ### Why the Mexica? Why, then, did I choose to write about the Mexica rather than the Maya, Inca, Zapotec, or one of the many other peoples who created extraordinary civilizations in the Americas? It was not because the Mexica were more worthy of attention. Each civilization developed its own political, artistic, intellectual, and spiritual traditions. The Maya world, for example, extended across a vast region and a long span of history, encompassing numerous city-states whose fortunes rose and fell over centuries. Its achievements in writing, mathematics, astronomy, architecture, and art were extraordinary. The Mexica offered a different kind of narrative. Their rise from migrants entering the Valley of Mexico to the dominant power of a far-reaching tributary empire occurred within a comparatively compressed period. Their capital, Tenochtitlán, became one of the great cities of its time. Their world brought together military ambition, commerce, education, poetry, philosophy, monumental art, religious obligation, and political power, and then confronted a sudden upheaval that transformed it forever. ### A civilization seen through its destruction For many people, the story of the Mexica begins with human sacrifice and ends with Hernán Cortés. The civilization that existed beyond those subjects receives far less attention. Its people become figures in the story of the Spanish conquest rather than protagonists in their own history. The Mexica built an intricate social and political world. Tenochtitlán rose on islands in Lake Texcoco, linked to the mainland by causeways and threaded with canals that carried people and goods through the capital. Roads across the empire enabled merchants, messengers, tribute bearers, and armies to travel between distant communities. At the great marketplace of Tlatelolco, tens of thousands of buyers and sellers traded goods arranged by type while officials maintained order and resolved disputes. The Mexica cultivated chinampas, educated their children, trained artists and scribes, maintained diplomatic and tributary relationships, and developed traditions of poetry and philosophical reflection. The Mexica were also an imperial and warlike society. They conquered other peoples, demanded tribute, and practiced human sacrifice. In Flight of the Hummingbird, I detail two specific sacrifices to enable the reader to understand the beliefs and feelings of the people about these events. ### An Indigenous inheritance Not every Latino or Chicano person is a direct descendant of the Mexica. Before Europeans arrived, the Americas were home to a vast number of distinct peoples, languages, histories, and cultures, many of which remain alive today. Those differences should be recognized rather than collapsed into a single identity. Yet the Mexica story belongs to a larger Indigenous history of the Americas, one through which we can explore our relationship to this hemisphere and its past. ### Restoring human dimension Historical fiction cannot reproduce the past with certainty. The interior lives of people who died five centuries ago cannot be fully recovered, but fiction can use research and informed imagination to explore the human possibilities within the historical record. Archaeology can tell us what objects people made, what foods they ate, how they constructed their city, and how they treated their dead. Codices and historical accounts can preserve names, dates, events, rituals, and beliefs. Fiction can bring these forms of evidence together and ask a different set of questions: What might it have felt like to inhabit that world? How did people understand their duties to family, community, ruler, and gods? What did they fear, desire, regret, and hope to become? I wanted readers to meet Mexica parents and children, artists and merchants, teachers and students, priests and warriors, people moved by ambition, loyalty, tenderness, grief, duty, fear, and love. I also wanted to portray a world in which art, philosophy, religion, and daily life were closely connected. A crafted object could carry spiritual meaning. A flower could become a metaphor for beauty and impermanence. A dream or omen could influence a political decision. Poetry could ask whether anything on earth truly lasts. These dimensions do not erase conquest or sacrifice. They restore the humanity that disappears when a civilization is reduced to those subjects alone. ### History through Huitzilin's eyes I have always believed that history should be told, whenever possible, through the experiences of the people who lived it. Wars, disasters, famines, migrations, and the ambitions of rulers are often presented as a sequence of dates and decisions. Yet history is also what happened to ordinary people whose lives were changed by those events. Historical fiction allows me to approach the past from that perspective. It cannot recover with certainty the private thoughts of people who lived five centuries ago. It can, however, draw upon research and informed imagination to ask what historical events might have looked and felt like to the people who lived it. Huitzilin is the witness through whom readers experience the Mexica world. He does not observe its history from a distance; he is drawn into its schools, friendships, wars, councils, and moments of crisis. The war with Tlatelolco is therefore not presented merely as a military conflict between neighboring cities. Readers experience it through Huitzilin's eyes and thoughts as he enters combat for the first time, confronts fear and violence, and captures his first prisoner. The public event becomes a personal threshold that changes his understanding of warfare, honor, and himself. After gaining admission to the royal Calmecac school, Huitzilin befriends future rulers Axayacatl and Ahuítzotl. He knows them first as fellow students, not as names in a royal succession. Through their friendships, rivalries, and education, readers encounter the formative experiences behind the rulers they will become. As an elder, Huitzilin serves among the Teuctlatoque, the council of senior advisors, when reports arrive of Hernán Cortés and strangers approaching from the eastern sea. Through him, readers witness the debate over whether the strangers are gods or powerful humans, and watch Moctezuma's anguish and indecision as he struggles to interpret incomplete reports, weigh competing advice, and confront a danger for which neither precedent nor prophecy provides certainty. The rulers and wars are historical. Huitzilin is imagined. But, through his eyes, I seek to tell history as lived experience: how the ambitions of rulers reach into households, how public events alter private lives, and how a person attempts to find meaning while the world around him is changing. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/1969-Malaquias-Montoya-poster.jpg) That is the task I gave myself as a novelist: not to write a history textbook, but to enter the Mexica world through one life and allow readers to walk in the shoes of someone living it. ### Why cultural memory matters The questions that drew me into the Chicano movement as a young man continue to shape my thinking: Whose histories are taught? Whose accomplishments are remembered? Who is given the opportunity to recognize themselves in the story of the past? For Latino readers, learning about the civilizations of the Americas can open a broader understanding of identity. It can remind us that the history of this hemisphere did not begin with European arrival and that the people who lived here created cities, governments, philosophies, works of art, and systems of knowledge long before the conquest. That knowledge does not dictate who we are. It gives us more with which to understand ourselves. To reclaim the Mexica story is not to seek refuge in an idealized past. It is to encounter that past honestly and completely, to acknowledge achievement alongside violence, beauty alongside suffering, and humanity amid contradiction. Historical memory shapes living identity. When we see ancestral worlds in their fullness, we expand the possibilities through which we understand both the past and ourselves. That is why the Mexica story matters. ### Get the Book Flight of the Hummingbird: An Aztec Tale of Fire and Rain and the End of the Fifth Sun by Salomón Quintero is a multigenerational historical novel set in the Mexica world before, during, and after the arrival of the Spanish. Narrated by Huitzilin, “the Hummingbird,” the novel follows one family's rise from the chinampas of Tenochtitlán into the worlds of art, commerce, education, warfare, diplomacy, and imperial power as omens darken the sky and strangers approach from the eastern sea. The novel is enriched with fifty color images from fifteenth- and sixteenth-century codices. Purchase on IngramSpark: ### **Stories like this don't tell themselves.** SVL has spent over a decade making the invisible visible, celebrating Latino excellence, naming hard truths, and calling our comunidad to action. Independent Latino journalism only survives when the community it serves decides it's worth protecting. There are two ways to stand with us: Are you a Latino professional, entrepreneur, or leader ready to be celebrated? Become a Cultura Ambassador, SVL's official community membership for Latino leaders who are ready to have their story told, their work amplified, and their excellence made visible. Cultura Ambassador: [https://svlatino.com/collections/join-our-tribe](https://svlatino.com/#/portal/signup/6a8db2d43e7c840008178b04/yearly) Want to support our mission? Become an Amigo de SVL. Your support keeps our journalism independent, our stories free, and our #CreoEnTi programs and community events alive. No spotlight required. Just solidarity. Amigo de SVL: [https://svlatino.com/collections/join-our-tribe/products/amigo-de-svl](https://svlatino.com/#/portal/signup/6a8e00f723b28c0001855fa0/monthly) ***Juntos Adelante. Because silence is complicity. And so is inaction.*** ### Entering the Mexica World: Flight of the Hummingbird URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/raices/entering-the-mexica-world-flight-of-the-hummingbird/ Last updated: 2026-09-28T21:55:15.000Z Your browser does not support the audio element. *Part 2: Entering the Mexica World* **From Silicon Valley Latino** *"Most accounts of the Aztecs begin with conquest or sacrifice. I wanted to begin with a human voice." In Part 2 of his Raíces series, Salomón Quintero takes us inside the language and art of Flight of the Hummingbird, walking through the novel's central artistic figure — a farm boy turned philosopher-artisan — and the poetry that carries its meditation on beauty and mortality.* Missed Part 1? Read or Listen to [*From Activism to Ancestral Memory: Why I Wrote Flight of the Hummingbird*](https://svlatino.com/blogs/raices/from-activism-to-ancestral-memory-why-i-wrote-flight-of-the-hummingbird). **Author's Note** Most accounts of the Aztecs begin with conquest or sacrifice. I wanted to begin with a human voice. The narrator of Flight of the Hummingbird is Huitzilin, whose name means "Hummingbird." Through him, the reader enters a world in which family, education, art, religion, commerce, warfare, and political power are inseparable from a larger sacred order. Huitzilin introduces himself this way: *I am Huitzilin, born in the shadow of the temple, where silence is speech and wind carries memory. My story is not carved in stone nor sung in schools—it lives in the hands of my mother, in the sweat of my father, in the choices I made when no one was watching.* *If you will walk with me, I will show you what it means to live between myth and blood, between duty and desire. For this is not a tale of gods, but of a man who listened.* The phrase "a man who listened" is important. Huitzilin lives in a culture in which truth is not understood solely through observable facts. It may also be encountered through poetry, dreams, ritual, nature, inherited memory, and the disciplined interpretation of signs. The novel's language reflects that sensibility. Mexica speech often communicated through metaphor, parallel images, and paired ideas. Flowers and songs could represent poetry and truth. A face and a heart could suggest identity and moral character. Fire and water—opposing forces brought together—could express conflict, transformation, or war. These ideas were not abstractions removed from daily life. They shaped how people learned, worked, worshiped, governed, and created. **The artist as philosopher** One of the novel's central figures is Huitzilin's father, Cuauhtli. Born on the chinampas, he begins life far from the imperial elite. A chance encounter leads him to the craft of jewelry making, but technical mastery alone does not make him a true artist. His education becomes a spiritual and philosophical discipline. His mentor, Tlacaelel tells him: *"Chalchihuitl has taught you to carve what can be seen—flowers, birds, jaguars, eagles. But true artistry is not in what the eye beholds. Skill is only the skin of art. The heart of art is philosophy. You must learn to shape what is unseen."* Cuauhtli learns that the artist is not merely an inventor or decorator. He is an interpreter—someone who gives visible form to truths that cannot easily be spoken. *From Tlacaelel he learned: "You are not the source. You are the mirror. And a mirror must be clean."* *So, my father began to fast before he worked. At first, hunger gnawed at his belly like a running bear. But once his body grew quiet, his thoughts stopped chattering. In the silence, he saw: his jewelry must not just please the eye; it must carry truth. It must be beauty that invites reflection on life and death, on the fleeting and the eternal.* *From that moment, my father's jewelry began to whisper of the fleeting, of longing, of transformation. He learned to inlay not only color, but absence. In time, he discovered that the sacred artist lives between worlds—order and chaos, creation and destruction, light and shadow. He no longer carved hummingbirds; he carved flight.* Cuauhtli's transformation allowed me to explore an idea that I find especially compelling: art does not simply represent a thing. At its highest level, it reveals the invisible meaning within that thing. *He would light the copal and sit cross-legged before the empty brazier, eyes closed, listening—not with his ears but with his bones. Slowly, images would rise: not drawings, but sensations. The cool drip of water on obsidian. The flare of a hummingbird's chest in the sun. The silence of a cave where breath echoes.* *From these felt images, the design would emerge. In that blurring of vision and hand, he felt the gods moving through him. The piece was not made; it was received.* *"You no longer create for praise, Cuauhtli. You create to speak what cannot be spoken. Your hands do not decorate; they interpret. What you shape binds sky to earth, gods to men, the fleeting to the eternal. From this day you are Toltecatl—philosopher-artisan. Through wisdom and discipline, your art reveals hidden truth and carries the balance of the cosmos."* Cuauhtli's journey also embodies one of the questions underlying the novel: Could talent, discipline, and unexpected opportunity allow a person to transcend the social position into which he was born? His ascent does not happen because the rules of Mexica society disappear. It occurs through the exceptions, relationships, encounters, and acts of recognition that complicate every human society. **Poetry in the presence of death** Mexica poetry repeatedly returns to the fleeting nature of earthly existence. Flowers bloom and wither. Jade may break. Feathers may be torn apart. Human beings live only briefly upon the earth. Yet impermanence does not make beauty meaningless. It makes beauty precious. In the novel, Huitzilin delivers a eulogy for Nezahualcoyotl, the celebrated ruler, poet, and philosopher of Texcoco: *And now, he has gone there, where the precious birds sing, where the fragrant flowers bloom in the land of abundant joy.* *May he walk among the shimmering dew, where the sun's rays sparkle beneath the rainbow mist, where the sacred songs never cease.* *May he gather beauty in the folds of his cloak.* *His voice is no longer bound to earth. It rises in the wind, in the petals, in the silence between verses.* This relationship among beauty, mortality, and memory runs throughout Flight of the Hummingbird. The novel follows a family striving to create lives of meaning even as the world around them moves toward destruction. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/822_Kirkus_728x250_Quintero-_FLIGHT_OF_THE_HUMMINGBIRD_600x600.jpg) I hope readers will enter that world not as spectators observing a vanished civilization, but as companions walking beside people who loved, grieved, created, struggled, and searched for meaning—as human beings continue to do. **Get the Book** *Flight of the Hummingbird: An Aztec Tale of Fire and Rain and the End of the Fifth Sun* by Salomón Quintero follows four generations of a Mexica family from the chinampas of Tenochtitlán to the court of Emperor Moctezuma II. The novel is enriched with fifty color images from fifteenth- and sixteenth-century codices. Purchase on IngramSpark: [Buy Now — Flight of the Hummingbird](https://shop.ingramspark.com/b/084?params=QuxJVgZm2sMlCbVloOELHwIcn3HpNXX0ZjhAwUW1YbD) ***Stories like this don't tell themselves.*** SVL has spent over a decade making the invisible visible — celebrating Latino excellence, naming hard truths, and calling our comunidad to action. Independent Latino journalism only survives when the community it serves decides it's worth protecting. **There are two ways to stand with us:** **Are you a Latino professional, entrepreneur, or leader ready to be celebrated?** Become a Cultura Ambassador — SVL's official community membership for Latino leaders who are ready to have their story told, their work amplified, and their excellence made visible. Cultura Ambassador: [svlatino.com/collections/join-our-tribe](https://svlatino.com/#/portal/signup/6a8db2d43e7c840008178b04/yearly) **Want to support our mission?** Become an Amigo de SVL. Your support keeps our journalism independent, our stories free, and our #CreoEnTi programs and community events alive. No spotlight required. Just solidarity. Amigo de SVL: [svlatino.com/collections/join-our-tribe/products/amigo-de-svl](https://svlatino.com/#/portal/signup/6a8e00f723b28c0001855fa0/monthly) ***Juntos Adelante. Because silence is complicity. And so is inaction.*** ### Jessica Ruvalcaba - Cultura Ambassador URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/latinos-in-tech/jessica-ruvalcaba-cultura-ambassador-makes-career-change/ Last updated: 2026-09-11T19:15:19.000Z We are excited to announce that Cultura Ambassador, Jessica Ruvalcaba, will be joining Samsung SDS America as their new senior marketing manager. Jessica has been with Cisco since 2010 where she started as an MBA intern. Shortly, there after Jessica was promoted as a marketing manager for the Americas in 2011 and has serve on Cisco’s Employee Resource Organization (Conexion) as the Director of Talent Pipeline. [![Jessica](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/727_IMG_0629-300x285.jpg)](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/728%5FIMG%5F0629.jpg)Jessica is an enthusiastic marketer who strives to inspire her team and has been passionate about delivering great results for Cisco’s partners, the field, and community. She contributed to Cisco’s mid-market growth by implementing marketing strategies that align to Cisco’s mid-market goals. Under Jessica’s leadership as the Director of Talent Pipeline for Conexion she has produced excellent results by delivering strategic events and strengthening relationships with key internal and external stakeholders. Her efforts are focused on closing the STEM skills gap and engaging top prospects to contribute to Cisco’s growth, innovation, and competitiveness. Jessica has been instrumental in engaging Silicon Valley Latino as a partner to Conexion with several activities such as the Conexion High School Career Fairs. Please join us in congratulating Jessica on her achievements, as well as in wishing her all the best and continued success with her new endeavor. Adelante Jessica! ### Afro-Latina Leadership Making History: Joseline Peña-Melnyk URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/business/afro-latina-leadership-making-history-joseline-pena-melnyk/ Last updated: 2026-09-11T19:15:21.000Z This week, *[*Joseline Peña-Melnyk*](https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseline-pe%C3%B1a-melnyk-008978308/)* made history as she was **unanimously elected Speaker of the Maryland House of Delegates**, becoming the **first Afro-Latina** to lead a legislative chamber in the state’s history. Born to Dominican immigrant parents and raised in Prince George’s County, Peña-Melnyk’s journey into public service is deeply rooted in community, education, and advocacy. Before entering elected office, she worked as a teacher and community leader — experiences that continue to shape her people-centered approach to governance. Since joining the Maryland General Assembly in 2007, Peña-Melnyk has built a reputation as a thoughtful, steady leader, particularly on issues impacting families, education, health equity, and economic opportunity. Her colleagues’ unanimous vote reflects both her legislative experience and the trust she has earned across the chamber. Her historic rise is about more than a title. It represents progress for **Latinas, Afro-Latinas, and communities of color** whose voices have too often been excluded from positions of institutional power. Peña-Melnyk’s leadership signals a growing recognition that inclusive governance strengthens democracy and leads to better outcomes for everyone. At Silicon Valley Latino, we believe moments like this matter — because representation at the highest levels of public service sends a clear message: **Latino leadership is shaping the future of this country, one institution at a time.** **#JuntosAdelante** ### Webee Founder, Cecilia Flores, Awarded $2 Million at Female Founders Competition URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/latinos-in-tech/webee-founder-cecilia-flores-awarded-2-million-at-female-founders-competition/ Last updated: 2026-09-11T19:15:33.000Z Four women-led startups, of which among them we find Cecilia Flores of Argentina, will receive a total of $6 million to scale their innovations from Microsoft’s venture capital arm, [Mayfield](https://www.mayfield.com/), and Pivotal Ventures, an organization founded by Melinda Gates. This past 15 of July the organizations unveiled this year’s winners of the Female Founders Competition, a program designed to expand access to capital for women entrepreneurs. Microsoft said last year that it would award $2 million each to two B2B enterprise startups and grant $1 million awards to two “deeptech” companies. Cecilia’s company [Webee](https://www.webee.io/), a Sunnyvale, Calif., startup provides an IoT no-coding end-to-end tool-set powered by AI, and Computer Vision, that allows simple connectivity through sensors and devices, intuitive data processing, and instant remote monitoring of operations. One example where you could find their technology is in the Farming Industry where the client could manage farming operations using advanced technology to track, monitor, automate and analyze operations efficiently and in real-time. ### Evelyn Brito leads the Bodega Makover Series! URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/creoenti-ambassador/evelyn-brito-leads-the-bodega-makover-series/ Last updated: 2026-09-11T19:15:56.000Z We are excited to highlight and promote Evelyn Brito who joins us a #CreoEnTi Ambassador once again! Read all about her and her series below! Evelyn Brito is the Executive Producer of the web series [Bodega Makeover](https://mybodegamakeover.com/). The first episode highlights the Vega Family in Roxbury, MA. The web series goal is to travel city to city to find bodegas in need and will soon be featured on Amazon Prime. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/629_DSC_8711_grande.jpg) The Bodega Makeover, similar to Extreme Makeover Home Edition, Hotel Impossible and This Old House, is a docu-reality web series highlighting the story of bodega owners. **The Bodega Makeover's use of storytelling motivates community organizations and corporate sponsors to participate in a bodega transformation.** The end game is not just to tell the stories of Hispanic and Urban communities, but to also promote healthier options. Evelyn's "aha moment" started with her daughter who was two at the time and a very picky eater. "She really took to eating vegetables. So she went to visit a few bodegas in the area, and couldn't find any fresh vegetables or fruit." Evelyn asked the bodegas, "Why don't you have any fresh fruits and vegetables here?" Growing up having her father and family working in bodegas she heard an answer that resonated throughout her life, "Our Bodega lacks the resources needed to provide healthier food options." In that moment Evelyn decided to break the cycle, her daughter's generation faces, and made it her mission to tell the bodega story. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/630_DSC_8812_grande.jpg) When Evelyn pitched the idea of a bodega web series, people laughed at her vision. She's not waiting for Hollywood to tell her story. She's creating her own path, and The Bodega Makeover is one step on that journey! ### Raising a Glass (and a Fork!) to Latino-Owned Businesses Making an Impact in Oregon URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/entrepreneur/raising-a-glass-and-a-fork-to-latino-owned-businesses-making-an-impact-in-oregon/ Last updated: 2026-09-11T19:15:59.000Z This week, we raise a glass (and a fork!) to several Latine-owned businesses from the Pacific Northwest (Oregon) whose dedication and craftsmanship reflect the best of who we are as a community — passionate, resilient, and proud. ### **Xicha Brewing — Salem, OR** More than a brewery, [Xicha Brewing](https://www.linkedin.com/company/xichabrewing/) is a cultural hub where craft beer meets Latin American cuisine and community. Founded by a team of proud Latinos, Xicha celebrates the joy of gathering, sharing stories, and embracing heritage one pint and plate at a time. *[Visit:](https://pjg5nwjab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001tmAqzTfKm99txdsXBUNMce7ABZcJIoZv9%5FYs4JZN45NC0xzopDvaiXGRA0znv8aN3HQCK-SvYrwPc7aPByC6r4rqtOBXOyByel3Os6kv3reVr6XvAOU4HflmhIUHW9qGImCsK8sHp28R8Xu3c1Nqdt-rVYppsVMB&c=&ch=)* [*xichabrewing.com*](http://xichabrewing.com/) ### **La Familia Cider — Salem, OR** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/546_554366519_18403295338186154_4491336058047360233_n_600x600.jpg) ###### Image: La Familia Cider Rooted in family and inspired by the flavors of traditional aguas frescas, [La Familia Cider](https://www.linkedin.com/company/la-familia-cider/) blends authentic Mexican tastes with the apples of the Pacific Northwest. Every sip is a toast to family, tradition, and the immigrant spirit that drives innovation and community. *[Visit:](https://pjg5nwjab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001tmAqzTfKm99txdsXBUNMce7ABZcJIoZv9%5FYs4JZN45NC0xzopDvaiXGRA0znv8aNYst6n0o94QEHl9eZ93BzAjYD9Fwksr-UgeSQqxmNwVkklc7f%5FGniWnMPvSPGcZrp6cgQkS3B6BBQA0mvEl%5F1ZDKVnXfHXGAj&c=&ch=)* [*lafamiliacider.com*](http://lafamiliacider.com/) ### **Dough Hook Bake Shop — McMinnville, OR** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/548_564575940_18145613143421951_7645602273173847120_n_600x600.jpg) ###### Image: Dough Hook Bake Shop A Latina-owned bakery that has become a local favorite, Dough Hook Bake Shop crafts small-batch pastries, breads, and sweet treats that bring warmth, comfort, and connection to its community. It’s a beautiful example of how food can unite and inspire. *[Visit:](https://pjg5nwjab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001tmAqzTfKm99txdsXBUNMce7ABZcJIoZv9%5FYs4JZN45NC0xzopDvaiXGRA0znv8aNwU3BMkgX7zp2txDJw1ZAq1Xa1gCvIxzIflM2KqR3PcqfI%5FoYgQYf637Y%5FwKRReoGC2XRQJwv%5FOf9xs04Jx2C0FAstnf7eoie&c=&ch=)* [*doughhookbakeshop.com*](http://doughhookbakeshop.com/) ### **Cramoisi Vineyard — Dundee Hills, OR** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/547_562637653_18367978807159202_205054654429200505_n_600x600.jpg) ###### Image: Cramoisi Vineyards Founded by [Sofia Torres - McKay](https://www.linkedin.com/in/sofia-torres-mckay-44a03315/), Cramoisi Vineyard is a boutique winery rooted in passion, sustainability, and family. From the red, iron-rich soils of Oregon’s Willamette Valley, Sophia and her team produce elegant, organic wines that blend heritage with craftsmanship — a true labor of love. *[Visit:](https://pjg5nwjab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001tmAqzTfKm99txdsXBUNMce7ABZcJIoZv9%5FYs4JZN45NC0xzopDvaiXGRA0znv8aNFDtjuQsSkY5oAWKPMCEJ1kWlyukhZHWaCvmQM38cJ4-rhjfv-8Ur1Gyo5Kx-gYUkeG8ezC53wPQlAcosj0Msd5JcXDI9-08G3KmsMi%5F763U=&c=&ch=)* [*cramoisivineyard.com*](http://cramoisivineyard.com/) From the vineyards and bakeries to cider houses and breweries, these Latine-owned businesses remind us how culture, tradition, and entrepreneurship intersect to enrich communities across the nation. As we like to say at Silicon Valley Latino, Hispanic Heritage Month may officially end — but for us, the celebration continues 365 days a year. Let’s keep supporting the dreamers and doers who bring flavor, culture, and heart to everything they create. Buy local and share these and your favorite latine owned businesses with the community #JuntosAdelante #HispanicHeritage365 #ShopLatinoMarket ### Walking Toward Belonging: The Story of Huellas Latinas URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/health-beauty/walking-toward-belonging-the-story-of-huellas-latinas/ Last updated: 2026-09-11T19:16:00.000Z In the heart of Minnesota, where lakes shimmer under long summer days and snow and ice blanket the trails in winter, a quiet movement is taking shape — one that’s redefining what it means to belong. **Huellas Latinas**, founded by Venezuelan urban planner **Luisana Mendez**, is more than a community hiking group; it’s a bridge between cultures, a pathway to healing, and a growing reminder that nature welcomes us all. Having lived in Minnesota during my years in the U.S. Coast Guard, I remember the people — grounded, generous, and always ready to share the beauty of their surroundings. I can still recall one cold winter day in Duluth, when I was invited to wander deep into the North Shore forests to hunt snowshoe hares and cottontail rabbits. The air was sharp and clear, the snow more like ice beneath our boots, and the silence of the boreal forest was both humbling and peaceful. That memory — of cold air, open sky, and quiet strength — came rushing back as I learned about Huellas Latinas and their work connecting our Latino community to the healing power of nature. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/739_IMG_1771_600x600.jpg) What began as one woman’s search for connection in a new place has evolved into an organization that empowers Latino immigrants to explore, breathe, and thrive outdoors. Through walks, hikes, and shared experiences, Huellas Latinas invites families to reconnect with themselves, their roots, and the land that now surrounds them. In her own words, Luisana shares how a simple act of walking became a movement — one that continues to inspire resilience, unity, and hope across Minnesota’s Latino community and beyond. **A Conversation with Luisana Mendez, Founder of Huellas Latinas** **When you first arrived in Minnesota and began hiking with friends, how did those early experiences shape your vision for Huellas Latinas, and how has that vision evolved over time?** I have to go a little further back. I first visited Minnesota in 2012, six years before I ever imagined living here. I was fascinated by how active people were—walking, biking, running around the lakes. I remember thinking, “One day, I’d love to do the same—to ride my bike around the lakes and feel that alive and connected.” Thoughts have power, and six years later, that dream became real. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/760_IMG_5021_600x600.jpg) As an urban planner, my vision has always been shaped by the idea of Sustainable Human Development—understanding and experiencing the city through our senses, connecting people to their environment in meaningful ways. When I moved to Minnesota, exploring every corner became a way to truly belong and make this place home. Deep down, I knew I wanted to continue working with the community, just as I did in my home country, Venezuela—but I didn’t yet know how. Then the pandemic came. Like many, I faced moments of anxiety and panic, and it was nature that held me through them. I discovered its incredible power to embrace, heal, and reconnect us. I used to joke that I wanted to become a “professional hiker,” but I soon started taking it seriously—reading books, watching documentaries, and setting my own hiking challenges. When I led my first walking program in Spanish in the city of Saint Paul, I met other Latinos who were also curious about exploring local parks. That’s where the idea for Huellas Latinas began — a group of friends walking together that eventually grew into a community movement. As immigrants, we are not all the same. We come for different reasons — some flee war or dictatorship, others move for education, work, or love. But no matter the reason, we all understand what it feels like to be far from home, from our language, our culture, and our loved ones. And at the same time, there are many reasons that keep us here, rebuilding and redefining what “home” means. That shared experience of distance, resilience, and hope is what connects us — and it’s from that understanding that Huellas Latinas was born: from the desire to create spaces where everyone, regardless of their story, can feel they belong again. Over time, I realized that enthusiasm wasn’t enough. We needed structure, trust, and purpose. That’s how Huellas Latinas became an organization dedicated to connecting the Latino community with nature — encouraging people to live active, mindful lives and build a stronger sense of belonging. What started as a personal wish to explore and connect has now become a collective mission: to open paths where others can find well-being, community, and purpose through nature. **Given the climate of immigration crackdowns and the fear among many in the Latinx community about participating in public activities, what has been the biggest challenge in sustaining community engagement — and how has the organization adapted or persevered through those pressures?** We deeply understand our community’s fears and the complex realities many Latino immigrants face. At Huellas Latinas, we don’t dismiss those concerns — we walk beside our community with empathy and intention. Creating trust has been our greatest challenge and our greatest responsibility. We’ve learned that participation begins with feeling safe — emotionally, culturally, and physically. That’s why every program we design is rooted in inclusion, respect, and belonging. Through nature, we’ve built bridges instead of barriers. The outdoors becomes a place where everyone can breathe freely, connect with others, and rediscover joy without fear. Over time, those shared experiences have helped our community heal, find confidence, and reclaim its space in public life. Even in the face of uncertainty, Huellas Latinas continues to grow — because nature not only recharges us; it unites us, fills us with peace and hope, and reminds us that together, we are stronger. **Can you share a particular story or moment that convinced you and the team that Huellas Latinas is making a lasting impact — and what is your vision for scaling or deepening that impact over the next 5 to 10 years?** There have been many moments that confirmed to us that Huellas Latinas is making a lasting impact, but a few have truly stayed in my heart. I remember a mother who came up to me after one of our family camping trips and said: *“This is the first time my family has ever gone camping. I never imagined we could do something like this. At first, no one wanted to come — and now, they don’t want to leave. These activities have saved and brought my family closer together.”* Another participant shared: “*For the past two years, I’ve been navigating my migration grief. I’ve tried to make friends, but it wasn’t until now, with you all, that I can finally say: I found my people.”* ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/763_IMG_5101_600x600.jpg) Stories like these remind us that our work goes far beyond organizing outdoor activities — it’s about creating spaces for healing, connection, and belonging. Nature becomes the setting where people not only explore parks but also rediscover themselves and their community. Over time, we’ve seen participants become volunteers, and some of those volunteers have joined our board of directors. This organic growth shows that Huellas Latinas doesn’t just inspire participation — it cultivates leadership and long-term commitment. Looking ahead to the next 5 to 10 years, our vision is to deepen and expand that impact: to strengthen educational programs that bridge culture and conservation, to nurture new green leaders within the Latino community, and to bring our experiences to more parks, schools, and cities. We want Huellas Latinas to stand as a national model for how connecting with nature can strengthen identity, well-being, and community leadership. Through the work of **Huellas Latinas**, Luisana and her team remind us that connection begins with a single step — on a trail, in a park, or within community. Whether you call Minnesota home or find yourself visiting the North Star State, take a moment to explore the trails and stories that Huellas Latinas is creating. To learn more or get involved, visit [**huellaslatinas.com**](https://huellaslatinas.com/en/?utm%5Fsource=chatgpt.com) and discover how this inspiring organization continues to leave footprints of hope, belonging, and resilience across Minnesota. ### Celebrating Paty Millán Montesinos Award-Winning Author, Technologist, and Trailblazing Latina Storyteller URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/art-culture/silicon-valley-latino-feature-celebrating-paty-millan-montesinos-award-winning-author-technologist-and-trailblazing-latina-storyteller/ Last updated: 2026-09-11T19:16:01.000Z Representation in literature—and especially children’s literature—is more than inclusion; it’s empowerment. Few embody this truth more beautifully than [Paty Millán Montesinos,](https://www.linkedin.com/in/patymillan/) whose bilingual books are helping children with vision impairments see themselves as heroes of their own stories. Her journey—from Latina technologist to award-winning author—is a testament to resilience, creativity, and the power of authentic storytelling. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/531_24d9023c-5120-4311-8db6-a15d85b25be0-1_all_260689_600x600.jpg) Recently recognized by the International Latino Book Awards, Paty’s latest bilingual children’s book, [I Love My Magical Eye Patch! (¡Amo mi Parche Mágico!](https://www.amazon.com/Love-My-Magical-Eye-Patch/dp/B0DLL99FVF), earned two awards, affirming her growing impact as both a writer and community advocate. In Paty’s own words: “As a Latina and a mother, being recognized by the International Latino Book Awards means so much more than an accolade—it represents a growing space for diversity in children’s literature. It shows that my son’s story resonates with others as one of inspiration, resilience, and the beauty of embracing our differences. It reinforces the importance of teaching our little one’s empathy, mindfulness, and inclusion from an early age.” Paty’s journey from technologist to author embodies the spirit of innovation and purpose that defines our community. “As a technologist-turned-author, this recognition also validates that our career paths don’t have to follow a single mold. We already wear many hats—let’s silence that imposter syndrome and keep creating, innovating, and sharing our stories. Don’t let self-doubt stop you from solving problems or expressing your voice.” Her inspiration stems from her son’s journey with Coats’ Disease, a rare eye condition affecting only one in 100,000 people—mostly children. Through her writing, Paty ensures that children living with vision impairments can finally see themselves represented in the stories they read. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/489_1000054796_600x600.jpg) “Both of my books help children with vision impairments feel represented in stories—because the characters look like them, wearing an eye patch with pride. I’ve received heartfelt messages and photos from parents showing their children smiling as they hold the books in their hands. For such a rare condition like Coats’ Disease, connecting with other Coats’ Moms has been absolutely priceless. That sense of community and shared joy makes every moment of writing and publishing these books completely worth it.” Paty Millán Montesinos continues to inspire through her dedication to diversity, inclusion, and authentic representation. Her story reminds us that innovation and compassion can shape not just industries, but hearts. We invite you to join us in celebrating Paty’s achievement and explore her award-winning bilingual books—El Pirata y Su Parche Mágico and I Love My Magical Eye Patch! —now available on major platforms. Let’s continue to uplift stories that reflect who we are and the future we’re building together. ### Consistency. Excellence. Leadership. Michael Archuleta In Motion URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/business/consistency-excellence-leadership-michael-archuleta-in-motion/ Last updated: 2026-09-11T19:16:08.000Z At Silicon Valley Latino, we often talk about leadership that is not episodic — but consistent. Once again, our SVL Advisory Board Member, Michael Archuleta, has demonstrated exactly that. Michael has been recognized by *Becker’s Hospital Review* as one of the top Hospital and Healthcare Organization CIOs to Know — another national honor that reflects his unwavering commitment to advancing healthcare through innovation. This latest recognition builds on a remarkable track record of excellence, reinforcing what we already know: Michael doesn’t just show up — he delivers, year after year. Adding to this momentum, Michael was also named a finalist for CIO of the Year by the Colorado Technology Association’s prestigious APEX Awards. This recognition underscores his impact not only within his hospital and community, but across the broader technology ecosystem in Colorado and beyond. What makes this even more powerful is how Michael leads — with humility, heart, and an unwavering belief that your ZIP code should never determine your health. From rural healthcare transformation to cybersecurity leadership, he continues to prove that visionary leadership is not about the size of the institution — it’s about the size of the mission. We are incredibly proud to have Michael as part of our SVL Advisory Board. He leads by example, uplifts others, and represents the very best of Latino leadership in action. ¡Felicidades, Michael! Your consistency is your signature — and we are honored to celebrate your continued success. #JuntosAdelante #CreoEnTi ### Latine-Owned Businesses Navigate a Shifting Economic Landscape URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/business/latine-owned-businesses-navigate-a-shifting-economic-landscape/ Last updated: 2026-09-11T19:16:10.000Z To better understand how entrepreneurs are experiencing today’s market conditions, Silicon Valley Latino conducted its inaugural business survey capturing perspectives across industries and regions from businesses listed in their ShopLatino.Market platform. While participation was more limited than we hoped, the insights shared reflect consistent themes we continue to hear across our broader network — resilience, adaptability, and a clear need for targeted support. This article explores those insights and highlights what Latine business owners are experiencing today, what challenges lie ahead, and what resources matter most as we look toward the year ahead. Latine-owned businesses continue to be a vital force in local and regional economies across the United States. From food and beverage to professional services, technology, retail, and construction, these enterprises generate jobs, preserve culture, and fuel innovation. In late 2025, Silicon Valley Latino conducted a business survey to better understand how Latino entrepreneurs are experiencing today’s economic environment. While participation was lower than we had hoped, the several dozen responses offer meaningful insight into the realities business owners are navigating—and the resilience they continue to demonstrate. **A Mixed but Resilient Performance Picture:** Business performance in 2025 compared to the prior year shows a mixed landscape. Some businesses reported stronger performance or growth driven by expansion and new opportunities, while others described their performance as flat or weaker. What emerges clearly is not uniform decline, but adaptation. Even among businesses reporting growth, many noted ongoing pressures that temper confidence and complicate long-term planning. **Inflation and Consumer Slowdown Weigh Heavily:** Across industries, the most commonly cited challenges were inflation and rising costs, followed closely by slower consumer spending and increased competition. For many respondents, higher operating costs and a more cautious customer base are reshaping how they price, market, and plan. Several business owners noted that even when sales remain steady or increase, margins are tightening—creating uncertainty beneath the surface. **Policy Decisions Felt at the Ground Level:** Respondents largely described the impact of current U.S. economic policies on their businesses as negative or somewhat negative. Tariffs, in particular, were repeatedly cited as disruptive—especially among food, beverage, and wine producers who rely on imported materials or export markets. Others pointed to immigration enforcement, regulatory uncertainty, and shifts in public programs as factors influencing customer confidence and community spending. These responses underscore how policy decisions translate directly into day-to-day business realities. **Declining Consumer Confidence:** A strong theme throughout the survey was declining consumer confidence. Many business owners observed that customers are more hesitant to spend, even when demand exists. This hesitation is influencing purchasing behavior and reinforcing caution among business owners themselves. **Looking Toward 2026 with Measured Optimism:** Despite these challenges, most respondents expressed cautious optimism about the year ahead. Few indicated extreme pessimism or unchecked optimism. Instead, business owners are approaching 2026 with realism—hopeful, but aware that continued uncertainty remains. **What Latino-Owned Businesses Need Most:** When asked what resources would most help their businesses thrive, several priorities rose to the top: - Marketing and visibility - Access to capital or loans - Policy reform and advocacy - Workforce development These needs point to more than short-term relief. They highlight a desire for tools, access, and representation that support long-term sustainability and growth. **The Power of Visibility and Storytelling:** Encouragingly, many respondents expressed interest in being featured by Silicon Valley Latino to share their stories and insights. This reinforces the importance of visibility—not only as recognition, but as a strategy for connection, learning, and collective advancement. **Moving Forward Together:** This survey offers a snapshot of a moment in time (Oct - Nov 2025). While it does not capture every Latine-owned business experience, it reflects consistent themes we continue to hear across our broader network: resilience under pressure, adaptability amid uncertainty, and a clear call for resources that meet businesses where they are. At Silicon Valley Latino, we remain committed to amplifying these voices, sharing their stories, and advocating for the conditions that allow Latine entrepreneurs to thrive. As we move into the new year, we invite continued dialogue, collaboration, and participation—because building a stronger business ecosystem starts by listening. #JuntosAdelante #ShopLatino.Market ### A Wall of Love: ALAS Brings the Heart of the Coastside to Life in Half Moon Bay URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/social-impact-advocates/a-wall-of-love-alas-brings-the-heart-of-the-coastside-to-life-in-half-moon-bay/ Last updated: 2026-10-09T16:39:24.000Z *International muralist Rafael Blanco paints the story of farmworkers, elders, and cultura on the walls of ALAS headquarters. A community sees itself reflected for the first time.* A farmworker harvesting Brussels sprouts. A flower seller tending the iconic hydrangeas of the Coastside. A guelaguetza dancer moving with the grace of generations. These are not just images on a wall. They are the people who built Half Moon Bay. And now, finally, they are celebrated on it. On June 27, 2026, Ayudando Latinos A Sonar (ALAS) unveiled a landmark mural at its headquarters at 507 Purissima in Half Moon Bay. Created by international muralist Rafael Blanco, the work captures the history, cultura, and diversity of the immigrant and farmworker community that has shaped the Coastside for generations. CBS San Francisco covered the unveiling, bringing the story to Bay Area audiences across the region. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/953_Screenshot_2026-07-14_at_11.44.57_600x600.png) And the story is only getting bigger. ALAS was selected as the first location for WALLS, a new PBS docuseries produced and directed by Dr. Oscar Guerra, out of six communities across the United States. As Guerra described it: "It's like an Anthony Bourdain type of series. The mural is just an excuse to learn about the community, to learn about the people." Silicon Valley Latino was on the ground for the unveiling. Standing in front of the mural itself, our own Alex Ontiveros sat down with Blanco and Guerra to hear directly about the vision behind the work and what it means for ALAS, the Coastside, and the farmworker community. Art as a Public Service For Rafael Blanco, a mural is never just paint on a wall. It is a declaration. *"We are trying to make a mural that is going to be the visual identity of ALAS," Blanco told SVL. "I wanted to celebrate our roots, the Latino culture, the Latino heritage in different ways."* The three figures at the center of the mural were chosen deliberately. Each one is a living symbol of the Coastside community. A guelaguetza dancer representing culture and tradition. A flower seller honoring the beauty that immigrant hands cultivate. A farmworker collecting Brussels sprouts, dignified and seen. *"We were trying to represent the whole Latino community here in Half Moon Bay in a way that is celebrating, that is representing, and that people coming over feel joy and pride when they see it,"* Blanco said. His philosophy is simple and powerful. *"Public art is a public service. I want to paint for the people."* Why ALAS. Why Now. ALAS was not chosen by accident. Dr. Oscar Guerra, Director and Producer of the PBS WALLS docuseries, told SVL that ALAS stood out from the beginning. "When you start thinking about colors, passion, this sense of fiesta, well, you can think of someone like ALAS to represent this," Guerra said. But it was more than aesthetic. Guerra described the ALAS community as the warmest, most welcoming people he has encountered on the road. Blanco echoed that sentiment directly. "We've been here for a week and a half, and they have treated us like familia truly," Blanco said. "So kind, so energetic, so friendly. It's been a perfect way to start this long trip." The WALLS docuseries will visit six communities across the United States through the end of 2026\. Nevada, Connecticut, Illinois, Maryland, and Texas to follow. Distributed through PBS Connecticut, with the first three episodes expected in February or March 2027\. Follow the series at Walls Doc Series on social media. A Decade of Showing Up Founded in 2011 as a cultural arts program, ALAS has grown into one of the most trusted and tenacious community organizations on the Coastside. Under the leadership of founder and CEO Dr. Belinda Hernandez-Arriaga, ALAS has expanded to provide mental health care, emergency relief, farmworker advocacy, and immigrant family services across San Mateo County. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/820_Kique-49_600x600.jpg) The organization was named California Nonprofit of the Year in 2023\. It secured a $200,000 national research grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to advance the Colibri Child Wellness Program in partnership with Stanford University School of Medicine. It mobilized after the Half Moon Bay mass shooting in January 2023\. It answered urgent calls from educators and families during ICE raids. It sent Dr. Hernandez-Arriaga to Washington D.C. to advocate directly with members of Congress. Through every crisis, ALAS has shown up. This mural is the community showing up for ALAS. Board President Lilli Rey captured it simply at the unveiling. "Half Moon Bay is so rich in its history and culture that stem from an immigrant community," Rey said. "Farming has been the foundational industry of this Coastside community. This mural represents the history, the culture, and the foundation of this community." Standing With ALAS Silicon Valley Latino has covered and championed ALAS for over a decade. From the [555 Kelly affordable housing ](https://www.halfmoonbay.gov/845/555-Kelly-Avenue---Affordable-Housing)victory to the [CAMPESINOS Congressional](https://youtu.be/tEjNji7LrVc?si=gRLHXnqDHuFci6BE) presentation to the Colibri Child Wellness Program grant, we have stood alongside this organization because the story of the Coastside farmworker community is the story of us. SVL Agency CEO Alex Ontiveros, who conducted the on-site interview standing in front of the mural, reflected on what the moment meant. *"Silicon Valley Latino has been covering and supporting ALAS for close to 5 years and it has been a true pleasure witnessing firsthand the impact they have had on the Latino community of Half Moon Bay. As we stand in front of their beautiful mural interviewing muralist Rafa Blanco it gives me great joy that this exceptional artist came from San Antonio to also pay tribute to ALAS and help tell their story. Mil gracias Rafa and Oscar."* This mural is not the finish line. It is a declaration of where this community stands and where it is headed. As Belinda wrote when she saw the wall complete: "*I can't wait for all of you to visit and see this wall of love.*" Neither can we. This is ALAS. This is who they are. This is how they love. Watch the full SVL interview with Rafael Blanco and Oscar Guerra: https://youtu.be/e-vJXKRXaio?si=B\_8xWEytJwLd\_aoe CBS San Francisco coverage: *[Half Moon Bay mural unveiled to honor region's farmworker heritage](https://www.cbsnews.com/sanfrancisco/news/half-moon-bay-mural-farmworker-heritage-culture-alas/)* Sources CBS San Francisco: Half Moon Bay mural unveiled to honor region's farmworker heritage, June 26, 2026 SVL Video Interview: Rafael Blanco and Dr. Oscar Guerra, June 27, 2026 Support SVL Stories like this don't tell themselves. SVL has spent over a decade making the invisible visible, celebrating Latino excellence, naming hard truths, and calling our comunidad to action. Independent Latino journalism only survives when the community it serves decides it's worth protecting. There are two ways to stand with us: Are you a Latino professional, entrepreneur, or leader ready to be celebrated? Become a Cultura Ambassador, SVL's official community membership for Latino leaders who are ready to have their story told, their work amplified, and their excellence made visible. [Become a Cultura Ambassador](https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/social-impact-advocates/a-wall-of-love-alas-brings-the-heart-of-the-coastside-to-life-in-half-moon-bay/#/portal/signup/6a8db2d43e7c840008178b04/yearly) Want to support our mission? Become an Amigo de SVL. Your support keeps our journalism independent, our stories free, and our #CreoEnTi programs and community events alive. [Become an Amigo de SVL](https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/social-impact-advocates/a-wall-of-love-alas-brings-the-heart-of-the-coastside-to-life-in-half-moon-bay/#/portal/signup/6a8e00f723b28c0001855fa0/monthly) ### **Juntos Adelante. Because silence is complicity. And so is inaction.** ### The Tech Museum and the Children's Discovery Museum Stand on the Ashes of La Colonia URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/raices/the-tech-museum-and-the-childrens-discovery-museum-stand-on-the-ashes-of-la-colonia/ Last updated: 2026-09-28T21:55:31.000Z ###### *Part 6: Rise and Fall of the Mid-20th Century Latino Middle Class | By Eddie García* Your browser does not support the audio element. **From Silicon Valley Latino** *Two of Silicon Valley's most beloved cultural institutions sit on land that was once a thriving Mexican neighborhood. The Tech Museum of Innovation. The Children's Discovery Museum. Before they were landmarks, La Colonia was. In Part 6 of Raíces — Our Story, Our Narrative, Eddie García documents how San José's urban renewal policies demolished a community, its ballrooms, its press, and its people, to build something the city found more valuable than its community members.* *Missed Part 5? Read* [*José Antonio Chaboya*](https://svlatino.com/blogs/raices/24-342-acres-by-1865-his-family-had-2-200-the-difference-was-the-law)*. Start from the beginning with* [*Part 1: The Prologue*](https://svlatino.com/blogs/raices/raices-vol-1-part-1-the-prologue)*.* **Authors Note:** At the turn of the 20th century, ethnic Mexicans were still toiling away in the declining New Almaden quicksilver mines and the burgeoning fields and orchards of the Valley of Heart's Delight. According to the U.S. Federal Census of Population, the Mexican American population in Santa Clara County in 1900, 1910, and 1920 was 554, 627, and 911, respectively. By 1920, nearly 30% of the county's ethnic Mexican population was foreign-born. These numbers could be higher because census takers often underestimated the number of Mexicans living in Santa Clara County, especially those working in the fields, as refugees from the 1910 Mexican Revolution began arriving in large numbers. Between 1910 and 1929, about 661,000 Mexicans officially entered the United States as immigrants. Despite the low census counts in 1900-1920, white San Joseans could see the Mexican population growing before their eyes. The powers that be in San José referred to the area west of downtown as Mexican Town. Residents of the neighborhood called it La Colonia (The Neighborhood). Politicians, union bosses, and Protestant church leaders made sure that ethnic Mexicans in San José did not feel welcome through structurally racist policies and practices. Today's excerpt, from Chapter 5 (The Rise and Fall of Los Excéntricos) of *Mexican Heritage Plaza: A Symbol of Resilience and Perseverance*, tells the story of how residents of La Colonia built a thriving community west of downtown during the mid-20th century only to experience its demise as a result of city policies. It is the sixth installment in a 12-part series for SVL's Raíces — Our Story, Our Narrative. The book is available in paperback and on Kindle at Amazon: [amazon.com — Mexican Heritage Plaza](https://www.amazon.com/Mexican-Heritage-Plaza-Resilience-Perseverance-ebook/dp/B0GX32LM23). ***Mexican Heritage Plaza: A Symbol of Resilience and Perseverance*** *by Eddie García* *Chapter 5* **The Rise and Fall of Los Excéntricos** The Palomar Ballroom. San José, California. Circa early-1950s. Pérez Prado and his Orchestra were belting out Mambo #5, the famous smash hit that took the United States by storm. The Cuban-born bandleader from México City, who popularized the mambo dance craze, loved playing the Palomar Ballroom when he swung through San José. His three singers, Las Hermanas Montoya, were San José natives. Mexicans from throughout the Bay Area packed the house and the dance floor. The city built The Palomar Ballroom in 1946 on the northeast corner of Notre Dame Avenue and Carlysle Street in downtown San José, two blocks west of the present-day San Pedro Square. It was the first significant building constructed in the city after World War II. Built for the Big Band Era, the ballroom hosted major musical acts like Ray Charles and Fats Domino. Ethnic Mexican promoters also attracted acts from México and Latin America. Historians consider it the first integrated dance hall in San José. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/950_Screenshot_2026-07-05_at_2.55.02_PM_600x600.png) Photo Credit: San Jose Mercury News The building changed with the times, hosting rock and roll and rock acts, as well as a discotheque, from the 1960s through the late 1990s. The structure was eligible for the California Register of Historic Resources and the National Register of Historic Places in part for “the building's role in the preservation of the diverse social and cultural traditions of the Latino community in Santa Clara Valley.” Despite the historic value of the original Palomar, the grand ballroom building was demolished in 2005 to make way for a high-rise residential development. The high-rise development, however, was some 50 years into the unknown future for the revelers dancing to Pérez Prado and his Orchestra. The orchestra included up to 14 musicians playing trumpets, saxophones, trombones, a drum set, timbales, congas, and a stand-up bass. The energetic music filled the high-ceilinged, cavernous room. Women dressed in evening gowns, cocktail dresses, high-heeled shoes, and white or cream-colored elbow-length gloves. Men wore neatly pressed dark suits, crisp white dress shirts, colorful ties, and polished shoes. Couples danced the mambo cheek to cheek as they stepped back and forth, and side to side, while sensually swiveling their hips to intoxicating rhythms. Gentlemen flipped open shiny lighters to light cigarettes for themselves and their dates. Cigarette smoke hovered just slightly above the dance floor. With cocktails in hand, those not dancing chatted, laughed, and enjoyed a lovely evening out on the town. La Colonia also had its own press outlets. Perhaps the most influential of these was El Excéntrico, a small 5½ by 8¾-inch magazine that published 30 to 40 pages each month. The magazine shared local news, culture, fashion trends, politics, and society gossip in English and Spanish. San José's Mexican American middle class had arrived. ✦ ✦ ✦ During the first half of the 20th century, major downtown retailers like JCPenney, Montgomery Ward, and Sears, along with the large, locally owned Hart's Department Store, served most San José residents. From the 1950s to the 1970s, downtown San José east of La Colonia also bustled with activity until major retailers and many white residents began moving to the affluent neighborhoods sprouting on the outskirts of town. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/951_Screenshot_2026-07-05_at_3.08.42_PM_600x600.png) Photo Credit: La Raza Historical Society The city declined to invest in the thriving Mexican business corridor along Market Street. Instead, to counter white flight to the suburbs, City officials sought to revive downtown through “urban renewal.” Public policy actions by the San José City Council during the 1960s and 1970s would literally cause the “demolition” of La Colonia and its dynamic business district. These decisions also indirectly led to the downfall of El Excéntrico itself and the exciting era described in its pages. Hundreds of ethnic Mexican families were displaced to make room for San José's urban renewal projects. The main library on San Carlos Street in 1970 and the Center for Performing Arts in 1972\. Major San José cultural venues like the Tech Museum of Innovation and the Children's Discovery Museum, both valuable community assets, sit on the ashes of a once-thriving ethnic Mexican community. Through it all, Mexican Americans endured like the ever-present avena barbata swaying in the howling winds of a winter storm. When the wind and rain stopped, San José's ethnic Mexican community stood tall like the slender wild oak that covered the east foothills, ready to face the last two decades of the 20th century. **Get the Book** ***Mexican Heritage Plaza: A Symbol of Resilience and Perseverance*** by Eddie García is available in paperback and on Kindle. Purchase on Amazon: [amazon.com — Mexican Heritage Plaza](https://www.amazon.com/Mexican-Heritage-Plaza-Resilience-Perseverance-ebook/dp/B0GX32LM23) ***Stories like this don't tell themselves.*** SVL has spent over a decade making the invisible visible — celebrating Latino excellence, naming hard truths, and calling our comunidad to action. Independent Latino journalism only survives when the community it serves decides it's worth protecting. **There are two ways to stand with us:** **Are you a Latino professional, entrepreneur, or leader ready to be celebrated?** Become a Cultura Ambassador — SVL's official community membership for Latino leaders who are ready to have their story told, their work amplified, and their excellence made visible. Cultura Ambassador: [svlatino.com/collections/join-our-tribe](https://svlatino.com/#/portal/signup/6a8db2d43e7c840008178b04/yearly) **Want to support our mission?** Become an Amigo de SVL. Your support keeps our journalism independent, our stories free, and our #CreoEnTi programs and community events alive. No spotlight required. Just solidarity. Amigo de SVL: [svlatino.com/collections/join-our-tribe/products/amigo-de-svl](https://svlatino.com/#/portal/signup/6a8e00f723b28c0001855fa0/monthly) ***Juntos Adelante. Because silence is complicity. And so is inaction.*** ### ¡Viva El Mariachi! How a Festival in a Cramped Office Became the Dream’s First Victory URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/raices/viva-el-mariachi-how-a-festival-in-a-cramped-office-became-the-dream-s-first-victory/ Last updated: 2026-09-28T21:55:25.000Z *Part 8: The Mexican Heritage Corporation* Your browser does not support the audio element. **From Silicon Valley Latino** *From a cramped office on Park Avenue, Pete Carrillo and an army of volunteers planned a mariachi festival that would change everything. Three days. Two concerts. World-renowned mariachi from México. And $153,000 in net proceeds that turned a dream into a funded reality. In Part 8 of Raíces — Our Story, Our Narrative, Eddie García documents the moment San José’s Mexican community stopped asking for permission.* *Missed Part 7? Read* [*The Dream: Four Decades of Fighting for a Space to Call Our Own*](https://svlatino.com/blogs/raices/the-dream-four-decades-of-fighting-for-a-space-to-call-our-own)*. Start from the beginning with* [*Part 1: The Prologue*](https://svlatino.com/blogs/raices/raices-vol-1-part-1-the-prologue)*.* **Author’s Note** For the first 112 years as an American city, San José’s city council was all-white and all-male. Virginia Shaffer, a white female, was the first woman elected to the city council in 1962\. Eleven years later, Janet Gray Hayes won a seat on the city council. In 1980, voters elected Blanca Alvarado to represent the East Side. She was the first Mexican American woman elected to the city council in San José’s history. In 1987, Mayor Tom McEnery had a vision to create cultural heritage gardens throughout the city. San José already had a Japanese Friendship Garden, and McEnery wanted to create a program for the rest of the city’s communities. He asked Councilwoman Blanca Alvarado to join him in that effort. Later that year, the city council approved their plan. The first project would focus on the ethnic Mexican community. In early 1988, Councilwoman Alvarado gathered a group of Mexican American civic leaders to establish the Mexican Heritage Corporation (MHC). Fernando Zazueta, a prominent attorney, would serve as board chairman. The board appointed Pete Carrillo to lead the MHC as its first executive. The MHC’s mission was “to affirm, celebrate, and preserve the rich cultural heritage of the Mexican community and showcase multicultural arts within the region.” Today’s excerpt, from Chapter 9 (¡Viva El Mariachi!) of *Mexican Heritage Plaza: A Symbol of Resilience and Perseverance*, tells the story of how the MHC’s vision for the project evolved from a cultural garden to a state-of-the-art cultural arts center located in the heart of the city’s largest Mexican American neighborhood. It is the eighth installment in a 12-part series for SVL’s Raíces — Our Story, Our Narrative. The book is available in paperback and on Kindle at Amazon: [amazon.com — Mexican Heritage Plaza](https://www.amazon.com/Mexican-Heritage-Plaza-Resilience-Perseverance-ebook/dp/B0GX32LM23). ***Mexican Heritage Plaza: A Symbol of Resilience and Perseverance*** *by Eddie García* *Chapter 9* **¡Viva El Mariachi!** An initial group of five came together in early 1988, in the offices of accountant Rudy Vargas in downtown San José. The gathering included Vargas, Blanca Alvarado, Fernando Zazueta, musician and veteran of Chicano theater Noe Montoya, and Margie Gaeta, the artistic director of Los Danzantes de San José, a Mexican folkloric dance company. One of Alvarado’s city council aides, Gary Serda, provided administrative support. The first order of business was to discuss which types of gardens best represent the Latino experience in San José. One school of thought was to create a garden of plants native to México, and another envisioned fruit trees that evoked the blood, sweat, and tears Latinos gave to the Valley of Heart’s Delight’s lucrative agricultural industry. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/954_Screenshot_2026-07-19_at_4.48.19_PM_600x600.png) *photo credit Mexican Heritage Corporation* Serda recalled that someone said, half-jokingly, that Latinos would not want gardens that are reflective and meditative, like the Japanese Friendship Gardens. Instead, the person elaborated that Latinos would better appreciate a garden and a plaza that celebrated cultural heritage through music, food, dance, and festive events. Although Serda could not remember who suggested the broader vision for the project, he confirmed that all five in attendance agreed with the assessment. Over the next several months, the group of five met to discuss a vision for the project. There was unanimous agreement that plans should include Mexican-style gardens, a plaza for community events, and a wide-ranging community discussion to determine what it should look like. They also agreed that the plaza and gardens should highlight multicultural arts. To implement and complete the work, the group formed a nonprofit organization, the Mexican Heritage Corporation (MHC). On August 18, 1988, the MHC held its first “start-up” board of directors meeting in Room 600 at City Hall, located on 801 North First Street in downtown San José. The founding start-up board members were Blanca Alvarado, Margie Gaeta, Noe Montoya, Al Morales, Rudy Vargas, and Fernando Zazueta. Perhaps the most consequential item for discussion on the evening of August 18th was a report to “identify a minimum of three (3) properties in or near District 5 – Councilwoman Alvarado’s district” in East San José. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/955_Screenshot_2026-07-19_at_5.12.28_PM_480x480.png) *photo credit Mexican Heritage Corporation* Over the next few years, the MHC expanded the board to 15 members, a cross-section of community activists, arts leaders, educators, and corporate executives. MHC’s first fundraiser, the “Mexican Heritage Celebration” held at Emma Prusch Park in East San José, was billed as “A celebration for the entire family.” To attract major donors, the MHC hosted an annual Noche de Encanto, branded as “a magical evening celebrating Mexican culture through art, food, and music.” By early 1992, the MHC raised enough money to hire Pete Carrillo as its full-time president and CEO. The “Mexican Heritage Celebration” and the annual Noche de Encanto fundraiser helped secure funds to hire Carrillo. Still, the MHC needed to identify a more lucrative and sustainable funding stream to hire staff. With that in mind, the MHC decided to produce the San José International Mariachi Conference and Festival. From his cramped office in a nondescript city-owned building on Park Avenue, a few blocks west of downtown, Carrillo assembled a small staff and an army of volunteers to plan and host the conference and festival. The three-day event on July 10, 11, and 12, 1992, included youth mariachi and folkloric dance workshops at San José State University and two fundraising concerts at the San José Center for Performing Arts, featuring world-renowned Mariachi Cobre and Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán, considered by experts to be the best mariachi in the world. The weekend concluded at Guadalupe River Park in downtown San José for a free outdoor festival. The San José Mercury News wrote on July 10, 1992, “The San José International Mariachi Conference and Festival, running today through Sunday at several locations downtown, marks San José’s entry into the mariachi big leagues.” Net proceeds from the weekend exceeded $153,000, enabling the MHC to build a team to support Pete Carrillo’s leadership and the board’s vision. By skillfully accessing city council support, Blanca Alvarado put the Mexican Heritage Plaza and Gardens project on track. Like a candidate on a whistle-stop tour of an earlier era, Fernando Zazueta rallied support from every corner of the city with his exuberant passion for the project. Pete Carrillo now had the funding needed to start building a team to help him keep the train running on time. **Get the Book** ***Mexican Heritage Plaza: A Symbol of Resilience and Perseverance*** by Eddie García is available in paperback and on Kindle. Purchase on Amazon: [amazon.com — Mexican Heritage Plaza](https://www.amazon.com/Mexican-Heritage-Plaza-Resilience-Perseverance-ebook/dp/B0GX32LM23) ***Stories like this don’t tell themselves.*** SVL has spent over a decade making the invisible visible — celebrating Latino excellence, naming hard truths, and calling our comunidad to action. Independent Latino journalism only survives when the community it serves decides it’s worth protecting. **There are two ways to stand with us:** **Are you a Latino professional, entrepreneur, or leader ready to be celebrated?** Become a Cultura Ambassador — SVL’s official community membership for Latino leaders who are ready to have their story told, their work amplified, and their excellence made visible. Cultura Ambassador: [svlatino.com/collections/join-our-tribe](https://svlatino.com/#/portal/signup/6a8db2d43e7c840008178b04/yearly) **Want to support our mission?** Become an Amigo de SVL. Your support keeps our journalism independent, our stories free, and our #CreoEnTi programs and community events alive. No spotlight required. Just solidarity. Amigo de SVL: [svlatino.com/collections/join-our-tribe/products/amigo-de-svl](https://svlatino.com/#/portal/signup/6a8e00f723b28c0001855fa0/monthly) ###### ***Juntos Adelante. Because silence is complicity. And so is inaction.*** ### In a Word — Hope: The Mexican Heritage Plaza and the Legacy That Refuses to Be Renamed URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/raices/in-a-word-hope-the-mexican-heritage-plaza-and-the-legacy-that-refuses-to-be-renamed/ Last updated: 2026-09-28T21:55:19.000Z *Part 12: The Epilogue* Your browser does not support the audio element. ## **From Silicon Valley Latino** *Over the past 12 weeks we have had the honor of having Eddie García as our guest historian here on Silicon Valley Latino. Twelve chapters of San José history later, Eddie shares the real story that certain historians chose to ignore. We began this series as students of this forgotten San José history and we finish with new knowledge of how, and by whom, this wonderful city was built. In this 12th and final installment of Raíces — Our Story, Our Narrative, Eddie García brings the series home.* *We want to hear from you. What did you learn from this series that surprised you most? What was your favorite installment? Share your thoughts in the comments — your voice is part of this story too.* *Missed Part 11? Read* [*9-9-99: The Day San José’s Mexican Community Finally Came Home*](https://svlatino.com/blogs/raices/9-9-99-the-day-san-joses-mexican-community-finally-came-home)*. Start from the beginning with* [*Part 1: The Prologue*](https://svlatino.com/blogs/raices/raices-vol-1-part-1-the-prologue)*.* ## ## Author’s Note I had the privilege of working as a legislative aide in Vice Mayor Blanca Alvarado’s office from September 1993 to December 1994\. I was there during a couple of critical years for the MHPG project. My role was to take notes and help organize community support. At the time, I did not understand the Herculean effort required to secure funding to build the Mexican Heritage Plaza. As I delved into the documentary research, this book project became a labor of love and pride. I appreciate the trust and support that La Raza Historical Society of Silicon Valley bestowed upon me in writing the story. I interviewed many former MHP leaders who were incredibly generous with their time, personal papers, and insight. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library at SJSU special collections, Santa Clara County, and City of San José archivists tracked down hard-to-find documents. The interviews and archives brought to life the fight for the Mexican Heritage Plaza. The research taught me so much about the resilience and perseverance of Silicon Valley’s Latino community. One of my favorite stories, as told to me by Pete Carrillo, was his and Blanca Alvarado’s visit with powerful Congressional Committee Chairman Louis Stokes. They came home with a photo and $1,000,000 dollars. Their work and vision changed forever how Latino community groups can access the halls of power to benefit the community at home. Today’s excerpt, from the Epilogue of *Mexican Heritage Plaza: A Symbol of Resilience and Perseverance*, reminds us all of the importance of the MHP’s name and the power of resilience and perseverance that defines Latinos in Silicon Valley. It is the 12th and final installment of SVL’s Raíces — Our Story, Our Narrative series. The book is available in paperback and on Kindle at Amazon: [amazon.com — Mexican Heritage Plaza](https://www.amazon.com/Mexican-Heritage-Plaza-Resilience-Perseverance-ebook/dp/B0GX32LM23). ***Mexican Heritage Plaza: A Symbol of Resilience and Perseverance*** *by Eddie García* **Epilogue** Mexican Heritage Corporation (MHC) President Pete Carrillo also made remarks from the podium on the morning of September 9, 1999\. Carrillo summarized the day’s sentiment with two sentences: “This cultural center will offer, in a word — hope. It’s not what we did today that will be remembered; it is what we can offer our children in the future, 20-30-40 years from now.” Nearly four decades after the journey began, Pete Carrillo fondly looked back on the long, torturous path to building a cultural center celebrating the city’s Mexican heritage. “I find looking east from the 18th floor of City Hall — the Mexican Heritage Plaza rears its beautiful and prominent glorious face telling us, ‘This building is here to stay, and yes, we are very proud of its name!’” Six months after the grand opening, Pete Carrillo stepped down to start his own consulting firm. Over the MHPG’s first decade of operation, the MHC experienced several changes in executive and board leadership. By spring 2011, the city decided to seek a new nonprofit organization to operate the Mexican Heritage Plaza. The city council approved an agreement with the School of Arts and Culture (SOAC) to manage the cultural arts complex. Along with the SOAC contract, the city subsidized the complex’s operations and maintenance at $1.65 million annually for the first three years. Through its 10th year of operation, the city continued to subsidize SOAC’s operations and maintenance. The multi-year city subsidy was the catalyst to create a viable and thriving cultural arts center. With secure operations and maintenance funding, SOAC has raised programmatic funds to provide a wide variety of programs, events, and activities at the Mexican Heritage Plaza. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/960_Screenshot_2026-08-16_at_9.00.41_PM_600x600.png) Photo Credit: MHP Productions Nearly 40 years after Blanca Alvarado gathered the small group of civic leaders in accountant Rudy Vargas’ office to discuss the idea of a Mexican heritage garden, Fernando Zazueta raised concerns about SOAC’s apparent campaign to rebrand the center by dropping “Mexican” from the name. It was not the first time someone was misinformed about the history of the MHP’s name and attempted to change it. Criticism about the center’s name had been around as long as the idea itself. Zazueta sent an email to community leaders, elected officials, and the SOAC’s co-executive directors on March 12, 2025\. He wrote in part, “the MHC board wanted to keep the reference to our Mexican heritage, and so we called it Mexican Heritage Plaza. The Mexican and Mexican-American communities would appreciate it if you continued to honor our ancestors and our heritage by keeping the original name.” The burnt-orange bell tower, maize-colored theater, glass-encased pavilion, colorful garden, and broad terracotta plaza sit majestically at a historic East Side intersection, reminding visitors that San José has a vibrant Mexican history shaped by two centuries of resilience and perseverance. Mexicans and Mexican Americans have played a significant role in the social and economic development of the city without the recognition they deserved. A group of Mexican American civic leaders set out to change that. They also changed the way Mexican Americans and Latinos advocate for resources by leveraging political relationships instead of fighting City Hall. The result of their efforts is a symbol of resilience and perseverance — a magnificent cultural center in the heart of a predominantly Mexican American neighborhood. In a 2026 interview with the author, 94-year-old Blanca Alvarado confirmed the significance of the cultural art center’s name: *“The naming of the Mexican Heritage Plaza was intentional. A culture and an ancestry that had been historically maligned were reclaimed with joy and pride. The founding of El Pueblo de San José de Guadalupe is now correctly attributed to settlers from México. Therefore, the naming of the Plaza gives honor to a people, with a rich history, who merit recognition and respect. We the People are strengthened when our institutions and society affirm a sense of belonging and identity.”* *Blanca Alvarado, 2026, age 94* ### Get the Book ***Mexican Heritage Plaza: A Symbol of Resilience and Perseverance*** by Eddie García is available in paperback and on Kindle. Purchase on Amazon: [amazon.com — Mexican Heritage Plaza](https://www.amazon.com/Mexican-Heritage-Plaza-Resilience-Perseverance-ebook/dp/B0GX32LM23) ***Stories like this don’t tell themselves.*** SVL has spent over a decade making the invisible visible — celebrating Latino excellence, naming hard truths, and calling our comunidad to action. Independent Latino journalism only survives when the community it serves decides it’s worth protecting. **There are two ways to stand with us:** **Are you a Latino professional, entrepreneur, or leader ready to be celebrated?** Become a Cultura Ambassador — SVL’s official community membership for Latino leaders who are ready to have their story told, their work amplified, and their excellence made visible. Cultura Ambassador: [svlatino.com/collections/join-our-tribe](https://svlatino.com/#/portal/signup/6a8db2d43e7c840008178b04/yearly) **Want to support our mission?** Become an Amigo de SVL. Your support keeps our journalism independent, our stories free, and our #CreoEnTi programs and community events alive. No spotlight required. Just solidarity. Amigo de SVL: svlatino.com/collections/join-our-tribe/products/amigo-de-svl ###### ***Juntos Adelante. Because silence is complicity. And so is inaction.*** ### 9-9-99: The Day San José’s Mexican Community Finally Came Home URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/raices/9-9-99-the-day-san-jose-s-mexican-community-finally-came-home-2/ Last updated: 2026-09-28T21:55:22.000Z *Part 11: Opening Day* Your browser does not support the audio element. ### From Silicon Valley Latino *The spirits of the 66 Mexicans who founded San José in 1777 were standing on the balcony, clapping. Antonio Chaboya stood next to them along with the miners from New Almaden, the families displaced by urban renewal, the dancers from the Palomar Ballroom. Todos Juntos with the community. In Part 11 of Raíces — Our Story, Our Narrative, Eddie García takes us to September 9, 1999 — the day they all came home.* *Missed Part 10? Read* *[T](https://svlatino.com/blogs/raices/the-dream-comes-true-300-people-46-degrees-and-four-decades-of-fighting-finally-break-ground)[he Dream Comes True: 300 People, 46 Degrees, and Four Decades of Fighting Finally Break Ground](https://svlatino.com/blogs/raices/the-dream-comes-true-300-people-46-degrees-and-four-decades-of-fighting-finally-break-ground)* *. Start from the beginning with* [*Part 1: The Prologue*](https://svlatino.com/blogs/raices/raices-vol-1-part-1-the-prologue)*.* ## ### Authors Note It had been 12 years since Mayor Tom McEnery and Councilwoman Blanca Alvarado wrote the memorandum that kicked off the metaphorical roller coaster of twists, turns, climbs, drops, and climbs again that was the MHPG project. There was the photo-op with Congressman Louis Stokes and the million dollars that came with it. There were attacks by Chicano activists, followed by the Mercury News raising questions about the MHC’s leadership. Nevertheless, the dream endured with resilience and perseverance. The MHC board selected September 9, 1999 – “9-9-99” – for the grand opening, 21 months after breaking ground on that “awfully cold day.” Fighting the city continued throughout construction. The MHC wanted quality materials that authentically reflected Mexican culture. The city wanted to cut corners. As those tense discussions continued, steel beams rose on the empty lot on the historic corner of Alum Rock and King. The tile, stucco, and colorful paint soon followed. The MHC and the East Side community anticipated a brilliant September day. The gods had other plans. A rare storm roared into San José late in the evening on September 8th. The MHC board was anxious that the storm would disrupt the grand opening festivities. MHC President Pete Carrillo confidently declared, “We’ve come this far. We’re not going to let a little rain dampen our celebration.” Today’s excerpt, from Chapter 17 (9-9-99) of *Mexican Heritage Plaza: A Symbol of Resilience and Perseverance*, tells the story of how the MHC overcame all obstacles to celebrate the Mexican Heritage Plaza Grand Opening. It is the 11th installment in a 12-part series for SVL’s Raíces — Our Story, Our Narrative. The book is available in paperback and on Kindle at Amazon: [amazon.com — Mexican Heritage Plaza](https://www.amazon.com/Mexican-Heritage-Plaza-Resilience-Perseverance-ebook/dp/B0GX32LM23). ***Mexican Heritage Plaza: A Symbol of Resilience and Perseverance*** *by Eddie García* *Chapter 17* **9-9-99** Hurricane Greg roared through Baja California on September 6, 1999\. The Category 1 hurricane destroyed hundreds of homes and damaged roadways. Thousands of people were injured, and at least ten died from the resulting floods and winds. In a once-every-two-decade occurrence, traces of the storm that battered México triggered an intense thunderstorm and lightning in San José on September 8. The majestic display of sound and fire in the sky generated impressive multi-branched lightning bolts that caused power outages in North San José and surrounding communities. Although rain fell during the night of September 8 and the early morning of September 9, a local news outlet called the overnight storm “more fury than substance.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/959_Screenshot_2026-08-09_at_8.57.27_PM_600x600.png) photo credit School of Arts and Culture at MHP In Aztec mythology, Tlaloc was the god of rain, lightning, and thunder. Tlaloc means “he who makes things sprout.” The rain Tlaloc brought to the Valley of México was life-giving, ensuring that the Aztecs had bountiful crops and waterways full of fish. The Mayan god of thunder, lightning, and rain was called Chaac. Holding a lightning axe in his right hand, Chaac struck the clouds so that the booming sound and bright lights would alert all that he was present in his power and majesty. It was as if the electrical storm that hovered over San José on September 8, 1999, was Chaac announcing his arrival on the tail of Hurricane Greg and Tlaloc dropping his nourishing water on MHPG to bless the cultural arts center on its grand opening. By daybreak on September 9, 1999, Greg’s remnants became a drizzle. By 10:00 am, crowds had begun gathering outside the south gate facing the parking lot, excitedly waiting for MHC officials and other VIPs to cut the ribbons. Political friends and foes alike shook hands, hugged, and patted each other on the back as a celebratory atmosphere enveloped the corner of Alum Rock Avenue and King Road. At 11:00 am sharp, a member of the Tlaloc Chalchihuitlicue Aztec dance troupe proudly stood in the center of the plaza and blew into a conch shell that Aztecs called a quiquiztli. The booming, haunting sound that came from the shell was a traditional Aztec call from the ancestors. On this sunny September morning, the quiquiztli summoned guests to gather at the four gates for a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Once in the plaza, Father José Rubio, a beloved Catholic priest who had served in East San José for many years, gave the invocation. The quiquiztli summons and the Catholic invocation were a symbolic nod to the indigenous and European roots that embody the Mexican spirit. After speeches by a handful of distinguished guests, Blanca Alvarado delivered the keynote. She brought to life recognition of the city’s Mexican roots that had been dismissed and ignored for over 200 years. When Alvarado completed her address, everyone in attendance stood up for a rousing standing ovation, complete with shouts of “¡Viva Blanca!” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/958_Screenshot_2026-08-09_at_8.22.36_PM_600x600.png) photo credit: Mexican Heritage Corporation The ghosts of the 66 Mexicans who settled on the eastern bank of the Guadalupe River in 1777 may have been standing and clapping on the balcony in front of the second-floor offices. Maybe Francisco Javier Antonio Chaboya, the Mexican landowner who lost 90% of his 24,000-acre rancho to squatters and unscrupulous lawyers, proudly stood next to them, applauding. The spirits of miners at New Almaden Quicksilver Mines, who came from Sonora, México, to build a community on the side of a hill, and the Mexican agricultural workers who fed the world by picking crops in the Valley of Hearts Delight, surely must have been cheering on the balcony as well. The souls of the burgeoning Mexican and Mexican American middle-class who lost their homes and businesses to urban renewal must have been dancing on the veranda, cheering that history would remember them. As the ovation continued at the newly minted Mexican Heritage Plaza, San José’s Mexican and Mexican American community claimed its rightful place after two centuries of being left out. The ghosts and the living gathered at the corner of Alum Rock Avenue and King Road on September 9, 1999\. It had been a long journey. The Mexican Heritage Plaza was a symbol of the resilience and perseverance that characterized the 220-year pilgrimage to this place. **They all had come home.** **Get the Book** ***Mexican Heritage Plaza: A Symbol of Resilience and Perseverance*** by Eddie García is available in paperback and on Kindle. Purchase on Amazon: [amazon.com — Mexican Heritage Plaza](https://www.amazon.com/Mexican-Heritage-Plaza-Resilience-Perseverance-ebook/dp/B0GX32LM23) ***Stories like this don’t tell themselves.*** SVL has spent over a decade making the invisible visible — celebrating Latino excellence, naming hard truths, and calling our comunidad to action. Independent Latino journalism only survives when the community it serves decides it’s worth protecting. **There are two ways to stand with us:** **Are you a Latino professional, entrepreneur, or leader ready to be celebrated?** Become a Cultura Ambassador — SVL’s official community membership for Latino leaders who are ready to have their story told, their work amplified, and their excellence made visible. Cultura Ambassador: [svlatino.com/collections/join-our-tribe](https://svlatino.com/#/portal/signup/6a8db2d43e7c840008178b04/yearly) **Want to support our mission?** Become an Amigo de SVL. Your support keeps our journalism independent, our stories free, and our #CreoEnTi programs and community events alive. No spotlight required. Just solidarity. Amigo de SVL: [svlatino.com/collections/join-our-tribe/products/amigo-de-svl](https://svlatino.com/#/portal/signup/6a8e00f723b28c0001855fa0/monthly) ###### ***Juntos Adelante. Because silence is complicity. And so is inaction*** ### From Activism to Ancestral Memory: Why I Wrote Flight of the Hummingbird URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/raices/from-activism-to-ancestral-memory-why-i-wrote-flight-of-the-hummingbird/ Last updated: 2026-09-28T21:55:26.000Z *Part 1: Why I Wrote Flight of the Hummingbird* Your browser does not support the audio element. **From Silicon Valley Latino** A new volume of Raíces begins today. Volume 1 gave our history a place, Mexican Heritage Plaza in San José. Volume 2 gives it a voice. “The questions that drew me into activism as a young man never entirely left me. Decades later, they led me to write a novel.” Salomón Quintero was a Chicano student activist at UC Berkeley in the 1960s, walking picket lines with César Chávez and helping found the university's Ethnic Studies Department. Forty-five years later, retired from a career as a trial attorney, he returned to the questions that first pulled him out of the classroom, and answered them with Flight of the Hummingbird: An Aztec Tale of Fire and Rain and the End of the Fifth Sun. This is Part 1 of a three-part Raíces series with Salomón Quintero. **Author's Note** When I arrived at the University of California, Berkeley, in 1965, I thought I might major in English as I was drawn to literature, poetry and language. My first-quarter classes included English, German, and Spanish. But I had chosen Berkeley because I was inspired by the protest movement taking root there. Before long, I found myself torn between my aesthetic interests and political activism. I loved studying Chaucer, Shakespeare and Milton. But when our reading turned to Jane Austen's character Elizabeth, whose life ambition was to marry rich, I came to feel lost and disconnected from the excitement my professor was displaying over the material. Outside the classroom, the energy was different. Vietnam War and Civil Rights, Martin Luther King and Malcolm X, and Dylan and Baez were dominating the ethos. Sproul Plaza featured Huey Newton and Stokely Carmichael, and Richie Havens and Phil Ochs. My attention turned to César Chávez and the grape boycott. While I was walking a picket line at a Safeway store, a Teamster drove his semi-trailer truck straight at us. I had to leap out of the way to save my life. At that time, there were only about thirty Chicano students at Berkeley. We formed the Mexican American Student Confederation, MASC. In 1968, while the nationwide grape boycott was underway, we were outraged to see grapes overflowing at all university cafeterias. After asking the administration to stop selling table grapes, we staged a sit-in at the office of University President Charles Hitch to demand the University stop grape purchases. I spent the following week fasting in the Santa Rita Jail. In the end, the University agreed to our demands. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/516_1969_Malquias_Montoya_TWLF_poster_600x600.jpg) Later, I led a MASC delegation to Delano where I addressed the United Farm Workers (UFWOC) convention. César Chávez then invited our group to his very humble home where we sat on his rickety back steps and discussed the Chicano movement. His children were playing and his wife, Helen, brought us slices of bread to share. It was an intimate moment with a man who had become a national figure, and it has remained with me throughout my life. In 1969, we joined with Black, Asian and Native American students to form the Third World Liberation Front to successfully move the University to establish an Ethnic Studies Department. At the time, I had no idea what Ethnic Studies would eventually become or how the questions behind that movement would return to shape my life decades later. I continued on to UC Berkeley law school and then spent forty-five years practicing law in Redwood City. There, I built a three-lawyer firm. My civil practice included negligence suits, real estate and fraud actions, and family law. I was among the first attorneys in the state certified as a Family Law Specialist. Among other honors, I was listed among Northern California Super Lawyers for ten consecutive years. While the law became my career, the fight for social justice and the welfare of our people continues. After retiring in 2016, I returned to the study of history and identity. I immersed myself in Mesoamerican civilizations and, in particular, the world of the Mexica, the people commonly called the Aztecs. I studied their codices, their history, art, poetry, philosophy, society, religion and warfare. As I read, I became increasingly aware of how narrowly this civilization is often presented. The Mexica are frequently reduced to conquest and human sacrifice, while their art, engineering, poetry, discipline, family life, and complex understanding of humanity receive far less attention. I wanted to look beyond the familiar stereotypes and imagine their world as they themselves might have experienced it. The immediate inspiration for my novel grew out of a conversation with a renowned archaeologist about social mobility among the Aztecs. He argued that Aztec social structure was static, that people's social position was determined by their birthdate and their parent's role in society. I could not accept that as the whole story. In my view, the desire to excel, to achieve, to have success, recognition, wealth, influence, or a higher position, is part of who we are as humans. No social structure can entirely suppress it. As I continued my research, I found exceptions to every rule. Mexica society was hierarchical as are all human societies, but they also had avenues for disciplined, talented, and ambitious individuals to advance. That question became my impetus for writing Flight of the Hummingbird. The novel follows four generations of one Mexica family as its members rise from the chinampas of Tenochtitlán into the worlds of art, commerce, education, warfare, diplomacy, and imperial power. Its narrator, Huitzilin, “the Hummingbird,” tells how his father rose from a farm boy on the chinampas, first by a chance encounter with a respected jeweler who taught him the craft of jewelry making. And another chance encounter with the head of the imperial school who led him on a journey from artisan craftsman to renowned philosopher artist. Huitzilin's brother becomes a wealthy merchant, his sister a famed feather artist. Huitzilin himself rises to serve as chief adviser to Emperor Moctezuma II. Their achievements unfold beneath a gathering shadow. Omens appear. Rumors arrive of strangers approaching from the eastern sea. At the height of the family's success, the world they know moves toward its prophesied end. I wrote the novel to present the Mexica not as distant figures in an archaeological account, but as human beings: parents and children, artists and merchants, teachers and warriors; people moved by love and fear, by heartache and sorrow, ambition and duty, loyalty and jealousy. We don't just see the horror of human sacrifice; we reach an understanding of the beliefs and feelings surrounding these events. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/821_Kirkus_2026.05.14_300x250_60c2514a-7321-4f6d-bd3e-1b78072c83f8_600x600.png) My hope is that readers will enter their world with curiosity and emerge with a fuller understanding of a civilization too often defined by its destruction. For Latino readers especially, I hope the story contributes to a deeper conversation about ancestry, cultural memory, and the histories that shape our sense of who we are. The questions that drew me into activism as a young man never entirely left me. Decades later, they led me to write a novel. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/515_1968_Self_Portriat_600x600.jpg) **Get the Book** Flight of the Hummingbird: An Aztec Tale of Fire and Rain and the End of the Fifth Sun by Salomón Quintero is a multigenerational historical novel set in the Mexica world before, during and after the arrival of the Spanish. Enriched with color images from fifteenth- and sixteenth-century codices, it portrays a civilization alive with art, philosophy, discipline, ambition, and fate. Purchase on IngramSpark: Stories like this don't tell themselves. SVL has spent over a decade making the invisible visible, celebrating Latino excellence, naming hard truths, and calling our comunidad to action. Independent Latino journalism only survives when the community it serves decides it's worth protecting. There are two ways to stand with us: Are you a Latino professional, entrepreneur, or leader ready to be celebrated? Become a Cultura Ambassador, SVL's official community membership for Latino leaders who are ready to have their story told, their work amplified, and their excellence made visible. Cultura Ambassador: [https://svlatino.com/collections/join-our-tribe](https://svlatino.com/#/portal/signup/6a8db2d43e7c840008178b04/yearly) Want to support our mission? Become an Amigo de SVL. Your support keeps our journalism independent, our stories free, and our #CreoEnTi programs and community events alive. No spotlight required. Just solidarity. Amigo de SVL: [https://svlatino.com/collections/join-our-tribe/products/amigo-de-svl](https://svlatino.com/#/portal/signup/6a8e00f723b28c0001855fa0/monthly) ###### *Juntos Adelante. Because silence is complicity. And so is inaction.* ### Show Me the Money: How the Mexican Heritage Plaza Got Funded Against All Odds URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/raices/show-me-the-money-how-the-mexican-heritage-plaza-got-funded-against-all-odds/ Last updated: 2026-09-28T21:55:27.000Z *Part 9: Funding the Project | By Eddie García* Your browser does not support the audio element. **From Silicon Valley Latino** *For four decades the dream had no money. No institutional support. No city behind it. What it had was community members with persistence, tenacity, and an unshakeable belief that San José's Mexican community deserved a space to call its own. Part 9 of Raíces — Our Story, Our Narrative is where that changes. Eddie García takes us from a community fundraiser that netted $30,000 all the way to the halls of Congress, where a powerful chairman looked at Blanca Alvarado and Pete Carrillo and said simply, “Consider it done.”* *Missed Part 8? Read* [*¡Viva El Mariachi! How a Festival in a Cramped Office Became the Dream’s First Victory*](https://svlatino.com/blogs/raices/viva-el-mariachi-how-a-festival-in-a-cramped-office-became-the-dreams-first-victory)*. Start from the beginning with* [*Part 1: The Prologue*](https://svlatino.com/blogs/raices/raices-vol-1-part-1-the-prologue)*.* **Author’s Note** During the 1950s, the Comisión Honorífica Mexicana acquired property to build a cultural center but lacked the funds to plan and construct anything substantial. A decade later, a “Mexican Village” envisioned by El Excéntrico Magazine could not secure financing or city support. The Mexican American Chamber of Commerce attempted to resurrect the Mexican Village concept in the 1970s. All three efforts lacked funding and institutional support from City Hall. With the success of the inaugural San José International Mariachi Conference and Festival in 1992, the Mexican Heritage Corporation (MHC) had the resources to focus on funding construction of the Mexican Heritage Plaza and Gardens (MHPG) project. The city council provided $3 million in seed money. Councilwoman Blanca Alvarado skillfully secured city council support to increase the City’s contribution to $6 million as the vision expanded. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/957_Screenshot_2026-07-26_at_12.54.22_PM_600x600.png) photo credit City of San José The five-year effort to build a cultural space for Mexican Americans began with a joint memorandum from Mayor Tom McEnery and Councilwoman Blanca Alvarado. City council support changed the landscape from the previous efforts. With $6 million available, funding that was not accessible a generation earlier, the MHC created a real opportunity for success. There was one hitch: the MHC had to raise $3 million to obtain the City’s financial commitment. Today’s excerpt, from Chapter 11 (Show Me the Money) of *Mexican Heritage Plaza: A Symbol of Resilience and Perseverance*, tells the story of how the MHC employed creative fundraising strategies to meet its $3 million commitment to build the MHPG project. It is the ninth installment in a 12-part series for SVL’s Raíces — Our Story, Our Narrative. The book is available in paperback and on Kindle at Amazon: [amazon.com — Mexican Heritage Plaza](https://www.amazon.com/Mexican-Heritage-Plaza-Resilience-Perseverance-ebook/dp/B0GX32LM23). ***Mexican Heritage Plaza: A Symbol of Resilience and Perseverance*** *by Eddie García* *Chapter 11* **Show Me the Money** MHC board members had been wrestling with the fact that $3 million was a tall order. They realized that local donors would not deliver big checks after netting about $30,000 from a widely distributed community appeal for capital. The first large donation was a $50,000 gift from the Pacific Gas & Electric Company, the largest utility in Northern California. Combined, the total raised to that point represented less than 3% of the funds needed. The board needed a strategy for raising big chunks of funding. Pete Carrillo was an ardent student of the political process. He knew that members of Congress regularly appropriated federal dollars for local projects through what are called “earmarks” in the budget process. The practice had greatly benefited San José and the greater Santa Clara Valley. Two veteran lawmakers savvy in the ways of Washington, D.C., represented the valley during the early 1990s. Rep. Don Edwards’s 16th congressional district covered most of San José and the southern part of Santa Clara County. Rep. Norm Mineta, in his ninth term in the House of Representatives, represented parts of west and north San José. After nearly a dozen years on the city council, Alvarado distinguished herself as a thoughtful policymaker, committed public servant, and skilled politician. She developed strong working relationships with both veteran lawmakers. When Alvarado shared her vision of the MHPG project with San José’s two-person congressional delegation, each representative expressed support and offered to help. Carrillo suggested to his former boss that she request $250,000\. Edwards and Mineta agreed to support the request by introducing legislation as an earmark in a congressional appropriations subcommittee that included several funding buckets for strengthening urban communities. The lawmakers recommended that Alvarado visit Washington, D.C., to personally advocate for the funding with the chairman of the appropriations subcommittee. Carrillo joined her on the trip. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/956_Screenshot_2026-07-26_at_12.50.03_PM_600x600.png) photo credit ClevelandSeniors.com Rep. Louis Stokes, a skilled legislator from Cleveland, was the chairman of the subcommittee. He was an imposing and powerful figure in the halls of Congress. Despite the power he wielded, the New York Times described Stokes as “a balding, round-faced man known as a determined legislator with a congenial manner.” His smile and friendly eyes were infectious. When they arrived in Washington, D.C., Alvarado and Carrillo made their way to the chairman’s office. The plan was for Alvarado to set the table by describing the project in her distinctive, compassionate eloquence. Carrillo had prepared a detailed financial analysis. Stokes greeted the duo with a wide grin, friendly handshakes, and a polite, “How are you?” After exchanging warm pleasantries, Alvarado was ready to get to the business at hand. Stokes politely interrupted her and assured Alvarado and Carrillo that he knew why they were there. “If that’s what Mr. Mineta and Mr. Edwards want,” Stokes graciously explained with a big smile, “consider it done.” The congressman then asked confidently, “Do you want to take a picture?” Several months later, a staffer from Rep. Edwards’ office called Carrillo with the news that Congress had appropriated $1 million for the MHPG project! In what seemed like an instant, a couple of handshakes and a photo-op with a powerful congressional chairman suddenly delivered the MHC one-third of the way to raising the City-required $3 million. The MHC used that funding to inspire other funders. The organization raised the additional $2 million from the State, County, and private donors. From the sixth floor at City Hall and the tenth floor of the County Administration Building to the corridors in the state capitol and the center of American democracy in the halls of Congress, the resilient and determined MHC cobbled together the funding needed to build the gardens and plaza. The civic leaders’ vision for the project, however, did not stop at the plaza and gardens. There was more to do. Six million dollars from the City and $3 million from the MHC were just enough to get started. **Get the Book** ***Mexican Heritage Plaza: A Symbol of Resilience and Perseverance*** by Eddie García is available in paperback and on Kindle. Purchase on Amazon: [amazon.com — Mexican Heritage Plaza](https://www.amazon.com/Mexican-Heritage-Plaza-Resilience-Perseverance-ebook/dp/B0GX32LM23) ***Stories like this don’t tell themselves.*** SVL has spent over a decade making the invisible visible — celebrating Latino excellence, naming hard truths, and calling our comunidad to action. Independent Latino journalism only survives when the community it serves decides it’s worth protecting. **There are two ways to stand with us:** **Are you a Latino professional, entrepreneur, or leader ready to be celebrated?** Become a Cultura Ambassador — SVL’s official community membership for Latino leaders who are ready to have their story told, their work amplified, and their excellence made visible. Cultura Ambassador: [svlatino.com/collections/join-our-tribe](https://svlatino.com/#/portal/signup/6a8db2d43e7c840008178b04/yearly) **Want to support our mission?** Become an Amigo de SVL. Your support keeps our journalism independent, our stories free, and our #CreoEnTi programs and community events alive. No spotlight required. Just solidarity. Amigo de SVL: [svlatino.com/collections/join-our-tribe/products/amigo-de-svl](https://svlatino.com/#/portal/signup/6a8e00f723b28c0001855fa0/monthly) ###### ***Juntos Adelante. Because silence is complicity. And so is inaction.*** ### The Dream: Four Decades of Fighting for a Space to Call Our Own URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/raices/the-dream-four-decades-of-fighting-for-a-space-to-call-our-own/ Last updated: 2026-09-28T21:55:29.000Z *Part 7: The Dream | By Eddie García* Your browser does not support the audio element. **From Silicon Valley Latino** *As early as 1952, San José's Mexican community was fighting for a cultural center. The city said no. The freeway came instead. Then another proposal. Another no. Four decades of roadblocks, divisions, and demolished plans. In Part 7 of Raíces — Our Story, Our Narrative, Eddie García documents the dream that refused to die, and the dawn that finally came. In San José, to dream of celebrating your own culture was itself an act of persistence and resistance.* *Missed Part 6? Read* [*The Tech Museum and the Children's Discovery Museum Stand on the Ashes of La Colonia*](https://svlatino.com/blogs/raices/the-tech-museum-and-the-childrens-discovery-museum-stand-on-the-ashes-of-la-colonia)*. Start from the beginning with* [*Part 1: The Prologue* *.*](https://svlatino.com/blogs/raices/raices-vol-1-part-1-the-prologue) **Author's Note** For two centuries, San José's leaders and amateur historians overlooked the region's ethnic Mexican experience. They gave no recognition to the 66 Mexican founders of El Pueblo de San José. Mexican miners were absent from historical accounts. Clyde Arbuckle's 535-page History of San Jose omits the Mexican American rancher who became a leader in the global hide-and-tallow industry. La Colonia's thriving mid-20th-century neighborhoods and businesses west of downtown were buried beneath the debris of “urban renewal.” In their unrealistic quest to revive the city's core by throwing urban renewal funds toward creating a modern version of a dying downtown, city leaders took a wrecking ball to the booming Mexican American Colonia. In doing so, city leaders failed to capitalize on a cultural heritage that had survived and thrived in the valley for more than two centuries. Unlike San Antonio, Texas, which recognizes, celebrates, and embraces its Mexican American roots and culture, San José's leaders refused to acknowledge the city's rich Mexican history and traditions. San Diego and Los Angeles preserved their original Pueblo sites and now celebrate them as tourist attractions. A lone 18th-century adobe that sits in the shadow of the high-rise apartment building that stands on the ashes of the historic Palomar Ballroom is the only remnant of El Pueblo de San José. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/952_Screenshot_2026-07-12_at_10.40.32_AM_600x600.png) Photo Credit: City of San Antonio - Market Square Today's excerpt, from Part 2 (The Dream) of *Mexican Heritage Plaza: A Symbol of Resilience and Perseverance*, documents how, beginning in the 1950s, groups of ethnic Mexican leaders attempted to overcome community divisions and lack of city support to build a gathering space to celebrate Mexican culture. It is the seventh installment in a 12-part series for SVL's Raíces — Our Story, Our Narrative. The book is available in paperback and on Kindle at Amazon: [amazon.com — Mexican Heritage Plaza](https://www.amazon.com/Mexican-Heritage-Plaza-Resilience-Perseverance-ebook/dp/B0GX32LM23). ***Mexican Heritage Plaza: A Symbol of Resilience and Perseverance*** *by Eddie García* *Part 2* **The Dream** *November 4, 1980 \~ September 9, 1999* In the September 5, 1952, issue of El Excéntrico Magazine, the president of La Comisión Honorífica Mexicana, a group sponsored by the Mexican consulate in San Francisco, announced that its general assembly voted on July 20th of the same year to approve a project to establish La Casa del Mexicano, a community and cultural center that included a large meeting hall and offices for the Comisión. Money raised during the Comisión's annual Cinco de Mayo and September 16th celebrations would fund the project. The article also called for broad support from the ethnic Mexican community to ensure it had its own space for social events and festivals. Opposition began to develop before the July 20th general assembly vote. A former Comisión Honorífica Mexicana president argued that funds for the Casa del Mexicano project would siphon money away from a college scholarship program for Mexican American students. According to a July 19, 1952, San José Mercury News article, he “charged while the scholarship program promoted better American citizenship, activities centered around the proposed clubhouse would tend to increase loyalties to México, rather than the United States.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/862_Old_Town_600x600.jpg) Old Town San Diego, photo credit Heather Lynn Photography Although the former president was a native of México and served on the Comisión board, he believed that the future of the ethnic Mexican community in San José depended on building capacity in the United States. In an April 5, 1953, El Excéntrico opinion piece, he wrote in Spanish, “Although we love our traditions, we refuse to live in the past. This country is our home, and without a doubt, we want to be considered part of the local community.” The Comisión Honorífica Mexicana general assembly unanimously voted to fund the scholarship program and the Casa del Mexicano project. A year later, the Comisión purchased property in La Colonia near the Del Monte cannery. The house became the Comisión's headquarters, used for meetings and small gatherings. The organization could not raise the necessary funds to build a large meeting hall and community center for public events as envisioned. By the mid-1960s, the Comisión sold the property to make way for a segment of Interstate 280, expanding the demolition of La Colonia, which started with the City of San José's urban renewal program earlier in the decade. The Comisión's dream of building a gathering space for the ethnic Mexican community remained of interest, even as cars zipped along I-280 on the land that once housed the Casa del Mexicano. In its annual message to the community, published in the December 5, 1967, issue of El Excéntrico, the Comisión presented the Centro Cultural Mexicano project, “probably the boldest plan” ever announced by the Comisión. The proposed 49-acre development would be an “authentically Mexican village” that included a large central kiosk, a church built in the original mission style, offices, art studios, and classroom space for teaching Mexican art, dance, and music. It is unlikely that the project progressed beyond the proposal stage, as described in El Excéntrico. There is no historical record of subsequent discussions. Six years later, a group of business leaders founded the Mexican American Chamber of Commerce (MACC), “to improve the social, cultural, economic, and political position of ethnic Mexicans in San José.” The organization grew quickly and soon earned the trust of the community, city leaders, and established downtown business groups. The MACC was determined to develop a “Mexican Village” in downtown San José that replicated the thriving Market Street business corridor of two decades earlier. The MACC's proposal would include space for arts and entertainment. By the mid-1970s, some city leaders were open to the concept. The proposal could potentially revitalize a dying downtown. Despite early momentum for the MACC project, the city council pressed ahead with its plan to revitalize downtown San José by displacing the ethnic Mexican community and investing heavily in urban renewal. For the better part of four decades, institutional roadblocks, financial challenges, and community divisions hampered the dream of creating a space where the city's Mexican cultural heritage is acknowledged and celebrated. The dawn of the 1980s would bring renewed hope and previously unattainable opportunities toward achieving that dream. **Get the Book** ***Mexican Heritage Plaza: A Symbol of Resilience and Perseverance*** by Eddie García is available in paperback and on Kindle. Purchase on Amazon: [amazon.com — Mexican Heritage Plaza](https://www.amazon.com/Mexican-Heritage-Plaza-Resilience-Perseverance-ebook/dp/B0GX32LM23) ***Stories like this don't tell themselves.*** SVL has spent over a decade making the invisible visible — celebrating Latino excellence, naming hard truths, and calling our comunidad to action. Independent Latino journalism only survives when the community it serves decides it's worth protecting. **There are two ways to stand with us:** **Are you a Latino professional, entrepreneur, or leader ready to be celebrated?** Become a Cultura Ambassador — SVL's official community membership for Latino leaders who are ready to have their story told, their work amplified, and their excellence made visible. Cultura Ambassador: [svlatino.com/collections/join-our-tribe](https://svlatino.com/#/portal/signup/6a8db2d43e7c840008178b04/yearly) **Want to support our mission?** Become an Amigo de SVL. Your support keeps our journalism independent, our stories free, and our #CreoEnTi programs and community events alive. No spotlight required. Just solidarity. Amigo de SVL: [svlatino.com/collections/join-our-tribe/products/amigo-de-svl](https://svlatino.com/#/portal/signup/6a8e00f723b28c0001855fa0/monthly) ***Juntos Adelante. Because silence is complicity. And so is inaction.*** ### She Learned to Read People at a Flea Market. Now She's Teaching Leaders How to Listen. URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/cultura-ambassador/she-learned-to-read-people-at-a-flea-market-now-shes-teaching-leaders-how-to-listen-2/ Last updated: 2026-09-28T21:55:20.000Z *Welcome, Nancy Marmolejo, our newest Executive Cultura Ambassador* Your browser does not support the audio element. **From swap meets to boardrooms, one skill never left her.** Some leadership lessons come from boardrooms. Nancy Marmolejo's came from a snack bar counter at a weekend flea market, where she spent her teenage Saturdays and Sundays serving burgers, chips, and soda to bikers, treasure hunters, and everyone in between. She wasn't just making change. She was learning to read people. Their strengths, their stories, the things they carried that nobody else bothered to notice. That skill would go on to shape a career spent helping others see what they couldn't yet see in themselves. **The Teacher Who Refused to Give Up on "At-Risk"** Nancy's first career was in the classroom, working as a public-school teacher with immigrant students the system had already written off. She refused that label. Instead of letting her students fall through the cracks, she reflected their strengths back to them, brought community resources into her classroom to teach immigrant rights and personal safety, and got her students into service learning across the city. That work earned recognition for her and her students and opened the door for her to train other teachers on the same approach. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/1126_mindful_chingona_600x600.heic.jpg) After more than a decade in education, Nancy took what she'd learned at the flea market counter and in the classroom and built something of her own: a coaching, consulting, and training practice for small business owners, executives, and workplace teams. In the early 2000s, she was one of the first coaches to build a brand rooted in Latina identity, unapologetically challenging what leadership was expected to look like, years before that conversation became mainstream. **Ahead of the Curve, On Purpose** That instinct to be ahead of the curve has defined Nancy's career ever since. She has brought her signature work in personal branding, communication, and expert positioning to mission scientists at NASA, tech leaders at Microsoft, aerospace engineers at global firms, faculty at UC Davis, and teams across nonprofits, foundations, and public agencies. The thread running through all of it: emotional intelligence, cultural understanding, self-awareness, and empathy. Her work has been recognized by the U.S. Congress and covered by Forbes, The Huffington Post, Univision, Latina Magazine, and more than a hundred other outlets. For over three years, she served as Chief Strategy Officer for Lean In Latinas, where she founded the Latina Speakers and Coaches Circle and co-chaired the annual Take Charge Conference, helping bring a wider, more diverse range of voices to the stage and opening the door to a deeper sense of belonging for everyone in the room. **Now, She's Teaching Us to Listen** More than two decades into that work, Nancy has poured her energy into a body of work devoted to a single, often-overlooked leadership skill: listening. Her upcoming book, *Heard: Transforming Leadership Through the Power of Listening*, in development since 2025, makes the case that people who feel heard feel valued, and that this single shift moves the needle more than almost anything else on healing toxic workplace culture. It's a fitting next chapter for someone who has spent her entire career proving that the strongest leaders aren't the loudest ones in the room. They're the ones paying attention. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/858_Nancy-65-Malibu_600x600.jpg) Outside her consulting work, Nancy is the proud mother of a UC Berkeley graduate, a self-described museum nerd and trivia addict, and a licensed spiritual counselor who shows up for her local community in ways that rarely make headlines but always make a difference. **Bienvenida, Nancy** Many in our community already know Nancy. Her name has been part of the Bay Area Latina leadership conversation for years. Silicon Valley Latino is proud to welcome her into our comunidad in a new way: sharing her voice, her decades of experience, and her insight directly with our readers in the months ahead. Her story is proof of something SVL believes to its core: expertise doesn't always come from where you'd expect it. Sometimes it comes from a flea market counter. Sometimes it comes from a classroom full of kids nobody else believed in. And sometimes, it just takes someone willing to listen. Welcome, Nancy. We're ready to listen. Learn about Nancy's work at [www.heardleadership.com](https://heardleadership.com/) **Stories like this don’t tell themselves.** SVL has spent over a decade making the invisible visible, celebrating Latino excellence, naming hard truths, and calling our community to action. Independent Latino journalism only survives when the community it serves decides it’s worth protecting. There are two ways to stand with us: **Become a Cultura Ambassador** Are you a Latino professional, entrepreneur, or leader ready to be celebrated? SVL’s official community membership for Latino leaders who are ready to have their story told, their work amplified, and their excellence made visible. [svlatino.com/collections/join-our-tribe](https://svlatino.com/#/portal/signup/6a8db2d43e7c840008178b04/yearlyproducts/cultura-ambassador) **Become an Amigo de SVL** Want to support our mission? Your support keeps our journalism independent, our stories free, and our #CreoEnTi programs and community events alive. [svlatino.com/collections/join-our-tribe/products/amigo-de-svl](https://svlatino.com/#/portal/signup/6a8e00f723b28c0001855fa0/monthly) ###### ***Juntos Adelante. Because silence is complicity. And so is inaction.*** ### The Dream Comes True: 300 People, 46 Degrees, and Four Decades of Fighting Finally Break Ground URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/raices/the-dream-comes-true-300-people-46-degrees-and-four-decades-of-fighting-finally-break-ground-2/ Last updated: 2026-09-28T21:55:23.000Z *Part 10: Breaking Ground* Your browser does not support the audio element. **From Silicon Valley Latino** *“As a child, I was not made to feel pride in my culture and in my people.” Fernando Zazueta said those words on December 13, 1997, standing before 300 people on a cold open lot in East San José. It had taken four decades to get there. In Part 10 of Raíces — Our Story, Our Narrative, Eddie García takes us to the morning the dream finally broke ground.* *Missed Part 9? Read* [*Show Me the Money: How the Mexican Heritage Plaza Got Funded Against All Odds*](https://svlatino.com/blogs/raices/show-me-the-money-how-the-mexican-heritage-plaza-got-funded-against-all-odds)*. Start from the beginning with* [*Part 1: The Prologue*](https://svlatino.com/blogs/raices/raices-vol-1-part-1-the-prologue)*.* **Author’s Note** The Mexican Heritage Corporation’s (MHC) vision had expanded over the five-plus years since Councilwoman Blanca Alvarado gathered five community leaders to discuss a Mexican heritage gardens project. What began as ideas for a garden reflecting native Mexican flora evolved to include a plaza for cultural arts events and a kiosk for musical performances. With the City’s $6 million and the MHC’s $3 million in the bank, MHC leaders sought additional City funds. The project vision ultimately included a cultural arts center, multi-use community space, classrooms, an art gallery, and a fully functioning performance theater. Councilwoman Blanca Alvarado and the MHC fought for additional funding, and the city council approved another $9 million for the project. The city’s redevelopment director and the project’s opponents believed that the cost was unreasonable, especially for the East Side. The city proposed cutting the project’s budget in half, building in three phases, and using inferior materials. The MHC disagreed. Councilwoman Blanca Alvarado said, “No, no, no!” When new Councilman Manny Diaz replaced Blanca Alvarado, the city told him there was not enough money. Diaz replied, “Yes, there is.” With resilience and perseverance, Alvarado, Diaz, and the MHC kept the dream of building a cultural center in East San José alive. Today’s excerpt, from Chapter 15 (The Dream Comes True!) of *Mexican Heritage Plaza: A Symbol of Resilience and Perseverance*, tells the story about the historic morning when the Mexican Heritage Corporation broke ground to build the Mexican Heritage Plaza. It is the 10th installment in a 12-part series for SVL’s Raíces — Our Story, Our Narrative. The book is available in paperback and on Kindle at Amazon: [amazon.com — Mexican Heritage Plaza](https://www.amazon.com/Mexican-Heritage-Plaza-Resilience-Perseverance-ebook/dp/B0GX32LM23). ***Mexican Heritage Plaza: A Symbol of Resilience and Perseverance*** *by Eddie García* *Chapter 15* **The Dream Comes True** The San José Mercury News local section reported that “the skies were gun-metal gray, the temperature awfully cold” on December 13, 1997\. About 300 people gathered on an open lot at the corner of Alum Rock Avenue and King Road in East San José on that cold December day. Huddled together in small groups to keep warm as the thermometer struggled to reach 46 degrees by midday, the crowd was upbeat and celebratory despite the dreary weather. The Mexican and Mexican American community’s dream of building a cultural center first entered San José’s consciousness four decades earlier. Through challenging trials and tribulations, the dream gained momentum by the mid-1990s. It took a massive effort by many MHC leaders, politicians, community activists, and volunteers to keep the proposed Mexican Heritage Plaza and Gardens (MHPG) project in the public discussion. Support far outweighed opposition, but opponents at times slowed the process to a crawl. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/747_IMG_2746_600x600.jpg) photo credit Fernando Zazueta Significant challenges that had threatened the project appeared to be fading. Excitement and anticipation in the community were growing. MHC’s leadership was sprinting toward achieving the dream that had eluded the community for over four decades. The public outreach campaign to solidify public support for the MHPG intensified ahead of the groundbreaking ceremony. As MHC Board Secretary Joe Coto approached the podium at 11:00 am on that “awfully cold” morning, 300 or so spectators gathered in front of a portable stage framed by two bouquets of helium-filled balloons. A charismatic educator with a soothing voice, warm smile, and confident gait, Coto welcomed the gathering of political leaders, arts enthusiasts, community activists, and Sal Si Puedes neighbors by proclaiming that December 13, 1997, was “a major historical and cultural moment” in San José. Some in the shivering crowd read along with the official program of festivities in their hands titled The Dream Comes True! as Coto introduced a spiritual Blessing of the Four Directions by a local Aztec dance group. The dancers, dressed in colorful headdresses made of dyed ostrich feathers, performed the ritual, accompanied by drums, rattles, and melodic, horn-like conch-shell notes. Facing each cardinal direction, the dancers offered blessings for new beginnings, transformation, artistic reflection, and wisdom. Resident arts partners Maiko and Tabia, a Buddhist monk, and the organizers of the Vietnamese heritage gardens also offered multicultural blessings. A line-up of distinguished speakers followed the blessings: Mayor Susan Hammer, Supervisor Blanca Alvarado, Councilman Manny Díaz, city redevelopment chief Frank Taylor, Mexican Consul Sergio Casanueva Reguart, and Teatro Familia Aztlán Artistic Director Adrián Vargas. MHC Board Chairman Fernando Zazueta concluded the program with a measured yet passionate keynote address. He began with a brief history of San José from its founding on November 29, 1777\. He spoke about the first meetings with Blanca Alvarado in 1987 regarding the heritage gardens idea, and the launch of the San José Mariachi Festival in 1992\. He was at his most compassionate when he eloquently spoke about how, “*as a child, I was not made to feel pride in my culture and in my people.*” He continued by emphasizing that “*we must correct that error so that our children can reach their full potential.*” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/746_IMG_2745_600x600.jpg) photo credit Fernando Zazueta After the speeches concluded, Alvarado, Coto, Díaz, Hammer, Taylor, Zazueta, and a group of students from St. Maria Goretti Church pressed shovels into the ground to turn over small amounts of dirt and symbolize the official start of construction. Mariachi Azteca, a local group from East San José, played the upbeat, celebratory Son de La Negra as 300 onlookers enthusiastically cheered. Before the crowd dispersed, Teatro Familia Aztlán musicians took to the stage. They played the classic “De Colores.” Oblivious to the 46-degree temperature, three hundred people standing on the open lot at the corner of Alum Rock Avenue and King Road in East San José held hands, swayed to the music, and gleefully sang: > *Y por eso los grandes amores* > > *De muchos colores me gustan a mí.* > > *(And that is why the great loves* > > *Of many colors are what I like)* Four decades of dreaming about a sacred place to celebrate San José’s rich Mexican cultural heritage took a significant step toward reality on that “awfully cold day” in December. **Get the Book** ***Mexican Heritage Plaza: A Symbol of Resilience and Perseverance*** by Eddie García is available in paperback and on Kindle. Purchase on Amazon: [amazon.com — ](https://www.amazon.com/Mexican-Heritage-Plaza-Resilience-Perseverance-ebook/dp/B0GX32LM23)[Mexican Heritage Plaza](https://www.amazon.com/Mexican-Heritage-Plaza-Resilience-Perseverance-ebook/dp/B0GX32LM23) ***Stories like this don’t tell themselves.*** SVL has spent over a decade making the invisible visible — celebrating Latino excellence, naming hard truths, and calling our comunidad to action. Independent Latino journalism only survives when the community it serves decides it’s worth protecting. **There are two ways to stand with us:** **Are you a Latino professional, entrepreneur, or leader ready to be celebrated?** Become a Cultura Ambassador — SVL’s official community membership for Latino leaders who are ready to have their story told, their work amplified, and their excellence made visible. Cultura Ambassador: [svlatino.com/collections/join-our-tribe](https://svlatino.com/#/portal/signup/6a8db2d43e7c840008178b04/yearly) **Want to support our mission?** Become an Amigo de SVL. Your support keeps our journalism independent, our stories free, and our #CreoEnTi programs and community events alive. No spotlight required. Just solidarity. Amigo de SVL: [svlatino.com/collections/join-our-tribe/products/amigo-de-svl](https://svlatino.com/#/portal/signup/6a8e00f723b28c0001855fa0/monthly) > ###### ***Juntos Adelante. Because silence is complicity. And so is inaction.*** ### She Did Not Wait for Permission | Alexis Martinez Collegiate Cultura Ambassador URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/cultura-ambassador/she-did-not-wait-for-permission-alexis-martinez-collegiate-cultura-ambassador/ Last updated: 2026-10-09T16:34:16.000Z Your browser does not support the audio element. *Alexis Martinez is a 4.0 cadet, a single mother, and the granddaughter of campesinos. When she commissions as a U.S. Air Force Officer, her grandparents’ American Dream will be complete.* Her grandparents worked the fields of Nuevo León and Oaxaca so their children could go further. Their granddaughter is going to commission as a United States Air Force Officer. That is not a metaphor. That is what generational sacrifice looks like when it is fully realized. Alexis Martinez just completed her sophomore year at Sacramento State University, Communications major, Business minor, 4.0 GPA. She holds that same 4.0 in Air Force ROTC, where she is training to commission as a Second Lieutenant. She wakes up at 4 a.m. on Fridays for physical training, drops her four-year-old son Peyton off at school, and heads back to campus to lead. When she comes home, she puts the cadet away and becomes his mom. She is twenty-three years old. She is doing all of this alone. **From the Fields of Nuevo León and Oaxaca** Alexis grew up knowing her grandparents had come from Mexico as migrant farmworkers, campesinos, part of America’s unsung heroes. But she says you do not fully understand the weight of that sacrifice when you are a child. > *“I think about the contrast between where my family’s story began and where I am now quite often,” she says. “My grandparents worked as campesinos in the fields, and now two generations later, I have the opportunity to earn a university degree and commission as an officer in the United States Air Force. That is not something I take lightly.”* The Martinez family built something larger than one generation. Seventeen bachelor’s degrees. Nine master’s degrees. One law degree. One doctorate. Her grandparents believed education was the path to the American Dream, and their children and grandchildren took that belief and ran with it. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/735_IMG_1292_600x600.jpg) It was not until she became a mother herself that Alexis says she truly understood what her grandparents gave. > *“The strength they carried did not end with them,” she says. “It lives on through our family, and I carry it with me into every room I enter.”* **She Did Not Accept No** Alexis did not walk a straight line to the officer corps. She tried to enlist first and was turned away due to medical disqualifications. For many people, that would have been the end of the story. She is not many people. A close friend pointed her toward Air Force ROTC, a path where she could earn her degree, serve her country, and build a stable future for Peyton without putting her education on hold. She joined in early 2024 with no military background, no guarantee of a medical waiver, and no roadmap. She showed up anyway. On her very first day of ROTC, not five minutes into a grueling ruck and run, a male counterpart looked at her and asked what she was even doing there. He did not know she had already signed up for every available leadership position. He did not know that on her first full day, she volunteered to lead the entire cadet wing in physical training, and that the Lieutenant Colonel came over personally to commend her before she even fully understood what that rank meant. Her commander eventually advocated for her medical waiver. It was granted. > *“Someone saw my potential and was willing to advocate for me when my path forward wasn’t guaranteed,” she says. “That’s the kind of leader I hope to be for someone else one day.”* A mentor, now Lt. Belantes, gave her words she carries into every room: ***“Not only are you a woman, but you are a woman of color, a petite woman, a soft-spoken woman, and not everyone has to like you, but make sure your work, your ethics, and your standards give people no choice but to respect you.”*** She has lived by it ever since. **4 a.m. and Counting** A 4.0 across both Sacramento State and Air Force ROTC is not an accident. It is a system, built by someone who does not have the luxury of wasted time. Alexis describes a typical Friday: alarm at 4 a.m., physical training at 6:30 a.m., home to get Peyton ready and drop him at school, back to campus for ROTC duties until 6 p.m. The rest of the week is just as carefully mapped. She completes as much coursework as possible while Peyton is in school, because when she comes home, she wants to be fully present for him. > *“When I come home, I want to be his mom,” she says. “If there’s work I couldn’t finish during the day, I wait until he’s asleep, and then I get back to it.”* Three things are non-negotiable in their home: dinner at the table, church on Sundays, and quality time together. The rest bends around those anchors. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/725_IMG_0545_600x600.jpg) After graduation, Alexis plans to focus on Acquisitions, the intersection of business, cutting-edge technology, and national security. She will manage high-stakes innovation for the Air Force, the kind of work that shapes what the U.S. military can do and how it does it. It is exactly the field a woman with her background, communications, business, an instinct for people, and an unshakeable work ethic, was built for. **2.5% — And Climbing** Latinas represent 2.5% of the active-duty officer corps. Alexis knows that number. She felt it her first semester, one of only two Latinas in her entire wing. She is not waiting to have influence before she uses it. > *“Do not shrink yourself to fit into a room you belong in,” she says to the young Latinas watching her. “The discipline, the grit, and the fierce protective instincts you already carry from your culture are exactly what the military needs in its officer corps. When you look at the uniform, don’t wait for permission to wear it.”* She calls it the Multiplier Effect. Her story becomes permission for the next Latina who walks into a space where she does not see herself reflected. Her commission becomes proof. Her son watching her take that oath becomes the image that travels and lingers. Peyton will be seven years old when she is pinned. **When Peyton Watches Her Be Pinned** When those gold bars are pinned on her uniform, Alexis says it will not feel like a moment that belongs only to her. > *“I will see my grandparents in it,” she says. “I’ll see my dad, who worked hard to give me opportunities. I’ll see every person in my family whose sacrifices gave the next generation a chance to go further. And I’ll see my son.”* Her grandparents planted something they may not have known they would ever see fully grown. **It is grown.** Follow Alexis Martinez’s journey with SVL. Share her story with a young Latina who needs to see it. And if you are a Latino professional, entrepreneur, or leader ready to have your own story told, become a Cultura Ambassador. **Stories like this don’t tell themselves.** SVL has spent over a decade making the invisible visible, celebrating Latino excellence, naming hard truths, and calling our comunidad to action. Independent Latino journalism only survives when the community it serves decides it’s worth protecting. There are two ways to stand with us: Are you a Latino professional, entrepreneur, or leader ready to be celebrated? Become a Cultura Ambassador, SVL’s official community membership for Latino leaders who are ready to have their story told, their work amplified, and their excellence made visible. [Become a Cultura Ambassador](https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/cultura-ambassador/she-did-not-wait-for-permission-alexis-martinez-collegiate-cultura-ambassador/#/portal/signup/6a8db2d43e7c840008178b04/yearly) Want to support our mission? Become an Amigo de SVL. Your support keeps our journalism independent, our stories free, and our #CreoEnTi programs and community events alive. [Become an Amigo de SVL](https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/cultura-ambassador/she-did-not-wait-for-permission-alexis-martinez-collegiate-cultura-ambassador/#/portal/signup/6a8e00f723b28c0001855fa0/monthly) ###### ***Juntos Adelante. Because silence is complicity. And so is inaction.*** # #WeAreSVL | #JuntosAdelante | #CreoEnTi | #LatinaLeader | #SVLVoices | #CulturaAmbassador ### Protecting Our People in the Age of Artificial Intelligence URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/business/protecting-our-people-in-the-age-of-artificial-intelligence/ Last updated: 2026-09-28T21:55:30.000Z Your browser does not support the audio element. ###### *SVL Advisory Board Member & Cultura Ambassador Arnaldo “Arnie” Lopez breaks down AI security — and why it matters deeply for the Latino community.* > *In a world where artificial intelligence is reshaping banking, healthcare, hiring, and everyday life, one of our own is making sure our community doesn’t get left behind — or worse, left vulnerable.* Arnaldo “Arnie” Lopez is no stranger to the front lines of technology. He’s been a Technology Executive at several high profile firms in his career, a proud SVL Advisory Board Member, and Cultura Ambassador, Arnie has spent more than three decades navigating the evolving landscape of Silicon Valley’s tech industry. Born in La Paz, Bolivia, raised in the Bay Area, and shaped by the values of hard work and community, Arnie brings a perspective to AI that is as human as it is technical. SVL Founder Alex Ontiveros sat down with Arnie for an exclusive conversation on one of the most pressing topics of our time: how to use AI safely, and why the stakes are especially high for the Latino community. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/622_DSC00819_600x600.jpg) **What Is AI Security — And Why Should We Care?** When Alex asked Arnie to break it down in simple terms, his answer was both clear and urgent: > “*AI security means protecting the systems, data, and outputs that AI relies on — and protecting people from AI being used against them.*”— Arnie Lopez, SVL Advisory Board Member AI is no longer a futuristic concept — it is embedded in the tools we use every day. From the apps on our phones to the systems that determine whether we get hired or approved for a loan, AI is making decisions that affect real lives. And as Arnie made clear, when those systems fail or are exploited, it is often the most vulnerable communities that feel it first. “For our community, it’s especially important because the people most affected by AI failures are often those with the least power to push back,” he said. **The Risks Are Real — At Home and At Work** Whether you’re scrolling on your phone at home or using tools at the office, Arnie outlined the threats that matter most: data privacy breaches, prompt injection, and AI-generated phishing scams that are more convincing than ever. At work, one of the most common — and dangerous — habits is pasting sensitive company data into free AI tools. “Employees often paste sensitive company data into free AI tools, which can violate compliance rules. Knowing these risks is the first step to protecting yourself.” His advice for everyday users is practical and empowering: never share Social Security numbers, passwords, or private medical records with any AI chatbot. Use enterprise-grade tools when available. Always verify AI-generated content before acting on it — especially for legal, financial, or medical matters. And perhaps most importantly: read the privacy policy to find out if your data is being used to train the model. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/1082_image000000_600x600.jpg) **Why This Hits Differently for Nuestra Comunidad** When Alex asked why AI security is a particular concern for the Latino community, Arnie’s answer was both personal and powerful. Language barriers can make it harder to understand AI terms of service. Many community members work in sectors — gig work, hospitality, construction — where AI surveillance tools are being deployed without worker input. And AI systems trained on non-diverse data can perform worse for Spanish speakers or those with accented English. > “When AI-based systems are used in immigration enforcement, the stakes are extraordinarily high. Our community needs to be at the table when these decisions are made.”— Arnie Lopez This isn’t just a tech issue. It is a civil rights issue. And Arnie is one of the voices demanding we treat it that way. **Latino Professionals: Builders, Not Just Users** One of the most inspiring parts of the conversation was Arnie’s vision for what Latino professionals can contribute to the AI space — not just as end users, but as architects of a more equitable future. “Latino professionals bring critical perspectives that are missing in most AI development rooms. We can advocate for multilingual testing of AI systems, push for diverse data sets, and ensure that AI tools are evaluated for equity before deployment.” He pointed directly to the role of organizations like Silicon Valley Latino in creating the pipeline: mentoring the next generation so that more Latinos are not just using AI but building and governing it. **His Message to Anyone Who Feels Left Behind** For those in our community who feel overwhelmed by AI — who feel like this technology was built for someone else — Arnie had a message that cut straight to the heart: > “*Start where you are. You don’t need to be a programmer to understand AI. The people who shape AI’s future don’t have to look like Silicon Valley’s past. Your voice, your experience, and your presence in these conversations matters more than you know.*”— Arnie Lopez He encouraged everyone to begin with one tool, use it intentionally, and ask questions: Who made this? What data does it use? What happens to my information? And to find community — spaces like SVL — where those questions are welcomed and answered by people who share your background and your challenges. Arnie Lopez’s journey — from the hills of La Paz to the boardrooms of Silicon Valley — is proof that our stories belong in every room where the future is being decided. As AI continues to reshape our world, voices like Arnie’s remind us that technology is only as powerful as the people it serves. And our community deserves to be protected, represented, and empowered in equal measure. --- *Knowledge is protection. Community is power.* *SVL has spent over a decade making the invisible visible — celebrating Latino excellence, naming hard truths, and calling our comunidad to action. Independent Latino journalism only survives when the community it serves decides it's worth protecting.* *There are two ways to stand with us:* ***Are you a Latino professional, entrepreneur, or leader ready to be celebrated?*** *Become a Cultura Ambassador — SVL's official community membership for Latino leaders who are ready to have their story told, their work amplified, and their excellence made visible.* *Become a Cultura Ambassador →* [*h* *ttps://svlatino.com/collections/join-our-tribe*](https://svlatino.com/#/portal/signup/6a8db2d43e7c840008178b04/yearly) ***Want to support our mission?*** *Become an Amigo de SVL. Your support keeps our journalism independent, our stories free, and our #CreoEnTi programs and community events alive — from Inspire Higher Tours to Latino Leaders Fireside Chats to College Declaration Day. No spotlight required. Just solidarity.* *Support SVL as an Amigo de SVL →* [*https://svlatino.com/collections/join-our-tribe/products/amigo-de-svl*](https://svlatino.com/#/portal/signup/6a8e00f723b28c0001855fa0/monthly) *Juntos Adelante. Because silence is complicity. And so is inaction.* ### 24,342 Acres. By 1865 His Family Had 2,200. The Difference Was the Law. URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/raices/24-342-acres-by-1865-his-family-had-2-200-the-difference-was-the-law/ Last updated: 2026-09-28T21:55:33.000Z *Part 5: José Antonio Chaboya | By Eddie García* Your browser does not support the audio element. **From Silicon Valley Latino** *24,342 acres. That is what Antonio Chaboya owned in 1851\. By 1865 his family had 2,200\. The difference was not bad luck. It was a law written with the purpose to specifically take it away from him. Like many of our readers, SVL is learning this history for the first time, one chapter at a time, guided by historian Eddie García. In Part 5 of Raíces — Our Story, Our Narrative, he names the system that stole Silicon Valley's land out from under the people who already owned it.* *Missed Part 4? Read [New Almaden Mines](https://svlatino.com/blogs/raices/new-almaden-mines-how-mexican-labor-built-silicon-valley). Start from the beginning with [Part 1: The Prologue](https://svlatino.com/blogs/raices/raices-vol-1-part-1-the-prologue).* **Author's Note** The largest individual private landowner in San José history was a rancher named Francisco Javier Antonio Chaboya. He was born in El Pueblo de San José and baptized at Mission Santa Clara. His father was born in Mexico City, and his mother was a native of Sinaloa, México. Mexicans born in California identified themselves as Californios, 19th-century ancestors of today's Mexican Americans. In 1833, the governor of Alta California, México, granted Antonio Chaboya over 24,000 acres. Chaboya named his massive property Rancho Yerba Buena de Socayre. The northern boundary of the rancho was modern-day Tully Road; present-day Yerba Buena Road marked the eastern border; today's Metcalf Road marked the southern limit; and the Coyote River marked the western boundary. Antonio Chaboya was among the wealthiest men in the valley. In those days, cash was in short supply in California. Chaboya's currency was hides and tallow from the thousands of head of cattle he raised on his ranch. When ships from the other side of the continent sailed into San Francisco Bay, Chaboya would trade his hides and tallow for the finest goods produced on the East Coast and Europe. Today's excerpt, from Chapter 3 (The Squatters) of *Mexican Heritage Plaza: A Symbol of Resilience and Perseverance*, tells the story of how Americans swindled 90% of Chaboya's land when the United States acquired California as spoils of war after the Mexican-American War of 1846-48\. It is the fifth installment in a 12-part series for SVL's Raíces — Our Story, Our Narrative. The book is available in paperback and on Kindle at Amazon: [amazon.com — Mexican Heritage Plaza](https://www.amazon.com/Mexican-Heritage-Plaza-Resilience-Perseverance-ebook/dp/B0GX32LM23). ***Mexican Heritage Plaza: A Symbol of Resilience and Perseverance*** *by Eddie García* *Chapter 3* **The Squatters** Most Americans who flocked to California during the 1849 Gold Rush did not acquire the riches they had hoped for by moving west. Those who left the gold fields and points east to San José and Santa Clara County settled on land they found suitable for themselves, regardless of who might have owned it. Perhaps they were intoxicated by American Manifest Destiny arrogance that they falsely believed gave them "God-given rights" to the land. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/949_Screenshot_2026-06-28_at_8.07.07_AM_600x600.png) *Photo Credit: MLK Library/SJSU Special Collections* Throughout California during the 1850s, white Americans settled on property owned by Californio ranchers. They built homes, planted crops, and raised livestock on land that belonged to someone else. Although these "squatters" had no legal title, lease, right, or claim to the property, they continued to occupy the land as if it were their own. The squatters' illegal possession of the land appeared to be in direct violation of Title VIII of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, which stated, "Mexicans now established in territories previously belonging to México . . . shall be free to continue . . . retaining the property which they possess in the said territories" (italics added). Title VIII came under attack in Washington, D.C., almost immediately. Less than six months after California gained statehood, California Senator William M. Gwin introduced a bill in Congress known as the California Land Act of 1851. On the surface, the purpose of the California Land Act of 1851 was to resolve private property claims arising from American squatters occupying land owned by Mexican Californios. Rather than creating a law that made squatting illegal, the Act required the landowner, not the squatter, to file a claim with a three-person Public Land Commission appointed by the President of the United States. The law was, without question, a strategy for the United States to populate the valuable California landscape with people of the United States to fulfill economic goals that were the objectives of President Polk's decision to wage war with México. Despite the language in Title VIII of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, Antonio Chaboya's Rancho Yerba Buena would fall prey to American swindlers. A year after President Millard Fillmore signed the California Land Act into law on March 3, 1851, Chaboya dutifully filed a claim of ownership of Rancho Yerba Buena with the Public Land Commission on March 18, 1852. After years of filings, hearings, and enormous legal expenses, the Public Land Commission granted a land patent to Chaboya for his rancho in 1859\. During those seven years, he gradually whittled away the 24,342 acres he owned to pay for attorneys and to avoid further legal expenses by selling land to squatters. Like his fellow Californio ranchers, Chaboya measured wealth in acreage, not cash. His hides and tallow were his currency to acquire material goods for his opulent estate. He had to trade parcels of his land to pay for legal representation. By the time he paid all legal expenses and sold land to squatters, his family inherited about 2,200 acres upon his death in 1865. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/971_UCBerkeley_600x600.png) *Photo Credit: U.C. Berkeley* This sad episode in San José's history, a classic example of structural racism as defined by the Aspen Institute, was repeated throughout California during the latter part of the 1800s. The Aspen Institute, a global nonprofit think tank "committed to realizing a free, just, and equitable society," defines structural racism as: "A system in which public policies, institutional practices, cultural representations, and other norms work in various, often reinforcing ways to perpetuate racial group inequity." Pre-21st-century local chroniclers of San José's past did not examine the Antonio Chaboya story, leaving out a vital watershed moment from the city's history. By the time the United States admitted California as a sovereign American state, the largest landowner in San José was a Mexican man born in the valley. Through public policy and cultural misrepresentation, Americans attempted to prevent Mexicans from prospering from the abundant natural resources in the area. With resilience and perseverance, however, ethnic Mexicans overcame structural racism to continue making meaningful contributions to San José's growth and development. **Get the Book** ***Mexican Heritage Plaza: A Symbol of Resilience and Perseverance*** by Eddie García is available in paperback and on Kindle. Purchase on Amazon: [amazon.com — Mexican Heritage Plaza](https://www.amazon.com/Mexican-Heritage-Plaza-Resilience-Perseverance-ebook/dp/B0GX32LM23) ***Stories like this don't tell themselves.*** SVL has spent over a decade making the invisible visible — celebrating Latino excellence, naming hard truths, and calling our comunidad to action. Independent Latino journalism only survives when the community it serves decides it's worth protecting. **There are two ways to stand with us:** **Are you a Latino professional, entrepreneur, or leader ready to be celebrated?** Become a Cultura Ambassador — SVL's official community membership for Latino leaders who are ready to have their story told, their work amplified, and their excellence made visible. Cultura Ambassador: [svlatino.com/collections/join-our-tribe](https://svlatino.com/#/portal/signup/6a8db2d43e7c840008178b04/yearly) **Want to support our mission?** Become an Amigo de SVL. Your support keeps our journalism independent, our stories free, and our #CreoEnTi programs and community events alive. No spotlight required. Just solidarity. Amigo de SVL: [svlatino.com/collections/join-our-tribe/products/amigo-de-svl](https://svlatino.com/#/portal/signup/6a8e00f723b28c0001855fa0/monthly) ***Juntos Adelante. Because silence is complicity. And so is inaction.*** #JuntosAdelante #CreoEnTi #WeAreSVL #SVLVoices #LatinoHeritage #Raíces #CreoEnNosotros #SilenceIsComplicity ### New Almaden Mines: How Mexican Labor Built Silicon Valley and Fought Back URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/raices/new-almaden-mines-how-mexican-labor-built-silicon-valley-and-fought-back/ Last updated: 2026-09-28T21:55:34.000Z *Part 4: New Almaden Mines | By Eddie García* Your browser does not support the audio element. **From Silicon Valley Latino** *Every summer the slender wild oat disappears from the Santa Clara Valley floor. Every winter it returns, having sustained the soil all along, invisible to those walking above it. For centuries the Mexican presence in this valley has been exactly that. Never gone. Always sustaining. Simply ignored by those who chose not to look. In Part 4 of Raíces — Our Story, Our Narrative, Eddie García takes us underground into the New Almaden Mines where that presence sparked what may have been the earliest ethnic Mexican organized labor movement in United States history.* *Missed Part 3? Read or listen to [The Founding of El Pueblo de San José](https://svlatino.com/blogs/raices/the-founding-of-el-pueblo-de-san-jose-a-22-day-journey-into-history). Start from the beginning with [Part 1: The Prologue](https://svlatino.com/blogs/raices/raices-vol-1-part-1-the-prologue).* **Author's Note** During the rainy season, Avena Barbata, also known as slender wild oat, is one of the natural grasses that blanket the green hillsides on the eastern slope of Santa Clara Valley. Before industrialization and the growth of Silicon Valley, this species of tall grass swayed in the wind on hillsides and the valley floor as well. During the dry season, the plant's seeds fall to the ground, disappear into the soil, and become dormant. Some seeds can remain underground for three years before sprouting again after the rains. The grass is also common in the Mexican states of Sonora and Sinaloa. Scientists speculate that Mexican settlers and ranchers introduced Avena Barbata to the valley in the 18th and 19th centuries to feed cattle and other livestock. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/947_Screenshot_2026-06-21_at_10.19.19_AM_600x600.png) *Photo Credit: Jan Studio* Just as Avena Barbata disappears from the valley floor every summer, ethnic Mexicans vanished from 20th-century published historical works. Much like how slender wild oat seeds nourish the soil, generating tall strands of green grass after the rain, ethnic Mexicans sustained the valley's development as ranch hands, agricultural workers, and miners. Today's excerpt, from Chapter 4 (Avena Barbata) of *Mexican Heritage Plaza: A Symbol of Resilience and Perseverance*, tells the story of how San José may have been the site of the "earliest ethnic Mexican–organized labor activities in U.S. history." It is the fourth installment in a 12-part series for SVL's Raíces — Our Story, Our Narrative. The book is available in paperback and on Kindle at Amazon: [amazon.com — Mexican Heritage Plaza](https://www.amazon.com/Mexican-Heritage-Plaza-Resilience-Perseverance-ebook/dp/B0GX32LM23). ***Mexican Heritage Plaza: A Symbol of Resilience and Perseverance*** *by Eddie García* *Chapter 4* **Avena Barbata** During the 1820s, Secundino Robles, a landowner born in Santa Cruz, was the first non-Ohlone to see cinnabar embedded in the hillside soil. Cinnabar is a bright reddish-orange mineral that the Ohlone used for thousands of years as paint for ceremonial adornments. During a visit to the Santa Clara Valley in 1845, Captain Andrés Castillero, a military officer from México City and a trained geologist, chemist, and metallurgist, inspected samples of the red rocks at Mission Santa Clara. His experiments confirmed that the stones were cinnabar, a mercury-based mineral that Spaniards found in the quicksilver mines of La Mancha. Quicksilver, another name for mercury, is a chemical used by miners to extract gold from rocks. Castillero formed a mining company named Santa Clara. The alcalde (mayor) of El Pueblo de San José awarded Castillero 18 square acres of land and permission to operate a mine. A year later, the Santa Clara mine extracted over 3,000 pounds of ore containing cinnabar. Castillero did not benefit from the Gold Rush, which brought riches to mine owners. He returned to México in 1847 to seek funding to expand his operations, and the Mexican government called him to duty during the 1846-48 U.S. War with México. The American owners named the location Cinnabar Hill and renamed the company New Almaden Mines, inspired by the world's largest and most famous quicksilver mine in Almadén, Spain. By the time California became a state in 1850, the New Almaden Mines was a large industrial complex that exported quicksilver worldwide. Nearly all the men working underground were experienced miners from Sonora, México. Two separate communities emerged on Cinnabar Hill: the misnamed Spanishtown and Englishtown. Mexicans, a handful of Chilean miners, and their families built Spanishtown, a community that grew to nearly 1,000 people at the dawn of California statehood. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/948_Screenshot_2026-06-21_at_9.47.13_AM_600x600.png) *Photo Credit: Western Mining History* The company paid Mexican miners by the pound of ore they brought up to the surface. That income only allowed them to build shanty-like structures from timber harvested on the hill. The residents of Spanishtown created a community that met their daily needs and cultural heritage. The settlement included a school and a general store. In honor of their patron, La Virgen de Guadalupe, the miners also built a Catholic church where they could worship with Mexican traditions in their own tongue. Not long after the American Quicksilver Mining Company arrived on Cinnabar Hill, structural racism reared its ugly head in Santa Clara Valley. Company policies ensured that the miners were financially beholden to the Quicksilver Mining Company. The new owners replaced the general store with a company store that sold food at a 75% markup. Monopolistic practices ensured that the cost of food exceeded the amount miners earned each month. To feed their families, women had to run a tab at the store, keeping Mexican families in perpetual debt to the company. In México, on May 5, 1862, a small army of Mexican peasants defeated a strong French military unit in the southern town of Puebla. When news of the stunning victory at Puebla reached Spanishtown, it encouraged the miners to stand and fight against the mining company's unfair and crippling policies. Spanishtown celebrated its first Cinco de Mayo fiesta on Cinnabar Hill a year later with banners of La Virgen de Guadalupe fluttering in the wind and miners waving red, white, and green Mexican flags. Inspired by the victory at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, miners began organizing and sharing ideas to resist the company's policies. In late 1864, miners and their families began protesting management. In his groundbreaking book, *A Devil in Silicon Valley: Northern California, Race, and Mexican Americans*, Yale historian Stephen Pitti wrote, "This period of trial led Spanish towners to launch what may have been the earliest ethnic Mexican–organized labor activities in U.S. history." **Get the Book** ***Mexican Heritage Plaza: A Symbol of Resilience and Perseverance*** by Eddie García is available in paperback and on Kindle. Purchase on Amazon: [amazon.com — Mexican Heritage Plaza](https://www.amazon.com/Mexican-Heritage-Plaza-Resilience-Perseverance-ebook/dp/B0GX32LM23) ***Stories like this don't tell themselves.*** SVL has spent over a decade making the invisible visible — celebrating Latino excellence, naming hard truths, and calling our comunidad to action. Independent Latino journalism only survives when the community it serves decides it's worth protecting. **There are two ways to stand with us:** **Are you a Latino professional, entrepreneur, or leader ready to be celebrated?** Become a Cultura Ambassador — SVL's official community membership for Latino leaders who are ready to have their story told, their work amplified, and their excellence made visible. Cultura Ambassador: [svlatino.com/collections/join-our-tribe](https://svlatino.com/#/portal/signup/6a8db2d43e7c840008178b04/yearlyproducts/cultura-ambassador) **Want to support our mission?** Become an Amigo de SVL. Your support keeps our journalism independent, our stories free, and our #CreoEnTi programs and community events alive. No spotlight required. Just solidarity. Amigo de SVL: [svlatino.com/collections/join-our-tribe/products/amigo-de-svl](https://svlatino.com/#/portal/signup/6a8e00f723b28c0001855fa0/monthly) ***Juntos Adelante. Because silence is complicity. And so is inaction.*** #JuntosAdelante #CreoEnTi #WeAreSVL #SVLVoices #LatinoHeritage #Raíces #CreoEnNosotros #SilenceIsComplicity ### The Founding of El Pueblo de San José: A 22-Day Journey Into History URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/raices/the-founding-of-el-pueblo-de-san-jose-a-22-day-journey-into-history/ Last updated: 2026-09-28T21:55:38.000Z *Part 3: The Founding of El Pueblo de San José | By Eddie García* Your browser does not support the audio element. **From Silicon Valley Latino** *For millennia, the fog has ebbed and flowed over the Santa Cruz Mountains into the Bay Area like waves washing onto a shore. It carries with it the stories that certain historians chose to ignore, the 66 Mexicans, the 200 animals, the three weeks of mud and silence along a trail no one had yet named that became the founding of San José de Guadalupe. It took someone like Eddie García to walk into that fog, reach in, and pull the history out piece by piece. In Part 3 of Raíces — Our Story, Our Narrative, he brings it back.* *Missed Part 2? Read* [*The Mexicans*](https://svlatino.com/blogs/raices/the-mexicans-how-san-joses-founders-were-written-out-of-their-own-citys-history)*. Start from the beginning with* [*Part 1: The Prologue*](https://svlatino.com/blogs/raices/raices-vol-1-part-1-the-prologue)*.* **Author's Note** José Joaquín Moraga was born at the Mission Los Santos Angeles de Guevavi in modern-day Sonora, México, located about 15 miles north of the current United States/Mexican border. His parents were also born in Sonora. The Mexican-born officer in the Spanish army was the second-in-command of the historic De Anza expedition that explored California and helped build a military outpost (presidio) in San Francisco in 1776. To strengthen its presence in its newly conquered territory, Spain planned a three-pronged approach to settlement: military presidios, missions, and civilian pueblos. The Spanish crown focused on developing towns to establish roots in California. The Viceroy of México called on Moraga to lead the expedition of 66 Mexican settlers to locate the first pueblo. The Governor of Alta California directed Moraga to look for a site in a lush valley south of the San Francisco presidio. Moraga recruited nine men and their families from the presidio for the journey south. He made sure that the men and women had farming experience. Moraga also allocated livestock to each family. Sixty-six resilient Mexicans and their animals left the presidio in San Francisco on the morning of November 7, 1777. Today's excerpt, from Chapter 1 (El Pueblo de San José de Guadalupe) of *Mexican Heritage Plaza: A Symbol of Resilience and Perseverance*, recreates the three-week journey from San Francisco to San José. It is the third installment in a 12-part series for SVL's Raíces — Our Story, Our Narrative. The book is available in paperback and on Kindle at Amazon: [amazon.com — Mexican Heritage Plaza](https://www.amazon.com/Mexican-Heritage-Plaza-Resilience-Perseverance-ebook/dp/B0GX32LM23). ***Mexican Heritage Plaza: A Symbol of Resilience and Perseverance*** by Eddie García Chapter 1 **El Pueblo de San José de Guadalupe** On what was most likely a typical foggy San Francisco morning, a servant to Lieutenant Moraga named José Sinova, a blacksmith born in México City, rounded up cattle to prepare for the journey south on November 7, 1777\. Including his wife, born in Villa Sinaloa, México, the expedition would include 66 people. Earlier in the year, the Spanish viceroy in México City tasked the governor of California with establishing civil settlements to support the missions and military outposts. The governor visited locations near missions and/or presidios in San Diego, Monterey, San Francisco, and Santa Clara. The area near Santa Clara had the most potential to succeed as an agricultural community. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/946_Screenshot_2026-06-11_at_8.37.21_PM_600x600.png) *Photo Credit: National Park Service* All 66 of those hardy souls who were scurrying around to get ready for the journey to an unknown wilderness on that foggy morning at the San Francisco Presidio were born in México. They hailed from Sonora, Sinaloa, Jalisco, Chihuahua, Puebla, and México City. The viceroy allotted each family two cows, two oxen, two horses and mares, two sheep, two goats, and one mule to get started in their new venture. It was a veritable 18th-century Noah's Ark on land. Moraga didn't keep a diary, and there is no record of the 22-day trek. There is little doubt that the lieutenant followed the same route down the peninsula that he had helped forge northward with the De Anza expedition the year before. The march south was probably a slog as the 60-plus humans and 200-plus animals stomped along a foggy, possibly muddy trail. There are no historical weather records from the 18th century. Still, weather patterns over the past 150 years indicate that the average temperature in November along the De Anza Trail has been 62 degrees during the day and 48 degrees at night, with just a few days of rain. Compared to the average 10-15 miles per day covered by the original De Anza expedition, San José's founding party was moving at a deliberate pace. The expedition covered just 50 miles or so in 22 days, averaging 2.25 miles per day. It is possible that November 1777 was stormy, miring the group in thick, sticky mud. Or perhaps they camped for a few days at each stop to rest, hunt, and gather food to supplement the provisions they packed for the trip. Regardless of the reasons, it took the Mexican pobladores nearly three weeks to complete the 50-mile journey; they arrived on the east bank of the river that dissected the beautiful green valley on the morning of November 29, 1777\. In the name of the Spanish king, Moraga named the new community El Pueblo de San José de Guadalupe. The first part of the name was in honor of St. Joseph, and the second part to celebrate La Virgen de Guadalupe de Tepeyac, the patron saint of México. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/945_Screenshot_2026-06-11_at_8.28.52_PM_600x600.png) *Photo Credit: History San Jose* Moraga left no record of why he chose to honor San José (St. Joseph) as the namesake for the new settlement. Catholics traditionally celebrate St. Joseph on March 19th, not November 29th. To be sure, St. Joseph's feast day did not inspire the name. St. Joseph is the patron saint of families, fathers, expectant mothers, travelers, immigrants, and working people, a description that perfectly describes the founding party. Maybe Moraga was honoring his fellow founders. Adding Guadalupe to the Pueblo's name is more apparent. The story of La Virgen de Guadalupe de Tepeyac recounts the miraculous appearance of the Virgin Mary to a native Mexican named Juan Diego on Tepeyac Hill, near modern-day México City, in 1531\. La Virgen placed her image on a cloak so Juan Diego could prove to Spanish authorities that she existed. As the patron saint of México, La Virgen de Guadalupe provides divine maternal protection and mercy to the people of the Americas. Moraga was likely asking La Virgen to bless and protect the new settlement. With San José and La Virgen guiding and protecting them, the pobladores from México, via the Presidio of San Francisco, pitched camp next to a river that would feed the thirsty crops they were soon to plant. The river also carried their patron saint's name. The Mexican town of El Pueblo de San José de Guadalupe was born. **Get the Book** ***Mexican Heritage Plaza: A Symbol of Resilience and Perseverance*** by Eddie García is available in paperback and on Kindle. Purchase on Amazon: [amazon.com — Mexican Heritage Plaza](https://www.amazon.com/Mexican-Heritage-Plaza-Resilience-Perseverance-ebook/dp/B0GX32LM23) ***Stories like this don't tell themselves.*** SVL has spent over a decade making the invisible visible — celebrating Latino excellence, naming hard truths, and calling our comunidad to action. Independent Latino journalism only survives when the community it serves decides it's worth protecting. **There are two ways to stand with us:** **Are you a Latino professional, entrepreneur, or leader ready to be celebrated?** Become a Cultura Ambassador — SVL's official community membership for Latino leaders who are ready to have their story told, their work amplified, and their excellence made visible. Cultura Ambassador: [svlatino.com/collections/join-our-tribe](https://svlatino.com/#/portal/signup/6a8db2d43e7c840008178b04/yearly) **Want to support our mission?** Become an Amigo de SVL. Your support keeps our journalism independent, our stories free, and our #CreoEnTi programs and community events alive. No spotlight required. Just solidarity. Amigo de SVL: [svlatino.com/collections/join-our-tribe/products/amigo-de-svl](https://svlatino.com/#/portal/signup/6a8e00f723b28c0001855fa0/monthly) ***Juntos Adelante. Because silence is complicity. And so is inaction.*** #JuntosAdelante #CreoEnTi #WeAreSVL #SVLVoices #LatinoHeritage #Raíces #CreoEnNosotros #SilenceIsComplicity ### The Mexicans: How San José's Founders Were Written Out of Their Own City's History URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/raices/the-mexicans-how-san-joses-founders-were-written-out-of-their-own-citys-history/ Last updated: 2026-09-28T21:55:39.000Z *Part 2: The Mexicans | By Eddie García* Your browser does not support the audio element. **From Silicon Valley Latino** *History is only as honest as the people who write it. In Part 2 of Raíces — Our Story, Our Narrative, Eddie García examines how San José's Mexican founders were systematically erased from the city's own historical record and who finally told the truth.* Missed Part 1? Start at the beginning → [The Prologue](https://svlatino.com/blogs/raices/raices-vol-1-part-1-the-prologue) **Author's Note** Despite being the first civil settlement in California, there exist few published historical works about the city. In 1871, an obscure attorney and amateur historian named Fredric Hall kept a diary of his youth in San José, which he later used to write The History of San José and Surroundings. A century later, a Santa Clara University history professor published a coffee-table book titled San José, California's First City. The book acknowledges the presence of Mexicans in San José's history but offers no in-depth analysis of its implications for the city's development. In 1985, an amateur historian named Clyde Arbuckle wrote the History of San Jose. Arbuckle provides no historical analysis of the 66 settlers from Mexico who settled on the banks of the Guadalupe River, nor of the generations of Latinos who followed. It is important to note that Arbuckle was not an academically educated or trained historian. Today's excerpt, from Mexican Heritage Plaza: A Symbol of Resilience and Perseverance, provides a brief history of Mexicans and Mexican Americans in San Jose. It is the second installment in a 12-part series for SVL's Raíces — Our Story, Our Narrative. The book is available in paperback and on Kindle at Amazon (see below). **Mexican Heritage Plaza: A Symbol of Resilience and Perseverance** *by Eddie García* **The Mexicans** While the statement in the book's foreword that Clyde Arbuckle knew the city's history "better than any other" may have been accurate, the History of San Jose author only tells part of the story. Aside from an odd statement asserting that the settlers "were not the best material in the world for their task," Arbuckle provides no historical analysis at all, especially of the people who settled on the banks of the Guadalupe River. How Arbuckle concluded that the settlers "were not the best material" is anyone's guess. In an April 15, 1778, letter to superiors, Felipe de Neve, Governor of Alta California, New Spain, wrote that he assigned "nine soldiers with farming experience" to settle El Pueblo de San José de Guadalupe. Fredric Hall's 1871 book describes the settlers as "skilled in agriculture." Those accounts confirm that the settlers were the best material for developing an agricultural community. Whatever the reason for Arbuckle's omission of the Mexican experience in San José, his manuscript does not provide a comprehensive or definitive history of the city and perpetuates the false narrative that Spaniards founded the Pueblo. It wasn't until 2003, when Yale historian Stephen J. Pitti published The Devil in Silicon Valley, that historical works about San José correctly identified the Pueblo's founders as "ethnic Mexicans." In 2025, San José State University historian Gregorio Mora-Torres wrote a comprehensive account of what he calls the ethnic Mexican experience in San José. The facts, as chronicled by Pitti and Mora-Torres, are that each person in the small band of 66 pobladores (settlers) who pitched camp along the Guadalupe River was born in México, including the "Spanish" army captain José Joaquín Moraga, who led the expedition. He was born at the Mission Los Santos Ángeles de Guevavi in Sonora, México (now in modern-day Arizona). ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/943_Screenshot_2026-06-07_at_9.46.28_PM_600x600.png) *Photo Credit: SJSU Special Collections* Within a few years, San José's settlers were producing enough food to feed the military presidios in Monterey and San Francisco. By the mid-1780s, the Pueblo's leaders established a thriving community. Although still under the King of Spain's royal authority, the Mexican settlers established a "town council" in San José, launching a form of self-government in the faraway outpost settled by people from Sonora and Sinaloa, México. In 1846, U.S. troops invaded México in a war of conquest. On the eve of the war, four out of every five people living in the Pueblo were Mexican. Through intermarriage and legal sleight of hand after the 1846-48 American War with México, Mexicans began to lose their land and influence in San José gradually. By the 1880 U.S. census, Mexicans made up only 6% of the town's population. This number is likely inaccurate as American officials probably undercounted Mexicans. Nonetheless, the Mexican population decreased significantly in the three decades following American statehood. While ethnic Mexicans seemed to disappear from the written annals and minds of the white business and ruling class in San José, they continued to thrive and contribute to the city's development. Over 1,000 miners from Sonora, México, lived and worked in the quicksilver mines in the southern hillsides known as the misnamed Spanishtown. Immigrants from México and native-born descendants of the founders led cattle drives, cultivated crops, picked fruit, and worked in the growing canning industry, which was the valley's economic engine. By the mid-20th century, a burgeoning ethnic Mexican middle class had emerged. The Mexican neighborhoods west of downtown thrived, with businesses lining Market Street. Dance halls hosted local talent and major musical acts from México. Radio programs featured personalities that read the news in Spanish and played the latest popular Latin music. During the late 1960s, Mexican and Mexican American business and community leaders were poised to take civic leadership roles in a town that their ancestors had founded almost 200 years earlier. The city's white ruling class had other plans. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/944_Screenshot_2026-06-07_at_9.47.14_PM_600x600.png) *Photo Credit: SJSU Special Collections* **Get the Book** Mexican Heritage Plaza: A Symbol of Resilience and Perseverance by Eddie García is available in paperback and on Kindle. Purchase on Amazon: [amazon.com — Mexican Heritage Plaza](https://www.amazon.com/Mexican-Heritage-Plaza-Resilience-Perseverance-ebook/dp/B0GX32LM23) ***Stories like this don't tell themselves.*** SVL has spent over a decade making the invisible visible — celebrating Latino excellence, naming hard truths, and calling our comunidad to action. Independent Latino journalism only survives when the community it serves decides it's worth protecting. **There are two ways to stand with us:** **Are you a Latino professional, entrepreneur, or leader ready to be celebrated?** Become a Cultura Ambassador — SVL's official community membership for Latino leaders who are ready to have their story told, their work amplified, and their excellence made visible. Cultura Ambassador: [svlatino.com/collections/join-our-tribe](https://svlatino.com/#/portal/signup/6a8db2d43e7c840008178b04/yearly) **Want to support our mission?** Become an Amigo de SVL. Your support keeps our journalism independent, our stories free, and our #CreoEnTi programs and community events alive. No spotlight required. Just solidarity. Amigo de SVL: [svlatino.com/collections/join-our-tribe/products/amigo-de-svl](https://svlatino.com/#/portal/signup/6a8e00f723b28c0001855fa0/monthly) ***Juntos Adelante. Because silence is complicity. And so is inaction.*** ### Raíces | Vol. 1, Part 1 — The Prologue URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/raices/raices-vol-1-part-1-the-prologue/ Last updated: 2026-09-28T21:55:40.000Z Your browser does not support the audio element. **From Silicon Valley Latino** *Silicon Valley Latino is proud to launch *Raíces — Our Story, Our Narrative*, a new editorial series honoring the historians, authors, and community builders who have dedicated their lives to preserving Latino history in the United States. Our first volume belongs to Eddie García, whose book *Mexican Heritage Plaza: A Symbol of Resilience and Perseverance* documents one of the most remarkable civic achievements in Silicon Valley's Latino community. Over 12 installments, Eddie will take us from San José's founding in 1777 to the grand opening of a cultural landmark that almost never got built. This is where our series begins — rooted, purposeful, and long overdue.* **Author's Note by Eddie García** My new book, *Mexican Heritage Plaza: A Symbol of Resilience and Perseverance*, tells the exciting and colorful story of San José's rich Mexican history, from the founding of El Pueblo de San José de Guadalupe in 1777 to the grand opening of the Mexican Heritage Plaza in 1999. The story starts with 66 settlers who hailed from Sonora, Sinaloa, Jalisco, Chihuahua, Puebla, and Mexico City. They established a settlement on the banks of the Guadalupe River. Before Silicon Valley emerged, their descendants, and immigrants who followed, built San José's first three major industries – quicksilver mining, cattle ranching, and agriculture. For over two centuries, San Jose historians ignored their contributions. During the 1990s, a group of Mexican American civic leaders set out to change that narrative. In the face of opposition from the political establishment, the local media, and a segment of their own community, the civic leaders persevered with a commitment to build a Silicon Valley cultural icon in East San José. Today's excerpt is from the prologue of *Mexican Heritage Plaza: A Symbol of Resilience and Perseverance*. It is the first installment in a 12-part series for SVL's *Our Raíces – Our Story, Our Narrative*. The book is available in paperback and on Kindle at Amazon (see below). ***Mexican Heritage Plaza: A Symbol of Resilience and Perseverance*** *by Eddie García* **Prologue** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/942_Screenshot_2026-05-28_at_12.39.25_PM_600x600.png) Photo Credit: San José Mercury News September 9, 1999, was a beautiful day in San José, California. A large crowd gathered for the dedication of the Mexican Heritage Plaza, the city's most ambitious neighborhood cultural arts project. Although the first day of autumn was less than two weeks away, clear skies, a light breeze, and a comfortably warm 74 degrees blanketed the plaza. There was a sense of excitement, accomplishment, and relief that this day had finally come. It was as if the gods conspired to create a perfect day for the much-anticipated consecration of a living, breathing monument to the city's Mexican origins. When the 1,000 or so people settled into their seats, Santa Clara County Supervisor Blanca Alvarado stood and walked up the few steps onto the stage to address the gathering. The audience included San José's political class, community activists, neighborhood leaders, and other guests. When she approached the podium, Alvarado opened her comments with equal parts passion and eloquence: > *To be here with you at this official dedication is to stand in awe and wonder at what we have accomplished in the spirit of community. To stand here is to feel free at last from the stinging rejection that so many of us have felt for being Mexican-American. To be able to speak our language and to experience our cultura in its many forms is to acclaim our right to be.* With that opening flourish, Alvarado brought to light the city's Mexican roots, which white Americans had dismissed since their arrival in the late 1840s. ✦ ✦ ✦ The first human beings to occupy the land that is now San José, California, were the Ohlone people. They descended from nomads who migrated across a land bridge that connected modern-day Asia and North America in search of food and game about 15,000 to 30,000 years ago. Archaeologists believe that descendants of those wanderers settled in what is now the Santa Clara Valley 4,000 to 10,000 years ago. In January 1777, Franciscan friars established the first European settlement in the valley by founding Mission Santa Clara de Asis. Eleven months later, a group of settlers representing the Spanish king founded El Pueblo de San José de Guadalupe just east of the river that dissected the two communities. Although they settled on the eastern bank of the Guadalupe River as subjects of Spain and under the orders of the Spanish government, all 66 people who established the camp were born in modern-day México. Contrary to assertions by 20th-century San José historians and those who claim to be descendants of the settlers, members of the 1777 group were most likely not culturally Spanish. They were ethnically Mexican. From its founding in 1777 to 1822, the town was a colony of the Spanish Crown. The Mexican Empire and its successive governments ruled the people of San José from 1822 until the United States acquired the Pueblo as spoils of war in 1848. With the influx of people from the United States traveling to California in search of fame and fortune during the 1849 Gold Rush, San José began its slow ascent as an industrial city. First, with quicksilver mining in the Almaden Hills, and later, with the robust canning business tied to the agricultural boom that created the Valley of Heart's Delight. During that time, Mexicans worked the mines, cultivated grain and vegetables in the fields, and harvested fruit trees that blanketed the valley floor and hillsides. Beginning in the early 1950s, ethnic Mexicans unsuccessfully attempted to establish a cultural center to celebrate the city's Mexican birthright. Proposals from the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s faced institutional roadblocks, financial challenges, and community divisions. Ultimately, none of these projects progressed beyond the idea phase. Despite efforts by generations of San José's ruling class to marginalize the contributions of ethnic Mexicans to the city's development, a group of Mexican American civic leaders overcame seemingly impossible odds in the 1990s to build a state-of-the-art Mexican cultural center that would become a symbol of Mexican American resilience and perseverance. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/928_Screen_Shot_2025-04-23_at_10.15.27_AM_600x600.png) Photo Credit: Mexican Heritage Corporation **Get the Book** ***Mexican Heritage Plaza: A Symbol of Resilience and Perseverance*** by Eddie García is available in paperback and on Kindle. Purchase on Amazon: [amazon.com — Mexican Heritage Plaza](https://www.amazon.com/Mexican-Heritage-Plaza-Resilience-Perseverance-ebook/dp/B0GX32LM23) ***Stories like this don't tell themselves.*** SVL has spent over a decade making the invisible visible by celebrating Latino excellence, naming hard truths, and calling our comunidad to action. Independent Latino journalism only survives when the community it serves decides it's worth protecting. **There are two ways to stand with us:** **Are you a Latino professional, entrepreneur, or leader ready to be celebrated?** Become a Cultura Ambassador — SVL's official community membership for Latino leaders who are ready to have their story told, their work amplified, and their excellence made visible. Cultura Ambassador: [svlatino.com/collections/join-our-tribe](https://svlatino.com/#/portal/signup/6a8db2d43e7c840008178b04/yearly) **Want to support our mission?** Become an Amigo de SVL. Your support keeps our journalism independent, our stories free, and our #CreoEnTi programs and community events alive. No spotlight required. Just solidarity. Amigo de SVL: [svlatino.com/collections/join-our-tribe/products/amigo-de-svl](https://svlatino.com/#/portal/signup/6a8e00f723b28c0001855fa0/monthly) ***Juntos Adelante. Because silence is complicity. And so is inaction.*** ### 2025: Storytelling Has Always Been Our Strategy URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/business/2025-storytelling-has-always-been-our-strategy/ Last updated: 2026-09-11T19:16:12.000Z At Silicon Valley Latino, storytelling has never been a trend or a reaction to the moment—it has always been our mission. In 2025, that Mission was tested, affirmed, and strengthened. In a year shaped by political shifts, economic pressure, and a relentless news cycle, our commitment remained the same: to tell the stories of our community with intention, clarity, and purpose—especially when those stories were at risk of being overlooked or distorted. **From Information to Accountability** Throughout 2025, our articles consistently returned to one truth: policies are never abstract. Economic decisions, political rhetoric, and institutional practices have real consequences for real families. Early in the year, we highlighted immigration and advocacy organizations doing critical work on the ground—responding not with fear, but with action, legal support, community education, and care. These stories reinforced what we’ve long known: leadership and solutions already exist within our communities. Our commitment this year was to speak with purpose—and to refuse silence as our communities were being impacted. **Economic Power Is Community Power** A central thread across our coverage was economic agency. Latino communities are not a niche market or an emerging force—we are a proven economic engine. This understanding fueled our continued call to intentionally support Latine-owned businesses. ShopLatino.Market is part of that mission. It’s not just a directory—it’s a tool for alignment. Every search, every purchase, every referral reinforces a simple truth: where we invest our dollars shapes the future we’re building together. **Centering Solutions and Success** While we remain informed by the news cycle, we are not driven by it. At Silicon Valley Latino, we intentionally look for what’s working, organizations building systems of support, leaders opening doors, and individuals redefining success on their own terms. Throughout 2025, we continued to highlight Cultura Ambassadors, community builders, entrepreneurs, creatives, and advocates whose stories reflect progress, resilience, and possibility. These are not exceptions—they are proof of what our community achieves every day. **Culture Is Not an Accessory** Celebrating culture has never been about optics. In 2025, as always, it was about preservation and momentum. Culture sustains movements. Identity fuels leadership. Visibility, when done with intention, creates impact. By elevating stories rooted in culture, we reaffirmed that Latino success is not exceptional—it is foundational. **Naming the Moment** This was not a year for euphemisms. When systems harmed our communities, we named it. When rhetoric crossed into dehumanization, we challenged it. When silence enabled injustice, we refused it. At the same time, we chose not to let crisis be the only story told. Truth includes accountability—but it also includes hope, progress, and action. **Looking Ahead** As we close out 2025, we do so ground in community and clear-eyed about what lies ahead. The challenges facing Latino communities remain layered and ongoing—but so does our collective strength. In the year ahead, Silicon Valley Latino will continue to center our stories, uplift those leading with integrity, amplify solutions, and build platforms that move us from awareness to action. Thank you for reading, sharing, and standing with us. This work matters because you do. #JuntosAdelante #CreoEnNosotros #TriBU ### Latina Leadership Makes History in the Crescent City - New Orleans URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/business/latina-leadership-makes-history-in-the-crescent-city-new-orleans/ Last updated: 2026-09-11T19:16:13.000Z This week, [**Helena Moreno** ](https://helenamorenola.com/meet-helena)was officially inaugurated as the **63rd mayor of New Orleans**, marking a historic first as the **city’s first Latina mayor** and only the second woman to ever hold the office. The inauguration took place at the historic **Saenger Theatre**, where community leaders, faith representatives, and residents gathered to mark the beginning of a new chapter for one of America’s most culturally significant cities. The ceremony reflected the diversity, resilience, and collective spirit that define New Orleans. Born in **Veracruz, Mexico**, and raised in Texas, Moreno has built a career grounded in public service and community connection. After relocating to New Orleans in the early 2000s, she became a familiar local voice as a television journalist before transitioning into public office. She previously served in the **Louisiana House of Representatives** and later on the **New Orleans City Council**, including time as council president, where she focused on fiscal responsibility, infrastructure, and accountability. As mayor, Moreno steps into leadership at a pivotal moment, with a focus on strengthening city services, restoring public trust, and ensuring opportunity reaches every neighborhood. Her inauguration signals a broader shift toward leadership that reflects the lived experiences and cultural fabric of the communities it serves. Helena Moreno’s historic rise is a reminder that Latina leadership is shaping cities across the country — bringing experience, integrity, and a people-centered approach to public institutions. ### Dr. Antonio López: From East Palo Alto to Stanford, Poet Laureate URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/cultura-ambassador/dr-antonio-lopez-from-east-palo-alto-to-stanford-poet-laureate/ Last updated: 2026-09-23T16:05:42.000Z Your browser does not support the audio element. ###### *How East Palo Alto's Antonio López — First-Generation College Graduate, Marshall Scholar, Mayor, and Poet Laureate — Came Home as Dr. López* **Two zip codes. One story.** Antonio López grew up in East Palo Alto, the son of immigrants from Michoacán, México who arrived in the 1980s. He sat in classrooms a zip code away from Stanford and a world away from its lecture halls. He was the **first in his family to graduate from college.** He attended Title I schools. He was raised in a barrio that the world too often overlooked. Two Sundays ago, he walked across one of those Stanford stages as **Dr. López**, a PhD in hand, his hometown still in his chest. The distance between those two zip codes is the whole story. And it is exactly the kind of story Silicon Valley Latino was built to tell. **From Michoacán to the World Stage** East Palo Alto shaped Antonio López before any institution ever could. It gave him roots, language, cultura, and community. It also gave him clarity about what it means to be seen, and what it costs when you are not. What followed was a path that reads like defiance in motion. From East Palo Alto to **Duke University**. From Duke to **Rutgers-Newark**. Then to **Oxford**, where López studied as a **2018 Marshall Scholar**, one of the most prestigious academic honors an American scholar can earn. And then back to the Bay Area, straight into Stanford's PhD program in Modern Thought and Literature, where he earned his doctorate and was named a [**Dissertation Prize Fellow at the Stanford Humanities Center.**](https://shc.stanford.edu/stanford-humanities-center/about/people/antonio-lopez) Through all of it, East Palo Alto never left him. His Stanford dissertation listened to the neighborhood itself: its music, its memory, its survival through decades of redevelopment and displacement. The barrio was not just where he came from. It was what he chose to study. To protect. To honor. **The Poet Who Never Left Home** Antonio López is also a poet. And not a quiet one. His debut collection, [*Gentefication*](https://fourwaybooks.com/site/gentefication/) (Four Way Books, 2021), winner of the 2019 Levis Prize was selected by **Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Gregory Pardlo** for the **Levis Prize in Poetry**, one of the most celebrated awards in American poetry for a debut collection. The title says everything: gentefication, not gentrification. The reclamation of space, cultura, and identity by the people who built it. His poetry and essays have appeared in the *Poetry Foundation, Latino Poetry: [The Library of America Anthology,](https://www.loa.org/books/latino-poetry/) The Slowdown,* and *Poetry Daily*. The most prestigious venues in American poetry. Our comunidad's stories are being heard at the highest levels of the literary world. His second collection, *The Right to Remain Violets*, is forthcoming from the University of Arizona Press, one of the most respected publishers of Latino literature in the country. Today, he carries the title of **[Poet Laureate of San Mateo County](https://www.smcgov.org/ceo/san-mateo-county-poet-laureate)(2025–2027)**. A platform he is using, as he uses every platform, to pour back into the community that poured into him first. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/691_Grad_Photo_with_Dad_600x600.jpg) **Before the Degree, There Was City Hall** Between the scholarship and the doctorate, Antonio López went home and ran for office. He served as Councilmember and then **Mayor of East Palo Alto from 2020 to 2024**, governing the very streets that raised him. Simultaneously, from 2021 to 2023, he served as a **field representative for the California State Senate**, bringing policy to the people, and the people to policy. He is a **2025–2026 Obama Foundation USA Leader**. He serves on the boards of **El Concilio of San Mateo County,** **the Catalino Tapia Scholarship Fund and Mannakin Dance Theater (also as President).** He also currently serves as **Director for Research and Advocacy at [Ayudando Latinos a Soñar](https://www.alasdreams.com/) (ALAS)**, a coastside organization dedicated to empowering the Latino community. Scholar. Poet. Mayor. Obama Foundation Leader. Board member. Community advocate. These are not separate identities. They are one mission, expressed through every platform available to him. > ***“Everything I’ve earned, somebody poured into me first. The whole point of carrying it is to pour it back.” -*** *Dr. Antonio López* **The Debt That Drives Him** Ask Antonio López what all of this adds up to, and he will not lead with the credentials. He will point to the teachers who saw something in a barrio kid and refused to let it go. The mentors who invested time, belief, and direction into a young man from East Palo Alto who was the first in his family to walk across a graduation stage. The degrees, the titles, the books, the platform. They are tools for a single job: mentoring the next generation of Latino leaders and being of service to la comunidad that raised him. **That is the Antonio López way. Not a ladder climbed and left behind. A bridge, built wide enough for everyone who comes next.** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/690_Grad_Photo_PhD_600x600.jpg) Silicon Valley Latino is proud to welcome Dr. Antonio López as a **Cultura Ambassador**, joining a growing familia of Latino leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers who are shaping the future of our comunidad. His story is our story. His defiance is our defiance. His commitment to the next generation is the heartbeat of everything SVL stands for. **Bienvenido a la familia, Dr. López. Juntos adelante.** **Stories like this don’t tell themselves.** SVL has spent over a decade making the invisible visible, celebrating Latino excellence, naming hard truths, and calling our comunidad to action. Independent Latino journalism only survives when the community it serves decides it’s worth protecting. There are two ways to stand with us: **Are you a Latino professional, entrepreneur, or leader ready to be celebrated?** Become a Cultura Ambassador, SVL’s official community membership for Latino leaders who are ready to have their story told, their work amplified, and their excellence made visible. **Cultura Ambassador:** https://svlatino.com/collections/join-our-tribe **Want to support our mission?** Become an Amigo de SVL. Your support keeps our journalism independent, our stories free, and our #CreoEnTi programs and community events alive. **Amigo de SVL:** https://svlatino.com/collections/join-our-tribe/products/amigo-de-svl **Juntos Adelante.** *Because silence is complicity. And so is inaction.* #JuntosAdelante #SVLVoices #CreoEnTi #WeAreSVL #LatinoLeader #CulturaAmbassador #SiliconValleyLatino ### Built to Last: The Career Journey of Arnie Lopez, SVL Advisory Board Member URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/cultura-ambassador/built-to-last-the-career-journey-of-arnie-lopez-svl-advisory-board-member/ Last updated: 2026-09-28T21:55:42.000Z Your browser does not support the audio element. ###### *From repairing computers at Mervyn’s to leading systems engineering at a AI-powered asset intelligence and network security company. Arnie Lopez’s journey is not a shortcut story. It is a testament to what happens when talent meets tenacity, and when community shows up.* ###### By Silicon Valley Latino · In Partnership with Forescout **There is a version of the American Dream that gets told in highlight reels. One big break. One viral moment. One door that swings wide open. That is not Arnie Lopez’s story. His story is better.** It is a story built one decade at a time. One certification at a time. One person mentored at a time. Thirty years of showing up, mastering the craft, and going back to hold the door open for the next person behind him. And now, as VP of Systems Engineering at Forescout, a company at the forefront of AI-driven cybersecurity, Arnie Lopez stands as proof that the long game is always worth playing. He is also proof that community matters. Not as a sentiment. As infrastructure. **From La Paz to the Bay Area: The Foundation** Arnie Lopez was born in La Paz, Bolivia and came to San Francisco, California with his family as a young child. The Bay Area became home, and the work ethic and values he carried from his upbringing never left him. He attended high school in Union City, California, then enrolled at San Francisco State University on a partial scholarship, working two part-time jobs to pay his way through. He earned a degree in International Business, a credential that reflected both his ambition and his awareness that the world was bigger than any single industry. What drove him then, and still drives him today, is something he describes simply: an unrelenting curiosity and a genuine desire to keep learning. Those two qualities would carry him further than any single degree or certification ever could. **The Grind: Building a Career from the Ground Up** Arnie’s career did not begin with a title. It began with a repair bench. His first role was at Mervyn’s and PeopleSoft, where he started as an engineer and quickly distinguished himself. He taught himself to build application servers, then mastered IBM Mainframe Security Administration entirely through self-directed study. That pattern of deliberate self-investment would define everything that followed. At PeopleSoft, he became a Network Security Engineer, responsible for developing and securing corporate applications and networks. That work led to an offer from Cisco, one of Silicon Valley’s most influential names, where he joined as a Systems Engineer specializing in Security. He was named SE of the Year, then SE Manager of the Year. Along the way he earned his CCIE, CISSP, and AWS Cloud Practitioner certification. At Cisco, something deeper shifted. Arnie discovered that his greatest strength was not only building systems, but developing people. He stepped into leadership and never looked back. What followed was a career spanning the most consequential names in enterprise technology: Cisco. Proofpoint. Informatica. McAfee. Skyhigh Security. New Relic. And now, Forescout. Thirty years. Multiple industries. Constant reinvention. Zero shortcuts. But the transition into leadership was not without its challenges. When asked about the hardest moment in his career, Arnie did not point to a layoff or a market downturn. He pointed inward: > *“The hardest moment wasn’t a single event. It was a transition. I spent the first decade of my career going deep technically. Then I moved into a leadership role, and suddenly I wasn’t the expert in the room anymore. I had to learn to lead people who were better at technical work than I was. That’s a humbling shift, and not everyone makes it cleanly. What kept me going was realizing that my job wasn’t to be the smartest person in the room. It was to build the room.”* **— Arnie Lopez** Once he internalized that, everything changed. And every company that followed deepened that belief. The work, he says, is always about the people. **The Leader: Opening Doors He Once Had to Push Through** Somewhere along the way, Arnie Lopez made a decision that separates truly great leaders from merely successful ones. He decided that reaching the top was not the finish line. It was the starting point for something larger. Throughout his career, Arnie has been a dedicated mentor to young technology professionals, with a particular investment in Latinos entering the field. He knows what it means to walk into rooms where few people share your background. He has spent decades making sure fewer people have to navigate that experience alone. One story stays with him: *“I think about a young engineer I worked with early in my time leading SE teams. Sharp technically, but he didn’t see a path for himself into leadership, partly because he hadn’t seen many people who looked like him in those roles. I pushed him toward his first customer-facing opportunity. He resisted. I pushed harder. A few years later, he called me to say he was stepping into his first SE manager role. What he said stuck with me: ‘I didn’t think this was the kind of career I could have until you acted like it was already decided.’”* He pauses on that line. Because that is the whole point. > *“Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do for someone is just refuse to accept their self-imposed ceiling.”* **— Arnie Lopez, SVL Advisory Board Member** Beyond the office, Arnie and his family volunteer regularly at the Alameda County and 2nd Harvest Food Banks in the Bay Area, a reflection of values that were shaped long before Silicon Valley entered the picture. **The SVL Chapter: When Community Becomes a Career Asset** When Silicon Valley Latino first featured Arnie Lopez as a Cultura Ambassador and Advisory Board Member, the goal was straightforward: tell the story of a leader whose journey deserved to be known and whose presence strengthened the community. What followed demonstrated something SVL believes deeply: visibility is not vanity. It is strategy. The attention found him. Executives noticed. Recruiters took note. And when the opportunity at Forescout emerged, Arnie was already on the radar of the people who needed to know his name. He also sat down with SVL Founder Alex for an in-depth interview on AI security, bringing 30 years of expertise directly to SVL’s audience, breaking down how everyday people and the Latino community can protect themselves in an AI-driven world. The conversation was published on SVL and widely shared, cementing Arnie’s role not just as someone this community supports, but as someone who actively builds it. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/778_IMG_7098_1_600x600.jpg) After accepting the role at Forescout, he reached out to SVL directly: *“SVL gave me something Silicon Valley doesn’t always hand you voluntarily: a community of people who understand the full picture of who I am. I grew up bilingual, first-generation in a lot of the rooms I walked into, and there’s a tax that comes with that. You’re managing the work and managing the code-switching simultaneously. SVL was the first place where I didn’t have to pay that tax. Professionally, it opened real doors, including introductions to executives, visibility with recruiters, peer relationships I still draw on today. What it did for me personally was more fundamental: it reminded me that I belong in these rooms, and that I have a responsibility to bring others with me.”* That is not a testimonial. That is evidence. When a community invests in lifting its own, through storytelling, visibility, and sustained relationships, the returns are real. Measured not in inspiration alone, but in careers advanced and doors opened. > *“SVL was the first place where I didn’t have to pay that tax.”* **— Arnie Lopez** **The Next Chapter: VP of Systems Engineering at Forescout** Effective this May, Arnie Lopez stepped into his newest role as Vice President of Systems Engineering at Forescout, an AI-powered asset intelligence and network security company. Forescout’s mission is straightforward: most organizations do not actually know everything that is connected to their network. Managed laptops, yes, but factory equipment, smart sensors, operational technology, and unmanaged devices? Not so much. That visibility gap is where attackers live. Forescout sees every device, even those without traditional security software installed, and takes action, automatically enforcing policy, isolating threats, and giving security teams the situational awareness they need to move fast. In Arnie’s own words: *“Right now, with AI changing the threat landscape in real time, that foundation has never mattered more. I’ve spent my career in networking and security. Forescout is where all of that converges, a perfect place for me to call home.”* What solidified his decision was not just the technology. It was the culture. *“At this point in my career, I want to put my 30 years of experience to work with people I like on a problem that is real, urgent, and impacts everyday lives. That is exactly what I have found at Forescout.”* Forescout Chief Revenue Officer Rob Amezcua welcomed Arnie’s arrival: > *“True innovation happens when different perspectives come together to solve urgent, real-world problems. In a field as fast-moving as cybersecurity, Arnie brings the fresh perspective required to solve our customers’ most complex network challenges while embodying the collaborative culture we are building at Forescout. We are incredibly proud to have his vision guiding our teams and driving our mission forward.”* **— Rob Amezcua, Chief Revenue Officer, Forescout** **A Message to the Next Generation** For every young Latino professional reading this who is early in their career and quietly wondering whether they belong, Arnie has a message. And he delivers it without softening the edges: > *“You belong here. Not someday. Right now. I started as an engineer, bilingual, from the Bay Area, with a degree in International Business from San Francisco State. Not the typical profile. I spent many great years there, became SE of the Year, SE Manager of the Year, earned a CCIE, CISSP, and AWS certifications. Then I went on to lead global presales organizations at Cisco, Proofpoint, McAfee, New Relic, and now VP at Forescout. None of that happened because the industry handed it to me. It happened because I refused to let anyone else define what was possible for me, and because people along the way held the door open.”* **— Arnie Lopez** He closes with the line that defines his entire philosophy: *“Your accent, your name, your background. Those aren’t liabilities. They’re the thing that makes you see problems differently. That’s an edge. Use it.”* **Built to Last** Thirty years. Bolivia to the Bay Area. Repair bench to the executive suite. And through it all, the mentorship, the volunteering, the community investment, the steady consistency of a man who never forgot where he came from or why it mattered. Arnie Lopez did not get here by chance. He got here by doing the work, staying curious, and refusing to stop growing. He also got here because he understood something that too many people overlook: individual success built in isolation is fragile. Success built in community, through lifting others, showing up, being seen and seeing others in return, is the kind that endures. We are proud to call him a Silicon Valley Latino Advisory Board Member. We are proud to tell his story. And we are proud that community, the storytelling, the visibility, and the relationships, played even a small role in what he continues to build. Silence is complicity. And so is invisibility. Arnie Lopez chose to be seen. He chose to show up. And he chose to bring others with him. > *Arnie Lopez has been building for thirty years, and he is still adding rungs. This is what leadership with purpose looks like.* **— Silicon Valley Latino** **Stories like this don’t tell themselves.** SVL has spent over a decade making the invisible visible, celebrating Latino excellence, naming hard truths, and calling our community to action. Independent Latino journalism only survives when the community it serves decides it’s worth protecting. There are two ways to stand with us: **Become a Cultura Ambassador** Are you a Latino professional, entrepreneur, or leader ready to be celebrated? SVL’s official community membership for Latino leaders who are ready to have their story told, their work amplified, and their excellence made visible. [svlatino.com/collections/join-our-tribe](https://svlatino.com/#/portal/signup/6a8db2d43e7c840008178b04/yearlyproducts/cultura-ambassador) **Become an Amigo de SVL** Want to support our mission? Your support keeps our journalism independent, our stories free, and our #CreoEnTi programs and community events alive. [svlatino.com/collections/join-our-tribe/products/amigo-de-svl](https://svlatino.com/#/portal/signup/6a8e00f723b28c0001855fa0/monthly) ***Juntos Adelante. Because silence is complicity. And so is inaction.*** ### Griselda Gonzalez Makes History as CMSA Chairwoman URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/cultura-ambassador/official-griselda-gonzalez-makes-history-as-cmsa-chairwoman/ Last updated: 2026-09-28T21:55:43.000Z Your browser does not support the audio element. We don't just celebrate Latino excellence after the fact or during just one designated month. We track it, we show up for it, and we make sure it doesn't go unnoticed, because representation in leadership doesn't happen by accident. It happens because someone decides to be the first, and a community decides to make sure the world knows her name. This is one of those moments. It's official. Griselda Gonzalez has been installed as Chairwoman of the California Moving & Storage Association. The first immigrant Latina and only the sixth woman to hold the position in the association's 108-year history. The installation took place this past month of May at CMSA's 108th Annual Convention in Rancho Mirage, where movers, storage professionals, and industry leaders from across California gathered to talk about what comes next for the industry, rising operational costs, labor shortages, consumer protection, and the growing demand for professional relocation services statewide. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/598_CMSA_Women_On_The_Move_Working_Group_At_108th_Annual_Convention_Rancho_Mirage_CA_600x600.jpg) Her installation lands during National Moving Month, the industry's busiest season and a moment built around educating consumers on choosing licensed, insured, reputable movers. Fitting timing for a leader who has spent her career building exactly that kind of trust. > "Moving is about more than transporting boxes. We help families and businesses through major life transitions every day," Gonzalez said. "I'm proud to help lead an industry focused on professionalism, trust, and protecting consumers." That sentence is Griselda in full. Not chasing a title. Carrying a responsibility. As CFO and Co-Owner of CG Moving Company, she has helped build a company that has served Bay Area families, businesses, and government agencies for more than 20 years with headquartered in the South San Francisco and Colma area, with warehouse operations in West Sacramento, and standing as an agent for National Van Lines. CMSA represents more than 300 licensed and insured movers and 150 associate member companies across the state. One hundred eight years of history. Six women in the chair. And now, for the first time, an immigrant Latina leading the way. We told Griselda's full story a few weeks ago, from El Salvador, to Daly City, to the boardroom. This is the next chapter. And it's the kind of chapter that changes what the next 108 years can look like for the people coming up behind her. Read her full Cultura Ambassador feature [here.](https://svlatino.com/blogs/cultura-ambassador/griselda-gonzalez-from-el-salvador-to-chair-of-the-board?%5Fpos=2&%5Fsid=74133e29f&%5Fss=r) **P.S. — Moving soon? We know someone reliable. 📦** CG Moving Company is run by the woman now leading California's entire moving industry. That's not a coincidence — that's standards. Every move is an act of solidarity. She built it. She leads it. She shows up. #ThisIsTheSVLWay Stories like this don't tell themselves. SVL has spent over a decade making the invisible visible — celebrating Latino excellence, naming hard truths, and calling our comunidad to action. Independent Latino journalism only survives when the community it serves decides it's worth protecting. There are two ways to stand with us: Are you a Latino professional, entrepreneur, or leader ready to be celebrated? Become a Cultura Ambassador — SVL's official community membership for Latino leaders who are ready to have their story told, their work amplified, and their excellence made visible. Cultura Ambassador link: [https://svlatino.com/collections/join-our-tribe](https://svlatino.com/#/portal/signup/6a8db2d43e7c840008178b04/yearly) Want to support our mission? Become an Amigo de SVL. Your support keeps our journalism independent, our stories free, and our #CreoEnTi programs and community events alive. Amigo de SVL link: [https://svlatino.com/collections/join-our-tribe/products/amigo-de-svl](https://svlatino.com/#/portal/signup/6a8e00f723b28c0001855fa0/monthly) Juntos Adelante. Because silence is complicity. And so is inaction. #JuntosAdelante #WeAreSVL #LatinoOwned #SVLVoices #CreoEnTi #SiliconValleyLatino #LatinaLeader #CulturaAmbassador #ThisIsTheSVLWay ### The Latino Military Legacy America Should Know by Heart URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/social-impact-advocates/the-latino-military-legacy-america-should-know-by-heart/ Last updated: 2026-10-01T12:23:04.000Z ###### *The day after Memorial Day, Silicon Valley Latino reflects on the Latino veterans whose courage, sacrifice, and service helped build the greatest military force in history.* **By Sergio Domeyko, COO & Editor, Silicon Valley Latino** Tuesday, May 26, 2026 **I served in the U.S. Coast Guard. I came home.** Not everyone does. The day after Memorial Day, I find myself thinking about that more than usual. About what it means to serve. About who has served alongside us, before us, and in ways that never made the history books the way they should have. Because here is something that should be common knowledge and is not. *More than 60 Latino service members have earned the Medal of Honor. According to military historians and veterans organizations, Hispanic and Latino Americans have earned more Medals of Honor per capita than any other ethnic group in U.S. history.* **That is not a footnote. That is a legacy.** **From the Civil War to Today. Always There** Latino service members have shown up in every major U.S. conflict since the Revolutionary War. The first Hispanic Medal of Honor recipient, Corporal Joseph H. De Castro, distinguished himself at Gettysburg in 1863\. Wounded twice. Still standing. Still carrying the flag forward. **That spirit never stopped.** In World War II, the 65th Infantry Regiment, the Borinqueneers, became one of the most celebrated units in U.S. military history. Puerto Rican soldiers who fought through some of the war's most brutal campaigns. In 2014, the nation honored them with the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian honor the United States can bestow. A recognition well earned, and long overdue. In that same year, 24 Latino veterans received Medals of Honor for their service in WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. Men whose heroism had waited decades for the formal recognition it deserved. **These are names that belong in every classroom. Every history book. Every dinner table conversation this weekend.** **Today: The Backbone of the Force** The tradition continues. Today, Latinos make up approximately 17% of active-duty U.S. military personnel, the fastest-growing demographic in the armed forces. The Marine Corps is 23% Latino. Nearly 1.3 million Latino veterans are alive today, carrying that legacy forward in their communities, their families, their daily lives. **We are not guests in this military. We built it alongside everyone else. And we keep showing up.** **The Obligation Is Ours** I came home from my service. I carry that with me every day. And part of how I honor those who did not is by making sure their stories get told. That is what SVL exists to do. Not just in May. Not just this weekend. Every single week. At Silicon Valley Latino, honoring Latino veterans is not a heritage month gesture. It is a year-round commitment, to know their names, celebrate their service, and make sure the next generation grows up understanding the full depth of what our community has contributed to this country. **The flags came down yesterday. Our pride does not.** To every Latino veteran and every family who carries their memory, **gracias.** We carry them with us. Los llevamos con nosotros. *Do you have a Latino veteran in your family? Share their name in the comments. Let us honor them together.* **BECOME A CULTURA AMBASSADOR** Support SVL's mission to tell the stories of Latino excellence. Join our community of Cultura Ambassadors at [**svlatino.com**](https://svlatino.com/#/portal/signup/6a8db2d43e7c840008178b04/yearly) **BECOME AN AMIGO DE SVL** Stay connected to our community. Subscribe to the SVL newsletter and never miss a story that matters. ### She Made the Invisible Visible - Sophia Chavez, Collegiate Cultura Ambassador URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/cultura-ambassador/she-made-the-invisible-visible-sophia-chavez-collegiate-cultura-ambassador/ Last updated: 2026-09-23T15:58:56.000Z Your browser does not support the audio element. ###### *Sophia Chavez grew up watching her Cultura get consumed and her family's labor go unacknowledged. So, she made it impossible to look away.* You have seen it billions of times. On every phone, every laptop, every product Apple has ever made. One of the most recognized marks in the world. A simple, elegant apple with a single bite taken out of it. Most people never stopped to ask who drew it. The answer: a Latino immigrant named Carlos Perez, raised in Stockton by a single mother, the first in his family to go to college. He drew it by hand. He carried those original sketches in his portfolio for 36 years. The world consumed that apple billions of times and never knew his name. **SVL told his story. Now we tell hers.** Sophia Chavez grew up watching her community's Cultura get celebrated on the surface while the people behind it were ignored underneath. As the daughter of immigrants, raised on stories of sacrifice and labor, she understood that contradiction before she had words for it. She didn't look away from it. She built her thesis around it. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/963_SophiaChavezSeniorThesis_600x600.png) "Consumed, Unseen" is Sophia's answer to a question she has been living her whole life: *Why do we make culture visible but keep its people invisible?* The mixed-media installation — a bold poster series surrounding a central illuminated lamp — was presented as her Senior Design Thesis at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, where she is completing her BFA in Graphic Design. The work is as sharp as the question it asks. And so is she. **THE ROOT** Sophia Chavez is from San Jose. She has been drawing since she can remember, shaped early by cartoons and early 2000s fashion — visuals that told stories before she had language for what storytelling meant. She initially saw herself as an illustrator, but something shifted as she learned what design could do. **"I became more aware of how design shapes the way people see and understand the world around them,"** she says. A first design internship in high school confirmed it. This was the work. At LMU, she became Social Media Chair for the Latinx Student Union. She designed for Mane Entertainment and the William H. Hannon Library. She brought her skills to community-driven creative projects. Along the way she learned that design is never just about aesthetics. It's about who it represents and who it's for. That understanding would become the engine of her thesis. > ***"You can't separate the aesthetic from the people it comes from."*** **THE WORK** "Consumed, Unseen" began with her father. He worked multiple jobs to put himself through college. Later, he worked closely with farmworkers and laborers in Latino communities through an initiative called Prósperos. Through him, Sophia became intimately aware of the conditions these workers face. Her own grandfather spent hours doing intense labor for very little pay, providing what people rely on every day without a second thought. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/771_IMG_5585_600x600.jpg) **"*That contrast stayed with me,*"** she says. *"The same culture that gets overlooked or discriminated against is constantly being enjoyed at a surface level. People dismiss Latino communities but still embrace the food, the aesthetics, the music, and even travel to Latin countries for the experience. And I've seen how authentic traditions get watered down to be more 'accessible,' how elements of Latino culture show up in fast fashion and trends without any acknowledgment of where they come from."* The installation gives that contradiction physical form. The outer posters are bold, colorful, typographically loud. They mirror exactly how culture is packaged for consumption. At the center, a lamp glows with black-and-white imagery: labor, migration, generational struggle. **"I chose black and white to strip everything back to what really matters,"** she explains. *"The colorful posters are loud and stylized, which reflects how culture is often presented and consumed. Black and white removes that layer of aesthetic and makes the content feel more direct and honest. It connects to history. It feels less like a trend and more like something that has existed over time."* > ***"While the outer panels draw you in, the black and white inside asks you to slow down and actually see what's behind it."*** The lamp itself was intentional down to its light source. **"The light is about visibility, but in a quieter way,"** Sophia says. *"It also works as a kind of beacon. The light suggests that these stories, this culture, and this resilience don't disappear. They carry through generations and persist even when culture is reduced to something aesthetic or commodified."* ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/529_20260423-CFA-Student-Awards-Ceremony-with-Laband-and-TPK-Opening-Reception-1549_600x600.jpg) **THE MESSAGE** Sophia made this work for two audiences. She names them both without hesitation. **"For the people who are often unseen, it's about recognition,"** she says. *"I wanted to acknowledge the labor, history, and experiences that don't always get the visibility they deserve. At the same time, I made it for the people doing the consuming. The piece is meant to create a moment of reflection, maybe even discomfort. It asks viewers to think about their relationship to the culture they enjoy and where it comes from."* When asked what she would say directly to the brands and media companies that profit from Latino aesthetics while keeping our people invisible, she doesn't hesitate: > ***"You can't separate the aesthetic from the people it comes from. Representation shouldn't just show up in the visuals — it needs to exist behind the scenes too."*** She goes further. It's not just about credit, she says. It's about who's in the room. Who's being hired. Who's making decisions. Who benefits. *"Because at the end of the day, it's not just inspiration. It's tied to people's lives, their labor, and their experiences. If brands are going to benefit from that, there should be responsibility that comes with it."* **MAKING HER SPACE** Sophia also led the branding for "Full Bleed," this year's Senior Graphic Design and Multimedia thesis show at LMU. She describes the project as being about expansion, expression, and taking up space. For Sophia, making that space is personal. **"Taking up space means being confident in my perspective and not feeling like I have to shrink it or make it more 'acceptable,'"** she says. "*As a Latina in design, there aren't always spaces where our voices are centered, so it's about showing up fully and trusting that my experiences and ideas belong there. It means letting my identity be present in the work. Not separating it but allowing it to shape what I create."* She is clear-eyed about the industry she is entering. She knows it is largely white. She knows how it extracts from Cultura without credit. She is going in with her eyes open. **"It's not about trying to fit into the industry as it is,"** she says. *"It's about moving through it with intention and holding onto what drives me."* > ***"It's not about trying to fit into the industry as it is. It's about moving through it with intention."*** **WHAT'S NEXT** Sophia is focused on transitioning into a full-time role in branding or creative marketing. She wants to work at an agency where she can design across brands and styles, ideally in Los Angeles, New York, or San Francisco. She wants to keep growing, collaborate with other creatives, and work on projects that carry real impact. She also wants to expand "Consumed, Unseen" into a magazine, into large-scale posters, into whatever form the story needs to take next. And she has a message for the young Latina who might stand in front of her installation one day and recognize her own family's story in it: > ***"I'd want her to feel seen first. Then to feel confident in owning that story. And then to carry it forward — to express it in her own way, to create connections with others who share similar experiences, and to remind others that their stories matter too."*** Sophia Chavez already knows what it means to make the invisible visible. She built it by hand, lit it from within, and stood in front of it at LMU and told the truth. Our comunidad is watching. And we couldn't be prouder. *Know a Latino or Latina student doing the work? Nominate them for the SVL Collegiate Cultura Ambassador series: info@svlatino.com* *Follow Sophia's journey: sophiachavez.me* *Share her story: tag us!* ### Growth Does Not Happen by Accident: A Conversation with Jazmin Diaz of Flourish Learning & Development URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/business/growth-does-not-happen-by-accident-a-conversation-with-jazmin-diaz-of-flourish-learning-development/ Last updated: 2026-10-02T11:27:44.000Z *The Latino Business Gap — Article 6 of an ongoing series.* Your browser does not support the audio element. ###### *Jazmin Diaz is a first-generation professional, bilingual author, Chief of Staff at Cloudflare, and Founder & CEO of Flourish Learning & Development. She built her career by navigating unfamiliar spaces with resilience, intention, and determination and later built a company dedicated to helping others grow with confidence and purpose. SVL sat down with her to talk about the barriers, the mindset, and what every Latino entrepreneur needs to hear right now.* **From SVL** In five articles, The Latino Business Gap has told the stories of Latino and Latina entrepreneurs who are building despite everything working against them. Natalia of Flor de Chile, crafting bold flavors from her San Francisco kitchen. David Salazar of Reclamación Wines, reclaiming space in an industry built on Latino labor. Jessica Gonzalez of Jess Custom Cakes, bringing Puerto Rican joy and a panadería dream to Charlotte, NC. And in between those stories, we documented the systemic forces they are navigating — the SBA loan ban, the collapse of Latino venture capital, the wage gap that won’t close until 2160. We have celebrated the builders. We have named the barriers. For Article 6 we wanted to hear from someone who has spent her career helping people break through them. Jazmin Diaz is the Founder and CEO of Flourish Learning & Development — a professional development company delivering keynotes, workshops, and coaching experiences across the United States and México. She is Chief of Staff at Cloudflare, the author of two bilingual books, and a Silicon Valley Latino Cultura Ambassador. She is a first-generation professional who grew up partly in México, built her career from a school district admin role to the executive floors of Silicon Valley’s fastest growing companies, and is a mother of four. Her business exists at the exact intersection of everything this series has been about — helping Latino professionals and entrepreneurs break free from the limiting beliefs that systems like these create and take full ownership of their growth. **She did not wait for an invitation. She built the door. Here is her story in her own words.** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/756_IMG_4736_600x600.jpg) **SVL: Tell us the story behind Flourish Learning & Development. What was the moment that made you decide to build your own company rather than climb someone else’s ladder?** Jazmin Diaz: Flourish Learning & Development was born from both lived experience and a calling to help others on their journey. As a proud first-generation professional, with English as my second language, I’ve had to navigate unfamiliar systems, build confidence in spaces where I didn’t always see myself reflected, and learn how to advocate for my value along the way. Those experiences didn’t just shape my career. They shaped my purpose. For decades, I built my career across public education and corporate America, learning, growing, and eventually stepping into executive leadership roles. But along the way, I kept seeing the same pattern, especially within our comunidad: incredibly talented individuals who were capable, driven, and hardworking, yet holding themselves back due to cultural nuances, self-doubt, lack of access, or simply not knowing how to navigate the systems around them. The moment that shifted everything for me wasn’t a single event. It was a realization. One that resonated deeply because I, too, had once been stuck in that same pattern. Flourish was built to change that. To help individuals grow from within, challenge limiting beliefs, and take ownership of their personal and professional journey. ***Porque al final del día, el crecimiento no sucede por accidente… sucede con intención.*** *Because at the end of the day, growth does not happen by accident… it happens with intention.* **SVL: You work at the intersection of corporate leadership and Latino community empowerment. What do you see in the room when you deliver a keynote or workshop to first-generation Latino professionals that keeps you doing this work?** Jazmin Diaz: When I step into a room, I don’t just see an audience. I see stories. I see resilience. I see potential. I see individuals who are navigating spaces that weren’t always built with them in mind, yet they show up anyway. What keeps me doing this work are the moments when something clicks. When someone shifts from a victim to victor mentality, when they realize they don’t have to wait for permission, when they begin to advocate for themselves and truly see their value. When they start to define success on their own terms, not by someone else’s standards. That’s when the shift happens, from surviving to owning their path… and ultimately, to flourishing. There’s a certain look, a shift in energy, a confidence that starts to build and you can feel it in the room. That’s the work. That’s the magic. That’s the impact, and that’s what keeps me going. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/745_IMG_2618_1_600x600.jpg) **SVL: The Latino Business Gap series has documented four simultaneous doors closing on Latino entrepreneurs right now: federal lending, government contracting, venture capital, and the wage gap. As someone who coaches leaders through limiting beliefs and systemic barriers, what do you want Latino business owners to know about navigating this moment?** Jazmin Diaz: The reality is that there will always be obstacles and barriers. What’s changed is the intensity and the visibility of those challenges given the digital world we live in. What I want Latino business owners to consider is this: Yes, the external environment matters, but so does how you show up within it. Circumstances are not a reason to shrink. This is the moment to get clear, get strategic, and stay grounded in your values and purpose. It also requires a level of accountability. Taking ownership of your growth, your decisions, and how you choose to navigate these challenges. Because while we can’t control every external factor, we can control our mindset, our preparation, how we show up, and our willingness to keep moving forward. That means: **Understanding your positioning.** **Building strong networks and relationships.** **Advocating for yourself and your business with confidence.** **Continuing to invest in your growth, even when resources feel limited.** > ***We cannot ignore the systems, but we also cannot allow them to define our ceiling. Because while doors may close, there are always opportunities to open new ones, together, en comunidad.*** **SVL: Flourish operates across the U.S. and México. How can our comunidad best support your work right now, and where can they find you, follow your journey, and bring you into their organizations?** Jazmin Diaz: Flourish operates with a simple but powerful mission: to help individuals and organizations grow from within. Right now, one of the most meaningful ways our comunidad can support is by continuing to create and invest in spaces where growth, leadership, and personal development are prioritized alongside business success. That also includes intentionally supporting small, purpose-driven businesses like Flourish that are working to uplift and empower our communities, porque cuando una persona crece, crecemos todos. My work extends across both the U.S. and México, where I’ve had the opportunity to engage directly with communities through speaking, workshops, and book presentations. Most recently, I partnered with local leaders and organizations in Jalisco to bring conversations around personal growth, resilience, and leadership to life in a culturally relevant and impactful way. Continuing to build those bridges across borders is deeply important to me, en ambos lados de la frontera. You can find me at flourishwithjazmin.com and on LinkedIn, TikTok, and Instagram at @flourishwithjazmin. And if you’re part of an organization looking to invest in your people, especially early in career, emerging leaders, ERGs, and first-generation professionals, I’d love to collaborate and bring this work to your teams. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/628_DSC_6652_600x600.jpg) **SVL: You wrote Ignite Your Growth and Enciende tu Crecimiento, in English and Spanish. What is the one message from those books that every Latino entrepreneur needs to hear today?** Jazmin Diaz: If there’s one message I would want every Latino entrepreneur to carry with them, it’s this: **Your growth, happiness, and success are both your responsibility and your power.** We don’t always get to choose the systems we operate in, but we do get to choose how we respond, how we show up, and how we continue to build despite them. In both of my books the message is consistent: Growth starts from within. You have a choice, to operate from a victim mindset or step into a victor mentality. > ***Cuando cambias tu mentalidad, cambias tu trayectoria.*** > > *When you change your mindset, you change your trajectory.* **You are not behind.** **You are not limited by where you started.** **And you are more capable than you’ve been led to believe.** ***The question is, are you willing to own it?*** *That is Flourish. That is Jazmin Diaz. That is the answer this series has been building toward.* **Support Flourish Learning & Development** **Learn more:** Visit flourishwithjazmin.com to explore Jazmin’s keynotes, workshops, and coaching experiences. **Follow:** Find Jazmin on LinkedIn, TikTok, and Instagram at @flourishwithjazmin. **Read the books:** Ignite Your Growth and Enciende tu Crecimiento are both available on Amazon. Buy one for yourself. Buy one for someone in your comunidad who needs to hear this message. **Partner with Flourish:** If you lead an organization, ERG, or team looking to invest in early career professionals, emerging leaders, or first-generation talent, reach out. This work belongs in your organization. **Discover more:** Find and support Latino-owned businesses at ShopLatino.Market, because every purchase is an act of solidarity. **Sources** Jazmin Diaz, Founder & CEO of Flourish Learning & Development — original interview responses, May 2026 Flourish Learning & Development — flourishwithjazmin.com Silicon Valley Latino Cultura Ambassador Profile — Jazmin Diaz: Leading with Purpose, Growing with Intention, April 2026 SVL Latino Business Survey — November–December 2025 *This is Article 6 in our ongoing series The Latino Business Gap. Read Article 1: [They Cut the Ladder](https://svlatino.com/blogs/news/they-cut-the-ladder-the-federal-rule-shutting-latino-entrepreneurs-out-of-capital), Article 2: [Flor de Chile](https://svlatino.com/blogs/news/flor-de-chile-a-latina-entrepreneurs-dream-one-jar-at-a-time), Article 3: [The Fourth Largest Economy Nobody Is Talking About](https://svlatino.com/blogs/news/the-fourth-largest-economy-nobody-is-talking-about-the-4-trillion-truth-about-latino-and-latina-entrepreneurs), Article 4: [We Are the Reason This Industry Exists,](https://svlatino.com/blogs/news/we-are-the-reason-this-industry-exists-how-reclamacion-wines-is-taking-back-the-narrative-in-california-wine-country) and Article 5: [Joy Is Not a Side Effect ](https://svlatino.com/blogs/news/joy-is-not-a-side-effect-how-jess-custom-cakes-is-building-community-one-bite-at-a-time-in-charlotte-nc)at [svlatino.com](https://svlatino.com/blogs/news).* #FlourishWithJazmin #LatinoBusinessGap #ShopLatino #SVLVoices #LatinoOwned #JuntosAdelante #CreoEnTi #SilenceIsComplicity #LatinaLeader #IgniteYourGrowth #EnciendetuCrecimiento ### Griselda Gonzalez: From El Salvador to Chair of the Board. URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/cultura-ambassador/griselda-gonzalez-from-el-salvador-to-chair-of-the-board/ Last updated: 2026-09-28T21:55:44.000Z Your browser does not support the audio element. ###### *She came to this country as a teenager with nothing guaranteed. She built a company, earned her degree, and is about to make history as the first immigrant Latina to chair one of California's oldest transportation industry associations. This is what persistence looks like.* **Most people in the moving industry move things. Griselda Gonzalez moves industries.** She has been doing it quietly for over two decades — through financial crises, through systems that weren't built with her in mind, through a college education that had to be earned twice. Building. Leading. Returning the ladder to anyone willing to climb it. Griselda is the co-owner of CG Moving Company, a Bay Area institution she has helped grow since 2008 into a trusted provider of moving and storage services for families, commercial clients, nonprofits, biotech firms, and government agencies across Northern California and Silicon Valley. She is also a member of the California Moving and Storage Association — and in May 2026, she becomes its Chair of the Board. The sixth woman in the association's more than 100-year history. The first immigrant Latina. Ever. One hundred years. Six women. First. Immigrant. Latina. That is not a footnote. That is the headline. Griselda's path runs through El Salvador, Daly City, a Bay Area credit union, the 2008 financial crisis, San Francisco State University, Dartmouth's Tuck School of Business, Stanford GSB, and the boardrooms of one of California's most established industry associations. It runs through family — through three kids at softball and baseball fields — and through Women On The Move, the working group she co-founded with her sister six years ago to create real mentorship and community for women across the moving and storage industry. She built every step with intention. She built it to last. And she has been intentional about something else too: making leadership and ownership visible — so that the next Latina who enters this industry can see that the path exists. We are proud to welcome Griselda Gonzalez to Silicon Valley Latino as a Cultura Ambassador. Her story is our story. Her excellence is our north star. And her commitment to lifting others as she rises is exactly what SVL was built to amplify. *Juntos Adelante.* Get inspired by her story below. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/744_IMG_2611_600x600.jpg) **IN HER OWN WORDS** Griselda Gonzalez was born in El Salvador, the daughter of an elementary school teacher and a homemaker. As a teenager, she emigrated to the United States to reunite with her mother, settling in Daly City, California — where sacrifice, resilience, and the pursuit of opportunity were not abstract values, but the daily rhythm of life. After high school, she enrolled at San Francisco State University. But in the late 1990s, as an out-of-status student without access to financial aid, she had to make a hard choice. She left school and entered the workforce — beginning a career in financial services that would span more than a decade and teach her things no classroom could. She worked at a community bank and later at a Bay Area credit union, focused on home equity line of credit (HELOC) operations and collections. In that role, she sat with clients navigating some of the most complex financial moments of their lives. When the mortgage-backed securities crisis arrived, she didn't look away. That experience sharpened her understanding of systems, accountability, and risk in ways that still shape how she leads today. In 2005, her husband Charlie founded CG Moving Company. Griselda, deep in a booming home equity market, encouraged him to stay focused on residential clients. He had a different vision — commercial, nonprofit, biotech, and government work — and he followed it. That decision would quietly shape the entire trajectory of their business. When the 2008 financial crisis cost Griselda her job, she joined the company. What started as a pivot became a calling. Since then, she has helped build CG Moving Company into a trusted name across the Bay Area and Northern California — serving families and individuals, commercial clients, and government agencies, with specialties in complex office, laboratory, and healthcare relocations. The company, based in South San Francisco, handles local, long-distance, and international moves throughout the region, including Silicon Valley. As an owner with hands-on experience in federal, state, municipal, and corporate procurement, Griselda has carved a distinct path in a heavily regulated industry where workforce diversity has historically not extended to its leadership. She is deliberate about that visibility — not just for herself, but for every person coming up behind her who needs to see that ownership and leadership are within reach. She also finished what she started. Determined to complete her education, Griselda returned to San Francisco State University as an adult and earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance and a minor in Raza Studies. She went on to complete the Digital Excellence Program for Minority Entrepreneurs through Dartmouth's Tuck School of Business and Google, and the Stanford GSB / Latino Business Action Network Scaling Program. Each credential earned on purpose, on her own terms. Her commitment to the industry runs deeper than her company. Griselda joined the California Moving and Storage Association in 2012 and grew steadily into a recognized leader — serving as Northern Region Co-President and Vice Chair of the Board. In May 2026, she becomes Chair of the Board, making history as only the sixth woman and the first immigrant Latina to hold the position in the association's more than 100-year history. She has also contributed nationally through the American Trucking Associations Moving and Storage Conference and the Moving and Storage Institute, advancing conversations about leadership, workforce development, and industry standards. Six years ago, alongside her sister, she co-founded Women On The Move — a working group within the California Moving and Storage Association that has grown into something real: a community built on mentorship, education, and professional development, bringing together women and allies from across the moving and storage industry. Not a committee. A movement. At the center of everything is family. Griselda is a proud mother of three, and much of her joy lives at softball fields and baseball diamonds — watching her children build the confidence, teamwork, and resilience she has carried her whole life. A former long-distance runner in high school track and cross country, she knows what it costs to stay the course when the finish line isn't in sight yet. She ran anyway. She always has. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/968_The_Gonzalez_600x600.jpg) Her story is one of persistence, adaptability, and an unshakable commitment to showing others that leadership and ownership are within reach — because she made sure they could see her getting there. **Connect with Griselda:** **LinkedIn** | Instagram: **@cg. moving.company** | Facebook: **CG Moving Company** *Griselda didn't ask for permission. Neither should you.* SVL has spent over a decade making the invisible visible — celebrating Latino excellence, naming hard truths, and calling our comunidad to action. Independent Latino journalism only survives when the community it serves decides it's worth protecting. **Ready to go all in?** Become a Cultura Ambassador — our official SVL community membership — and help shape the future of Latino storytelling. **[Become a Cultura Ambassador](https://svlatino.com/#/portal/signup/6a8db2d43e7c840008178b04/yearly)** **Want to show your support?** Become an Amigo de SVL. No commitment required. Just solidarity. Every contribution keeps our journalism independent and our stories free. **[Support SVL Journalism](https://svlatino.com/#/portal/signup/6a8e00f723b28c0001855fa0/monthly)** *#JuntosAdelante. Because silence is complicity. And so is inaction.* #JuntosAdelante #WeAreSVL #LatinoOwned #SVLVoices #CreoEnTi #SiliconValleyLatino #LatinaLeader #CulturaAmbassador ### Joy Is Not a Side Effect: How Jess Custom Cakes Is Building Community One Bite at a Time in Charlotte, NC URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/business/joy-is-not-a-side-effect-how-jess-custom-cakes-is-building-community-one-bite-at-a-time-in-charlotte-nc/ Last updated: 2026-10-02T11:26:23.000Z *The Latino Business Gap — Article 5 of an ongoing series.* Your browser does not support the audio element. ###### *Jess started baking in high school to make extra money. She had no business plan, no roadmap, and no idea what she was building. What she had was love — for her family, her cultura, and her craft. Today Jess Custom Cakes is one of the most optimistic Latino-owned businesses in our survey. And she is just getting started.* In our first article in this series, we documented the federal policy changes cutting off SBA loans to legal permanent residents. In Article 2, we spotlighted Natalia and Flor de Chile — a Latina entrepreneur in San Francisco building a food brand from her kitchen against real economic headwinds. In Article 3, we laid out the full picture — four doors closing simultaneously on Latino and Latina entrepreneurs across America. In Article 4, we sat down with David Salazar of Reclamación Wines — a Mexican American vintner reclaiming space in an industry built on Latino labor. Today we travel to Charlotte, North Carolina — and we meet Jess. In a survey where most Latino business owners described a difficult 2025 — declining sales, policy headwinds, economic uncertainty — Jess stood out immediately. Much stronger performance. Growing sales. And a 5 out of 5 optimism for 2026\. The highest in the entire survey. **That kind of joy, in this kind of climate, is not accidental. It is earned. And it is contagious.** **It started with a phone call and a kitchen** Jess did not set out to build a business. She set out to bake. The foundation was laid long before any business license or social media account — in a family kitchen, as a little girl, helping her mom cook. > *“My grandpa and my mom were my biggest inspirations. Every day, I would help my mom cook when I was a kid, and my grandpa would call and ask what I would be helping her with and he encouraged me to keep going. It was a way my entire family connected with each other.”* — Jessica Gonzalez, Founder of Jess Custom Cakes LLC Jess Custom Cakes started in high school — not from a business plan, but from a teenager who loved to bake and wanted to share that love with her peers. She had no idea how to run a business. What she had was instinct, passion, and a family that believed in her. Years later, that same girl is running one of the most beloved custom cake businesses in Charlotte, NC. And she carries every one of those kitchen memories into every order she fulfills. **The education nobody teaches you** Building Jess Custom Cakes was not a straight line. There were no investors, no mentors handing over a roadmap, no safety net. Just Jess, her savings, and a relentless determination to figure it out. > *“Starting a small business is not for the faint of heart. You start with whatever savings you had, and run with it… or at least that’s how I started. Everything I learned, I learned because I genuinely wanted and needed to in order to grow and scale my business. Endless days of me watching YouTube videos, researching, and praying to God.”* — Jessica Gonzalez, Founder of Jess Custom Cakes LLC That story — personal savings, YouTube, prayer, and sheer will — is the origin story of more Latino-owned businesses than any report will ever capture. Nearly 70% of Latino entrepreneurs rely on personal savings to start. Not venture capital. Not SBA loans. Themselves. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/781_IMG_7566_600x600.jpg) But Jess did not let the hard moments define the journey. She let her corazón lead. > *“No matter how many times I wanted to give up and throw in the towel, my heart wouldn’t let me. It always went back to baking. I then learned that by continuing your passion and following your heart, good things will always follow. I put my faith in myself, but most importantly in God.”* — Jessica Gonzalez, Founder of Jess Custom Cakes LLC **2025 — the year everything changed** While much of the Latino business community navigated a difficult 2025 — rising costs, shrinking consumer confidence, federal policy changes cutting off access to capital — Jess had her best year yet. Not because the environment was easy. Because she decided it was time. > *“2025 was the year that everything changed for me. It was the year that I knew I had somewhat of a clientele, and it was the year I could scale it into something so much more. I have this belief that I have no plan B. This is the only thing that I want to do in life, and to have people enjoy my baking.”* — Jessica Gonzalez, Founder of Jess Custom Cakes LLC No plan B. That is not recklessness. That is the kind of commitment that turns a high school baking hobby into a thriving custom cake business a decade later. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/961_SnapInsta.to_489011414_18049408448461642_8684118771941173300_n_600x600.jpg) She signed up for markets. She showed up. She put herself and her business in front of her community for the first time — and her community responded. > *“Receiving so much wonderful feedback, it just added fuel to the fire in my heart. My customers come back because my baked goods are always consistent with great flavors. I truly believe they can taste the love I incorporate into my desserts.”* — Jessica Gonzalez, Founder of Jess Custom Cakes LLC **Cultura on every plate** Jess is Puerto Rican and Italian — and in Charlotte, NC, that is a story not yet fully told in the food scene. She intends to change that. > *“I always try to incorporate my culture into my baking, so introducing flavors and desserts that have some Puerto Rican and Italian influence is huge to me. I noticed that there isn’t much representation of either here in Charlotte’s food scene, so I would love to help open the eyes and palates of the community.”* — Jessica Gonzalez, Founder of Jess Custom Cakes LLC This is what cultural representation looks like in practice — not a flag on a wall but flavors on a plate. Puerto Rican and Italian influences baked into desserts served at birthdays, weddings, and markets in a Southern city still discovering the full richness of its Latino community. **Every bite is a conversation. Every order is an introduction.** **Something big is coming** Jess did not end her responses with a thank you and a social media handle. She ended them with a declaration. > *“2026 I am working on something HUGE for Jess Custom Cakes. It’s a transition into not just custom cakes, but more of a panadería. Just be on the lookout for some important announcements.”* — Jessica Gonzalez, Founder of Jess Custom Cakes LLC A panadería. In Charlotte, NC. With Puerto Rican and Italian flavors. Built by a Latina entrepreneur who started with no plan, no roadmap, and no savings — just a love of baking passed down from her mom and the steady encouragement of her grandfather on the other end of a phone call. **When the ladder gets cut, we build our own.** Jess is not waiting for the system to make room for her. She is creating her own table — and filling it with flavors her community has never tasted before. **That is defiance with dignity. That is joy as resistance. That is Jess Custom Cakes.** **Support Jess Custom Cakes LLC** **Follow:** Find Jess Custom Cakes on Instagram and Facebook at @jesscustomcakes — follow, like, share, and show up. Every interaction helps her grow. **Show up:** Keep an eye on her social media for upcoming market dates in Charlotte, NC. When you see her — go. Bring your familia. **Stay tuned:** Something big is coming from Jess Custom Cakes in 2026\. Follow along so you don’t miss the announcement. **Discover more:** Find and support Latino-owned businesses like Jess Custom Cakes at ShopLatino.Market — because every purchase is an act of solidarity. **Sources** Jessica Gonzalez, Founder of Jess Custom Cakes LLC — original interview responses, April 2026 SVL Latino Business Survey — November–December 2025 Stanford GSB / Latino Business Action Network — 2025 State of Latino Entrepreneurship Report (SOLE) *This is Article 5 in our ongoing series The Latino Business Gap. Read Article 1: They Cut the Ladder, Article 2: Flor de Chile, Article 3: The Fourth Largest Economy Nobody Is Talking About, and Article 4: We Are the Reason This Industry Exists at svlatino.com.* #JessCustomCakes #LatinoBusinessGap #ShopLatinoMarket #SVLVoices #LatinaOwned #JuntosAdelante #CreoEnTi #CharlotteNC #Panaderia #JoyIsResistance #SupportLatinaBusinesses ### Angela Flores Robertson: First-Gen Latina Leader, Cultura Ambassador, and SVL Advisory Board Member URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/cultura-ambassador/angela-flores-robertson-first-gen-latina-leader-cultura-ambassador-and-svl-advisory-board-member/ Last updated: 2026-09-28T21:55:45.000Z Your browser does not support the audio element. ###### *Angela Flores Robertson: Service Delivery Leader, First-Gen Storyteller, Cultura Ambassador, and SVL Advisory Board Member* **Some people wait for a seat at the table. Angela Flores Robertson builds the table — and then makes sure every seat is filled with someone who almost didn’t believe they belonged there.** Angela is a first-generation Latina — a distinction she doesn’t carry quietly. She carries it loudly, on purpose, for every person behind her who is still finding their footing. Her roots aren’t backstory. They are her strategy. That identity — first-gen, Latina, storyteller — runs through everything she does. Her writing platform, *Chronicles of a First-Gen Latina*, is not a side project. It is a public act of visibility — a record of what it looks like to navigate spaces where Latinas have historically been told, by a thousand small signals, that they do not belong. **From First Gen to the Front of the Room** Today, Angela serves as a Service Delivery Leader at Palo Alto Networks — one of the most influential cybersecurity companies on the planet. She leads strategic service delivery initiatives that drive operational excellence and customer success across complex technology environments. More than a decade of experience in technology and service delivery. Cross-functional teams. High-stakes stakeholders. Scalable solutions. That doesn’t happen by accident. It happens through relentless preparation, radical clarity, and the kind of quiet grit that first-generation professionals know by heart. Her voice extends beyond the boardroom. Angela is a contributing author to the *Latinas 100* and *Leaders 100* anthologies — collections that exist precisely because the mainstream publishing world was not telling these stories on its own. She made sure they got told. **Building What She Needed** Angela doesn’t just talk about opportunity. She engineers it. As co-founder of the Joel and Angela Robertson Legacy Foundation, she leads efforts to provide scholarships, mentorship, and community programs designed to lift the next generation of leaders. She serves on the boards of the Hispanic Foundation of Silicon Valley and Sacred Heart Nativity Schools — where the work is concrete: STEM pathways for Latino youth, education access, and mentorship that reaches students before the system decides their ceiling. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/997_Women_of_ALPFA_600x600.jpg) This is what community investment looks like when it’s done by someone who remembers exactly what it felt like to need it. **Joining the SVL TriBU — In Two Ways** SVL is proud to welcome Angela Flores Robertson in a dual role: as an official Cultura Ambassador — a Latina leader whose story deserves to be celebrated and amplified across our platform — and as a member of the Silicon Valley Latino Advisory Board, where her leadership, lived experience, and community vision will help shape the future of SVL’s mission. These two roles are not separate. They are the same commitment, expressed at different scales. One tells the story. The other helps write what comes next. *When SVL extended the invitation, Angela accepted with the fullness of intention that defines everything she touches. In her own words: “I am deeply honored to officially join the tribe and serve on the Silicon Valley Latino Advisory Board. I have long admired the Creo En Ti initiatives, and I am eager to help champion these programs and support the mission in any way I can.”* She is particularly passionate about creating spaces where Latino students and professionals feel seen, supported, and empowered to pursue education, leadership, and careers in technology — which is exactly what *Creo En Ti* was built to do. **SVL doesn’t just cover stories like Angela’s. We build alongside the people living them.** ***Stories like this don’t tell themselves.*** SVL has spent over a decade making the invisible visible — celebrating Latino excellence, naming hard truths, and calling our comunidad to action. Independent Latino journalism only survives when the community it serves decides it’s worth protecting. **There are two ways to stand with us:** **Are you a Latino professional, entrepreneur, or leader ready to be celebrated?** Become a Cultura Ambassador — SVL’s official community membership for Latino leaders who are ready to have their story told, their work amplified, and their excellence made visible. [Cultura Ambassador link](https://svlatino.com/#/portal/signup/6a8db2d43e7c840008178b04/yearly) **Want to support our mission?** Become an Amigo de SVL. Your support keeps our journalism independent, our stories free, and our #CreoEnTi programs and community events alive — from Inspire Higher Tours to Latino Leaders Fireside Chats to College Declaration Day. No spotlight required. Just solidarity. [Amigo de SVL link](https://svlatino.com/#/portal/signup/6a8e00f723b28c0001855fa0/monthly): ***Juntos Adelante. Angela didn’t wait for permission. Neither should you. Join us as we raise our voices, reclaim our narrative, and build what this comunidad was always meant to have. Because silence is complicity. And so is inaction.*** ### We Are the Reason This Industry Exists: How Reclamación Wines Is Taking Back the Narrative in California Wine Country URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/business/we-are-the-reason-this-industry-exists-how-reclamacion-wines-is-taking-back-the-narrative-in-california-wine-country/ Last updated: 2026-10-02T11:23:56.000Z Your browser does not support the audio element. ###### *Less than 1% of California wineries are Mexican-owned. David Salazar grew up in the vineyards of Monterey County as the son of immigrants, trained formally in viticulture, worked at Skywalker Ranch and the vineyards of New Zealand — and came home to build something with his own name on it. This is the story of Reclamación Wines.* ###### In our first article in this series, we documented the federal policy changes cutting off SBA loans to legal permanent residents. In Article 2, we spotlighted Natalia and Flor de Chile — a Latina entrepreneur in San Francisco building a food brand from her kitchen against real economic headwinds. In Article 3, we laid out the full picture — four doors closing simultaneously on Latino and Latina entrepreneurs across America. Today we introduce someone who has been navigating those doors his entire life — and building anyway. David Salazar is the founder of Reclamación Wines, a Latino-owned boutique winery crafting sustainable, small-lot wines by hand in Sonoma Valley. He is the son of immigrants who grew up working the vineyards of Monterey County. He is formally educated in viticulture and enology. He has managed vineyards and production at a high level — including time at Skywalker Ranch and with the Giesen Group in New Zealand. ###### **And he got tired of putting his name on someone else’s label.** **A slow accumulation** When we asked David about the moment he decided to build his own winery, he pushed back on the premise. > *“There was no single moment. It was a slow accumulation. I grew up in the vines in Monterey and saw firsthand what my parents and our family friends were doing. The actual work, the knowledge, the care that went into it. I spent years building on that foundation, learning the craft formally, managing vineyards and production at a high level, including time at Skywalker Ranch and eventually with the Giesen Group in New Zealand. And through all of it I kept watching who got to put their name on a label. Who got to own the story.”* — David Salazar, Founder of Reclamación Wines That question — who gets to put their name on the label — is not just personal. It is structural. David’s focus is on Mexican-owned wineries specifically — the community that has provided the majority of vineyard labor in California for generations, and the one he personally represents. Less than 1% of California wineries are Mexican-owned. But the picture is broader than that. Across all Latino backgrounds — Mexican, Salvadoran, Chilean, Colombian, Puerto Rican, and beyond — Latino-owned wineries remain a tiny fraction of California’s more than 4,000 bonded wineries. At Silicon Valley Latino, we have identified at least 70 Latino-owned wineries across the country — representing owners from many different Latin American backgrounds — and we know we are still counting. You can find many of them listed at ShopLatino.Market. ###### **The industry built on Latino labor is slowly, defiantly, becoming an industry with Latino owners.** ###### **Reclamación — reclamation — is not just a brand name. It is a declaration.** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/724_IMG_0453_600x600.jpg) **What the vineyard taught him that no classroom could** David graduated from California State University Fresno with a formal degree in viticulture and enology. But his education started long before that — in the fields of Monterey County, watching his parents work. > *“You learn quickly who is actually doing the work. No classroom teaches you that the people in the vineyards and wineries are often the ones most responsible for the quality of what ends up in the bottle. I learned that experience was just as valuable as education and that passion for what you do can be the greatest professor. The names behind that work are rarely on the label, but the work is what makes great wines.”* — David Salazar That understanding — that the work and the worker deserve recognition — is embedded in every bottle Reclamación produces. Sustainable, small-lot, crafted by hand. Not scaled for volume. Made with intention. **Growing against the odds** In our SVL Latino Business Survey, David reported stronger sales and expanding opportunities in 2025 — even while rating the current administration’s economic policies as very negative. That contradiction is the heart of the Reclamación story. We asked him what is actually driving that growth. > *“The wine industry has ignored us as consumers since its inception, and that is starting to change. The Latino dollar is incredibly powerful and what our community chooses to spend it on matters. We are no longer just the labor. We are contributors to the culture and the economy of this industry. People can identify with this brand, with me, with my parents’ story. That is real and it resonates in a way that no amount of marketing spend can manufacture.”* — David Salazar He also gives back to his community — because as he puts it, he knows how much a little help can mean. That reciprocity is embedded in the Reclamación model. Growth is not just personal. It is communal. But David is clear-eyed about the challenges that remain. Access to capital. Distribution. The cost of getting seen in an industry that has historically looked past people who look like him. > *“We keep moving. You learn to do more with less when you have always had to.”* — David Salazar That sentence is worth pausing on. “You learn to do more with less when you have always had to.” It is not resignation. It is resourcefulness forged over generations. It is exactly the kind of resilience that built the California wine industry — and that the industry has never fully acknowledged. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/773_IMG_5778_600x600.heic.jpg) **Reclamación is not about victimhood. It is about strength.** We asked David what it means to reclaim space in the wine industry — and what he wants the next generation of Latino vintners to know. > *“It means taking back the narrative about who is creating the wines, who has always been part of this industry, and who deserves to be recognized for it. This brand is not about victimhood. It is about strength and the choice to build something for us and our people. The next generation of Latino vintners should know that the barriers are real, but they are not the whole story.”* — David Salazar That framing — barriers are real, but they are not the whole story — is the SVL editorial philosophy in one sentence. It is why we launched this series. It is why we built ShopLatino.Market. It is why we keep showing up. Reclamación Wines is currently sold out but a new release is coming soon. Follow them on Instagram @reclamacionwines and at reclamacionwines.com to stay in the loop. Their wines are available in shops in San Francisco and Sacramento and are now moving into the Los Angeles market. **We have always belonged here** David Salazar did not wait for the wine industry to make room for him. He studied the craft, worked the vines, crossed hemispheres to learn from the best — and came home to California to build something with his own name on it. In an industry where the overwhelming majority of owners do not look like the people who built it, that act of building is itself a reclamation. And Reclamación Wines is not alone. At least 70 Latino-owned wineries across this country — and counting — are doing the same thing. Bottle by bottle. Vintage by vintage. Generation by generation. We will let David have the last word. ###### ***“We have always belonged here. We are the reason this industry exists in California. It is time to be the story, not just the background.”*** — David Salazar, Founder of Reclamación Wines **Support Reclamación Wines and our comunidad** **Shop:** Visit reclamacionwines.com and follow @reclamacionwines on Instagram for their upcoming new release. Their wines are available in San Francisco, Sacramento, and coming soon to Los Angeles. **Discover Latino-owned wineries:** SVL has identified at least 70 Latino-owned wineries across the country at ShopLatino.Market — and we are still counting. Find them, support them, and share their stories. **List your winery:** If you own a Latino winery or wine brand, claim your free listing on ShopLatino.Market today. Visibility is the first step toward the support you deserve. **Share this article:** Send this to someone who loves wine and needs to know this story. Every conversation we start is a step toward closing the gap. **Sources** David Salazar, Founder of Reclamación Wines — original interview responses, April 2026 Reclamación Wines — reclamacionwines.com ShopLatino.Market — SVL Latino-owned winery directory data, April 2026 SVL Latino Business Survey — November–December 2025 Vinography — The Definitive List of Latinx-Owned Wineries in America, 2023 *This is Article 4 in our ongoing series The Latino Business Gap. [Read Article 1:](https://svlatino.com/blogs/news/they-cut-the-ladder-the-federal-rule-shutting-latino-entrepreneurs-out-of-capital) They Cut the Ladder, [Article 2:](https://svlatino.com/blogs/news/flor-de-chile-a-latina-entrepreneurs-dream-one-jar-at-a-time) Flor de Chile: A Latina Entrepreneur’s Dream One Jar at a Time, and [Article 3: ](https://svlatino.com/blogs/news/the-fourth-largest-economy-nobody-is-talking-about-the-4-trillion-truth-about-latino-and-latina-entrepreneurs)The Fourth Largest Economy Nobody Is Talking About at svlatino.com.* ### The Fifth Largest Economy Nobody Is Talking About: The $4 Trillion Truth About Latino and Latina Entrepreneurs URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/business/the-fourth-largest-economy-nobody-is-talking-about-the-4-trillion-truth-about-latino-and-latina-entrepreneurs/ Last updated: 2026-10-02T11:20:18.000Z Your browser does not support the audio element. *Latino entrepreneurs contribute $4 trillion to the U.S. economy — equivalent to the fifth-largest economy in the world. Latina-owned businesses grew 82% in five years. Latino construction firms grew 86%. And yet the SBA just cut off their access to capital, venture funding collapsed 79% and pay equity won’t arrive until 2160\. This is the full picture.* There is a fact sitting in plain sight that almost nobody is talking about. U.S. Latinos generate $4 trillion in GDP annually — equivalent to the fifth-largest economy in the world. If U.S. Latinas alone were their own state, they would be the fourth largest economy in the nation, surpassing the entire economic output of Florida. These are not projections or hopes. They are documented realities — confirmed this month by UnidosUS and by the 2025 State of Latino Entrepreneurship Report from Stanford Graduate School of Business, one of the most comprehensive studies of Latino-owned businesses ever conducted. And yet the systems that are supposed to support small business growth — capital markets, federal lending programs, venture funding, fair wages — are failing Latino and Latina entrepreneurs at every turn. In this series, we have named the federal policy changes cutting off SBA loans to legal permanent residents. We have spotlighted a Latina entrepreneur in San Francisco building a food brand from her kitchen against real economic headwinds. Today we zoom out and look at the full national picture — because the data demands it. > **The scale of what Latino entrepreneurs have built** > > *Between 2017 and 2023, Latino-owned businesses added 180,000 net new firms — a 48% increase — while white-owned businesses lost 140,000 firms over the same period. Latino-owned businesses are growing 10 times faster.* That growth didn’t happen in spite of the obstacles Latino entrepreneurs face. It happened because of who they are — resourceful, community-rooted, and relentlessly determined. From 2010 to 2021, the economic contribution of Latinas alone increased by more than 51% — 2.7 times the rate of non-Hispanic GDP over the same period. **Latinos are not joining the American economy. They are leading it.** **$4 trillion —** Latino contribution to U.S. GDP — fifth-largest economy in the world **82% —** growth in Latina-owned employer firms in five years — fastest of any demographic **86% —** growth in Latino-owned construction firms between 2017 and 2023 **10x —** faster firm creation for Latino-owned vs white-owned businesses **The construction story hiding in the data** One of the most striking findings from the Stanford SOLE report is the explosive growth of Latino-owned construction firms — 86% between 2017 and 2023, compared to just 2% for white-owned firms in the same sector. In cities like San Francisco, where construction costs and labor demands are among the highest in the country, Latino-owned construction companies are not just participating — they are sustaining entire neighborhoods and employing dozens of workers and their families. That is not a footnote. That is the backbone of the built environment. Yet the Stanford report also documents that immigration enforcement is cited three times more often as a business challenge by Latino-owned firms than by white-owned firms — with construction among the most affected sectors. The people building America’s cities are also among the most vulnerable to the policies targeting their comunidad. **The SBA decision — now backed by data** In Article 1 of this series, we documented the SBA’s March 9, 2026, decision to ban legal permanent residents from all SBA-backed loan programs. At the time we reported the policy impact in principle. Now we have the data to show exactly who it hits. > **STANFORD SOLE REPORT — 2025 KEY FINDING** > > 48% of Latino-owned businesses reported that changes to SBA ownership eligibility — including the 100% U.S. citizen requirement — affected their ability to obtain SBA-backed financing. > > By comparison, only 31% of white-owned businesses reported the same impact. > > Latino-owned businesses are 55% more likely to be affected by this policy change than their white-owned counterparts. This is not a policy that affects everyone equally. It was designed — whether intentionally or not — to land hardest on communities that are already navigating the most significant barriers to capital access. > *“Without capital, growth stalls before it begins. It’s not a lack of ambition — it’s a lack of access.”*— As cited in Forbes coverage of the Wells Fargo 2026 Impact of Women-Owned Businesses Report **The venture capital collapse** If the SBA policy represents the closing of one door, the collapse of venture capital funding for Latino entrepreneurs represents the closing of another. According to the Stanford SOLE report, Latino pre-seed and seed market share fell 79% from 2020 to 2025\. Early-stage funding share fell 75% over the same period. The pipeline of the next generation of Latino startups is being cut off at the entry point. **Less than 1% of venture capital reaches Latina entrepreneurs specifically. The engine is running. The fuel is being withheld.** **The wage gap that will not close** Latinas working full-time year-round are paid 58 cents for every dollar paid to white non-Hispanic men. When part-time and seasonal workers are included, that figure drops to 54 cents. Over a 40-year career, that gap adds up to $1.2 million in lost earnings for the typical Latina worker. Based on current U.S. trends, it will take until the year 2160 for Latinas working full-time to reach pay equity with white men. **Not 2060\. Not 2100\. 2160.** **That is not a gap. That is a wall.** **What our community told us** When SVL surveyed Latino business owners in late 2025, the responses confirmed what the national data shows — consistent themes of resilience under real economic pressure, across every industry and region. > **From our 2025 SVL Latino Business Survey:** > > *“Access to capital” — the single most cited need among surveyed business owners across California, Oregon, Texas, Florida, and North Carolina.* > > *“Inflation and rising costs” and “consumer spending slowdown” — the most commonly cited reasons for declining or stalled revenue in 2025.* > > *“Marketing and visibility” — the second most requested resource, confirming that being seen is as urgent as being funded.* > > *The overwhelming majority rated current administration policies as “very negative” or “somewhat negative” — tariffs, immigration enforcement, and regulatory uncertainty cited most often.* > > These are not statistics in isolation. They are the daily reality of entrepreneurs who are part of a $4 trillion economic force — and who are being systematically denied the tools to grow it. **Why this matters for all of us** **This is not a Latino issue. This is an American issue.** Hispanics now comprise 19% of the U.S. civilian labor force — growing at more than 10 times the rate of the non-Hispanic workforce since 2003\. Latinos contributed an average of 726,000 workers every year to the U.S. labor force between 2010 and 2023 — responsible for 58.7% of its total growth. If Latino-owned businesses had the same average revenue as white-owned businesses, it would add $1.1 trillion to the U.S. economy. We are leaving a trillion dollars on the table — through lending discrimination, venture capital exclusion, wage suppression, and now federal policy cutting off immigrant entrepreneurs from the last available pathway to government-backed financing. **What SVL is doing about it** At Silicon Valley Latino we have spent over a decade celebrating the stories of Latino and Latina entrepreneurs. We are building ShopLatino.Market because we understood that visibility and community investment are tools our community controls directly — even when policy, capital markets, and wage structures work against us. Every dollar spent with a Latino or Latina-owned business is a direct counter to the systems documented in this article. Community investment is not a consolation prize. It is infrastructure. It is resistance. It is how we close a gap that the system refuses to close on its own. The fourth largest economy in America — the fifth largest in the world — is not hiding. It has been ignored. **We are done being quiet about it.** **Silence is complicity. And so is inaction.** **The community response starts here** **Shop:** Visit ShopLatino.Market to find and support Latina and Latino-owned businesses across the country. Every purchase is a vote for economic equity. **List your business:** If you own a Latino business, claim your free listing on ShopLatino.Market today. Visibility is the first step toward the support you deserve. **Share this article:** The more people understand the full picture, the stronger our collective response becomes. Send this to someone who needs to read it. **Primary Sources** Stanford GSB / Latino Business Action Network — 2025 State of Latino Entrepreneurship Report (SOLE) UnidosUS — An Invisible But Powerful Economic Engine: The $1.3 Trillion Impact of U.S. Latinas, March 26, 2026 Wells Fargo — 2026 Impact of Women-Owned Businesses Report U.S. Small Business Administration — Official press release, March 9, 2026 Institute for Women’s Policy Research — Latina Equal Pay Day Fact Sheet, 2025 SVL Latino Business Survey — November–December 2025 *This is Article 3 in our ongoing series The Latino Business Gap. Read Article 1: [They Cut the Ladder ](https://ndknx05uo1fzg96f-5460885569.shopifypreview.com/blogs/news/they-cut-the-ladder-the-federal-rule-shutting-latino-entrepreneurs-out-of-capital)and Article 2: [Flor de Chile: A Latina Entrepreneur’s Dream, One Jar at a Time](https://ndknx05uo1fzg96f-5460885569.shopifypreview.com/blogs/news/flor-de-chile-a-latina-entrepreneurs-dream-one-jar-at-a-time) at svlatino.com.* ### Jazmin Diaz: Leading with Purpose, Growing with Intention URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/cultura-ambassador/jazmin-diaz-leading-with-purpose-growing-with-intention/ Last updated: 2026-09-28T21:55:47.000Z Your browser does not support the audio element. Some people climb the ladder. [Jazmin Diaz](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jazmindiaz/) studied it, rebuilt it, and then held it steady for everyone coming up behind her. She is the Chief of Staff at Cloudflare, Founder & CEO of Flourish Learning & Development, and the author of Ignite Your Growth — and its Spanish edition, Enciende tu Crecimiento. But titles only tell part of the story. Jazmin's journey began in the school district — as an admin — before she made a bold and intentional pivot into tech. She didn't wait for an invitation. She started entry-level, built her knowledge, expanded her network, and earned her seat at the table in some of Silicon Valley's fastest-growing companies. That path — from an admin overseeing school site operations to the executive floors of Silicon Valley — is not an accident. It is evidence of what disciplined, intentional growth looks like in practice. Her story is grounded in something our comunidad understands deeply: the experience of adapting, relearning, and rebuilding — of navigating systems not designed with you in mind, and rising anyway. She spent part of her upbringing in México before returning to the United States, and that experience of crossing worlds shapes the empathy and clarity she brings to every room she enters. As a madre de cuatro, she carries that perspective into her work every day. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/798_Jazmin_con_reconocimiento_600x600.jpg) Through Flourish, Jazmin delivers keynotes, workshops, and coaching experiences across the U.S. and México. Her signature message — Flourish from Within: Breaking Free from Limiting Beliefs — has moved audiences in corporate boardrooms, employee resource groups, and first-generation professional spaces alike. Because mindset is the first move. And breaking free from limiting beliefs is the most defiant act of all. We are proud to welcome Jazmin Diaz to Silicon Valley Latino as an Executive Cultura Ambassador. Her story is our story. Her excellence is our north star. And her mission — to create space, access, and opportunity for others to rise — is exactly what SVL was built to amplify. Juntos Adelante. Get inspired by her story below. Jazmin Diaz is a leader, author, and founder driven by one core belief: growth is possible for anyone who is willing to do the work from within. As Chief of Staff at Cloudflare and Founder & CEO of Flourish Learning & Development, Jazmin has built her career at the intersection of strategy, people, and impact — helping individuals and organizations unlock their full potential. Her journey is one of resilience, reinvention, and intentional growth. Having spent part of her upbringing in Mexico before returning to the United States, Jazmin experienced firsthand what it means to adapt, relearn, and rebuild in unfamiliar environments. She began her career in public school administration before making a bold and intentional pivot into the tech industry, starting in an entry-level role to gain access, build knowledge, network, and create new opportunities. From there, she went on to support executive leadership in some of Silicon Valley's fastest-growing companies — a testament to her discipline, curiosity, and relentless commitment to growth. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/745_IMG_2618_1_600x600.jpg) Jazmin is committed to creating space, access, and opportunity for others to rise. Her journey is also grounded in her role as a mother of four, which continues to shape her perspective on resilience, responsibility, and what it truly means to build a meaningful life and career. At the heart of Jazmin's work are her values: authenticity, discipline, service, and growth. She believes that true success is not just defined by titles or achievements, but by how we show up, how we treat others, and the impact we leave behind. Through her experiences, she has learned that mindset is everything — and that breaking free from limiting beliefs is often the first step toward meaningful transformation. This philosophy is the foundation of her company, Flourish, where she delivers keynotes, workshops, and coaching experiences across the United States and Mexico, inspiring action and elevating performance. Her signature message, "Flourish from Within: Breaking Free from Limiting Beliefs," has resonated with diverse audiences — from corporate and employee resource groups to first-generation professionals and community organizations. Jazmin creates spaces where people feel seen, challenged, and empowered to take ownership of their growth. She is also the author of Ignite Your Growth: Perspectives and Tactics to Flourish in Life and Career, and its Spanish edition, Enciende tu Crecimiento: Perspectivas y estrategias para florecer en la vida y la carrera, both of which reflect her commitment to making personal and professional development accessible across cultures and communities. Her books are available on Amazon and through select retailers across the U.S. and Mexico. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/756_IMG_4736_600x600.jpg) For Jazmin, this work matters deeply. She understands firsthand what it means to navigate uncertainty, to question your path, and to rebuild with intention. Her mission is to help others do the same — with clarity, confidence, and courage. Outside of her professional work, Jazmin finds joy in life's simple moments — anything that involves water, music, sunshine, and time in the kitchen, often cooking to the rhythm of cumbias. If you're ready to invest in your growth, Jazmin invites you to take the next step — whether by reading Ignite Your Growth or Enciende tu Crecimiento, both available on Amazon, or by partnering with her through Flourish for keynotes, workshops, and coaching experiences designed to elevate individuals, teams, and organizations. Know someone who needs to hear this story? Share it. Tag them. Bring them in. This is how we build — #JuntosAdelante Learn more at [www.flourishwithjazmin.com](https://www.flourishwithjazmin.com/) *Jazmin didn't wait for an invitation. Neither should you.* *SVL has spent over a decade making the invisible visible — celebrating Latino excellence, naming hard truths, and calling our comunidad to action. Independent Latino journalism only survives when the community it serves decides it's worth protecting.* *There are two ways to stand with us:* ***Ready to go all in?*** *Become a Cultura Ambassador — our official SVL community membership — and help shape the future of Latino storytelling.* [***Become a Cultura Ambassador***](https://svlatino.com/#/portal/signup/6a8db2d43e7c840008178b04/yearly) ***Want to show your support?*** *Become an Amigo de SVL. No commitment. Just solidarity. Every contribution keeps our journalism independent and our stories free.* [***Support SVL Journalism***](https://svlatino.com/#/portal/signup/6a8e00f723b28c0001855fa0/monthly) *#JuntosAdelante. Because silence is complicity. And so is inaction.* ### When Latinas Build Together, Communities Transform URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/social-impact-advocates/when-latinas-build-together-communities-transform/ Last updated: 2026-10-01T12:22:37.000Z ###### Women's History Month doesn't end with a highlight reel. It ends with the women still showing up on day 365 — building, leading, and refusing to be invisible. In San José, those women have a name. Unidas Somos Más Fuertes is more than a network. It's a movement rooted in San José — and it's been growing since 2016. In Silicon Valley, where innovation is celebrated and resources flow freely, Latina women have too often been left out of that story. Unidas Somos Más Fuertes (USMF) was built specifically to change that. Founded in 2016 in San José, California, Unidas was created in direct response to a gap — the lack of dedicated spaces where Latina emprendedoras could access support, resources, and community. Nearly a decade later, it has grown into one of the most consistent, culturally rooted organizations serving Latina women in the Bay Area. Their mission is clear: motivate and inspire Latina entrepreneurs by providing tools for personal and professional growth, building strategic alliances, and honoring the cultural heritage that grounds us. That last part matters. This isn't just a business networking group. Unidas shows up for the whole woman — the entrepreneur, the mother, the community member, the dreamer. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/552_7EE63630-A89A-42BB-A969-ED5B4D60DE1C_1_201_a_600x600.jpg) What They Actually Do Unidas doesn't just talk about empowerment. They build it, event by event, taller by taller, connection by connection. Their programming spans entrepreneurship training, digital marketing workshops, mindfulness and wellness sessions, cultural celebrations like Día de Muertos, and community relief efforts — including showing up with food and support during California's 2023 floods. They've hosted business mixers, partnered with Santa Clara County at the State of the County event, and ran intimate community workshops like Con Aroma de Café — a series blending marketing tools with mindfulness and human connection. In 2020, during the height of the pandemic, they didn't pause. They held each other up — and they kept building. That same year, Unidas was selected to participate in the Neighborhood Prosperity Initiative through the Leavey School of Business at Santa Clara University — a collaboration that placed university students directly alongside community organizations to strengthen social impact. It was a recognition that what Unidas was building had value beyond its own comunidad. The Women Behind It Organizations like Unidas don't run on mission statements. They run on people. At the helm is Mary Mora, founder and visionary, whose belief that every Latina deserves to dream big has been the north star since day one. Around her, a leadership team that works — quietly, consistently, powerfully: Lili Lopez in strategy and operations. Maribel Garibaldo as secretary. Tania Brito leading equity initiatives. Lulu Taba driving media and communications. Norma de la O in financial stewardship. Brenda Galicia as strategic advisor. Seven women. One shared purpose. Countless hours of work that most people never see. In December 2025, at their Celebration of Achievements, held at Santa Clara University, the comunidad gathered to honor these leaders and the Latina entrepreneurs they've helped rise. It wasn't just a ceremony. It was a declaration. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/636_EDEA37A6-0894-45C4-B4D5-33AAC267E2A5_1_201_a_600x600.jpg) Watch: Celebration of Achievements 2025 This is what community looks like in action. We had the honor of capturing Unidas Somos Más Fuertes at their Celebration of Achievements 2025 — an evening that honored Latina entrepreneurs, recognized the women who lead this organization with corazón, and reminded all of us why building together matters. Hosted at Santa Clara University. Powered by comunidad. As we close out Women's History Month, this video is our answer to the question: what does Latina leadership look like in Silicon Valley? It looks like this. Why This Matters Right Now Latina women are among the fastest-growing group of entrepreneurs in the United States. Yet access to capital, networks, and institutional support remains deeply unequal. Unidas isn't waiting for institutions to fix that gap. They're filling it themselves — through community, through cultura, through showing up. They also actively channel Santa Clara County services and nonprofit resources directly to their members, connecting women to support systems that would otherwise be hard to find. That's community infrastructure. And it's exactly what our comunidad deserves more of. Get Connected If you're a Latina entrepreneur in the Bay Area — or you know one — Unidas Somos Más Fuertes is a space worth knowing. 🔗 [unidassomosmasfuertes.org](https://www.unidassomosmasfuertes.org/) Subscribe to their community. Attend their next event. Share their story. Because when one woman rises, she lifts others with her. And when we build together — juntas — entire communities transform. #JuntosAdelante #WeAreSVL #SVLVoices #LatinaOwned ### From La Paz to the World: How One Latino Founder Built Bridges Between Continents URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/cultura-ambassador/from-la-paz-to-the-world-how-one-latino-founder-built-bridges-between-continents/ Last updated: 2026-09-28T21:55:48.000Z He was born in La Paz, Bolivia, into a military family that never stayed in one place for long. City after city. School after school. That kind of childhood could break a kid — or build one. For [Seen](https://www.linkedin.com/in/seen-aquin/), it built something unshakeable. By 21, he was on a plane to the United States on a Work & Travel program. The goal was simple: learn English. What happened instead was bigger. Living in Utah and Arizona, he didn't just learn a language — he absorbed a way of thinking. A pace. A hunger. And somewhere along the way, he met Ivana, a woman from the Czech Republic who matched his appetite for exploration entirely. That's how you know someone is your person — they say yes to backpacking through Patagonia and the Andes for six months. Together, they hiked the American West. They climbed through national parks. They moved to Prague and built a life that didn't fit inside any one box. And out of that lived experience came a business philosophy rooted in something most pitch decks can't teach resilience, long-term thinking, and a bias toward action. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/786_IMG_9907_600x600.jpg) **Corporate gave him the blueprint. Entrepreneurship gave him the mission.** Nearly a decade at ExxonMobil. A leadership role at Honeywell Aerospace driving commercial growth across the Iberia region. Seen learned scale. He learned structure. He learned what high-stakes execution actually looks like when the margin for error is zero. Then he and Ivana made a deliberate choice — stop building inside other people's systems, and start building their own. They co-founded [BodyBody](https://www.bodybody.cz/), a tech-enabled fitness and longevity concept using EMS technology to make personalized training more efficient. What started as a small venture grew into a franchise network with 15+ locations. Proof that the couple who backpacks together, builds together. From there, Seen moved deeper into the startup ecosystem — mentoring founders, guest lecturing on entrepreneurship, and eventually co-founding [StartGuide VC](https://startguide.cz/en/), which backed and actively supported 15 startups across Central and Eastern Europe. But somewhere in that journey, a hard truth crystallized. Capital is helpful. Execution is everything. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/754_IMG_3708_600x600.jpg) **The bridge builder.** That conviction led him to join [Ententee ](https://ententee.com/)as Chief Growth Officer — a European-based software engineering and applied AI partner that builds complex, high-impact digital products for startups and enterprises tackling real, non-trivial challenges. AI-driven platforms. Healthcare systems. Advanced enterprise solutions. Not just shipping software — building the right systems. Ones that scale, integrate, and deliver impact that actually lands in the real world. What Seen brings to that work is something rare: he sees both sides of the Atlantic clearly. In the U.S. — speed, ambition, market pull. In Europe — deep engineering talent and world-class execution capability. His role lives at that intersection. Bridging American innovation with European execution. Turning complexity into products that move. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/731_IMG_0986_600x600.jpg) **Still driven by the same thing.** From La Paz to Utah. From Prague to the global startup ecosystem. From corporate corridors to venture capital to applied AI. The thread running through all of it? Curiosity. Ambition. And the conviction that the best opportunities exist exactly where worlds collide. That's not just a philosophy. For Seen, it's a life — and proof that a Latino kid from Bolivia, comfortable in uncertainty, can build something that transcends every border he's ever crossed. Juntos Adelante, siempre. *Bridges don't build themselves. Neither does community.* *SVL has spent over a decade making the invisible visible — celebrating Latino excellence, naming hard truths, and calling our comunidad to action. Independent Latino journalism only survives when the community it serves decides it's worth protecting.* *There are two ways to stand with us:* ***Ready to go all in?*** *Become a Cultura Ambassador — our official SVL community membership — and help shape the future of Latino storytelling.* [***Become a Cultura Ambassador***](https://svlatino.com/#/portal/signup/6a8db2d43e7c840008178b04/yearly) ***Want to show your support?*** *Become an Amigo de SVL. No commitment. Just solidarity. Every contribution keeps our journalism independent and our stories free.* [***Support SVL Journalism***](https://svlatino.com/#/portal/signup/6a8db2d43e7c840008178b04/yearly) *Juntos Adelante. Because silence is complicity. And so is inaction.* #JuntosAdelante #SVLVoices #WeAreSVL #LatinoOwned #CreoEnTi ### Flor de Chile: A Latina Entrepreneur's Table Becomes a Brand URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/business/flor-de-chile-a-latina-entrepreneurs-table-becomes-a-brand/ Last updated: 2026-10-02T11:22:51.000Z Your browser does not support the audio element. *The Latino Business Gap — Article 2 of an ongoing series* **WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH — LATINO BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT** *In 2020, Flor de Chile didn't exist. Today it's on store shelves across the Bay Area. This Women's History Month, we spotlight a Latina entrepreneur who turned homesickness into a thriving brand — and who is building anyway, despite everything working against her.* In our [first article](https://svlatino.com/blogs/business/they-cut-the-ladder) in this series, we laid out the systemic forces working against Latino entrepreneurs right now — shrinking access to capital, federal policy changes that cut off SBA loans to legal permanent residents, and a wealth gap that keeps widening despite record business growth. The data is stark. The obstacles are real. But data doesn't build businesses. People do. **Natalia does.** **Born in a kitchen during COVID** Natalia moved from Mexico to San Francisco in 2018 to pursue her education. She brought with her something no visa could document — a lifetime of memories built around food, family, and the spicy, layered flavors of home. "Food has always been a big part of my identity and culture," she told us. "Growing up, so many special moments happened around the table, sharing meals with family and friends." When COVID arrived and the world contracted, Natalia found herself spending more time in her SF kitchen — experimenting, creating, and slowly rediscovering something she hadn't fully named yet: her passion for cooking. She started making salsas and spicy condiments inspired by the flavors she missed. She shared them with friends. And then something unexpected happened. *"I quickly realized I was not the only one craving those authentic flavors. There were many people looking for something like this. Over time, Flor de Chile became my passion, my life, and my dream."* — Natalia, Founder of Flor de Chile Flor de Chile — a bold, spicy, crunchy chile topping rooted in the culinary traditions of the Yucatán Peninsula — was born not from a business plan, but from a table. From the memory of recess snacks covered in salsa. From the simple, powerful act of wanting to share a piece of home with others. **The reality of building alone** Natalia is quick to name what nobody tells you about entrepreneurship. It is hard. It is relentless. And it cannot be done alone. "One thing I underestimated was how challenging entrepreneurship really is," she said. "Every day brings something new — from manufacturing issues and inventory challenges to figuring out how to grow and scale the business." Her solution wasn't to push harder in isolation. It was to build comunidad around the dream. Her best friend Ana joined as a business partner, taking on operational strategy. Her husband has cheered her on from day one. Her family and friends became her first customers, helpers, and marketers. "Having the right people around you is everything," she told us. "Building this together has been amazing." That instinct — to build collectively rather than alone — is deeply rooted in Latino culture. And it's also, as it turns out, good strategy. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/1066_flordechile2_2_600x600.jpg) **The bigger picture she's part of** **2.1 million Latina-owned businesses in the U.S. — one of the fastest growing entrepreneurial groups** **37% growth in Latina-owned employer firms between 2022 and 2025** **93% of Latina-owned businesses operate without employees — the nonemployer trap** Natalia is part of the fastest growing entrepreneurial movement in America. But she is also navigating the same headwinds every Latina business owner faces — limited access to capital, supply chain pressures, inflation, and a lending system that was not built with her in mind. In our survey, she named access to capital as her top need. She is not alone. Nearly 70% of Latino entrepreneurs rely on personal savings to start their businesses. And when they do seek loans, they receive approval at roughly half the rate of white-owned businesses. **The system was not designed for Natalia. She built Flor de Chile anyway.** **The moment that made it real** Ask Natalia about her proudest moment and she doesn't hesitate. *"The first time I saw a jar of Flor de Chile on a store shelf was an unforgettable moment. It felt surreal. To think that Flor de Chile did not exist in 2020, and now it is in stores across the Bay Area — every time I see it on a shelf, it still feels a little unreal."* — Natalia, Founder of Flor de Chile From a kitchen in San Francisco. To shelves across the Bay Area. In less than five years. While navigating a pandemic, building a brand from scratch, and holding down every role a solo entrepreneur has to play. **That jar on the shelf is more than a product. It is proof.** **What keeps her going** We asked Natalia what fuels her on the hard days. Her answer was the same thing that started it all — cultura, corazón, and the table. "What keeps me going is knowing that what we are building is deeply connected to my culture and where I come from," she said. "The idea that something as simple as a spoonful of Flor de Chile can elevate a meal, bring people together, and create moments around the table is really powerful." Being able to share her culture — her flavors, a piece of home — with others. That is the dream. And it is already coming true, one jar at a time. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/1065_flordechile1_600x600.jpg) **This is what Women's History Month looks like** It doesn't always look like a headline or an award ceremony. Sometimes it looks like a Latina immigrant in her San Francisco kitchen during a pandemic, mixing chiles, missing home, and deciding that what she has made is worth sharing. Sometimes it looks like a best friend who says yes. A husband who believes. A family that shows up. A jar on a shelf that wasn't there five years ago. Natalia didn't wait for the system to make room for her. She built her own table — and she's inviting everyone to it. **That is defiance with dignity. That is Flor de Chile. That is us.** **Support Natalia and Flor de Chile** **Shop:** Find Flor de Chile in stores across the Bay Area, online at [flordechile.com](https://www.flordechile.com/), or at local farmers markets. **Follow:** Find Flor de Chile on Instagram @flordechile\_ and share her story with your comunidad — every post, tag, and mention helps her grow. **Discover more:** Find and support Latino-owned businesses like Flor de Chile at ShopLatino.Market — because every purchase is an act of solidarity. *This is Article 2 in our ongoing series The Latino Business Gap — exploring the systemic challenges and remarkable resilience of Latino-owned businesses across America. Read Article 1: They Cut the Ladder: The Federal Rule Shutting Latino Entrepreneurs Out of Capital at svlatino.com.* **Photo Credit: Flor de Chile** *Her story is proof that the dream doesn't wait for permission. Neither should yours.* ***Stories like this don't tell themselves.*** SVL has spent over a decade making the invisible visible — celebrating Latino excellence, naming hard truths, and calling our comunidad to action. Independent Latino journalism only survives when the community it serves decides it's worth protecting. **There are two ways to stand with us:** **Are you a Latino professional, entrepreneur, or leader ready to be celebrated?** Become a Cultura Ambassador — SVL's official community membership for Latino leaders who are ready to have their story told, their work amplified, and their excellence made visible. Cultura Ambassador: [svlatino.com/collections/join-our-tribe](https://svlatino.com/#/portal/signup/6a8db2d43e7c840008178b04/yearly) **Want to support our mission?** Become an Amigo de SVL. Your support keeps our journalism independent, our stories free, and our #CreoEnTi programs and community events alive — from Inspire Higher Tours to Latino Leaders Fireside Chats to College Declaration Day. No spotlight required. Just solidarity. Amigo de SVL: [svlatino.com/collections/join-our-tribe/products/amigo-de-svl](https://svlatino.com/#/portal/signup/6a8e00f723b28c0001855fa0/monthly) ***#JuntosAdelante. Because silence is complicity. And so is inaction.*** #WomensHistoryMonth #FlorDeChile #ShopLatinoMarket #LatinoOwned #SVLVoices #LatinoBusinessGap #JuntosAdelante #CreoEnTi #CreoEnNosotros ### They Cut the Ladder: The Federal Rule Shutting Latino Entrepreneurs Out of Capital URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/business/they-cut-the-ladder-the-federal-rule-shutting-latino-entrepreneurs-out-of-capital/ Last updated: 2026-10-02T11:31:29.000Z *The Latino Business Gap — Article 1 of an ongoing series* There is a number worth sitting with before we get to the policy. Five of every ten Latino business owners we surveyed late last year named access to capital as their single most urgent need. Not marketing. Not technology. Not networking. Capital. The ability to borrow money at reasonable terms to grow, survive, or simply stay open. That answer did not surprise us. It confirmed what our community has known for years — that Latino entrepreneurs build remarkable things with less, because the systems designed to help small businesses access financing have never worked as well for us as they do for others. Last December, we published the findings from our inaugural [SVL business survey](https://svlatino.com/blogs/news/latine-owned-businesses-navigate-a-shifting-economic-landscape). What we heard from Latino business owners then has only become more urgent since. What happened in Washington this month makes that gap wider. Deliberately. And the administration put it in writing. --- **WHAT CHANGED — IN THE GOVERNMENT'S OWN WORDS** On March 9, 2026, the U.S. Small Business Administration published an official press release on its own website announcing it was expanding restrictions on [SBA-backed loans](https://www.sba.gov/article/2026/03/09/sba-bans-foreign-nationals-accessing-sba-backed-loans) to ban all foreign nationals and non-citizens from every SBA-guaranteed loan program. This builds on a February policy that had already made any business owned in whole or in part by a green card holder ineligible for the SBA's flagship 7(a) and 504 loan programs. This is not a leak. Not a rumor. Not opposition research. This is what the SBA said, in its own words, on its own website: > *"The Trump SBA is committed to driving economic growth and job creation for American citizens. With our lending authority capped annually by Congress and amid record demand for access to capital, our responsibility is clear: the limited resource of SBA financing must prioritize American citizens who are building businesses and creating jobs here at home."* — SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler, sba.gov, March 9, 2026 Read that again carefully. Legal permanent residents — people the United States government has formally authorized to live and work here permanently, people who pay taxes, hire American workers, and sign leases in American communities — are being categorized as people who are not "building businesses and creating jobs here at home." The language is deliberate. And so is the policy. --- **WHO THIS ACTUALLY AFFECTS** To be precise about who is being cut off: not undocumented immigrants. Legal permanent residents. Green card holders. People who went through a formal, often years-long process to earn the right to live here permanently. According to the SBA's own release, the agency approved 3,358 loans in fiscal year 2025 for small businesses owned in part by lawful permanent residents — representing 4% of the agency's total loan approvals. The release noted that most of those loans were approved "largely during the Biden Administration," framing legal residents' access to capital as something that needed to be corrected. Those 3,358 businesses represent real employers, real jobs, and real community anchors. They are now locked out. > *"SBA loans are really only meant to be issued in situations where folks wouldn't be able to get access to credit on similar terms without the government guarantee. SBA is kind of designed to fill that gap."* — Keegan McBride, co-founder of SBA Source, as reported by [The Guardian](https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/mar/05/small-business-administration-loans-immigrant-entrepreneurs) A Bay Area banking executive, speaking on background, confirmed the immediate impact. Legal permanent residents — including tech workers and entrepreneurs from Latin America, Asia, and India — are already being turned away from SBA 504 and 7(a) programs they had been relying on for buildings, equipment, and working capital. For those who still need access to credit, the executive pointed to [state-level guarantee programs](https://www.treasurer.ca.gov/cpcfa/calcap/PFI%5Flenders.pdf), which continue to serve non-citizens including legal permanent residents — though awareness of these alternatives remains limited and access is far from guaranteed. That gap — the space between who can access conventional lending and who cannot — is exactly where a large portion of Latino entrepreneurs live. Banks reward borrowers who bring home equity, inherited wealth, investment portfolios, and the kind of financial cushion that makes risk manageable. SBA-backed loans exist precisely for the entrepreneurs who don't arrive at the table with those advantages. Closing that door doesn't level the playing field. It tilts it harder against the people already running uphill. --- **IT GOES FURTHER THAN LOANS** The loan ban is not the only move the SBA has made. According to the same official press release, the agency also announced plans to relocate SBA field offices out of sanctuary cities — cities that do not comply with ICE enforcement directives. Think about what that means in practice. The SBA field office in your city — the office where a small business owner can walk in and get help applying for a loan, understanding a program, or navigating a disaster recovery process — is being moved away from the very communities where Latino entrepreneurs are most concentrated. This is not just a change to who can borrow. It is a physical withdrawal of federal small business resources from Latino neighborhoods. The message being sent is consistent: your labor and your taxes are welcome. Your access to institutional support is not. --- **WHAT OUR COMMUNITY TOLD US** When we surveyed Latino business owners across the country late last year, the answers were consistent regardless of industry, size, or geography. Read them together and a pattern emerges — not of failure, but of businesses doing extraordinary things while being systematically under-resourced. From our SVL 2025 Latino Business Survey: "Access to capital" — named as the top support need by business owners in California, Oregon, Texas, ***Stories like this don't tell themselves.*** SVL has spent over a decade making the invisible visible — celebrating Latino excellence, naming hard truths, and calling our comunidad to action. Independent Latino journalism only survives when the community it serves decides it's worth protecting. **There are two ways to stand with us:** **Are you a Latino professional, entrepreneur, or leader ready to be celebrated?** Become a Cultura Ambassador — SVL's official community membership for Latino leaders who are ready to have their story told, their work amplified, and their excellence made visible. Cultura Ambassador: [svlatino.com/collections/join-our-tribe](https://svlatino.com/#/portal/signup/6a8db2d43e7c840008178b04/yearly) **Want to support our mission?** Become an Amigo de SVL. Your support keeps our journalism independent, our stories free, and our #CreoEnTi programs and community events alive. No spotlight required. Just solidarity. Amigo de SVL: [svlatino.com/collections/join-our-tribe/products/amigo-de-svl](https://svlatino.com/#/portal/signup/6a8e00f723b28c0001855fa0/monthly) ***Juntos Adelante. Because silence is complicity. And so is inaction.*** ### From the North Pacific to the South Pacific: Marcela Gutiérrez-Graudiņš Carries Ocean Justice Across Continents URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/social-impact-advocates/from-the-pacific-to-the-pacific-marcela-gutierrez-graudins-carries-ocean-justice-across-continents-1/ Last updated: 2026-10-01T12:21:58.000Z There are leaders who talk about ocean justice — and then there is Marcela Gutiérrez-Graudiņš, who flies eight-seat planes to remote islands to sit with fishing families, board their boats, and understand it from the inside. [Marce](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mgraudins/), as she is known to us at Silicon Valley Latino, is the founder and executive director of [Azul.Org](https://azul.org/en/) — a California-based nonprofit she built from the ground up, beginning in 2011, the same year SVL was founded. Over more than a decade of working alongside her, we have watched Azul grow from a bold idea into one of the most respected voices for ocean and environmental justice in Latino communities, earning the 2025 Latino Spirit Award for Environmental Justice from the California Latino Legislative Caucus. And now, in this milestone 15th anniversary year for Azul, Marce has been named the 2026 recipient of the [Peter Benchley Ocean Award for Excellence in Action](https://azul.org/en/blog/latina-ocean-justice-leader-marcela-gutierrez-graudins-wins-2026-academy-award-of-the-ocean/) — widely known as the “Academy Award of the Ocean” and one of the highest honors in the global ocean conservation movement. The ceremony takes place on May 7, 2026, at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. We could not be prouder. Her work has always been grounded in a single conviction: that protecting the ocean and protecting people are not separate causes. Latino communities — who make up nearly 40 percent of California's population — have a deep and inseparable relationship with coastal ecosystems, fisheries, and the natural world. Their voices belong not just in the conversation about conservation, but at the center of it. Earlier this year, that conviction took Marce on a journey to the Juan Fernández Archipelago off the coast of Chile — one of the most celebrated examples of community-led ocean governance in the world. What she found there deepened her understanding of what is possible when fishing families are trusted as leaders, not managed as obstacles. I was honored to be part of the broader network of conversations that unfolded during her time in Chile — joining discussions in Santiago on social inclusion, intergenerational leadership, and environmental decision-making alongside Marce and colleagues from across the region. That presence was not incidental. It reflects what the relationship between Silicon Valley Latino and Azul has always been: not simply coverage, but a shared commitment to the same values — community, equity, and the belief that justice begins with belonging. We are proud to share Marce's account of that journey in her own words — unedited in voice, exact in observation, and as generous in spirit as the community she traveled to meet. ### ***By Marcela Gutiérrez-Graudiņš*** #### *Getting to Juan Fernández is not simple — and that is part of the lesson.* Earlier this year, I made the long [journey to the islands](https://azul.org/en/blog/from-community-to-coast-lessons-in-people-centered-ocean-governance-from-juan-fernandez-archipelago/), and to explain it to my five-year-old, I described it simply: a big flight to Mexico City, another to Santiago, and then a tiny eight-seat plane to Robinson Crusoe Island. From there, a truck to a dock and an hour-long boat ride finally brought me to the only permanently inhabited town in the archipelago, San Juan Bautista. The journey is shaped entirely by weather, weight limits, and logistics. Luggage is weighed to the kilogram. Passengers submit their body weight in advance so pilots can balance the plane. Even paying for extra baggage depends on whether there is space left after essential cargo. On the return flights, that space is often filled with lobster — the economic backbone of the island. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/847_Marce_juan_fernandez_2_600x600.jpg) As someone who began her career at the intersection of fisheries, logistics, and later conservation policy, the trip felt both familiar and deeply personal. But the real reason I came had little to do with travel mechanics — and everything to do with people. My connection to Juan Fernández began about a decade ago, when I met a group of fishers at an international conservation conference. We spoke Spanish in a sea of English, and I introduced myself the way I always do — through shared language and shared culture. Years later, that connection resurfaced at the COP16 conference (Convention on Biological Diversity) in Cali, where leaders from the island were once again advocating for ocean protection on the global stage. If you work in ocean conservation, you have likely heard of Juan Fernández — often described as one of the strongest examples in the world of community-led ocean protection. Fishing families here are widely recognized for leading efforts to protect and expand the waters around their islands, while remaining deeply dependent on fishing for their livelihoods. That combination is rare. Roughly 70 to 80 percent of the local economy depends on fisheries, especially lobster. And yet, this community has become one of the most visible champions of large-scale marine protected areas (MPAs) and the High Seas Treaty — also known as BBNJ, or Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction. What drew me back — this time, all the way to the island — was a deeper question: what does people-centered governance actually look like on the ground? This is a question I have been carrying with me since 2008, when I was a stakeholder in California's Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA) process, and one that continues to shape how I reflect on both that experience and the ongoing evaluations of coastal governance today. Our work sits at the intersection of MPA governance, environmental justice, and civic participation — an interest first sparked through the MLPA process, and one that has only deepened as I continue to witness how decisions about the ocean affect communities in very real and unequal ways. ### *A Living Model of Participatory Governance* Protected areas can only thrive when communities believe in them. In Juan Fernández, that belief is visible and organized. Local ocean governance is coordinated through the Consejo de Mar de Juan Fernández — a local management council that brings together public agencies, the navy, municipal authorities, and the Organización Funcional Comunitaria (OCF). The OCF is a participatory body that includes fishing leaders, tourism operators, women, senior citizens, and youth. Leaders are elected. Working groups are open. Community meetings are regular. Which may explain why support for expanding marine protected areas is consistently reported at more than 90 percent of the population — and why the community is now leading a public campaign calling on the President of Chile to expand the marine protected area around Juan Fernández. What stood out to me was how intentional the design of participation is. This is not symbolic consultation. It is structured, shared decision-making. I listened as community leaders described how earlier generations recognized the impacts of industrial fishing long before "sustainability" became an international concept. As one fisherman explained, they were already talking about limits, care, and stewardship simply because their survival depended on it. This is governance rooted in lived experience. It is also community organizing in its most essential form. In this case, protected areas do not come from one leader, one organization, or one outside funder. They come from people organizing — over years, sometimes decades — to celebrate their way of life. One of the most striking stories I heard was how the community itself requested a stronger fisheries authority presence on the island. Rather than resisting oversight, local leaders asked the government to place an official fisheries observer on site. They wanted institutions that could reinforce what the community was already building. That decision speaks volumes about the governance culture that has emerged here — one built on responsibility, not avoidance. During my visit, I had the opportunity to meet with Mayor Pablo Manriquez, who is also a member of the Consejo del Mar and a strong advocate for their protected areas. Mayor Manriquez emphasized a pressing need to establish a scientific research center on the island, so that the community and decision-makers can better monitor, understand, and steward the archipelago's waters. ### *Women, Leadership, and the Ocean* One of the most powerful moments of the visit was a roundtable convened by Gricel Recabarren — who serves as Secretary on the Functional Community Organization, the local management council — and co-hosted by Azul and Mujeres y el Mar. Around two dozen women — many of them mothers, some with babies in their arms — came together to talk about their relationship to the ocean, to fishing, to conservation, and to leadership. The conversation ranged from employment and training opportunities to participation in governance and representation. Having previously worked in the commercial fisheries industry myself, many of the stories shared felt deeply familiar. What made the gathering especially meaningful was that it did not end with conversation. It sparked concrete ideas for collaboration, exchange, and mutual learning between the women. This is what movement-building looks like when it is rooted in trust and shared experience. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/1118_marce_juan_fernandez_600x600.jpg) ### *Learning from Tradition* To understand governance in Juan Fernández, you must understand fishing on the island. The primary fishery is lobster, and its management is deeply cultural. Fishers use wooden traps rather than plastic or metal. Families maintain inherited fishing areas known locally as marcas — precise locations passed down through generations. The fishery is intensely place-based, shaped by underwater terrain and long-held knowledge of local currents and habitats. During a day at sea, I joined Daniel González, president of the local artisanal fishers' union STIPA-JF and also a Consejero del Mar, along with Felipe Rivas and Germán Osman — as they worked to harvest the day's catch and get it onto that afternoon's flight. (They did, with about a minute to spare.) Drawing on my own background in the fishing sector, I tried my best to not get in the way, helping measure lobsters and fish for bait as I moved across the narrow deck to stay balanced while the crew worked. It was demanding, fast-paced, and physically intense. It was also an intimate window into how stewardship and livelihood are inseparable in this community. Later, I toured processing and refrigeration facilities and learned about potable water access, export challenges, and infrastructure constraints that shape daily decisions for fishers. These operational realities must always be part of conservation planning — yet they are too often overlooked in high-level policy discussions. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/848_Marce_lobster_600x600.jpg) ### *Connecting Chile and California* Beyond the islands, the trip created space for deeper collaboration on coastal governance. In Santiago, I met with Carolina Martínez-Reyes, Ph.D., who leads the coastal governance research center Observatorio de la Costa at the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. The connection was made by Charles Lester, former head of the California Coastal Commission and now the Director of the Ocean and Coastal Policy Center at UC Santa Barbara — where I currently serve on the Steering and Advisory Committee of the California Beach Resiliency Plan project. Our conversations focused on public participation, equity, and the future of coastal governance in both countries — at a moment when Chile is exploring new legislative frameworks, and California is reflecting on decades of experience as the Coastal Act marks its 50th anniversary. Notably, reports submitted to the Chilean Congress reference California's coastal governance model and highlight Azul's work as a potential pathway for shaping future coastal governance in Chile. I also connected with Jacko González, President of Sustainable Ocean Alliance in Chile; Felipe Cárcamo-Moreno, a marine sociologist with deep experience in socio-environmental project management; Patricio Merino, Executive Director of Fundación Área Marina Pitipalena Añihué; and Silicon Valley Latino's own Sergio Domeyko — to explore how social inclusion, intergenerational leadership, and environmental decision-making can be strengthened together. Across all of these conversations, one message was clear: participation, access, and equity are not peripheral to ocean conservation. They are its foundation. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/1119_marce_sergio_600x600.jpg) ### *Histories That Connect Continents* The connection between Chile and California is not new. In San Francisco — particularly in North Beach, near Jackson Square — historical plaques still reference Chilecito, or "Little Chile," a reminder that Chilean merchants and miners were among the earliest international communities to arrive during the Gold Rush. Today, that connection continues through shared coastal ecosystems, kelp forest protection, and a governance exchange championed by entities like the [Chile California Conservation Exchange ](https://www.cccx.cl/)(CCCX). Juan Fernández itself is layered with history. The island famously inspired Robinson Crusoe, based on the real story of the marooned sailor Alejandro Selkirk. Less widely known is its role in global maritime history — from pirate routes to World War I naval battles, including the sinking of the German cruiser SMS Dresden just offshore. Exploring these stories with entrepreneur, conservation activist, and local historian Germán Recabarren — who, along with his wife Gloria, was my very patient guide through my first-in-decades effort to scuba dive — revealed something deeper than tourism lore. It reinforced how profoundly the ocean shapes identity here, not only economically but culturally and historically. These stories matter because they remind us that Juan Fernández has always been connected to the world. The same is true today. ### *The Power of Being There* In the end, the most lasting impact of this trip was not a single meeting or policy conversation. It was the act of being present. Sitting with community members. Learning names. Hearing how people see themselves as caretakers not only for today but for future generations — "I want my child to eat what my grandfather ate." That continuity — past, present, and future — is the foundation of Juan Fernández's success. At the same time, I want to be clear: this success does not mean the process is simple or without tension. As with any ambitious, community-driven conservation effort, there are real and valid questions about representation, decision-making, and how leadership evolves over time. I heard those concerns directly, and they matter. The nature of the OCF's leadership structure — with established electoral cycles, upcoming this fall — provides an important opportunity for the community to debate these concerns openly and to continue shaping how its governance structures grow. At a time when global conservation can feel abstract or overwhelming, Juan Fernández offers something tangible: proof that when people are trusted, included, and respected, they build systems that last. Azul was founded on that belief. This visit reaffirmed it. With deep gratitude to the Organización Funcional Comunitaria; to local leaders Daniel González, Gricel Recabarren, and Julio Chamorro; to organizations Fundación Endémica and Oikonos; and to the many community members who opened their homes, boats, and hearts — Manuel, Karin, Clemente, Felipe, Areliz, Genesis, Marcelo, and many more. This is not the end of the story. It is the continuation of a shared journey toward ocean justice — by communities, for communities. Marcela Gutiérrez-Graudiņš is the Founder and Executive Director of Azul (azulmar.org), a California-based nonprofit dedicated to ocean and environmental justice for Latino communities. She is a 2025 Latino Spirit Award recipient for Environmental Justice. ### Celebrating Opportunity, Community, and the Future: The 2026 Rosales Sisters Scholarship Gala URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/social-impact-advocates/celebrating-opportunity-community-and-the-future-the-2026-rosales-sisters-scholarship-gala/ Last updated: 2026-10-01T12:21:25.000Z At Silicon Valley Latino, we believe that investing in students is investing in the future of our community. When organizations step forward to remove barriers and expand access to education, they are not simply awarding scholarships — they are shaping leaders, strengthening families, and building generational impact. We are proud to highlight the work of the [Rosales Sisters Scholarship](https://rsscholarship.com/) and their continued commitment to first-generation and immigrant students across the Bay Area and Central Coast. Below is a look back at their impact and a preview of what’s ahead in 2026. “Education has the power to transform lives, open doors, and shape the future of entire communities. At the heart of that belief is Rosales Sisters Scholarship (RSS)—a nonprofit organization founded in 2019 by the six daughters of Abel and Maria Rosales, two immigrants from Zacatecas, Mexico, who instilled in their family a deep belief in education, hard work, and community. Based in Oakland, California, RSS supports first-generation and immigrant high school students across the Bay Area and Central Coast as they take their next steps toward higher education. Each year, RSS brings together students, families, educators, community leaders, and supporters to celebrate achievement, resilience, and generosity. In 2026, that celebration continues with the highly anticipated Rosales Sisters Scholarship Gala, a signature fundraising event that directly fuels opportunity for deserving students. **The Mission of the Rosales Sisters Scholarship** The Rosales Sisters Scholarship was founded on a simple but powerful idea: talented, hardworking students should never be held back by financial barriers. RSS identifies high school seniors who demonstrate academic promise, leadership, and commitment to their communities, and provides meaningful financial assistance as they pursue college, vocational programs, or other post-secondary pathways. Beyond financial support, the scholarship represents encouragement, belief, and recognition. For many recipients, being selected as an RSS Scholar is a defining moment—one that validates their efforts and reminds them that their community stands behind them. To date, RSS has raised over **$160,000** and awarded unrestricted funds to **60 students**, allowing recipients the flexibility to use the support where it is most needed—whether for tuition, books, housing, or essential living expenses. **Honoring the Scholars: Real Impact, Real Stories** Each year, Rosales Sisters Scholarship recipients embody perseverance and hope. Many balance academics with part-time work, family responsibilities, and community involvement. Some are first-generation college students; others are trailblazers in their families. Past recipients have gone on to attend colleges and universities across California and beyond, pursuing degrees in education, healthcare, engineering, business, social services, and more. The scholarship funds relieve financial stress and allow students to focus on learning and growth. At the Gala, attendees hear directly from these scholars. Their stories are often the most powerful moments of the evening—reminding everyone in the room why this work matters. Each scholarship awarded is a tangible reminder that generosity changes lives. **A Look Back: The Power of Community Support** The 5th Annual Rosales Sisters Scholarship Gala, held on April 26, 2025, at Stonebrae Country Club in Hayward, California, was a remarkable success. Approximately 200 attendees gathered in support of education and opportunity, and the event raised an impressive **$75,000** to directly fund scholarships for deserving students. In addition to the Gala, a private screening of *CAMPESINOS: America's Unsung Heroes* served as a powerful fundraiser for the Class of 2025\. The event raised **$14,000**, clearing **$10,000 in net proceeds** that directly supported scholarship recipients. Silicon Valley Latino was honored to support this screening fundraiser, and through The SVL Agency, we were delighted to produce the Gala highlight reel—capturing the energy, generosity, and impact of the evening. Together, these efforts demonstrate what is possible when storytelling, community, and philanthropy intersect with purpose. **The 2026 Gala: An Evening with Purpose** Building on that momentum, the 2026 Rosales Sisters Scholarship Gala promises to be an unforgettable evening of inspiration and impact. More than a formal event, the Gala is a celebration of fashion, scholars, and cultura—a space where generosity meets purpose and every contribution makes a difference. Guests can expect: - Recognition of the 2026 scholarship recipients - Opportunities to hear firsthand how RSS funds are changing lives - Networking with community leaders, donors, and advocates Every ticket purchased and every dollar donated expands the reach of the Rosales Sisters Scholarship. Funds raised go directly toward scholarships and program support, ensuring RSS can continue to grow and serve future generations of students. **Why Your Support Matters** As education costs rise and families face increasing financial pressure, the need for scholarship support continues to grow. For many students, even modest financial assistance can be the difference between attending college or postponing their dreams. Participation comes in many forms. Attending the Gala is a powerful way to show support, but contributions extend beyond the event. Donations—large or small—help sustain and expand programs. Sponsorships provide vital funding while demonstrating a commitment to education and community development. **A Call to Attend, Give, and Get Involved** The Rosales Sisters Scholarship Gala is more than a fundraiser—it is a statement of belief in the next generation. It is an opportunity to celebrate students who are working hard to build brighter futures and to stand alongside them as they take their next steps. As RSS looks ahead to 2026, the organization invites the community to be part of this meaningful evening. Attend the Gala. Bring a friend. Become a sponsor. Every action, no matter the size, helps create pathways to education and opportunity. Together, we can ensure that deserving students are not limited by circumstance—but empowered by financial support, access, and a community that believes in them.” #JuntosAdelante #CreoEnNosotros #SVLInMotion ### From Space to Soil: José Hernández’s Journey, Revisited URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/business/from-space-to-soil-jose-hernandez-s-journey-revisited/ Last updated: 2026-09-11T19:16:14.000Z At **Silicon Valley Latino**, we’ve been documenting **José Hernández’s journey since 2012**, when we attended a fundraising event to talk about what it truly takes to succeed — not just in space, but in life. In that early conversation, Hernández emphasized a few foundational principles that have stayed with our community for more than a decade: the importance of **setting clear goals**, **preparing relentlessly**, **embracing persistence**, and **never losing sight of where you come from**. He spoke about success not as a moment, but as a process — one built over time through discipline, sacrifice, and belief. More than ten years later, those same principles are still guiding his path. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/941_Screenshot_2026-02-03_at_12.42.47_600x600.png) Today, Hernández is cultivating a new chapter through [**Tierra Luna Cellars**](https://tierralunacellars.com/), a family-run vineyard and wine label in California’s Central Valley. The name — *Tierra Luna (Earth & Moon)* — reflects both his agricultural roots and his experience among the stars, symbolizing a full-circle journey grounded in purpose. What makes this chapter especially meaningful is how closely it mirrors the lessons he shared with us in 2012\. Building Tierra Luna required long-term vision, technical precision, patience, and trust in the process — the very “ingredients for success” he once described to a generation of young Latinos looking for direction. Through this venture, Hernández is once again investing in legacy rather than quick wins. Tierra Luna Cellars is not just about wine; it is about honoring family, respecting the land, and using success as a platform to open doors for others — including supporting initiatives that expand access to leadership and opportunity beyond traditional spaces. For SVL, this story matters because it shows continuity. We didn’t just capture a milestone in 2012 — we’ve witnessed the evolution of a leader who continues to apply the same values across decades, industries, and seasons of life. José Hernández’s journey reminds us that success isn’t defined by a single achievement. It’s defined by how consistently we show up, how intentionally we build, and how we carry our communities with us along the way. Share your thoughts and this post. “To Infinity and Beyond” #JuntosAdelante #Consistency #Persistence #CreoEnNosotros ### ALAS Leads with Love and Action in a Time of Deep Uncertainty URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/social-impact-advocates/alas-leads-with-love-and-action-in-a-time-of-deep-uncertainty/ Last updated: 2026-09-11T19:16:16.000Z In moments of crisis, leadership is not measured by statements alone, but by presence, care, and action. [Ayudando Latinos A Soñar ](https://www.alasdreams.com/)(ALAS) continues to model what loving, community-rooted leadership looks like—especially when fear and uncertainty weigh heavily on families, educators, and children. Recently, ALAS was called into a moment of profound moral responsibility in Minneapolis, alongside partners Bay Area Border Relief and the University of San Francisco. Educators and community leaders reached out not for attention, but for care—for mental health support, solidarity, and reassurance that they were not alone. The fear is real. The trauma is ongoing. As one Minneapolis community member shared, *“I don't know where we go from here, what we do as the people who live here. God this can't keep happening.”* This sentiment echoes across classrooms, homes, and communities. Teachers are carrying extraordinary emotional burdens while continuing to serve as safe, steady presences for students whose lives have been upended. Children are experiencing acute fear and distress, many in urgent need of psychological first aid and compassionate listening. Families are struggling to meet basic needs—food, housing, utilities—while navigating the constant threat of separation and instability. This is where ALAS shows up. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/767_IMG_5527_600x600.heic.jpg) Grounded in dignity, care, and collective love, ALAS is responding in ways that meet both immediate and long-term needs. From mobilizing mental health support and healing spaces, to assembling sensory care kits for children and educators, to providing emergency assistance for families, ALAS is offering what so many are asking for in this moment: presence, compassion, and hope. ALAS’s work is a reminder that when people ask, *“Where do we go from here?”* the answer is found in community. It is found in showing up for one another. It is found in organizations willing to lead with heart, even in the hardest moments. “This is ALAS. This is who we are. This is how we love.” Silicon Valley Latino is proud to amplify the work of ALAS and stand alongside those committed to protecting the dignity, mental health, and humanity of our communities. In times like these, love in action is not optional—it is essential. #ALAS #JuntosAdelante #EstamosContigo #CreoEnNosotros ### Historic Latina Leadership in California: Monique Limón URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/business/historic-latina-leadership-in-california-monique-limon/ Last updated: 2026-09-11T19:16:17.000Z **Monique Limón** is making history in California — not just as a trailblazing Latina leader, but as a legislator whose life and work deeply reflect the communities she serves. Born and raised on the Central Coast, the daughter of immigrants, Limón built her career from the ground up — first as an educator mentoring students at the **University of California, Santa Barbara** and **Santa Barbara City College**, and later as a local school board member and state legislator. In **November 2025**, her colleagues in the **California State Senate unanimously elected her President pro Tempore**, making her the **first Latina, first woman of color, and first mother to lead the Senate’s upper chamber** — one of the most powerful legislative positions in state government. [Monique Limón’s](https://www.linkedin.com/in/monique-lim%C3%B3n-073b9011/) leadership is rooted in her day to day experience — her work in education, her advocacy for workers’ rights, environmental protection, access to higher education, health care affordability, and economic opportunity — all reflect her deep commitment to uplifting families across California. As President pro Tempore, she now sets the legislative agenda at a critical moment for the state, from budget negotiations to responding to climate challenges, wildfires, housing pressures, and equity in governance. Her leadership symbolizes a shift toward **legislative power that mirrors the state’s rich diversity and values**. Monique’s story shows that when Latinas rise, they carry with them the hopes, resilience, and voices of entire communities — shaping policy that reflects real life, lived experience, and bold vision. Photo Credit: Cal Matters #JuntosAdelante ### Latina Leadership Making History: Maricela “Marci” Luna URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/business/latina-leadership-making-history-maricela-marci-luna/ Last updated: 2026-09-11T19:16:18.000Z History was made in Los Angeles as [**Maricela “Marci” Luna**](https://about.usps.com/newsroom/local-releases/ca/2025/0430-usps-honors-marciela-luna-la-first-latina-postmaster.htm) was honored by the U.S. Postal Service as the **first Mexican-American Latina to serve as Postmaster of Los Angeles**—a milestone more than 170 years in the making. Los Angeles is one of the most diverse cities in the country, and for many communities—especially Latino and immigrant families—the post office is more than a public service. It is a lifeline. Marci Luna’s leadership represents progress, representation, and the long-overdue recognition of Latinas in roles that keep our cities connected and functioning. Her appointment reflects years of dedication to public service and operational excellence, while also signaling a broader shift toward leadership that mirrors the communities being served. At a time when trust in institutions matters more than ever, Marci Luna’s leadership stands as a reminder that **representation is not symbolic—it shapes how institutions serve the people who rely on them every day.** ### When Policy Threatens Our Communities, Latina Leadership Responds URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/social-impact-advocates/when-policy-threatens-our-communities-latina-leadership-responds/ Last updated: 2026-10-01T12:20:48.000Z When decisions made in Washington threaten California’s coastline, it is once again Latina leadership and community-rooted advocacy stepping forward to protect what matters most. This month, [Marcela Gutiérrez-Graudiņš](https://svlatino.com/blogs/news/celebrating-marce-gutierrez-graudins-honored-for-environmental-justice?%5Fpos=1&%5Fsid=52d65385c&%5Fss=r), founder and executive director of Azul, stood alongside California leaders and community advocates at the State Capitol to push back against a proposed expansion of offshore oil drilling that would put millions of Californians at risk. For Latino communities—who make up nearly 40% of California’s population—this is not an abstract policy debate. It is about health, livelihoods, and environmental survival. According to findings from the #AzulPoll, Latino communities overwhelmingly reject offshore drilling, recognizing it for what it is: a policy that concentrates pollution and climate harm in communities of color already carrying an unfair burden. Azul’s message was clear and unapologetic: This is not just bad environmental policy — it is environmental injustice. Expanding offshore drilling along California’s coast would threaten clean air, clean water, and coastal economies, while prioritizing fossil fuel interests over people. Marcela and Azul are calling on federal leaders to remove California from any offshore drilling expansion and to invest instead in a future rooted in justice, sustainability, and community well-being. This is what leadership looks like in real time. Not silence. Not compromise at the expense of our communities. But showing up, speaking out, and demanding better. At Silicon Valley Latino, we believe stories like this matter — because they remind us that our voices belong in the rooms where decisions are made, and that Latina-led organizations are not waiting for permission to lead. ### Jorge Titinger: A Cultura Ambassador and Trailblazer in Business Leadership URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/business/jorge-titinger-a-cultura-ambassador-and-trailblazer-in-business-leadership/ Last updated: 2026-09-11T19:16:19.000Z Jorge Titinger’s leadership journey reflects the kind of long-term impact that Silicon Valley Latino is proud to support and uplift. Having been an SVL Cultura Ambassador himself, Jorge has consistently shown what’s possible when experience, intention, and a commitment to community come together. His contributions have been recognized within the SVL community as well. Jorge had previously been honored as a Trailblazer Awards Honoree, a distinction recognizing and celebrating Latino leaders who are creating pathways for others through innovation, mentorship, and service. The recognition highlighted not only his professional accomplishments, but also his willingness to share knowledge and uplift emerging leaders. Recently, Jorge was recognized by the *[Nashville Business Journal](https://www.bizjournals.com/nashville/potmsearch/detail/submission/6566185/Jorge%5FTitinger?ana)*, further solidifying his continuing influence as a business strategist, advisor, and founder of Titinger Consulting. His work currently focuses on helping organizations scale with clarity, strengthen leadership teams, and navigate growth with purpose—drawing from decades of experience in technology, operations, and executive leadership. Jorge may also be remembered by the greater SVL community from prior features on our platform, and from a *[video interview](https://youtu.be/wPW0LoIDlj8?si=cLVjM3V0yRWGYf8t)* that he gave several years ago, in which he reflected on leadership and career transitions, as well as the responsibility leaders carry to give back. Insights that continue to resonate today. At Silicon Valley Latino, we believe in long-term storytelling—honoring leaders not only for that singular moment of recognition but for their sustained impact over time. Jorge Titinger's journey personifies what it means to lead with both excellence and intention. We continue to be proud to emphasize Jorge's work and celebrate his ongoing contributions. Join us in celebrating his continued accomplishments! #JuntosAdelante ### Building Purposeful Connections: Inside the Latino Business Referral Network URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/business/building-purposeful-connections-inside-the-latino-business-referral-network/ Last updated: 2026-09-11T19:16:21.000Z Building strong Latino-led businesses starts with something fundamental: community, trust, and purposeful connection. The [Latino Business Referral Network (LBRN)](https://lbrn.net/) continues to exemplify what’s possible when professionals come together with a shared commitment to mutual growth and accountability. At every LBRN meeting, the power of relationship-driven networking is on full display—creating space for Latino professionals and small business owners to exchange knowledge, support one another, and build a referral network grounded in integrity and shared success. This is not networking for networking’s sake; it’s about cultivating long-term partnerships that strengthen both individual businesses and the broader Latino economic ecosystem. At Silicon Valley Latino and The SVL Agency, we are proud to have supported LBRN and to deepen that commitment through our founder’s active membership this year. We believe organizations like LBRN play a critical role in advancing Latino entrepreneurship, and we encourage our community to learn more about the opportunities they create for collaboration, growth, and collective impact. SVL Founder Alex Ontiveros shares why the Latino Business Referral Network continues to resonate with Latino professionals and small business owners: “*At every LBRN meeting, the power of relationship-driven networking is on full display—creating space for Latino professionals and small business owners to exchange knowledge, support one another, and build a referral network grounded in integrity and shared success. This is not networking for networking’s sake; it’s about cultivating long-term partnerships that strengthen both individual businesses and the broader Latino economic ecosystem.* *At Silicon Valley Latino and The SVL Agency, we are proud to have supported LBRN since its early days and to deepen that commitment through active membership this year. Organizations like LBRN play a critical role in advancing Latino entrepreneurship, and we encourage our community to explore the opportunities they create for collaboration, growth, and collective impact.”* #JuntosAdelante #SupportLatinoBusinesses ### Congratulations to Lean In Latinas: Lean In Network of the Year! URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/business/congratulations-to-lean-in-latinas-lean-in-network-of-the-year/ Last updated: 2026-09-11T19:16:22.000Z We are proud to share and celebrate a remarkable milestone for one of our valued partners in community impact and leadership. Lean In Latinas has achieved a historic honor—being named Lean In’s first-ever [**Network of the Year**](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/lean-in-latinas%5Fleaninlatinas-leanin-latinas-activity-7398737228031549440-k6x9?utm%5Fsource=share&utm%5Fmedium=member%5Fdesktop&rcm=ACoAAACqrOcBN3pxIfYL%5FOEtM5-6PVBVTDpLbX8). This recognition affirms what many of us already know: when Latinas come together with purpose, commitment, and corazón, transformative change follows. At Silicon Valley Latino, we are inspired by the work Lean In Latinas continues to champion—creating pathways to leadership, advancing pay equity, and cultivating spaces where Latinas are empowered to thrive personally and professionally. Their achievement is a powerful reminder of what collective leadership looks like and why representation matters. Below, we are honored to share the official message from Chief Strategy Officer Nancy Marmolejo on this extraordinary moment for the organization and the comunidad they serve. ¡Juntos Adelante! ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/613_Copy_of_2025_Lean_In_Conference-296_600x600.jpg) “Lean In Latinas has been named the inaugural winner of Lean In’s Network of the Year Award, a global recognition honoring the organization’s impact and leadership to close the Latina pay equity gap. The volunteer-led nonprofit is dedicated to empowering Latinas to close the gender wage gap through mentorship, education, and a strong network of Circles that foster community and professional growth. This award reflects the power of its members—Latinas who uplift one another, build leadership pathways, and champion equity in workplaces across the country. Chief Strategy Officer [Nancy Marmolejo](https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancymarmolejo/) received the award on Lean In Latinas' behalf, sharing with leaders from around the world how Lean In Latinas continues to expand its reach and impact, creating spaces where Latinas break barriers and rise together. ¡Seguimos adelante!” Join us in helping amplify this wonderful news so that more people can learn, celebrate, and Lean In with these inspiring Latina Leaders! ### La Raza Historical Society Honors Legacy and Leadership at Annual Awards Dinner URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/business/la-raza-historical-society-honors-legacy-and-leadership-at-annual-awards-dinner/ Last updated: 2026-09-11T19:16:24.000Z On Saturday, September 20, 2025, the La Raza Historical Society of Santa Clara Valley brought our community together for an inspiring evening of remembrance, recognition, and cultural pride. Their annual awards dinner shined a spotlight on four extraordinary Latino leaders whose work in health, education, advocacy, and storytelling continues to uplift families across the Santa Clara Valley and beyond. The celebration filled the Mexican Heritage Plaza with music, gratitude, and a deep sense of propósito—a reminder of the responsibility we share to protect our history, elevate our voices, and stand with those doing the hard work on the front lines. From heartfelt tributes to calls for continued action, the night reaffirmed the power of community and the importance of preserving La Raza’s legacy for future generations. Below, we share a closer look at this meaningful gathering and the remarkable individuals celebrated. SAN JOSE, California — On Saturday, September 20, 2025, La Raza Historical Society of Santa Clara Valley (LRHS SCV) hosted its annual awards dinner, bringing together elected officials, academics, business leaders, and community members to celebrate the contributions of four distinguished Latino figures whose impact resonates across the Santa Clara Valley and beyond. Held at the Mexican Heritage Plaza, the event was a vibrant celebration of cultural pride, community resilience, and visionary leadership paving the way for future generations. Honorees included: - Dolores Alvarado, a leader in community health and a champion for human rights - Ysabel Duron, a cancer survivor, patient advocacy leader, and award-winning journalist - Reymundo C. Espinoza, community health advocate and former CEO of Gardner Health Services - Francisco Jiménez, professor emeritus at Santa Clara University, educator, scholar, and acclaimed author The evening began with a spirited performance by Mariachi Tapatío, belting out some of Mexico’s most beloved songs. The music stirred deep pride among guests—a pride in their cultural heritage and shared identity. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/852_Mariachi_3_600x600.png) LRHS SCV President Jesús Orosco opened the program with a heartfelt welcome, setting the tone for an evening of celebration and reflection. He then introduced the event’s Mistress of Ceremonies, Rosanna Alvarez, who also serves as LRHS SCV’s Board Vice President. With her quick wit and vibrant sense of humor, Alvarez captivated and uplifted the room of 200 guests, weaving together moments of joy, pride, and community connection. Each honoree delivered an eloquent acceptance speech, expressing heartfelt pride and gratitude for the recognition of their life’s work. Yet a shared sentiment echoed throughout the evening: deep concern for the persistent challenges facing our communities—especially the most vulnerable—and a clear call to action, affirming that the work is far from over. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/1140_pic_123_600x600.jpg) In light of the recent fire at the Mexican American Community Services Agency (MACSA) Youth Center—an event deeply felt by many in our community—the LRHS SCV Board of Directors honored the organization’s executive director, the late Esther Medina. Ana Lilia Soto, Director of LRHS SCV, shared personal reflections on working alongside Ms. Medina at MACSA, highlighting her unwavering leadership and dedication to ensuring vital programs were accessible to those who needed them most. Esther Medina was a deeply respected force in the community, whose tireless efforts made a lasting impact on thousands of lives. In attendance was Ms. Medina’s only grandson, Cooper Burton. The event served as a joyful reunion for many of San José’s most respected community leaders, with uplifting energy filling the room. It sparked a renewed commitment among attendees to support the mission of LRHS SCV—to preserve and illuminate the countless contributions of La Raza to the cultural and civic life of this valley. LRHS SCV is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to collecting and preserving oral histories and cultural artifacts, with the goal of sharing the rich legacy that the Latino community has brought—and continues to bring—to this region. The organization plans to open its doors at La Casa de La Raza at History Park San José by the summer of 2026. ### Spotlight: Belen de la Cruz Empanadas & Pastries URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/entrepreneur/spotlight-belen-de-la-cruz-empanadas-pastries/ Last updated: 2026-09-11T19:16:25.000Z At Silicon Valley Latino, we love celebrating Latina entrepreneurs who bring the flavors of our culture to every corner of the U.S. — and this week, we’re highlighting Belen de la Cruz Empanadas & Pastries, a proudly Latina-owned business serving up authentic Argentine empanadas and pastries made with passion, tradition, and heart. From the southern East Coast of America (aka Argentina) to the northern East Coast of America (aka Georgia), this Latina-owned business, Belen de la Cruz continues to inspire with their creativity, resilience, and dedication to keeping our culinary traditions alive. Founded by Belen de la Cruz, this bakery has become a community favorite, blending handcrafted Argentine recipes with the warmth that defines Latina entrepreneurship. The love and community Belen has built are felt by all who visit. One loyal customer shared: > *"I'm so thankful to have a place like Belen de la Cruz in my area. Eating the delicious empanadas and visiting the friendly faces are a weekly tradition for my family that I hope to continue for many years."* > — **Matt Underwood, Marietta, GA** And while Hispanic Heritage Month may be coming to a close, at SVL we celebrate our heritage 365 days a year — by highlighting and supporting the extraordinary stories and businesses that uplift our communities. Discover their story and explore their delicious offerings at [belendelacruz.com](https://belendelacruz.com/). Let’s continue to support Latina-owned businesses that make our culture shine every day! #SupportLatinoBusinesses #JuntosAdelante ### Bridging the Digital Divide: Connecting with Latino Customers Through Digital Excellence URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/business/bridging-the-digital-divide-connecting-with-latino-customers-through-digital-excellence/ Last updated: 2026-09-11T19:16:26.000Z In today’s interconnected world, meeting the needs of diverse communities is more than a business priority — it’s a responsibility. For those serving markets across the Americas, that means recognizing the power and influence of Latino consumers. This community is not only a major economic force, but also one of the most digitally engaged, expecting seamless and culturally relevant online experiences. So how can organizations ensure they are truly connecting with Latino audiences in meaningful ways? As **[Arnaldo Lopez](https://www.linkedin.com/in/arnlopez/), one of our valued SVL Advisory Board Members**, points out in this piece, the answer lies in building digital platforms that are reliable, accessible, and responsive to cultural nuance. Technology partners like **New Relic**, where Arnaldo serves as SVP Chief Customer Officer, are helping organizations achieve just that through observability tools that provide real-time insight into the customer experience. ### **1\. Recognizing Diversity Within the Latino Community** Language, culture, and digital habits vary across regions, and a one-size-fits-all approach can easily fall short. New Relic’s observability tools allow companies to see how performance differs by country or language, helping them ensure smooth and mobile-friendly experiences for audiences across Latin America and the U.S. ### **2\. Paying Attention to the User Journey** Digital excellence means understanding not just system health but also customer experience. Features such as session replay help uncover where Latino users may face challenges — whether it’s a form that doesn’t support accented characters or a checkout process that isn’t intuitive. These insights allow companies to adapt quickly and with cultural sensitivity. ### **3\. Preparing for Cultural Moments** Holidays and cultural celebrations like Hispanic Heritage Month or Día de los Muertos often bring spikes in online activity. With proactive monitoring, companies can simulate user journeys in advance, ensuring platforms are resilient, scalable, and ready to perform when it matters most. ### **4\. Building Trust Through Reliability and Authenticity** Trust is built when companies consistently deliver reliable, culturally aligned digital experiences. By leveraging observability to detect and resolve issues quickly, organizations demonstrate real commitment to their Latino customers and build lasting loyalty. At **Silicon Valley Latino**, we celebrate leaders like [Arnaldo Lopez](https://svlatino.com/blogs/cultura-ambassador/arnaldo-lopez-svl-executive-cultura-ambassador?%5Fpos=1&%5Fsid=f35ddcbc2&%5Fss=r) who are not only excelling in the tech sector but also championing innovation that directly impacts our community. By centering the Latino experience in digital strategies — and with the support of tools like New Relic — companies move from transactional interactions to true connections. That is where real impact begins. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/1001_Yellow_and_White_Minimal_Business_Quote_Instagram_Post_1_100x100.png) **Arnaldo Lopez** ### Teresa Romero – Honoring a Champion for Farmworkers URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/social-impact-advocates/teresa-romero-honoring-a-champion-for-farmworkers/ Last updated: 2026-09-11T19:16:28.000Z This past week, **UnidosUS** recognized **Teresa Romero**, President of the **United Farm Workers (UFW)**, with the **Maclovio Barraza Award for Leadership** at their annual conference. Romero made history as the **first Latina and the first immigrant woman to lead a national labor union in the United States**. Under her leadership, the UFW continues its historic mission: ensuring farmworkers are treated with dignity and respect, while advocating for fair wages, safe working conditions, and protections for those who put food on America’s tables. At **Silicon Valley Latino**, this recognition resonates deeply. In 2023, we proudly presented our documentary *CAMPESINOS: America’s Unsung Heroes* to members of Congress, shining a light on the vital contributions of farmworkers. Romero’s award underscores the urgency of amplifying their voices and stories. 📖 Story originally reported by [UnidosUS](https://unidosus.org/conference/awardees/?utm%5Fsource=chatgpt.com) #JuntosAdelante ### VIDA’s Avanza RGV Program Earns National Recognition URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/social-impact-advocates/vida-s-avanza-rgv-program-earns-national-recognition/ Last updated: 2026-09-11T19:16:29.000Z This past week brought inspiring story from Texas. The [Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement](https://vidacareers.org/) (VIDA) has been named a 2025 Examples of Excelencia finalist for its innovative Avanza RGV: Accelerating Latino Prosperity Through Education & Career Pathways program. VIDA’s mission is clear and impactful: to empower Latino students in the Rio Grande Valley through wraparound support that includes skills training, academic counseling, financial assistance, and direct job placement opportunities. By addressing the barriers that often limit access to higher education and career success, VIDA is transforming lives and communities. Excelencia in Education, the nation’s premier authority on Latino student success, recognized Avanza RGV for its proven results in closing equity gaps and creating meaningful career pathways for Latino students. This recognition affirms what we at Silicon Valley Latino know to be true: when our community invests in education, we invest in a brighter and more prosperous future for all. At SVL, we celebrate VIDA’s leadership and impact as an example of the power of culturally responsive programs that uplift, empower, and accelerate Latino prosperity. This story was originally reported by Texas Border Business. You can read the full article [here](https://texasborderbusiness.com/excelencia-in-education-recognizes-vida-for-making-a-positive-impact-on-student-success/?utm%5Fsource=chatgpt.com). #JuntosAdelante #SuccessStories #CreoEnNosotros ### Why Working Out During Pregnancy Is Important! URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/health-beauty/why-working-out-during-pregnancy-is-important/ Last updated: 2026-09-11T19:16:30.000Z At Silicon Valley Latino, we believe that wellness is a lifelong journey—one that grows even more meaningful during pregnancy. Too often, physical activity is overlooked at this stage, but the truth is, **exercise is not only safe, it’s essential** for both mom and baby. In her latest guest blog, **Liz from Elite Performance Gym** shares why staying active during pregnancy builds strength, eases recovery, boosts confidence, and supports healthier outcomes for mothers and their little ones. This piece is a powerful reminder that when we invest in our own well-being with persistence and care, we’re also investing in the next generation. Pregnancy is a transformative time in a woman’s life — physically, emotionally, and mentally. As much as I wanted to focus on the health of my baby, I learned it was equally important for myself and mothers to prioritize their own well-being. I noticed that physical activity is often overlooked and neglected! Contrary to outdated beliefs that pregnant women should avoid exertion, modern medical research strongly supports the benefits of exercise during pregnancy — for both mother and baby! Here are the reasons why! Physical Benefits **Improved Stamina and Strength:** Pregnancy puts additional strain on the body, especially on the muscles of the back, abdomen, and pelvic floor. Regular exercise can help strengthen these areas, reducing common pregnancy-related discomforts such as back pain and pelvic pressure. **Better Weight Management:** Gaining too much weight during pregnancy can increase the risk of gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, and complications during delivery. Staying active helps manage healthy weight gain and supports metabolic balance. **Easier Labor and Delivery:** Women who exercise regularly during pregnancy often report shorter, less complicated labors. Personally, I only pushed for 20 minutes so it was a fast delivery! **Faster Postpartum Recovery:** Staying active during pregnancy can lead to a quicker recovery after birth. Muscles and joints that were kept strong and flexible throughout pregnancy can bounce back more easily, and overall energy levels tend to return faster. Mental Health Benefits **Mood Stabilization:** Pregnancy hormones can cause mood swings, anxiety, and even depression. Exercise releases endorphins — the brain's natural “feel-good” chemicals — which help reduce stress and boost overall mood. **Boosted Confidence and Body Image:** As the body changes during pregnancy, some women may struggle with self-image. Staying active can enhance confidence by helping them feel strong, capable, and in control of their bodies. **Health Benefits for the Baby** **Reduced Risk of Pregnancy Complications:** Regular exercise has been linked to a lower risk of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and cesarean deliveries — all of which can affect the baby’s health and the mother’s recovery. **Healthy Fetal Growth:** Moderate physical activity can improve placental function, ensuring the baby receives optimal oxygen and nutrients throughout pregnancy. **Possible Long-Term Benefits:** Some studies suggest that babies born to active mothers may have a healthier birth weight, improved brain development, and lower risk of obesity later in life. **Safe Ways to Exercise During Pregnancy** It’s important to tailor workouts to each stage of pregnancy and individual fitness levels. Here are some safe and beneficial options: - **Walking:** A simple and effective way to stay active throughout all trimesters. - **Prenatal yoga:** Promotes flexibility, relaxation, and breath control. - **Strength training:** Helps maintain muscle tone and posture. I personally worked out all the way until I gave birth! **Important Note:** Always consult a healthcare provider before starting or continuing any exercise regimen during pregnancy. In Summary Working out during pregnancy is more than just safe- it's an essential part of a healthy prenatal routine. **Strong moms make strong babies and it all starts with moving your body!** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/899_SVL_elite_performance_600x600.png) Elite Performance Gym will be hosting a FREE EVENT for MOMS-to-BE & any MOMS struggling to lose their baby weight! Prep your body and mind for pregnancy and postpartum! Sign up via Eventbrite or text 510-661-3622 to get scheduled in! **SIGN UP:** https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fit-pregnancy-blueprint-seminar-tickets-1652858938579?aff=oddtdtcreator ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/1000_Yellow_and_White_Minimal_Business_Quote_Instagram_Post_19edfed5-ab65-4526-9cc9-084b6dac9e4b_50x50.png) Luz Ruvalcaba ### Arte Público Press: A New Chapter for Latino Literature URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/art-culture/arte-publico-press-a-new-chapter-for-latino-literature/ Last updated: 2026-09-11T19:16:31.000Z This week marks a historic moment for Latino literature in the United States. After 45 years of leadership, Dr. Nicolás Kanellos, founder of Arte Público Press, is stepping down, passing the torch to a new generation committed to amplifying Latino voices. We first came across this story in the [Houston Chronicle](https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/article/arte-p-blico-press-begins-new-chapter-founder-20826298.php?utm%5Fsource=chatgpt.com) and felt it was important to share with our community. Arte Público Press represents the power of Latino storytelling, and this milestone deserves recognition. Founded in 1979 at the University of Houston, [Arte Público Press](https://artepublicopress.com/) is the nation’s oldest and largest Latino-focused publishing house. Over the decades, it has published more than 700 titles, bringing forward powerful works from acclaimed authors such as Sandra Cisneros and Victor Villaseñor. Its mission has always been clear: to ensure Latino stories are told, celebrated, and preserved. As Dr. Kanellos transitions into retirement, [Dr. Gabriela Baeza Ventura](https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabriela-gabi-baeza-ventura-77706469/) steps in as Executive Director, prepared to expand the press’s reach into the digital era. Her vision includes advancing the U.S. Latino Digital Humanities Center, fostering new talent, and building pathways for emerging Latino authors whose voices are too often overlooked. At Silicon Valley Latino, we celebrate Arte Público Press for its unwavering dedication to representation and cultural preservation. This transition not only honors the legacy of Dr. Kanellos but also reaffirms a powerful truth: our stories matter, and our voices will continue to shape the future of American literature. For more on Arte Público Press, visit [artepublicopress.com](https://artepublicopress.com/?utm%5Fsource=chatgpt.com) ### Why Strength Training is the Secret to Long-term Fat Loss URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/health-beauty/why-strength-training-is-the-secret-to-long-term-fat-loss/ Last updated: 2026-09-11T19:16:33.000Z At Silicon Valley Latino, we believe that taking care of our health is one of the most powerful ways we can invest in ourselves, our families, and our community. Far too often, when we talk about fat loss, the focus is only on cardio or quick fixes. But lasting wellness requires a different approach—one rooted in persistence, strength, and confidence. That’s why we’re proud to share this guest blog from Elizabeth (Liz) Ruvalcaba at [Elite Performance Gym](https://eliteperformancegyms.com/), highlighting how strength training is the true key to sustainable fat loss. For our Latino community, where health equity and access to reliable fitness guidance are so important, this knowledge is empowering. It’s not just about looking good—it’s about showing up consistently, pushing forward with persistence, and creating healthier lifestyles we can sustain and pass on to the next generation. Read on to learn why strength training can help you transform your health journey—and why persistence is at the heart of building the strong, vibrant future our community deserves. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/940_Screenshot_2025-08-26_at_09.56.49_600x600.png) When most people think about losing fat (including myself!), they immediately picture endless cardio sessions. But here’s the truth: strength training is the real key to long-term fat loss. Cardio alone will NOT get you there! Here are a couple reasons why! **Strength Training Builds Metabolism-Boosting Muscle** Cardio burns calories while you’re doing it—but when you stop, so does the burn. Strength training is different. Every time you lift weights, you’re building lean muscle tissue. And muscle is metabolically active, meaning it helps your body burn more calories even while you’re resting. Think of it as upgrading your body into a calorie-burning machine. Strength training essentially boosts your metabolism! **It Prevents the “Yo-Yo” Diet Effect** Ever notice how some people lose weight quickly, then gain it all back? That’s often because they’ve lost muscle along with fat. Without muscle, your metabolism slows down, making it easier to regain weight. Strength training protects and grows muscle mass—so your metabolism stays strong for the long run. **Strength Training Shapes Your Body (Not Just Shrinks It)** Cardio alone might make the scale drop, but it doesn’t always create the toned, defined look most people are after. Lifting weights sculpts your body—tightening your core, defining your arms, and lifting your glutes—so you don’t just get smaller, you look stronger. **It Improves Hormonal Balance** Strength training helps regulate hormones like insulin, cortisol, and growth hormone, all of which play a major role in fat storage and energy. That means fewer cravings, better energy, and a body that works with you—not against you—on your fat loss journey. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/939_Screenshot_2025-08-26_at_09.54.13_600x600.png) **Strength Training Creates a Sustainable Lifestyle** Here’s the best part: strength training doesn’t require hours at the gym. Just 2-3 sessions per week can deliver powerful results. And because you’re not relying on endless cardio, it’s easier to stick with long-term. ⸻ If your goal is lasting fat loss, strength training is non-negotiable. Pair it with balanced nutrition, and you’ll not only lose fat—you’ll keep it off while building a strong, confident body you love. This is why here at Elite Performance Gym we focus on weight training group classes to ensure our clients lose body fat, gain lean muscle and SUSTAIN IT! If you want information regarding group classes and personal training, check out the website at [eliteperformancegyms.com](http://eliteperformancegyms.com/)! [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/1000_Yellow_and_White_Minimal_Business_Quote_Instagram_Post_19edfed5-ab65-4526-9cc9-084b6dac9e4b_50x50.png)](https://eliteperformancegyms.com/meet-the-owners-1) Liz Ruvalcaba ### Francisco Jiménez: The Boy Who Carried the Fields and Became a Literary Giant URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/cultura-ambassador/svl-celebrates-francisco-jimenez-s-latest-honor/ Last updated: 2026-09-28T21:55:49.000Z ###### *He crossed the border as a four-year-old with nothing but his family and a willingness to work. Today, his story is required reading across America — and he is still writing.* Francisco Jiménez did not grow up dreaming in a classroom. He grew up in the fields of California — picking cotton, topping carrots, moving from labor camp to labor camp, missing months of school every year while his family followed the crops. He was deported to Mexico in eighth grade. He came back. And then he did something that changed everything: he wrote it all down. *The Circuit: Stories from the Life of a Migrant Child* was never just a memoir. It was an act of reclamation. A declaration that the stories of farmworker families belong on bookshelves, in classrooms, and on stages around the world. That the children of migrants deserve to see themselves as protagonists — not footnotes. That book, and the three that followed, now belong to one of the most celebrated literary series in American education. **From the Fields to Columbia — and Back to Santa Clara** Francisco was born in Tlaquepaque, in the state of Jalisco, Mexico. He crossed the border as a child with his family and began working in the fields of California at six years old. The family moved constantly — harvest to harvest, school to school — and Francisco learned early that education was the one thing no foreman could take away. He graduated from Santa Clara University with a B.A. in Spanish Studies in 1966 — the same institution where he had once scraped by on scholarships and faith. He earned a Woodrow Wilson Fellowship to Columbia University, completed his M.A. and Ph.D. in Latin American Literature, and then came home to Santa Clara. He never left. As Professor Emeritus in the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures at SCU, Francisco has spent decades building the very pathways that weren't there when he needed them. He has served on the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, the Santa Clara University Board of Trustees, the California Council for the Humanities, and the Latino College Academy in San Jose — among many others. In 2002, he was named U.S. Professor of the Year by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. In 2015, an elementary school in Santa Maria, California was named after him and his late brother: The Roberto and Dr. Francisco Jiménez Elementary School. His four-book series — *The Circuit*, *Breaking Through*, *Reaching Out*, and *Taking Hold* — earned a place on the American Library Association Booklist's 50 Best Young Adult Books of All Time. His stories have been published in over 100 textbooks and anthologies. *The Circuit* has been performed on stages as far as the Fringe Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/1069_francisco_jimenez_600x600.jpg) **Still Writing. Still Being Honored.** In 2024, Francisco published *The Circuit: The Graphic Novel* (HarperCollins) — a visual adaptation of his landmark work that introduced Panchito's story to a new generation of readers. The American Library Association recognized it as one of the Top Ten Graphic Novels of 2024\. It also earned a place on the Bank Street College Best Children's Books of the Year list for 2025 — the honor SVL first celebrated when this article was originally published. That recognition deserves its full context. *The Circuit* graphic novel is not a repackaging. It is a new door — one that opens Francisco's story to young readers who might come to books through images before words, who carry their own version of that border crossing inside them, and who need to see that the boy in those fields grew up to have his name on a school, on a shelf, and on a stage in Scotland. In 2025, Francisco also received the Jorge Escobar Achievement in Education Award from the Latino Education Advancement Foundation (LEAF). That same year, Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren issued a Congressional Resolution honoring his creative works and lifetime contributions to education. *Not bad for a kid who was deported in eighth grade.* **What Francisco Jiménez Gives Back** Francisco's contribution to our comunidad is not abstract. It is in the hands of every student who has read *The Circuit* and felt, perhaps for the first time, that someone like them had a story worth telling. It is in the scholarship pipelines he has supported, the academic programs he has shaped, and the oral history projects documenting Mexican American community activists in San Jose. It is in the graphic novel now sitting in school libraries, reaching kids who might not otherwise pick up a book. It is in the elementary school that bears his name — and his brother Roberto's — in Santa Maria. **SVL celebrates Francisco Jiménez not because he has been honored. We celebrate him because he earned every honor by refusing to disappear — and by making sure those who came after him knew they didn't have to, either.** We are proud to call him an Executive Cultura Ambassador of Silicon Valley Latino. Follow his work and connect with him on [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/francisco-jimenez-6162827/). *Stories like this don't tell themselves.* SVL has spent over a decade making the invisible visible — celebrating Latino excellence, naming hard truths, and calling our comunidad to action. Independent Latino journalism only survives when the community it serves decides it's worth protecting. **There are two ways to stand with us:** **Are you a Latino professional, entrepreneur, or leader ready to be celebrated?** Become a Cultura Ambassador — SVL's official community membership for Latino leaders who are ready to have their story told, their work amplified, and their excellence made visible. [Cultura Ambassador →](https://svlatino.com/#/portal/signup/6a8db2d43e7c840008178b04/yearly) **Want to support our mission?** Become an Amigo de SVL. Your support keeps our journalism independent, our stories free, and our #CreoEnTi programs and community events alive — from Inspire Higher Tours to Latino Leaders Fireside Chats to College Declaration Day. No spotlight required. Just solidarity. [Amigo de SVL →](https://svlatino.com/#/portal/signup/6a8e00f723b28c0001855fa0/monthly) *Juntos Adelante. Because silence is complicity. And so is inaction.* #JuntosAdelante #WeAreSVL #SVLVoices #CulturaAmbassador #LatinoExcellence #CreoEnTi #LatinoOwned #SiliconValleyLatino #LatinoLeader ### Silicon Valley Latino: Where Culture Meets Storytelling and Purpose URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/business/silicon-valley-latino-where-culture-meets-storytelling-and-purpose/ Last updated: 2026-09-11T19:16:35.000Z In an age where consumers crave authenticity, and storytelling has become the most powerful marketing tool, Silicon Valley Latino (SVL) stands at the intersection of media, culture, and purpose-driven brand storytelling. SVL is more than a media company. We are a trusted platform that elevates Latino excellence, amplifies unheard voices, and partners with forward-thinking brands to tell stories that matter. Through a unique blend of editorial integrity, cultural insight, and creative execution, SVL offers something that traditional media and brand journalism often fall short of—authenticity backed by community trust. --- **Our Core: Storytelling With Cultural Impact** At our heart, SVL is a mission-driven media organization built to highlight and promote the achievements, challenges, and contributions of the Latino community. Our stories range from in-depth profiles of Latino professionals and entrepreneurs to behind-the-scenes narratives of brands making an impact in our communities and across the country. We tell stories that are informed by culture, rooted in values, and shaped by lived experience. We do this through: - Feature articles and profiles - Video storytelling and short-form documentaries - Social media campaigns and curated cultural moments - Inspiring panels, fireside chats, Latino leaders awards ceremonies, and empowering community events. Coming soon, Silicon Valley Latino Film Festival. We celebrate Latino voices across tech, business, education, healthcare, arts, and beyond. Whether we’re highlighting a Cultura Ambassador, an Advisory Board member, or a next-generation entrepreneur, our goal is clear: to elevate Latino narratives and shift the mainstream conversation. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/937_Screenshot_2025-08-05_at_10.14.10_600x600.png) --- **Brand Journalism, Reimagined** As brands seek to build trust and deepen connections with Latino audiences, many are turning to brand journalism—a practice of telling audience-first stories that reflect a company’s values. SVL takes this concept even further. Instead of brands telling their own stories, we tell them for you—through a trusted third-party lens. Through strategic partnerships, we collaborate with organizations to: - Discover meaningful, mission-aligned stories - Craft engaging narratives and visuals - Publish and amplify them across SVL’s trusted channels We call this brand journalism with cultural credibility. It's not about promotion. It’s about creating impactful content that informs, engages, and inspires. From Fortune 500 companies to local nonprofits, our partners rely on us to help them show up authentically, respectfully, and powerfully in front of Latino audiences. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/938_Screenshot_2025-08-05_at_10.15.59_600x600.png) --- **Powered by The SVL Agency** To bring these stories to life, we work hand-in-hand with [The SVL Agency](https://www.thesvlagency.com/), our award-winning full-service creative agency. Whether producing videos, branded photography, digital campaigns, or custom storytelling, our agency ensures each project meets the highest standards—while reflecting the voice, identity, and aspirations of our community. Together, SVL and The SVL Agency offer a fully integrated solution for: - Content strategy & storytelling - Video & photography production - Brand identity & digital campaigns - Event coverage and creative consulting ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/935_Screenshot_2025-08-05_at_10.12.09_600x600.png) --- **ShopLatino.Market: Supporting Latino-Owned Businesses** As part of our broader ecosystem, we also operate [ShopLatino.Market](https://shoplatino.market/)—an online directory dedicated to uplifting and promoting Latino-owned businesses across the U.S. This platform helps consumers: - Discover local Latino entrepreneurs - Support culturally rooted products and services - Connect with brands making a difference ShopLatino.Market is not just a directory—it’s a movement to build economic power through visibility. It’s another expression of our mission to elevate Latino voices—this time through commerce and consumer support. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/936_Screenshot_2025-08-05_at_10.13.49_600x600.png) --- **Our Why: Representation Matters** At SVL, we believe representation isn’t just about checking a box—it’s about changing narratives and expanding the lens through which success is seen. Latinos are innovators, leaders, and culture-shapers. Our role is to make sure the world knows it. Through our media platform, creative agency services, and digital directory, we provide a comprehensive solution for cultural storytelling—whether you’re a brand wanting to reach Latino audiences, a leader ready to share your story, or a consumer looking to support your community, **We are here for You!** ### Honoring Consistency and Impact: Michael Archuleta Named Again by Becker’s Hospital Review URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/business/honoring-consistency-and-impact-michael-archuleta-named-again-by-becker-s-hospital-review/ Last updated: 2026-09-11T19:16:37.000Z At Silicon Valley Latino, we are continually inspired by the unwavering leadership and purpose-driven impact of our Advisory Board Member, [Michael Archuleta](https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelarchuleta1/). Once again, Michael has been named to Becker’s Hospital Review’s prestigious list of “[148 Hospital and Health System CIOs to Know](https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/hospital-management-administration/148-hospital-and-health-system-cios-to-know-2025/)” for 2025—a well-earned recognition that reflects his consistency, dedication, and deep-rooted commitment to equity in healthcare. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/1121_michael_archuleta_2025_Top_CIO_600x600.jpg) Michael’s work at Mt. San Rafael Hospital and Clinics continues to prove that visionary leadership doesn't require the largest systems or budgets—just a mission worth believing in, a resilient team, and a heart for service. We are proud to have such an exemplary changemaker on our Advisory Board. ¡Felicidades, Michael! Your continued excellence is a beacon for our community. Join us in congratulating him and his team! #JuntosAdelante #CIO #LatinoLeader #LatinoLeadership #HealthcareInnovation #SVL #ConsistentExcellence #CIOtoKnow2025 ### From Facebook Page to Emmy Nominee – SVL’s Storytelling Journey URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/art-culture/from-facebook-page-to-emmy-nominee-svl-s-storytelling-journey/ Last updated: 2026-09-11T19:16:38.000Z Dear SVL Comunidad, When we launched Silicon Valley Latino back in 2011, we had one clear vision: to uplift, celebrate, and amplify the powerful stories of our Latino community. What began as a passion project—a simple Facebook page sharing stories that reflected our culture, hustle, and heart—quickly evolved into a full-fledged movement. By June 2012, SVL officially became an LLC, staying true to our mission while expanding into digital storytelling through social media, our online magazine, and a series of beautifully printed publications that highlighted our gente. Then came 2016—an unforgettable turning point. We were invited to collaborate with our longtime partner, Cisco, to produce a highlight reel for their Latinx ERG, “Conexión.” That opportunity sparked something special and powerful—it led to our first client video production and marked the birth of what is now [The SVL Agency,](https://www.thesvlagency.com/) our award-winning, full-service creative agency dedicated to bringing brand stories to life with authenticity and corazón. Fast forward to today, and we are incredibly proud to be trusted creative partners on the vendor list of world-class brands like Nvidia, Adobe, Kaiser Permanente, Google, BILL, LinkedIn, Palo Alto Networks, and Santa Clara University—as well as the many small businesses and mission-driven nonprofits we are honored to support. Each collaboration is a reflection of mutual trust, creativity, and shared values. We thank every single one of you who has invited us to help share your story with the world. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/758_IMG_4942_600x600.jpg) One of the most meaningful milestones in our journey? Without question—[CAMPESINOS: America’s Unsung Heroes](https://youtu.be/nxZm4oD1fLg?si=SU5emryz7SMsXVVo), our award-winning documentary that pays tribute to the dignity, strength, and sacrifice of Latino farmworkers. At a time when their voices are often ignored, we remain committed to putting their stories front and center—where they belong. And now, another proud moment in our story: In 2025, for the very first time, we submitted an SVL project for Emmy consideration—and we were thrilled to receive a nomination for our 30 second commercial, “Farmworkers: The Most Forgotten Community.” Featuring farmworkers from Half Moon Bay and our friends at Ayudando Latinos a Soñar (ALAS), this piece was directed by our incredibly talented cinematographer, Joe Poni, and produced by SVL founder Alex Ontiveros. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/757_IMG_4941_600x600.jpg) Although the Emmy went to the creative team at the San Francisco 49ers, we proudly celebrate our fellow Latino creatives—Aaron Sarmiento, Mason Rodriguez, and Sarina Soriano—for their amazing work. To stand with such inspiring company is a win in itself—and we’re more fired up than ever to keep creating content that inspires, empowers, and connects. To our clients, Cultura Ambassadors, Advisory Board Members, and the broader SVL comunidad—gracias. Thank you for believing in us, walking alongside us, and lifting us as we grow. Let’s continue to tell the stories that matter. The stories that move us. The stories that reflect who we are. In Collaborative Spirit (#JuntosAdelante), – The SVL Team #CreoEnTi #CreoEnNosotros #InspireEmpowerConnect #YoSoySVL #LatinoCreatives #SVLAgency #SiliconValleyLatino ### CAMPESINOS: America's Unsung Heroes Screening - Stanford University URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/art-culture/campesinos-americas-unsung-heroes-screening-stanford-university/ Last updated: 2026-09-11T19:16:39.000Z On June 25th, Silicon Valley Latino had the pleasure of screening its award-winning documentary "CAMPESINOS: America's Unsung Heroes" at Stanford University. SVL was delighted to have collaborated with Lorena Fregoso and Samantha Chacon Sifuentes, Co-Chairs to the La Raza Employee Resource Group, who invited members of this special ERG to participate in the screening and post screening panel discussion. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/934_Screenshot_2025-07-08_at_12.49.24_600x600.png) It was a true pleasure to have had the opportunity to bring our film to Stanford and incredibly meaningful to us to have screened it the historic "*[El Centro Chicano y Latino](https://pjg5nwjab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Cjb%5FqqsTlUFeZG3L9IDmzgl3WrHxvN-bzyrBePKjTQ0uVCAhva6MRcV-BIGl%5F%5FfnHVi6ucMRqpjyG1oDahIEnA71ps9R43nsnyxgLYGCL3xP2fEdi26nY0bU8XxuUdEAWpD5RQt9HLSMYytiLbX1bbe8TJixjFHB&c=&ch=)*". We would also like to thank El Centro's staff (Elvira Prieto, Margaret Sena, Ph D. and Jacob Velasquez for their hospitality. We look forward to collaborating on future projects with La Raza members and El Centro's team in the future. There is much work to be done. #JuntosAdelante #StanfordUniversity #ElCentroChicanoYLatino #CreoEnNosotros ### Standing Up in the Wake of the “Big Ugly Bill” URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/social-impact-advocates/standing-up-in-the-wake-of-the-big-ugly-bill/ Last updated: 2026-09-11T19:16:40.000Z At Silicon Valley Latino, we are dedicated to spotlighting the strength, creativity, and accomplishments of our community. Our mission is to uplift through stories of triumph and progress. But there are moments—like this one—when we must also shine a light on what threatens our collective future. The recent approval of the “Big Ugly Bill” by the Senate is one of those moments. It’s a setback not only for our environment, but for the Latino and Brown communities fighting every day for clean air, clean water, and climate justice and basic human rights. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/933_Screenshot_2025-07-01_at_12.20.57_600x600.png)](https://www.greenlatinos.org/join-the-fight/) With the Senate's approval, the “Big Ugly Bill” puts our oceans, coastal communities, and environmental protections in real danger. It paves the way for expanded offshore drilling, slashes clean energy incentives, and weakens critical safeguards designed to protect marine life and public health. For [Azul](https://azul.org/en/who-are-we/)—an organization rooted in Latino-led ocean advocacy—this is a direct blow to their mission and the communities they serve. The impact is especially harmful to Latino and Brown communities, who are already on the frontlines of environmental harm. [GreenLatinos](https://www.greenlatinos.org/our-causes/water-equity-and-ocean/) reminds us that these communities often lack access to clean, affordable water and safe coastal spaces. The bill's cuts to water infrastructure funding and environmental justice programs deepen those disparities and ignore the historical exclusion of Latino voices in conservation policy. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/932_Screenshot_2025-07-01_at_12.20.29_600x600.png)](https://azul.org/en/blog/salvemos-noaa-defending-noaa-protecting-our-future/) As GreenLatinos powerfully states, we are “hijos de la Tierra y el Mar”—children of the land and sea. Our cultura and connection to nature run deep. Yet this legislation prioritizes polluters and profit over people and planet, endangering not just ecosystems, but also cultural heritage and community health. While this moment is discouraging, it’s also a call to action. We stand with Azul, GreenLatinos, and all who continue the fight for environmental justice. Our voices are strong, our presence is powerful, and our commitment to defending our communities—and our oceans—remains unwavering. We invite you to to not only join these organizations but to support them! #JuntosAdelante #LatinoRights #HumanRights ### In the In-Between: Finding My Salvadoran American Identity By Ricardo Archila URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/business/in-the-in-between-finding-my-salvadoran-american-identity-by-ricardo-archila/ Last updated: 2026-09-11T19:16:42.000Z We’re proud to feature a deeply moving essay by Cultura Fest co-founder [Ricardo Archila](https://www.linkedin.com/in/ricardoarchila/), who explores the nuance and strength of the Salvadoran American experience. From growing up in the cultural in-between to creating spaces of expression and connection, Ricardo’s story is both timely and timeless. This reflection embodies the heart of our mission at Silicon Valley Latino—to highlight and share narratives that celebrate identity, community, and cultura. I didn’t grow up going to Salvadoran festivals—because they were nonexistent. Most of what I learned about my culture came from family parties or the informal gatherings in the apartment buildings where Salvadoran families huddled together. I was born in Canoga Park, in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles, far from the larger Salvadoran enclaves in the city. My parents had immigrated from El Salvador in the early ’80s, like many others fleeing war, instability, and poverty. When we got together, it wasn’t called “cultural preservation.” It was just surviving. Just family. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/1150_sergio_2_600x600.jpg) In those days, being Salvadoran in the U.S. meant being misunderstood. The few things people knew about us were either food or fear—pupusas and gang violence. That was our narrative. And we weren’t given much room to tell a different story. Growing up in California, most of us Salvadoran Americans found ourselves immersed in Mexican culture simply because it was the dominant Latino identity around us. Add to that the larger influence of American culture, and we were raised in a cultural blur—never fully one thing or the other. We were Salvadoran but constantly mistaken for Mexican. When we leaned into our American side, we were still seen as just Latino. When we visited El Salvador, we were “the Americans.” But here, we were still “other.” That in-between space was confusing—but it also gave birth to something new. We had to make our own traditions. We had to decide for ourselves what our identity would look like. And that’s not just my story—it’s the experience of an entire generation of American-born Latinos. We live between cultures. And from that space, we’ve created one of our own. I believe that to be true of many cultures. It’s fascinating to witness the evolution of culture and the creation of subcultures. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/1013_cultura_fest_600x600.jpg) Over time, our Latin American identities began to influence each other. We borrowed, shared, and blended. And something beautiful started to emerge. We weren’t just holding on to our roots—we were reshaping them. But it wasn’t until recently that I started asking myself a deeper question: *What does it really mean to be Salvadoran today?* Part of the answer, for me, came through something I helped create: **Cultura Fest**. What began as an idea to spotlight Salvadoran culture has grown into something much more powerful—a celebration of multicultural identity. Yes, it’s about pupusas and cumbias and the nostalgia that comes from hearing the bands our parents listened to. But it’s also about the art, the voices, the healing, and the truths we’ve carried silently for far too long. At Cultura Fest, we feature Salvadoran American musicians and artists—people who are telling their stories through music, paint, poetry, and film. We also bring in legendary bands from El Salvador, the ones that made up the soundtrack of our parents’ lives. It’s our way of connecting generations—creating moments where both young people and elders see themselves reflected on stage. But it’s not just about entertainment. It’s about creating spaces for expression—especially for our youth. We’re working with school districts to invite students to share what culture means to them through poems, letters, drawings, and stories. We host a “petting music zoo,” where kids can touch and play with instruments they’ve never had access to before. We’re trying to ignite something in them that maybe no one else has nurtured yet. In the art gallery, Salvadoran American and Central American artists tell their stories. Some explore trauma. Others celebrate joy. All of them are reclaiming space. What I’ve come to realize is this: every culture carries both its traumas and its healing. When we tell our truths—when we share what it means to live in the in-between—we create the possibility for others to heal, too. We begin to see ourselves in one another. Sometimes we learn that others have suffered more. Sometimes we discover that we’ve carried things we never named. But always, there’s something powerful in being seen. Cultura Fest is more than an event—it’s an expression of identity, a reflection of where we’ve been and where we’re going. It’s a place where we celebrate who we are now and honor who we’ve always been. This was our second year organizing it. And I’ll never forget someone coming up to me and saying, *“I’ve never really connected with my Salvadoran side—until today.”* That moment reminded me why we do this. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/619_Cultura_Fest_2025_Celebrating_Salvadoran_and_Latin_American_Heritage_Creativity_and_Community_600x600.png) We’re not just creating a festival—we’re creating a mirror. One that shows our kids, our families, and our communities that we’re more than the headlines. We’re artists. We’re storytellers. We’re leaders. We’re still writing our narrative. And in that act of telling our story, we begin to understand it more deeply. We grow. We heal. And we remember—we belong. ### When Resilience Is Raided: The Unseen Toll on Latino Entrepreneurs URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/business/when-resilience-is-raided-the-unseen-toll-on-latino-entrepreneurs/ Last updated: 2026-09-11T19:16:43.000Z At Silicon Valley Latino, we’ve spent over a decade elevating stories of Latino excellence—highlighting the bold, creative, and entrepreneurial spirit that fuels our community. Our media platform was built to inspire through stories of triumph, growth, and cultural pride. But today, we’re compelled to tell a different kind of story. In the heart of Los Angeles, where Latino-owned businesses breathe life into their neighborhoods, a new threat is sweeping through—one that many business owners say feels more devastating than the pandemic itself. Recent immigration enforcement actions are not only tearing families apart, but also dismantling small businesses that are central to the economic and cultural fabric of our cities. Barney Santos from the LA County of Economic Development shares with us that “*employees are scared, tenants are scared and customers are scared. We are all indirectly impacted by the raids and what this administration is doing to our community.*” One bakery owner in Boyle Heights described the raid on her block as “*worse than COVID*.” She watched her team—mostly undocumented, all essential—disappear in a matter of hours. “*I built this business over 15 years. I lost half my staff in one day,*” she said. ([Comment sourced from Reuters article)](https://www.reuters.com/world/us/immigration-raids-los-angeles-hit-small-business-owners-its-worse-than-covid-2025-06-17/) These are not isolated stories. These are the realities of our community—of the very people we’ve long celebrated. And what we are witnessing is more than disruption. It is systemic, targeted, and deeply harmful. It is, by all definitions, a form of **Economic Genocide**. When policies are enforced in ways that devastate the economic foundation of Latino communities, stripping away our livelihoods, our dignity, and our ability to thrive—this is not just collateral damage. This is erasure through economic means. **As a media company rooted in uplifting our comunidad, we believe it's just as important to shine a light on the challenges we face—especially when silence would be easier. But as we've often said: Silence is complicity.** That’s why we created ShopLatino.Market: a digital space to **search, find, and uplift** Latino businesses in your area and if you can’t find your favorite business go ahead and add it. Whether you're looking for handmade goods, wineries, breweries, restaurants, professional services, or your new favorite panadería, your support goes beyond a transaction—it’s an act of solidarity. Even when the story is hard, we will keep telling it. Because this, too, is part of our collective journey. And just like always, we will rise—#JuntosAdelante. **#SilenceIsComplicity #ShopLatinoMarket #SiliconValleyLatino #SVLVoices #LatinoBusinessStrong** ### SVL Advisory Board Member Joins Leaders in Denouncing Militarization of Immigration Enforcement URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/business/svl-advisory-board-member-joins-leaders-in-denouncing-militarization-of-immigration-enforcement/ Last updated: 2026-09-11T19:16:44.000Z On Sunday, June 8th, SVL Advisory Board Member and Founder of ALAS, [Belinda Hernandez-Arriaga](https://www.linkedin.com/in/belindahernandezarriaga/), joined U.S. Congressman Sam Liccardo, State Senator Josh Becker, San Mateo County Supervisor Ray Mueller, and several other Mayors in a press conference at Palo Alto City Hall to denounce the Trump administration’s deployment of the California National Guard to Los Angeles amid protests against ICE raids.Rep. Liccardo condemned the move as “ruthlessly and recklessly designed to push our nation toward authoritarianism,” while community leaders voiced deep concern over the escalating militarization targeting immigrant communities. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/545_5317988D-F191-4BCA-BEEC-A33BAD281D7B_1_105_c_600x600.jpg) As Belinda Hernandez-Arriaga reminds us: > “We cannot remain silent. It’s a critical time in our country for us to stand together—to be there for all the community and those that are suffering so much at the unjust deportations that are happening—those of mothers, fathers, and even children. Our hearts are breaking, and peaceful protests have always been the foundation of our country. Now even that is at risk. At this time, we are counting on our political leaders to be there for all of us.” SVL proudly stands with Belinda Hernandez-Arriaga and all those speaking out in defense of civil liberties, community safety, and immigrant rights.Read More: - [Mountain View Voice Coverage](https://www.mv-voice.com/news/2025/06/08/the-fear-is-palpable-community-leaders-slam-national-guard-deployment) - [ABC7 News Broadcast](https://archive.org/details/KGO%5F20250609%5F120000%5FABC7%5FNews%5F500AM) - [East Bay Times Article](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2025/06/08/peninsula-leaders-warn-of-militarization-of-immigration-enforcement) Share this and share your thoughts with us!#JuntosAdelante ### Justice Maria Elena Cruz: A Historic Homecoming to Arizona’s Highest Court URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/business/justice-maria-elena-cruz-a-historic-homecoming-to-arizona-s-highest-court/ Last updated: 2026-09-11T19:16:46.000Z At Silicon Valley Latino, we honor leaders who break barriers and uplift our communities. This week, we highlight **Justice Maria Elena Cruz**, who was officially sworn in as the **first Afro-Latina justice on the Arizona Supreme Court** . Born in New York to a Puerto Rican father and Dominican mother, Cruz moved to Yuma, Arizona, at 14\. Her journey from local educator to esteemed jurist reflects a deep commitment to justice and community. Her legal career spans roles as a prosecutor, defense attorney, and judge on the Cocopah Tribal Court, Yuma County Superior Court, and Arizona Court of Appeals . Governor Katie Hobbs, who appointed Cruz, emphasized the significance of this milestone, stating that Cruz's presence on the court reaffirms that the judiciary belongs to all Arizonans . Justice Cruz's investiture ceremony in Yuma was a heartfelt return to the community that shaped her. She expressed, "I am from Yuma, I am Yuma, this community made me," highlighting her dedication to bringing the voice and perspective of rural Arizona to the state's highest bench . Join us in celebrating Justice Cruz's remarkable achievement and her unwavering commitment to representation and justice. 🎥 **Watch the full story:** [Maria Elena Cruz Sworn In as Arizona Supreme Court's Newest Justice](https://www.azfamily.com/video/2025/05/31/maria-elena-cruz-sworn-arizona-supreme-courts-newest-justice/) Photo credit and original story: [AZCentral ](https://www.azfamily.com/video/2025/05/31/maria-elena-cruz-sworn-arizona-supreme-courts-newest-justice/) ### Latino-Owned Businesses Are Powering the U.S. Economy—Now Let’s Invest Back In URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/business/latino-owned-businesses-are-powering-the-u-s-economy-now-let-s-invest-back-in/ Last updated: 2026-09-11T19:16:47.000Z Latinos in the U.S. have reached a historic milestone—our collective economic output has grown to an astonishing **$4.1 trillion**, according to the latest U.S. Latino GDP Report by UCLA and LDC. If we were our own country, the U.S. Latino GDP would rank **as the third-fastest growing economy in the world**. This isn’t just a statistic—it’s a powerful reminder of the strength, innovation, and resilience of our community. Yet despite this momentum, a recent U.S. Senate report titled *“Small Businesses Lose in Trump Tax Plan”* reveals that Latino-owned businesses—like many other small businesses—were largely left out of meaningful tax relief. While the wealthiest and largest corporations received major breaks, our community of entrepreneurs faced continued complexity, fewer benefits, and missed opportunities. At **ShopLatino.Market**, we’re not just a directory—we’re a movement rooted in celebrating and strengthening Latino entrepreneurship. Our community is fueling the national economy, and it’s time policies reflect that. Let's continue to support each other by buying local, amplifying Latino-owned brands, and advocating for equitable economic growth. 👉 [Read the full Senate report](https://www.sbc.senate.gov/public/%5Fcache/files/4/4/442d486a-cb9a-4a2e-b915-5c44a0935425/107AFBA80C610BEFB2BF5909743871C4.small-businesses-lose-out-in-trump-tax-plan-final.pdf) 👉 [See the $4.1T GDP study](https://ph.ucla.edu/news-events/news/us-latino-gdp-hits-high-41-trillion-marking-growth-spot-nation) #JuntosAdelante ### Celebrating Marce Gutiérrez-Graudiņš: Honored for Environmental Justice URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/business/celebrating-marce-gutierrez-graudins-honored-for-environmental-justice/ Last updated: 2026-09-11T19:16:48.000Z We are proud to share that [Marce Gutiérrez-Graudiņš](https://pjg5nwjab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001ZUXpUD7HIgnfM8u2awBrWOlcJBDBxkDDTO3nvJ2xAmVodhfrJfD4k4jH3qvZNd7T37l0uW8HXaa4Sv53E8eWh%5F7ZRbQhLVzUjNh6V0XidjaFxdAOEsKxcR9ONkC4qLIEbnaTni5ly-Zud4NV221WR1ZS-piOzSzmppae3YR7lUA87QAmTHto4w==&c=&ch=), founder and executive director of Azul, has been honored with the 2025 Latino Spirit Award for Achievement in Environmental Justice by the California Latino Legislative Caucus. This recognition celebrates her unwavering dedication to ocean conservation and her efforts to amplify Latino voices in environmental advocacy. Marce established Azul in 2011 to ensure that Latino communities are central to environmental policy and coastal conservation. Under her leadership, Azul has achieved significant victories, including California's bans on shark fin sales and single-use plastic bags, and has influenced national policies to incorporate ocean justice. [Azul.org](https://pjg5nwjab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001ZUXpUD7HIgnfM8u2awBrWOlcJBDBxkDDTO3nvJ2xAmVodhfrJfD4k4jH3qvZNd7TCIqd9yVGTFm9m-Fz%5Fn0jLU1nfog-u1pOx90yuMKZlDIg1xpGWrS5xtA304TfRx4sSM8uA%5FaRAc45wTjue3IIS6P8a1COnUZ6mxeBvsTVMfmC5SzqgKU6YhdBt2rt09F0Gif83GtIa6s=&c=&ch=) This award underscores the impact of community-driven initiatives in shaping a sustainable future. We congratulate Marce on this well-deserved honor and look forward to continuing our collective journey toward environmental justice. Read the full Azul press release **[here](https://pjg5nwjab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001ZUXpUD7HIgnfM8u2awBrWOlcJBDBxkDDTO3nvJ2xAmVodhfrJfD4k75aK6edQKQWyVs%5Fvtm1%5FcU5D8tKTBzFusruxV94GrPoUT-v7fiS1k-f%5FXa69OXaaHqYpWuCoP5CFT5FZxMVYfsPNlhiWqbSwMtzRI5i8ZTrMhdIuxx8E7NhgdZ6LNFcP4tSBe5nihmcBzkkf5tLfw1sxNjERZAFIJH%5F4Vz2s6QDF83Jh48JQwahx-6EHfGAkFruyKWhB6s5G7KnFcGWGMWSbPZgHeC1QQDybY3v-d0eCDSQk9h8-iqHRqaNISm2SpPvJxVQaIN3uklTxaucSAUs1DdWtM6FqJWH0Pr7KH1nDyUzleNiByaqjRIv7EOF5eEifsX36hdV&c=&ch=)**! ### U.S. Latino GDP Surges to $4.1 Trillion — A Testament to Economic Power and Cultural Impact URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/business/u-s-latino-gdp-surges-to-4-1-trillion-a-testament-to-economic-power-and-cultural-impact/ Last updated: 2026-09-11T19:16:50.000Z At Silicon Valley Latino, we’ve always championed the power, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit of our community — and the data continues to prove what we’ve long known. According to the latest [findings](https://newsroom.ucla.edu/releases/us-latino-gdp) from UCLA and California Lutheran University, the **U.S. Latino GDP has skyrocketed to $4.1 trillion**, positioning our community as the **fifth-largest economy in the world** if measured independently. This groundbreaking report, led by **UCLA’s Dr. David Hayes-Bautista and Dr. Paul Hsu**, and **Cal Lutheran’s Dr. Dan Hamilton and Dr. Matthew Fienup**, paints a clear picture: Latino economic momentum isn’t just impressive — it’s transformational. 📈 **Here are five standout insights:** 1. **$4.1 trillion GDP in 2023** – larger than the economies of countries like Germany and the UK. 2. **4.4% annual growth (2010–2023)** – double the rate of the U.S. economy as a whole (2.2%). 3. **Highest labor force participation rate** of any demographic group. 4. **Significant educational gains** – bachelor’s degrees earned by Latinos rose 125% from 2010 to 2021. 5. **Latino consumption power** continues to fuel growth across industries, from tech to small business. This is more than a milestone. It’s a continued call to action. As we celebrate this historic economic ascent, we must continue to uplift the businesses and leaders driving it. That’s where **[ShopLatino.Market](https://shoplatino.market/)** comes in — SVL’s platform that helps people **search, find, and support Latino-owned businesses**. It’s a living example of how data and culture come together to strengthen our economy from the ground up. The Latino GDP is rising — and so are we #JuntosAdelante! Original article and study can be found **[here](https://newsroom.ucla.edu/releases/us-latino-gdp)!** ### Cultura, Cartoons & Celebration: Honoring Lalo Alcaraz at Santa Clara University URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/social-impact-advocates/cultura-cartoons-celebration-honoring-lalo-alcaraz-at-santa-clara-university-5/ Last updated: 2026-09-11T19:16:51.000Z Silicon Valley Latino was honored to co-host an unforgettable fireside chat with Santa Clara University featuring the iconic [Lalo Alcaraz](https://www.instagram.com/laloalcaraz1/?hl=en)—syndicated cartoonist, cultural consultant, and unapologetically bold voice for the Latino community. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/626_DSC05362_600x600.jpg) Known for [*La Cucaracha*](https://laloalcaraz.com/), the first nationally syndicated Latino daily comic strip, and his creative contributions to culturally defining projects like *Coco* and *The Casagrandes*, Lalo has long used humor and truth-telling to push the needle forward on representation and justice. In a special moment during the event, SVL proudly presented Lalo with our Creo En Ti Champion Award—an honor given to individuals who embody self-belief and uplift our community through their work, voice, and leadership. The award was presented by SVL founder [Alex Ontiveros](https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexontiveros/) and longtime SVL collaborator, [Dr. Belinda Arriaga](https://www.linkedin.com/in/belindahernandezarriaga/), founder of ALAS. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/627_DSC054272_600x600.jpg) **Eva Blanco - Masias, Lalo Alcaraz & Lorenzo Gamboa of Santa Clara University** Community voices echoed the impact of the evening and of Lalo’s work. As [Darrell Cortez](https://svlatino.com/blogs/cultura-ambassador/darrell-cortez-at-the-helm-of-shop-with-a-cop-silicon-valley), Executive Director of the Shop With A Cop Foundation – Silicon Valley, shared: > *“To me, Lalo Alcaraz represents the essence of a creative Latino cartoonist. His political cartoons are exactly what we need during these tumultuous times—they’re bold, timely, and thought-provoking. He’s a true Latino icon whose work we should all celebrate and cherish. I personally enjoy reading his comics and political satire—they inspire me and challenge us to think critically about the world around us.”* [**Dr. Belinda Arriaga**](https://www.linkedin.com/in/belindahernandezarriaga/), founder of ALAS and SVL Advisory Board Member, added: > *“Having Lalo Alcaraz at SCU gave us an up-close look at his journey and work. We had a firsthand testimony of his creativity and advocacy that has shaped him to be a leader in his field and a voice of resistance for Latinos across the country.”* > > *“It was wonderful to see bilingual cartoons. Coming from a similar background, it genuinely felt like I was part of the cartoons. Seeing someone from our community succeed in the world of cartooning is truly inspiring.”* > *— [*Lourdes Arvizu*](https://www.linkedin.com/in/lourdes-arvizu-b2354b22/), SVL Accountant* **[Lorenzo Gamboa](https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorenzogamboa/)** \- Assistant Dean of Undergraduate Admission > *"History in the making," his art is alive and current to the topics he addresses yet it captures political, humor, and art all in the intersection of reality. Amazing artist and great speaker.* We’ve captured this powerful evening through a vibrant [Photo Album](https://thesvlagency.pixieset.com/firesidechatwithlaloalcarazscu/) that celebrates connection, cultura, and community impact. And don’t miss part two of this feature series—coming soon—featuring our exclusive video interview with Lalo Alcaraz as he reflects on his journey, his activism through art, and why our stories matter more than ever. #JuntosAdelante #SiliconValleyLatino ### Leading with Purpose: Javier Diaz’s OSI Engineering Earns Industry Praise URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/business/leading-with-purpose-javier-diaz-s-osi-engineering-earns-industry-praise/ Last updated: 2026-09-11T19:16:52.000Z This past week, Executive Cultura Ambassador Javier Diaz continued to show us how to lead by example through his exceptional work at OSI Engineering. Under his leadership, OSI was recently recognized for its strategic role in providing cutting-edge workforce solutions for a leading consumer electronics client. This latest achievement reflects the deep expertise and dedication of Javier and his team, who have consistently delivered high-impact, end-to-end support across the product development lifecycle. Their ability to scale, innovate, and meet the evolving needs of global tech leaders reinforces OSI’s reputation as a trusted and forward-thinking partner in the industry. Santa Clara, CA, April 18, 2025 --([PR.com](https://www.pr.com/))\-- OSI Engineering, a leading provider of Technology Workforce Solutions to some of the world’s leading technology innovators and Forbes 100 companies, is pleased to announce that the company was ranked the 3rd Largest Latinx-owned businesses in Silicon Valley by the Silicon Valley Business Journal for 2024 moving up in ranking from 6th over previous year. Read the full press release ***[here](https://www.pr.com/press-release/936297)***! ### What Do You Need? – A Message from Our Founder URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/business/what-do-you-need-a-message-from-our-founder/ Last updated: 2026-09-11T19:16:54.000Z At Silicon Valley Latino and [The SVL Agency](https://www.thesvlagency.com/), we often get asked: *“*What do you do?*”* And our response is rooted in intention: *“*What do you need?*”* In this personal message, our founder Alex Ontiveros shares the story behind our origin, our evolution, and our unwavering commitment to uplifting brands, missions, and communities through authentic storytelling, impactful media, and strategic partnerships. Whether you're discovering us for the first time or you've been part of our journey from the beginning, we invite you to read Alex’s reflection and learn how SVL and The SVL Agency continue to show up with purpose and passion. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/736_IMG_1413_600x600.jpg) People often ask, what do you do? I often answer: **What do you need?** At Silicon Valley Latino (SVL) and The SVL Agency, what we do starts with understanding how we can truly support you in creating a positive impact for your brand, your mission, and your audience. Whether it’s through brand storytelling, content production, or community engagement, we show up for our clients with authentic and intentional purpose. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/931_Screenshot_2025-04-21_at_09.19.08_600x600.png) **Our Origin & Mission** When we launched Silicon Valley Latino (SVL) in 2011, our mission was clear as a Media Company: challenge outdated and negative stereotypes by sharing powerful, authentic stories that reflect the strength, brilliance, and contributions of Latinos in every sector of society. **We are Storytellers on a Mission.** That mission grew beyond digital content. Today, SVL is also a social impact venture that partners with leaders and Cultura Ambassadors (our members) to inspire the next generation—through Inspire Higher Panels, Fireside Chats, Creo En Ti Summits, and meaningful conversations across schools and communities. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/726_IMG_0591_600x600.jpg) **The Pivot to Agency Work** In 2015, after a strong collaboration with Cisco, we launched The SVL Agency—our full-service creative studio. What began with a highlight reel for Cisco's Latinx ERG has grown into an award-winning full-service creative agency serving clients in tech, healthcare, education, small-medium size businesses, government, and nonprofit sectors. We’ve helped brands tell their stories with authenticity and heart—and have been honored by receiving numerous awards for our work. However, although we've received numerous awards for our work, the most fulfilling honor was to have been invited to present one of our projects, "CAMPESINOS: America's Unsung Heroes" to congressional members at our nation's capital in 2023. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/752_IMG_3217_600x600.jpg) **What Makes Us Different** In addition to bringing an award-winning creative agency and a purpose-driven SVL media platform with a deeply engaged audience, we truly want to understand your mission and goals to ultimately serve as business consultants that will support and create impact through a long-term partnership. Through The SVL Agency, we offer production, positioning, and strategy. And, when appropriate through SVL, we amplify your message through our digital channels and grassroots community work. If you’re looking for a creative partner who leads with purpose and delivers with excellence, we’d love to talk. Let’s create something meaningful together. In collaborative spirit, Alex Ontiveros Founder, Silicon Valley Latino & The SVL Agency ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/930_Screenshot_2025-04-21_at_09.04.30_600x600.png) ### Igniting Futures: Michael Archuleta Sponsors STEM Opportunities for Southern Colorado Youth URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/business/igniting-futures-michael-archuleta-sponsors-stem-opportunities-for-southern-colorado-youth/ Last updated: 2026-09-11T19:16:55.000Z Silicon Valley Latino is proud to celebrate our Advisory Board Member, Michael Archuleta, for his incredible generosity and vision in sponsoring 14 student spots for the upcoming CCubed STEM Camp at Emergent Campus in Southern Colorado. Through his philanthropic foundation, Michael is opening doors to robotics, coding, and future-ready skills for young minds from underserved communities—communities like the one he grew up in. His journey, from the projects to becoming a nationally recognized healthcare disruptor, is a powerful example of what’s possible when we invest in our youth. ¡Felicidades, Michael! Your passion for creating pathways and sparking potential is truly inspiring. Read the original story here => *https://bit.ly/Michael\_Archuleta\_National\_Healthcare\_Disruptor* ### Adam Perez: Turning Pain Into Powerful Art URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/art-culture/adam-perez-turning-pain-into-powerful-art/ Last updated: 2026-09-14T16:24:27.000Z As we continue our mission to highlight and amplify Latino excellence, we’re proud to expand our storytelling efforts by not only sharing our original content, but also uplifting powerful stories from other platforms doing this important work across this great nation. One such story is that of Central Valley artist Adam Perez, whose deeply moving exhibit Tierra Mía, at [Arte Américas](https://pjg5nwjab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001vJ6fniOPzEinZ9DMF2r02sJBp409-jU4ICqpbTwkOOVShzKE7GLzHC-Pn6bOR408i-eywE-UP95eZUuStVomKju7lTv2H7iR3AqyOBmb63l3uiSw-Tnbj9JbyoYohUV91CaJjIYVFVwkKe9N295N-LebGhxb2BkrkmZZcnos-ZzHzcE2LVBu4QO6i8lNopXS&c=&ch=), turns personal and generational pain into powerful visual narratives. Through bold, emotional pieces, Adam explores themes of identity, grief, and healing—offering a mirror to his own journey and a message of hope to our broader comunidad. Featured on [Your Central Valley](https://pjg5nwjab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001vJ6fniOPzEinZ9DMF2r02sJBp409-jU4ICqpbTwkOOVShzKE7GLzHC-Pn6bOR40870ldANzJwJnYJMkkHv7O7VsdKNQnzWaiHOouKhsoxRfrcwGWY4a-uYmR2hspDGjMaqIZ8y2juzUk%5F2V3iX6a2EDYM2KrMaHvLZ-VwohdXgadxOcBULhGM7hn5oER%5FmVKlChpKhq9MbEXdum44zEA7EUHj3jGev5oLxxBUjm-rgbmdG4pmIHmBJIwOkYVl3Yyq8Cbke54J2msyLpBF3TP5w==&c=&ch=) and [in this YouTube interview](https://pjg5nwjab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001vJ6fniOPzEinZ9DMF2r02sJBp409-jU4ICqpbTwkOOVShzKE7GLzHC-Pn6bOR408%5FA4mBK3cRrcE8Miz4IDPlHWl7ksxteE4WD0qeODkl3lj-DTk6vg6CVkd14SDkQ2MOX%5FVOKv6ZtJk6rsm9CFSlPxUOo4ZzuiPovhmo8pedFGmfMDuVPFCyQ==&c=&ch=), his work reminds us that art has the power to transform, connect, and heal. ### Behind the Scenes with Emilio Cortez and Amalia Sofia Navarro: A Conversation on Diversity, Art, and the Beauty of Latinx Culture within the San Francisco 49ers Team URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/business/behind-the-scenes-with-emilio-cortez-and-amalia-sofia-navarro-a-conversation-on-diversity-art-and-the-beauty-of-latinx-culture-within-the-san-francisco-49ers-team/ Last updated: 2026-09-11T19:16:56.000Z **Continuing Our Exclusive Series on Culture and Community with the San Francisco 49ers** Since 2011, Silicon Valley Latino has proudly championed the power of representation, the art of authentic storytelling, and the transformative impact of community-driven leadership. These values have guided our work from day one—and continue to fuel every feature, conversation, and collaboration. In Part 2 of our special series with the San Francisco 49ers, we move from the executive suite to the cultural heartbeat of the organization—its people—who are shaping inclusion through creativity, connection, and cultura. In this candid and inspiring conversation, contributing writer Olga Rosales Salinas connects with [Emilio Cortez](https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilio-cortez/), Senior Coordinator and Founding Member of the 49ers’ first Latino Employee Resource Group (ERG), and [Amalia Sofia (Sofy) Navarro](https://www.linkedin.com/in/sofynavarro/), Senior Manager of 49ers EDU. Together, they share how culture, creativity, and community engagement have shaped their work with the team, both on and off the field. From creating vibrant murals and honoring Latino youth on game day, to leading STEAM initiatives for thousands of students and building bridges with local organizations like ALAS, Emilio and Sofy exemplify how passion and purpose can thrive within a corporate legacy brand. This is a story about art, authenticity, and the beauty of showing up fully as yourself—within an organization that embraces the richness of diverse voices. Can art thrive in a corporate culture? The old adage, “do what you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life” always sounded like privilege to me. As a first-generation Latina I understood that my father’s adage would align more directly with my life path, “work hard and you’ll always have work.” Both of these sayings have merit. However, let’s imagine a world where you could do what you loved, in a corporate office, that would allow you to grow in community and through your artistic aspirations. That is what the San Francisco 49ers Legacy Team looks like for Emilio Cortez, Senior Coordinator and Founding Member of the 49er’s first Latino Employee Resource Group (E.R.G.) and Amelia Sofia (Sofy) Navarro, Senior Manager of the San Francisco 49ers, EDU. I had the opportunity to sit down with Emilio and Sofy about their work with the Latino Employee Resource Group and the surrounding communities that benefit from their efforts. We talked about their program STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math), clothing drives with ALAS (Ayudando Latinos A Soñar), and so much more. What stood out to me in this conversation was the passion for art and art centered initiatives spearheaded by San Jose native, and San Jose State University Alumn, Emilio Cortez. **“My role is making sure that we are inclusive and creating space.” Emilio Cortez** **Olga:** First, thank you both for being here and sharing your experience with Silicon Valley Latino. I’d like to start with Emilio and ask, where did your passion for the arts begin? **Emilio:** I grew up drawing. Every time my parents gave me a pen and paper I worked on creating art. It was in school when I learned all of the different ways to draw and create space for creativity. When I got into college I learned about mural work and I’ve been a part of several art projects, both inside and outside the 49er organization. What you see behind us is a mural I did for our employee space. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/541_49er_Employee_Mural.Emilio_Cortez_600x600.jpg) **Olga:** This question is for you Sofy, how did the Latino Employee Resource Group with the 49ers come about? Sofy: Our first ERG \[at the 49ers\] was Women Connect and I was a part of that. It wasn’t until George Floyd where a lot of conversations started. Many ERGs started during those conversations. It was really a time where we decided to be more intentional about meeting and reaching out to our community. **“It is comforting to know that our organization is supporting us.” Sofy Navarro** **Olga:** What is something that brings you joy when thinking about your ERG’s work in the larger Northern California community? **Sofy:** We started a program called Home and Away, serving k-8 in 14 different counties in and around the Bay Area, which aligns with STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) for a three month program, discussing how art and architecture come together. We have students join us for an in-person lesson, with virtual classes as well. So we’re seeing groups of students three different times in a three month period and we serve about 10,000 students in a school a year. **Emilio:** Part of my role is making sure that we are being inclusive. I oversee the transportation subsidies with schools making sure that they can participate in this program. We want to take away that barrier because we know transportation can get really expensive for these schools. **Olga:** What are the requirements for schools to participate in this program? **Emilio:** We do outreach for title one schools, but have schools come from as far away as Fresno. It’s really about capacity for them. **Olga:** Congratulations on that work and starting this initiative. How has it led to fostering other connections with community groups? **Emilio:** We’re working with ALAS and other ERGs here at the 49ers creating a joint clothing drive. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/825_LEAD.Emilio_Cortez_600x600.jpg) **Olga:** I was sharing with CJ, how much [Silicon Valley Latino](https://svlatino.com/blogs/news/creating-fans-for-life-the-49ers-commitment-to-diversity-equity-and-inclusion) appreciates the work of ALAS. It's heartwarming to know that you are working closely with them. Because your work is so important, I have to ask, what do Culturally Inclusive initiatives look like in 2025? **Sofy:** From our standpoint, we’re returning to why we started ERGs, which was really to support our employees and to have safe spaces for them. Roger Vidal is supporting all Cultural Inclusive initiatives going forward and that makes us very confident that our organization, and the larger NFL is also behind the strength of … diversity in general. It is comforting to know that our organization is supporting us. It’s important that we support each other, and to ultimately win a Super Bowl! **Olga:** Let’s talk about your fan base. How often do you get to connect with fans? **Emilio:** During Latino Heritage Month we’re fortunate to have some activation and we get to connect with fans during the actual game. Those are the things that people can see. One thing that we have been doing is the Latino Youth Honors. We’re able to choose two high school students who are doing well in school, on the field, and in their community and we’re able to present a hand painted football award to them. **Olga:** These are footballs that you handpainted and created, correct? ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/827_Latin_Honors.Emilio_Cortez_600x600.jpg) **Emilio:** Yes. Those footballs are awarded on the field during a special pre-game ceremony. Also, during Latino Heritage Month we get to have input with the music during the game, as well as, what the cheerleaders will be doing and performing during those games. We love serving as that resource. **Olga:** CJ mentioned that you do an altar every year. Can you talk about that experience? **“...as an ERG… we are influencing not only internally but \[we can ask\] what does our Latino community consume and see as part of the 49er brand.” Sofy Navarro** **Emilio:** Yes, our ERG created the altar and it’s been something that the staff gets to see, enjoy and be a part of. They participate and we get to share our family stories and it's been community building. ![Día de Los Muertos Altar - 49ers](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/631_Day_of_the_Dead.Latinx_ERG.Emilio_Cortez_600x600.jpg) **Olga:** What does your ERG do region wide as far as marketing to the Latino community? **Sofy:** Actually, we have rights to market in Mexico. A lot of the content that we’re creating in the ERG level is also being leveraged in our 49er ESP Instagram channel and efforts in Mexico. We’re very lucky to be a part of that conversation. Emilio undersells himself a lot and his artistic eye, but it is something that our team has come to heavily rely on. It’s not just that he’s a talented artist, but he has that cultural perspective and aspect to his art. Those things as an ERG have put us into a position where we are influencing not only internally but \[we can ask\] what does our Latino community consume and see as part of the 49er brand. This is exciting because neither of us have marketing in our roles, but it is deeply impeded in what we do in the ERG for the community, and what our roles and responsibilities are in educating kids. **Olga:** I agree, as Latinos it is second nature for us to tell stories and to be storytellers. This interview is a story about who you two are, and the work you are doing with ALAS and projects with K-8 students: STEAM and Home and Away. So thank you for sharing and being open about your experiences. **Sofy:** Yes, thank you for having us. I’d like to add that as Latinos, being in a position to be working with kids, we want to reflect the students we’re supporting. Emilio and I are super proud of who we are, what we’re doing, and about being from the Bay Area. Follow Silicon Valley Latino for more stories from change makers like Emilio and Sofy of the San Francisco 49ers. ### Rey of Hope: Cristo Rey Alumni Stories Brought to Life by The SVL Agency URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/social-impact-advocates/rey-of-hope-cristo-rey-alumni-stories-brought-to-life-by-the-svl-agency/ Last updated: 2026-09-14T16:20:54.000Z At Silicon Valley Latino, through our creative arm [The SVL Agency](https://www.thesvlagency.com/), we are proud to continue supporting impactful organizations in our community—like Cristo Rey San José Jesuit High School—by producing compelling storytelling content that amplifies their mission. Through the *Rey of Hope Alumni Profiles* series, we created two powerful videos highlighting the inspiring journeys of alumni who exemplify the transformative impact of a Cristo Rey education. These stories are not only a celebration of perseverance and purpose but also a reflection of what’s possible when community, opportunity, and education come together to uplift future generations. Watch both videos to be inspired by these young professionals' stories! ### Creating Fans for Life: The 49ers' Commitment to Inclusion and Culture URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/business/creating-fans-for-life-the-49ers-commitment-to-diversity-equity-and-inclusion/ Last updated: 2026-09-11T19:16:58.000Z Since our inception, Silicon Valley Latino has been dedicated to uplifting and celebrating extraordinary Latinos making an impact across industries. Our mission has always been to amplify voices, foster meaningful conversations, and showcase leaders who are shaping the future of our communities. It is with this same passion that we highlight the inspiring efforts of the San Francisco 49ers, a franchise that is not only a powerhouse in professional football but also a leader in fostering a culture of inclusion and representation of its surrounding communities. In this exclusive interview with Silicon Valley Latino and contributing writer Olga Rosales Salinas, Olga sits down with Christina Jefferson, Senior Director Inclusion and Culture for the San Francisco 49ers. They explore how this legacy team is driving initiatives that extend far beyond the field. From engaging with vulnerable communities to amplifying Latino representation through initiatives like [*Fiel A Mi Cultura*](https://www.49ers.com/video/fiel-a-mi-cultura-49ers-celebrate-latino-heritage-month)*,* the 49ers are proving that inclusive Culture is more than a corporate mandate—it’s a commitment to building lasting connections with fans, employees, and the broader Bay Area community. Join us as we dive into the conversation with Christina Jefferson and uncover how the 49ers are not just shaping the future of football but creating a more inclusive and equitable playing field for all. Discovering how our favorite brands, subscriptions, and sports teams stand with inclusion and Culture might not be top of mind for you. However, I would venture that any sports fan (or conscientious taxpayer) can appreciate when a major sports team doubles down on supporting the community in which it thrives. In this interview with Christina Jefferson, Senior Director Inclusion and Culture for the San Francisco 49ers, we talk about the 49ers past, present and future initiatives to support not just the Bay Area but the vulnerable communities that surround it. Personally, I’ve become hyper-aware of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives as a writer, consumer, and mother of athletes. Which is why I jumped at the opportunity to meet Jefferson and learn more about this legacy team. In this interview we talk about the 49ers inclusion and Culture, and of course the Mexican/Panamanian American Fred Warner, San Francisco 49er Linebacker. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/870_Picture1_7c57c3e6-6719-4e35-968a-e2e03e87c81d_600x600.jpg) **Christina Jefferson, Senior Director Inclusion & Culture for the San Francisco 49ers with Silicon Valley Latino** **Olga:** First, thank you for meeting with us today, Christina. In my research for this interview, I learned about your tenure at Sephora and midwestern background. Can you tell us what the transition was like from the inclusive Culture at Sephora to a legacy team like the 49ers? **Christina:** I came to California almost 17 years ago, and I’ve been a football fan all of my life. I was here during the 49er hay-day, and I was secretly a fan– don’t tell my father. It’s been an amazing journey to get here. Now, I love being able to interact with our employees and fan base. **Olga:** I see that you have a B.S. from the University of Southern Indiana, and a master’s in human resource management from Golden Gate University, right here in San Francisco. Can you tell us about that experience? **Christina:** My journey in this work and in this world mirrors a lot of our fans… and employees, i.e., I went to school at night with a day job. I worked really hard to get where I am. I had a full-time job and went to school at night because that’s what we have to do to get ahead. **Olga:** Thank you for sharing that. I think it’s important for our readers to know your background and motivations. Let’s start by talking about Hispanic Heritage Month and the marketing around the inclusive culture initiatives with the 49ers? --- [49ers Celebrate Latino Heritage Month | Fiel A Mi Cultura](https://youtu.be/-uHwXYxK0DQ?si=xfhk1ozvrTkO2a0w) (Video: More to come on this initiative & project) --- **Christina:** So, where this all starts is our community. Our inclusion mission is to create fans for life. When we thought about that concept, we asked employees, "What do you want to do? How do you want to see yourselves represented?" Then, we also asked ourselves what \[does\] happy hour looks like. What does education look like? How are we creating moments for culture to spread throughout the organization? So we started there because it had to be internal first. First, our employees have to feel the authenticity of an initiative and then you're able to mirror that externally. ![49er's Emilio honoring youth](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/673_Emilio_Cortez.latin_honors.youth_600x600.jpg) One day during a Latino Heritage Night, the team came to me and said, "We want to do our chant (1-2-3 Go Niners) in Spanish." Then, it stayed, and it stuck. Every time I watch a game in the stands and hear that chant in Spanish, I think about that moment when we brought the 49ers' internal community together. It's not just one group of niner fans; it's everyone! Everyone is chanting, Vamos Niners! It gives me chills thinking of it now. **Olga:** That does sound like a great moment. What initiatives are you particularly proud of that you have created personally to drive Inclusive Culture? **Christina:** Our Latinx employee resource group came to me and said they wanted to do a Day of the Dead altar, and I said, "As long as it's educational and as long as everyone can participate, let's do this." We think \[this internal-employee altar\] is the first in the NFL, and it means a lot to our employees to have the opportunity to participate in such a beautiful tradition. ![49er Hispanic Heritage Day of the Dead](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/542_49er_Hispanic_Heritage_Month.Emilio_600x600.jpg) --- **“We want to create access and opportunities. That’s really it.”** **Christina Jefferson** --- **Olga:** Let’s talk about Mexican/Panamanian-American Fred Warner, and the marketing around his fandom, particularly the [promotional video that highlights him as an athlete](https://youtu.be/2X6E07HfyOA?si=25dP6YPp1MyEkhY2 "promotional video that highlights him as an athlete."). --- **“Hopefully, the way I play the game inspires the youth...” Fred Warner** --- **Christina:** You know, that was one of those moments that makes me love this team and community. I love that it wasn’t just our internal resource group. People from all over our organization supported our effort to highlight Fred Warner. I love that Warner was willing and excited to celebrate his heritage. That video really highlights him and the uniqueness of our players. **Olga:** Can we talk about the Candlestick and Levi's Stadium? The only 49er game I’ve ever been to was at Candlestick. I’m sure you have employees whose tenure followed that transition. What was it like to move a team from San Francisco to Santa Clara? ![49er celebrating 754 years with latino flavor](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/551_75_years.49ers_600x600.jpg) **Christina:** It's warmer \[in Santa Clara\]! There are definitely employees who miss it but we have been able to build something out here in Santa Clara. I’m one of the only employees who don’t have game-day responsibilities so when I go to games I get to listen to fans talking freely– they have no idea who I am. I hear them say how beautiful the stadium is and that makes me proud. **Olga:** I’m curious to know what the ethnic/racial background is of your staff. I know you probably don’t have the hard numbers, but with the Bay Area being so diverse, that must be reflected in your staff. **Christina:** I don’t have the hard numbers but I can say that we are one of the only teams with five employee resource groups. Many teams only have one \[women or young professional’s group\], but we have five and if \[management\] keeps asking me we might have more. We pride ourselves in being one of the most diverse teams in the league. --- **“If we’re not creating developmental moments for our employees, we’re not going to see any diversity in our leaderships across the board.”** **Christina Jefferson** --- **Olga:** What are some exciting Cultural Inclusive initiatives coming from the 49ers in 2025? **Christina:** Well, we’re excited about hosting the Super Bowl next year! I just came back from New Orleans, and I got to see a lot of the events that were specifically diversity \[focused\]. So, I’m excited to bring some of that. Besides that, probably the most important thing for me is the internship program. It’s something that I’m really proud of and that I built from scratch. We as an organization understood that in order to get into sports it's been through internships and those internships have traditionally been about who you know. I wanted to help people who don’t have a connection. I wanted to help that person who reaches out and says, 'I'm a student at San Jose State, and I’m in sports management and I don’t know anyone, but I work really hard.’ That’s what our program is for - it’s for creating those moments. If you’re really asking what I’m excited about, it’s this internship program. **Olga:** Amazing! What are some requirements for this internship? **Christina:** We partnered with ten different universities to bring students here to learn about the program. It turns into a really fun day, where many employees participate because they know what it's like to be on the other side. Our focus is local as much as possible. Also, anyone can participate, no matter what they are studying in school. We have every part of the business represented in this internship. --- **To learn more about this internship opportunity visit: [Internship Program](https://www.49ers.com/employment/internships) or contact: Christina Jefferson, CJ@49ers.com** --- **Olga:** I truly appreciate this internship program for a multitude of reasons, especially its commitment to expanding opportunities for all individuals. This focus not only fosters inclusivity but also enriches the experience for everyone involved. Great job! **Christina:** Yes, when you look at the higher ups, many of them started as interns. I want to change who knows about the internships. Maybe it’s not necessarily here \[at the 49ers\] but there are 31 other teams. We want them to see how these team’s work. We want to help them reach those other teams as well. --- **“In general, we want to create access and opportunities through culturally diverse programs. That's really it.”** **Christina Jefferson.** --- **Olga:** Considering this program and your passion to continue growing it, what do you see evolving with inclusive Culture in the next year? **Christina:** We’re really good at employee resource groups \[E.R.G.\] here, and we’re really good at partnerships. Many people have come to us to partner and we’re open. Other teams come to us and say, hey, want to do this. For instance, we’ve created capsule collections with our E.R.G. groups and [Fanatics](http://www.fanaticsinc.com) that foster authentic moments with our fans and employees. Those things seem little but they’re really big. In general, we want to create access and opportunities through culturally inclusive programs. That’s really it. How do we create development moments for our internal employees? If we’re not creating those moments, we’re not going to see any diversity in our leaderships across the board. How are we creating access for folks to understand what is to be a leader in sports? It’s really about getting out of the words that seem charged and getting into the action that will actually change people’s lives. --- **The point is not press, the point is going out there and supporting our community. Christina Jefferson** --- **Olga:** Can you tell me about the Latino Resource Group at the 49ers and their initiatives? **Christina:** Something that the Latino Employee Resource Group does every year is that we pack vegetables in Salinas, CA and we give back to that community. We worked with the LA Rams last year in Half Moon Bay and gave out lunch. Together we learned about farm workers and learned about what their day-to-day lives are like. The point is not press, the point is going out there and supporting our community. ![49er's Latino ERG supporting ALAS in Half Moon Bay](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/825_LEAD.Emilio_Cortez_600x600.jpg) **Olga:** Thank you for supporting the farm-working community. I grew up in Watsonville, so I understand how much that community needs support from legacy organizations like the 49ers. Was this an effort with a local nonprofit in the central coast? **Christina:** We teamed with [ALAS, Ayudando Latinos A ](https://www.alasdreams.com/)[Soñar.](https://www.alasdreams.com/) **Olga:** We, at Silicon Valley Latino, love ALAS! I’m heading now to interview Emilio Cortez, the Senior Coordinator and Founding Member of the first Latino Employee Resource Group (E.R.G.) with the team. I’ll be sure to ask them more about this collaboration with the ALAS organization in particular. For now, thank your time today and thank you for the work you do. Now, more than ever, it’s crucial. Follow us, Silicon Valley Latino, to get the latest interviews, updates, and community engagement and not miss Part 2 of this exclusive 49er interview with Emilio Cortez, a Senior Coordinator and Founding Member of the 49er's first Latino Employee Resource Group (E.R.G.) and Amalia Sofia (Sofy) Navarro, Senior Manager for the 49ers, EDU. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/999_Yellow_and_White_Minimal_Business_Quote_Instagram_Post_100x100.png) Olga Rosales Salinas ### Women's History Month 2025 Video Celebration URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/business/womens-history-month-2025-video-celebration/ Last updated: 2026-09-11T19:16:59.000Z As Women's History Month comes to a close, we take a moment to celebrate the powerful Latinas who continue to shape our communities with leadership, resilience, and passion. From driving innovation in business and healthcare to advocating for equity and representation, these inspiring women are paving the way for future generations. Watch our special tribute and join us in celebrating their impact! ### Celebrating Latina Leadership: Honoring Andrea Brenholz, Lilian Peña & Sylvia Juárez-Magaña URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/business/celebrating-latina-leadership-honoring-andrea-brenholz-lilian-pena-sylvia-juarez-magana/ Last updated: 2026-09-11T19:17:00.000Z ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/568_Andrea_s_Headshot_jpeg_8f2f49e4-304c-4546-8b20-3118ac4328b2_600x600.jpg) As we close out **Women’s History Month**, we celebrate **Andrea Brenholz**, a dynamic leader in the technology and talent solutions industry. As the **CEO & President of ATR International**, Andrea has been a trailblazer in **diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)**, ensuring greater representation in the workforce. Her leadership is shaping the future of tech by creating opportunities for underrepresented communities. We are honored to have her on the **SVL Advisory Board**! Read more about her journey: **[Andrea Brenholz Joins SVL Advisory Board](https://svlatino.com/blogs/news/svl-welcomes-andrea-brenholz-to-our-advisory-board?%5Fpos=1&%5Fsid=34ceb0049&%5Fss=r).** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/614_Copy_of_Lilian_Pena_Headshot_101818_1_2_600x600.jpg) This **Women’s History Month**, we recognize **Lilian Peña**, a dedicated leader in the financial sector and a passionate advocate for Latino empowerment. As a **Cultura Ambassador for SVL**, Lilian is committed to fostering professional growth and creating opportunities for Latino professionals. Her work exemplifies leadership, mentorship, and community impact. We are proud to celebrate her contributions! Learn more about her journey: **[Cultura Ambassador: Lilian Peña](https://svlatino.com/blogs/cultura-ambassador/cultura-ambassador-lilian-pen).** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/615_Copy_of_Sylvia_Juarez_SVL_Picture_600x600.jpg) Rounding out our **Women’s History Month** tributes, we highlight **Sylvia Juárez-Magaña**, a visionary leader and champion for **education and advocacy**. As an **SVL Advisory Board Member**, Sylvia is dedicated to advancing opportunities for Latino professionals and ensuring that the next generation of leaders thrives. Her passion for mentorship and education makes her an invaluable force for change. We are honored to celebrate her leadership! Learn more about her impact: **[Sylvia Juárez-Magaña: SVL Advisory Board Member](https://svlatino.com/blogs/cultura-ambassador/sylvia-juarez-magana-svl-advisory-board-member?%5Fpos=2&%5Fsid=d1cd95991&%5Fss=r).** ### Honoring Latina Leaders: Celebrating Anna Dapelo-Garcia, Dr. Maria Hernandez and Katty Coulson's Impact During Women’s History Month URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/business/honoring-latina-leaders-celebrating-anna-dapelo-garcia-dr-maria-hernandez-and-katty-coulsons-impact-during-women-s-history-month/ Last updated: 2026-09-11T19:17:01.000Z ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/893_SVL_Advisory_Anna_Dapelo_Garcia_600x600.jpg) As we continue celebrating Women’s History Month, we proudly recognize Anna Dapelo-Garcia, an inspiring leader in healthcare and advocacy. As the Founder & President of Lean In Latinas, she empowers professional Latinas by fostering leadership and career growth. With a distinguished career in healthcare administration, Anna is committed to advancing equity and representation. We are honored to have her on the SVL Advisory Board, where her leadership will help drive meaningful change. Learn more about her impact in our feature article: [Anna Dapelo-Garcia Joins SVL Advisory Board](https://pjg5nwjab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001LWLLzWAn5Lzb5IzXudBpKxEFHIc2vQ6WTv9Ro79LeibQbfYVXIixkPdHPDQBRxLFvkmipv5V8PUI1x2y2ZF6ukIPorUcCrQlrvR-m49I5HxW0Hb8ei8i65%5F-bku-i7OseD-QsmKE2apsijLJHHf-Mq%5FmUVem2tPbLW%5FJQjnoDyKAu6RY1rlGcnbWdpnwb5P0RzfRTTbbbSnxR5-cRqCMQRKVKviS0x6H3FgPR8r3S25RuuFGvc4ixr5xoChU2eix22F94bkYtLZGZUOFzySsUR9i8Vu8crTB&c=&ch=). ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/851_Maria_Hernandez_600x600.jpg) This Women’s History Month, we celebrate Dr. Maria Hernandez, a visionary leader dedicated to advancing health equity. As a champion for diversity in healthcare, she has spent her career advocating for equitable access to care and inclusive leadership. Her work continues to inspire systemic change, ensuring Latino communities receive the healthcare representation they deserve. We are honored to highlight her impact! Learn more about her journey: [Dr. Maria Hernandez: A Trailblazer in Health Equity](https://pjg5nwjab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001LWLLzWAn5Lzb5IzXudBpKxEFHIc2vQ6WTv9Ro79LeibQbfYVXIixkOFOJJHhm0WSq6SjAXeFkVnaIR-cNFv0kK-w2Jfxq2XzbQER8bSzfo1NKRc0Egta91A2%5FvomkwUks8UIHg%5FvFlIPn%5FGTi1DfWi8gQMMpdrhh16i3mQ-TpkTMMsKnjb8D-5QwYQ1D1nt8klTdcK1yFzPVv1lmtuW9L86nU%5FsvYyEYSbKhmqwUB3FBKWUzTX9bGYOIixbjtRbDvn5NnWOAYeFQx-pIM2VEoWorAmWAKt8OsXVhUK7YaoERtP23sMIcPg==&c=&ch=). ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/1111_katty_5eaa0550-4c2a-4e92-9b5c-3974ed642e42_600x600.png) As we continue to celebrate Women’s History Month, we recognize Katty Coulson, a trailblazer in leadership and advocacy. As the first Latina Board President of Ronald McDonald House Charities Bay Area, Katty is breaking barriers and paving the way for greater inclusivity in nonprofit leadership. Her commitment to community impact and equity makes her an inspiring force for change. We are honored to celebrate her leadership! Learn more about her story: [Katty Coulson: A History-Making Latina Leader](https://pjg5nwjab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001LWLLzWAn5Lzb5IzXudBpKxEFHIc2vQ6WTv9Ro79LeibQbfYVXIixkOFOJJHhm0WSELYWDCMLZQ3LPhM9OmtL7pcg59Hx2o0rWAlGVIgu9GRuDuYfd9J7nOzgpyxWhgsYXFJe7QbxfFqNm85Zl2-4lXCuHodiuzDLLhE6B5Y9B02yf%5FYKVhDb1JsYT3gN6IbEnDWaH9BiOrv7LXg16LF%5FR0eDJ20oGnoZHtdYMShAJcGleZUfm4pkzm8zENyoGBYfAKMfIs3yQP4%5FjutWdGLLy0PsxPErfCxgIT8o0dwhsOR9NXgmmYXuhsDMHYlBBlnAG%5FDjgd9NPlEZ3RLzkrSr8BJngAS6mj%5FH3JmPmeoxjqVqlLOtB8Ycfr6CwKVhtzPw&c=&ch=). **Join us in celebrating them not only this Women's History Month** **but everyday of the year!** ### Honoring Latina Leaders: Celebrating Dr. Belinda Hernandez Arriaga & Michelle Linares' Impact During Women’s History Month URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/business/honoring-latina-leaders-celebrating-dr-belinda-hernandez-arriaga-michelle-linares-impact-during-women-s-history-month/ Last updated: 2026-09-11T19:17:03.000Z As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we highlight Latina leaders making a difference, including Dr. Belinda Hernandez Arriaga, a dedicated mental health advocate and community champion. As the founder of ALAS, she has transformed the lives of Latino families through mental health services, education, and cultural programs in the Half Moon Bay Area. We are proud to have her on the SVL Advisory Board, where her leadership continues to inspire and create change. Read more about her journey in our feature article: *[Dr. Belinda Hernandez Arriaga Joins SVL Advisory ](https://pjg5nwjab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0018JY0VLKTQKIqVRDMXciI-t60DIgPFXx0emaa4R5ePpXQ9Wxz5M48ZAPV0fTote-ZAJLt6NekEXN7O1BLWGMJIhI-6o9fOVg6UQGmLkSWPOQ0Fnszc2Vet1LmU0Q7jE6IbZxxqqwOIgzVINXTaVjachDSLXVKYi1R%5FvmMaKseHSNAgJL-0eWyg-LRMhKYohuePs-dq6tQtBvcLI5krayp%5FbqVz1OclRihSz1DJQXxF19YclejR7DRW-4y4cTVBXhInMrR2mDEa3%5FfIWCr4acpcgchbzY8RWZc-H05CzKi-COHZ91VzBjuHA==&c=&ch=)[Board](https://svlatino.com/blogs/news/dr-belinda-hernandez-arriaga-joins-svl-advisory-board)*. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/597_CDA7D1FC-AD3A-4EC1-AC3C-9F20A88732B3_600x600.jpg) Belinda Hernandez Arriaga - ALAS For Women's History Month, we proudly highlight Michelle Linares, a trailblazer in healthcare equity and diversity. As Kaiser Permanente’s Director of National Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity, Michelle has dedicated her career to ensuring equitable healthcare access for all. Now, as an SVL Advisory Board member, she continues to uplift Latino leadership and community empowerment. We celebrate her impact and the inspiring contributions of all our female leaders! #WomensHistoryMonth #LatinaLeadership #SVL #HealthcareEquity Read about her here => [*Michelle Linares*](https://svlatino.com/blogs/news/michelle-linares-joins-svl-advisory-board) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/Michelle_Linares_Natural_2_1600x.webp) ****Michelle Linares - Kaiser Permanente** ### Michael Archuleta: Leading Healthcare’s Digital Transformation URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/business/michael-archuleta-leading-healthcare-s-digital-transformation/ Last updated: 2026-09-11T19:51:40.000Z At Silicon Valley Latino, we proudly celebrate visionary leaders who are continuously redefining industries, and SVL Advisory Board Member, [Michael Archuleta](https://svlatino.com/blogs/news/celebrating-hispanic-heritage-month-honoring-latino-excellence-and-innovation-in-technology) is a shining example. As CIO of [Mt. San Rafael Hospital,](https://www.msrhc.org/) Michael has long been at the forefront of digital transformation in healthcare. His leadership and commitment to innovation have positioned him as a trailblazer in cloud technology adoption, ensuring secure, data-driven, and patient-focused solutions. Recently featured in [HealthTech Magazine](https://healthtechmagazine.net/article/2025/02/3-healthcare-it-leaders-reflect-their-cloud-journeys-so-far), Michael shared his insights on the evolving role of the cloud in healthcare, emphasizing that it is no longer an option—it’s the foundation for agility, security, and enhanced patient care. His strategic approach and relentless drive to push boundaries continue to inspire, proving that technology, when harnessed effectively, has the power to revolutionize the healthcare experience. Michael Archuleta exemplifies the spirit of Silicon Valley Latino—bold, innovative, and committed to making an impact. Read the full interview [here](https://healthtechmagazine.net/article/2025/02/3-healthcare-it-leaders-reflect-their-cloud-journeys-so-far)! #JuntosAdelante #LatinosInTech ### Ryan Lopez - SVL Collegiate Cultura Ambassador URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/cultura-ambassador/ryan-lopez-svl-collegiate-cultura-ambassador/ Last updated: 2026-09-14T16:25:32.000Z Meet [**Ryan Lopez**,](https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-lopez-746068242/) a dedicated senior majoring in Politics at the University of San Francisco. With a passion for advocacy and risk management, Ryan has been a driving force in supporting youth empowerment and mental health initiatives. Ryan Lopez is a dedicated senior majoring in Politics at the University of San Francisco, where he has consistently demonstrated academic excellence, earning a place on the Dean’s List for all eight semesters. His passion for leadership and community advocacy is evident through his involvement in various organizations. As a Youth Advisory Group Member at ALLCOVE Half Moon Bay, Ryan plays a key role in shaping the development of a local Allcove center, ensuring that youth voices are represented in mental health initiatives. Additionally, he is an active member of the Latine Undergrad Network of Activists Advocates (LUNA) and serves as a Youth Commissioner on the San Mateo County Behavioral Health Commission, working to support and improve mental health resources for young people in his community. Ryan’s career aspirations lie in the field of risk management, particularly within the nonprofit and academic sectors. He is eager to begin his journey as an insurance underwriter, where he can apply his knowledge and leadership experience to help organizations mitigate risks and operate more effectively. His commitment to this field is reflected in his professional experiences, including his role as a Student Assistant to the Risk Manager at USFCA. Additionally, as a Youth Ambassador and founding member of Ayudando Latinos A Soñar (ALAS), Ryan oversees the Sueño Scholars Program and serves as a youth liaison, further strengthening his leadership and mentorship skills. His dedication to the field of risk management was recently recognized when he was awarded the University Risk Management and Insurance Association (URMIA) Student Scholarship, allowing him to attend their 2024 conference in New Orleans. With a strong foundation in leadership, advocacy, and risk management, Ryan is eager to continue making a meaningful impact in his community and beyond. We invite our community members in search for quality latino leaders like Ryan to reach out directly to him via his LinkedIn profile. #JuntosAdelante ### Isabella Guerrero - SVL Collegiate Cultura Ambassador URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/cultura-ambassador/isabella-guerrero-svl-collegiate-cultura-ambassador/ Last updated: 2026-09-11T19:17:04.000Z We’re thrilled to introduce [Isabella Guerrero](https://www.linkedin.com/in/isabellaguerrero-/), a results-oriented Senior at Santa Clara University studying Business Management and Entrepreneurship. With a proven track record in sales, startup management, digital marketing, and data analytics. Isabella is currently a senior at Santa Clara University Leavey School of Business, where she is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Commerce with a major in Management and a minor in Entrepreneurship. She is set to graduate early in March 2025. At Santa Clara University, Isabella has actively contributed to various organizations, serving on the DEI Committee in Kappa Alpha Theta, mentoring in the Entrepreneurship Program, and being selected to join the [Venture Virtuoso 2024 Cohort](https://www.scu.edu/cioccacenter/students/venture-virtuoso/). Most recently, Isabella competed as a [VCIC (Venture Capital Investment Competition)](https://www.vcic.org/)[ ](https://www.vcic.org/)member at USC, showcasing her skills in startup evaluation, investment strategy, and venture capital decision-making. Her results-oriented mindset is evident in her role as a Sales Consultant at AT&T, consistently exceeding sales goals by an average of 160% and earning recognition as a Top Sales Performer. In addition to her sales expertise, she is also a Marketing Specialist at [Fuel AI ](https://gofuel.ai/)(SCU BVA Startup), where she has successfully driven a 10x increase in customer sign-ups, expanded the company’s presence to over 100 countries, and executed high-impact digital marketing campaigns. Her entrepreneurial mindset was evident early on as the Founder of [That’s So Rad](https://www.instagram.com/thatssorad.co/), a tie-dye clothing brand she successfully launched and scaled through e-commerce, SEO optimization, and influencer marketing. Passionate about business innovation, sales, venture capital, and digital marketing, Isabella is eager to continue growing in industries where strategy, creativity, and data-driven decision-making converge. We invite our community members to reach out to her if you are in need of a latina leader with her qualifications! ### Healing and Hope: Humanitarian Assistance & Health Services for Immigrants URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/social-impact-advocates/healing-and-hope-humanitarian-assistance-health-services-for-immigrants/ Last updated: 2026-09-11T19:17:05.000Z At Silicon Valley Latino, we understand that immigration is more than just a journey—it’s a leap of faith filled with hope, challenges, and the pursuit of a better future. In times of uncertainty, what truly matters is the network of organizations and individuals who step up to ensure immigrants and refugees are met with dignity, compassion, and the resources they need to thrive here in California and across the country. From immediate humanitarian aid to long-term mental health services, these community-driven efforts embody the spirit of resilience and solidarity. In this installment of our Immigrant Support Series, we highlight organizations providing vital humanitarian and health services to immigrant communities in California. Their work ensures individuals and families can find stability, healing, and hope amid difficult transitions. --- **African Communities Public Health Coalition (ACPHC)** 📍 *Location: Santa Monica* 🌐 [African Communities Public Health Coalition](https://africancoalition.org/) **Services:** Mental health care, legal services, and public health advocacy ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/560_African_Coalition_SVL_article_600x600.jpg) The African Communities Public Health Coalition is dedicated to serving African immigrant communities through culturally sensitive mental health care, legal support, and health education. Their holistic approach addresses both physical wellness and the emotional and psychological needs of immigrants adjusting to new environments. **Notable Achievements:** - Offers mental health counseling tailored to African immigrants’ cultural experiences. - Provides legal assistance for immigration-related cases and social services. - Hosts community health fairs and educational workshops to promote wellness. --- **Ayudando Latinos a Soñar (ALAS)** 📍 *Location: Half Moon Bay* 🌐 [ALAS](https://www.alasdreams.com/) **Services:** Cultural programs, mental health support, immigration casework, and farmworker advocacy ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/562_AlasLogo_Color-01_600x600.png) ALAS, which translates to "Helping Latinos Dream," is a community-rooted nonprofit dedicated to uplifting Latino immigrants, farmworkers, and their families in Half Moon Bay and beyond. ALAS’s comprehensive services include bilingual mental health counseling, legal navigation for immigration cases, cultural programs, and essential farmworker advocacy. The organization is a pillar in the community, ensuring that Latino immigrants are supported holistically—from mental health care to cultural celebration. **Notable Achievements:** - Provides culturally competent, bilingual mental health services to individuals and families. - Advocates for farmworker rights, working directly with local and state policymakers. - Hosts educational workshops, art programs, and community events to strengthen cultural identity and resilience. - Offers direct assistance with immigration casework, helping families navigate complex legal systems. - Actively supports farmworkers with food distribution, housing resources, and emergency assistance. At Silicon Valley Latino, we are proud to support ALAS and its unwavering commitment to immigrant communities. --- **South Asian Network (SAN)** 📍 *Location: Artesia & Los Angeles* 🌐 [South Asian Network](https://southasiannetwork.org/) **Services:** Health services, legal support, citizenship assistance, and advocacy ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/885_SAN_480x480.jpg) The South Asian Network focuses on dismantling barriers to health, wellness, and social justice for South Asian immigrants in Southern California. By providing accessible health care navigation, citizenship assistance, and legal advocacy, SAN ensures marginalized South Asian communities receive the resources they need to thrive. **Notable Achievements:** - Offers comprehensive health services tailored to South Asian cultural contexts. - Provides legal support, including Know Your Rights workshops and citizenship application guidance. - Organizes grassroots advocacy campaigns to promote immigrant rights and equity. - Hosts community outreach programs that educate and empower families. --- **Fostering Wellness & Dignity for All** Access to health care and humanitarian assistance is a fundamental right. These organizations—ALAS, ACPHC, and SAN—serve as lifelines for immigrants facing hardship, ensuring they receive essential care, advocacy, and respect. At Silicon Valley Latino, we encourage you to: ✅ Learn more about these organizations and their impact ✅ Volunteer, donate, or share their initiatives with your network ✅ Advocate for policies that support health equity for immigrant communities 💡 *Together, we can ensure that healing, dignity, and hope reach everyone who calls our communities home.* Stay tuned for the final feature in our **Immigrant Support Series**, celebrating the remarkable organizations working tirelessly to uplift immigrant communities. #ImmigrantSupport #HealthEquity #HumanitarianAid #SiliconValleyLatino ### Lily Ontiveros - SVL Collegiate Cultura Ambassador URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/cultura-ambassador/lily-ontiveros-svl-collegiate-cultura-ambassador/ Last updated: 2026-09-14T16:26:45.000Z We’re thrilled to introduce [Lily Ontiveros](https://www.linkedin.com/in/lilyontiveros/), a dynamic Collegiate Cultura Ambassador at Silicon Valley Latino! A senior at Santa Clara University’s Leavey School of Business, Liliana is a double major in Marketing and Spanish, with a minor in Retail Studies. Liliana Ontiveros is currently in the winter quarter of her senior year at the Leavey School of Business at Santa Clara University. She is double majoring in Marketing and Spanish with a minor in Retail Studies. Throughout her time at Santa Clara University, she has had the privilege of participating in various extracurricular organizations, including the ACE Leadership Program, where she served as a member, mentee, and mentor. Additionally, she joined the Bronco Academy of Mentorship, starting as a mentor in her junior year and now serving as the Mentorship Chair for this term. Within her sorority, Alpha Delta Pi (Theta Pi chapter), she has held two officer positions, serving as Director of Inclusion and Wellness Specialist. She has also served as President of the Panhellenic Honor Society during her junior year, where she facilitated connections among collegiate women in Greek life through community service events and an award ceremony. Liliana has also had the pleasure of working at Coherus BioSciences as a digital marketing intern, at [Study.com](http://study.com/) as a growth marketing intern and at SVA Life Sciences Consulting as a Digital marketing intern. She is expected to graduate with academic Cum Laude honors in June 2025. After graduation, she aspires to collaborate on marketing campaigns that foster connection through authentic storytelling in the retail industry while championing diversity, equity, and inclusion. The Bay Area’s dynamic and innovative business environment aligns perfectly with her ambition to work with forward-thinking retail companies while staying close to her family and friends. We invite our community members to reach out to her if you are in need of a latina leader with her qualifications! ### Providing Stability: Resettlement & Social Services for Immigrants URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/social-impact-advocates/providing-stability-resettlement-social-services-for-immigrants/ Last updated: 2026-09-11T19:17:07.000Z In this third week of highlighting and promoting the work Immigration Services Organizations are doing we, Silicon Valley Latino, recognize that resettling in a new country comes with many challenges. Immigrants and refugees often arrive with little more than hope and determination, yet they face significant barriers to housing, employment, healthcare, and legal assistance. That’s where resettlement and social service organizations step in—offering critical support to help immigrants build stable, thriving lives in their new communities. In this installment of our Immigrant Support Series, we highlight organizations in California that are making a profound impact by providing resettlement assistance, mental health support, and essential social services. --- **International Rescue Committee (IRC)** Locations: Sacramento, Oakland, San Diego, Turlock, San Jose, Los Angeles Services: Resettlement assistance, legal aid, youth programming, and workforce development Website: [IRC](https://www.rescue.org/united-states) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/787_IRC_Northern_California_600x600.jpg) Overview: The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is one of the world’s leading organizations assisting refugees and displaced populations. In California, IRC provides newly arrived immigrants with housing assistance, job placement programs, citizenship services, and youth education programs to help families integrate into their new communities. Notable Achievements: - Helped thousands of refugees secure stable housing and employment. - Provides legal aid to help immigrants navigate the citizenship process. - Offers specialized support for immigrant youth, including mentorship and education programs. --- **Jewish Family Service Organizations** Locations: San Diego, Silicon Valley (Los Gatos), Long Beach, Orange County, East Bay (Concord) Services: Shelter, resettlement assistance, refugee support, direct services Websites: [Jewish Family Service of San Diego](https://www.jfssd.org/) | [Jewish Family Services of Silicon Valley](https://www.jfssv.org/) | [Jewish Family and Community Services East Bay](https://jfcs-eastbay.org/our-services/refugee-services/) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/797_JFS_Silicon_Valley_600x600.jpg) Overview: These organizations offer comprehensive resettlement and social services tailored to the needs of immigrants and refugees. Their programs include financial assistance, trauma counseling, job readiness training, and legal support to help individuals and families achieve long-term stability. Notable Achievements: - Successfully resettled thousands of refugees and asylum seekers across California. - Provides trauma-informed counseling and mental health services. - Runs programs to help immigrants gain self-sufficiency through career and financial literacy training. --- **Canal Alliance** Location: San Rafael Services: Legal aid, workforce development, advocacy, and citizenship support Website: [Canal Alliance](https://www.canalalliance.org/) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/605_Canal_Alliance_600x600.jpg) Overview: Canal Alliance is dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty for Latino immigrants. Their services include legal aid for citizenship and DACA renewals, workforce training programs, and educational support for youth and adults seeking new opportunities. Notable Achievements: - Provides career pathways and workforce development programs for immigrant job seekers. - Helps families with citizenship applications and legal services. - Runs academic programs to ensure immigrant youth have access to educational success. --- Empowering New Beginnings These organizations provide a lifeline for immigrants and refugees seeking stability in California. Their work ensures that every individual, no matter where they come from, has the opportunity to rebuild their life with dignity and hope. At Silicon Valley Latino, we encourage you to: ✅ Learn more about these organizations ✅ Support their programs through donations or volunteering ✅ Share their mission with your network 💡 Together, we create pathways for opportunity and success. Stay tuned for next weeks feature in our Immigrant Support Series as we continue to shine a light on these changemakers supporting immigrant communities across California especially during these trying times. #ImmigrantSupport #Resettlement #SocialServices #SiliconValleyLatino #JuntosAdelante ### Rosales Sisters Scholarship Campesinos Screening URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/social-impact-advocates/rosales-sisters-scholarship-campesinos-screening/ Last updated: 2026-10-01T12:23:42.000Z We're thrilled to welcome **Olga Rosales Salinas** as our newest contributing writer at **Silicon Valley Latino**! Olga brings a deep passion for storytelling that uplifts our comunidad, and we’re excited to feature her voice. In her latest article, Olga recaps the **Rosales Sisters’ Scholarship’s** (RSS) impactful screening of *Campesinos: America's Unsung Heroes* in Watsonville. The event, a partnership with **Silicon Valley Latino** and **The SVL Agency**, brought together community leaders, students, and allies to honor the vital contributions of the campesino community. With a sold-out audience and nearly **$14,000 raised** for Pajaro Valley Unified School District students, the evening was a powerful testament to the strength of collective action. Read on to learn more about this inspiring event and the ongoing work of RSS in supporting first-generation and immigrant students. Welcome, Olga—we look forward to your contributions! On November 16th, the Rosales Sisters’ Scholarship (RSS) proudly hosted a screening of the award-winning documentary Campesinos: America's Unsung Heroes, directed by Joe Poni, at the Cinelux Theaters in Watsonville. This special event, which featured a panel discussion with the film's producer along with key community members, including a Rosales Sisters’ Scholarship 2024 student awardee, was made possible through a partnership with Silicon Valley Latino and The SVL Agency. ![Viewers of CAMPESINOS: America's Unsung Heroes in Watsonville, CA](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/717_IMG_0268_1024x1024.jpg) ###### Photo Credit: Rosales Sisters The Rosales Sisters’ Scholarship has been a vital source of support for first-generation and immigrant students, providing them with essential financial assistance, opportunities, and resources. Since 2019, we have contributed to the Pajaro Valley Unified School District, but the screening of this film marked our inaugural fundraising effort in Watsonville. We were truly heartened by the warm reception we received, especially from the generous sponsors who purchased tickets on behalf of campesino families and students alike. The event was a resounding success, selling out with over 220 attendees who gathered to support the Campesino community. Thanks to generous sponsorships from organizations like Kaiser Permanente, Watsonville Police Department, CRR Insurance, Pepitos Paletas, and ticket sales, we raised nearly $14,000 to benefit Pajaro Valley Unified School District students. Community partnerships with the Pajaro Valley Unified, United Farm Workers (UFW), Watsonville Film Festival, Freedom Rotary Club, NHORA, and local dignitaries, including Santa Cruz County Supervisor Felipe Hernandez, allowed us to highlight the critical needs of the campesino community with the respect and visibility it deserves. The panel discussion further enriched the evening, featuring insightful contributions from Lizett Rodriguez Pena, Esq.; Ruby Ann Vásquez; Dr. Ann Lopez, Ph.D.; Consuelo Alba; and Adam Mendoza. They engaged the audience in an open forum covering vital topics such as empowering youth, utilizing technology to support the Campesino community, allyship, and the implications of new administrative policies on immigration reform. The timing of the event was particularly poignant, coming just two weeks after the 2024 election cycle, where emotions were understandably high given the recent political landscape. With the newly elected administration's focus on policies affecting the campesino community, the discussion felt especially urgent. Attendees left not only with a deeper understanding of the issues but also armed with practical information on how to protect one another, including details about [Red Card resources](https://www.ilrc.org/red-cards-tarjetas-rojas). Despite the political shift that led to a Republican majority in the House, Senate, and White House, the event highlighted the importance of community solidarity and engagement. We ended the night celebrating a Watsonville High School RSS 2024 Scholarship Awardee. This student shared her experience as a first-generation Latina and her experience in her first-semester in college. Looking ahead, we are excited for more opportunities to present this powerful documentary and to continue fostering important conversations within our community. Through a growing partnership with Silicon Valley Latino and Silicon Valley Agency, RSS knows we can make a significant difference in the lives of students and marginalized communities as a whole. Learn more about the [Rosales Sisters’ Scholarship by visiting our website](http://rsscholarship.com/), joining our newsletter, or following our social media pages. As a subscriber of Silicon Valley Latino and [The SVL Agency](https://www.thesvlagency.com/), you will be in the know of future RSS and Silicon Valley Latino and The SVL Agency collaborations. Thank you for reading and supporting our mutually important work and we invite you to watch the summary video of the event below. #JuntosAdelante ### Amplifying Immigrant Voices: Community Advocacy Organizations Leading the Way URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/social-impact-advocates/amplifying-immigrant-voices-community-advocacy-organizations-leading-the-way/ Last updated: 2026-09-11T19:17:08.000Z We know that true change happens when communities come together to demand justice, equity, and dignity for all. Silicon Valley Latino in its ongoing Immigrant Support Series, we shift our focus to Community Advocacy & Organizing—the vital work of grassroots organizations empowering immigrants to stand up for their rights and shape the policies that affect their lives. These organizations go beyond providing direct services—they mobilize communities to protect individuals and families who have come to this country to find a better life for themselves, advocate for systemic change, and work tirelessly to build a more inclusive future. In this second edition, we highlight three incredible organizations leading advocacy efforts across California: --- San Diego Immigrant Rights Coalition (SDIRC) Location: San Diego Services: Advocacy, community organizing, and immigrant rights education Website: [San Diego Immigrant Rights Coalition](https://www.immigrantsandiego.org/) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/886_SDIRC_600x600.jpg) Overview: San Diego Immigrant Rights Coalition (SDIRC) is a powerful grassroots organization that unites immigrants, advocates, and allies to fight for justice. Through leadership development, civic engagement, and policy advocacy, SDIRC empowers immigrants to take an active role in shaping the policies that impact their lives. Notable Achievements: - Successfully campaigned to prevent local law enforcement collaboration with ICE, protecting thousands of families. - Provided Know Your Rights training to thousands of immigrants, ensuring they understand their protections under the law. - Built a strong coalition of immigrant-led groups advocating for humane and just immigration policies at the state and national levels. --- Inland Coalition for Immigrant Justice (ICIJ) Location: San Bernardino Services: Community organizing, deportation defense, and policy advocacy Website: [Inland Coalition for Immigrant Justice](https://ic4ij.org/) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/789_Inland_Coalition_Immigrant_Justice_600x600.jpg) Overview: ICIJ is a network of over 35 organizations dedicated to advancing immigrant justice in the Inland Empire. They provide rapid response services for those facing deportation, advocate for immigrant-friendly policies, and engage in community outreach to educate and mobilize residents. Notable Achievements: - Successfully lobbied to end local agreements between law enforcement and ICE. - Launched an emergency relief fund for families affected by deportation. - Led statewide advocacy efforts for stronger immigrant protections and access to legal resources. --- Services, Immigrant Rights, and Education Network (SIREN) Location: Fresno & San Jose Services: Legal support, community organizing, advocacy, and civic engagement Website: [SIREN](https://www.siren-bayarea.org/) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/887_SIREN_Immigrant_Rights_SVL_600x600.jpg) Overview: SIREN is at the forefront of grassroots organizing, legal advocacy, and immigrant empowerment in California. They work to ensure that immigrant voices are heard in policy decisions and provide legal aid to those navigating the complex immigration system. Notable Achievements: - Provided thousands of immigrants with free legal consultations and assistance with citizenship applications. - Successfully fought for local and state policies expanding protections for undocumented immigrants. - Trained community leaders in civic engagement, empowering them to become advocates for immigrant justice. --- How You Can Support These organizations, day in and day out, remind us that change begins at the grassroots level. Their work ensures that immigrant communities are informed, protected, and empowered to stand up for their rights. At Silicon Valley Latino, we encourage you to: ✅ Learn more about their advocacy efforts ✅ Attend their community events and trainings ✅ Share their work on social media ✅ Donate or volunteer to strengthen their impact 💡 When we amplify immigrant voices, we build a more just and inclusive future for all of us. Stay tuned for the next installment in our Immigrant Support Series, where we will continue to highlight and support the incredible changemakers across California! #CommunityAdvocacy #JuntosAdelante #ImmigrantRights #SiliconValleyLatino ### Inspiring Introduction to our SVL Collegiate Cultura Ambassadors URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/cultura-ambassador/inspiring-introduction-to-our-svl-collegiate-cultura-ambassadors/ Last updated: 2026-09-28T21:55:51.000Z At Silicon Valley Latino, we are excited to share, highlight and celebrate the voices of our future leaders—the young individuals who are paving the way for meaningful change within our communities and beyond. As we share the profiles of our talented Collegiate Cultura Ambassadors, let’s take a moment to reflect on the immense potential each story holds. These individuals are more than just students; they are passionate changemakers, community builders, and advocates for diversity, equity, and inclusion. This layout is not just about showcasing academic achievements; it’s about telling the unique journey of each ambassador, sharing their leadership efforts, and amplifying their aspirations for the future. Together, we’ll ensure that these bios not only inspire others but also provide a platform for these exceptional students to shine brightly in the larger narrative of Latinx success. Let’s dive into each profile with the intention of capturing the essence of who these young leaders are and the extraordinary impact they’re destined to have. --- · Name: **Liliana Ontiveros** · University: Santa Clara University, Leavey School of Business · Major/Minor: Double Major in Marketing and Spanish, Minor in Retail Studies ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/835_Lily_Headshot_600x600.jpg) Academic Highlights: · Senior at Santa Clara University’s Leavey School of Business. · Double major in Marketing and Spanish with a minor in Retail Studies. Leadership & Extracurriculars: · Member, mentee, and mentor in the ACE Leadership Program. · Mentorship Chair at Bronco Academy of Mentorship. · Held two officer positions in Alpha Delta Pi (Theta Pi chapter): Director of Inclusion and Wellness Specialist. · President of the Panhellenic Honor Society, facilitating connections among collegiate women in Greek life. Career Aspirations: · Aspires to work on marketing campaigns that foster connection through authentic storytelling in the retail industry. · Passionate about championing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the Bay Area’s innovative business environment. Internships: - Coherus BioSciences as a digital marketing intern - Study.com as a growth marketing intern. - SVA Life Sciences Consulting as a Digital Marketing intern. Call to Action: · Learn more about our Collegiate Cultura Ambassadors and Lily by reaching out to her on her [LinkedIn page.](https://www.linkedin.com/in/lilyontiveros/) --- · Name: **Ryan Lopez** · University: University of San Francisco · Major/Minor: Senior Politics Major ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/884_Ryan_Lopez_Headshot_600x600.jpg) Academic Highlights: · Senior Politics Major at the University of San Francisco. Leadership & Extracurriculars: · Member of the Latine Undergrad Network of Activists Advocates (LUNA). · Youth Commissioner on the San Mateo Behavioral Health Commission. Career Aspirations: · Passionate about becoming an effective Risk Manager in the academic and non-profit realms. · Recipient of a University Risk Management and Insurance Association (URMIA) scholarship for their 2024 Conference in New Orleans. Interships/Work: \- Youth Ambassador at Ayudando Latinos A Soñar (ALAS) for 12 years and founding member. Call to Action: · Learn more about our Collegiate Cultura Ambassadors and Ryan by reaching out to him on his [LinkedIn page](https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-lopez-746068242/). --- Name: **Isabella Guerrero** · University: Santa Clara University · Major/Minor: Business Management / Entrepreneurship ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/708_Headshot_600x600.heic.jpg) Academic Highlights: · Senior at Santa Clara University studying Business Management with a minor in Entrepreneurship Leadership & Extracurriculars: · Member of the Women in Business. · Part of the Member Venture Virtuoso Cohort 2024 Career Aspirations: · Pursue a career in tech sales where she can level her skills to drive innovation, foster relationships and contribute to a foward thinking organization. Internships/Work: \- Current Sales Consultant at AT&T. Call to Action: · Learn more about our Collegiate Cultura Ambassadors and Isabella by reaching out to her on her [LinkedIn page.](https://www.linkedin.com/in/isabellaguerrero-/) --- Name: **Ivan Hernandez** · University: Santa Clara University · Major/Minor: Bachelor of Finance ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/792_Ivan_Head_Shot_SVL_Collegiate_Cultura_Ambassador_600x600.jpg) Bio Sections: Academic Highlights: · Senior Bachelor of Finance at Santa Clara University. Leadership & Extracurriculars: · Member of the Latins Business Student Association. · SCU Finance Association · SCU Latinx Leadership Incubator Career Aspirations: · He aspires to leverage the financial litigation experiences to become a strong financial analyst Internships/Work: \- Ivan has worked on 24 financial litigation cases over three summer internships Call to Action: · Learn more about our Collegiate Cultura Ambassadors and Ivan by reaching out to him on his [LinkedIn page](https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivan-hernandez-510scu/). **Interested in Joining as SVL Collegiate Cultura Ambassador?** If you’re a student eager to make a meaningful impact in your community and beyond, we invite you to consider becoming part of our SVL Collegiate Cultura Ambassador initiative. Together, we can continue to uplift Latino voices and create a brighter future for all. Interested? [Learn more about joining our program](https://svlatino.com/#/portal/signup/6a8db2d43e7c840008178b04/yearlyproducts/svl-collegiate-cultura-ambassador) today and reach out to the current Ambassadors above! #JuntosAdelante ### Standing with Our Immigrant Communities: A Spotlight on Advocacy and Support URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/social-impact-advocates/standing-with-our-immigrant-communities-a-spotlight-on-advocacy-and-support/ Last updated: 2026-10-07T21:16:53.000Z At Silicon Valley Latino, we believe in the power of storytelling and community action. As immigration policies continue to shift, many individuals and families in our communities are facing increased uncertainty, challenges and violence. But they are not alone. Across California, dedicated organizations are providing legal aid, direct support, and advocacy to uplift and empower immigrants. Over the coming weeks, we will highlight some of these vital organizations, showcasing their impactful work and the resources they offer. Our goal is to inform, inspire action, and connect our audience with ways to support these efforts. Whether through volunteering, donating, or sharing their mission, every contribution strengthens our comunidad and thus our Country. We begin this spotlight series with organizations leading the charge in legal advocacy—ensuring that immigrants have the support they need to navigate an increasingly complex system. These legal aid groups provide critical representation and resources to protect the rights of those seeking a better future. --- **Al Otro Lado** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/561_Al_Otro_Lado_Image_480x480.jpg) Locations: San Ysidro, Los Angeles, San Diego Services: Legal and direct support Website: [Al Otro Lado](https://alotrolado.org/aboutus) Overview: Al Otro Lado is a bi-national organization offering holistic legal and humanitarian support to refugees, deportees, and other migrants in the U.S. and Tijuana. Their multidisciplinary, client-centered approach is grounded in harm reduction principles, ensuring that the most vulnerable individuals receive quality legal representation and essential resources. Notable Achievements: - Legal Victories: In 2017, Al Otro Lado filed a lawsuit challenging the U.S. Customs and Border Protection's (CBP) practice of "metering," which involved turning away asylum seekers at the U.S.-Mexico border. A federal court recently ruled that this practice was unlawful, marking a significant win for asylum seekers' rights ([ABC 10 News San Diego)](https://www.10news.com/). - Media Recognition: The organization's efforts have been highlighted in New York Magazine and The New York Times, underscoring their pivotal role in advocating for migrant rights. [Al Otro Lado](https://alotrolado.org/) Additional Information: Al Otro Lado’s Border Rights Project, established in late 2016, was developed in response to U.S. immigration policies and border enforcement practices. This initiative provides migrants with crucial information about their rights and the asylum process, ensuring they are not left without guidance during critical moments. [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/AlOtroLadoOrg/) --- **Immigrant Defenders Law Center (ImmDef)** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/788_Immigrant_Defenders_Law_Center_Image_480x480.png) Location: San Diego Services: Legal support Website: [ImmDef](https://www.immdef.org/) Overview: ImmDef is a next-generation social justice law firm dedicated to defending immigrant communities against injustices within the immigration system. With offices in Riverside, Los Angeles, Santa Ana, and San Diego, they serve multiple counties and provide representation in various ICE detention centers and unaccompanied youth shelters. [IMMDEF](https://www.immdef.org/) Notable Achievements: - Litigation Efforts: ImmDef has been involved in groundbreaking litigation, such as the Innovation Law Lab v. McAleenan case, which challenged the Trump administration's "Remain in Mexico" policy. This policy required asylum seekers to stay in Mexico while their U.S. immigration cases were pending, a practice that faced significant legal challenges. [IMMDEF](https://www.immdef.org/litigation-and-advocacy) - Client Success Stories: The organization has successfully represented numerous clients, including a father of two who escaped political persecution and was granted asylum in the U.S. These victories exemplify ImmDef’s unwavering commitment to justice. [IMMDEF](https://www.immdef.org/) Additional Information: ImmDef emphasizes a client-centered approach, ensuring that individuals receive comprehensive legal support tailored to their unique circumstances. Their team is composed of dedicated professionals committed to upholding justice and defending the rights of immigrants. --- These organizations play a crucial role in providing legal aid and advocacy for immigrants in California, ensuring that individuals receive the support and representation they need during challenging times. Their work is vital, and we encourage our audience to explore ways to contribute—whether by supporting their initiatives, amplifying their messages, or volunteering time and resources. Together, we can uplift and empower our comunidad. #JuntosAdelante ### Standing with Farmworker Communities: Honoring Resilience and Advocating for Equity URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/social-impact-advocates/standing-with-farmworker-communities-honoring-resilience-and-advocating-for-equity/ Last updated: 2026-09-14T16:28:53.000Z **Reflecting on Half Moon Bay: A Community in Mourning** Two years ago, a devastating tragedy shook the Half Moon Bay community when a mass shooting claimed the lives of seven farmworkers. This tragedy not only highlighted the struggles faced by these essential workers but also the urgent need for systemic reform to address unsafe living conditions and the ongoing threat of deportation. Today, as farmworker communities continue to navigate these challenges, we are called to honor the memories of those lost and fight for the dignity, equity, and safety of every family. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/535_348388738_1294822607805038_3649647414843763444_n_600x600.jpg) **The Fight for Farmworker Equity and Housing** Farmworkers, the backbone of our agricultural economy, often live in substandard housing conditions while facing barriers to healthcare, mental health resources, and economic security. With heightened threats of deportation under the new administration, the urgency for community-driven solutions has never been greater. Thankfully, organizations like Ayudando Latinos A Soñar (ALAS), a Silicon Valley Latino supported organization, are stepping up to lead the charge. ALAS is championing initiatives like the 555 Kelly Project—a landmark affordable housing development for farmworker families—and advocating for mental health equity and immigrant rights. **Celebrating the Work of ALAS** ALAS’s impact extends far beyond housing advocacy. From representing Coastside communities in Washington, D.C., to hosting cultural events and providing resources for farmworker families, ALAS is a beacon of hope for those who need it most. Discover more about their efforts and recent milestones: - [Victory for Farmworkers: ALAS 555 Kelly Project Gains Approval](https://svlatino.com/blogs/silicon-valley-latino-2/victory-for-farmworkers-alas-555-kelly-project-gains-approval) - [ALAS CEO Belinda Hernandez-Arriaga Represents Coastside in Washington, D.C.](https://svlatino.com/blogs/silicon-valley-latino-2/alas-ceo-belinda-hernandez-arriaga-represents-coastside-in-washington-d-c) - [Empowering Communities: Dr. Hernandez-Arriaga’s Call to Action at the White House Gun Violence Summit](https://svlatino.com/blogs/news/empowering-communities-dr-hernandez-arriaga-s-call-to-action-at-the-white-house-gun-violence-summit) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/929_Screenshot_2025-01-27_at_11.19.31_600x600.png) **Join Us in Supporting Farmworker Communities** At Silicon Valley Latino, we are committed to amplifying these stories and creating opportunities for action. Together, we can ensure that farmworkers receive the resources, dignity, and protections they deserve. Explore more stories and learn how you can get involved: - [ALAS and NFWM Host Remembrance Honoring Half Moon Bay Farm Workers](https://nfwm.org/news/alas-nfwm-host-remembrance-honoring-half-moon-bay-farm-workers/) - [2 Years Later: Victims of Farmworker Shooting Honored in Half Moon Bay](https://www.smdailyjournal.com/news/local/2-years-later-victims-of-farmworker-shooting-honored-in-half-moon-bay/article%5F2ce158e0-da0b-11ef-81bd-6b902a644b5f.html) - [Creating Change: July 2023 Updates](https://sd13.senate.ca.gov/news/newsletters/july-18-2023/creating-change-july-2023) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/589_BP_ALAS_210403_2_600x600.jpg) **The Invitation to Help:** Let’s keep standing together, with love in our hearts and the courage this moment demands. When we believe in our collective people power, anything is possible. [Learn More About ALAS](https://alasdreams.com/) #JuntosAdelante ### Michael Archuleta: Transforming Rural Healthcare Through Innovation and Leadership URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/business/michael-archuleta-transforming-rural-healthcare-through-innovation-and-leadership/ Last updated: 2026-09-11T19:52:49.000Z Silicon Valley Latino proudly celebrates the outstanding accomplishments of our Advisory Board Member, [*Michael Archuleta*](https://pjg5nwjab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Fhxxme5J6LHeenhagvHIEw9b%5F4SaAMMAkSkoKqjpThp%5F-0RDWZHjAdB2alzhHNRSKMwFbGmhm-hf54Nc7a-0FeAZ3%5FXqwQC8NfviZ0o43rJaa2m0fkZghpjX8qsi%5FWJsumRnrC5ngALYtQPb2wQKj7oy3XE9K7k0HGtqUaA20ctnYJZG10jAuBfBJfsvSsB3&c=&ch=), as he concludes his transformative tenure as an eHealth Commissioner for the State of Colorado. Over the past three years, Michael has led groundbreaking initiatives that have revolutionized healthcare for rural communities. From championing the R7 Sustainability Fund to advancing health IT cybersecurity and innovation, his work has strengthened infrastructure, enhanced digital resilience, and ensured equitable care for underserved areas. His unwavering dedication to collaboration and innovation has empowered healthcare providers with the tools to deliver better care. Michael’s visionary leadership exemplifies what’s possible when passion meets purpose. Congratulations, Michael, on this incredible legacy—you continue to inspire and elevate us all! #CreoEnTi #CreoEnNosotros ### ALAS CEO Belinda Hernandez-Arriaga Represents Coastside in Washington D.C. URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/social-impact-advocates/alas-ceo-belinda-hernandez-arriaga-represents-coastside-in-washington-d-c/ Last updated: 2026-09-15T12:16:37.000Z Silicon Valley Latino is proud to celebrate the continued inspiring leadership of our Advisory Board member, [Dr. Belinda Hernandez-Arriaga](https://www.linkedin.com/in/belindahernandezarriaga/), as she champions the mission of [Ayudando Latinos A Soñar](https://www.alasdreams.com/) (ALAS) on a national stage. On the first Friday of 2025, Belinda had the honor of representing ALAS in the heart of Washington, D.C., bringing the voices, stories, and dreams of farmworker families and the Coastside community to the forefront of national conversations. “2025 is our year to rise—united, grounded in our values, and fighting for the dignity of every child and family in America,” Belinda shared, radiating the passion and determination that have become hallmarks of her leadership. ![Image by Belinda in Washington DC for Adam Schiff Swearing In](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/595_Belinda_DC_ALAS_Trip_2025-2_600x600.jpg) Her visit was marked by powerful moments with key leaders and allies, beginning with Congresswoman Lateefah Simon, whose advocacy and fearless love for justice were an inspiration. Belinda witnessed Senator Adam D. Schiff being sworn in as California’s next senator and was moved by his commitment to advancing ALAS’s dream of bringing 555 Kelly—affordable farmworker housing—to fruition. Coastside Congressman Sam Liccardo also reaffirmed his promise to protect immigrant families, an issue at the heart of ALAS’s mission, while Senator Alex Padilla expressed his steadfast support for mental health and farmworker rights. The day ended on a deeply personal note as Belinda connected with Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz. His journey from the son of farmworkers to a 13-year veteran of Congress served as a powerful reminder of what is possible when opportunity meets determination. Throughout her time in Washington, Belinda also reflected on the unwavering support of Congresswoman Anna G. Eshoo, who has walked alongside ALAS, not just as an advocate but as a leader who truly sees the community she serves. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/596_Belinda_DC_ALAS_Trip_2025_600x600.jpg) This trip underscored the power of collective action and the importance of community-driven advocacy. “Familia let’s keep standing together, with all the love in our hearts and the courage that this moment demands,” Belinda urged. “When we believe in our collective people power, anything is possible.” Silicon Valley Latino celebrates Dr. Belinda Hernandez-Arriaga’s fearless leadership and ongoing dedication to uplifting our Latino communities. Her work serves as a reminder that when we stand united, grounded in our values, we can achieve transformative change. Congratulations, Belinda, on continuing to inspire and lead with Corazón. We look forward to seeing the impact you and ALAS will create in 2025 and beyond. ### Honrama Cellars: A Celebration of Generations and the Spirit of Napa Valley URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/business/honrama-cellars-a-celebration-of-generations-and-the-spirit-of-napa-valley/ Last updated: 2026-09-11T19:54:20.000Z In the heart of Napa Valley, [*Honrama Cellars*](https://www.honramacellars.com/honramacellars) stands as a testament to opportunity, resilience, and the enduring bond between generations. Founded in 2008 by Juan and Miriam Ramirez, the winery pays tribute to Honorio Ramirez Mata, a man whose hard work and vision paved the way for his family’s future. Honorio’s journey began in Guanajuato, Mexico, where life offered few opportunities. Guided by determination, he migrated to Napa Valley, dedicating his life to nurturing vineyards and harvesting grapes. Honrama Cellars, named in his honor, reflects the family’s deep respect for his sacrifices and their shared passion for winemaking. Today, Honrama’s wines—particularly their full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon—embody the essence of the region and the labor of love that runs through their family’s history. Each bottle is a celebration of the hands that tend the vines and the stories that inspire generations to dream bigger. Visitors to *Honrama Cellars* are welcomed into a space where heritage and craftsmanship come together, offering an unforgettable taste of Napa Valley’s beauty and spirit. Get out and support latino owned businesses by buying from them! #JuntosAdelante #CreoEnNosotros ### Celebrating Excellence: José Benitez Cong Named to the 2024 Talent 100! URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/business/celebrating-excellence-jose-benitez-cong-named-to-the-2024-talent-100/ Last updated: 2026-09-11T19:55:28.000Z We’re thrilled to celebrate *[José Benitez Cong](https://pjg5nwjab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001tfRoZfo3YVLnM836TeiMQtiGwxj2vv6SNVBRRMOAbqdOSWLmazCWccMNhrt-XCXJ7DsouQUmdBxmmIGcYm6wu%5FgrPiLqCTEtM85U%5FUVcjqEcahNeESV27GzZP0XNcq6mJ9wdMwv9GXFcQ8H4jTJ9bbBK0C2YKD5j9F%5F31D325%5Fc=&c=&ch=)*, an SVL Advisory Board Member, for being named to the 2024 Talent 100 list! As Chief People Officer at Humane, José’s visionary leadership has shaped talent strategies for some of the most iconic consumer electronics, including his contributions at Apple and Nest Labs. Known for his empathy, innovation, and ability to inspire teams, José exemplifies excellence in the talent acquisition space. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition, José—you make the SVL community proud! #JuntosAdelante #TriBU ### Celebrating Excellence: Andrea Brenholz Named to Global Power 150 Women in Staffing URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/business/celebrating-excellence-andrea-brenholz-named-to-global-power-150-women-in-staffing/ Last updated: 2026-09-11T19:17:12.000Z Silicon Valley Latino is proud to celebrate the inspiring journeys of leaders who embody resilience, vision, and a deep commitment to community. A heartfelt congratulations to SVL Advisory Board Member *[Andrea Brenholz](https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreabrenholz/),* the dynamic CEO of ATR International, for being named to the \*2024 Global Power 150 – Women in Staffing\*! This prestigious recognition highlights her continued impact and accomplishments in championing diversity, inclusion, and innovation in the staffing industry. Read more about her incredible achievement here: *https://bit.ly/4hWQs4V* #JuntosAdelante #LatinaLeadership #WomenInStaffing ### Empowering Our Community Through Business Ownership URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/business/empowering-our-community-through-business-ownership/ Last updated: 2026-09-11T19:17:13.000Z Silicon Valley Latino is excited to spotlight the [*2024 State of Hispanic Wealth Report*](https://nahrep.org/downloads/2024-SHWR-Annual-Report.pdf), released in September during Hispanic Heritage Month. *[The Hispanic Wealth Project (HWP)](https://hispanicwealthproject.org/about)*, launched by NAHREP's leaders Gary Acosta and Jason Riveiro in 2014, has shaped a path to triple Hispanic household wealth, fueled by goals in homeownership, small business growth, and financial investments. Today, Latino-owned businesses are thriving, growing at ten times the national average and generating $573 billion annually. Yet only 1.5% of venture capital reaches Latino founders. HWP’s vision includes expanding Latino-owned businesses to 600,000 and tripling venture funding by 2034. Discover and support local Latino-owned businesses at our *[ShopLatino.Market](https://shoplatino.market/)*—a growing directory dedicated to connecting our community and empowering Hispanic entrepreneurs. Juntos, we can continue building generational wealth and economic momentum! Download the full Report *[here](https://nahrep.org/downloads/2024-SHWR-Annual-Report.pdf)!* ### Hispanic Heritage Month Reflections on Home: Insights from Our Advisory Board URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/art-culture/hispanic-heritage-month-reflections-on-home-insights-from-our-advisory-board/ Last updated: 2026-09-11T19:17:14.000Z As we continue celebrating our rich Latinx heritage, we asked our esteemed advisory board members to reflect on the meaning of "home." Their answers are deeply personal, filled with powerful stories of identity, culture, and belonging. From cherished traditions to the evolving concept of home, their reflections remind us of the deep connection between our roots and our future. Read on to discover their unique perspectives and join us in celebrating the beauty of our shared heritage. ![🎉](https://fonts.gstatic.com/s/e/notoemoji/15.1/1f389/72.png)![🇲🇽](https://fonts.gstatic.com/s/e/notoemoji/15.1/1f1f2_1f1fd/72.png)![🇨🇺](https://fonts.gstatic.com/s/e/notoemoji/15.1/1f1e8_1f1fa/72.png)![🇵🇷](https://fonts.gstatic.com/s/e/notoemoji/15.1/1f1f5_1f1f7/72.png)![🇨🇱](https://fonts.gstatic.com/s/e/notoemoji/15.1/1f1e8_1f1f1/72.png)![🇦🇷](https://fonts.gstatic.com/s/e/notoemoji/15.1/1f1e6_1f1f7/72.png)![🇧🇴](https://fonts.gstatic.com/s/e/notoemoji/15.1/1f1e7_1f1f4/72.png)![🇧🇷](https://fonts.gstatic.com/s/e/notoemoji/15.1/1f1e7_1f1f7/72.png)![🇨🇴](https://fonts.gstatic.com/s/e/notoemoji/15.1/1f1e8_1f1f4/72.png)![🇨🇷](https://fonts.gstatic.com/s/e/notoemoji/15.1/1f1e8_1f1f7/72.png)![🇩🇴](https://fonts.gstatic.com/s/e/notoemoji/15.1/1f1e9_1f1f4/72.png)![🇪🇨](https://fonts.gstatic.com/s/e/notoemoji/15.1/1f1ea_1f1e8/72.png)![🇸🇻](https://fonts.gstatic.com/s/e/notoemoji/15.1/1f1f8_1f1fb/72.png)![🇬🇹](https://fonts.gstatic.com/s/e/notoemoji/15.1/1f1ec_1f1f9/72.png)![🇭🇳](https://fonts.gstatic.com/s/e/notoemoji/15.1/1f1ed_1f1f3/72.png)![🇳🇮](https://fonts.gstatic.com/s/e/notoemoji/15.1/1f1f3_1f1ee/72.png)![🇵🇦](https://fonts.gstatic.com/s/e/notoemoji/15.1/1f1f5_1f1e6/72.png)![🇵🇾](https://fonts.gstatic.com/s/e/notoemoji/15.1/1f1f5_1f1fe/72.png)![🇵🇪](https://fonts.gstatic.com/s/e/notoemoji/15.1/1f1f5_1f1ea/72.png)![🇺🇾](https://fonts.gstatic.com/s/e/notoemoji/15.1/1f1fa_1f1fe/72.png)![🇻🇪](https://fonts.gstatic.com/s/e/notoemoji/15.1/1f1fb_1f1ea/72.png) ## **Michael Archuleta:** Thank you for inviting me to reflect on the meaning of home and heritage, especially during Hispanic Heritage Month. As a proud Peruvian American and one of the few Latinos in healthcare technology, this reflection is deeply personal to me. Below are my thoughts on the questions you shared: ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/618_CreoEnNosotros_Michael_Archuleta_600x600.jpg) **What does "home" mean to you, and how has that definition evolved throughout your life?** - For me, "home" is rooted in the rich history and traditions passed down by my family from Peru. Having come to the United States at the age of five, much of my understanding of my roots was shaped by mi tía Sandra, who taught me about our Peruvian culture, food, and the values. From her, I learned that home is not just a place, but a deep connection to the past one that shapes who you are today. As I’ve grown, my definition of home has expanded beyond my family’s origins to include the communities I’ve built in the U.S., but at its core, it remains anchored in the values, history, and traditions I inherited from my Peruvian roots. **How do you balance the idea of home between where you are now and where your family comes from?** - Balancing my Peruvian heritage with my life in the United States has been a lifelong journey of growth and connection. Mi tía Sandra instilled in me an unwavering pride in our roots, a pride that I carry with me in every new environment. In my everyday life, I keep that connection alive by preparing traditional Peruvian dishes like anticuchos and chicha morada and by staying deeply tied to the customs that shaped my upbringing. The opportunities I’ve embraced in the U.S. have expanded my horizons, but my cultural identity remains the cornerstone of who I am. **How do you keep your cultural identity alive in your everyday life, especially in spaces where it may not be as prominent?** - In spaces where Latino culture isn’t prominent especially in technology, where only 8% of the workforce identifies as Latino, I intentionally bring my heritage with me. I share stories of my culture, introduce my colleagues to our traditions, and look for ways to mentor and support other Latinos in the field. I also stay deeply connected to my family and community, honoring the lessons mi tía Sandra taught me about the strength and resilience of our people. My culture is my foundation, and I carry it proudly into every space I enter. **What advice would you give younger generations of Latinos and Latinas on staying connected to their roots while navigating new environments?** - To younger generations of Latinos and Latinas, I would say: Never be afraid to embrace where you come from. Your heritage is a source of strength and wisdom, and it will guide you as you navigate new environments. Whether in technology, healthcare, or any other field, being connected to your roots gives you a unique perspective and resilience that can set you apart. Lean into your culture, share it proudly, and always honor the legacy of those who came before you. Surround yourself with people who celebrate diversity, and don’t be afraid to create spaces where your identity can thrive. **If you could describe the feeling of home in one word or phrase, what would it be and why?** - "Legacy." Home, for me, is about the legacy of my ancestors and the responsibility I have to carry it forward. It’s the values mi tía Sandra passed down to me, the stories of my family’s journey, and the knowledge that everything I do is connected to those who came before me. Home is both a reflection of the past and a commitment to the future. ## **Lilian Peña:** **What does "home" mean to you, and how has that definition evolved throughout your life?** - Home is the feeling of longing I have to be in El Salvador – I was born in San Francisco, California, but both of my parents are from there, from Ahuachapán. Fortunately, I am able to travel back and forth at least twice per year and have made it my exclusive destination. After having spent 20+ years not going there, I have an insatiable desire to visit, and eventually to live there, at least part time. In 2023, I applied for dual citizenship and got it. I now have passports and ID for the U.S.A. and for El Salvador. This past February 2024, I was able to vote in the Presidential Election, which was a historic event for Salvadorans living in the exterior. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/834_Lilian_Lopez_Pena_en_Golfo_de_Fonseca_-_El_Salvador_600x600.jpg) **How do you balance the idea of home between where you are now and where your family comes from?** - I balance the idea by embracing both as my homes. My parents ingrained in me the importance of our culture by the annual family trips we took in the summers during my younger years. That was how often we could visit family, and it really helped me learn Spanish. Almost all our family was there, and in order to communicate with them, especially with my grandfather, I had to know the language. Living in the Bay Area is also my home, especially since I’m so connected personally and professionally to my community. I spend so much time at work, that it’s also my home, and I can also be my whole self. **How do you keep your cultural identity alive in your everyday life, especially in spaces where it may not be as prominent?** - At work, we’re encouraged to be culturally free and aware – our differences help our teams inform and serve in a much broader way. It means I bring suggestions for coverage, events, interviews, and more. At home, I find ways to weave in my Salvadoran experiences in conversations with my kids, who are now in their 20s. I know this sharing has been meaningful because my middle child has recently booked a vacation to El Salvador for him and his girlfriend – he did that on his own, without any prompting from me! In addition, owning my non-profit, Soccer and Smiles, gives me the opportunity to be in spaces and conversations which tie back to my culture and my people. The love of soccer is a universal language and opens doors to many new places. **What advice would you give younger generations of Latinos and Latinas on staying connected to their roots while navigating new environments?** - Connection to your roots is personal. Do what makes you comfortable. It doesn’t always mean you have to broadcast it to the masses, sometimes it is sitting quietly reading about your culture. On one of my trips to El Salvador, I bought two poem books – one by Roque Dalton (of Santa Ana, El Salvador) and one by Alfredo Espino (of my hometown Ahuachapán). Find out how to support people who are part of your roots – through their business, or simply with a friendship. I also recommend trying the various foods – those flavors are also a connection. **If you could describe the feeling of home in one word or phrase, what would it be and why?** - Belonging – when I’m in El Salvador, it feels so right :) ## **Anna Dapelo - Garcia:** **What does "home" mean to you, and how has that definition evolved throughout your life?** - Although in my early years I had a 'home' it was not always a place filled with love and unfortunately this environment never really felt like a home. Now, as an adult, and with more control of my surroundings, a home is where a person should feel safe, have a sense of belonging, and love. The US is my family's country of origin. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/484_0061_5dfdc171-7dc0-4788-97a3-56a6d069a07a_600x600.jpg) **How do you balance the idea of home between where you are now and where your family comes from?** - The idea of home now is about relationships and respect and less about where the home is and how much it costs. An expensive home does not guarantee a happy home. Home is what people make of it. **How do you keep your cultural identity alive in your everyday life, especially in spaces where it may not be as prominent?** - This has been a journey. When I climbed the career ladder from entry to the executive director level, I didn't realize until a few years back that I was also on a journey of identity. Early in my career I thought my path was to success to assimilate the best I could. Such as dress, speak, and act like the non-Hispanic women of the c-suite. Looking back on this I have realized that there should be no occasion when someone should feel that they need to be someone they are not, to feel and be accepted. These days I am unapologetically Latina, and I will no longer hold back on my cultural identity **especially** in spaces where it may not be prominent! I will be loud and proud of who I am! **What advice would you give younger generations of Latinos and Latinas on staying connected to their roots while navigating new environments?** - Be you. Be who you are under all circumstances. Diversity, especially in leadership roles, is desperately needed. With only 1% of executive-level roles occupied by Latinas, I would say to the younger generation to bring your talents and skills to the table while staying connected to your roots. You cannot lose yourself to make others comfortable! **If you could describe the feeling of home in one word or phrase, what would it be and why?** - Home is where you feel secure, loved, supported, and have a sense of belonging. ## **Arnaldo Lopez:** **What does "home" mean to you, and how has that definition evolved throughout your life?** - Home is where the family is, this has always been the case, whether it was my mom immigrating here from Bolivia or the small townhouse we lived in growing up. **How do you balance the idea of home between where you are now and where your family comes from?** - We always kept a little bit of Bolivia in our home too with small paintings or decorations around the house. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/579_ArnieLopez_24-03-09_NewRelic_0144_5bfb195a-9277-4a5e-8bfc-96336c614286_600x600.jpg) **How do you keep your cultural identity alive in your everyday life, especially in spaces where it may not be as prominent?** - Attending cultural events such as Bolivian independence day parties or Hispanic Heritage month events at work keeps my culture alive, even at work. **What advice would you give younger generations of Latinos and Latinas on staying connected to their roots while navigating new environments?** - Representing your culture proudly, its a competitive advantage in your life whether its in sports, work or life. Follow cultural groups on social media and attend events when possible. **If you could describe the feeling of home in one word or phrase, what would it be and why?** - There is nothing more important and its always a safe place for me, home should be where you are the most comfortable and happy, which is so true for me. ## Antonio Humphreys: **What does "home" mean to you, and how has that definition evolved throughout your life?** - Country of origin: U.S.A. Family origin: Mexico (Guadalajara), Spain (Galicia) **How do you balance the idea of home between where you are now and where your family comes from?** - I grew up in Albuquerque, New Mexico and it will always be home. The city and state have a proud history with its Spanish, Mexican, and Indigenous roots and traditions. We adapted into a uniquely 'New Mexican culture' where we blend the best of all worlds with our food, music, and hospitality. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/574_Antonio_T_Humphreys_Bio_Pic_f7c644cd-5f38-4d76-a9f8-0cd71447decc_600x600.jpg) **How do you keep your cultural identity alive in your everyday life, especially in spaces where it may not be as prominent?** - I always remember influences of my grandparents regarding my cultural identity including emphasis on "Puro Chicano!", a strong work ethic to support your family, and focus on 'being good people' (meaning neighborly and supportive to others). **What advice would you give younger generations of Latinos and Latinas on staying connected to their roots while navigating new environments?** - Stay true to who you are and always be proud of your heritage. It may be hard not seeing and hearing from people who look like you but know that you're there for a reason and can help others through coaching, mentoring, and forging new paths for other Latinos/Latinas. **If you could describe the feeling of home in one word or phrase, what would it be and why?** - 'Chile'...as in 'Red or Green Chile'. Everything we eat has it and we'd never have it any other way ;) We hope these reflections inspire you to think about what "**home**" means to you. We’d love to hear your own stories and experiences! Join the conversation by sharing your thoughts in the comments below or on social media using #HispanicHeritage365. Let’s celebrate our diverse identities and the unique ways we stay connected to our roots throughout the year! #JuntosAdelante ### Empowering Communities: Dr. Hernandez-Arriaga’s Call to Action at the White House Gun Violence Summit URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/business/empowering-communities-dr-hernandez-arriaga-s-call-to-action-at-the-white-house-gun-violence-summit/ Last updated: 2026-09-15T12:19:45.000Z At Silicon Valley Latino, we are proud to highlight the impactful journey of Dr. *[Belinda Hernandez-Arriaga](https://www.linkedin.com/in/belindahernandezarriaga/)*, Founder and Executive Director of Ayudando Latinos a Soñar (*[ALAS](https://www.alasdreams.com/)*) and a valued member of our advisory board. Recently, Dr. Hernandez-Arriaga had the honor of being personally invited by President Biden to attend a critical White House Gun Violence Prevention summit. This invitation underscores her unwavering commitment to advocating for gun violence prevention and farmworker rights, especially in the wake of the tragic 2023 mass shooting in Half Moon Bay that claimed seven lives. During the summit, President Biden signed an *[executive order ](https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2024/09/26/executive-order-on-combating-emerging-firearms-threats-and-improving-school-based-active-shooter-drills/)*targeting untraceable 3D-printed guns and machine gun conversion kits—a vital step towards preventing future tragedies. Reflecting on the pain experienced by the community, Dr. Hernandez-Arriaga stated, ***“It’s been such a heartbreak. It takes a long time for wounds to heal.”*** Her presence at the White House represented not only a voice for those affected by the mass shooting but also for countless individuals who feel marginalized and unheard. Dr. Hernandez-Arriaga's advocacy has been instrumental in providing support and comfort to the families impacted by this tragedy. Her efforts have brought attention to the harsh realities faced by farmworkers, not only locally but on a national level, who often endure low wages and inadequate access to mental health resources and extreme working conditions. **“This is a great move by the president,”** she remarked about the executive order. **“Something needs to be done. This can't happen in another community again.”** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/588_B021A296-A6C6-4898-BA6F-47839E9FEC33_1_105_c_ab52ee19-8107-4974-b40d-11b1cc05812d_600x600.jpg) Her dedication was echoed by Half Moon Bay community leader Rocio Avila, who expressed honor in seeing Dr. Hernandez-Arriaga represent the Latino community at such a significant event. ***"We're going to keep fighting,"*** Dr. Hernandez-Arriaga affirmed. **"We need to keep the forgotten communities in mind."** At Silicon Valley Latino, we are excited to share her inspiring story and celebrate her leadership. Dr. Hernandez-Arriaga's journey is a powerful reminder of the difference one person can make, and we stand behind her commitment to advocate for those who deserve to be heard. Join us in congratulating her on all of her accomplishments for those who most need assistance in our communities! **Full Press Release Below:** **Half Moon Bay Farmworker Advocate Dr. Belinda Hernandez-Arriaga Invited to White House Gun Violence Prevention Event Following 2023 Mass Shooting** President Biden Invites ALAS Founder and USF Assistant Professor to Address Gun Violence and Farmworker Advocacy in the Wake of Half Moon Bay Tragedy Half Moon Bay, CA – September 25, 2024 –Dr. Belinda Hernandez-Arriaga, founder and executive director of Ayudando Latinos a Soñar (ALAS) and Assistant Professor at the University of San Francisco, has received a personal invitation from President Biden to attend the White House Gun Violence Prevention event on Thursday, September 26, 2024\. This invitation follows the tragic 2023 mass shooting in Half Moon Bay that claimed the lives of seven farmworkers and brought national attention to the harsh living and working conditions faced by farmworkers across the nation. In a historic move, President Biden established the first-ever [White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention](https://www.whitehouse.gov/ogvp/) in September 2023 to combat gun violence, which has devastated communities nationwide, and to implement and expand key executive and legislative actions aimed at saving lives. Since the devastating January 23, 2023 mass shooting, Dr. Hernandez-Arriaga and the ALAS team have provided critical emotional and practical support to the affected families, advocating for both gun violence prevention and farmworker rights. “I am deeply honored and thankful to President Biden for this invitation,” said Dr. Hernandez-Arriaga. “This is an essential moment for our nation to reflect on how we can prevent future tragedies, but it’s also a call to action to improve the lives of farmworkers who face dire conditions.” Dr. Hernandez-Arriaga continued, “The shooting exposed the deplorable realities our farmworkers endure: low wages, lack of mental health resources, and inhumane living conditions. This is an overdue opportunity to bring farmworker advocacy into the national conversation, ensuring that their voices are heard and their struggles recognized.” ### Celebrating 13 Years of Empowering the Latino Community URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/business/celebrating-13-years-of-empowering-the-latino-community/ Last updated: 2026-09-11T19:17:16.000Z Join us as we celebrate Silicon Valley Latino's 13th year of uplifting and empowering the Latino community! This video showcases memorable moments that have shaped our journey from our early years. From building partnerships to highlighting Latino excellence, we've always been committed to highlighting and promoting our communities success stories!! Do you see yourselves in the video? Then we invite you to share your memories from the various events we covered. #JuntosAdelante #SiliconValleyLatino #LatinoExcellence #13thAnniversary ### Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month: Honoring Latino Excellence and Innovation in Technology URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/business/celebrating-hispanic-heritage-month-honoring-latino-excellence-and-innovation-in-technology/ Last updated: 2026-09-11T19:17:17.000Z As we kick off Hispanic Heritage Month, we celebrate not only our vibrant culture, history, and traditions but also the incredible contributions of Latinos to every industry across the globe. This month, we at Silicon Valley Latino shine a spotlight on the exceptional Latino leaders, creatives, and change-makers whose stories of success and resilience continue to inspire us all. I am honored to be part of this dynamic community as a proud Peruvian American, a member of the HITEC 100, and a CIO in the healthcare sector. In an industry where only 8% of the tech workforce identifies as Hispanic, we must acknowledge the significant underrepresentation of Latinos in technology and take action to change this narrative. Our community is full of talented, driven individuals who have made remarkable strides in business, art, technology, and more, and it is time for the world to see the depth and breadth of our impact. At Mt. San Rafael Hospital, I have the privilege of leading a team that embraces innovation to enhance healthcare delivery and outcomes. I am inspired daily by the diverse perspectives that drive our success. In technology, diversity isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a necessity for progress. Latinos bring unique insights, problem-solving skills, and cultural richness to the table, and our collective strength will continue to power the future of this country and beyond. In 2023, I was honored to receive the HITEC 100 Award, joining an elite group of Hispanic leaders who are making transformative impacts across global industries. The award represents not just individual achievement but a collective victory for the Hispanic community in technology. It is also inspiring to note that nearly half of this year’s recipients are Latinas, which highlights the growing influence and presence of Latina leaders in tech. Together, we are challenging norms, pushing boundaries, and paving the way for future generations. As we celebrate this month, I encourage all of us to reflect on the stories of perseverance, innovation, and excellence within our Latino community. Let us continue to support and uplift each other as we break barriers, create opportunities, and inspire the next generation of Latino tech leaders. Together (#JuntosAdelante), we can make lasting change. ¡Con Puro Corazón! **Guest Post by [Michael Archuleta](https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelarchuleta1/)** Chief Information Officer, Mt. San Rafael Hospital 2023 HITEC 100 Award Winner SVL Advisory Board Member ### U.S. Latinas: Driving Economic Growth and Resilience URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/business/u-s-latinas-driving-economic-growth-and-resilience/ Last updated: 2026-09-11T19:56:44.000Z Silicon Valley Latino is excited to share the Inaugural 2024 U.S. Latina GDP Report revealing the extraordinary impact that Latinas are having on the U.S. economy. With a GDP of $1.3 trillion in 2021—surpassing the entire economy of Florida—U.S. Latinas are not just participants but leaders in economic vitality. From 2010 to 2021, the economic contribution of Latinas grew by an impressive 51.1%, outpacing both Hispanic males and non-Hispanics alike. This growth is fueled by significant strides in education, with the number of Latinas holding a bachelor’s degree increasing by 103% during that period, nearly three times the growth rate of their non-Hispanic counterparts. The **Latina GDP Report** was meticulously put together by leading professors at UCLA—**David Hayes-Bautista, Ph.D.** and **Paul Hsu, M.P.H., Ph.D.**, alongside **Dan Hamilton, Ph.D.**, Principal Investigator, and **Matthew Fienup, Ph.D.**, from California Lutheran University. Their combined expertise ensures that the report provides authoritative and credible data on the rising economic power of U.S. Latinas. [Sylvia Juárez-Magaña](https://www.linkedin.com/in/sylviaju%C3%A1rezmaga%C3%B1a/), an SVL Advisory Board Member and Latina Business Owner highlights, *“What Latinas have done with degrees of all scales, short-term and traditional 4-year, shows the tenacity embedded in the culture and expectation of Latinas in particular. As problem solvers, more often than not, we forge a different path or create a solution to support others and find ways to advance those who may not have a voice.”* Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Latinas displayed remarkable resilience, with their GDP growing by 7.7% during the pandemic years, compared to just 1.5% growth in the non-Latina GDP. This resilience is reflected in labor force participation as well, where Latinas saw a growth rate 12.3 times that of non-Hispanic females between 2010 and 2021. As the funder of the 2024 Latina GDP Report, Bank of America sees similar growth momentum across its lines of business. [Raquel Gonzalez](https://www.linkedin.com/in/raquel-gonz%C3%A1lez-623a3978/), Bank of America’s president in Silicon Valley and leader of the bank’s Hispanic/Latino Consumer Client Strategy, shared, *“We’ve long recognized the strong impact that Latinas have had on the economy—both nationally and here in Silicon Valley, and the entire Bay Area. But until this new Latina GDP report, there wasn’t formal data to support it or put numbers around it. The strong growth trends captured in the report are also reflected with our Bank of America and Merrill’s consumer, business, and wealth clients. It’s findings like this that can help change the economic narrative around Latina women, and highlight just how important they are as a consumer powerhouse and financial decision makers.”* This data underscores the undeniable role of Latinas as drivers of economic growth and resilience—dando vida a la economía. Read the full study here on the ***[LatinaGDP.US](https://latinagdp.us/)*** website. ### SVL welcomes Andrea Brenholz as our newest SVL Advisory Board Member URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/business/svl-welcomes-andrea-brenholz-to-our-advisory-board/ Last updated: 2026-10-07T21:27:35.000Z At Silicon Valley Latino, we celebrate the inspiring journeys of leaders who embody resilience, vision, and a deep commitment to community. Andrea Brenholz, the dynamic CEO of a prominent Silicon Valley company, is a shining example of these qualities. Her story is one of perseverance, growth, and an unwavering dedication to empowering others. Andrea's path to success is deeply rooted in her family's legacy. Growing up in the staffing industry, she watched her immigrant parents build ATR International from the ground up in 1988\. Their relentless work ethic became the foundation of her own drive, fueling her ascent through the ranks of ATR over 17 years. Along the way, Andrea honed her business acumen through prestigious programs at the University of Washington, Stanford, and Northwestern—where she also serves as an advisory panel member. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/857_NMSDC_Supplier_of_the_Year_-_Acceptance_-_Andrea_600x600.jpg) But Andrea's impact extends far beyond corporate achievements. She is a mentor, advocate, and voice for women and minorities striving to excel in the staffing industry. Her recognition as one of Staffing Industry Analysts' 2018 Global Power 150 – Women in Staffing is a testament to her influence. She serves on the National Board for Latinx Professionals, inspiring and connecting the Latinx community, and on the Women of Color in Staffing Advisory Board, where she champions diversity and inclusion. Andrea's commitment to giving back doesn't stop there. As a board member and volunteer instructor with First Tee Silicon Valley (FTSV), she is shaping the next generation of leaders. Through her podcast, \*Unicorn in the Boardroom\*, Andrea encourages minority groups to aim high and achieve their full potential. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/567_Andrea_-_Toys_for_Tots_600x600.jpg) Andrea’s extensive experience in leadership, business growth, and community engagement aligns seamlessly with Silicon Valley Latino's mission. She envisions amplifying SVL’s efforts by celebrating the success stories of Latinas and Latinos, challenging stereotypes, and inspiring the next wave of Latino superstars. With her background in staffing, Andrea is poised to help create more opportunities for Latinos across various industries, ensuring their voices are heard and celebrated. Her deep connections with organizations like Latinas in Tech and Latinx Professionals further underscore her commitment to uplifting the Latino community. Andrea’s vision for SVL includes leveraging our media platforms and events to connect and inspire the Latino community. Her marketing and sales expertise, coupled with her passion for diversity and inclusion, will help SVL educate, engage, and empower. Andrea is not just a visionary—she's a "get it done" leader. She’s eager to bring her energy, experience, and ideas to SVL’s work, creating a more inclusive and empowered Latino community. We’re excited to have her join our SVL Advisory Board and can’t wait to see the impact she’ll make. Join us in welcoming her! #JuntosAdelante ### Diving Into Wellness: The Benefits of Swimming for the Latino Community URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/health-beauty/diving-into-wellness-the-benefits-of-swimming-for-the-latino-community/ Last updated: 2026-09-14T16:29:58.000Z As summer draws to a close, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the activities that have brought us joy and wellness over the past few months. One such activity is swimming, a timeless pastime that offers far more than just a way to cool off. For the Latino community, swimming holds a wealth of benefits that go beyond the surface, nurturing our health, well-being, and sense of community. **A Full-Body Workout for All Ages** Swimming is one of the most comprehensive forms of exercise available, making it ideal for Latinos of all ages and fitness levels. As a low-impact workout, swimming is gentle on the joints while engaging every major muscle group. This makes it an excellent option for those looking to improve cardiovascular health, build strength, and increase flexibility without the strain that other exercises might cause. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/1098_istockphoto-961494042-612x612_600x600.jpg) For our elders, swimming offers a safe and effective way to stay active, helping to maintain mobility and reduce the risk of chronic conditions such as arthritis. For our youth, it’s a fun way to build strong, healthy bodies and develop lifelong habits of physical activity. In a community where health disparities are a significant concern, swimming provides an accessible and enjoyable way to combat these issues and promote overall wellness while having fun with friends and family. **Mental and Emotional Well-Being** Swimming isn’t just beneficial for the body—it’s also a powerful tool for mental and emotional health. The rhythmic, meditative nature of swimming helps reduce stress and anxiety, providing a sense of calm and clarity. In a world where many in our community face the pressures of daily life, finding a way to relax and recharge is essential. The weightlessness of being in water creates a unique environment where we can let go of our worries and focus on the present moment. This therapeutic aspect of swimming can improve mood, boost self-esteem, and even enhance sleep quality. For Latinos, who often prioritize the well-being of others, swimming offers a valuable opportunity to practice self-care and prioritize our mental health. **Building Stronger Communities Through Swimming** Swimming also plays a significant role in fostering a sense of community. Whether it’s gathering at a local pool, participating in swim classes, or enjoying a day at the beach with family and friends, swimming brings us together. These shared experiences strengthen the bonds within our community, creating memories and traditions that last a lifetime. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/1137_pexels-marctutorials-298692-870170_600x600.jpg) Additionally, learning to swim is a crucial life skill that can increase safety and confidence, especially in regions where water activities are common. By encouraging swimming within our community, we not only promote physical activity but also ensure that everyone, regardless of age or background, feels secure and capable around water. **A Cultural Connection to Water** Water has always held a special place in many Latino cultures, symbolizing life, renewal, and connection. Embracing swimming is a way to honor our deep cultural relationship with water, reminding us of our roots while helping us navigate the demands of modern life. Whether we’re swimming laps at a pool, enjoying a natural spring, or wading in the ocean, these moments allow us to reconnect with ourselves and our heritage. Share with us and the community where you practiced or visited this summer to enjoy this healthy habit! ### LinkedIn Hosts the 6th Annual Lean In Latinas Take Charge Conference URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/business/linkedin-hosts-the-6th-annual-lean-in-latinas-take-charge-conference/ Last updated: 2026-09-15T12:17:54.000Z On Friday, August 9, 2024, the LinkedIn headquarters in Mountain View, California buzzed with energy as over 270 Latinas and allies gathered for the 6th Lean In Latinas Take Charge Conference. This year’s event continued to champion the mission of Lean In Latinas: closing the Latina pay equity gap and advancing Latina leadership in corporate America. According to a report by McKinsey and LeanIn.org, Latinas earn just 47 cents for every dollar made by the average white male and represent only 1% of corporate executives and 4% of corporate managers. Lean In Latinas is dedicated to changing these numbers through mentoring, networking, education, and community-building to support Latina advancement. The Take Charge Conference featured powerful keynote addresses from Martha Niño and Chelsea De Jesus, who shared their compelling life stories, challenges, and triumphs with a captivated audience. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/966_TakeCharger-118_600x600.jpg) The morning panel discussion, “Breaking the Mold,” explored the importance of authenticity as a cornerstone of success. Panelists Ramona Robles, Jessica DeAnda, Stephanie Olano, and JoAnna Ordoñez offered inspiring advice and personal experiences to motivate attendees. In the afternoon, the “Effective Salary Negotiations” panel provided actionable strategies for securing higher pay. Lean In Latinas founder Anna Dapelo-Garcia was joined by career experts Diana Bernal, Yvette Durazo, and Yanira Guzman in a conversation that covered everything from mindset to negotiation tactics. Participants also engaged in breakout sessions, including “Rock Your LinkedIn Profile” by Dr. Kelly Alvarado-Young, “Confianza in Leadership” with Leena Mendoza, and “Living Your Worth: Confidence Through Identity and Belonging” with Dr. Emma Pineda-Fortin. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/967_TakeCharger-40_600x600.jpg) Throughout the day, MC L. Autumn King of the Oakland Museum and Event Energizer Myriam Martinez kept the crowd lively and engaged, making the 6th Lean In Latinas Take Charge Conference a resounding success. Lean In Latinas is thankful to conference sponsors: Pacific Oaks College, Hispanic Foundation of Silicon Valley, Stanford Health Care, Google, Bank of America, Kaiser Permanente, We Heart Marketing, Carmen Rosas Law, Lean In, LinkedIn, Ridgemont Hospitality, Talent & Genius, Tico Coffee Roasters, Water Tech Incorporated, Crafty Chica and Strategenius. **What people are saying about #TakeCharge2024 on LinkedIn** “The [#LeanInLatinas](https://www.linkedin.com/feed/hashtag/?keywords=leaninlatinas&highlightedUpdateUrns=urn%3Ali%3Aactivity%3A7228097064771973121) conference was possibly one of the most amazing events of the year so much love in the room. Hermandad -[#Sisterhood](https://www.linkedin.com/feed/hashtag/?keywords=sisterhood&highlightedUpdateUrns=urn%3Ali%3Aactivity%3A7228097064771973121)” “From the various workshops on executive coaching, leadership, and wellness, I learned that we, Latinas, continue to overcome challenges and lead the way for others to join. I left the conference feeling empowered, inspired, and most importantly, understood.” “Thank you LeanIn Latinas Team for this wonderful event, Powerful Speakers, and content!” “Traveled across the country to [#TakeCharge2024](https://www.linkedin.com/feed/hashtag/?keywords=takecharge2024&highlightedUpdateUrns=urn%3Ali%3Aactivity%3A7227713205559537664). Thank you to [#LeanInLatinas](https://www.linkedin.com/feed/hashtag/?keywords=leaninlatinas&highlightedUpdateUrns=urn%3Ali%3Aactivity%3A7227713205559537664) for this amazing day that is sure to be filled with growth, knowledge sharing and support.” “Thank you for the beautiful souls who organized, led, and showed up to this year’s LeanIn Latinas - Take Charge Conference!” “Such a magnificent event. Being in the room with women and men ready to [#TakeCharge2024](https://www.linkedin.com/feed/hashtag/?keywords=takecharge2024&highlightedUpdateUrns=urn%3Ali%3Aactivity%3A7228109765371998210) of their lives and careers was so uplifting. Great job to the organizers and supporters.” Guest Blog written by [Nancy Marmolejo ](https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancymarmolejo/) Data Source: State of Latinas in Corporate America **[report](https://leanin.org/research/state-of-latinas-in-corporate-america)** ### Anna Dapelo-Garcia Joins SVL Advisory Board URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/business/anna-dapelo-garcia-joins-svl-advisory-board/ Last updated: 2026-09-11T19:17:20.000Z Silicon Valley Latino is excited to welcome [Anna Dapelo-Garcia](https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-dapelo-garcia-927baa5/) as one of our newest SVL Advisory Board Members. Anna's journey is a testament to resilience, determination, and a deep commitment to empowering the Latinx community. Anna states “*The mission and vision of Silicon Valley Latino that engages and celebrates successful Latinos within our community, aligns deeply with my personal lived experience growing up in East San Jose and my professional role as Founder & President of Lean In Latinas.*” Hailing from East San Jose, California, Anna's upbringing in a paycheck-to-paycheck household never deterred her from pursuing her dreams. Despite facing challenges, she seized every opportunity to learn and grow, eventually finding her passion in the healthcare industry. Anna's academic achievements, including a Master of Public Administration from the University of San Francisco and a Bachelor of Arts from Saint Mary’s College, coupled with her dedication to her career, led her to become the first Latina Executive Director at her workplace. Alongside her professional success, Anna founded [Lean In Latinas](https://leaninlatinas.org/), a platform dedicated to supporting and uplifting Latinas in their personal and professional endeavors. Anna's impact extends beyond her professional achievements. She has been recognized as a Silicon Valley Business Journal Women of Influence, received the Top Latino Leaders Award by the National Diversity Council, and served on various boards and councils dedicated to women's empowerment and diversity in leadership. Now, as she joins the SVL Advisory Board, Anna brings her wealth of experience and passion for diversity and inclusion to the forefront. Join us in extending a warm welcome to Anna Dapelo-Garcia as she embarks on this new chapter with SVL. Together, we look forward to driving positive change and creating a more inclusive future for all. Welcome, Anna! #JuntosAdelante ### Congratulations to SVL Cultura Ambassador Jessica on Earning Your MBA! URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/cultura-ambassador/congratulations-to-svl-cultura-ambassador-jessica-on-earning-your-mba/ Last updated: 2026-09-11T19:17:21.000Z Silicon Valley Latino is thrilled to celebrate [Jessica Prado Felice's](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jpfilice/) remarkable achievement of earning her MBA. As she eloquently shared, “this accomplishment was more than just checking a box.” It was a testament to her determination, proving to herself that she could achieve great things while being a dedicated working mom. Jessica’s journey reflects her unwavering commitment to strive for more and to set an inspiring example for her family, particularly her two daughters. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/714_IMG_0004_600x600.jpg) Jessica’s belief that the greatest gift you can give your children is to be the best role model resonates deeply with us. By completing her degree, she has demonstrated the power of perseverance and dedication. Her aspiration to leverage the skills acquired through her MBA to inspire and empower others, both professionally and personally, aligns perfectly with the values we uphold at Silicon Valley Latino. We are confident that Jessica’s new degree will allow for her to take on leadership roles, where she will continue to mentor and advocate for those around her. Congratulations, Jessica, on this outstanding achievement! Your journey is a shining example of resilience and ambition, and we look forward to seeing the incredible impact you will continue to make. Join us in congratulating her! #JuntosAdelante #Congratulations ### Take Charge: A Lean In Latinas Annual Conference 2024 URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/social-impact-advocates/take-charge-a-lean-in-latinas-annual-conference-2024/ Last updated: 2026-09-15T12:21:04.000Z Join us at the 6th annual Lean In Latinas "Take Charge" conference! This year, we’ll join a community of extraordinary women to engage in meaningful discussions and purpose-driven networking. Participate in career-enhancing activities that address the challenges that Latinas face and explore the unique opportunities available to them as the largest ethnic minority in the U.S. #LatinasTakeCharge Your ticket includes morning cafecito and breakfast, a delicious lunch, #swag, and the opportunity to have a seat at the table! Date and time: Friday, August 9 · 8am - 5pm PDT Location: Linkedin Building 1 800 East Middlefield Road Mountain View, CA 94043 United States Save your spot by visiting this link => https://www.eventbrite.com/e/take-charge-a-lean-in-latinas-annual-conference-2024-tickets-894704103057?aff=oddtdtcreator #JuntosAdelante #LeanInLatinas ### Javier Diaz: Leading the Charge in Diversity and Innovation URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/business/javier-diaz-leading-the-charge-in-diversity-and-innovation/ Last updated: 2026-09-11T19:17:22.000Z We at Silicon Valley Latino are thrilled to celebrate our Executive Cultura Ambassador [Javier Diaz](https://svlatino.com/blogs/news/executive-cultura-ambassador-javier-diaz-osi-engineering-celebrate-diversity-supplier-of-the-year-award) for his outstanding achievements as CEO of OSI Engineering, which have earned him the prestigious 2024 Cornerstone of the Year Award. Diaz's exemplary leadership and dedication to diversity and innovation continue to set a remarkable standard in the industry. Javier Diaz, CEO of OSI Engineering, is a visionary leader whose relentless commitment to diversity and technological excellence has earned his company the prestigious 2024 Cornerstone of the Year Award from the Western Regional Minority Supplier Development Council (WRMSDC). This accolade recognizes OSI’s outstanding efforts in fostering an inclusive workplace and supporting minority suppliers and communities across Northern California, Nevada, and Hawaii. Under Diaz’s leadership, OSI Engineering has emerged as a beacon of diversity and innovation in the technology sector. The company’s success is rooted in its holistic approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), which permeates every aspect of its operations. Diaz's philosophy is simple yet powerful: diversity is not just a goal but a fundamental driver of innovation and business success. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/528_20240510_212354_480x480.jpg) OSI's journey towards this recognition began with a deep-seated commitment to empowering minority business enterprises (MBEs). The company provides these enterprises with mentorship, support groups, and network-building opportunities, fostering a culture of belonging and equity. By doing so, OSI not only promotes the success of diverse talents within the community but also ensures that these talents have equitable access to opportunities within the tech industry. One of the standout initiatives under Diaz’s leadership is OSI's comprehensive mentorship program for young students from minority and underrepresented communities. This program is designed to inspire the next generation of tech leaders by providing them with the necessary skills and networks to succeed in their careers. OSI’s efforts extend beyond just mentorship; the company actively assists recent graduates with career readiness and networking, bridging the gap between education and employment. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/616_Cornerstone_Award_2024_480x480.jpg) “Our collaboration and partnerships with minority suppliers provide equitable access to opportunities by ensuring they have access to our partner network. We believe our comprehensive approach to diversity is unique, setting us apart in the industry,” said Diaz. His words encapsulate the ethos of OSI: a commitment to creating a level playing field where diverse talents can thrive and contribute to technological advancements. The impact of OSI's initiatives is evident in the accolades and recognition the company has received. The Cornerstone of the Year Award from WRMSDC is a testament to OSI's leadership in DEI. V Garcia, Vice President of Program Development & Minority Business Services at WRMSDC, highlighted this by stating, “OSI Engineering represents the type of leadership and commitment to diversity that our organization strives to recognize. Their dedication to fostering an inclusive environment and supporting minority enterprises not only strengthens the technology industry but also empowers communities, creating opportunities for future generations.” OSI Engineering’s success story is a compelling narrative of how businesses can thrive by embracing diversity and inclusion. Javier Diaz’s leadership has not only steered the company towards significant achievements but has also set a benchmark for other companies to follow. His vision of a diverse and inclusive tech industry is gradually becoming a reality, thanks to the unwavering efforts of OSI Engineering. For more information about OSI, please visit OSI Engineering https://osiengineering.com/ ### Celebrating Dr. Maria Hernandez: A Trailblazer in Health Equity URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/business/celebrating-dr-maria-hernandez-a-trailblazer-in-health-equity/ Last updated: 2026-09-11T20:00:52.000Z Silicon Valley Latino is thrilled to extend our heartfelt congratulations to [Dr. Maria Hernandez](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariahernandez/), a distinguished thought leader in health equity and a revered member of our SVL Advisory Board. Dr. Hernandez’s remarkable contributions to addressing systemic health inequities have not only transformed communities but have also earned her widespread recognition and respect. As President of Impact4Health, Dr. Hernandez has been at the forefront of initiatives designed to tackle the upstream social determinants of health among vulnerable populations. One of her pioneering efforts includes leading the Alameda County Pay for Success Asthma Initiative. This groundbreaking project demonstrated the feasibility of reducing pediatric asthma emergencies through health education and home-based environmental interventions, showcasing her innovative approach to public health. Dr. Hernandez’s expertise and success in Pay for Success Initiatives earned her an invitation to the White House Office of Social Innovation and Civic Engagement, where she contributed to discussions on expanding these impactful programs. Her leadership at Impact4Health exemplifies a commitment to designing and implementing strategies that address systemic health inequities, benefiting countless individuals and communities. Before her tenure at Impact4Health, Dr. Hernandez consulted with Fortune 100 corporations, major foundations, public agencies, and elected officials, leading diversity and inclusion initiatives and executive education programs. Her creation of the InclusionSCORECARD™ for Population Health is a testament to her dedication to helping hospital systems and public health agencies meet the needs of increasingly diverse patient populations. Dr. Hernandez’s academic achievements are equally impressive. She holds a doctorate in community psychology from the University of Texas at Austin and has been recognized as an American Psychological Association Minority Fellow and Danforth Fellow. Her leadership extended to serving two terms as a Board of Trustee for the Alameda Health System and as a Board Director for the AAA Mountain West Group. A first-generation Latina, Dr. Hernandez’s personal journey is as inspiring as her professional one. Fluent in Spanish and deeply committed to empowering the next generation of Latina executives, she co-founded LatinaVIDA, a nonprofit dedicated to providing educational forums for career-minded Latinas across the nation. In her current role as a Health Equity Transformation Partner for the American Hospital Association, Dr. Hernandez continues to collaborate with healthcare leaders to identify health inequities and design strategic solutions. Her expertise in population health, program design, and cross-cultural effectiveness training is invaluable to organizations striving to meet new regulatory requirements and enhance their health equity initiatives. We at SVL are immensely proud to have Dr. Maria Hernandez as a member of our Advisory Board. Her unwavering dedication to health equity, diversity, and inclusion aligns perfectly with our mission and values. Congratulations, Dr. Hernandez, on your exceptional accomplishments and for being an inspiring leader in the fight for health equity. Join us in congratulating her for being recognized as Maestro of Community Service by Latino Leaders Magazine! ### One Step Forward...Two Steps Back by Cultura Ambassador Maria Hernandez, PhD URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/business/one-step-forward-two-steps-back-by-cultura-ambassador-maria-hernandez-phd/ Last updated: 2026-09-29T18:53:52.000Z The events of this past week weigh heavily on many of us, particularly the Latin@ professionals who dedicate their lives to advancing diverse and inclusive workplace environments. As if the national headlines were not enough, this month's Harvard Business Review has published a series of articles with titles suggesting that diversity training has not worked over the past 30 years. While these sensational titles help sell, they do not accurately depict the articles' content. There is no question that the nation has made significant progress in the past 40 years, yet we often experience the proverbial one step forward, two steps back. Over the past 25 years, I have had the opportunity to be invited into organizations seeking to recruit, engage, and advance diverse employees, or develop strategies to better compete for diverse consumer markets or serve diverse constituents. There are successes, but no quick fixes. Based on my experience, there are two key factors that I look for as signs of potential success. First, executives who demonstrate a strong level of self-awareness are crucial. Since the majority of senior executives are white males, I look for their ability to be aware of their personal impact on others. Do they understand that being a white male influences their views, leadership, and cultural reference points as they navigate their work life? Conversations about unconscious bias and privilege indicate whether there is the psychological insight necessary for authentic conversations. Personal awareness, coupled with clear data pointing to missed organizational opportunities, is the first step forward. Tools like the Implicit Association Test can outline unconscious bias effectively. The more challenging concept to appreciate is privilege. The Whiteness Project has recently emerged as a resource for this discussion. Watching a few of these short statements, you will find remarkable young people describe their privilege with painful clarity. They are not all men and not all white. Privilege comes in various forms in our society, despite our strong belief in a meritocracy. The cherished value that we all achieve our status through our own efforts is deeply ingrained. However, acknowledging that gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, or skin color can either help or hinder our advancement is the hardest conversation. It is encouraging to see that the next generation may be ready to understand this with clearer focus. The next step is to introduce the idea that cultural humility requires us to seek to understand and see situations as others do. Empathy is the new gold standard for leaders. National conversations surrounding affirmative action, equality, and equity are much easier when leaders can view situations through diverse perspectives. As the global economy continues to drive the success of multinational companies, the ability to be effective in other countries necessitates that we do not equate American culture with human nature. There are many ways people across the globe see the world, and these perspectives determine the context in which companies engage in regional markets. Once these conversations about self-awareness and cultural humility take place, the best news I can share with executives is that the behaviors most associated with inclusive leaders worldwide can be learned. The ability to navigate multiple cultures is a skill. The ability to engage in authentic dialogue with someone different from yourself is a skill. This week's events call upon all of us to harness these skills and take two steps forward. Authored by: Cultura Ambassador Maria Hernandez, PhD. ### Breaking Barriers: The State of Latinas in Corporate America 2024 URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/business/breaking-barriers-the-state-of-latinas-in-corporate-america-2024/ Last updated: 2026-09-11T19:17:24.000Z In a groundbreaking study by Lean In, the "State of Latinas in Corporate America 2024" reveals significant disparities and challenges faced by Latinas in the workforce. Despite their growing presence, Latinas remain underrepresented in leadership roles, facing a "broken rung" at the first step up to management. This critical issue results in fewer opportunities for advancement and contributes to a steep decline in representation from entry-level to the C-suite. Lean In's research highlights that Latinas are often subjected to biases and stereotypes that hinder their career progression. They are less likely to receive the mentorship and sponsorship needed to advance compared to their peers. Additionally, Latinas are more likely to feel the pressure of balancing work and family responsibilities, a challenge exacerbated by limited access to supportive workplace policies. The study calls for urgent action from corporate leaders to address these disparities. Key recommendations include implementing structured mentorship programs, fostering inclusive workplace cultures, and establishing clear metrics to track progress in Latina representation at all levels. Companies are encouraged to prioritize diversity and inclusion initiatives that specifically address the unique challenges faced by Latinas. To gain deeper insights into the personal experiences and career journey that led to the founding of Lean In Latinas, we asked [Anna](https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-dapelo-garcia-927baa5/), the organization’s Founder and President and one of our newest [SVL Advisory Board Members](https://svlatino.com/blogs/news/anna-dapelo-garcia-joins-svl-advisory-board). She is also a contributor to Lean In's State of Latinas report. Her story is a powerful testament to the resilience and determination needed to break through systemic barriers and advocate for change. **SVL**: Can you share a pivotal moment in your career that shaped your perspective on leadership and advocacy for Latinas in corporate America? **Anna**: “When I had reached the level of executive director at my place of employment, it was when I asked myself, where are the other Latina executive directors, and there were none. It was at this point when I realized I had to do more to help advance Latinas in the workplace. Today, Latinas face the steepest path to advancement and are the most underrepresented of all groups of employees in the c-suite. Unfortunately, Latinas' representation declines as they progress through the pipeline. You can find the data to support this in the State of Latinas report.” **SVL**: What challenges did you face as a Latina in your professional journey, and how did you overcome them to reach your current position? **Anna**: “The challenge for most Latinas is there is a "broken rung" at the initial step up to manager. For every 100 men promoted from entry level to manager, only 74 Latinas are promoted. As a result, there are far fewer Latinas to promote at every subsequent level and our representation dwindles from there. Knowing this now helps explain the challenges I had along the way. I was determined, however, to power through these challenges.” SVL has been committed to supporting and sharing the stories (over the past 12 years) of our communities Latinas in not only corporate America but also across the various segments of non-profit and small business. We urge companies to take immediate steps to implement the recommendations outlined in the study. Together, we can create a more equitable and inclusive workplace for all. For more information on the "State of Latinas in Corporate America 2024," please visit Lean In's official report [HERE](https://leanin.org/research/state-of-latinas-in-corporate-america) and download the full study [HERE](https://media.sgff.io/sgff%5Fr1eHetbDYb/2024-06-12/1718229946751/The%5FState%5Fof%5FLatinas%5Fof%5Fin%5FCorporate%5FAmerica%5F2024.pdf). By sharing these insights and continuing the conversation, we aim to drive meaningful change and support the advancement of Latinas in the corporate world. Together, we can break barriers and pave the way for future generations. #JuntosAdelante #CreoEnTi #CreoEnNosotros ### Silicon Valley Latino Celebrates Michael's Latest Achievement! URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/business/silicon-valley-latino-celebrates-michaels-latest-achievement/ Last updated: 2026-09-11T19:57:53.000Z Silicon Valley Latino is thrilled to congratulate our esteemed Advisory Board Member, [Michael Archuleta](https://svlatino.com/blogs/news/michael-archuleta-recognized-as-top-healthcare-cio-in-2023), on being recognized as one of the "133 CIOs to Know" in 2024 by Becker's Hospital Review. This prestigious accolade highlights Michael's exceptional contributions to the field of healthcare technology over the years. His expertise in digital transformation and technology integration continues to shape the future of organizational strategy, making him a standout leader in the industry. Michael's journey, marked by significant achievements and a relentless pursuit of innovation, is a testament to his dedication and vision. From his insightful feature in HealthTech magazine to his selection as a finalist for the APEX Awards at the Colorado Tech Summit, Michael has consistently demonstrated his ability to drive technological advancements and inspire others. Silicon Valley Latino is proud to celebrate Michael's accomplishments and his ongoing impact on the tech community. His recognition by Becker's Hospital Review is a well-deserved honor that highlights his pivotal role in advancing healthcare technology. Congratulations, Michael, on this remarkable achievement! See the full article in Becker's Hospital Review **[here!](https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/lists/133-cios-to-know-2024.html)** #JuntosAdelante #CreoEnTi ### Prósperos Powers Up with $3M Seed Funding to Revolutionize Latino Finances URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/business/prosperos-powers-up-with-3m-seed-funding-to-revolutionize-latino-finances/ Last updated: 2026-09-11T19:59:07.000Z Congratulations to [Salvador Chavez](https://www.linkedin.com/in/salvador-chavez/), CEO of Prósperos and one of our newest SVL Advisory Board Members, on the tremendous achievement of securing $3 million in seed funding. This milestone represents a significant step forward in empowering the Latino financial future. Prósperos, founded by Vinay Pai and Salvador Chavez in 2023, is dedicated to transforming the financial landscape for millions of Latinos by providing a modern, low-cost, and secure financial platform that facilitates international remittances and financial management. The funding round saw contributions from prominent investors, including FEBE Ventures, BAT VC, Tekton Ventures, Courtyard Ventures, and various technology executives. The Prósperos platform is set to revolutionize how families in the USA and Latin America handle their finances by offering innovative solutions that replace the costly and slow traditional money-transfer methods. This platform includes features such as dual bank accounts and cards for users in the USA and their family members in Latin America, ensuring that funds are accessible within seconds ([TMCnet](https://www.tmcnet.com/usubmit/-prosperos-secures-3-million-seed-funding-empower-latino-/2024/06/04/10022699.html) ) ([Venture Capital Access Online](https://www.vcaonline.com/news/2024060413/pr-speros-secures-3-million-in-seed-funding-to-empower-the-latino-financial-future/)). Salvador Chavez's vision and leadership have been instrumental in this success, and this new funding will enable Prósperos to roll out its financial services in the coming weeks, meeting the strong demand already observed. Your dedication to enhancing financial accessibility and prosperity for the Latino community is truly commendable. Congratulations again on this outstanding achievement, Salvador! Read the full press release **[here](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/prosperos-secures-3-million-in-seed-funding-to-empower-the-latino-financial-future-302163399.html)** ### Celebrating Adam Mendoza: A Pillar of Innovation and Inspiration at The SVL Agency URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/business/celebrating-adam-mendoza-a-pillar-of-innovation-and-inspiration-at-the-svl-agency/ Last updated: 2026-09-15T12:22:09.000Z At The SVL Agency, we pride ourselves on fostering a culture of creativity, innovation, and community engagement. A shining example of our Mission and Vision is [Adam Mendoza](https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-mendoza-17b7509/), our esteemed Director of Brand Merchandising. With over 30 years of experience in the promotional products industry, Adam brings unparalleled expertise and a vibrant creative energy that continually enhances our brand's impact and reach. Adam's journey began in Los Angeles, CA, and took root academically at San Jose State University, where he studied Journalism from 1982 to 1986\. This foundation has been instrumental in shaping his storytelling prowess and his keen understanding of media's powerful role in shaping perceptions and narratives. Throughout his career, Adam has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation. His tenure in Hawaii, from 2004 to 2012, managing retail operations for Malibu Shirts, speaks volumes of his versatility and dedication. This unique venture, specializing in custom authentic merchandise that pays homage to Hawaii’s rich heritage, honed Adam's skills in apparel production, sales, and retail management. This period not only broadened his professional expertise but also enriched his appreciation for cultural storytelling through merchandise. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/623_DSC01602_600x600.jpg) Adam’s influence extends far beyond the realm of brand merchandising. At Silicon Valley Latino, he has championed the cause of educational empowerment. His work with educators and recruitment professionals has cast a spotlight on high-achieving youth in lower economic and at-risk areas, portraying them in a positive and empowering light through various media platforms. His dedication to promoting student achievement through initiatives like SVL’s Inspire Higher and College Declaration Days is a testament to his belief in the transformative power of education and inspiration. In 2020, Adam embarked on a new venture with The Bay Area Beat, a podcast that delves into the heart of the incredible work being done by communities and individuals across the Bay Area. Through this platform, Adam shares stories of unheralded achievements in education, technology, civic engagement, and the arts. These narratives reflect the unique diversity, cooperation, entrepreneurship, and innovation that define the Bay Area. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/624_DSC02359_600x600.jpg) Adam’s talents are not confined to one domain. He is a skilled ad copywriter, a vocalist performing with various acts in the San Jose Bay Area, and a radio voice-over talent. Additionally, he brings his wealth of customer service experience to Trader Joe’s in Santa Cruz, CA, where he enjoys mentoring his fellow crew members. At The SVL Agency, we are incredibly fortunate to have Adam Mendoza as a part of our team. His multifaceted career, characterized by creativity, dedication, and a deep commitment to community engagement, embodies the spirit of our agency. Adam’s work continues to inspire and uplift, making a profound impact on everyone he collaborates with. We celebrate his contributions and look forward to many more years of innovation and inspiration with him at the helm of our brand merchandising efforts. Join us in celebrating his talent and commitment to our community and the next generation! #JuntosAdelante #CreoEnTi ### Bank of America Hosts Inaugural "Celebrating the American Dream" Event at Latino-Owned Honrama Cellars URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/business/bank-of-america-hosts-inaugural-journey-to-success-event-at-latino-owned-honrama-cellars/ Last updated: 2026-09-30T00:07:00.000Z Bank of America's Hispanic-Latino Business Council (HLBC) recently hosted its first client-centric event, celebrating the entrepreneurial spirit and achievements of local professionals, entrepreneurs, and business leaders. Held at the esteemed Latino-owned [Honrama Cellars](https://shoplatino.market/listing/honrama-cellars/), the "Celebrating the American Dream" event fostered a warm and inviting atmosphere reminiscent of a family fiesta. [Oscar Robles](https://www.linkedin.com/in/oscar-robles-93867229/), Senior Advisor and Resident Director for Merrill Lynch Wealth Management (MLWM) in the area, a member of Bank of America's HLBC for the San Francisco Bay region, and an Advisory Board member of Silicon Valley Latino, opened the event with a heartfelt welcome. He acknowledged the Executive Sponsors—Mark Mokelke, Dan Wink, Azer Manashir, and Lindsay Romig—for their leadership and support, as well as Juan and Miriam Puentes and HC for hosting and soon sharing their inspiring story. "*Our purpose has been to develop a local strategy that can deliver all the capabilities of our bank as a team to our community*," said Robles. Highlighting the diverse representation within the HLBC, he emphasized the collective strength of leaders from Private Banking, Business Banking, Middle Markets, the Consumer Bank, and Merrill. The event celebrated the achievements of local businesses, underscoring Bank of America's commitment to supporting companies at every stage—from inception to maturity, wealth planning, and succession. [Carmen Sanchez](https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmen-sanchez-0051a67/), SVP - Senior Relationship Manager at Bank of America Merrill Lynch moderated the panel discussion where [Salvador Chavez](https://www.linkedin.com/in/salvador-chavez/), Cofounder of Prosperos, [Elba Gonzalez-Mares](https://www.linkedin.com/in/elba-gonzalez-mares/), Executive Director of Community Health Initiative, and [Miguel Galarza](https://www.linkedin.com/in/miguelgalarza/), President of Yerba Buena Engineering and Construction, Inc. shared their personal and professional journeys as well as key lessons learned to over 60 local business and community leaders. Robles emphasized that as partners, Bank of America values and recognizes the hard-fought journeys of their clients, often standing with them in the trenches. "*As your businesses grow, your families and our communities are strengthened, and younger generations are inspired to explore what's possible*," Robles stated. He toasted to the building of enduring enterprises and the success of the community. Jason Foster, Market President for the North Bay Area, followed Robles with brief remarks, reinforcing the bank's dedication to fostering success and building new connections within the community. The "Celebrating the American Dream" event at Honrama Cellars was a testament to Bank of America's ongoing efforts to support and celebrate the vibrant entrepreneurial spirit within the San Francisco Bay Area. Together, we rise. #JuntosAdelante #CreoEnTi #SiliconValleyLatino ### Victory for Farmworkers: ALAS' 555 Kelly Project Gains Approval! URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/social-impact-advocates/victory-for-farmworkers-alas-555-kelly-project-gains-approval/ Last updated: 2026-09-11T19:17:25.000Z Greetings Community, After last week’s call by our Founder (Alex Ontiveros) we are excited to share an important update on the 555 Kelly Project (affordable housing for farmworkers) in Half Moon Bay. As many of you know, Alex, along with community leaders Victoria Sanchez De Alba and Ed Vargas among many others, have collaborated over the past few years with the exceptional leadership team of Ayudando Latinos A Soñar—Dr. Belinda Hernandez-Arriaga, Lilli Rey, and Luis Enrique Bazan—alongside affordable housing consultant Matt Huerta, on this crucial affordable housing initiative for farmworkers. The 555 Kelly Project (www.555kelly.org) has garnered significant support and positive feedback throughout its development. ALAS has also partnered with Mercy Housing as the affordable housing developer and received endorsements from several state and local officials, including Governor Newsom, Congresswoman Anna Eshoo, San Mateo County Supervisor Rey Mueller, and numerous City of Half Moon Bay City Council Members. Despite facing challenges from the Half Moon Bay Planning Commission and a few NIMBY (Not In My Back Yard) opponents, we are thrilled to announce that the persistent efforts, by the community, have paid off. Thanks to the collective push from our supporters and the crucial backing from Governor Newsom, the 555 Kelly Project has now gained approval by the planning commission! This project, which will provide 40 units of housing for Half Moon Bay farmworkers in the heart of the city, marks a significant milestone in this journey. It is especially poignant in the wake of the tragic mass shooting that claimed the lives of seven farmworkers and critically injured another, highlighting the urgent need for secure and affordable housing for these front-line vulnerable laborers. We extend a heartfelt gratitude to everyone who supported this initiative by signing the petition and rallying behind this cause. Your efforts have made a substantial difference, and together, we have achieved a great victory for our community. Thank you for your continued support! #JuntosAdelante Find additional links for this story => ### Dr. Belinda Hernandez-Arriaga Joins SVL Advisory Board URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/business/dr-belinda-hernandez-arriaga-joins-svl-advisory-board/ Last updated: 2026-09-11T20:04:34.000Z [Dr. Belinda Hernandez Arriaga](https://www.linkedin.com/in/belindahernandezarriaga/) is a prominent mental health professional, educator, and social advocate. She is the founder and executive director of Ayudando Latinos a Soñar ([ALAS](https://www.alasdreams.com/)), a nonprofit dedicated to supporting Latino families through mental health services, education, and cultural initiatives. Dr. Hernandez Arriaga holds a doctorate in Education from the University of San Francisco, where she also serves as an Assistant Professor in the Counseling Psychology Department. Her clinical work focuses on trauma among immigrant children and farmworker mental health. She has played a vital role in helping communities recover from traumatic events, including providing critical support to farmworkers affected by the Half Moon Bay shooting. We (Silicon Valley Latino) are honored to welcome Dr. Belinda Hernandez Arriaga to the SVL Advisory Board. Her extensive experience in mental health advocacy and her leadership at ALAS align perfectly with our mission to empower Latino communities. Dr. Hernandez Arriaga's dedication to trauma recovery and her expertise in mental health services will bring invaluable insights to our board. We look forward to collaborating with her and making a positive impact together. Welcome to the SVL TriBU, Dr. Hernandez Arriaga! For more information about Dr. Belinda Hernandez Arriaga, please visit these sites that have written or interviewed her in the past, [Silicon Valley Latino](https://svlatino.com/blogs/news/dr-belinda-hernandez-arriaga-womens-history-month-shero?%5Fpos=1&%5Fsid=9eb9a7985&%5Fss=r), [Stanford Impact Labs](https://impact.stanford.edu/people/belinda-hernandez-arriaga) , and[ KRON4 News](https://www.kron4.com/video/executive-director-and-founder-of-alas-dr-belinda-hernandez-arriaga-talks-about-the-importance-of-mental-health-resources-for-farmworkers/8419677/) #JuntosAdelante #TriBU ### Michelle Linares Joins SVL Advisory Board URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/business/michelle-linares-joins-svl-advisory-board/ Last updated: 2026-09-16T15:21:35.000Z We are excited to share and welcome Michelle Linares to our SVL Advisory Board. Join us in welcoming her! [Michelle Linares](https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-linares-mba-0a80a72b/) is the Director of National Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity at Kaiser Permanente with 20 years of experience in the healthcare industry. She leads and manages national level strategic projects and consultations to improve workplace fairness, empowerment, and belonging to deliver value-based care. Additionally, Michelle leads the Business Resource Group (BRG) program strategy, activating thousands of employees and clinicians to serve as cultural influencers and multipliers across all Kaiser Permanente markets. Michelle's combined experience in the healthcare industry includes serving as a bilingual health educator, program manager, and implementing various strategic initiatives in health promotion, digital health, quality improvement, culturally responsive care, and workforce development. She is enthusiastic about empowering people and redesigning systems to achieve best health outcomes for all. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/856_Michelle_Linares_w.Latino_Leaders_at_KP_600x600.jpg) **Notable Impacts** - Co-led a transformative effort to enhance digital health literacy for monolingual and bilingual Spanish speaking population. Her innovative and strategic approaches involved re-engineering patient resources, launch a bilingual text campaign, interactive training for physicians and staff, and improving the exam room experience through educational videos. - Played a critical role in Kaiser Permanente’s COVID-19 response. Her contributions led to the development of the COVID-19 Social Health Playbook and an internal Equitable Care Toolkit, ensuring that healthcare services remained accessible and fair during the pandemic. - Spearheaded a comprehensive transformation of Kaiser Permanente’s Business Resource Group (BRG) program. Her strategic initiatives optimized and integrated cultural advisors into business leadership functions, empowering the next generation of inclusive leaders within the organization. - Founded Latinos in Healthcare Giving Circle, a philanthropy network within the Latino Community Foundation, awarding over $80,000 in grants to Latino led nonprofit organizations advancing workforce representation in healthcare and addressing healthcare disparities. Michelle holds an undergraduate degree in health sciences with a minor in Spanish from San José State University. Additionally, she earned a master’s in business administration from National University. Her dedication to promoting a learning culture has not gone unnoticed—she received Kaiser Permanente’s 2024 Apple Award for Best Learning Culture Influencer due to her impact in leading the BRG program. Furthermore, she was recognized as a Rising Star by Latino Leaders Magazine in 2023 and received Silicon Valley Latino’s Creo En Ti Champion award in 2019 for her outstanding contributions at Kaiser Permanente. As a first-generation Salvadorian American, college graduate, and healthcare professional, Michelle has been committed to improve healthcare outcomes and workforce representation through stretch leadership roles as a business resource group leader for the Latinx@KP BRG (2016-2020), and now a board of director to the National Association of Latino Healthcare Executives (NALHE). Michelle is excited to serve as an advisor to the Silicon Valley Latino Familia. She believes in Silicon Valley Latino’s mission and is dedicated to using her personal and professional experience to catapult the celebration of our collective heritage and impact as successful leaders and heroes. ### Meet One of Our Newest SVL Advisory Board Members Arnaldo (Arnie) Lopez URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/business/meet-one-of-our-newest-svl-advisory-board-members-arnaldo-arnie-lopez/ Last updated: 2026-09-11T19:17:26.000Z We are excited to share that *[Arnaldo (Arnie) Lopez](https://www.linkedin.com/in/arnlopez/)* has gladly accepted to join the SVL Advisory Board. With his rich experience spanning over a quarter of a century in Silicon Valley’s Tech Community, coupled with his expertise in Networking, Cloud, and Security Solutions, Arnaldo is poised to further amplify the cultural and professional landscape as a true advocate and leader within our community. In terms of how he would like to help advance our SVL efforts in his new role as advisory board member, he primarily looks to pay it back to young latinos starting their careers, like many did for him during his early years. He also looks forward to providing mentorship to the next generation and, searching out partnership opportunities leveraging his current position at New Relic and executive sponsor of their LatinX ERG at New Relic. Read all about him *[here!](https://bit.ly/ArnaldoLopezSVLCulturaAmbassador)* ### Celebrating Our Partnerships: Thanking Silicon Valley Latino's Outgoing Advisory Board Members URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/business/celebrating-our-partnerships-announcing-silicon-valley-latinos-outgoing-advisory-board-members/ Last updated: 2026-09-11T19:17:28.000Z Today, we're feeling a mix of emotions—gratitude, nostalgia, and excitement—as we announce some changes within our Silicon Valley Latino familia. It's with both a heavy heart and boundless appreciation that we bid farewell to some of our Advisory Board Members. From the very beginning, some of these incredible individuals have stood by us, lending their wisdom, passion, and unwavering support to our mission of spotlighting the beauty and diversity and the positive impacts of the Latino community. Together, we've embarked on unforgettable journeys, creating impactful projects that have resonated deeply with audiences far and wide. Who could forget the journey of our award-winning documentary, "CAMPESINOS: America's Unsung Heroes"? It's a project that's not just a film but a testament to the resilience and spirit of Latino farmworkers. And let's not forget the incredible work of The SVL Agency, our full-service creative agency, which has flourished, about 9 years ago, under their watch . From startups to nonprofits, the Agency's storytelling prowess has brought countless visions to life, leaving a lasting impact on every project that has been taken on. As we bid farewell to these leaders, we want to express our appreciation for the indelible mark they've left on our organization. Nancy Rosales, Arnoldo Avalos, Richard L. Garcia, Jose (Pepe) R. Gomez, Marisol Morales, Jesse Martinez, Tony Quintero, and Angel Chavez. But as one chapter ends, another begins. In the coming weeks, we will be welcoming our new Advisory Board Members, each bringing their unique perspectives, talents, and experiences to our family. Together, we'll continue to push boundaries, spark conversations, uplift the voices of the Latino community, and take SVL to new heights. So here's to new beginnings, to cherished memories, and to the beautiful tapestry of voices that make up the Silicon Valley Latino community. Stay tuned for more updates, and join us as we celebrate the incredible achievements of our outgoing Advisory Board Members and help us welcome the new Advisory Board Members, Arnaldo Lopez, Belinda Arriaga, Anna Dapelo Garcia, Salvador Chavez, Oscar Robles, and Michelle Linares. #JuntosAdelante ### Join Santalynda in the Fight Against Blood Cancers: One in a Million for Lele Campaign URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/cultura-ambassador/join-santalynda-in-the-fight-against-blood-cancers-one-in-a-million-for-lele-campaign/ Last updated: 2026-09-16T15:20:23.000Z We are excited to invite you to support the incredible work of SVL Cultura Ambassador [Santalynda Marrero, Ed. D.](https://www.linkedin.com/in/santalynda-marrero-ed-d-795539/) as she participates in The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s ([*LLS*](https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001CBeFBLRb1YwrH27fZu-0XlrlmzH784I6ECNxfS4BPuK-NTM7WKO6PWAYP-uUmwFOfFlM8agK55SMRfxWxWBnzEbupU7hCzSw-20Jn6tm7QjBW9fq-NFZZi7mG0HPOzgT1cOktBsNftQ=&c=&ch=)) Visionaries of the Year fundraising campaign. This is an opportunity for us all to rally behind Santalynda and contribute to LLS's crucial mission of fighting blood cancers. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/898_SVL_Santalynda_LLS_Campaign_600x600.jpg) Santalynda's dedication to this cause stems from a personal journey of compassion and commitment. Having witnessed the devastating impact of leukemia on a dear friend's family, she has long been a supporter of LLS. Now, as she steps forward to lead a team in the Silicon Valley Campaign for 2024, we have the chance to join her in making a meaningful difference. The story of baby Lele, whose memory inspires Santalynda's efforts, reminds us of the importance of our collective action. Through the campaign "One in a Million for Lele," Santalynda aims to raise $1 million, honoring Lele's spirit and the countless others affected by blood cancers. We invite you to stand with us and support Santalynda's campaign. Your generosity will help advance research, provide support to patients and families, and bring hope to those fighting these diseases. Please follow Santalynda's fundraising link to donate: Thank you for joining us in this important endeavor and for helping to create a world where hope prevails and survivors thrive. #JuntosAdelante ### Empowering Communities: The Ivan Martinez Story URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/cultura-ambassador/empowering-communities-the-ivan-martinez-story/ Last updated: 2026-09-16T15:19:00.000Z *[Ivan Martinez](https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivan-reyes-martinez-55353396/)* is a renowned community leader and advocate, deeply rooted in the fabric of Redwood City CA, with his upbringing in the North Fair Oaks neighborhood. Over the span of nearly two decades, Ivan has exhibited unwavering dedication and passion across various domains, including community advocacy, multimedia production, nonprofit leadership, and entrepreneurship. Currently serving as the Executive Director of the *[Pal Center](https://www.rcpalcenter.org/)*, Ivan spearheads initiatives aimed at fostering social equity and facilitating the holistic development of marginalized youth and families, in close collaboration with the community. Under his stewardship, the Pal Center has emerged as a beacon of hope, offering top-tier programs and services to over 500 families annually by merging the expertise of public safety professionals and service providers with community resources. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/1099_ivan_and_youth_600x600.jpg) One of Ivan's notable achievements lies in his adept leadership of numerous development strategies, which have successfully secured tens of millions of dollars in funding, thereby significantly benefiting the residents of San Mateo County. Furthermore, Ivan serves as a board member and elected official of the Sequoia Healthcare District, where he continues to advocate for the welfare of the community. A cornerstone of Ivan's legacy is the pioneering P.A.C.E (Purposeful Action Creation and Engagement) framework, which played a pivotal role in the collaborative development of a program with the city of Redwood City. This innovative framework has been instrumental in redistributing power and fostering a sense of belonging among youth and families in the community. By forging authentic relationships with young people and empowering them to create culturally relevant, youth-centered activities, Ivan has facilitated a profound shift towards stronger community cohesion. The efficacy of the P.A.C.E program is underscored by the tangible results reflected in the local public safety data dashboard, demonstrating significant reductions in youth-related incidents. Throughout his career, Ivan Martinez has remained steadfast in his commitment to authenticity, courage, and collaboration, serving as an inspiration to all those who aspire to effect positive change in their communities. His tireless efforts and innovative approaches have left an indelible mark on Redwood City, embodying the true spirit of leadership and service. Join us in welcoming Ivan as our newest SVL Cultura Ambassador! #SVLTribu #JuntosAdelante ### Frank Sancho: A Technology Leader with a Passion for Innovation URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/cultura-ambassador/frank-sancho-a-technology-leader-with-a-passion-for-innovation/ Last updated: 2026-09-17T16:58:22.000Z Frank Sancho is a seasoned technology leader with over 27 years of experience in the IT industry. He is deeply committed to leveraging technology to drive positive change and improve the world around him. His career has been marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence, driving transformations within organizations and empowering teams to achieve exceptional results. In his previous roles at Digital Realty Trust and Hewlett Packard Enterprise, *[Frank](https://www.linkedin.com/in/franksancho/)* demonstrated his ability to lead diverse teams and navigate complex challenges. From enterprise sales to product management and strategy, he has consistently delivered outstanding performance and fostered innovation. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/994_WhatsApp_Image_2024-02-28_at_1.32.19_PM_600x600.jpg) Now, as the Senior Vice-President of ESG Strategy, Datacenter, and As-a-Service, Frank is poised to make a significant impact on revenue growth and customer experience. His mandate includes optimizing revenue across the customer lifecycle by integrating various functions such as marketing, sales, customer success, and operations. One of Frank's key objectives is to enhance the customer experience through data analytics, driving annual recurring revenues and delivering tangible business outcomes. Drawing on his expertise in developing customer-centric, scalable 'as-a-service' solutions, Frank will focus on areas such as AI/ML, Edge IoT, Hybrid Cloud & Workplace, Cyber Security, and Sustainability. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/993_WhatsApp_Image_2024-02-28_at_1.31.36_PM_600x600.jpg) Beyond his professional accomplishments, Frank is a multilingual individual with a passion for languages and cultures. Fluent in Spanish and proficient in Pin Yin Chinese, he embodies a global perspective in both his personal and professional life. Splitting his time between Miami, Florida, and Alicante, Spain, Frank cherishes moments with his family and enjoys pursuits such as triathlons and sailing. With his rich background in technology and business strategy, coupled with his commitment to excellence and innovation, Frank is poised to lead his team to new heights in the rapidly evolving landscape of technology and sustainability. Join us in welcoming Frank to our SVL TriBU as an Executive Cultura Ambassador! ### Lilian López Peña on Soccer and Smiles and its Inaugural Fundraiser! URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/social-impact-advocates/lilian-lopez-pena-on-soccer-and-smiles-and-its-inaugural-fundraiser/ Last updated: 2026-10-07T21:26:36.000Z Lilian López Peña, CEO of the non-profit organization *[Soccer and Smiles](https://www.soccerandsmiles.org/)*, sees one ball as the gateway to a million opportunities. Embracing this philosophy as CEO and co-founder, she and her team strive to make a global impact through the power of soccer. Growing up immersed in the soccer culture of the 70s and 80s alongside her father, Lilian developed a deep affection for the sport. For her, the soccer field wasn't just a playing field; it was a vibrant community where friendships were forged and stories shared. From bus drivers to bankers, painters to entrepreneurs, people from diverse backgrounds gathered every weekend over a soccer ball. As a young girl, Lilian felt valued and included in this special community, where she engaged in various activities while her father played or refereed matches. Years later, Lilian's path intersected with that of Roberto Alvarado, a co-founder of Soccer and Smiles, whose longstanding commitment to delivering used soccer equipment to El Salvador inspired her to reconnect with her childhood soccer club. Despite never crossing paths before, Lilian and Roberto shared a mutual passion for helping others, leading them to join forces and establish Soccer and Smiles as a non-profit organization. Formalizing their efforts with the State of California in a seven-month application process in 2023, Lilian and Roberto embarked on a mission to expand their impact. Leveraging their corporate experience and support from their network, they have provided over 1,000 pounds of equipment and nearly $3,000 in cash donations to 15 groups, benefiting hundreds of youth and directors in El Salvador. As a newly designated 501(c)(3) organization, Soccer and Smiles entered 2024 with a strategic growth plan, including the addition of Robert Cabrera to their board and initiatives such as publicity, grant applications, and gear drives. Looking ahead, Soccer and Smiles aims to extend their reach beyond El Salvador, with invitations from Honduras, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Mexico, and Peru. Additionally, they are committed to serving underrepresented talent in the Bay Area through local initiatives. For Lilian and the Soccer and Smiles team, every ball they give away symbolizes countless possibilities, reflecting the transformative impact that soccer has had on their lives and the lives of others. And with this enthusiasm Lilian and team invite you to support them at the following fundraiser. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/855_Marvin_Gardens_TWS_SaS_Event_on_03.15.24_Instagram_600x600.jpg) **Belmont Pub to Host Kickoff Fundraiser for Local Non-Profit** Join us on Friday, March 15, 2024, from 6:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. at Marvin Gardens Pub & Grill for an evening filled with live music, delicious food, and dancing, all for a great cause. Country music band Two Week Streak will be taking the stage, while DJ Robski spins Salsa, Cumbia, and 80s hits to keep the party going. Marvin Gardens Pub & Grill, known for its mouthwatering pizza and diverse menu, has been a beloved gathering spot for locals for decades. Now, they're opening their doors to pub and grill fans near and far for a night of fun in support of a startup non-profit organization, Soccer and Smiles. This event isn't just about having a good time—it's about making a difference. Proceeds from the night will directly benefit Soccer and Smiles, a non-profit dedicated to bringing the joy of soccer to communities in need. Representatives from Soccer and Smiles will be onsite to collect donated soccer equipment such as cleats, balls, shin guards, and more. Don't miss out on this special occasion to enjoy great music, food, and company while supporting a worthy cause. Mark your calendars for: **WHEN:** Friday, March 15, 2024 **TIME:** 6:30 p.m. – 11:30 p.m. **WHERE:** Marvin Gardens Pub and Grill, 1160 Old County Road, Belmont, CA 94002 Let's kick off Soccer and Smiles' fundraising efforts with a night to remember. See you there! **About Two Week Streak** Two Week Streak plays modern Country music with some classics, all around the San Francisco Bay Area, to keep your boots moving! Five voices and three multi-instrumentalists, including pedal steel, make a great night out. Follow on Facebook and Instagram: @twoweekstreak **About Marvin Gardens Pub and Grill** *[Marvin Gardens](https://www.marvingardensrestaurantandbeer.com)* is a local restaurant established in Belmont, CA, in 1973\. Specializing in craft beers and drinks, they boast unique homemade pizzas with in house dough made fresh daily. They provide catering to the Peninsula and greater Bay Area, while also using their space to host live music by some of the best local bands. **About Soccer and Smiles** The mission is to provide basic soccer equipment to help youth thrive in the sport and in life. Soccer and Smiles is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, led by volunteers with a love for fútbol and a passion for community. www.soccerandsmiles.org MEDIA CONTACT Lilian López Peña | Call/Text 415-559-1553 | soccernsmiles@gmail.com ### Arnie Lopez Embarks on a New Journey as Senior VP of Global Customer Solutions at New Relic URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/cultura-ambassador/arnie-lopez-embarks-on-a-new-journey-as-senior-vp-of-global-customer-solutions-at-new-relic/ Last updated: 2026-09-15T18:11:29.000Z In a thrilling new chapter of his career, [Arnie Lopez](https://www.linkedin.com/in/arnlopez/), SVL Executive Cultura Ambassador, has jumped into his next transformative adventure as the Senior Vice President of Global Customer Solutions at New Relic. Known for its cutting-edge Fullstack Observability solutions, New Relic stands as a beacon of innovation, dedicated to empowering companies to craft exceptional digital experiences for their customers. With a deep-rooted passion for customer success, Arnie brings over three decades of expertise in Networking, Cloud Data Management, and Cloud Security Solutions to his latest role. Having recently steered the ship as the Vice President of Worldwide Solutions Engineering at Skyhigh Security, Arnie now assumes the helm of the customer solutions team at New Relic. This esteemed crew, comprising key technical Go-To-Market (GTM) units such as Presales, Professional Services, Customer Success, and Technical Support, is poised to take on the challenges of customer adoption and unlock untold value under Arnie's seasoned leadership. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/753_IMG_3343_600x600.jpg) Arnie's appointment as Senior VP of Global Customer Solutions heralds an exciting new chapter for both him and New Relic, underlining their shared commitment to innovation, customer-centricity, and unwavering excellence in the ever-evolving landscape of technology solutions. With Arnie at the helm, the horizon brims with promise for New Relic and the customers it serves. Join us in congratulating Arnie on this next stage of life! #CreoEnTi For more information about New Relic and its groundbreaking solutions, navigate to: [New Relic](https://newrelic.com) ### MaCo Vineyards: Cultivating the American Dream in Napa Valley URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/business/maco-vineyards-cultivating-the-american-dream-in-napa-valley/ Last updated: 2026-09-15T18:12:43.000Z We are absolutely thrilled to announce that [MaCo Vineyards ](https://www.macovineyards.com/)has joined us as our first Creo En Ti Business Ambassador in 2024! Why is this important you may ask. As a social impact venture, Silicon Valley Latino was created to exclusively publish and promote positive content about the Latino community in order to combat all of the negative stereotypes that are constantly perpetuated through mainstream platforms. Creo En Ti Business Ambassadors like MaCo Vineyards are incredibly important because through their support, they say "SVL we believe in you and what you do for our community. They are also demonstrating that they believe in our community and that despite all of the challenges that we face we are still capable, ambitious, and worthy of empowering platforms like SVL. For generations, the family has tended to the fertile soils of Napa Valley with unwavering dedication. Since 1972, they've immersed themselves in the art of sustainable farming, nurturing their land to produce wines that capture the very essence of this renowned region. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/846_MaCo_SVLCreoEnTiview_600x600.jpg) In 2009, a visionary partnership emerged between Roberto Corona and Jesus Maciel, driven by a shared ambition to elevate Napa Valley's viticulture. Roberto's expertise in vineyard management, combined with Jesus' profound passion for wine, laid the foundation for what would become MaCo Vineyards. With a commitment to crafting wines from their own meticulously cultivated fruit, they embarked on a journey to share their creations with friends and family alike. In 2013, their labor of love bore fruit as they unveiled their inaugural estate-grown wine. Since then, they've been humbled by the warm embrace of wine enthusiasts, allowing them to expand their production and share their wines with an ever-growing audience. At MaCo Vineyards, they view their journey not just as a pursuit of excellence but as a testament to the American Dream – a dream fueled by passion, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to craft. Nestled on 49 acres along the prestigious Silverado Trail in the Oak Knoll District, MaCo Vineyards enjoys a truly privileged position. Here, the convergence of oceanic influences from the nearby San Pablo Bay and the mountainous terrain of the Vaca and Mayacamas Mountain Ranges creates a tapestry of microclimates ideal for grape cultivation. The gentle caress of the Napa River, which borders their estate, further enriches their terroir, extending growing seasons and imparting a unique character to their wines. Their commitment to sustainability extends beyond the vineyard, shaping every aspect of their winemaking process. From vine to bottle, they strive to minimize their environmental footprint while maximizing the expression of their terroir. The result? Wines that not only reflect the land from which they hail but also embody the passion and dedication of those who craft them. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/845_MaCo_SVLCreoEnTi_white_600x600.jpg) At MaCo Vineyards, they invite wine enthusiasts to join them on this journey – a journey fueled by a love for the land, a reverence for tradition, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Together, let us raise a glass to the enduring spirit of Napa Valley and the timeless art of winemaking. As a Creo En Ti Business Ambassador, MaCo Vineyards will enjoy unparalleled visibility across our various platforms, including our SVL social media platforms, the SVL website, weekly newsletter, and our latest initiative [ShopLatino.Market](https://shoplatino.market/listing/maco-vineyards/) (our Latino business directory). But that's not all! MaCo Vineyards will also have the opportunity to collaborate with us on empowering initiatives like Inspire Higher, College Declaration Day, and the Latino Leaders Fireside Chat Series and more. Now, here's where YOU come in: We're calling on all Latino-owned businesses to join our movement! Together, let's highlight and promote the incredible talent, creativity, and dedication of our community including Latino entrepreneurs, across the USA. By becoming a Creo En Ti Business Ambassador, you'll not only elevate your business but also contribute to a community-driven mission of empowerment and support. Don't miss out on this opportunity to be part of something truly special. We invite you to visit and support [MaCo Vineyards](https://www.macovineyards.com/). Visit them at their tasting room in Napa, order their exceptional wines, become a club member, and bring them out to your next corporate event. Also, to learn more and become a Creo En Ti Business Ambassador, contact us [info@svlatino.com](mailto:info@svlatino.com) or reach out to Alex or Sergio directly. We thank you for being part of our community of progressive and action-oriented Latino that uplift our community of Latino entrepreneurs, dreamers, professionals and beyond! In collaborative spirit, The SVL Team #gracias #creoenti #creoennosotros, #juntosadelante #togetherwerise #TriBU ### Dr. Pablo Paredes Romero: A Journey of Entrepreneurial Excellence and Academic Leadership URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/cultura-ambassador/dr-pablo-paredes-romero-a-journey-of-entrepreneurial-excellence-and-academic-leadership/ Last updated: 2026-09-16T15:23:58.000Z We are excited to welcome our newest SVL Executive Cultura Ambassador, [Dr. Pablo Paredes Romero.](https://www.linkedin.com/in/10151976/) Pablo's journey is a tapestry woven with intentionality, entrepreneurship, and an abiding commitment to empowering others. After decades in private sector business, he began his career’s second act, within the vibrant academic community of California State University-Stanislaus at the College of Business of Administration as an adjunct lecturer. Following the COVID-19 pandemic and successfully defending his dissertation (a study based in the Central Valley), he was appointed Faculty Fellow of The Warrior Entrepreneurship and Innovation Initiative. This role mirrors his passion for cultivating ingenuity. With his expansion into Silicon Valley in 2022, Dr. Paredes Romero now serves as a Visiting Professor in the College of Business Administration at Menlo College in Atherton, CA, where he shares his experience and expertise in Organizational Behavior, Entrepreneurship & Innovation, Marketing, International Business, and Management. He serves as faculty advisor of The Entrepreneurship & Innovation and People Operations Group student organizations. He will help pre-venture entrepreneurs explore the prospect of small business ownership by joining the team at the Silicon Valley SBDC at San José State University this month. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/919_Screen_Shot_2022-09-12_at_4.47.34_PM_600x600.png) Beyond academia, Dr. Paredes Romero is a certified career professional in corporate People Operations, Human Resources, and Organizational Behavior/Development spaces. As a consultant and professional coach, he lends his expertise to small Latinx businesses across the Central Valley, Bay Area, and South Florida. His mission is to uplift entrepreneurs, small business owners, and high-achieving individuals, strategically partnering with them toward achieving success. His multifaceted background as a Latino small business owner (founder and principal of both Aliado Consulting and his new venture, Conceptual Continuum) adds a unique flavor to his teachings, rooted in the rich experiences of growing up in Puerto Rico, himself being of Ecuadorian descent, and having lived, worked, and grown in some of the eminent hubs of Latino entrepreneurship: NY/NJ, Miami, Los Angeles, and Houston. With over 25 years of dedicated service in the field, Dr. Paredes Romero is a seasoned professional, bringing a wealth of experience to the forefront. His journey traverses diverse industries, from Intermodal Transportation & Freight to Retail Distribution, Recruitment & Staffing, Ornamental Horticulture, Home Improvement Remodeling, Light and Heavy Industry, Supermarkets, and Direct Marketing. His strategic HR acumen has allowed him to serve organizations on both the East and West Coasts impactfully. In addition to his professional pursuits, Dr. Paredes Romero currently serves on the board of directors at the Stanislaus Latino Chamber of Commerce, where he contributes to advancing local businesses. His commitment to leadership extends beyond the boardroom, evident in his role as a professionally trained, ICF-certified coach. Whether partnering with graduate students, high-achieving executives, or small business owners, he specializes in unlocking the potential within individuals and groups. As the host of the “Entrepreneurship & Innovation Studio” podcast at Stanislaus State University, he helps to highlight the stories of people and their journeys in enterprise in that growing region. A First-Gen college student, Dr. Paredes Romero’s academic journey is one of passion and persistence, which drove him to achievement and to eventually hold a BSc in Communications (Public Relations) from Florida International University in Miami, a MSc in Human Resources Management from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, and a Ph.D. in Leadership and Education from Barry University in Miami Shores. Each chapter of his narrative reflects a dedication to knowledge, leadership, and the unwavering belief in the power of individuals to shape their destinies and lift up their communities. Join us in welcoming him to the SVL TriBU! #JuntosAdelante ### Celebrating History: Katty Coulson, First Latina Board President of RMHC Bay Area, Paving the Way for Inclusivity and Growth URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/business/celebrating-history-katty-coulson-first-latina-board-president-of-rmhc-bay-area-paving-the-way-for-inclusivity-and-growth/ Last updated: 2026-09-16T15:25:24.000Z We at Silicon Valley Latino are excited to share that in a landmark decision for Ronald McDonald House Charities Bay Area (RMHC Bay Area), SVL Advisory Board Member, [Katty Coulson](https://www.linkedin.com/in/katty-coulson-6b5bb88/), has been appointed as the new Board President, marking the first time a Latina Leader assumes this role for one of the largest RMHC chapters. A trailblazing technology executive, Coulson, who has been one of our longest Advisory Board Members and collaborators, brings her wealth of experience to lead RMHC Bay Area during a period of regional growth for the organization. Coulson's journey with [RMHC Bay Area](https://rmhcbayarea.org/katty-coulson-appointed-as-new-board-president/) began in 2021 when she joined the board, recommended by a mentor who recognized her as the ideal fit for the position. As the first Latina in this role, Coulson is poised to make a significant impact, drawing upon her cultural identity to enhance representation and inclusivity. With approximately 36% of RMHC Bay Area families being Latino, Coulson has played a vital role in fostering deeper connections with the diverse communities the organization serves. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/543_4_600x600.png) Expressing her commitment, Coulson stated, "*Serving RMHC Bay Area as its Board President is the highest call for community service I have ever had. My goal is to serve, lead, and learn; helping the organization achieve our mission to be there for every family with a sick child when and where they need it most throughout their medical journey*." Coulson's dedication extends to the expansion of RMHC Bay Area's impact, especially in the newly inaugurated Ronald McDonald House Oakland. She aims to introduce innovation to elevate families' experiences and improve access to life-changing programs. Emphasizing her role as a Latina Leader in the Silicon Valley technology sector, Coulson highlights the importance of representing underrepresented minorities. Laura Boudreau, CEO of RMHC Bay Area, expressed excitement about Coulson's appointment, stating, "Given her influence in Silicon Valley and beyond, and her deep understanding of the people we serve, her leadership will be pivotal in our expansion campaign to support even more families." ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/537_3_600x600.png) The team at RMHC Bay Area looks forward to Katty Coulson's tenure as Board President, confident that her leadership will contribute significantly to the organization's mission of providing comfort and support to sick children and their families. On behalf of the Silicon Valley Latino community, we congratulate Katty on this truly significant appointment. Read the full Press Release on RMHC's Website => https://rmhcbayarea.org/katty-coulson-appointed-as-new-board-president/ ### Introducing Gladis: A Remarkable Leader and Genuine Professional URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/cultura-ambassador/introducing-gladis-a-remarkable-leader-and-genuine-professional/ Last updated: 2026-09-17T16:54:26.000Z We here at Silicon Valley Latino are excited to present our newest SVL Cultura Ambassador, [Gladis Covarrubias](https://www.linkedin.com/in/gladis-covarrubias/), a seasoned professional with a unique blend of project management skills, human resource expertise, and a knack for business leadership. She's not just about ticking off tasks; she has a proven ability to bring teams together, boost productivity, and create an atmosphere where everyone feels engaged and valued. In the hustle and bustle of a fast-paced environment, Gladis thrives, managing her time effectively while effortlessly juggling multiple responsibilities. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/1096_img_4959_720_600x600.jpg) Born and raised in the town of Morgan Hill, CA, Gladis is the daughter of hardworking Mexican immigrants. Her parents, a farm-worker father and a mother running a daycare business, instilled in her a strong work ethic from a young age. Despite facing a heartbreaking family tragedy—the sudden loss of her younger brother—Gladis found strength and support in her older brother. Soccer became her refuge, shaping her into a leader both on and off the field, eventually leading her to play for the Women's San Jose State Soccer team. Driven by resilience and an unwavering desire to make her parents proud, Gladis set ambitious goals, becoming the first in her family to graduate from college and later earning an MBA. Her professional journey began at Target, where she embraced roles such as Guest Experience Manager, Human Resource Manager, and Store Manager, laying the foundation for her robust leadership skills. Today, at Adobe, Gladis serves as a Human Resource Manager, leading a team of 8 generalists. She takes genuine pleasure in supporting her team's growth and championing process optimizations. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/1009_cda07682-4251-4fbc-acff-e7b017706aa6_720_600x600.jpg) Beyond the office, Gladis is an active member of Adobe's HOLA ERG (Employee Resource Group), contributing her time to plan various events for Hispanic Heritage month. But she's more than just her career—Gladis is an avid world traveler who loves immersing herself in diverse cultures. During her downtime, you might find her in the garden, lost in a good book, or pursuing her passion for interior design. Staying active is crucial for her, but nothing beats the joy of sharing moments with family and friends. Gladis' journey, from a small town in California to her thriving career at Adobe, is a story of resilience, leadership, and continuous personal and professional growth. As a genuine and inspiring leader, she leaves an indelible mark on everyone lucky enough to work alongside her and this is why we have welcomed her as a #SVLLatinaLeader and part of the #SVLTriBU ### Embracing the Humane Revolution: A Journey with Jose, VP of Talent/Culture URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/business/embracing-the-humane-revolution-a-journey-with-jose-vp-of-talent-culture/ Last updated: 2026-09-11T20:07:41.000Z Silicon Valley Latino is thrilled to highlight the invaluable insights and experiences shared by one of our esteemed SVL Advisory Board Members, [Jose Benitez Cong](https://www.linkedin.com/in/josecong/). Employee number 21 at Humane, a cutting-edge tech company, Jose's journey is not just a career tale but a narrative of passion, purpose, and the pursuit of creating meaningful connections in the world of technology. **Embracing Change and Leading Innovation: A Humane Perspective** Jose proudly wears the badge of "Employee #21," having embarked on his Humane adventure since the summer of 2020\. As the VP of Talent/Culture, he orchestrates a symphony of responsibilities, overseeing organizational design, talent, and employee experiences, recruiting, DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging), and nurturing the very culture that defines Humane. What makes Jose's narrative intriguing is his unconventional route to Humane. After a two-year hiatus as a stay-at-home dad, Jose was drawn to Humane's mission. With a rich career background, including stints at tech giants like Nvidia, Apple, and Nest Labs, Humane spoke to him on a profound level. It wasn't just about pioneering a revolutionary user experience but also about innovating the art of building a company from a people-centric perspective. **Investing in People, Org Design, and Diversity Focus** For Jose, Humane presented an unparalleled opportunity to invest heavily in organizational design, team building, and diversity focus. Drawing from his extensive career, he saw this as the most important project to date. As a father, he felt a compelling responsibility to create technology experiences that leverage the Intelligence Age, blending the power of AI, connectivity, and technology to enable us to be present and connected simultaneously. **Building a Humane Future** At Humane, the ethos revolves around building innovative technology that feels familiar, natural, and human. Their commitment to improving the human experience is evident in products designed with good intentions. The goal is to reconnect us with ourselves, each other, and the world around us. Trust is paramount, and every interaction is crafted to feel magical, bringing joy to users. Founded on the principle that everyone deserves more from technology, Humane, with Jose's leadership, is navigating the future by embracing the Intelligence Age. It's not just about revolutionizing technology; it's about creating experiences that are profoundly human in the digital era. Jose's journey at Humane encapsulates the essence of that Silicon Valley Latino attitude and spirit — innovation, diversity, and a relentless pursuit of better technology that serves humanity. We're excited to witness the impact of Humane's work under the guidance of Latino leaders like Jose, shaping the future of tech with a human touch. Read the full Humane press release on launch of their AI Pin => here https://hu.ma.ne/media/humane-launches-ai-pin #JuntosAdelante ### SVL Executive Cultura Ambassador-Arnie Lopez Don’t Fear Generative AI but do your Homework URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/business/svl-executive-cultura-ambassador-arnie-lopez-don-t-fear-generative-ai-but-do-your-homework/ Last updated: 2026-09-11T20:06:23.000Z Are you using generative AI tools to improve and optimize your business? If not, why not? According to IDC, over 65% of enterprises are doing exactly that today, if you do not, you will be left behind by your competition. IDC REPORT: Most popular business use cases are Customer Service and Support, Code development, Personalization for targeted Marketing, Recruiting and many more, including some we have not even identified yet. One of the biggest challenges to adopting these AI tools and gaining these business benefits is concern over Security and Loss of confidential Data. Some enterprises have gone as far as completely blocking use of ANY AI apps by their users! There is a better way. Here are some recommendations and best practices that some of my customers have implemented to use generative AI in an effective and SECURE way. VISIBILITY (WHO, WHAT AND WHY): Discover all AI apps in use at your organization and determine the risk levels of each app, this can be accomplished using a strong Shadow IT solution. You can then Identify which employees are using which AI apps and if they are the right people and apps. MONITOR AND CONTROL (LIMIT USE TO THE RIGHT PEOPLE AND APPS): Limit access to specific low-risk AI apps. Restrict activities, such as logins or uploads in selected AI apps. Prevent users from posting too much data by limiting a specified number of characters as a one example of control. PROTECT YOUR CONFIDENTIAL DATA (PROTECT COMPANY SECRETS): Use a robust DLP solution to Prevent the loss of sensitive, confidential, and proprietary data and ensure regulatory compliance. Some critical capabilities to do this are User Entity and Behavior Analytics (UEBA) and advanced data protection technologies, such as Exact Data Matching (EDM), Index Data Matching (IDM) and Optical Character Recognition (OCR). These can identify confidential data and if needed, block from being shared in AI applications. Don’t be afraid to use generative AI application to gain competitive advantages and optimization of your business, there is a path forward using good cloud security solutions. Wanna learn more? Here you go: Gracias and enjoy! Arnie Lopez, VP Systems Engineering, Skyhigh Security ### Navigating Leadership in the Digital Age: Silicon Valley Latino Congratulates Marcelo De Santis on 'Figure Eight' Book Launch URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/business/navigating-leadership-in-the-digital-age-silicon-valley-latinos-congratulate-marcelo-de-santis-on-figure-eight-book-launch/ Last updated: 2026-09-16T15:27:01.000Z Silicon Valley Latino is excited to congratulate Executive Cultura Ambassador [Marcelo De Santis ](https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcelodesantis/)on the preorder launch of his new book, "[Figure Eight.](https://marcelo-desantis.presale.manuscripts.com/registration/select)" Drawing parallels between mountain climbing and leadership in the age of exponential technological evolution, De Santis shares eight transformative leadership strategies essential for success in today's dynamic landscape. Reflecting on his diverse career spanning C-suite roles, venture capital, executive coaching, and mountaineering, Marcelo offers a unique perspective shaped by global experiences. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/1088_image_123650291_600x600.jpg) The book, featuring stories from leaders across various sectors, provides insights into fostering courage and resilience amid technological innovation. Highlighting the impact of leadership behaviors in turning uncertainty into opportunity, Marcelo invites our community to consider "Figure Eight" as a valuable tool for personal and organizational growth. Whether a C-suite executive, technology leader, or an inquisitive mind, this book promises to inspire reflection and offer practical strategies for navigating the complexities of leadership in times of rapid technological change. #JuntosAdelante #CreoEnTi ### Sylvia's Journey: Championing Access to Higher Education and Community Engagement URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/cultura-ambassador/sylvias-journey-championing-access-to-higher-education-and-community-engagement/ Last updated: 2026-09-16T15:28:43.000Z We are excited to have [Sylvia Juárez-Magaña](https://www.linkedin.com/in/sylviaju%C3%A1rezmaga%C3%B1a/) back as an Executive Cultura Ambassador. Read all about her and how she continues to impact our community, especially students, in a positive way as they head out into the world. As a first-generation student and professional, Sylvia has worked to promote access to higher education for individuals from marginalized communities. Her efforts have been dedicated to facilitating the admission of underrepresented students to competitive universities and colleges. She has established services and programs for undocumented students, implementing innovative ideas to increase awareness of various career paths and professions for students from diverse backgrounds. Her career highlights continue as she works in a post-COVID era to support communities, encouraging academic engagement across different grade levels. Sylvia hopes to eliminate challenges that have historically affected first-generation students, such as college affordability and ensuring that institutions of higher education remain true to their mission of inclusivity. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/900_Santa_Zoo_Conversation_600x600.jpg) She has been involved with the University of California in various capacities. Her work has included supporting admission offices and different programs on various campuses. Her expertise has been recognized by community colleges and other 4-year university systems. Her business has partnered with school districts and non-profits to promote and prepare a diverse group of students, including parent engagement. During her recent visit to Chapman University with middle school students, she took some time to explore their library and even checked out some books. In her free time, she enjoys reading, doing word searches, and, lately, playing Tetris. She values the time spent with her family, including her sons and husband. Her parents still live in Indio, CA, where she was born and raised. Her educational pursuits have taken her to the Bay Area and NYC. She also enjoys traveling and discovering new opportunities to promote to students and their families. Did you enjoy reading about Sylvia? Then we invite you to share this article with your friends and family! #JuntosAdelante ### Anna Dapelo-Garcia: Empowering Latinas and Shattering Glass Ceilings URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/cultura-ambassador/anna-dapelo-garcia-empowering-latinas-and-shattering-glass-ceilings/ Last updated: 2026-09-20T16:39:25.000Z Meet our newest SVL Executive Cultura Ambassador, Anna Dapelo-Garcia! Her inspiring journey from a humble beginning to breaking glass ceilings is a testament to what determination can achieve. Join us in welcoming her to the SVL family! *“It was a significant moment in my life when I created Lean In Latinas. I wanted to create a space for Latinas to learn, share and grow together. What started with a Circle of three Latinas in my backyard over five years ago, is now a Lean In Global Affinity Network with over two thousand members and growing!”* [Anna Dapelo-Garcia](https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-dapelo-garcia-927baa5/), a Mexican American, was born and raised in East San Jose, California. She grew up living in a paycheck-to-paycheck home environment and never heard the word “college” growing up. During most of her twenties, she held a variety of jobs with only a General Educational Development (GED), which is a high school equivalency credential. However, she was willing to work hard, had street smarts, and then found her passion in the healthcare industry starting at an entry level. After acquiring a Master of Public Administration from the University of San Francisco and a Bachelor of Arts from Saint Mary’s College while working full-time, Anna became the first Latina Executive Director at her place of employment. Along with this she also became the founder of [Lean In Latinas](https://www.linkedin.com/company/lean-in-latinas/). She had realized that after climbing the management and leadership ladder, she wanted to give back to her community through her work with LeanIn.Org. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/733_IMG_1019_600x600.jpg) In 2013 she was named as a Silicon Valley Business Journal Woman of Influence and graduated from the Hispanas Organized for Political Equality Leadership Institute. In 2017, she was named as Woman of the Year by the Women’s Health Care Executives. She served as a State Commissioner with the California State Senate for Cost Control in State Government. She was Vice Chair and Board Member for the Hispanic Foundation of Silicon Valley and is currently Vice Chair and Board Member for the University of San Francisco. In 2015, she was appointed as a Regional Program Leader by LeanIn.Org and featured in The New York Times for creating Lean In Latinas, a not-for-profit organization. In 2018, she received a Top Latino Leaders Award by the National Diversity Council. In 2019, Anna was appointed by the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors to the Women’s Equality 2020 Leadership Council and was chosen by the Silicon Valley Business Journal for a Latino Leadership award. In 2021, Anna was then appointed to the Santa Clara County Hate Crimes Task Force. She has been featured in Forbes, National Public Radio (NPR) and the Wall Street Journal. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/485_0061_600x600.jpg) Although she has received many recognitions for her work, it was not always an easy path to her success. She fought numerous instances of imposter syndrome, being the “only” as a Latina in the workplace while balancing her career with motherhood. However, she was determined to make a difference and achieve what others didn’t think she could! Her perseverance and support by mentors and sponsors, helped propel her career. Today, in addition to a full-time career, volunteering as founder of Lean In Latinas, she spends time with her family including grandchildren Enzo, Esteban, and a new grandbaby expected in January 2024! ### CAMPESINOS: America's Unsung Heroes Shine in Congress URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/business/campesinos-americas-unsung-heroes-shine-in-congress/ Last updated: 2026-09-17T16:56:29.000Z In a world where the daily struggles of the unsung heroes often go unnoticed, there are moments that stand as beacons of hope, reminding us of the power of empathy and unity. Such a momentous occasion unfolded in the heart of the nation's capital as Congress hosted the special viewing of [CAMPESINOS: America's Unsung Heroes](https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/828114450). The documentary, a heartfelt tribute to the laborers who toil in the fields to put food on our tables, took center stage on Capitol Hill this past Monday. The brainchild of Representatives Adam Schiff and Anna Eshoo, this event was not just a presentation; it was a call to action, a rallying cry for empathy, change to legislation, and a resounding testament to the belief that positive change begins with awareness. In a nation where the glittering façade of politics often overshadows the struggles of the everyday citizen, Schiff and Eshoo's unwavering dedication to the cause was a cause for celebration for the Silicon Valley Latino team and a breath of fresh air. The event, which took place on October 23rd, was not merely a passive observation. It was an immersive experience, designed to transport the attendees into the world of farmworkers, where determination meets the physical and mental challenges faced every day of the year at the break of dawn. Congressman Schiff set the tone with his opening remarks, his passion and commitment to the cause evident in every word he spoke. It was evident that they were not just politicians that evening; they were advocates for change, champions of justice, and, most importantly, voices for the voiceless. As the lights were dimmed and the documentary began to roll, a noticeable silence fell over the audience. CAMPESINOS: America's Unsung Heroes is a powerful testament to the grit, determination, and sacrifice of farmworkers who face adversities that many of us could never fathom. It reminds us that every meal we eat, every fruit we savor, and every vegetable we cook is the result of their unwavering dedication every day of the year. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/604_CampesinosFilmScreeningatCapitolHill-86-2_600x600.jpg) The documentary beautifully captured their stories, their dreams, and their relentless pursuit of a better life for their families. It unveiled the raw emotions, the hurdles, and the aspirations that define the lives of these unsung heroes. The audience was not just watching a film; they were bearing witness to the human spirit's continuous battle over adversity and the current immigration challenges they face. After the screening, the stage was set for a panel discussion that was as enlightening as it was sobering. [Joe Poni](https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-poni-558681143/) (Director), [Dr. Belinda Hernandez Arriaga](https://www.linkedin.com/in/belindahernandezarriaga/) (CEO [ALAS](https://www.linkedin.com/company/ayudando-latinos-a-so%C3%B1ar/)), [Alex Ontiveros](https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexontiveros/) (Executive Producer) and [Diego Iñiguez-López](https://www.linkedin.com/in/diego-i%C3%B1iguez-l%C3%B3pez-03612427b/) Director of Government Affairs at [UFW Foundation](https://www.linkedin.com/company/ufwfoundation/) along with Congressman Adam Schiff sat and shared the table to analyze the documentary's themes, offering insights into labor, immigration, social safety net programs, and agricultural issues. They discussed the current state of farmworkers and farm owners in California and across the nation, confronting the harsh realities head-on. However, this was not a mere exercise in highlighting problems. It was a gathering of minds committed to finding solutions, to addressing the injustices faced by farmworkers, and to ensuring their rightful place in the American dream. The event was a resounding success in raising awareness about the challenges farmworkers face. The ultimate goal of this exceptional evening was clear - to educate, inform, and initiate change. It was an appeal to our collective conscience, a reminder that we all have a role to play in supporting our frontline workers’ efforts that make our meals possible. It emphasized that the unsung heroes of our nation deserve recognition, respect, and a chance for a better life. The success of this event lies not just in the numbers, the speeches, or the applause. It lies in the hearts that were touched, the minds that were awakened, and the conversations that will continue long after the lights in Congress dimmed. It lies in the collective realization that we all have the power to make a difference, to advocate for change, and to be the voice for those who often remain unheard. And Alex closed the evening with a fitting quote by Franklin D. Roosevelt **"The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much, it is whether we provide enough for those have too little"** CAMPESINOS: America's Unsung Heroes was not just a documentary; it was a catalyst for transformation. It showcased the indomitable spirit of the farmworkers and the enduring power of empathy. It was a triumph, not just for Schiff and Eshoo, but for all of us who walked away from that evening with renewed compassion and the determination to make a difference. It was a reminder that the most profound change often begins with the simplest of actions - the act of listening, of caring, and of standing in solidarity with those who deserve to be heard. In the hallowed halls of Congress, where decisions that shape our nation's destiny are made, a different decision was made that evening - a decision to stand up for the unsung heroes of America. It was a decision that will resonate long into the future, a decision that inspires us all to be the change we wish to see in the world. We want to thank [Roma Vista Productions](http://www.romavistaphotography.com/) & Roma Vista Photography for covering this important event. ### CAMPESINOS: America's Unsung Heroes to show at US Congress! URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/art-culture/campesinos-americas-unsung-heroes-to-show-at-us-congress/ Last updated: 2026-09-17T17:05:05.000Z **Captivating Congress: Our Award-Winning Documentary Shines a Light on Vital Issues** We are delighted to share that Congressman Adam Schiff and Congresswoman Anna G. Eshoo have invited us to present our award-winning documentary to members of congress, congressional staff and others outside of congress as well as to be part of a panel that will discuss labor, immigration, social safety net programs and agricultural issues. When [Joe Poni](https://www.linkedin.com/in/ACoAACLOCdQBtxji%5FRolIPbLvOCSiTaUu80GkCg) (director) and [Alex Ontiveros](https://www.linkedin.com/in/ACoAAAClwUoBAF7VZnBnhiIVVeepgHxojzbt2sI) (producer) set out to produce this documentary it was as a passion project that would help tell the stories of our farmworkers, essentially a tribute film. They had never imagined that it would take a life of its own and receive multiple awards, be screening at numerous tech, corporate, educational institutions and community based organizations, and ultimately take us to the nation's capital, Washington DC where we will discuss long overdue calls to actions for our farmworkers. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/896_SVL_CAMPESINOS_USCONGRESS_600x600.jpg) As we all know, work like this doesn't happen in a vacuum, we have had an entire tribe of supporters, collaborators, champions and friends who have supported this project along the way. At this time we want to thank some of those who have been there for us and with us on this journey. Special thanks to [Dr. Belinda Hernandez-Arriaga](https://www.linkedin.com/in/ACoAACCfTVIB9MivoB0Blg38p12RSVZiHs7CxTI) and the entire [Ayudando Latinos A Soñar](https://www.linkedin.com/company/ayudando-latinos-a-so%C3%B1ar/) team, the [United Farm Workers Of America](https://www.linkedin.com/company/united-farm-workers-of-america/), the rest of our crew [Oscar Sotelo](https://www.linkedin.com/in/ACoAABNh5aYBK3QXXaNdXyXC8izeYFrT%5FI2c8%5FE) and Rodrigo Pedraza. Executive Producer, [Salvador Chavez](https://www.linkedin.com/in/ACoAAAA5B48BrFK2yn47rgthzaAV39KExwzHhSA). [Sergio Domeyko](https://www.linkedin.com/in/ACoAAACqrOcBN3pxIfYL%5FOEtM5-6PVBVTDpLbX8), Tanisha Poni and [Sonia Muñoz](https://www.linkedin.com/in/ACoAAAAnHJoBHREhgCwraoTNej4j7-bz%5F7x%5FFOI). [Eva Blanco Masias](https://www.linkedin.com/in/ACoAAAAv-0QBQnv8DGHTvecPVb4qr3JhlagbzjM), [Santa Clara University](https://www.linkedin.com/company/santa-clara-university/), [University of the Pacific](https://www.linkedin.com/company/university-of-the-pacific/), Make It Mainstreet - Half Moon Bay, [Latino Family Fund](https://www.linkedin.com/company/latino-family-fund/), [EDWARD BOSS PRADO FOUNDATION](https://www.linkedin.com/company/edward-boss-prado-foundation/), [Silicon Valley Community Foundation](https://www.linkedin.com/company/silicon-valley-community-foundation/), [BILL](https://www.linkedin.com/company/bill/), [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/linkedin/), [NVIDIA](https://www.linkedin.com/company/nvidia/), [On Lok](https://www.linkedin.com/company/on-lok/), [SOBRATO FOUNDATION](https://www.linkedin.com/company/sobrato-foundation/), [City of San José](https://www.linkedin.com/company/cityofsanjose/), Good Farms, Natalie Marquez Gonzalez, [Guillermo Diaz Jr](https://www.linkedin.com/in/ACoAAAYjoZEBO1KbSouG0DzMgxfUI7SXHjlyyjo), [Vanessa Robledo](https://www.linkedin.com/in/ACoAAAE6XGwBqp%5F2CMg7DUTToa4W6L-Q7YcZKNQ), [Gabe Lomeli, Jr.](https://www.linkedin.com/in/ACoAAAquQS8BvnBD9v8Yc2sM-5eK9H3m8U-ZD9U), [Pimentel Family Wines](https://www.linkedin.com/company/pimentel-family-wines/), Octavio Diaz & Agave Uptown, Alice Linsmeier, [Salvador De La Cruz](https://www.linkedin.com/in/ACoAAC0iolkB6V2gLWt720qwWvy8o3-fSMoA5ZA) & [Ludor Wines](https://www.linkedin.com/company/ludor-wines/), [Darlene Tenes](https://www.linkedin.com/in/ACoAAAABCpoBRUrgPNk7VzrLKtnnz5o1pp1nnAs), [Victoria Sanchez De Alba](https://www.linkedin.com/in/ACoAAABU2Z0BfSqr6yTEr9OZH7NSuHblZYNw4l4), [Bonita Villalobos Rivera](https://www.linkedin.com/in/ACoAAAwuG7EBWyYZ5IamDTrimuXmiwJpl8FVPH0), [Muoi Landivar](https://www.linkedin.com/in/ACoAAAHX4kABBUVdObsI-y2UbgW1HizFBNbavw8), [Mary L. Stephens](https://www.linkedin.com/in/ACoAAAXJx2QB86G6PXocnowtn5ICt6VlGWUoJCU), [Salvador Castro Jr](https://www.linkedin.com/in/ACoAAACmpA0Bij4ELruDHciH5PFOML8ikBIdNDY)., [Gabriela Gonzalez-Do](https://www.linkedin.com/in/ACoAAABXlTABkY6vrvcjeIcVMvR%5FwimQTI4CkuI), and many others. ### Dr. Madeleine Wallace: Empowering Small Businesses with the SEAM Framework for Digital Transformation URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/cultura-ambassador/dr-madeleine-wallace-empowering-small-businesses-with-the-seam-framework-for-digital-transformation/ Last updated: 2026-10-07T21:24:32.000Z We here at SVL are excited to present our newest SVL Executive Cultura Ambassador, *[Dr Madeleine Wallace](https://www.linkedin.com/in/madeleine-f-wallace-phd/)*, who is leading the charge to support small businesses when it comes to digital transformation and IT infrastructure. “In today’s rapidly evolving digital business landscape, it's clear that small businesses face unique obstacles demanding specialized assistance. Unlike their larger corporate counterparts, they are frequently confronted with limited resources and dedicated IT infrastructure to navigate the complex world of digital transformation. This is precisely where an expert is needed to bridge this gap — someone with an intimate understanding of the specific requirements and constraints faced by small businesses and organizations, offering customized guidance to propel them toward business success. One such leader who is doing so is SVL Executive Cultura Ambassador Dr. Madeleine Wallace. Dr. Wallace is the founder of Windrose Vision, a consulting firm skilled in steering a vast range of projects across diverse industries, delivering strategic advice on scalability, sustainability, operational excellence, and data optimization. In a world where digital transformation is vital to success, her firm has emerged as a vital partner for government, non-profit, and commercial entities alike. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/779_IMG_7403_600x600.jpg) In her earlier work, Dr. Wallace pioneered frameworks for evaluating organizational effectiveness and tailoring evidence-based solutions for diverse populations, with significant impact in fields like cardiovascular disease prevention education and interventions addressing the complex intersection of HIV, mental health, and substance use disorder (SUD). In her new book, 'The SEAM Framework,' she introduces an innovative framework, purpose-built for small organizations seeking digital transformation, bridging the gap left by tools primarily designed for larger entities." Originally from Peru, she immigrated to the U.S. in 1986 where she excelled academically, and today is among a select group of foreign-born Latinas in the U.S.—less than 1%—who hold a doctorate degree. Today, - She mentors Latina women entrepreneurs, - Trains academic administrators whose work is focused on career development activities focused on graduate students or postdoctoral fellows at a scientific research-focused institution in the USA and Canada, - Conducts research to inform organizations and the federal government to develop programs that result in increasing underrepresented groups to pursue within Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and, Mathematics as well as biomedical fields. In addition, she has made monumental contributions to the realms of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion by using the SEAM framework to evaluate the effectiveness of these programs. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/1145_processed-9FA85660-24A7-4ADD-971F-8775AC427ED8-4AC5A058-CB59-460E-9055-98F700A320BD_600x600.jpg) “The SEAM Framework” is a game-changing strategic tool,” says Dr. Wallace. “It is specifically crafted to empower small organizations on their digital transformation journeys. By enabling companies to assess their organizational performance, SEAM will pave the way for progress in crucial areas like healthcare and beyond." Madeleine can be reached at *[www.windrosevision.com](https://www.windrosevision.com)* or via email at madeleine.wallace@windrosevision.com” ### Paty Millán Montensinos' El Pirata y su Parche Mágico URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/art-culture/paty-millan-montensinos-el-pirata-y-su-parche-magico/ Last updated: 2026-09-17T16:49:31.000Z As we love to highlight and promote our Latine Leaders, we are excited to shine a light on *[Paty Millán Montesinos](https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001qj50I0SKq2fsknY%5FIyuo36qi7HV%5FXStrYTxXRRvJqm-nzvJd8RCf64u8qIjGs7neTeKhpM1jScGwrVCecucJTFUNwVPBK1dprZL0VrDFcne78wLPNbWZodKm%5FFHHd1i%5Fja27opplWREP5qk6g2mtdjWfZWMQf1eVJel-e7ycV8U=&c=&ch=)*, a trailblazing first-generation Latina whose inspiring journey through the tech industry spans over a decade. Originally from Livingston, California, Paty's roots trace back to her courageous immigrant parents who migrated from Michoacán, México. Her career, from Data Scientist to Principal Product Manager at [ServiceNow](https://www.linkedin.com/company/servicenow/)'s esteemed Platform Analytics team, has solidified her reputation as a leader in the tech industry. Paty's advocacy for Latinas in technology earned her the esteemed "Un Hispano que Domina" recognition from Nissan in 2017, reflecting her profound impact. She's a mentor who passionately shares her STEM journey, inspiring future generations to chase their dreams. In 2022, she authored "The Hungry and Humble Journey into Tech," a series of personal stories shedding light on the Latinx and Allies in Technology. Paty's commitment to uplifting others led to her being featured in Puente Project's Career Major series in 2023. Beyond her career, Paty's role as a mother to Marcello Millan Montesinos, who battles Coats disease, fuels her mission. She authored "*[El Pirata y Su Parche Mágico](https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001qj50I0SKq2fsknY%5FIyuo36qi7HV%5FXStrYTxXRRvJqm-nzvJd8RCf64u8qIjGs7nesY0W49jjXqHyNwsuFHZigso4lpuD7dH1czUos6ABylxf4lZLehyCSmbF4YbBbpHSE0dQLtM0BblNh-yq231nw2jSwm%5FjjRkI5duIvXZ6GI8=&c=&ch=)*," a bilingual children's book addressing vision impairment representation. This captivating tale encourages kids to embrace their inner pirates and learn valuable lessons through adventure. ![](https://media.licdn.com/dms/image/D4E12AQE27V7uxRARKw/article-inline_image-shrink_1500_2232/0/1695733956384?e=1701302400&v=beta&t=nmy8vZ7XD-IPSsJMyjJBX7Yp72kapci6xukLNAV6F88) Paty's journey is a testament to her ambition, compassion, and commitment to diversity and inclusion. She's an influential role model for aspiring Latinas in tech, encouraging them to chase their passions. Keep an eye out for "El Pirata y Su Parche Mágico" as it promises to enrich children's lives with its inspiring message and captivating narrative. Read all about Paty’s up-and-coming book and why she wrote it. *“In 2022 my son was diagnosed with a rare eye disease called Coats’ disease. While the disease has no cure, we were so fortunate to catch it in time and prevent him from going blind in his left eye. Since his diagnosis, he has been required to wear an eye patch for a few hours per day. Like most toddlers that is a struggle. To motivate my son to wear an eye patch, I searched for bilingual children’s books focused on vision impairment and wearing an eye patch. As you can imagine, I couldn’t find any. So, I decided to write my own. After prototyping one with web images cut out and pasted on a blank board book, and testing with my son and his preschool classmates, I am happy to say I will be self-publishing this Fall and have it officially on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, BookBaby, and many other platforms by October 23, 2023\.* *What I love about writing and publishing this book is that it truly comes full circle. Being a Latina in Tech has given me the opportunity to invest in myself and provide opportunities for others. I made it a purpose to find a Latinx illustrator who would not only bring the story to life but who could make sure their illustrations connected with the Spanish language, vision impairment, and people of color. My son truly sees himself in the book and that was the goal. My illustrator is Mariana Díaz Hernández, Mexicana from Jalisco. El Pirata y su Parche Mágico is the first book she has illustrated and I’m so happy that I was able to give her that opportunity because she’s an amazing Graphic Designer and Illustrator.”* Join us in supporting Paty as she enriches children's lives with her captivating narrative, addressing vision impairment representation and encouraging young minds to embrace their inner Piratas. Stay tuned for the official release of "El Pirata y Su Parche Mágico" on October 23, 2023, available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, BookBaby, and other platforms. Let's come together to champion diversity, inclusion, and empowerment through literature, and help make a difference in the lives of children everywhere. ### Arnaldo Lopez - SVL Executive Cultura Ambassador URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/cultura-ambassador/arnaldo-lopez-svl-executive-cultura-ambassador/ Last updated: 2026-09-20T16:40:23.000Z Unveiling Arnie Lopez: Bridging Innovation and Heritage in Silicon Valley's Tech Landscape We are excited to share that Arnaldo (Arnie) Lopez returns as one of our newest SVL Executive Cultura Ambassador. With his rich experience spanning over a quarter of a century in Silicon Valley’s Tech Community, coupled with his expertise in Networking, Cloud, and Security Solutions, Arnaldo is poised to further amplify the cultural and professional landscape as a true advocate and leader. Arnie Lopez is the VP of WW Systems Engineering at Skyhigh Security. He is a 25-year veteran in Silicon Valley’s Technical Community with experience in Networking, Cloud and Security Solutions. Prior to Skyhigh Security he spent several years in Technology leadership roles with McAfee, Informatica, Proofpoint, Cisco, WebEx, PeopleSoft and Target Stores. He has a degree in International Business from San Francisco State University and has held several technical certifications throughout his career including CCIE, CISSP and AWS Cloud Practitioner. Over his career, he has Developed and nurtured several relationships with Customer and Partner C-Level Executives. He is a regular technology presenter at Industry events and shows and his company Executive Briefing Center. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/734_IMG_1267_600x600.jpg) Arnie was born in La Paz Bolivia and came to San Francisco, California with his family when he was a young child. He went to high school in Union City, CA and then attended San Francisco State University on partial scholarship and working 2 part time jobs. He was always very curious, hardworking, and eager to learn. He began his career at Target stores, first repairing desktop computers, then building application servers, and finally teaching himself how to be an IBM Mainframe Security Administrator. He then became a Network Security Engineer at PeopleSoft, where he was in charge of developing and securing their corporate applications and networks. This experience led to an offer from Cisco to join as a Systems Engineer to work as a Security Specialist with the largest high-tech companies in Silicon Valley. He quickly discovered that he enjoyed mentoring and developing others and was promoted to a leadership position. He has never looked back since his first opportunity to lead, and he has continued to grow and develop his technical leadership career at a number of technology companies. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/578_Arn_Ginny_2nd_Harvest_600x600.jpg) He has a passion for mentoring other young technology professionals, especially young Latinos early in their careers. He still lives in the Bay Area with his wife and family and loves to run and hike in the beautiful east bay hills. He is a huge sports fan and loves his Oakland Raiders, Oakland A’s, Golden State Warriors, San Jose Earthquakes, and European football teams FC Barcelona and Liverpool. As a proud Bolivian American, he never forgets where he came from and he and his family are regular volunteers at the Alameda County and 2nd Harvest Food Banks in the Bay Area. ### Santalynda Marrero, Ed.D. - SVL Executive Cultura Ambassador URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/cultura-ambassador/santalynda-marrero-ed-d-svl-executive-cultura-ambassador/ Last updated: 2026-09-17T16:48:24.000Z **Catalyzing Excellence: Empowering Leadership and Inclusion Pioneer – Dr. Santalynda Marrero** Presenting the accomplished and our latest SVL Executive Cultura Ambassador, *[Dr. Santalynda Marrero:](https://www.linkedin.com/in/santalynda-marrero-ed-d-795539/)* A visionary organizational consultant, distinguished executive coach, adept facilitator, accomplished trainer, and revered thought leader. With a foundation in counseling psychology and an illustrious 30-year career, she has empowered individuals, teams, and organizations to transcend boundaries and attain elevated levels of excellence. Santalynda's profound belief in storytelling as "data with a soul" has led her to co-author the impactful book: "*The Diversity Calling: Building Community One Story at a Time*" (2011 Xlibris/Amazon). Her own chapter, "*Living Multiple Realities as a Latina in America,*" stands as a testament to her journey, spotlighting challenges confronted, and possibilities realized through a cross-cultural lens. Distinguishing her coaching approach, Santalynda adeptly wields a cross-cultural and generational vantage point, unveiling patterns that enable individuals to overcome self-imposed or external barriers and facilitate seamless transitions. With over 15 years of illustrious corporate and leadership roles at esteemed institutions like Stanford University Hospital, Silicon Valley, and Bell Labs, Santalynda discerns that successful individuals, especially those who are underrepresented, possess the ingenuity to unlock closed doors. Her guiding principle? **"*Seek out the skylight and embrace transformation from all angles.*"** As a co-founder of *[LatinaVIDA](https://www.latinavida.org/)*, Dr. Marrero embodies recognition as an esteemed educator, facilitator, and author committed to adult development within organizations, primarily through: ► Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging/Cultural Intelligence: Drawn from a life journey as a first-generation Puerto Rican raised in New Jersey, with educational experiences in Spain and professional endeavors across Latin America (Brazil, Venezuela, Puerto Rico, and Mexico), Santalynda imparts intercultural insights. She actively conducts diversity, inclusion, and engagement training, teaches at the Summer Institute for Intercultural Communication (SIIC), and co-authors "The Diversity Calling: Building Community One Story at a Time." ► Organizational Transformation, Team Dynamics, and Leadership Growth: For more than two decades, SM Consulting & Associates has spearheaded a diverse array of projects in organizational, leadership, and team development, reaping mutual benefits. Furthermore, Santalynda leverages two decades of internal consulting experience, encompassing roles at Bell Labs, High Tech, Stanford University Hospital, and Rutgers University. ► Coaching and Speaking Excellence: Blending rich experience, expertise, and a cross-cultural perspective, Santalynda orchestrates transformative impact. She crafts distinctive connections with multi-cultural youth, emerging professionals, and those navigating mid-career transitions through her coaching and speaking endeavors. Passionately, she champions women's advancement through Fire Breathing Women/Mujeres Que Respiran Fuego™, crafting tailored keynotes and specialized workshops. Before launching SM Consulting in 1998 in California, Santalynda earned her stripes through influential roles at Stanford Hospital and Medical Center, Avantek/Hewlett-Packard, Bell Laboratories, and Rutgers University, where she attained her doctorate in Counseling Psychology. For deeper insights, explore her website and blog—focused on leadership, engagement, and women's coaching under the banner of Fire Breathing Women/Mujeres Que Respiran Fuego™ and don't miss her thought-provoking journal *"Fire Breathing Women/Mujeres Que Respiran Fuego Journal for Transformation,"* available on Amazon. At the core of her philosophy lies the conviction that individual, organizational, and communal efficacy coalesce when the facets of leadership, strategy, engagement, and performance management harmoniously align. Embracing a holistic view, she believes true success isn't just about fitting in, but rather about being seen, heard, and experiencing a profound sense of belonging. It's a celebration of relationships, a dynamic interdependence that accounts for the whole individual—leading to profound engagement and shared triumph. ### Francisco Jiménez - SVL Executive Cultura Ambassador URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/cultura-ambassador/francisco-jimenez-svl-executive-cultura-ambassador/ Last updated: 2026-09-20T16:43:23.000Z Silicon Valley Latino sheds light on Francisco's remarkable journey: Hailing from a small rural village in the northern reaches of Jalisco, Mexico, Francisco's narrative is one of tenacity and aspiration. At the tender age of four, he, along with his family, embarked on a journey that spanned the United States-Mexican border, navigating the unknown without the shelter of official documentation. Their pursuit was born out of the desire to escape the clutches of poverty and seek out a new, more promising life in the United States. Over the ensuing nine years, their existence was marked by a nomadic lifestyle, trailing the seasons to eke out a livelihood from the land. As early as six years old, Francisco's hands joined those of his parents and older sibling, toiling in the fields, striving to make ends meet. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/838_Luis_Valdez_Dolores_Huerta_Fsco_copy_600x600.jpg) Yet, even in the midst of instability, Francisco held a steadfast yearning for stability, a place to call his own. This longing, in large part, emerged from his fervent wish to receive an education uninterrupted by displacement. The cycle of missing months of school each year left him feeling adrift, perpetually struggling to catch up on his studies. Learning, however challenging, became a sanctuary for him, a source of permanence amidst the flux. The knowledge he gained, whether within the classroom or on his own, remained an unwavering companion through the countless moves. It was his cherished possession, a constant amidst change. During his eighth-grade year, the family experienced the wrenching ordeal of deportation back to Mexico. However, their fortunes turned when they were given legal reentry to the United States, all thanks to the benevolence of a Japanese sharecropper who had employed them in his strawberry fields. This individual not only extended a loan but also vouched for their return. Settling into the Bonetti Ranch, a migrant labor camp situated in Santa Maria, California, where Francisco's father's health issues rendered him unable to continue fieldwork. This burden now fell on Francisco and his elder brother's shoulders, who assumed the responsibility of working as janitors for 35 hours a week, all while keeping up with their studies, a testament to their unflinching dedication to family and desire to succeed. With guidance from a high school counselor, Francisco's path led him to high school graduation, supported by local scholarships that paved the way for his initial year at Santa Clara University. As he pursued higher education, his younger brother took on the mantle of janitorial work to facilitate Francisco's journey through college. This relentless commitment to his aspirations marked the trajectory of a first-generation college student, whose initial year at Santa Clara University bore challenges yet also an awareness that his migrant history could be both hindrance and strength. The years unfolded, and Francisco found himself weaving his migrant encounters into the fabric of his academic pursuits. These experiences, once impediments, transformed into wellsprings of resilience, propelling him forward in his studies. Amid moments of discouragement, he turned to the pages of his past and sought solace in his devotion to the Virgen de Guadalupe. After three years of dedicated effort during which he was awarded full tuition scholarships, room, and board in exchange for becoming a Resident Assistant, he also managed to work in the language lab, assisted a professor in her research, and tutored students in Spanish at Bellarmine High School. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/684_Francisco_visit_Pescadero_school_600x600.jpg) Earning his degree from Santa Clara University proved to be a stepping stone to a Woodrow Wilson Fellowship, beckoning him to Columbia University. Here, he forged a path to a master's and Ph.D. in Latin American literature, with a focus on Mexican culture and literature. Armed with education and imbued with the resolve borne of his personal history, Francisco embraced the mission to combat societal inequities. Teaching, public service, and writing became his tools for constructing a more inclusive and just world. In his literary works, Francisco draws inspiration from his formative years and the vibrant community of his upbringing – migrant farm workers. *The Circuit: Stories from the Life of a Migrant Child, Cajas de cartón*, *Breaking Through, Senderos fronterizos*, *Reaching Out, Más allá de mí*, *Taking Hold*, *La Mariposa*, and *The Christmas Gift/El regalo de Navidad* and a host of other pieces chronicle not only his family's narrative but also the broader story of a marginalized sector of society. His writing serves as a gateway into the lives of those whose backbreaking labor underpins the food on our tables, while their dreams of a brighter future breathe life into the "American dream." Public service acts as a companion to his written endeavors. Through his roles within the Modern Language Association (MLA), he initiated discourse surrounding Chicano literature, fostering a more comprehensive literary landscape. As a co-founder and co-editor of "The Bilingual Review/La revista bilingüe," he facilitated access to the works of Latinx writers, ensuring their voices resonated despite the hurdles of mainstream publishing. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/804_Jimenez_signing_books_600x600.jpg) Francisco's dedication also extended to the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, where his ten-year tenure included two years as chair. A staunch advocate for bilingual and multicultural education, his influence left an indelible mark on the state's educational fabric. His role as a public speaker cemented his outreach efforts, bringing him to schools, libraries, and community programs, where he shared his journey to inspire and enlighten. Collaborative efforts with the PEN International Foundation further broadened his impact, enabling extensive engagements in rural regions. With each endeavor, Francisco's aim remains consistent – to contribute to a society that embodies justice, inclusivity, empathy, and compassion. Through writing, teaching, and public service, he endeavors to bridge divides, creating a tapestry that celebrates the dignity of all. ### Maria Arteaga - Carrasco - SVL Executive Cultura Ambassador URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/cultura-ambassador/maria-arteaga-carrasco-svl-executive-cultura-ambassador/ Last updated: 2026-09-21T14:48:18.000Z We are excited to share and reintroduce you to our newest Executive Cultura Ambassador, [Maria Arteaga-Carrasco](https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-pina-carrasco/). Maria started being highlighted about 5 years ago as she was introduced as one of our [Collegiate Cultura Ambassadors](https://svlatino.com/blogs/cultura-ambassador/maria-pina-carrasco-svl-collegiate-cultura-ambassador). Read about how Maria has become a dynamic individual with a passion for success and a heart full of determination both personally and for her family and friends. In 2016, Maria graduated from San Jose State University with a bachelor's degree in business administration, with an emphasis in Marketing. As the oldest of five siblings, a devoted mother of three sons, and a San Jose native, Maria cherishes her family roots and takes pride in being a first-generation American. Maria's path to success was shaped by the diverse experiences of Mexican and U.S. cultures that surrounded her. Growing up, she faced the challenge of bridging the gap between her parents' heritage and the new world they embraced in the U.S. It was during her college years, while immersing herself in ethnic studies and other subjects, that Maria discovered a profound appreciation for her parents' courage and sacrifice in starting a new life in a foreign land, where the language and its customs were unfamiliar. Driven by a desire to continue what her parents started, she continued to search for the betterment of life for her children and to make her parents proud, Maria embarked on her academic journey with the goal of earning a college degree. She saw this as an opportunity to lead by example and inspire her family, friends, and children to fearlessly embrace their new beginnings, to learn from mistakes, and evolve through self-discovery. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/784_IMG_8445_600x600.jpg) Among Maria's proudest moments this year was cheering on her older son's graduation from Evergreen Valley College, where he earned his AS degree in Engineering. He aspires of transferring to a CSU, possibly SJSU, to pursue electrical engineering. Her second son also graduated from high school and will begin his journey at Evergreen Community College, where he plans to study Business with a concentration in Finance, aspiring to become a future CFO. As for her youngest son, a talented enthusiast of media arts, the possibilities for his educational path are eagerly anticipated. Maria's own achievements as a college graduate have not only influenced her sons but have opened their minds to countless opportunities, a privilege not afforded to all children. Over the past decade, Maria has devoted herself to the City of San Jose, serving in various capacities and demonstrating unwavering dedication. She recently secured a full-time, benefitted Senior Office Specialist position in the Department of Planning, Building, and Code Enforcement (PBCE) within the building division. With her desire for challenges and a proactive approach to learning, Maria swiftly adapted to her role and pursued higher-class positions. This journey led her to the position of Principal Permit Specialist in 2021 and eventually to her current role as an Analyst I (ADU Ally) in 2022, where she stands as the sole City of San Jose ADU Ally. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/740_IMG_2021_600x600.jpg) In her capacity as Accessory Dwelling Units Ally, Maria serves as the primary point of contact for all City of San Jose customers with ADU inquiries. Fluent in Spanish, she provides invaluable support and coordination related to different types of ADUs while sharing her expertise through various presentations and translation services. Maria's commitment to community outreach is evident as she actively engages with diverse audiences, delivering insightful presentations to county offices and educational institutions, promoting the idea of ADUs as a vital housing solution. Despite her remarkable journey, Maria has faced her share of challenges. After college, the job hunt proved to be more difficult than she had anticipated, requiring resilience and unwavering faith in her abilities. The echoes of imposter syndrome occasionally lingered, but Maria found strength in participating in the City of San José’s mentoring programs, networking with like-minded individuals, and connecting with those who shared similar struggles. Each obstacle became an opportunity for growth, and she remains committed to evolving and acquiring new skills. With her self-worth firmly established, Maria confidently negotiated her salary during her last two promotions, realizing her value as a professional shaped by her education and work experience. In addition to her work, Maria takes comfort in reading books that advance her professional and personal development and being active through exercise. She likes to lose herself in the warmth of Rom-Com movies in her free time to bring a little humor into her hectic schedule. Maria Arteaga-Carrasco is a wonderful example of the strength of willpower, fortitude, with a desire to study and succeed. This is what we refer to as an SVL Latina Leader. She anticipates to continue her professional development and is convinced that she will one day sit in a director's chair, having an impact on her community and encouraging others to pursue their aspirations. ### Mexican American Vintners Association (MAVA) La Cosecha 11th Annual Grand Tasting URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/art-culture/mexican-american-vintners-association-mava-la-cosecha-11th-annual-grand-tasting/ Last updated: 2026-09-20T16:41:51.000Z Ay caramba! The story behind the Mexican American Vintners Association [(MAVA)](https://nsmava.org/) is as delightful as a sip of fine wine! Picture this: a picturesque colonial-era hotel courtyard in México, where destiny beckoned a group of vintners from Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley. It was May 2010, and they were invited by the Governor of Michoacán to showcase their wines at the Michoacán State Fair. Little did they know that this gathering would spark the idea of a lifetime! Over those enchanting days in Morelia, amidst pouring wine and merry making, a magical bond formed between the vintners. Ideas flowed like the finest vintages, and a newfound respect blossomed amongst them. The Governor's events and interactions with industry leaders revealed a hidden treasure—a craving for wines produced by Mexican American vintners! The pride of their shared heritage, showcased by the representatives of Morelia, ignited a spark in their hearts. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/926_Screen_Shot_2023-08-01_at_12.45.19_PM_600x600.png) Their realization was crystal clear—it was time for an association to celebrate their common history and heritage, to unleash the full potential of their roots both in México and the United States. The vintners knew they held a special place in the hearts of Mexican Americans, one of the fastest-growing wine consumer groups in the U.S. And so, the seeds of MAVA were sown. With the taste of success fresh in their mouths from the México trip, they knew it was their duty to create an organization that would not only promote their wines but also serve as a beacon of inspiration and support for the next generation of Mexican American winemakers and winery professionals. They felt a strong sense of responsibility to honor the contributions of farm workers who had toiled to make the wine industry thrive. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/927_Screen_Shot_2023-08-01_at_12.45.39_PM_600x600.png) After months of heart-to-heart discussions and numerous meetings, MAVA was born—more vibrant and flavorful than a bottle of aged wine. Now, each year, they gather for the much-awaited Mexican American Vintners Association La Cosecha Event & this year the 11th Annual Grand Tasting Event awaits us, where cultures blend, dreams flourish, and fine wines flow like poetry in a glass. So, [get your tickets](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/la-cosecha-11th-annual-grand-tasting-tickets-596184362477?discount=SVL) and join us in raising your glass and toast to the spirit of unity, heritage, and the passion that binds these vintners, our culture and our comunidad together like the tight knit familia we are! And if for some reason or another you cannot make this wonderful event, remember that you can always find these wineries along with several dozen more latine owned wineries on our [ShopLatino.Market ](https://shoplatino.market/listing-category/wineries/)site. ¡Salud y viva la Cosecha! 🍷🎉 SVL Discounted Tickets & Event Info available here => #JuntosAdelante #CreoEnTi #CreoEnNosotros #LatineWines #VinoLatino ### Supply Change Capital: A Latina-Led Venture Capital Firm Shaping the Future of the Food Industry URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/business/supply-change-capital-a-latina-led-venture-capital-firm-shaping-the-future-of-the-food-industry/ Last updated: 2026-09-17T16:52:42.000Z Supply Change Capital, a venture capital firm co-founded and led by two remarkable Latina Silicon Valley entrepreneurs, [Noramay Cadena](https://www.linkedin.com/in/noramay/), and [Shayna Harris](https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaynaharris/), recently closed its first fund, successfully raising $40 million in capital commitments with a focus on investing in the enormous $10 trillion global food industry. To better comprehend the difficulties faced by their portfolio firms, [Supply Change Capital's](https://supplychange.fund/) distinctive strategy entails investing in both consumer and technology companies. They clearly care about diversity considering 80% of the founders and CEOs in their portfolio are Latina, Black, or female. Supply Change Capital is having a big market impact thanks to its mission of safeguarding the future of the food supply. Silicon Valley Latino salutes this achievement. Read the full press release => ### Pedaling Towards Health: Embracing Cycling for a Vibrant Lifestyle - Angel Chavez URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/health-beauty/pedaling-towards-health-embracing-cycling-for-a-vibrant-lifestyle-angel-chavez/ Last updated: 2026-09-20T16:44:17.000Z We at Silicon Valley Latino continue our push to get our community active especially with the invitation to take a time out of your work day and get out. This week SVL Advisory Board Member Angel Chavez invites us on his cycling tours he takes around the bay area. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/715_IMG_0016_600x600.jpg) Cycling provides a wealth of health benefits that go beyond just physical fitness. It's an activity that encompasses mental fortitude, stress reduction, and even serves as an opportunity for inspiring outdoor photography. As highlighted in the article, staying active and promoting a healthy lifestyle is crucial, especially for communities like our Latino population, which faces higher rates of diabetes and hypertension. Therefore, We highly encourage everyone to consider incorporating cycling or any other physical activity, into their daily routine as an investment in their own well-being and to combat these health challenges. By engaging in regular cycling, you can significantly improve your cardiovascular health and overall quality of life. So, let's get off the couch and embrace a "get outdoors" mentality, making cycling a fun and enjoyable part of our lifestyle! “Truly enjoyed your latest article on staying active and promoting a healthy lifestyle for our community. As you know, our Latino community, in general, has some of the highest percentage of adults with diabetes and hypertension. Thus, I applaud you and your team at SVL for *[promoting](https://svlatino.com/blogs/health-beauty/embrace-the-great-outdoors-unleashing-the-power-of-trail-running)* a “get off the couch” mentality! ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/785_IMG_9691_480x480.jpg) It’s not always easy though, as we all have families, work, and other priorities, but I personally encourage others to think of it as an investment in yourself and to make getting outdoors an essential part of your lifestyle. Most important, make it fun and enjoy it with your friends and family! One activity which I’ve become obsessed with is cycling. It hits on so many ingredients for staying fit and healthy such a physical fitness, mental fortitude, reduced stress, and anxiety, and as an inspiring photographer, the places you get to travel provides an opportunity to take some fantastic pics of your outdoor adventures! In the Bay Area, we are very fortunate to have so many beautiful places to ride including Coyote Hills and Calaveras Road in the Fremont Area; Redwood Road and Pinehurst to the Berkeley Hills for those who enjoy the torture of hill climbs and the very scenic Bay Trails which covers most of the Bay Area with amazing Zen views, and little to no cars. I have included some routes which could be of interest here in the Bay Area from my Strava App (would suggest getting this as they have a nice free version) along with some points of interest on these rides. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/895_SVL_Biking_Article_2023_600x600.png) Thanks again on promoting a healthy and active lifestyle for our community!! Un abrazo!” #JuntosAdelante ### Embrace the Great Outdoors: Unleashing the Power of Trail Running URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/health-beauty/embrace-the-great-outdoors-unleashing-the-power-of-trail-running/ Last updated: 2026-09-20T16:50:27.000Z In a world filled with stress and burnout, we at Silicon Valley Latino say it's time to reconnect with nature and discover a transformative activity that can revolutionize our well-being—***trail running***. As we attempt to juggle the work demands of our lives, it becomes crucial to find ways to bring a work/life balance into our lives. So, why not drive or better yet run to the closest park access and incorporate trail running into our lives and experience the incredible benefits it offers. **The Call of the Wild:** Trail running allows us to immerse ourselves in the beauty and serenity of nature, inviting us to step out of the concrete jungle and the monotony of daily life onto a singletrack trail and into the lush green embrace of forests, mountains, or into the multicolored terrain that a desert can offer along with the beauty and fresh air that they all offer. It's not just about the physical exercise; it's an opportunity to get our hearts beating, awaken our senses, refresh our minds, and reconnect with how we are one with mother nature. The allure of the wilderness beckons us to explore and discover the wonders that lie beyond our office walls and city life. **A Multitude of Benefits:** Trail running offers a multitude of benefits for our bodies, minds, and souls. As we traverse uneven terrains and navigate challenging trails, our bodies engage in a full-body workout that builds strength, improves cardiovascular fitness, and enhances overall endurance. The natural inclines and declines of the trails engage different muscle groups, providing a dynamic workout that goes beyond the monotonous treadmill runs or street running. Beyond the physical benefits, trail running nurtures our mental and emotional well-being. The quietness that surrounds us and the connection with nature have a profound impact on our mental state, reducing stress, anxiety, and the pressures of daily life. It's an opportunity to unplug from technology, silence the noise within our heads, and embrace a mindful presence in the here and now. Trail running allows us to find solace, reflect on our thoughts, and achieve a sense of clarity and rejuvenation. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/511_14590126_10209512930314119_955442676506277710_o_600x600.jpg) **The Healing Power of Nature**: Research has shown that spending time, running, taking pictures, hiking, in nature has a therapeutic effect on our well-being (Ecotherapy). The fresh air, natural landscapes, and the sounds of chirping birds and rustling leaves create a soothing ambiance that promotes relaxation and mental rejuvenation. Trail running in such surroundings amplifies these benefits, allowing us to harness the healing power of nature while engaging in an invigorating physical activity. **Mindfulness in Motion:** Just like yoga, trail running can be a practice of mindfulness in motion. As we navigate the trails, we become attuned to our bodies, breathing rhythm, and foot placement. We learn to embrace the present moment (we don’t want to trip and fall), listen to our inner selves, and connect with the natural world around us. Trail running becomes a moving meditation, where worries and distractions fade away, and a profound sense of peace and tranquility takes over while also allowing yourself to find ideas and solutions to your daily life. **Exploration and Adventure:** Trail running opens a world of exploration and adventure. Each trail offers its unique set of challenges and rewards (like the daily decisions we make), whether it's conquering steep ascents, splashing through streams, or marveling at breathtaking views. It ignites our adventurous spirit, pushing us to step outside our comfort zones and discover new territories. Every run becomes an opportunity to embrace the unknown, tap into our inner resilience, and celebrate the beauty of our natural surroundings. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/502_10914725_10204882534797125_3414473380901610064_o_600x600.jpg) **Getting Started:** Embarking on a trail running journey is easier than you might think. Start by researching local trails, finding ones suitable for your fitness level and preferences. Invest in a sturdy pair of trail running shoes that provide stability and grip. Start with shorter distances and gradually increase your mileage as your fitness improves. It's crucial to listen to your body, respect your limits, and prioritize safety by carrying essential items like water, snacks, and a trail map and basic first aid implements. **Joining the Trail Running Community:** Trail running is more than a solitary activity; it's a vibrant and supportive community. Connect with several Silicon Valley Latino trail runners by reaching out to us or turn to local running stores, running clubs, online forums, or social media groups. Share experiences, seek advice, and find inspiration from others who share your passion. Participate in trail races or group runs to challenge yourself and immerse yourself in the camaraderie and encouragement that the trail running community offers. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/530_24131622_10213242592153334_7207507753926308624_o_600x600.jpg) Trail running is a gateway to adventure, mindfulness, and holistic well-being. It rejuvenates our bodies, resets our minds, and reignites our connection with mother nature. Embrace this grand sport and the great outdoors, lace up your trail running shoes, and embark on an awakening journey that will nurture your physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Let the trails be your guide to a more balanced, vibrant, and fulfilling life. Will you join us? #JuntosAdelante #CreoEnTi #CreoEnNosotros ### Ayudando Latinos A Soñar (ALAS) recognized as Nonprofit of the Year! URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/art-culture/ayudando-latinos-a-sonar-alas-recognized-asnonprofit-of-the-year/ Last updated: 2026-09-20T16:49:31.000Z Amidst the vibrant atmosphere of Silicon Valley, where innovation and progress intersect, there's an overwhelming sense of pride and excitement as we, Silicon Valley Latino, are excited to share that our friends at [Ayudando Latinos A Soñar](https://www.alasdreams.com/) (ALAS) have been recognized as the 2023 California Nonprofit of the Year. It's an honor to witness ALAS, a, Latina Led, social service nonprofit and farmworker advocacy organization rooted in Half Moon Bay, receiving this well-deserved recognition. On California Nonprofits Day, Senator Josh Becker (D-San Mateo) and Assemblymember Marc Berman (D-Menlo Park) recognized Ayudando Latinos A Soñar (ALAS) as the 2023 California Nonprofit of the Year. ALAS is a social service nonprofit and farmworker advocacy organization based in Half Moon Bay. The organization was honored alongside 114 other nonprofits selected by legislators statewide at a luncheon held at the State Capitol. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/536_355896124_673250128169086_5187434419792976616_n_600x600.jpg) Senator Becker expressed his pleasure in jointly choosing ALAS as the Nonprofit of the Year with Assemblymember Berman. He commended ALAS for its dedication to supporting farmworkers and families, addressing concerns such as living conditions, mental wellness, economic prosperity, and broadband access. Senator Becker also highlighted the organization's collaborative efforts, including the establishment of a mobile resource center called the Farmworker Equity Express to expand services to farms and ranches. He praised ALAS for embodying the best of California, including vision, compassion, activism, hard work, humility, and a passion for social justice. Assemblymember Berman acknowledged ALAS as a longstanding leader on the Coastside, working with organizations and public agencies to provide services to farmworkers and their families. He emphasized ALAS's response to the mass shooting that affected the farmworker community in Half Moon Bay, where the organization stepped up to support and care for the grieving community. Assemblymember Berman recognized the integral role of farmworkers in the San Mateo Coastside community and expressed gratitude to the ALAS team for their dedicated and compassionate service. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/925_Screen_Shot_2023-02-27_at_11.09.03_AM_600x600.png) The California Association of Nonprofits annually provides state legislators with an opportunity to recognize exceptional nonprofits, showcasing the diversity and vibrancy of the California nonprofit community. The honored organizations address various issues, ranging from homelessness and health to workers' rights, education, the arts, and the environment. ALAS has been serving the farmworker community in North San Mateo County Coast for almost 10 years, focusing on cross-cultural collaboration and fostering special relationships among farmworker families. Senator Becker and Assemblymember Berman also plan to celebrate ALAS with a local event in the district later this year. Stay tuned for ALAS's 10 Year Anniversary Community Celebration this September. #JuntosAdelante #CreoEnTi #CreoEnNosotros ### Executive Cultura Ambassador Javier Díaz & OSI Engineering Celebrate Diversity Supplier of the Year Award URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/business/executive-cultura-ambassador-javier-diaz-osi-engineering-celebrate-diversity-supplier-of-the-year-award/ Last updated: 2026-09-23T15:21:52.000Z We are thrilled to announce that Executive Cultura Ambassador [Javier Díaz](https://www.linkedin.com/in/javierdiaz/) & OSI Engineering Celebrate Diversity Supplier of the Year Award On behalf of Silicon Valley Latino, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to Javier and the entire [OSI Engineering](https://osiengineering.com/) team, a renowned provider of Technology Workforce Solutions to leading technology innovators and Forbes 100 companies, for being recognized as the Diversity Supplier of the Year by the Western Regional Minority Supplier Development Council (WRMSDC). The WRMSDC, an affiliate of NMSDC, is an esteemed organization that celebrates outstanding minority suppliers, corporate members, and community partners in Northern California, Nevada, and Hawaii. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/865_PG_E_600x600.jpg) Receiving this distinguished award is a momentous achievement for OSI Engineering, underscoring their continued commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace, while also championing the development of future technologies with diversity in mind. Javier Diaz, CEO of OSI, expressed his gratitude, stating, *"We are honored to receive this award from WRMSDC, which recognizes our dedication to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. Our team is made up of individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences, and diversity is a key driver of our success as well as that of our partners who are driving tomorrow’s innovations."* OSI Engineering has consistently prioritized the promotion of diversity and inclusion, both within their own organization and throughout their network of partners and suppliers. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/587_Award_Post_600x600.jpg) Christine Liwai Garcia, Vice President of Program Development & Minority Business Services at WRMSDC, praised OSI Engineering, saying, *"WRMSDC proudly commends OSI Engineering for its unwavering dedication to excellence in services, sales growth, and job creation. “OSI has supported WRMSDC’s activities in the past and is an engaged member of our community, building bridges for fellow minority entrepreneurs both within and beyond our diverse community. The Council is proud of their achievements, and we look forward to their continued success.”* Once again, we congratulate Javier and the team at OSI Engineering on this well-deserved recognition, and we applaud their ongoing efforts to foster diversity, equity, and inclusion in the technology industry. #JuntosAdelante #CreoEnTi #CreoEnNosotros ### Joe Poni SVL Director & Cinematographer: A Compassionate Guide on the Uncharted Path to Success URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/business/joe-poni-svl-director-cinematographer-a-compassionate-guide-on-the-uncharted-path-to-success/ Last updated: 2026-09-20T16:52:04.000Z In a world that often overlooks the lost souls and disregards their potential, Joe Poni emerges as a beacon of hope and inspiration among our team here at Silicon Valley Latino & The SVL Agency and within the community at large. With an illustrious career as a best-selling author, award-winning director, and filmmaker, Joe has touched the lives of countless individuals with his unwavering dedication to empowering others. Joe's transformative journey began in the depths of his own struggle. As a young adult, he faced formidable challenges, grappling with the weight of uncertainty and self-doubt. However, it was through these hardships that Joe unearthed his purpose: to guide others along the uncharted path to success, driven by their innate curiosity. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/1110_joeponi_followyourcuriosity_480x480.jpg) In 2020, amidst the chaos of a global pandemic, Joe authored his magnum opus, "*[Follow Your Curiosity: The Uncharted Path to Your Success](https://www.amazon.com/Follow-Your-Curiosity-Uncharted-Success/dp/1735537705).*" The book swiftly climbed the ranks to become a bestseller, captivating readers around the world with its profound wisdom. For several weeks, it held its ground at the summit of literary accomplishment, a testament to Joe's ability to connect deeply with the hearts and minds of his audience. But Joe's true impact extends far beyond the pages of his book. Recognizing the struggles faced by inner-city youth, he selflessly dedicates his time as a volunteer in Bay Area high schools. In these halls of learning, he serves as a guiding light, teaching career discovery and hosting dream development workshops. His gentle yet empowering presence has been instrumental in helping these young souls find their unique path in life. In the humble town of Tracy, CA, Joe has become an integral part of the community, particularly at George and Evelyn Stein Continuation High School. Since 2019, he has generously granted scholarship funds to graduating seniors, enabling them to pursue their dreams despite the obstacles they may face. Joe's belief in the transformative power of education knows no bounds, and he continues to champion the limitless potential within every young mind. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/1084_image0_480x480_2f214efb-058b-4453-aa63-a83699648982_600x600.webp.jpg) "Follow Your Curiosity" was not crafted in a vacuum; it was the culmination of a decade spent counseling and encouraging individuals from all walks of life. Throughout these years, Joe has worn many hats, serving as a trusted brand consultant, a guiding force in ministry, and an inspirational speaker for businesses, colleges, and high schools alike. Through his remarkable insights and compassionate guidance, he has empowered countless business owners and students to discover their unique niche, unlocking profound happiness and solving life's intricate puzzles by simply embracing their curiosity. Joe Poni's legacy is not measured by awards and accolades alone. It resides within the hearts of those he has touched—the lost souls he has nurtured, the dreams he has ignited, and the paths he has illuminated. He is a guiding star in a world that often obscures the way, a compassionate mentor who believes in the transformative power of curiosity. With each word he writes, each workshop he hosts, and each life he touches, Joe Poni epitomizes the boundless potential within us all, reminding us that our greatest success lies in embracing the uncharted, fueled by the flickering flame of curiosity. In addition to his remarkable achievements as an author, Joe Poni embarked on a groundbreaking cinematic endeavor alongside Silicon Valley Latino, resulting in the creation of a profoundly moving film titled "CAMPESINOS: America's Unsung Heroes." This remarkable collaboration stands as a testament to Joe's unwavering commitment to shed light on the often-overlooked stories of the marginalized and the unsung heroes within our society. "CAMPESINOS: America's Unsung Heroes" serves as a powerful tribute to the courageous men and women who toil tirelessly in the fields, their faces etched with resilience and their hands stained with the soil that sustains us all. Through this captivating film, Joe and Silicon Valley Latino capture the essence of the farmworker community, unveiling their remarkable contributions to our nation's prosperity while also illuminating the challenges they face. With painstaking attention to detail and a profound sense of empathy, Joe, and his collaborators transport viewers into the very heart of the farmworker experience. Through striking cinematography and authentic storytelling, they vividly depict the arduous labor, the unyielding perseverance, and the unspoken sacrifices that form the foundation of the campesinos' lives. But "CAMPESINOS: America's Unsung Heroes" is not just a documentation of struggles; it is an anthem of resilience and hope. Joe masterfully weaves together personal narratives and poignant interviews, allowing the farmworkers themselves to share their stories, dreams, and aspirations. Their voices resonate with unwavering determination and an unbreakable spirit, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of viewers. The film also acts as a call to action, urging society to recognize and honor the invaluable contributions of these unsung heroes. It ignites conversations about fair labor practices, social justice, and the importance of cultivating a deep appreciation for the individuals whose hands bring food to our tables. "CAMPESINOS: America's Unsung Heroes" serves as a catalyst for change, inspiring viewers to advocate for a more just and equitable society. This cinematic masterpiece has garnered widespread acclaim and touched the lives of audiences across the nation. Its impact reaches far beyond the silver screen, resonating with viewers of all backgrounds and fostering a newfound appreciation for the resilience and humanity of the farmworker community. Through "CAMPESINOS: America's Unsung Heroes," Joe Poni and Silicon Valley Latino have not only crafted a visually stunning film but also a transformative narrative that challenges societal perceptions and inspires collective action. They have given a voice to the voiceless, amplifying the stories of those who have long remained hidden in the shadows. Joe's involvement in this film is a testament to his profound empathy, his dedication to social change, and his unwavering commitment to using his artistic talents to uplift the marginalized. "CAMPESINOS: America's Unsung Heroes" stands as a testament to Joe's artistic brilliance, his deep compassion, and his unwavering determination to make a lasting impact on society, one story at a time. #JuntosAdelante #CreoEnTi #CreoEnNosotros ### Antonio Humphreys appointed Chief of Staff at United Airlines URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/business/antonio-humphreys-appointed-chief-of-staff-at-united-airlines/ Last updated: 2026-09-21T14:49:55.000Z Silicon Valley Latino congratulates Advisory Board Member Antonio Humphreys on his Chief of Staff appointment within the Technical Operations Division at United Airlines. This appointment represents a significant milestone in Humphreys' remarkable career and highlights his exceptional leadership capabilities. As a passionate advocate for the Hispanic/Latine community and a driving force behind innovation, Antonio Humphreys has consistently demonstrated his commitment to excellence. Silicon Valley Latino celebrates his appointment and recognizes the immense value he brings to United Airlines where he will be shaping strategies, fostering growth, and driving innovation within the Technical Operations Division. Humphreys distinguished professional background spans over 25 years, encompassing notable organizations such as NASA, Shell Oil, Hewlett-Packard, Gap, and Adobe. Throughout his career, he has consistently delivered highly successful and innovative strategies, generating millions of dollars in cost savings, revenue, and profit growth. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/573_Antonio_H_Silicon_Valley_Latino_Advisory_Board_600x600.jpg) Beyond his outstanding business achievements, Humphreys has been an influential educator and mentor. As an adjunct professor at the University of New Mexico (UNM) Anderson School of Management and Lone Star College, he has nurtured and inspired the next generation of leaders. His dedication to academic excellence and industry collaboration has been instrumental in shaping the future of business. Silicon Valley Latino commends Humphreys for his role as Founder and Executive Chair of the Hispanic/Latinx at Adobe (HOLA) Employee Network. Under his leadership, HOLA grew into a thriving organization with over 1,100 members across 18 global sites. Humphreys' commitment to diversity and inclusion sets an exemplary standard for driving positive change within corporate environments. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/972_United_Airlines_Week_1_600x600.jpg) Antonio Humphreys' multicultural background and global management portfolio perfectly position him to excel in his new role at United Airlines. His strategic vision, combined with his expertise in operational efficiency, will undoubtedly contribute to the company's ongoing success and innovation. Help us congratulate him on this new role! #JuntosAdelante ### SVL EXECUTIVE CULTURA AMBASSADOR MICHAEL MARTINEZ LAUNCHES ADELANTE COMMUNICATIONS URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/business/svl-executive-cultura-ambassador-michael-martinez-launches-adelante-communications/ Last updated: 2026-09-21T14:51:23.000Z The world of business is rapidly changing. Now more than ever, effective communications have become essential at every level of an organization. Whether it's internal communications among employees or external communications with clients, investors, and other key stakeholders, clear and impactful communication is the new business enabler and driver of profitability. Helping companies do it effectively requires leaders with years of expertise in this arena. One such leader is SVL Executive Cultura Ambassador *[Michael Martinez](https://svlatino.com/blogs/cultura-ambassador/michael-martinez-svl-cultura-ambassador)*, a 30-year industry veteran of Silicon Valley and new Principal of Adelante Communications. An accomplished communications executive highly regarded for 25+ years of experience in global communications. He is recognized as an authentic, trusted advisor with unique expertise in conveying information across all audiences and stakeholders, A natural relationship builder, Michael has successfully led numerous global communications initiatives for leading companies and organizations. A veteran of Cisco where he served as a key member of the senior leadership team’s executive communications organization, he previously held senior communications roles at Microsoft, Roche Biotechnology, Hitachi Vantara, Lam Research, and Aviza Technology. Today he serves as Communications Advisor to the Chief Executive Officers of Conectado, Inc. and OSI Engineering. In addition, he serves as a communications mentor at Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business LBAN Program. “*Clear and timely communication helps build trust with customers, investors, and employees, while also enabling companies to navigate complex challenges and seize new opportunities.”* Says Michael, “*As technology continues to evolve and shape our world, strong corporate communications are a vital factor in driving innovation, growth, and success. Adelante will help clients attain their most ambitious business goals by using communications as the strategic enabler to do so.”* Michael can be reached at *[www.adelantecommunications.com](http://www.adelantecommunications.com)* or via email at *michael@adelantecommunications.com* ### SVL Executive Cultura Ambassador Marcelo De Santis named to Gartner Ambassador Role URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/business/svl-executive-cultura-ambassador-marcelo-de-santis-named-to-gartner-ambassador-role/ Last updated: 2026-09-21T14:53:08.000Z The Gartner Ambassador role holds great prestige for executive leaders who aspire to become trusted advisors within their industry. Ambassadors foster open dialogues on emerging business and technology subjects, wielding influence over industry perspectives. They actively engage in discussions, sharing their expertise and participating in both digital and in-person Gartner community events. Candidates are carefully evaluated based on their enthusiasm, expertise, experience, industry specialization, and their ability to effectively lead within the Gartner community. One such leader is SVL Executive Cultura Ambassador [Marcelo De Santis](https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcelodesantis/), a digital innovation expert who specializes in transforming companies at the intersection of people, data, and technology. With a wealth of experience in digitizing products and business models, Marcelo excels at building value-added engagement with consumers, customers, and employees. His extensive background spans various industries, including consulting, automotive, telecommunications, financial services, pharmaceuticals, and consumer packaged goods. Having worked across multiple continents—North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, and Latin America—he possesses a comprehensive "panoramic view" of enterprise operations. Marcelo firmly believes in cultivating a diverse, entrepreneurial, collaborative, and agile team culture that focuses on delivering tangible business outcomes: generating profitable revenue, fostering customer satisfaction, and ensuring employee engagement. Committed to making a positive impact on the world, he actively supports nonprofit organizations dedicated to improving the lives of underprivileged children. Through his exceptional leadership and commitment to innovation, Marcelo embodies the qualities of a true Gartner Ambassador, driving positive change within the industry and inspiring others to excel. #JuntosAdelante #CreoEnTi #CreoEnNosotros ### Jessica Prado Filice - SVL Cultura Ambassador URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/cultura-ambassador/jessica-prado-filice-svl-cultura-ambassador/ Last updated: 2026-09-21T16:54:38.000Z We are excited to announce that about 2 weeks ago we welcomed *[Jessica Prado-Filice](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jpfilice/)* as our newest SVL Cultura Ambassador. Jessica Filice is a first-generation Mexican American and proud Latina. Born in the rural community of Hollister, CA, Jessica learned all about the American Dream from her parents, who emigrated to the United States from Michoacan and Zacatecas, Mexico in 1969, to thrive in a new land of endless opportunity. While still learning the English language, Jessica’s father started his own General Contracting business which he has now successfully operated for over 30 years. On a similar path and armed with only an 8th\-grade education, Jessica watched her mother rise in the ranks of a front desk receptionist to a high-level manager in San Benito County over the past 30 years. In addition to the tenacious work ethic her parents instilled in her and encouragement toward higher education, Jessica also credits her older brother and sister who paved the way and led by example. Both attended major 4-year universities and earned multiple college degrees in Business and Finance. Inspired by their success and work ethic, Jessica graduated from San Jose State University with a degree in Communication Studies with a focus on Organizational Communication. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/526_20190913_161140_600x600.jpg) Today, Jessica serves as Vice President of Mortgage Advisory at Silicon Valley Bank (SVB), a division of First Citizens Bank. In this role, she specializes in providing personalized private banking services to Founders, Executives, and VC/PE professionals within the Tech Ecosystem. Most recently, Jessica transitioned into Business Development where she has successfully designed and delivered effective training programs, developed onboarding curriculums, and driven employee engagement. Throughout her tenure at SVB, she has played a key role in building a consistent client contact strategy and identifying appropriate cross-marketing opportunities. She is a passionate and driven individual who takes pride in streamlining processes and helping those around her grow professionally. Jessica’s proactive style and ability to handle uncertainty and ambiguity have helped create and scale new and emerging ideas to leaders within the Private Bank at SVB. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/549_58376_600x600.jpg) Jessica is extremely proud of her Mexican Heritage and has brought her education and professional experience to mentor other members of her extended family to not only pursue higher education but on how to flourish in the ever-changing business landscape as well. Jessica and her husband became proud parents of one beautiful little girl in August 2022\. In addition to her new parenting duties, Jessica loves to travel, cook, and cheer on her Bay Area sports teams. Most recently, Jessica traveled to Italy to master the art of pizza and pasta making and is eager to tackle more culinary adventures. ### Michael Archuleta recognized as TOP Healthcare CIO in 2023! URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/business/michael-archuleta-recognized-as-top-healthcare-cio-in-2023/ Last updated: 2026-09-21T16:53:10.000Z Recognized as a Top Hospital and Health System CIO to know and named a Rising Star in Healthcare, SVL Advisory Board Member, Michael Archuleta is a cutting-edge, innovative, visionary leader, disruptor, and collaborator who possesses strong leadership skills. With extensive experience and a proven track record of driving increased levels of productivity, profits, high integrity customer relationship skills, and expert problem-solving approaches, Michael stands out as an exceptional professional. He is an active member of the College of Healthcare Information Management Executives, serves as a cybersecurity advisor to several healthcare startups, and is a sought-after speaker in the field of Health Information Technology. Under Michael Archuleta's visionary leadership, Mt San Rafael Hospital emerged as a trailblazer in leveraging advanced technology to elevate the patient and provider experience. With Michael's innovative and determined approach, the hospital attained HIMSS Analytics Stage Six recognition on the prestigious HIMSS Analytics Electronic Medical Record Adoption Model, a distinction achieved by only thirty percent of U.S. hospitals. The Information Technology Department, under Michael's guidance, harnessed advanced Information Technology to drive performance improvements in infrastructure, business operations, administrative management, quality, safety, and clinical integration. As a testament to their remarkable progress in Health Information Technology adoption, the department was honored with the Healthcare's Most Wired Award for eight consecutive years (2015-2022), recognizing their exceptional advancements in this field. Through Michael's transformative leadership, Mt. San Rafael Hospital earned the coveted title of the best overall organization in the esteemed Most Wired survey. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/892_SVL_600x600.jpg) The 2023 edition of the annual "Hospitals and Health System CIOs to Know" list features executives who are spearheading technology and health IT initiatives nationwide. These leaders oversee skilled teams and are accountable for incorporating state-of-the-art technologies, such as EHR systems, data management services, cybersecurity software, and Telehealth services, into their hospitals and health systems. The objective is to honor and acknowledge the innovative and successful CIOs of hospitals and health systems throughout the country. Being included on this list is a significant achievement, and the Becker's Hospital Review editorial team selects individuals based on their CIO awards and the performance of their hospital or health systems. Michael's profile was deemed exceptional enough to be among the most innovative and accomplished CIOs in the country. Michael's exceptional achievements, transformative leadership, and remarkable contributions to the healthcare industry have earned him the well-deserved recognition as a distinguished Hospital and Health System CIO. His unwavering commitment to technological advancement and his ability to drive positive outcomes make him an invaluable asset, propelling Mt San Rafael Hospital to the forefront of healthcare innovation. Additionally, his inclusion in the esteemed "Hospitals and Health System CIOs to Know" list further solidifies his position among the most innovative and accomplished CIOs nationwide, showcasing his exceptional leadership and the success of his hospital's technology initiatives. ### SVL Advisory Board Member Jose (Pepe) Gomez Promoted to Director Global Services Marketing URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/business/svl-advisory-board-member-jose-pepe-gomez-promoted-to-director-service-channels-marketing/ Last updated: 2026-09-21T23:21:57.000Z We are excited to share that SVL Advisory Board Member Jose (Pepe) Gomez has been promoted to Director Global Services Marketing at Schneider Electric. Jose will be leading the development and execution of Service Channel Strategy to accelerate performance via our Service Channels. He will be Working with a global team developing commercial marketing strategies, best-in-class marketing programs & campaigns and will lead the deployment of partner platforming and growth strategies. Read all about his career below. *[Jose R (Pepe) Gomez](https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001ueVoRpd6h3BMkDapLQgOpIqG4fCyfZj4MWFTPsC4AkT6r6w30b6eWUwuX7ed2x97z6BTj-jjKxX2WctPkRQrj7sweo3U6oZPNgaLBdvQsaBfHDNojL3WTQm-cooGVsG8dcj4J7NwedsZpZMPUwiPDYKziRYsml--K%5F--owb2LSp%5FzE3QHsb7bZbnLlNYlyz4&c=&ch=)* is an accomplished Business and Sales executive with over 20 years of experience leading domestic, international, and global organizations in some of the most successful and influential technology companies, including Sun Microsystems, Oracle, Softtek, HPE, and Schneider Electric. Currently, Pepe holds a leadership position in the Global Field Services organization at Schneider Electric, where he is responsible for driving Services Business Management for the Cloud and Service Provider Segment in Latin America. Before joining Schneider Electric, Pepe led the Worldwide New Business efforts for Hewlett Packard Enterprise from its headquarters in Palo Alto, California. Throughout his 15+ year career with Sun Microsystems and Oracle, Pepe held several executive roles with responsibility at a country, region, and worldwide level. Pepe has been a champion of Diversity and Inclusion for over 15 years and has held various leadership roles in this area, including President of Society of Latinos (SOL) at Sun Microsystems, Founder and Chair of Hispanic Oracle Leadership Association (HOLA), and founder of Bay Area Latino Network. He is passionate about inclusion and has mentored and coached many great IT professionals who happen to be Hispanic. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/814_JosePepeGomez_SVLatino_600x600.jpg) Pepe is a long-time member of HITEC and has been part of the leadership team hosting *[HITEC](https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001ueVoRpd6h3BMkDapLQgOpIqG4fCyfZj4MWFTPsC4AkT6r6w30b6eWVg91zh8LRep6XAw2sfjXZYS100YpZHsCydeeDjo3%5FWKJ1HAtia%5FZ0yyTu1ZF77xr6KiG11gUZddr6zmyJKXPyBZim62WlY8og==&c=&ch=)*events at Sun Microsystems, Oracle, and Hewlett Packard. He currently serves on HITEC Corporate Advisory Board and is the Founder of HITEC Mexico. Pepe also served for almost 10 years on the Board of Directors for The First Tee Silicon Valley, an organization dedicated to teaching kids life lessons and skills through golf. He is also on the Advisory Board for Silicon Valley Latino, an organization dedicated to highlighting the accomplishments and contributions of Latinos in Silicon Valley. Pepe has been recognized five times as one of the HITEC 100 most influential Latinos in IT. Pepe holds a degree in Business Administration and Computer Science from ITESO (Instituto Tecnológico de Estudios Superiores de Occidente) and has also graduated from the Latino Board Leadership Academy from Hispanic Foundation of Silicon Valley (HFSV) and the Emerging Executive Program (EEP) by HITEC. ### SVL Founder Alex Ontiveros receives "Unsung Hero" Award URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/business/svl-founder-alex-ontiveros-receives-unsung-hero-award/ Last updated: 2026-09-21T17:01:41.000Z Last week, Silicon Valley Latino and The SVL Agency received the spotlight as its founder, Alex Ontiveros received a special award. Alex was presented with the “Unsung Hero” award by Assembly Member for California’s 24th District, Alex Lee. This honor was bestowed to Alex for decades of community service and dedication towards leading key initiatives that empower under represented communities, especially the Latino community. In his acceptance remarks, Alex highlighted the fact that all of his achievements would not have been possible without the continued support of numerous allies, collaborators, friends and Cultura Ambassadors as well as his teams at Silicon Valley Latino and *[The SVL Agency.](https://www.thesvlagency.com/ "The SVL Agency")* “It is because of my teams’ support and collaboration that for over a decade we have been able to highlight, promote and publish numerous positive stories about the Latino community through our SVL platforms as well as lead our social impact initiatives like “Creo En Ti” and ultimately empower the next generation of Latino leaders in the Bay Area and beyond”. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/833_Lee_Unsung_Heros_116_04-14-23_600x600.jpg) Since September of 2011, Alex and the SVL team have worked tirelessly to create opportunities to feature Latinos in Silicon Valley and beyond. Organically, SVL has built a powerful community (Cultura Ambassadors) of professionals, students, entrepreneurs, and community leaders who are thriving and driving change on a daily basis. Through the SVL Agency (an award-winning full service creative agency, 2015), a division of Silicon Valley Latino, they provide a wide range of services that help companies, both large and small, tell their stories in an engaging and compelling manner. From marketing and branding to content creation and social media campaign management. The agency has become a go-to resource for tech companies, corporations, educational institutions, start-ups, small businesses and nonprofits and even government agencies. “One of our most fulfilling projects to date, has been a passion project that we endeavored to produce during the pandemic, CAMPESINOS: America’s Unsung Heroes. We are delighted to share that it has received numerous awards. We believe that it was a story that needed to be told and our director, Joe Poni’s cinematic genius elevated it to the highest level.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/832_Lee_Unsung_Heros_114_04-14-23_600x600.jpg) In accepting the award Alex reaffirmed his and his teams’ commitment to empowering Latinos and creating a more inclusive and equitable community for all while continuing to utilize their platforms to control and share their narratives. Overall, Alex and his team at Silicon Valley Latino and The SVL Agency are making a real difference in the lives of Latinos in Silicon Valley as well as helping the larger ecosystem with effective brand positioning. Their work is an inspiration to us all, and we look forward to seeing how they will continue to elevate the playing field for the Latino community. Watch the acceptance speech video below. ### CAMPESINOS: America's Unsung Heroes BOGO Hoodie Campaign Video URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/social-impact-advocates/campesinos-americas-unsung-heroes-bogo-hoodie-campaign-video/ Last updated: 2026-09-21T16:56:44.000Z We are delighted to share this video from our CAMPESINOS BOGO (buy one, give one) hoodies delivery to farm workers in Half Moon Bay. We accompanied [Ayudando Latinos A Soñar](https://www.linkedin.com/company/ayudando-latinos-a-so%C3%B1ar/) staff on their "Farmworker Fridays" outing as we visited a few farms delivering free lunches and supplies along with our hoodies to farm workers. We want to give special thanks to all who participated in this special BOGO campaign and purchased hoodies that allow us to provide free hoodies to our farm workers. Muchísimas gracias! If you are interested, you may still purchase a [CAMPESINOS hoodie ](https://svlatino.com/collections/be-part-of-the-tribe/products/bogo-buy-one-give-one-campesinos-hoodie-campaign)as we will continue this campaign. #JuntosAdelante #CreoEnTi #farmworkers #frontlineworkers #CreoEnNosotros #comunidad #community ### Sandra Green - Executive Cultura Ambassador URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/cultura-ambassador/sandra-green-executive-cultura-ambassador/ Last updated: 2026-09-21T16:57:43.000Z [Sandra Green](https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandra-helperofmankind/), originally from Nicaragua, came to the United States after working as a nurse for over five years. She worked hard to obtain her California nursing license and has been a vital member of the healthcare community for over 30 years, working in the long-term care industry. In her role as Director of Services for Residents in Residential Centers for the elderly and as a Staff Educator in said facilities, Sandra provided care for the residents and also provided staff training. It was in this role that Sandra first came in contact with the [Alzheimer's Association](https://www.alzheimersblog.org/), and in 2015, a friend who worked for the Association encouraged her to apply for a job opening. Sandra was familiar with the programs offered by the Association and had also participated in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. She applied and was excited to be selected for the position of Family Care Specialist. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/713_IMG-20200205-WA0007_600x600.jpg) As a bilingual Family Care Specialist, Sandra provides tips to caregivers of people living with Alzheimer's or other dementias on how to manage the stresses of caregiving and encourages them to learn more about the disease. She provides care consultations to individuals and families, such as those just beginning to care for a family member. Most of the community presentations Sandra gives are in Spanish, and she regularly communicates with the Spanish-speaking media to ensure that Alzheimer's Association services are available to all in the diverse region. In her role, Sandra has noticed that some in the Latino community have a lack of awareness about Alzheimer’s and that some families may believe it is just normal aging. She continually works to educate families and let them know about available support, stressing the importance of starting to work with families as soon as someone receives a diagnosis. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/544_52486904440_416a11b713_c_480x480.jpg) Sandra finds joy in helping people, especially caregivers of those with Alzheimer’s. She has learned more about Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia while working for the Alzheimer’s Association and has increased her understanding of how dementia affects persons living with the disease and caregivers alike. She reinforces that caregivers can learn and practice techniques to make things easier on the persons with the disease and the caregiver, and that someone with a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s can still have a good quality of life. ### Antonio Humphreys - SVL Advisory Board Member URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/cultura-ambassador/antonio-humphreys-svl-advisory-board-member/ Last updated: 2026-09-21T16:59:23.000Z We are excited to introduce you to our newest SVL Advisory Board Member, Antonio Humphreys! We look forward to having him and his expertise and insights as we continue our grow Silicon Valley Latino and [The SVL Agency](https://www.thesvlagency.com/). Read all about him here! [Antonio Humphreys](https://www.linkedin.com/in/antoniohumphreys/) is a passionate business leader, educator, Board Director, keynote speaker and podcast guest, and ‘everyday mentor’. He has 25+ years’ professional experience across multiple industry verticals and geographies (including NASA, Shell Oil, Hewlett-Packard, Gap, and Adobe). He’s passionate about ‘all things business’ with a global management portfolio in the development/delivery of highly successful, innovative strategies in fast paced environments which have generated millions of dollars in cost savings, revenue, and profit growth. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/894_SVL_Advisory_board_Member_Antonio_600x600.jpg) Other areas of expertise include higher education and diversity and inclusion strategic development. He is currently an adjunct professor at the University of New Mexico (UNM) Anderson School of Management and was previously a management adjunct professor at Lone Star College and served as Chairman for their Business Advisory Board. He was also the Founder/Executive Chair of the Hispanic/Latinx at Adobe (HOLA) Employee Network growing the organization to over 1100 members across 18 sites around the globe. Antonio earned his BBA at the University of New Mexico and an Executive MBA at the University of Houston. He has served on a board of director capacity for Habitat for Humanity, Sourcing Industry Group University, Association of National Advertisers, and UNM Anderson School Alumni and Marketing Advisory Councils. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/572_Antonio_H_Silicon_Valley_Latino_Advisory_Board_480x480.jpg) Antonio is a native of Albuquerque, New Mexico and has lived in Houston, Texas and London, England. He currently resides in the San Francisco Bay Area, works in ‘Silicon Valley’, and enjoys supporting the Hispanic/Latinx community, world travel, hiking, spending time with family, and soccer (‘football’). ### Highlighting Latina Leaders for Women's History Month! Justice Sonia Sotomayor URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/art-culture/highlighting-latina-leaders-for-womens-history-month-justice-sonia-sotomayor/ Last updated: 2026-09-21T23:23:24.000Z We kick off this March, aka Women's History Month, by highlighting Justice Sonia Sotomayor! Every week we will highlight, in our weekly newsletter, as we have been doing for the past 11 years an inspiring Latina who inspires all of us. Justice Sonia Sotomayor is an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, appointed by President Barack Obama in 2009\. Born in 1954 in the Bronx, New York City, to Puerto Rican parents, Sotomayor grew up in a low-income housing project and faced several challenges during her childhood, including her father's death when she was nine years old and a diagnosis of juvenile diabetes at the age of seven. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/962_Sonia_Sotomayor_Barack_Obama_600x600.webp.jpg) Despite these obstacles, Sotomayor excelled academically and went on to attend Princeton University and Yale Law School, where she graduated with honors. She then worked as an assistant district attorney in New York City before going into private practice and eventually becoming a federal judge. Throughout her career, Sotomayor has been a strong advocate for issues such as affirmative action, workers' rights, and the rights of the accused. Her appointment to the Supreme Court was historic as she became the first Latina and the third woman to serve as a Supreme Court Justice. Her rulings have been closely watched and have had a significant impact on many areas of American law. Read more about her via these links: ### ALAS - Equity Express Bus by Ryan Lopez URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/art-culture/alas-equity-express-bus/ Last updated: 2026-09-21T17:06:05.000Z The story of farmworkers in Silicon Valley is a tale of sacrifice, inequity, and struggle. These farmworkers live in the shadow of mainstream America as the public doesn’t recognize their efforts to put fresh produce on tables nationwide. One of the most prominent of these struggles is a lack of access to resources. Thankfully, there is a tremendous effort to address social and economic inequity for Campesinos in Silicon Valley. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/923_Screen_Shot_2023-02-27_at_11.07.52_AM_600x600.png) Ayudando Latinos A Soñar ([ALAS](https://www.alasdreams.com/)) is a Half Moon Bay-based nonprofit directed by Dr. Belinda Arriaga. It started in 2011 as a way of connecting local Latino youth to their culture via art and music. Since then, it has expanded tremendously and is working to provide farm workers aid. Dr. Arriaga is proud to announce the [ALAS Equity Express Bus](https://www.alasdreams.com/equity-express-bus) launch - a heartfelt project that ensures that farmworkers receive services such as education, counseling, and healthcare. The double-decker ALAS Equity Bus is instantly recognizable by its welcoming yellow exterior complemented by a colorful Otomi pattern - a design brought to life by Antonio Rivera, Tim Gatto, and Raquel Gatto. It is furnished with state-of-the-art amenities such as a mobile wifi hotspot, tv screens, and virtual meeting rooms. This bus is equipped with spaces where farmworkers can hold conferences and even meet with in-person physicians. The ALAS Equity Bus is planned to start operation as soon as next summer. Initially, it will visit 1 farm per day across a 3-5 day period. Dr. Arriaga has high hopes for this bus, as she plans to have it run during weekends as time goes on. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/924_Screen_Shot_2023-02-27_at_11.08.34_AM_600x600.png) “We are really excited and appreciate the efforts of those who helped us bring this bus to fruition. We believe that this bus will help change the way farm workers receive aid.”, Dr. Arriaga stated when asked about expectations about the project, “We know that this bus has the capacity to change the lives of farm workers. We hope that this project helps serve as a model for other communities in terms of farm worker outreach.” ### Liliana “Lily” Ontiveros - SVL Collegiate Cultura Ambassador URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/cultura-ambassador/liliana-lily-ontiveros-svl-collegiate-cultura-ambassador/ Last updated: 2026-09-21T17:00:20.000Z It is our pleasure to introduce our latest Silicon Valley Latino Collegiate Cultura Ambassador, Liliana “Lily” Ontiveros. Lily is currently a sophomore at Santa Clara University’s Leavey School of Business. She is pursuing a degree in Marketing with minors in Retail Studies and Spanish. She found a passion for marketing in high school and through family and friends that exposed her to their jobs in the field. At the end of her freshman year, Lily was accepted to the Leavey’s School of Business 2025 Accelerated Cooperative Education ([ACE](https://www.scu.edu/business/undergraduates/beyond-the-classroom/pd/ace-program/)) Leadership Program cohort, which is a professional development program. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/783_IMG_7887_480x480.jpg) As a current sophomore, Lily has been elected as Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for her sorority Alpha Delta Pi. As Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion she is excited to help Greek life at SCU become a more welcoming place for women of all color through educational workshops and sisterhood events. Over the years, Lily has been inspired by the work that Silicon Valley Latino has led through its Creo En Ti initiatives and is motivated to follow in the footsteps of the numerous featured leaders. Additionally, throughout the past several years, we’ve enjoyed having her volunteer at numerous SVL events as a host/greeter to event guests and speakers as well as providing assistance with our social media content direction. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/566_Alpha_Delta_Pi_480x480.png) This past summer Lily interned at [Study.com](https://study.com/) on their Growth Marketing team. She gained valuable analytical skills through working on paid media projects and scouting social media influencers for promotional sponsorships. Because of this internship experience Lily has realized her interest in brand marketing. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/965_Study_team_480x480.jpg) Currently Lily Ontiveros is interested in pursuing internship opportunities in business to consumer product and brand marketing. We invite you to reach out to Lily via her LinkedIn profile [page](https://www.linkedin.com/in/lilyontiveros/) with any marketing internship opportunities. ### #CreoEnTi Business Ambassador - Active Auto Body Shop URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/business/creoenti-business-ambassador-active-auto-body-shop/ Last updated: 2026-09-23T15:16:12.000Z **Active Auto Body Shop** *Collision Repair Specialist, Making Friends by Accident!* **tm** Meet the Escudero brothers, Eduardo and Javier, the proud owners of [Active Auto Body Shop](https://activeautobodyshop.com/) in Sunnyvale, California. They have worked in the car collision repair industry for nearly two decades and admit that being owner/operators during a world-wide pandemic was not something they could have ever prepared for. Lucky for them, the entrepreneurial spirit runs deep in their veins and they have managed to keep their doors open during the last 9 months. Staying compliant with all the new health directives in Santa Clara County. Born in Mexico City, the Escudero brothers grew up close. Javier is five years older and immigrated to the US at age 25\. Eduardo followed one year later. Fascinated by cars since they were young boys, they learned first-hand how to assemble and replace parts. Little did they know that what started out as a fun hobby and a challenge for the teens, would eventually lead to a life-long career doing something they absolutely loved, restoring cars and making people happy. As Javier reminds us, back then they did not have YouTube to rely upon. They simply had to figure it out by themselves. It was an early lesson for the brothers that hard work and perseverance pays off. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/675_Escudero_brothers2_600x600.jpg) Raised by two parents who believed in empowering their sons to think independently. It was their father whose entrepreneurial spirit resonated with his sons. He was a self employed business owner and their role model. Eduardo and Javier grew up knowing that one-day they would own their own business like their dad. Active Auto Body has a nearly perfect rating on Yelp and their online customer testimonials also agree. That’s no easy achievement. Customers have access to online forums and social media and immediate feedback -good or bad- can prove to be challenging for some small businesses. Thankfully, Eduardo and Javier have created an atmosphere of professionalism and trust. Customers appreciate their good listening skills, clear communications, and honest assessments of their vehicle repairs. It’s not rocket science yet, wouldn’t you rather have someone working on your vehicle that truly cares? They have even trademarked their website motto, “*Making friends by accident!”* Clever. Accolades aside, the truth is cars are more complicated than ever. Being on top of technological features in every vehicle is challenging. At Active Auto Body, all technicians are certified to work on dozens of different models and have the necessary equipment to do so. Since vehicles now are lighter in weight, aluminum panels are now installed instead of the older heavier ones. As Eduardo points out, cars have new sensors and more electronics and calibrations. Each car repair requires the re-calibration of those sensors. One of our main goals is to always stay on top of the technology. He and his brother share this opinion. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/557_ALEC_PICTURE_3_1_2_480x480.jpg) Something precious about the Escudero story is that both brothers married sisters. Javier is married to Sandra and Eduardo is married to her sister, Karen. They met years ago in Mexico City and it is quite the love story. Oh, and they also each have two children. Eduardo and Javier would like the public to know that they are a family owned busines that appreciates their customers and their community. They understand that being in an car accident is one of the most stressful times in a persons life, affecting the vehicle owner, their family, and quite possibly their career. When you trust your vehicle repairs to Active Auto Body they guarantee their work. Like their motto, they want to make friends and life-long customers should you need future repairs. The Escudero brothers represent successful, small business owners in the Latino community and we welcome them aboard the Silicon Valley Latino family ### Angela Alvarez wins Latin Grammy at 95! URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/art-culture/angela-alvarez-wins-latin-grammy-at-95/ Last updated: 2026-09-21T17:07:34.000Z We are excited to share our latest highlight of what we refer to as our **#SVLLatinaLeader**. The accomplishment that Angela Alvarez has shown is a true example that it is NEVER TOO LATE to succeed in what you LOVE and STRIVE for! Read about this years Latin Grammy Winner at the young age of 95! In her speech, she thanked thanked her daughter and grandson, who was the one to first record her music. "My grandson was the one who helped me get to where I am now," she said in her speech. "I want to dedicate this award to God and my homeland Cuba, (which) I will never forget." Angela Alvarez has loved music her whole life, learning to play guitar and piano as a young girl in Cuba and writing songs from the age of 14\. But she never pursued her dream of singing and songwriting professionally, she told TODAY in June 2021, because her traditional father forbade it. Read more about her here ### CAMPESINOS: America's Unsung Heroes Private Screening at Mexican Heritage Plaza URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/art-culture/campesinos-americas-unsung-heroes-private-screening-at-mexican-heritage-plaza/ Last updated: 2026-09-21T23:28:43.000Z Our team member and Director Extraordinaire Joe Poni was awarded an Accommodation signed by the Mayor and the Full City Council of San José for this moving and educational film about #farmworkers, #frontlineworkers, at last night's Private Screening brought to us by On Lok, Bay Area Community Health, and us, Silicon Valley Latino's group of companies. Help us give Joe and our SVL Agency Team a big round of applause!! ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/922_Screen_Shot_2022-11-16_at_10.19.57_AM_480x480.png) If you haven't seen the documentary yet and would like to host a private screening, please get in touch with us. Watch the giving of the award from last night below. ### CAMPESINOS: America's Unsung Heroes URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/art-culture/campesinos-americas-unsung-heroes/ Last updated: 2026-09-21T23:26:19.000Z The documentary, [*Campesinos: America’s Unsung Heroes*](https://vimeo.com/thesvlagency/campesinos) is a moving and vivid first-hand look at the struggles farm workers face on both a local and national level. It was filmed at several farms near Silicon Valley and shows how the gritty reality of farm workers is similar everywhere. No stone is left unturned as it makes sure to give insight into the life of farm workers, who are often forgotten by the American Mainstream. Director Joe Poni and Producer Alex Ontiveros (Silicon Valley Latino), and Salvador Chavez are delighted with the enthusiastic reception that the documentary has received in film festivals and from audiences that have viewed it in private screenings. It has won 7 awards- including a Telly Award. Time and time again, this documentary has proven to be eye-opening and a heartfelt tribute to the lives of agricultural workers everywhere. The life of a farmworker is a rough life. Many risk it all to arrive in this nation. They have little contact with their families back in their country of origin. They work using only the bare minimum to support their families. The work they do doesn’t provide them with welfare or pandemic pay, yet it serves as their only source of income. If a farm worker doesn’t work, they don’t eat. Campesinos makes it clear that farm workers deal with many issues while living under the American Shadow. To make matters worse, there is a stigma that farm workers are seen as criminals and as other negative caricatures that aren’t true to the reality of farm workers. Farm workers in California produce two-thirds of the nation's fruits and nuts and over 90% of national production, a point further elaborated on within the documentary. Agricultural workers aren’t recognized or respected for their back-breaking labor. Some are even disrespected and even seen as less of what they are. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/921_Screen_Shot_2022-09-26_at_9.27.34_AM_600x600.png) To make matters worse, the lives of agricultural workers which was made exponentially worse during the pandemic as the few resources available became even more scarce. The documentary shows how these farm workers received little PPE and other health supplies during the pandemic. Many workers had to find their own masks and supplies. Indeed, while many Americans stayed at home during quarantine many farm workers risked their health and well-being to ensure that the nation would have enough fresh produce. The fields are the only source of income for these workers, staying at home would mean that their families wouldn’t have enough to survive- a point often overlooked along with the efforts of these agricultural workers. Campesinos provides context on the issues of affordable housing, income inequality, racial tension, and lack of resources to name a few. The documentary brilliantly shines a light on the irony that many agricultural workers in Silicon Valley face. While the average poverty level for a family of 4 in the area is $100,000, the poverty level for a Latino family of 2 is $30,000\. While people living in the heart of Silicon Valley make millions of dollars, farm worker families are left barely able to survive with what little they earn. There are few resources meant to help the farm workers thus making housing affordability that much harder for these humble laborers. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/920_Screen_Shot_2022-09-26_at_9.27.12_AM_600x600.png) From the very beginning, this project was meant to be a tribute film to our farm workers. SVL endeavored to produce this doc before the pandemic but once the pandemic started, this motivated the SVL team even more to tell the story of these farm workers. Over the last few months, and especially now during Hispanic Heritage Month, SVL has been asked to do screening by different organizations and corporations ERG’s. The *[SVL Agency](https://www.thesvlagency.com/)* team has decided to request sponsorship screenings and all contributions will be donated to the ALAS farmworker program. We invite you to read a couple of testimonials and watch the latest trailer below. Be on the lookout for upcoming private screenings. *"Campesinos is an inspiring and heartfelt documentary with amazing cinematography! This film helps us to appreciate our fieldworkers that work hard so that we can have fresh fruits and vegetables on our table. Everyone should see this film."* ***L.Mattock Scariot*** ***Poppy Jasper International Film Festival, Director*** *"What a way to kick off Hispanic Heritage Month!!* *[Bill.com](http://bill.com/) had a screening of Campesinos America’s Unsung Heroes. Such an amazing documentary of California’s essential farmworkers, what they endured during the pandemic and how they continue to struggle to keep our state and country fed. Their pride and commitment to our safety and well-being is so immense. As they said in the documentary, “they are the doctors and scientists of our land and farms.”.* ***Steve Juanario*** ***Vice President & Deputy CIO at Bill.com*** *Author: [Ryan Lopez ](https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-lopez-746068242/)* ### MAVA's 10th Annual La Cosecha Grand Tasting! URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/art-culture/mavas-10th-annual-la-cosecha-grand-tasting/ Last updated: 2026-09-21T17:08:34.000Z Silicon Valley Latino & our sister companies are excited to be a Gold Sponsor for this year's 10th Annual La Cosecha Grand Tasting by the Mexican American Vintners Association (MAVA) on August 20, 2022\. Read the full press release below. As a friend of SVL and our sister companies please enter discount code **[SVL10](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2022-la-cosecha-grand-tasting-tickets-372566766227)** to receive a 10% discount on your ticket. We look forward to seeing you at this grand event! Salud Save your spot here => *https://bit.ly/3bMUaBa* ***MAVA’s 10th ANNUAL La Cosecha Grand Tasting*** ***This year, the event is hosted on Saturday August 20, 2022 by the Reynoso Family Vineyards at Sugarloaf Winery in Santa Rosa*** *Special Catrina Art Installation by Ricardo Soltero* *Performances from DonGato Latin Band and Ballet Folklorico IRERI “Dulce Sonrisa”* SANTA ROSA, CA – August 20, 2022 – Mexican American Vintners Association’s (MAVA) 10th Annual La Cosecha Grand Tasting returns in-person to northern California where the Reynoso Family Vineyards will be hosting the festival at Sugarloaf Wine Company in Santa Rosa on Saturday, August 20, 2022. This wine festival is set to bring 14 Mexican American vintners together where they will not only share their exquisite wines with over 200 wine enthusiasts but tell their stories on how they ultimately became winery owners. Guests can expect Mexican delicacies by Oaxacan Chef Angel Perez, live entertainment, and a silent auction. The silent auction will serve as a fundraiser which will continue to provide MAVA with the funds to promote its members. Since its founding, MAVA has worked hard to uplift the Latino community through numerous ways. Its members have strived to raise awareness of world class Mexican American produced wines while advocating quality standards to its members and providing educational sponsorships to Latina/Latino youth. Additionally, MAVA has worked hard to highlight the sacrifices as well as the contributions that farmworkers have made to the wine industry. Lastly, it has strived to support future generations of aspiring Mexican American winemakers and winery professionals. For the first time in his career artist Ricardo Soltero, a Nayarit native, will be showcasing his catrinas in Northern California during the 10th Annual La Cosecha Grand Tasting. His pieces have adorned and colored an array of cultural exhibits, fundraisers as well as transformed ballrooms into magical environments with his paper mâché, recycled materials, wood and styrofoam sculpted works. Portraying their love and passion for Latin music, DonGato Latin Band will be performing at this year’s annual La Cosecha Grand Tasting. They will be performing a mixture of sophisticated Latin music, Cuban Son, Salsa, and Smooth Latin Jazz with a dash of a tropical feel. El Ballet Folklorico IRERI “Dulce Sonrisa” who strives to maintain the Mexican culture and tradition alive in the United States will be performing an array of bailes folkloricos from various Mexican regions. This Ballet is composed of 45 students who work hard to keep their roots alive as first, second, and third generations in the United States. Participating [*MAVA Vintners:*](http://nsmava.org/) - [Aldina Vineyards](https://shoplatino.market/listing/aldina-vineyards/) - [Bazán Cellars](https://shoplatino.market/listing/mario-bazan-cellars/) - [Ceja Vineyards](https://shoplatino.market/listing/ceja-vineyards/) - [Delgadillo Cellars](https://shoplatino.market/listing/delgadillo-cellars/) - [Encanto Vineyards, LLC](https://shoplatino.market/listing/encanto-vineyards/) - [Herencia del Valle](https://shoplatino.market/listing/herencia-del-valle-wines/) - [Honrama Cellars](https://shoplatino.market/listing/honrama-cellars/) - [Justicia Wines](https://shoplatino.market/listing/justicia-wines/) - [Llamas Family Wines](https://shoplatino.market/listing/llamas-family-wines/) - [Maldonado Family Vineyards](https://shoplatino.market/listing/maldonado-family-vineyards/) - [Mi Sueño Winery](https://shoplatino.market/listing/mi-sueno-winery/) - [Reynoso Family Vineyards](https://shoplatino.market/listing/reynoso-family-vineyards/) - [Rios Wine Company](https://shoplatino.market/listing/rios-wine-company/) - [Robledo Family Winery](https://shoplatino.market/listing/robledo-family-winery/) ### CRISTO REY SAN JOSÉ COLLEGE SIGNING DAY 2022 URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/social-impact-advocates/cristo-rey-san-jose-college-signing-day-2022/ Last updated: 2026-09-21T23:59:43.000Z **CRISTO REY SAN JOSÉ COLLEGE SIGNING DAY 2022** It was an exciting day at nearby Cristo Rey San José Jesuit High School last week, located in East San Jose, where they celebrated in-person for the annual College Signing Day rally and celebration. Nearly 500 family members, school mates and community friends gathered to celebrate the class of 100+ seniors. Almost all these students are the first in their families to attend college! ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/603_CRGood2_480x480.jpg) Cristo Rey is unique in that students help earn their scholarship by working all four years of high school as part of a corporate work study program. They gain professional skill development, mentorship and access to networks as they work in companies such as Nvidia, Google, Palo Alto Networks, Microsoft and Cisco to leading law and accounting firms as well as non-profit organizations throughout Silicon Valley. Seniors have received acceptances from over 600 colleges and universities in California and nationwide, including institutions such as Cal Poly, UC Berkeley, Stanford, Santa Clara University, San José State University, Columbia, Brown and UCLA. What a wonderful time for these young adults to have accomplished so much despite the challenges of the past two years. Their persistence and determination have gotten them to this important milestone and will help them in their college journey. To view a video of the highlights of College Signing Day, [click here.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oY3wOUZfzgM) To learn more about the mission of Cristo Rey San José Jesuit High School, [click here. ](https://www.cristoreysanjose.org/) ### Latino Family Fund event & FUNdraiser! URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/social-impact-advocates/latino-family-fund-event-fundraiser/ Last updated: 2026-09-21T23:30:46.000Z "Family. It is the cornerstone of our community. It’s what holds us together, who we lean on when times are tough, and who we trust. The Latino community has always been very philanthropic in giving, just in nontraditional ways." Shared by Executive Director Jaclyn Muro. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/795_JACLYN_MURO1_480x480.jpg) In 2006, twelve families pooled their money to establish a donor-advised fund with Gilroy Foundation, the Latino Family Fund de Gilroy. A grassroots organization that began with a handful of members, has grown to over 100 members. The Youth In Philanthropy (YIP) program is the cornerstone of the organization. It allows them to reach middle school-age students at the right time to help them find their purpose while providing grants to nonprofits they select. The program is implemented in all the middle schools in Gilroy, with hopes of expanding to surrounding communities. The students are chosen by their school counselors and guided by mentors from the community. The students are given the skills to become leaders, the confidence to succeed, and the tools to take them to the next level. To grow their membership and increase visibility in the community, they will be providing more networking mixers and partnering with businesses and similar nonprofits. They will be holding their annual Tequila Tasting Fundraiser on Friday, May 6th, 2022 at Fortino Winery located in Gilroy. The evening will include tasting fine tequilas, dinner, Mariachi, silent/live auction, art show, and dancing. Proceeds from the event will benefit the local middle schools’ Youth in Philanthropy and Grants program as well as their newly established scholarship fund. For more information about Latino Family Fund, their grant-giving process, or how to purchase tickets to the event, please visit this link at: ** ### Introducing Ryan Diego Lopez - SVL Contributing Writer URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/cultura-ambassador/ryan-diego-lopez-svl-contributing-writer/ Last updated: 2026-09-23T15:56:39.000Z Honesty, dedication, and optimism are the cornerstone values Ryan Diego Lopez brings with him to each and every endeavor he takes part in. Ryan carries several responsibilities on his shoulders- being a full-time student, community advocate, mentor, and writer while still using his time to educate and motivate his 3 younger siblings. It’s his mission to rise, thrive, and give back. A current undergraduate student with a major in Politics, Ryan has made it his mission to aspire to be a successful immigration attorney. As the oldest of 4 children, Ryan plans to motivate his siblings to pursue higher education and a similar degree of success. It isn’t in his plans to succeed without those around him. He constantly teaches his siblings the importance of culture and academia- lessons he would like to share with the greater community as well. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/633_Diego_brother_480x480.jpg) Despite Ryan’s high school senior year being remote due to the pandemic, he ensured that his senior year was his best year yet. Ryan didn’t see the pandemic as a hindrance, but rather as an opportunity to sharpen his skillset. He knew he had to compensate for his lack of physical presence through his academic performance. This dedication resulted in Ryan graduating from Half Moon Bay High with a 4.6 GPA and several honors. He committed to the [*University of San Francisco*](https://www.usfca.edu/) after receiving several scholarships- it was a childhood dream finally come true. At the age of 8, Ryan had become a founding participant of the local non-profit, Ayudando Latinos A Sonar (ALAS). He started as a member of the youth mariachi group, Mariachi Media Luna. He later went on to participate in *[ALAS’ Ballet Folklórico Tonazin](https://www.alasdreams.com/programs-culturalarts).* Even at a young age, Ryan was passionate about his culture. He had harvested a liking for the arts and creative expression- which enabled him to find the beauty within his heritage. This motivates Ryan to represent his culture wherever he goes. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/737_IMG_1498_480x480.jpg) As time went on, Ryan became increasingly aware of the inequalities among immigrants and other members of the Hispanic community. Hearing his grandparent’s stories of immigration and volunteering with *[ALAS](https://www.alasdreams.com/)* gave him a first-hand account of these imbalances. It was then that an ardent passion was ignited to advance his family, community, and culture. Ryan always had a vision for himself. He is determined to ensure equity for immigrants as well as members of the Hispanic community within the Bay Area and beyond. Before the pandemic, Ryan partook in several forms of community outreach. Most notably he interned as a Youth Ambassador at ALAS. This is a responsibility that he holds to this day. As a Youth Ambassador, Ryan provides a voice for the youth in several community matters. He advocates solutions for issues of climate change, and housing inequality among many other prominent topics seen within the Bay Area at several city council meetings. He is a passionate public speaker. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/686_FullSizeRender_480x480.jpg) During the pandemic, Ryan participated in several outreach events hosted by ALAS. He helped distribute food and supplies to farmworkers, participated in various food banks, and helped tutor his younger siblings across various subjects. In addition, Ryan participated in a test group for a wellness app known as Wysa and also helped host a climate change webinar within San Mateo County. Silicon Valley Latino is also delighted to introduce him as our latest contributing writer and as our latest Collegiate Cultura Ambassador. His first article featured ALAS founder and *[Executive Director, Dr. Belinda Arriaga.](https://svlatino.com/blogs/news/dr-belinda-hernandez-arriaga-womens-history-month-shero)* We look forward to publishing more of his articles in the near future as well as staying tuned in his academic and community endeavors. Ryan, welcome to the SVL familia! ### Dr Belinda Hernandez Arriaga - Women's History Month SHERO! URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/business/dr-belinda-hernandez-arriaga-womens-history-month-shero/ Last updated: 2026-09-28T21:32:53.000Z As Women’s History Month comes to a close, it is our pleasure to shine the spotlight on a “**Shero**” and social justice champion that inspires us day in and day out, [**Dr. Belinda Hernandez Arriaga**](https://www.linkedin.com/in/belindahernandezarriaga/). Belinda is the embodiment of kindness, compassion, determination, vision, and many other virtues one can only hope to develop. Although many know her as a prominent activist and mentor, Belinda wears many other hats. One of Belinda’s most important roles is as the Founder and Executive Director of the non-profit **[Ayudando Latinos A So](https://www.alasdreams.com/)** **[ñ](https://www.alasdreams.com/)** **[ar (ALAS)](https://www.alasdreams.com/)**. She began ALAS in 2011 with no funds, no support, and no experience in the nonprofit world. The reason she began ALAS was because she had offered pro-bono counseling to the Latino community in Half Moon Bay, where she realized how fractured it was. Originally ALAS was created to instill pride within local Latino youth using traditional art such as music, dance, and costume. As time went on, Belinda’s vision blossomed into a much greater mission by providing help for the entire Latino community and most recently for farmworker families. During the Coronavirus pandemic, Belinda worked tirelessly to ensure that underprivileged families of the community received whatever they needed: PPE, counseling, clothing, toiletries, and health care. Belinda provided education regarding vaccinations, supplied transportation for people to vaccination sites, and ultimately ensured vaccinations to farmworker families in Half Moon Bay. Additionally, ALAS began a pop-up crisis food pantry to provide whole and fresh foods for our farm and essential workers during this difficult time. However, this is only the tip of the iceberg as it relates to the support that Belinda provides the community. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/590_BP_ALAS_210562_480x480.jpg) Prior to the pandemic, Belinda traveled to various immigration camps near the Mexico-US border 3 times a year over the course of a few years. She was actively aiding families in tremendous distress by bringing active support and care. In 2021 she brought at least 15 families to Half Moon Bay. ALAS provided housing, work, schooling, transportation, help with legal status, furnishings, clothing, and in several cases reunited the families who had been separated. This may have been one of the most challenging feats that she has faced due to the restrictions placed by immigration law, but Belinda has provided this critical support within legal parameters. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/556_AFCFEEC6-000C-46E5-B80D-37018F9C13C2_1_201_a_480x480.jpg) In addition, she is an award-winning author for her first children’s book, a full-time professor at the University of San Francisco, and is a San Mateo Art Commissioner. Even with this extensive list of responsibilities, Belinda always has the time to be a daughter, wife, and mother of 3 teenage daughters in a multigenerational home. With her Doctorate in Education from the University of San Francisco she inspires new generations of students as a counseling professor and program coordinator. She earned a Master’s in Social Work from Lady of The Lake University and a bachelor’s degree in Arts and Communications from St. Mary’s University. She is well-versed in immigration law and various other legal matters. In 2020, Belinda was awarded the National Jefferson Award for Community Service- an honor given to individuals who find ways to instill major positive change without the intention of receiving recognition. Additionally, she was also inducted into the San Mateo County Women’s Hall of Fame in 2020. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/676_FA2F55B1-0513-4CD1-A674-E0084F7F8EE9_1_201_a_480x480.jpg) Although she works with countless amounts of people day in and day out, Belinda deeply cares about each and every one of them. She holds a position of enormous responsibility within the community- a community that is in constant turmoil, meaning that her day is an emotional rollercoaster. Nevertheless, she remains calm and courteous even in the most stressful of situations. There has never been a time when Belinda did not try her best. She is absolutely dedicated to aiding those in need. It’s important to note that her roots and upbringing were the foundation for the person she is today. Growing up in Texas and Panama taught Belinda the values that she promotes every day. Belinda was raised with ideals that taught her the importance of social justice and community engagement. Her father, who was a Merchant Marine, taught her the value of always helping those in need. Her family’s religious faith helped instill values of selflessness within Belinda, a trait that helped make her the dedicated advocate she is today. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/488_055A2582-2131-44F8-A5F3-93E188C42360_1_201_a_480x480.jpg) Even at a glance, it is clear Belinda’s vision for the future will be just as strong and powerful as her past and present. Belinda’s life and work are an inspiration to countless others. Indeed, Belinda has helped so many find their wings and harvest their efforts into fruits of greatness for generations to come. Ryan Lopez – Silicon Valley Latino Contributing Writer ### Michael Martinez - SVL Cultura Ambassador URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/cultura-ambassador/michael-martinez-svl-cultura-ambassador/ Last updated: 2026-09-23T15:06:25.000Z *[Michael Martinez](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mamtz21/)* is a 30-year industry veteran of Silicon Valley and an accomplished communications executive highly regarded for 25+ years of experience in global and enterprise-wide communications. Recognized as an authentic, trusted advisor and culturally competent leader, Michael is a natural relationship builder and cross-functional collaborator who has led global business and technical communications initiatives for leading technology companies. An engineer by education, his combined technical and business acumen has led to unique and creative transformation communications outcomes. Most recently at Microsoft where he served as Director of Communications, Michael served as Head of Global Communications Strategy for Roche Biotechnology where he led communications efforts for the company’s Digital Transformation and SaaS Business Group. Prior experience also includes senior communications roles at Hitachi Vantara and Cisco Systems where he drove CxO communications for the Digital Transformation, IoT and Cybersecurity Organizations. His domain expertise includes Digital Innovation, SaaS, Cloud and Smart Technologies and Semiconductor Capex among other key areas. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/527_20200229_191111_480x480.jpg) The son of migrant working parents who emigrated to the U.S. from Oaxaca and Nuevo Leon Mexico in the early 1950’s with a vision of achieving the American Dream and educating their children, Michael is extremely passionate of his Mexican cultural roots and the values he was raised with especially in regards to education and in giving back to his Latino community. Whether it be child advocacy in education, STEM education, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion or volunteering his time as advisor and mentor to both the STEM and Robotics Club at San Benito High School in Hollister, California. Michael makes every effort to ensure the Latinos are well represented. He currently serves as a member and creative director to the Chairman of the non-profit HITEC (Hispanic IT Executive Council) where he has supported numerous projects. ***“Having grown up in a migrant family working the agricultural fields of San Benito County, I came to learn what coming from humble beginnings meant. My parents spoke of opportunity and the route to get there. They were visionaries themselves even without an education. Those lessons I learned at the dinner table gave me the confidence to set high expectations for myself. So today, it is all about helping young Latino’s strive for a similar future.”*** Michael is a graduate of the University of Redlands where he majored in mechanical engineering and applied mathematics. He completed additional executive education in mergers and acquisitions at The Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania. ### Women Who Inspire Us! URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/business/women-who-inspire-us/ Last updated: 2026-09-21T17:10:21.000Z We, at SVL, are delighted to feature our annual video of the women who inspire us. Each year we select a group of women whom we have highlighted and/or followed during the year & who inspire us by the work they lead and the impact they are having on those around them. From high tech to finance to nonprofits to entrepreneurs to education, Latinas are continuing to make a positive impact within our society across the USA. We invite you view this year's selection. Happy International Women's Day & Women's History Month! ### Former Cisco Senior Executive Guillermo “G” Diaz, Jr. Joins Kloudspot as CEO URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/cultura-ambassador/senior-executive-guillermo-g-diaz-jr-joins-kloudspot-as-ceo/ Last updated: 2026-09-28T21:55:52.000Z **Former Cisco Senior Executive Guillermo “G” Diaz, Jr. Joins Kloudspot as CEO** [Kloudspot](http://www.kloudspot.com/), an innovative predictive AI and analytics platform provider, announced today that former Cisco (CSCO) senior executive Guillermo “G” Diaz, Jr. has joined the company as Chief Executive Officer. Diaz brings more than two decades of senior executive experience to the company, with an emphasis on digital and business transformation initiatives. Diaz’s joining not only reinforces the strong momentum of the company but also demonstrates the undeniable potential for taking AI-driven transformational customer experiences mainstream. “Customer experiences are undergoing unprecedented changes as companies leverage AI and IoT to drive these experiences,” said Diaz. “Kloudspot has the key innovative technology platform that transforms customer experiences, accelerates new and innovative business models, drives and improves operations. I am extremely excited and honored to join Kloudspot as CEO and look forward to driving our culture to the next level of customer success, innovation, diversity and excellence while having fun.” Diaz, a highly accomplished senior executive and champion of diversity and inclusion, held multiple roles within Cisco over an impressive 20-year tenure. These roles included Cisco’s Global Chief Information Officer and most recently as its Head of Customer Digital Transformation. Diaz spearheaded multiple organizations, platforms and programs ranging from Cisco IT, Cloud & Internet Infrastructure, to Connected Service Architecture & Applications, which solidified him as an innovative and dynamic team leader across Cisco’s organization, across the tech industry and beyond. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/GuillermoDiazJrSVL_grande.jpg) Silicon Valley Latino has followed Guillermo since he took the reins of Cisco’s Latinx Business Resource Group, Conexion, over a decade ago. Through his leadership and his executive sponsorship Conexion reached new heights with its impact internally as well as in the community. For several years now, G has also been actively involved in leadership roles with the [Hispanic IT Executive Council](https://svlatino.com/blogs/cultura-ambassador/guillermo-diaz-jr-elected-chairman-of-hitec-board-of-directors) (HITEC) and is also a driving force behind the successful evolution of the organization and is currently the organization’s chairman. “Adding Guillermo’s expertise – and passion – for technology as well as experience as a global leader is a tremendous asset to Kloudspot,” said Ravi Akireddy, founder and president. “I have had the pleasure of knowing him for more than a decade and have seen first-hand the positive impact he made on Cisco and the many organizations he has been part of. Kloudspot is excited for G to accelerate the company’s expansion and growth as a market-leading analytics platform.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/Guillermo_students_2_885fe9cb-cfc5-4a18-a03f-d3041277155f_large.JPG) Prior to Cisco, Diaz held senior leadership positions with some of tech industry’s most respected companies, including Silicon Graphics, Intelligent Electronics (Ingram Micro), and Alza Corporation (Johnson & Johnson). He began his career in telecommunications with the U.S. Navy, where a military scholarship led to his Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from Regis University in Colorado. Diaz’s work is also inspired by purpose through his relentless efforts in pioneering and sponsoring the Latino and Veterans organizations within Cisco as well as broadly in the industry and beyond. Throughout his career, Diaz has been consistently recognized as a trailblazer, with numerous awards and honors for his performance and contributions; these include being named “One to Watch” by CIO Magazine, “Best CIO” by Silicon Valley Business Journal, and “Top 100 CIO/CTO Leaders” in STEM, “Maestro” award and defined as one of the “Top Latinos in C-Suite” by Latino Leaders Magazine and Tech Trailblazer as well as Creo En Ti Champion by Silicon Valley Latino. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/IMG_0099_grande.jpg) ### SVL Thank You Dinner 2021! URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/business/svl-thank-you-dinner/ Last updated: 2026-09-23T21:36:41.000Z On Saturday, August 14th our team at SVL had the pleasure of hosting some of our clients and collaborators for our inaugural *Thank You Dinner*. The dinner was graciously sponsored by our friends at Agave Uptown and chef/owner Octavio Diaz. We enjoyed an amazingly delicious authentic Oaxacan meal which featured Agave Uptown’s signature moles (Mole Negro & Mole Rojo), chicken, carnitas, grilled seasoned vegetables and Octavio’s Caesar’s Salad. We also enjoyed Aldina Vineyard wines and topped off the dinner with Mexican Cookies, flan and Pepito’s Paletas for dessert. As we prepare to celebrate our 10 Year Anniversary it was important for us to make the space and time to acknowledge and thank our clients and collaborators because they have given us opportunities to earn their business and collaborate in producing/delivering exceptional solutions respectively. We launched the SVL venture as a media company close to a decade ago because we believe in our community, all that we are and all that we can be. We have been delighted to see many organizations from various spaces and industries (tech, corporate, healthcare, government, small business, start-up, and nonprofit) reciprocate by believing in us and giving us the opportunity to earn their business. As a result, about 6 years ago SVL stepped into the creative agency space and we've grown into a complete solutions agency (design, photography, video production, campaign management. PR, branding, and business development) all through the art of authentic and compelling storytelling. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/550_5_600x600.jpg) Regrettably, not all our clients and collaborators were able to attend our inaugural appreciation dinner so we will host another one soon, stay tuned. However, at this time, we would like to thank and acknowledge all our clients, collaborators, and sponsors by listing them below. **Clients/sponsors:** Agave Uptown, Ayudando Latinos A Soñar, Kaiser Permanente, Santa Clara University, San Jose Evergreen Community College District, Cisco, Palo Alto Networks, Genentech, Kloudspot, Cyber Lantern, Oracle, Charles Schwab, Yerba Buena Engineering, Fremont Bank, Google, IBM, County of Santa Clara (RRC), Latinas Contra Cancer, Comerica Bank, Manos Accelerator, Blyve SGI, Monterey Bay Aquarium, The Avalos Foundation, Shop with a Cop of Silicon Valley, Alcario & Carmen Castellano, The National Hispanic University, Cañada College, LISTAS, Pepito's Paletas, Delta/Aero Mexico, Aruba Networks, Morgan Stanley, Study.com, Pahl & McCay, The Foundation for Hispanic Education, San Jose City College, Omniscient, ABC7, Bill.com, YWCA, Philanthropic Ventures Foundation, Bethinketh, LLC Tony Quintero, Active Auto Body, HITEC, Marissa Gaska, Olmos Insurance Agency, ATAX, Carry the Vision, Law Foundation of Silicon Valley, Mezcal Restaurant, Chacho's Restaurant, Vino Latino, Blach Construction, The Chapultepec Group, Edible Arrangements, Maya Upholstery, Bank of the West, MJLaw, 5Run, Liquid Agency and Perezidential Homes. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/532_2_600x600.jpg) **Collaborators:** Joe Poni, Josh Sanchez, Jason Rivera, Oscar Sotelo, Rodrigo Pedraza, Tanisha Poni, Dr. Belinda Arriaga, Joaquin Jimenez, Mayra Mejia, Dan Gutierrez, Fanny Diaz, Ivan Reyes Martinez, Christian Murillo, Gabriel Lomeli, Fernando Cowan, Ricardo Garcia Rangel, Sharon Sim, Victoria Sanchez de Alba, Pimentel Family Wines, Aldina Vineyards, Guerrero Fernandez Winery, Alycia Aguirre, Andrea Guendelman/BeVisible, San Jose Jazz, North Fair Oaks Festival, Diana Estrada, Jose Posadas, Adam Mendoza, Guadalupe Carrillo, Rico Park, Anita Garcia, Eydie Mendoza, Carlos Perez, Theo Mendoza, Gina Miranda, Lilian Peña, Julia Quiroz (intern), Daniela Alcaraz (intern), Liliana Ontiveros (intern) and the entire Ontiveros family. We would also like to remind you that when you hire us for a project, campaign, video production, etc. you are also supporting an ecosystem of collaborators and freelancers form our community. And of course, we would also like to thank our countless Cultura Ambassadors and all our CreoEnTi Business Ambassadors for your continued support over the years. Lastly, we would also like to thank our Advisory Board. Michael Archuleta, Nancy Rosales, Arnoldo Avalos, Jose Benitez Cong, Katty Coulson, Rich J. Garcia, Jose (Pepe) Gomez, Dr. Maria Hernandez, Marisol Morales, Jesse Martinez, Lilian Peña, Tony Quintero, Sylvia Juarez-Magaña and Angel Chavez. ¡Mil gracias a todos! Thank you all! #Adelante #CreoEnTi #CreoEnNosotros Alex Ontiveros & Sergio Domeyko ### Latina Professionals URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/business/latina-professionals/ Last updated: 2026-09-28T21:35:51.000Z **Latina Professionals** Silicon Valley Latino Advisory Board Member and serial entrepreneur, [Nancy Rosales](https://svlatino.com/blogs/cultura-ambassador/nancy-rosales-latina-empresaria-hall-of-fame-award-chcc) is among the women leading the new chapter of "*Latina Professionals*" in San Francisco. This organization creates a community and offers a variety of personal and professional development opportunities for professional women. In 2020, the Bay Area welcomed a new chapter of the emerging national organization, *Latina Professionals*, which is focused on building camaraderie in the Latina community. Through programming aimed at personal and professional growth and organized networking opportunities, Latina Professionals is poised to grow its membership and advocate for Latinas in the Bay Area. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/918_Screen_Shot_2021-04-13_at_10.18.35_AM_600x600.jpg) A group of ambitious local Latina women from various industries is driving this new Bay Area chapter. These Latinas seek to invest in social, professional, and educational resources and programming that open doors to new opportunities for other Latinas in the region while improving equity. Through its community of colleagues, mentors, and role models, Latina Professionals aims to nurture personal and professional growth and development through a series of quarterly events and career development program, Acelera. Additionally, a slate of casual social events will offer members the opportunity to form genuine, long-lasting friendships. Though Latinas are making significant strides in education, health, and other areas, racial and ethnic disparities still exist. Latina Professionals seek to make meaningful strides in closing these gaps. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/917_Screen_Shot_2021-04-13_at_10.17.27_AM_480x480.png) "Latina Professionals will embrace virtual environments and serve as an imperative bridge to build greater resiliency for Latina women in the workforce and enable our members to recover for a future that looks very different from the pre-pandemic world. We are focused on rebuilding and re-imagining a new idea of women & allies, together, supporting women, a concept we should all champion.", said Marisela Garcia Marquez, National Board Member and President of the San Francisco Advisory Council. "Currently in the US, one in five women identifies as Latina, and those numbers are projected to grow to nearly one-third of the female population by 2060\. With Latinas poised to comprise a significant portion of the US population, it’s important to recognize our contributions and social and economic power, and Latina Professionals seeks to do this through meaningful networking and programming opportunities.”, said Melinda Chacon, Chair Signature Events Advisory Council, San Francisco. Over the last several months, Latina Professionals has been working diligently to create its first career development program for working Latinas. Their program, Acelera, is a four-month virtual program that will support Latinas in getting to the next level of their careers and in becoming leaders of their industries and beyond. With this program, they aim to build an unstoppable sisterhood ready to evolve the lives of its members and to transform the world. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/828_Latina_Professionals_600x600.jpg) In a duration of two years, Latina Professionals established a national audience of 47,000 women of all ages and stages in life. They've accomplished this through daily active digital engagement focused on highlighting, promoting, and connecting with rising Latinas across all industries on LinkedIn and other social platforms. The Latina Professionals Advisory Council of San Francisco was founded in July 2020 and is comprised of Marisela Garcia Marquez, President, Melody Estrada, Vice President Lizbeth Duran, Secretary, Gabriela Lopez, Treasurer, Nancy Rosales, Chair of Public Relations, Melinda Chacon, Chair of Signature Events, Clarisse Baca, Chair of Sponsorships, Danelis Padron, Chair of Community Relations, and Alejandra Ruiz, Chair of Membership. We invite you to learn more about Latina Professionals' offerings by visiting [latinaprofessionals.org](https://latinaprofessionals.org/). Silicon Valley Latino will certainly stay tuned to the launch of their Acelera program. ### Mi Camino-An Animated Bilingual Opera by Héctor Armienta URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/art-culture/mi-camino-an-animated-bilingual-opera-by-hector-armienta/ Last updated: 2026-09-21T23:32:15.000Z Mi Camino An Animated Bilingual Opera June 25th and 27th 2021 Cultura Ambassador, Composer, Creator & Director, Héctor Armienta is delighted to bring us a powerful animated short film where he gives a voice to Bay Area farm-workers. Through song and multimedia, including animations, ***Mi Camino*** portrays real stories shared by these important yet often forgotten members of our community, focusing on the impact of COVID-19. Hector harnesses innovative technology to combine footage of the singers with animations (including avatars and virtual worlds), creating visually powerful moments to convey the experiences of the farm-workers and to inspire reflection on our collective experiences in this particular time in history. The premiere will take place online. Screenings: June 25th @ 7pm, followed by a Q & A June 27th @ 2pm. Length: 14 minutes Ticket price: Free Ticket info: ### Joe Poni - Paying it forward! URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/business/joe-poni-paying-it-forward/ Last updated: 2026-09-28T21:31:32.000Z It’s a sincere pleasure to publish this article featuring one of our key collaborators, business partners, and one of our #CreoEnTi Business Ambassadors, Joe Poni. Joe has been working with us as our principal cinematographer, director of photography, and project manager for our video production projects for almost six years. He is a highly committed individual to supporting the Latino community and the mission of Silicon Valley Latino. Joe is also a George and Evelyn Stein High School alumnus. For several years now, he returns to his alma mater and visits in his free time to lead dream discovery workshops and entrepreneurial seminars for students. Every graduation, he presents the Joe Poni Scholarship to a student with community involvement and academic achievement. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/1085_image0_fbcf2b90-04ea-457b-a61b-17943d623b92_480x480.jpg) Before arriving at Stein, Joe was expelled twice from his first High school. At Stein High School, Joe was able to find a supportive environment that allowed him to thrive in a manner that wasn’t previously available. By the time he graduated from George and Evelyn Stein, he was awarded seven scholarships. It is his pleasure and honor to pay it forward and serve his local community, especially the next generation of emerging leaders. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/768_IMG_5537_480x480.jpg) He is also the filmmaker for our collaborative documentary project ["CAMPESINOS: America's Unsung Heroes"](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CoIUHn2NR8A&list=PLe33aPKbGF4DWE%5Fhy6VE%5F1b6-5KZKuIRg&index=1) which we will complete this summer and if that wasn't enough he has also recently published a best-selling book ["Follow Your Curiosity: The uncharted path to your success"](https://www.amazon.com/Follow-Your-Curiosity-Uncharted-Success/dp/1735537705). We invite you to follow Joe via his social media channels and the work we do collectively for our community. ### Angel Chavez - SVL Advisory Board Member URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/cultura-ambassador/angel-chavez-svl-advisory-board-member/ Last updated: 2026-09-28T12:22:37.000Z We are excited to announce that Angel Chavez has accepted to become part of our stellar Advisory Board. We welcome him and look forward to his guidance and advice as we continue to grow. Angel has been advising families and corporations in the San Francisco Bay Area about their finances for nearly 25 years. He is passionate about helping people successfully navigate the complexities they face in their financial lives through personalized coaching and guidance. Angel grew up in San Francisco with his grandmother, who instilled in him the value of hard work, a strong education, and giving back to his community at a very young age. These core values are the foundation of Angel’s practice today and serve as constant reminder of the struggles and the tenacity it takes to be successful. A portfolio manager by trade, Angel was the chief operating officer of a successful technology start-up prior to venturing into the world of finance. He is a life-long learner, earning his undergraduate degree in International Finance from SF State University, his MBA from Golden Gate University, and completing executive development course work at Haas School of Business, UC Berkeley. Throughout his career, Angel has remained committed to professional development, earning important designations at Morgan Stanley, including Corporate Client Group Director and Family Wealth Director, a certification received by less than two percent of the advisors at Morgan Stanley. He has also undertaken various advanced courses of study, earning his Certified Investment Management Analyst® (CIMA®) and Qualified Plan Financial Consultant (QPFC)) designations. These credentials demonstrate Angel’s unrelenting commitment to a world-class client experience. He draws upon his deep knowledge to provide clients with tailored advice, with a specific focus on families, tech executives and business owners. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/514_192229408_1445001315851043_8056303102154244940_n_480x480.jpg) In his spare time, Angel actively competes in Obstacle Course Racing and has completed 16 Spartan Races and 3 Tough Mudders the past few years. He also coaches CYO Cross Country and Volleyball and in the past year he coached several young Latinos to attain their Spartan Trifectas. He truly loves having outdoor adventures with the support and participation of his wife and two children. Angel is also passionate about giving back – at his firm and within his community. He is a proud member of Morgan Stanley’s National Diversity and Inclusion Council, where he advocates for a more inclusive work environment for his colleagues and clients. Angel served on the Board of the Latino Community Foundation, Juma Ventures, Susan G. Komen Foundation, and is currently the Treasurer of the San Leandro Swim Team and a mentor for business owners at the Stanford Latino Entrepreneur Initiative. In 2015, he founded the Latino Men’s Giving Circle to address the persistent opportunity gaps faced by boys and young men of color. His goal is to partner with other organizations to inspire youth to pursue studies focused on Science Technology Engineering Arts and Math (STEAM). ### Cheyenne Mungaray - Silicon Valley Latino’s Academic Honoree 2018 URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/cultura-ambassador/cheyenne-mungaray-silicon-valley-latino-s-academic-honoree-2018/ Last updated: 2026-10-07T21:28:06.000Z We are delighted to publish this update on one of Silicon Valley Latino’s Academic Honorees from the College Declaration Day Class 2018\. Cheyenne Mungaray recently graduated from Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas with a degree in Political Science and a minor in Criminal Justice. A first-generation college student originally from Morgan Hill, California, Cheyenne graduated in three years with cum laude honors. She plans to pursue a Juris Doctorate in a couple of years after gaining some work experience in a related field. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/780_IMG_7556_480x480.jpg) Throughout her time at TCU, Cheyenne was a member of Alpha Chi Omega, serving as the Associate Panhellenic Delegate for a semester. As Associate Panhellenic Delegate, she represented her chapter at weekly meetings to help communicate what was taking place in her chapter to other Panhellenic organizations. Cheyenne also served as a student tour guide and Admissions Intern, where she gave weekly tours to admitted and prospective students from across the country. She also sat on virtual panels with admitted students from Northern California to share her experience at TCU with them. Cheyenne was also a member of pre-law society, an organization that helped prepare students for law school with LSAT prep, networking events, and organizing law school panels. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/782_IMG_7655_480x480.jpg) Last semester, she had the opportunity to intern with Student Veterans of America, a non-profit organization serving student veterans in Washington D.C. While the internship was meant to be in person in D.C., she worked remotely as a result of COVID-19 from her home in California. During her internship, Cheyenne coordinated the first ever virtual Hill Day event for the organization with over 20 Congressional offices participating. She and her colleagues lobbied for a number of issues relating to veterans and higher education, including closing the 90-10 loophole. She also wrote a piece on veteran suicide prevention and mental health services, an issue that she is very passionate about. All of her life, Cheyenne has been an avid sports fan, watching her favorite teams- the San Francisco Giants, San Francisco 49ers, Golden State Warriors, and San Jose Sharks- with her family. She regularly keeps up with all MLB, NFL, NBA, and NHL teams.. Because of this, Cheyenne hopes to one day work as counsel for a sports organization within the MLB, NFL, or NBA or work as a sports agent. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/730_IMG_0901_480x480.jpg) Cheyenne is currently looking for employment opportunities and we are going to ask our community of Cultura Ambassadors and audiences to help her find her first professional role. You may contact her at . More updates on our Collegiate Cultura Ambassadors and Academic Honorees, stay tuned! ### Arnie Lopez - SVL Cultura Ambassador URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/cultura-ambassador/arnie-lopez-svl-cultura-ambassador/ Last updated: 2026-09-23T15:17:37.000Z Arnie Lopez is the VP of WW Systems Engineering at Skyhigh Security. He is a 25-year veteran in Silicon Valley’s Technical Community with experience in Networking, Cloud and Security Solutions. Prior to Skyhigh Security he spent several years in Technology leadership roles with McAfee, Informatica, Proofpoint, Cisco, WebEx, PeopleSoft and Target Stores. He has a degree in International Business from San Francisco State University and has held several technical certifications throughout his career including CCIE, CISSP and AWS Cloud Practitioner. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/555_9F417117-BD7E-4DE1-BD12-23AA7E3F61D7_1_201_a_480x480.jpg) Over his career, he has Developed and nurtured several relationships with Customer and Partner C-Level Executives. He is a regular technology presenter at Industry events and shows and his company Executive Briefing Center. Arnie was born in La Paz Bolivia and came to San Francisco, California with his family when he was a young child. He went to high school in Union City, CA and then attended San Francisco State University on partial scholarship and working 2 part time jobs. He was always very curious, hardworking and eager to learn. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/577_Arn_Ginny_2nd_Harvest_480x480.jpg) He began his career at Target stores, first repairing desktop computers, then building application servers, and finally teaching himself how to be an IBM Mainframe Security Administrator. He then became a Network Security Engineer at PeopleSoft, where he was in charge of developing and securing their corporate applications and networks. This experience led to an offer from Cisco to join as a Systems Engineer to work as a Security Specialist with the largest high-tech companies in Silicon Valley. He quickly discovered that he enjoyed mentoring and developing others and was promoted to a leadership position. He has never looked back since his first opportunity to lead, and he has continued to grow and develop his technical leadership career at a number of technology companies. He has a passion for mentoring other young technology professionals, especially young Latinos early in their careers. He still lives in the Bay Area with his wife and family and loves to run and hike in the beautiful east bay hills. He is a huge sports fan and loves his Oakland Raiders, Oakland A’s, Golden State Warriors, San Jose Earthquakes, and European football teams FC Barcelona and Liverpool. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/540_4581180F-35F0-429B-AAD9-8526AF503F2B_480x480.jpg) As a proud Bolivian-American, he never forgets where he came from and he and his family are regular volunteers at the Alameda County and 2nd Harvest Food Banks in the Bay Area. ### ALAS COVID-19 Vaccine Educational Video URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/health-beauty/alas-covid-19-vaccine-educational-video/ Last updated: 2026-09-23T15:26:07.000Z During this critical time in our country, Ayudando Latinos A Soñar - ALAS has had the opportunity to be on the front lines of working with essential and farm-worker community during this time of COVID. Seeing the illness, death, and loss while also imagining healing, inspired them to begin the project of a video education campaign to talk about the importance of the vaccine. "Thank you to Philanthropic Ventures Foundation and Silicon Valley Latino we are able to share our message of #LaVacunaSana." "A special thank you to our partners that supported this effort, San Mateo County, Dr. Efren Rosa of Kaiser Permanente Thrive, Dr. Alicia Fernandez, and Dr. Raul Gutierrez of UCSF. As a community it's important we come together to support each other to begin healing one person at a time." Please help spread this video with your friends, family & network so that all receive the message that to get vaccinated is safe and will help your family, friends and community in general stay safe and healthy! #LaVacunaSana #LaVacunaEsCariño Gracias! ### Sylvia Juárez-Magaña SVL Advisory Board Member URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/cultura-ambassador/sylvia-juarez-magana-svl-advisory-board-member/ Last updated: 2026-09-28T12:15:38.000Z Silicon Valley Latino is delighted to introduce our latest Advisory Board Member - Sylvia Juárez\-Magaña Sylvia was born and raised in Indio, CA. From early on, she engaged in her community. She was part of various clubs and ASB at Indio High and active in her church, Our Lady of Perpetual Help. Her commitment led her to attend U.C. Berkeley and continue her engagement there through campus organizations and her sorority, Alpha Epsilon Phi. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in English with a minor in Chicano Studies. Ms. Juárez-Magaña later was selected to be National Urban Fellow and received her Master’s in Public Administration in 2007 from Baruch College in New York City. Early in her professional career, she worked for finance companies like Bank of America and Salomon Smith Barney by promoting their customer service and consumer products. These influenced her interest in compliance and accountability when working within education and related projects. Her twenty-year plus experience in the education field has included partnering with the University of California, U.C. Berkeley, U.C. Davis, San Bernardino Valley College and Crafton Hills College to name a few. This includes scholarship organizations like the Coca-Cola Scholarship, the Hispanic Scholarship Fund and supporting coordination with the U.C. Berkeley Bears in the Desert and the California Alumni Association scholarships. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/558_A_s_Spring_Training_Game_2019_480x480.jpg) Ms. Juárez-Magaña strives to help first-generation, immigrant communities through her education consultant business, Juarez Consulting Inc. Her business has afforded her the opportunity to help leaders with their ‘concepts to execution’. She ushers innovative ideas to implementation into the strategic plans that promote college readiness within communities of color. Her passion for education has made her an expert in creating content for college preparation in recent projects like podcasts and listener driven development and activities. Her commitment is tied to promoting admissions to competitive universities to all students and their families. During her fellowship with the National Urban Fellows, she engaged in municipal work in the City of Coachella. Her corporate experience early in her professional life helped strengthen her strategic planning skillset. She maintains ties to multiple post-secondary institutions and organizations statewide and nationally. She has collaborated with the ACT testing company, MOSTe, Great Minds in STEM, and the California Community College System and Foundation. All her projects work to close achievement gaps in populations that need specialized support for college readiness. She has supported school districts by engaging universities to consider students from their area and providing counseling teams resources catered to their communities including undocumented students and individuals with disabilities. Sylvia is a devoted wife and mother. Her husband, Arturo Magaña, has dedicated his career to advancing laser technology and its influence in research. Their sons, Cristian & Josh, are their proudest achievements. They strive to be the supportive parents that Fidel and Margarita Juárez have been to Sylvia and her sister, Niza Juárez -Hall. We are also excited to announce that Sylvia will co-produce and co-host with our founder Alex Ontiveros the upcoming SVL Latino Leaders Virtual Fireside Chats. Our first in the series will feature our friend, SVL Advisory Board Member and Creo En Ti Champion, Tony Quintero. ### Alcohol & Drug Studies Reentry Peer Program URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/social-impact-advocates/alcohol-drug-studies-reentry-peer-program/ Last updated: 2026-09-24T00:01:20.000Z **Alcohol and Drug Studies Reentry Peer** **Mentor Certificate Program Video** A partnership with San José City College When individuals are released from jail and prison they have a chance for a new start. But often the actions and life experiences that landed them in custody continue to hamper them as free individuals. A criminal record makes seeking employment, education, housing and other necessities of life a tremendous struggle, often leading to re-incarceration. But what if those life experiences that initially led to incarceration were now viewed as assets? What if through healing and educating themselves about addiction and trauma individuals with criminal records became the most qualified people to help others with similar experiences? The County of Santa Clara’s Office of Reentry Services (ORS) and San Jose City College (SJCC) are investing in these individuals as peer mentors, calling on their insights and desire to give back to their community as one of our best tools for breaking the cycle of incarceration. ORS and SJCC have partnered to provide a free Criminal Justice Peer Mentor Certification Program for reentry clients at the San Jose Reentry Resource Center. Students complete four college-credit courses in alcohol and drug counseling taught by a San Jose City College instructor. These classes prepare individuals reentering community from jail or prison for further course work toward becoming Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselors. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/914_Screen_Shot_2020-12-30_at_11.46.35_AM_480x480.png) “As our County moves in the direction of treatment for those in our jails and prisons with substance-use disorders and away from straight incarceration, there is a growing need for qualified people to fill a vast array of jobs in the treatment and recovery realm,” said County of Santa Clara Board Supervisor Susan Ellenberg, Chair of the County’s Public Safety and Justice Committee. Peer mentors can play a pivotal role in the treatment process by attending appointments with clients, which sometimes can feel overwhelming to them, and helping counselors with more effective ideas for working with each individual. Peer mentors can often establish a deeper level of trust with clients because they can relate to the emotions and challenges the client may be facing. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/916_Screen_Shot_2020-12-30_at_12.49.13_PM_480x480.png) “The demand for drug and alcohol counselors is growing and peer mentors can be crucial resources, helping clients feel supported and safe enough to seek help,” said Javier Aguirre, Director, County of Santa Clara Office of Reentry Services. “Without this kind of support, clients may forego treatment because they don’t trust the system or can’t see its value.” Many of the students who complete the program obtain jobs and volunteer work in the field of drug and alcohol recovery in the community. “When I started going to class at the Reentry Center, I felt like I belonged there. I felt like I fit in. I was excited to go to class because I knew there were people there I could relate to,” said Lerissa Sabala Evans, from the 2018/2019 Peer Mentor Certification Program class at the Reentry Center. Lerissa completed the Program and now works at the Pathway Society, which offers substance abuse treatment services, and is in her second year at San Jose City College working towards her Certified Drug and Alcohol Counseling Certificate as well as an AA degree in Alcohol and Drug Studies. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/915_Screen_Shot_2020-12-30_at_12.48.29_PM_480x480.png) “A large percentage of individuals leaving jail or prison struggle with alcohol and drug addiction. Our criminal justice system is expanding its ability to address addictions rather than simply incarcerating individuals,” said County Chief Operating Officer Miguel Marquez. “Having an opportunity to turn negative experiences into positive ones is encouraging change for a better future, said Michael Wright, a student who completed the program in 2018\. “Thank you for this opportunity.” ### Sylvia Juárez-Magaña - SVL Cultura Ambassador URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/cultura-ambassador/sylvia-juarez-magana-svl-cultura-ambassador/ Last updated: 2026-09-23T23:59:56.000Z Sylvia Juárez-Magaña is originally from Indio, CA. Her parents Fidel and Margarita Juárez have continued their residence there as they retired. They instilled the value of hard work and education as part of her upbringing. She and her sister, Niza Juárez-Hall, have followed a mantra of entrepreneurship that their parents modeled as they were growing up. Ms. Juárez-Magaña earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in English with a minor in Chicano Studies at the University of California, Berkeley. She entered the workforce in the brokerage corporate field. She started at a branch as a cashier then worked her way up to compliance in the LA Metro region. She departed after opening a branch in Riverside, CA in 2000 and began her career in higher education at her alma mater. She is a National Urban Fellow and received her Master’s in Public Administration in 2007 from Baruch College in New York City. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/687_GMiS_Conference_2019_Lib_1-0386-LR_600x600.jpg) She has over twenty years of experience in the education field and has represented numerous high-profile educational entities in outreach events, admissions, and scholarship selections. Ms. Juárez-Magaña strives to help first-generation immigrant communities understand their educational opportunities through presentations and creating informational literature about higher education in various languages. She has worked with the University of California, Berkeley as an admissions officer in Southern California and continued to support their process as an external reader for freshmen and transfer admissions. While education is her passion, during her fellowship with the National Urban Fellows, she expanded her background into municipal work in the City of Coachella. Her corporate experience, early in her professional life helped strengthen her strategic planning skillset. She maintains ties to U.C. Berkeley and multiple post-secondary institutions and organizations statewide and nationally. Her commitment is tied to promoting admissions to competitive universities to all students and their families. Her expertise has led her to create content for college readiness in recent projects like podcasts in development and curriculum for school counseling programs. After returning to California from New York after her Fellowship, she founded Juarez Consulting Inc. It has given her the platform to work with organizations to carry projects from ‘concept to execution.’ She has supported school districts by engaging universities to consider students from their area and providing counseling teams resources catered to their communities. Community college projects included working with undocumented students. All her projects work to close achievement gaps in populations that need specialized support for college readiness. This includes individuals with disabilities and considering how they can thrive in their environment. She takes families on a case-by-case basis to support individual students with their college application portfolios. While she loves her work and knows this is where her focus lies professionally, she is a devoted wife and mother. She is an avid reader and has learned to appreciate Zoom meetings. She continues to support students who reach out for help during the college application season. Her son, Cristian, is taking the opportunity now to bring her up to date with comic book superhero shows and movies. ### Cyber Lantern - Making Security Monitoring Accessible and Affordable for SMBs URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/business/cyber-lantern-making-security-monitoring-accessible-and-affordable-for-smbs/ Last updated: 2026-09-23T21:43:31.000Z **Digital Lantern Presents Its Newest Security Service and XDR Platform, Cyber Lantern- Making Security Monitoring Accessible and Affordable for SMBs** *Cyber Lantern provides a simplified and affordable security services for the SMB market space to provide asset visibility, threat detection, and task prioritization- using state of the art analytics, contextual alerts, and SOC process automation.* Digital Lantern is introducing Cyber Lantern; an Extended Detection and Monitoring (XDR) Service backed by its own proprietary XDR Platform. Cyber Lantern leverages Big Data Analytics and AI-driven analytic correlations to help provide visibility into the SMB environment, by prioritizing threats, vulnerabilities, security events, and other tasks to maintain optimal security levels at scale. Cyber Lantern is focused on providing cybersecurity to SMBs, Local Governments, and Defense Contractors, a heavily underserved market in cybersecurity due to lack of accessibility to good products and resources. The Digital Lantern co-founders have worked together for over 15 years on developing and operating cybersecurity Big Data Platforms for many organizations within the Department of Defense (DoD). With a great understanding of the cyber landscape, and the threats posed to national security, the Digital Lantern team feels it is part of their moral responsibility to help fast track SMBs to embrace cybersecurity as a regular part of their business strategy and operations. Marcela Denniston, co-founder and an ex-NSA analyst said the greatest value of their business is the team they have built. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/912_Screen_Shot_2020-11-13_at_12.38.43_PM_480x480.png) “Our team has always worked tirelessly to provide innovative solutions for cybersecurity in some of the most complex cyber environments. When you work with the government, you are looking at petabytes of data and millions of endpoints. This is no small task for any team and requires extensive subject after expertise and a very cohesive team that can quickly react and respond to the rapidly changing threats posed by hackers globally. We operate as a Fusion Team that focuses on streamlining data analytics and correlations so we can remain hyper-focused on driving down costs to meet the needs of the SMB markets that need security the most.” **Complexity is the enemy of security in the SMB market** The adoption of digital transformation across businesses has created increased complexity for how businesses operate on the internet. The introduction of cloud infrastructures for improved availability, the increased use of Software as a Service (SaaS) and the newly adopted acceptance of mobile and smart devices have made previously defined security perimeters and controls difficult to define, yet alone manage. This new method of implementing IT environments vastly improves the speed and accessibility of business objectives; however, it also increases the complexity of establishing security measures that are often managed by non-security professionals. “At the end of the day, if you are expecting your IT administrators to plan and manage all your cybersecurity needs, you are setting yourself up for failure. Security is a specialized field and requires more in-depth training and understanding that goes beyond managing the network.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/913_Screen_Shot_2020-11-13_at_12.39.13_PM_480x480.png) Unfortunately, having a specialized team isn't always an option for SMBs who don’t have the time and/or resources to implement cybersecurity. For SMBs, the complexity of security is much higher. In a recent study, 62% of SMBs indicated they lacked the skills in house to deal with security and 52% felt helpless to defend themselves from cyber-attacks. And while SMBs lack the ability to implement their own effective cyber strategies, they still continue to be a top target for hackers, with over 67% of SMBs being the target of a cyber-attack in 2019, with costs of between $60K-$3M to the company attacked. The Fact of the matter is that SMBs radiate vulnerability. “This is why we created Cyber Lantern. We believe protecting US SMBs and their supply chains is crucial to the security of our nation. SMBs are often targeted because they are perceived as less sophisticated and more vulnerable, and many attackers know that these organizations offer crucial hop points to bigger opportunities as well.” With Cyber Lantern, security no longer wastes time trying to figure out “What should I be looking for, and what can I do about it?” Instead, Cyber Lantern dramatically improves workflow by providing 24x7 detection and monitoring of potential breaches to business IT environments. Cyber Lantern creates prioritized task lists driven by innovative technology that discovers your assets, categorizes their criticality, associates them to known vulnerabilities, and correlates them to alerts triggered in the business systems. This ensures that the most critical security concerns are being addressed rapidly and continuously 365 days a year, without the heavy cost of hiring an entire security team. **Cyber Lantern** Cyber Lantern aims to remove the complexity and high cost of security for SMBs by providing snapshots of current company risk scores and prioritized action items that are aimed to help identify what action needs to be taken first along with how to continuously improve your security posture. We apply Big Data Analytics across all small business environments to provide fast, efficient, and relevant results on the security issues that are important to your business needs. Once your data is ingested, it is enriched and cross-correlated with other data sets, threats affecting other small businesses, and personalized environment structures. This information is then presented as a customized and prioritized task list of which actions should be taken first in order to minimize the amount of time your business spends on trying to understand security threats. *“Cyber Lantern provides a guided understanding of your IT environment, security alerts, posture, and how to improve those without breaking the bank, because we believe everyone deserves to feel their business is secure.”* \-Marcela Denniston, CISSP : Co-Founder of Digital Lantern, and President of Digital Lantern's Commercial Solution, Cyber Lantern With Cyber Lantern, SMBs can have access to an “enterprise-level” security monitoring service and platform at an affordable cost. No longer should your business have to live in the darkness of the cyber realm. Contact Cyber Lantern today to get started. ### Michael Archuleta SVL Advisory Board Member URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/cultura-ambassador/michael-archuleta-svl-advisory-board-member/ Last updated: 2026-09-23T15:23:05.000Z We are very encouraged and excited that Michael Archuleta has agreed to join our Advisory Board. Help us give him a warm welcome. Recognized as a Top Hospital and Health System CIO to know and named a Rising Star in Healthcare, Michael is a cutting edge, innovative, visionary leader, disruptor, and collaborator who possesses strong leadership skills with extensive experience and a proven track record of driving increased levels of productivity, profits, high integrity customer relationship skills, and expert problem-solving approaches. Michael is also an active member of the College of Healthcare Information Management Executives, a cybersecurity advisor to several healthcare startups, and an active Speaker within the field of Health Information Technology. Under [Michael’s](https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelarchuleta1/) guidance and leadership, Mt San Rafael Hospital became one of the leading hospitals in the State of Colorado for leveraging advanced technology to enhance the patient and provider experience. With Michael’s innovative, driven approach, the hospital met HIMSS Analytics Stage Six recognition on the eight-stage HIMSS Analytics Electronic Medical Record Adoption Model, a feat only reached by thirty percent of U.S. hospitals. Leveraging advanced Information Technology to improve performance for value-based health care in the areas of infrastructure, business, administrative management, quality, safety, and clinical integration the Information Technology Department has also been presented the 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019 Healthcare’s Most Wired Award which is given annually to the top hospitals in the country making the most progress in the adoption of Health Information Technology. Through Michael’s leadership, Mt. San Rafael achieved recognition as the best overall organization from the 2019 Most Wired survey. ### Marisol Morales SVL Advisory Board Member URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/cultura-ambassador/marisol-morales-svl-advisory-board-member/ Last updated: 2026-09-24T00:02:38.000Z We are very excited to welcome Marisol Morales as one of our newest Advisory Board Members. Marisol Morales is a Digital Communications Manager at EarthCorps where she loves creating digital media content, experimenting with emerging technology, and engaging with the community on social media about environmental conservation. Marisol has over 10+ years in nonprofit management with an understanding of the latest technology tools available to deliver services, support, resources and connected learning opportunities to professionals and families. She has a Bachelor's Degree (B.A.) in Digital Technology and Cultures from Seattle University and currently pursuing a Master of Communication in Digital Media degree at the University of Washington. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/1083_image0_480x480.jpg) In her spare time, she serves as a board member for EchoX, a cross-community and cross-generational initiative, leveraging the power and ubiquity of the internet and social media to amplify our region’s ethnic communities’ voices. ### "Follow Your Curiosity" Book Launch URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/business/follow-your-curiosity-book-launch-1/ Last updated: 2026-09-30T14:05:54.000Z 30 million people are currently unemployed. It is time to refocus re-calibrate and re-imagine your possibilities. Author and inspirational speaker, Joe Poni has just published a truly timely best-selling book, “**Follow Your Curiosity**”. His book is a call to courageously explore, discover, and experience your own path in relation to your career and calling by helping you: \* Identify and cultivate your greatest curiosities \* Strategically help you turn your interest into opportunities \* Spark your inner genius \* Provide your unique value to the marketplace \* Disrupt the status quo \* And so much more Follow your Curiosity equips and guides readers with strategy sessions and proven methods to ignite and revitalize their professional and curious aspirations in today’s world. This book is a must-read for anyone who is feeling stuck or yearns for new opportunities to transform the world around them – just by following their curiosity. Poni is seasoned inspirational speaker, brand consultant and a revivalist. He is also the founder and owner of Experior Media, a video production company in Silicon Valley. In the past decade, Joe has partnered with California high schools teaching career discovery and hosting dream development workshops. When he's not filming or speaking, Joe enjoys going to comic stores, watching movies, and playing Sega Genesis with his son. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/565_Alex_Experios_Media_600x600.jpg) Silicon Valley Latino has had the pleasure of partnering with Joe and Experior Media on numerous projects. Joe and his crew have become an integral part of the SVL team and for the past four years this collaboration has offered a winning formula to many tech, corporate, small business and non-profit clients. Silicon Valley Latino is delighted to welcome him as one of our latest Creo En Ti Business Ambassadors! We look forward to following his trajectory and publish regular updates on the work that he leads. Order your copy here => https://amzn.to/3mc8Ytc ### Shop with a Cop: Operation Backpack & School Supplies URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/social-impact-advocates/shop-with-a-cop-operation-backpack-school-supplies/ Last updated: 2026-09-28T21:55:53.000Z On August 8, 2020, Police officers from SJPD, Milpitas PD, County Sheriffs, FBI, Park Rangers, and Military personnel joined with @[shopwithacopsv](https://twitter.com/ShopWithACopSV) to provide school supplies — like backpacks pens, paper, notebooks, and more needed to succeed in school that many don’t have. The needs of families are greater this year as they struggle to navigate the financial challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. For many students, these fully stocked backpacks will be the only resource available to start a new school year with the tools and confidence they need to succeed. Shop with Cop Silicon Valley and local Community businesses are working together to help our kids succeed. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/116876250_3466309380068738_3699532865300572271_o_large.jpg) We are also determined to continue to raise the essential funds for families and children in need during these uncertain and challenging times, but we need your help now more than ever. Your charitable donations now also help, when our ability to fund raise, to meet our mission-which is being tested in the face of the pandemic - has been severely reduced. Your generosity makes it possible for our foundation to be here for the community that enriches lives. We assure you that the needs are increasing, and the resources will be limited- and yet, our selfless and essential volunteer police officers stand at the ready. This past week on August 25, 2020 –Shop with a Cop of Foundation of Silicon Valley announced that it has been selected as a 2020 California Nonprofit of the Year by CA Assembly member Kansen Chu. To learn more about Shop with a Cop Silicon Valley visit: [http://www.shopwithacopsv.com/giving/](https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.shopwithacopsv.com%2Fgiving%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR0GD65sFh3c3%5FoMy7fRYVmlWv4N3Dq2nBjF%5FPEjm45ncUSoG-%5Fbgsyhf%5Fg&h=AT2s3X9zYmMcgVkKLPvBMqo-EoTVU9VUjimGq4dM3UGy-CJUr1l991dT5G72zFbQAFBQKITqhR4Ig%5F-rHnHGKGHK0ZwiQGNEKGNFK8PhjfhaXhYrlWsSEnJaHhx7CyHMGzksBtTXj7%5F%5FziCXszbqpnsIOWbn6G0TUmvyiBADcllpIRZFLCSUhpjexa5%5FRBrcEU8midjY%5FWoA6RIUrBnqPnUZpqzBhlvIQHf%5FhgH4CIdnnc9oOU14ndDdLxQTmyLDb3vCEbitg9GcVuTvOp0IKHll6H8li0UVB4DbGdKwfEzaoUfTWQoUF6%5FUGs-nt1NrHJOMpPxCZm65pFu0kfWiMYBT7N9O3CBJvHxZlN-HHSzLkOicSAgk8gkvBJudReNX%5FjMGf0PSvhe2JZnOAdfS%5FycNJj12IUEcHsR6X%5FOu3S9keYd1pFGxBLdsnixNqDyPWk2J%5FCObm69iC8v3MY3-aO5ZBuJWvXskrPnwc0yz4NdF6NhxAMbf0ePZtN6Ng5W5rmV7BMy0F8vef87onHRXwd4DZpzp6whhEOM5XIqgpWibO-CwZ5VNOZxf5qlFcf2SDDbmCWbRsTxqXp0zYu0ygdXRltS6XFRvnRUAlnBPP1yAPDy3oY6hMtD-Hf1ioQdlJcFMh2BZKrPNTa13zYfnSCR2IQodonmIEoU1ZyRU4nlImAopKPGujFlgEJSCJQGx9aDVDVc0cZBMEfzTVbZBxYpua5mriu32HxN1n6SwMToFBZBV-LzOT8qMHh5h2IsxBaQZmNsXy2VAkrm8TYd%5FCITDg4G5XkN3KyaAi5zC7cmtn6wKXk3AqxDVsGu%5FXqyoDvtD336XqO0CFtCYpJNaQOmNQHj5Ya3zL7a4vS9erdEm7A) ### Marcela Denniston - SVL Cultura Ambassador URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/cultura-ambassador/marcela-denniston-svl-cultura-ambassador-1/ Last updated: 2026-09-28T21:55:54.000Z Marcela Denniston is the co-founder and President of [Cyber Lantern](https://cyberlantern.com/), a Digital Lantern LLC. Commercial Cyber Security Solution focused on Extended Detection and Response (XDR) for the SMB, Local Government and Defense Industrial Base sectors. As President of Cyber Lantern Marcela’s role is to build and foster a company that is driven to make security accessible and affordable for any business. Her 17 years of experience building and running operation centers drives her vision to develop a platform that makes complex cyber incidents simple to understand and remediate. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/Marcela_large.jpg) Marcela is a Brazilian-American, born in Sao Paulo. She moved to the New Jersey as a toddler, where her single mother raised her with the hopes of a better future. She began her career in cyber at the young age of 17, just after 9-11\. Living only a few miles from New York City, Marcela saw both planes crash into the Twin Towers with her own eyes. The experience had a profound impact on her. When faced with her post high school options, she realized that her dreams of attending a well-renowned University were not within her budget. She decided instead to enlist in the Navy, where she spent the next 7 years of her life working in some of the most distinguished organization in the Department of Defense, including the National Security Agency and the Navy Cyber Defense Operations Center. After leaving the Navy, Marcela continued her career in Cyber Security working with the Department of Defense on several projects focused on developing and implementing Big Data Platforms in support of our National Cyber Security initiatives. In 2013, she moved to the United Arab Emirates where she consulted with their national government on developing their cyber security threat operations center. Her experience has driven her to be sought out for several distinguished opportunities including advising foreign governments on cyber security issues and speaking engagements for the World Economic Forum. Marcela has now lived in the Bay area for 6 years and has worked with many cyber security start-ups on product development & placement and technical sales implementations. In her experience, she noticed many companies failed to share her core values of honesty, respect, and inclusion. *“I got tired of hearing everyone make excuses for the racism, sexism, and sometimes blatant lack of ethical behavior. This is when I realized that if I wanted to work for a company that truly upheld these values, I was going to have to build it myself. This is why Digital Lantern is so important to me. From the beginning, the founders have laid the groundwork to make sure our team is diverse, supportive and always focused on doing the right thing.”* As a female in a mainly male-dominated field, Marcela has taken an active role in helping mentor and support efforts to get more females in STEM roles. She works with Ignite, supporting efforts to get more girls from low-income neighborhoods interested in STEM fields, and is member of the Latino Start-Up Alliance, Latinas in Tech and Girls Can Hack. Marcela has an MBA in International Business from Hawaii Pacific University, which she completed while working, and raising her two daughters. In her free time, Marcela focuses on balancing her hectic life with yoga, meditation and integrating mindfulness in her day-to-day practices. ### Eva Blanco Masias Named Vice President of Enrollment at Santa Clara University URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/cultura-ambassador/eva-blanco-masias-named-vice-president-of-enrollment-at-santa-clara-university/ Last updated: 2026-09-23T15:29:37.000Z We want to congratulate SVL Executive Cultura Ambassador and Trailblazer Eva Blanco Masias for being named Vice President of Enrollment at Santa Clara University. After having the opportunity to work with her and her team over the past year at Sta Clara University we know that she will take this roll head on and take it to new heights. On June 8, 2020—Santa Clara University named [Eva Blanco Masias](https://youtu.be/UEGZGoJyHxA)**,** a progressive leader in higher education admission, as the new Vice President for Enrollment Management. Blanco Masias currently serves as the University’s dean of undergraduate admission. She started her new role on July 1. In her current role as Dean of Admission, Eva Blanco Masias oversees Santa Clara University’s admission, recruitment, marketing, and technology strategies for all first-year and transfer students. During her 17-year tenure in admission, the University has seen a record number of applications (16,500 in 2020) and expanded its national and international reputation. SCU’s undergraduate student body now comprises more than 50 percent students of color, while boasting the highest academic profile in its history and one of the highest retention and graduation rates in the country. “Dean Blanco has played a critical role in the upward trajectory of Santa Clara University in the past decade,” said Santa Clara University President **[Kevin O’Brien](https://www.scu.edu/president/), S.J**. “Her consistent focus on the importance of building a diverse and talented student body at Santa Clara has been key to raising our national and global visibility. The University will continue to benefit from her leadership and expertise especially during these challenging times in higher education.” Eva Blanco Masias’ passion for college admissions stems from her personal journey, beginning in Los Angeles, where she grew up as the daughter of immigrants, all the way to her matriculation at Yale University. As a first-generation student, what she learned during the process of applying to colleges taught her the importance of timely recruitment and outreach, as well as access to resources, mentors, and financial aid. In 2003, Eva Blanco Masias joined Santa Clara University’s Office of Undergraduate Admissions after a successful career in media and marketing that included USA Networks, The Weather Channel, and Discovery Networks Latin America. In her various roles at Santa Clara since, she has leveraged her experience to elevate SCU’s brand recognition and launch innovative programs, broadening SCU’s enrollment access to a wider range of intellectually-charged and socially-minded students around the world. “This is an incredible opportunity, both personally and professionally,” said Eva Blanco Masias. “Santa Clara’s mission, to educate the whole person and form students in mind, body, and spirit, has inspired my life, work, and profoundly influenced my professional development. ”Eva Blanco Masias’s civic involvement spans service on boards of several nonprofit educational organizations including The Foundation for Hispanic Education; as past president of the National Catholic College Admission Association, an advisory committee member for the California College Guidance Initiative (CaliforniaColleges.edu), chair of the Yale Latino Alumni Association, and member of the Hispanic Scholarship Fund’s Silicon Valley Advisory Council. She holds a bachelor's degree in economics from Yale, a master's in education administration from Santa Clara University, and a certificate in enrollment management leadership from USC. **About Santa Clara University** Founded in 1851, Santa Clara University sits in the heart of Silicon Valley—the world’s most innovative and entrepreneurial region. The University’s stunningly landscaped 106-acre campus is home to the historic Mission Santa Clara de Assis. SCU has among the best four-year graduation rates in the nation and is rated by PayScale in the top 1 percent of universities with the highest-paid graduates. SCU has produced elite levels of Fulbright Scholars as well as four Rhodes Scholars. With undergraduate programs in arts and sciences, business, and engineering, and graduate programs in six disciplines, the curriculum blends high-tech innovation with social consciousness grounded in the tradition of Jesuit, Catholic education. For more information see [www.scu.edu](http://www.scu.edu/). ### Jeff Benesch - SVL Executive Cultura Ambassador URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/cultura-ambassador/jeff-benesch-svl-executive-cultura-ambassador/ Last updated: 2026-09-28T11:40:28.000Z Jeff drives revenue improvements and go-to-market transformations across the technology, software services, and manufacturing industries. He brings more than 25 years of industry sales and operations leadership and management consulting experience to drive company growth and profitability. Jeff is known for pragmatic, fast execution and his data-driven approach to management. ![Jeff Benesch](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/jeff-2.webp) He has led complex programs in performance transformation, sales strategy, quote-to-cash and pricing execution, operating model design, and M&A due diligence and integration. Jeff's global leadership includes working experience in Europe, Asia, and Latin America. He lives in Austin, Texas with his wife, Jessica, and three children in high school. As a family, they enjoy boating on Lake Travis and cooking food from around the world. They moved to Texas in 2018, after many years in Silicon Valley, and love exploring the area and supporting Make-a-Wish Central and South Texas. ![Jeff Benesch with his family](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/jeff-1.webp) Jeff has a Master of Science in Management Science from Stanford University and a Bachelor of Science in Science, Technology, and Society with Petroleum Engineering from Stanford University. ### Ed Vargas - SVL Executive Cultura Ambassador URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/cultura-ambassador/ed-vargas-svl-cultura-ambassador/ Last updated: 2026-09-28T21:55:56.000Z Ed Vargas has been active with Diversity & Inclusion, Employee Resource Groups and Leadership with community groups that make a difference throughout his career. His Fortune 500 experience includes C-Suite roles in Packaging and Publishing businesses. He operated his own Strategic Planning, Marketing Communications Consulting business in the 90’s. After the last 12 years of IT Digital Program Management at AT&T, Ed restarted his Vargas and Associates Consulting business leveraging his expertise in Planning, Education, Mentoring, ERGs and the Ethical Use of Tech for Social Good. He is passionate “paying it forward” collaborating with Latinx groups, e.g. Moderated Panels on the “Impacts of Tech, Future of Work” at the 2019 Creo En Ti Summit. He is a Miller Center for Social Entrepreneurship Mentor at Santa Clara University to accelerate entrepreneurship to end global poverty and save the planet. He is the Lead for creating a San Francisco Silicon Valley Hub for Claudia Romo Edelman’s Hispanic Star national campaign at the We Are All Human Foundation. [www.weareallhuman.org](http://www.weareallhuman.org) Ed has worked across Businesses with Stakeholders, Legal, Supply Chain, Operations, IT, Compliance, Metrics Analytics and C-Suite Executives. He is known as a “go to team player” with credibility by listening, building awareness, trust among diverse teams developing strategies, programs and delivering results. As AT&T’s HACEMOS ERG EVP-Community Outreach he launched HACEMOS Latino Diversity Stories in 2018; YouTube videos of members’ career successes, community engagement focusing on what we have in common vs negative stereotypes. He helped start High Tech Day, STEM workshops for high school students at the San Ramon Chapter. It is now the flagship HACEMOS annual event with over 2,600 students at 32+ AT&T facilities in the U.S., Puerto Rico, and Mexico City. Growing up in a household full of music was an inspiration for Ed. Attending a Louie Armstrong concert with family as a young boy, he asked his Dad to help him meet Louie after the performance so he could ask him how he could play trumpet better. They were invited to meet Louie. He encouraged Ed to practice, play his best and signed his program. Ed learned later how difficult it was to be a black musician, born in New Orleans in 1900, dealing with racism growing up in the South. Ed admired Louie as an Ambassador of music that brought people across the world together. After graduating from Bellarmine College Prep, a Jesuit all boys high school, Ed was accepted at Santa Clara University. Ed turned down a football scholarship at St. Mary’s College. Ed’s California State Scholarship covered most of the tuition, but he had to earn more to pay for books & living expenses. He worked summer days driving a fork-lift unloading trucks at California Canners & Growers and two part-time jobs during the school year. He played in a dance cover band with his brother, Steve, the drummer to enable his education. As a life-long musician playing guitar, singing in cover bands, Ed believes in the strength music has bringing people of all ages & cultures together. “We need that now more than ever to help each other.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/Louis_Armstrong_Autograph_program_picture_grande.jpg) He received his BSC degree in Business and worked for a year before starting Law School. Unfortunately, his Mother was diagnosed with cancer and his father had a heart attack after his first year. Ed started working and completed his JD degree at Santa Clara University attending night classes. He was the first in his family to get an advanced degree. Ed achieved his first career goal when he became a business executive at the age of 30\. Starting in Packaging Sales he became Product Marketing Mgr., Corporate Planner and VP of Sales & Marketing for Fortune 500 firms within five years. Ed achieved his second career goal, international business travel, when he was recruited to become Publisher, Editor & Conference Director for a start-up International B2B firm about the Nonwovens Technology. Ed set up ad sales agents in England and Belgium for European clients. They published a magazine, technical books, newsletter and expanded a North America conference business to Japan partnering with C-Suite Leaders. Doing business around the world changed when his son Adam, started growing up. Ed developed Vargas & Associates, his own Strategic Planning, Marketing & Communications Consulting firm. As a featured speaker at international, national conferences, he was invited to Harvard to participate in a Roundtable on Diversity. That became an article in the Harvard Business Review, A Question of Color: A Debate on Race in the U.S. Workplace. Ed collaborated with other consulting groups and took Leadership roles in the SF Area. E.g., President of the Hispanic Community Foundation, (now the Latino Community Foundation). ### Soco Castañeda, Ph.D. - Becoming Mujeres URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/cultura-ambassador/soco-castaneda-becoming-mujeres/ Last updated: 2026-09-29T19:19:03.000Z College can be daunting to everyone, but to those of us who are first in the family to attend college, it can be terrifying. I experienced uncertainty and imposter syndrome, and walking into class felt like I was crossing the border over and over again. I did not want this for my daughter Lupita, and I made a promise to her that I document in this video-story. In the promise I made to Lupita, our mother-daughter bond strengthened as I helped her develop her self-character, self-confidence, entrepreneurial spirit, and work ethic. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/612_Comunidad_del_Valle_grande.jpg) Sometimes we tend to separate work and family, or we bring our children to work only on the “bring your child to work” day. I invite you to integrate your children into what you do. Do not separate your work and your children. When our children see and participate in what we do, you help them build life skills. They also feel loved and acknowledged, as the parent-child bond grows stronger. Socorro Castañeda, Ph.D. Becoming Mujeres, Co-founder Becoming Mujeres is a firm that provides workshops and seminars to Latina teens and their female caregivers. For more information please visit [becomingmujeres.com](https://www.becomingmujeres.com/) Dr. Castañeda is the author of Our Lady of Everyday Life: La Virgen de Guadalupe and the Catholic Imagination of Mexican Women in America, Oxford University Press, 2018. ### We Are People of Action! URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/social-impact-advocates/community-fuerza-masking-the-virus-changing-the-world/ Last updated: 2026-09-23T15:43:20.000Z ***“Every moment is an organizing opportunity, every person a potential activist, every minute a chance to change the world,”*** said Dolores Huerta. These words ring in my ears, especially during these times. Especially in the midst of our personal journey that has been affected by this Covid-19 pandemic. In my humble opinion, the key is to stay centered, focused yet take this time to reflect on what truly is important and what this experience is teaching us as individuals and as a society. Think about it. This has changed the world and continues to impact millions. It has affected our home and has forever changed us. You see we heard about the shelter in place and diligently complied. My two teenage daughters, husband, and I began to adjust to this new norm in the first weeks of the quarantine. Then something happened smack in the middle of our fear. I learned that some nurses in Roseville, CA were reaching out to anyone in the community that could sew because they were in need of someone who could sew them some fabric masks due to the lack of protective gear. They were now being asked to recycle the paper masks they were given per day. My daughters and I couldn’t believe our ears and so this is how the idea was born to reach out to the community, everyone or anyone, willing to help so that these front-line healthcare workers could be assisted. We knew nothing about fear like these individuals and that changed our new stance and mindset and had a moment to reflect on who truly are hit the hardest. We started, just the three of us (my two teenage daughters Corina and Layla and I), cutting the fabric and sewing face masks to supply that specific hospital. Then I reached out to the community and the out-pour was amazing. I have been greeted by boxes of donated fabric and hundreds of threads (Thank you Laura Mendoza Quinsenberry). We have individuals like Beth Trujillo and daughters Jordanna and Olivia who came forward and have volunteered to cut the fabric and to prep the masks. We have individuals like Beckie Marini who stepped up and let us borrow sewing machines. We have one businesswoman by the name of Heather Rosales who makes costumes and wedding dresses and donates to this effort as well. We have amazing volunteer seamstresses like the talented Leticia Sesma, Olga Sanchez and Mauro Rosales Jr. We continue to receive generous donations to purchase not only fabric but other supplies that are needed by these healthcare workers. We have continued on this beautiful quest. Most recently we have partnered with a small business owner who graciously let us tinker with a 3D printer and yesterday as a matter of fact the machine was programmed, and we hope to begin production of plastic face shields. It would truly amazing to get more 3D printers and get more shields made. This is our area of expertise both my husband Gilbert David Gaska and I. Technology. So we are super excited to get this part going. I share this with you because in the beginning of this COVID-19 Shelter In Place I was very concerned like I am sure many of you were and are. I felt like my hands were tied and there was nothing I could do to help but the reality is we all can help especially during these trying times. The very act of staying in place is HUGE. As a Latina, I have always seen the impact that we as Latinos have made. I feel strongly that we are a dynamic group that works together and continues to impact our society. One of the organizations that I lined up to mainstream the donations so that we remain transparent in our efforts was the [Supernova Foundation](https://www.facebook.com/SupernovaFoundation/). The organization created by a young man who I met when he was a student at Andrew Hill High School. He is now a Nurse Practitioner and has created this organization which he runs separately from his career to help his community. He has been a huge part of helping me organize and mainstream all the supplies to the most needed. Our current two masks sewing efforts are for Valley Medical Center in San Jose and for a clinic by the name of [Salud Para La Gente](https://splg.org/) that serves migrant field workers in Watsonville. Face masks we made were delivered via a caravan the first weekend of May for a farmer worker relief drive. This part of the mission is very significant to me because my tíos, tías, father and even mother know that these essential workers are in critical need. They are a part of us! We take it a day at a time, and we continue to help because like Pablo Picasso said: “***Action is the foundational key to all success***.” We are Latinos, we breathe, we work hard, we are smart, we live helping others, it is who we are and one of many things we do because we are people of action and people of our word. ***Written By Marisa Rosales Gaska*** ### Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/business/coronavirus-aid-relief-and-economic-security-act-cares-act/ Last updated: 2026-09-23T15:35:01.000Z **TAX SERVICES CRC 3020412 03/20 1** | **Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act)** | | ------------------------------------------------------------------ | | **Key Provisions for Individuals and Businesses** | The $2 trillion stimulus bill signed into law on March 27th, 2020 aims to address economic and industry impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic from a variety of perspectives, including tax relief, grants and loan assistance, healthcare and education provisions, and more. Below are some of the key provisions to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act for both individuals and businesses1: *1* *Note that the below does not represent a comprehensive, exhaustive list of all CARES Act provisions. Additionally, some provisions below may have eligibility criteria and conditions not described here in full. Click here for the full text of the bill. Please consult your Financial Advisor, and Tax and Legal Advisors, to understand the potential CARES Act impact to your particular financial and tax situation, respectively.* **Individuals: Key CARES Act Provisions** - $1,200 **advance refundable tax credit** for individuals ($2,400 if filing jointly), plus $500 per qualifying child, with phaseouts beginning at $75,000 in AGI for individuals ($150,000 if filing jointly). Rebates generally will be paid out as advance refunds (in the form of checks or through a direct deposit) on the basis of taxpayers’ 2019 returns (or tax year 2018, if a 2019 return has not yet been filed) - **Relief in the form of retirement account provisions:** 1. Provides the following tax relief for qualifying coronavirus-related distributions (defined later): o waives the 10% penalty tax on early distributions made from qualified retirement plans and individual retirement accounts (IRAs), o allows individuals to include the taxable portion of the distribution in his or her taxable income over a 3 year period, o allows such distributions to be recontributed to a qualified retirement plan or IRA as rollover contributions within 3 years after the date of distribution, o permits in-service distributions from qualified retirement plans, even if such amounts are not otherwise eligible for distribution under the federal tax rules, and o exempts the distribution from mandatory 20% federal income withholding applicable to eligible rollover distributions from qualified retirement plans (and exempts such distributions from the 402(f) notice requirement and direct rollover requirement) Qualifying coronavirus-related distributions are distributions of up to $100,000 in the aggregate that are made from qualified retirement plans and IRAs on or after January 1 2020, and before December 31, 2020, to an individual (1) who is diagnosed with the virus SARS-CoV-2 or with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), (2) whose spouse or qualifying dependent is diagnosed with such virus or disease, or (3) who as a result such virus or disease experiences adverse financial consequences due to quarantine, furlough, layoff, reduced work hours, inability to work as a result of childcare issues, business closure or reduced business hours of a business owned or operated by the individual (and any other factor as determined by Treasury) ‒ Waives Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) for IRAs and defined contribution plans (including 401(k), 403(b), and governmental 457(b) plans) for calendar year 2020, including RMDs for 2019 that must be taken on or before April 1, 2020, by individuals who turned age 70 ½ in 2019, but only to the extent such RMD was not distributed before January 1, 2020 1. ‒ Provides the following coronavirus-related relief for loans from qualified retirement plans: o Temporarily increases plan loan dollar limits for qualifying individuals to the lesser of (1) $100,000 or (2) greater of $10,000 or 100% of the present value of the participant’s vested benefit. Only applies to loans taken within 180 days of enactment, and o Provides qualifying individuals a one-year delay for plan loan repayments that are due in 2020 (but due on or after the date of enactment). A qualifying individual for purposes of this qualified retirement plan loan relief is an individual who would qualify for a coronavirus-related distribution (as described above) - **Expansion of unemployment benefits:** 1. ‒ Creates a temporary Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program through December 31, 2020 to provide payments to individuals not traditionally eligible for unemployment benefits (self-employed, including gig workers and independent contractors, etc.). The Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program will be state administered but federal funded 2. ‒ Provides an additional 13 weeks of unemployment benefits through December 31st, 2020 for those for whom state unemployment benefits may have ended, including recipients of the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program 3. ‒ Provides an additional $600 per week for up to four months to each recipient of Unemployment Insurance or Pandemic Unemployment Assistance 4. ‒ Provides funding to support existing state “short-time compensation” programs (where employers reduce employee hours instead of resorting to layoffs). Employees with reduced hours would receive a pro-rata unemployment benefit and funding through this provision would reimburse 100% of the costs incurred by the state through December 31, 2020\. Also provides funding for states that enter into agreements with the Department of Labor to enact a “short-time compensation” plan, and would reimburse 50% of the costs that a state incurs under the plan through December 31, 2020 - **Charitable deduction increases:** 1. ‒ Up to $300 in above-the-line deductions for charitable cash contributions, for taxpayers who take the standard deduction. Deduction does not apply to contributions to a supporting organization or a Donor Advised Fund 2. ‒ Limitation on deduction amount for charitable cash contributions (60% of AGI for individuals who itemize) has been suspended for 2020\. Suspension does not apply to contributions to a supporting organization or a Donor Advised Fund - **Temporarily suspends payments due on federal student loans,** and enables employers to contribute up to $5,250 to an employee’s student loan payments per year, excluded from the employee’s income - **Provides certain relief for eligible consumers related to their mortgage loans** insured or otherwise guaranteed by VA, FHA, USDA, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac - **Provides additional funding for, and expands provisions around, COVID-19 diagnostic testing and care** **Businesses: Key CARES Act Provisions** - **Expands eligibility criteria for Small Business Administration 7(a) loans** and **provides under certain conditions loans of up to $10M, as well as grants,** available via the US Small Business Administration - **Employee retention tax credit** for eligible employers: a refundable Social Security tax credit equal to 50% of qualified employee wages (up to $10,000 of wages for each employee). - **Deferral of the Social Security portion of employer payroll taxes owed** for the period between March 27, 2020 and December 31, 2020: 50% of the deferred amount to be paid by December 31, 2021 and the remainder to be paid by December 31, 2022 - **Modification of Net Operating Loss (NOL) rules:** 1. ‒ Temporary allowance to use NOLs to offset 100% of taxable income (as opposed to the 80% limitation established as part of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act) for taxable years prior to 2021 2. ‒ NOLs generated in tax years 2018, 2019, and 2020 can be carried back 5 years (may require the amendment of prior year tax returns). Pass-through entities and sole proprietorships may be able to take advantage of this provision - **Temporary increase in business interest expense limitation** to 50% of adjustable taxable income for tax years 2019 and 2020\. Taxpayers can use their 2019 adjusted taxable income for the 2020 calculation - **Temporary suspension of the limitation on excess business losses** established as part of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act for tax years 2018, 2019, and 2020, for pass-through entities and sole proprietorships - **Accelerated ability to obtain AMT Credit Carryforward Refunds** made available to corporations as part of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act - **Charitable deduction increased** for C corporations from 10% to 25% of taxable income - **Qualified improvement property**, e.g. real estate and leasehold improvement, **now included as eligible for bonus depreciation of 100%** for property placed in service in tax years after 2017\. This is a technical correction to the bonus depreciation provision of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act - **Defined Benefit funding relief** for single-employer defined benefit plans: the due date for employers to satisfy their plan funding obligations that would otherwise be due during 2020 (including the due date(s) for any quarterly contributions, if applicable) is delayed until January 1, 2021, with interest for payments made after the original due date - Establishes certain limits on provisions from the Families First Coronavirus Response Act which require employers to provide paid leave **ADDITIONAL RESOURCES** - **Full CARES Act bill:** gov. - **Coronavirus Emergency Loans Guide and Checklist for Small Businesses and Nonprofits:** com *(U.S. Chamber of Commerce)* **Disclosures** Tax laws are complex and subject to change. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice and are not “fiduciaries” (under ERISA, the Internal Revenue Code or otherwise) with respect to the services or activities described herein except as otherwise provided in writing by Morgan Stanley and/or as described at www.morganstanley.com/disclosures/dol. Individuals are encouraged to consult their tax and legal advisors (a) before establishing a retirement plan or account, and (b) regarding any potential tax, ERISA and related consequences of any investments made under such plan or account. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only. It is not an offer to buy or sell or a solicitation of any offer to buy or sell any security or other financial instrument or to participate in any trading strategy. This material does not provide individually tailored investment advice and has been prepared without regard to the individual financial circumstances and objectives of persons who receive it. Information contained herein has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC does not guarantee their accuracy or completeness. This material may provide the addresses of, or contain hyperlinks to, websites. Morgan Stanley is not implying an affiliation, sponsorship, endorsement with/of the third party or that any monitoring is being done by Morgan Stanley of any information contained within the website. Morgan Stanley is not responsible for the information contained on the third party website or the use of or inability to use such site. Nor do we guarantee their accuracy or completeness. ### We Salute You - International Women's History Month 2020 URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/social-impact-advocates/we-salute-you-international-womens-history-month-2020/ Last updated: 2026-09-23T21:30:29.000Z With great pleasure we share this video saluting all the Women we know, love, work with who are Mothers, Sisters, Daughters and who bare a great amount of responsibility as Women. WE SALUTE YOU everyday but especially during this International Women's History Month 2020! #CreoEnTi #CreoEnNosotros #Latina #Latinx ### Eric Esparza - Cultura Ambassador URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/cultura-ambassador/erica-esparza-cultura-ambassador/ Last updated: 2026-09-28T21:55:57.000Z Eric Esparza, is 29 years old and incredibly happy to be a part of the SVL tribe! As a first-generation Mexican American, he was born in Fullerton, California before moving up to Oakland and San Leandro. With 2 brothers and incredibly hard-working parents, they were raised to go after their dreams. Their mother taught them that they can accomplish anything as long as they worked hard for it, and never let it go. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/image2_d80974ad-4c1f-4337-a219-dbde34424ca5_grande.jpeg) So, after high school, Eric made the decision to pursue a career in the fire service. Luckily, his godfather was a Firefighter in Hayward, California at the time and was able to guide him throughout the process. It was during this time that he realized the emotional and psychological stress that comes with the journey of pursuing a career. 6 years after he made the decision, he was offered a full-time position in Oakland, California. After earning a permanent position at his dream firehouse, he felt he wanted to create more for the community; even globally. He wanted to create something that could reach thousands and even millions of people around the world. Therefore, he drew on his experience and passion as a soccer coach to realize he could build a platform to help athletes create resumes to promote themselves within a social network - a LinkedIn for Sports Industry - which led him to found and launch [Scout Cloud](https://www.facebook.com/ScoutCloud/), Inc. in 2017\. His passion to solve problems and improve systems at work encouraged him to go to business school and earn his MBA at California State University East Bay in 2019\. The experience has been invaluable for Scout Cloud, but also furthered his understanding of internal processes within the Oakland Fire Department. Today, he is excited to join Silicon Valley Latino as a Cultura Ambassador to network and share some of his experiences with an amazing group of individuals! ### Darrell Cortez at the helm of Shop with a Cop Silicon Valley URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/cultura-ambassador/darrell-cortez-at-the-helm-of-shop-with-a-cop-silicon-valley/ Last updated: 2026-09-28T21:55:58.000Z SVL Cultura Ambassador Darrell Cortez was born and raised in San Jose CA where he attended local schools. After high school he attended West Valley College and then went onto San Jose State Univ. where he pursued the field of criminal justice. Growing up Darrell saw how active his parents were within the community and that instilled in him a call to service. He remembers meeting a police officer, early on, that worked at his parents events and mentioned to him that he is interested in becoming a Police Officer. He went on to work with the SJPD specializing in the area of narcotics and had a very successful 30+ year career at the department. Darrell is currently the Executive Director of the Shop with a Cop Foundation of Silicon Valley. We are about addressing the systemic causes of poverty. That is education and children's inability to read at a proficient or advanced level. Only 59 % of 3rd grade students in SC County read at a proficient or advanced level. In Silicon Valley, where those without a high school degree will earn a median income below the the federal poverty line, the stakes for learning to read are high. It is a crisis. Since reading is the foundation for all learning, we must continue to see that our Latino kids succeed. if not, they will continue to live in poverty and their chances to get ahead are bleak. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/Screen_Shot_2020-03-11_at_12.39.36_PM_grande.png) The children participating in this year’s shopping spree were tested on their reading comprehension and those who excelled through the process were rewarded by participating in the Heroes and Helpers Holiday shopping spree. Students had to “**earn”** their way. On December 4, 2019, we hosted 220 children of promise. There were over 240 police officers from 27 Bay Area, local, state and federal police agencies and 100 community volunteers. This experience will leave an indelible image on each child. It was a great day of giving back during this holiday season. One child was quoted as saying, “I have never been to a Target store before.” The premise of our work is to humanize the people behind the badge so children grow up trusting the police. The Shop with a Cop Foundation of Silicon Valley works on behalf of law enforcement officers and the communities they serve locally to shape strong partnerships and breakdown communication barriers; rebuilding trust through active engagement, education programs and outreach. We could not carry out our mission without generous supporters like you. You are helping us change the narrative on how children view police officers. "It is no secret that in our profession today we are not seen by many, especially in the Latino community as the public servants and protectors we really are. We can complain about it and continue to see the division and animosity that is happening or we can do something or we can take action to do our part to change this perception, one child at a time." ### Men's Giving Circle 2.0 URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/business/mens-giving-circle-2-0/ Last updated: 2026-09-28T21:55:59.000Z Angel Chavez initiated the inaugural Men’s Giving Circle (MGC) back in 2015 and officially launched in the Spring of 2016 by literally picking up the phone and calling Latinos in his network to join him in helping to bridge the gap for young men of color and creating a pathway to success. The MGC took off and at its peak had about 50 members who agreed to use the 6 tenants of the “My Brothers Keeper” initiative started by the Obama administration. These 6 tenants include: 1. Entering school ready to learn 2. Reading at grade level by third grade 3. Graduating from high school ready for college and career 4. Completing post-secondary education or training 5. Successfully Entering The Workforce 6. Reducing Violence and Providing a Second Chance As such, we've funded organizations such as Mission Graduates, Fathers of San Joaquin, HOMEY and Dev Mission. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/Men_s_Giving_Circle_grande.jpeg) In 2018 the MGC split into the East Bay and SF MGC. In addition, Pedro Gravista took the opportunity to start the LGBT GC and this further bifurcated the MGC. Since then, we have decided to bring the East Bay and San Francisco back together in order to take advantage of economies of scale, talent, and shared resources. So, as we enter a new decade, we are excited to launch MGC 2.0 this evening for the new decade of making an impact. Of special mention, Anthony Chavez, and Tomas Quiñonez-Riegos, have shown great leadership in the East Bay and Martin Encinas Leon, Ernesto Martinez and Lawrence Flores, who are original members and have towed the line in San Francisco. As we head into 2020, our vision is for these leaders to move us forward so that we can help other community-based organizations such as Dev Mission and make a significant impact in the lives of our young men of color. We invite other action-oriented Latino leaders to reach out to us and support this special movement. ### SVL Decade in Review Video! URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/business/svl-decade-in-review-video/ Last updated: 2026-09-28T21:56:01.000Z Happy New Year! Happy New Decade! 2020 is here and we are carrying over great momentum from 2019 into the new decade! We would like to take this opportunity to reflect on all that we’ve been able to accomplish collaboratively. Much of our impact has been delivered via our Creo En Ti initiatives. Through our Inspire Higher Program, we’ve visited fifteen high schools and community colleges and delivered panel presentations. Through our Latino Leaders “Fireside Chats” we’ve featured five remarkable leaders and through our "College Declaration Day" celebrations we have recognized 40 stellar high school students who are now attending notable universities throughout the country. Additionally, we have paid tribute to 100 exceptional leaders via our SVL Latino Leaders Awards Ceremonies (40 Under 40 Latinos2Watch, Trailblazers and Emerging Leaders and the 2019 Latino Leaders Awards Ceremony) and we’ve brought professionals, students, and various collaborators together through our inaugural Raices – Creo En Ti Summit in partnership with Santa Clara University. Lastly, we are delighted to report that we’ve reached several million globally through our SVL Online magazine and social media channels. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/AMG_6486_grande.jpeg) Once again, this would not have been possible without your collective support, investment, resources, and partnership. And for this, we want sincerely thank you all for your continued support. We want to give a special thanks to our Cultura Ambassadors, Creo En Ti Business Ambassadors, SVL Advisory Board Members, collaborators, sponsors, and clients. Thank you for believing in us, our mission, vision, initiatives and our business offerings. As a result, we’ve had a tremendous impact in our community and your feedback and testimonials have let us know that we are on the right track. We would also like to acknowledge all of our collaborators, ambassadors, sponsors, and clients by listing them below. Thank you! ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/Cultura_Ambassadors_grande.jpeg) | ATAX Accounting & Financial Services, ABC7, ACE Charter High School, Agave Uptown Restaurant, ALPFA, AP Accounting, Aruba Networks, Avalos Foundation, Ay Dios Mio!, Bank Of The West, BeVisible, Bill.com, Blach Construction, Blyve, Bodega Make Over Project, Cafecito Band, California Special Occasions, Cañada College, Carrington Mortgage Services, Carry The Vision, Casa de Chocolates, Ceiba College Preparatory Academy, Chachos Restaurant, Charles Schwab, Cisco, Citigroup, Club Sportiva, Comerica Bank, Conclave Agency, Conexion (BRO @ Cisco), Cooley, LLP, Cowan Agency, Cristo Rey San Jose Jesuit High School, Crivio Media, Delta Airlines, DJ Nica, DJ Too Tall, DJ Vex One, Easy Video Success, Edible Arrangements, EFP Law Group, El Camino Group @ Morgan Stanley, Elite Spartans, Encanto Vineyards, Ernst & Young, Eternal Glow Aesthetics, Experior Media, Fanny Diaz Photography & Make-Up, Farmers Insurance – Ana Uribe Ruiz, Farmers Insurance – Dalia Herrera, First Cal Lending – Teo Valencia, FiveRun, Fremont Bank, Fausta Family Vineyards, Fuerza Latina Su Casa - Intero, Gallardo Chiropractic, Inc, Genentech, Google, Hispanic Foundation of Silicon Valley, HITEC (Hispanic IT Executive Council), IBM, ICAN Bucket, iConexion, JC Events, Jewels by Park Lane – Veronica Giggy, Kaiser Permanente, Kaiser Permanente Latino Association, Latina Coalition of Silicon Valley, Latina VIDA, Latinas Contra Cancer, Latinas in STEM, Latino College Preparatory, Latino Leaders Magazine, Latino Start-up Alliance, LatinxAmerica, Latinx Student Union @ Santa Clara University, Law Foundation of Silicon Valley, Law Offices of Ismael Perez, Liquid Agency, LISTAS, Luis Valdez Leadership Academy, MACLA (Movimiento de Arte y Cultura Latino Americana), Made in San Jose Magazine, Manos Accelerator, Mass Mutual – Richard Calderon, Maya Upholstery, Mezcal Restaurant, Microsoft, Milpitas High School, Milpitas Unified School District, MJ Law, Modern Latina, Momentous, Events by Design, Monterey Bay Aquarium, Neveria Abel 1950, New York Life – Memo Morentes, New York Life – Marielena Scanlon, NHORA (National Hispanic Organization for Real Estate Associates), NSHMBA (National Society of Hispanic MBAs), Omniscient CRM, Oracle, Pahl & McCay Law Firm, Palo Alto Networks, Pepito’s Paletas, Perezidential Homes, Prosperous Real Estate Services – Richard Gonzalez, Quinteto Latino, ReMax Futura – Jorge E. Carcamo, RG Financial Group, Robles Carrillo & Associates Wealth Management Group, Rose Peddlers, Ruben Garcia Insurance Group, Sacred Heart Nativity Schools, Sabor Del Valle, San Jose City College, San Jose Evergreen Community College District, San Jose Jazz, Santa Clara County Reentry Resource Center, Santa Clara University, Shop With A Cop Foundation of Silicon Valley, SHPE (Society of Hispanic Engineers – Silicon Valley), Silicon Valley Accounting & Tax, LLC, Sotelo Wines, State Farm – Alexandra Anderson, State Farm – Carlos Marron, Study.com, Symantec, Tammie Pererira Insurance Services, Inc., Tesoro Financial Group, Inc., The Bromberg Group @ Morgan Stanley – Alejandro Pulido, The Chapultepec Group, The Fairmont Hotel, The Foundation for Hispanic Education, The Giggy Group, The School of Art & Culture, The Velasco Group, Tortilla Soup Band, Urban Barbar College, Vino Latino USA, Wells Fargo Home Mortgage – Thancy Camacho Gutierrez, and Yerba Buena Engineering and Construction. We plan on enhancing our initiatives and business offerings as we step into the new decade in order to have a more significant impact with your continued support and partnership. If you have not collaborated with us, we invite you to do so as well as to become a member of our tribe of Cultura Ambassadors. We look forward to connecting with you soon! In collaborative spirit, The SVL Team We invite you to view our Decade In Review video below. | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | ### Adrian Ridner - Trailblazer Award URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/business/adrian-ridner-trailblazer-award/ Last updated: 2026-09-28T21:56:02.000Z **On November 9, 2019, Silicon Valley Latino in partnership with Santa Clara University and numerous sponsors, held the 2019 Latino Leaders Awards Ceremony in which 20 remarkable individuals were featured. We continue the series featuring, CEO of Study.com, Adrian Ridner.** **As Co-founder and CEO of [Study.com](http://study.com/), an online education website used by over 35 million students and teachers a month, Adrian knows first-hand how technology is transforming education. He is committed to improving online education through personalized learning solutions that are engaging, effective, and affordable. [Study.com](http://study.com/)'s video lessons and online courses help K-12 and college students excel academically and help professionals close skill gaps. By working with millions of students every month, he has become an expert on educational issues like college affordability and personalized learning.** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/Raice-AdrianwithAward_2_grande.jpeg) **Adrian is on the board of Riecken Community Libraries. The Riecken Foundation has been promoting literacy and access to knowledge in Central America since 2000\. Through their community libraries, the Foundation has brought books, newspapers, the Internet and other resources to over 60 small communities in Honduras and Guatemala. He also serves as a board member for Cal Poly State University’s Engineering & Computer Science advisory council where he has helped transform the curriculum over the past four years to prepare graduates for their fast-changing technology careers.** **Watch his acceptance speech below!** ### Hilda Ramirez - Creo En Ti Champion URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/business/hilda-ramirez-creo-en-ti-champion/ Last updated: 2026-09-28T21:56:03.000Z On November 9, 2019, Silicon Valley Latino in partnership with Santa Clara University and numerous sponsors, held the 2019 Latino Leaders Awards Ceremony in which 20 remarkable individuals were featured. We continue the series featuring, CEO and Team Leader for Keller Williams Silicon City, Hilda Ramirez. Hilda Ramirez is the CEO and Team Leader for Keller Williams Silicon City with offices in San Jose and Santa Clara. She joined the company in January 2018 and is responsible for the companies three divisions, residential, luxury and commercial real estate operations which currently boasts 180 real estate Associates. Her goals include growing KW Silicon City to be one of KW’s Premier Mega Offices. Prior to joining Keller Williams Silicon City, Hilda served the Santa Clara County Association of REALTORS (SCCAOR) from 2014 to 2017 as their Director of PR, Communications, Education, Events and Digital Media. Hilda's responsibilities included all functions of membership engagement. Hilda ran the professional development arm of the association which provided educational benefits to more than 6,100 REALTOR members and almost 400 Affiliates. While at SCCAOR she developed a Peer to Peer educational model which pairs the industry's most knowledgeable practitioners with its rising stars. The model was designed to curate an environment of higher professionalism, minimizing risks while simultaneously improving overall service to Consumers. The program has been largely successful and has spurred an inspiring business culture at SCCAOR resulting in greater member participation and growth. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/Raice-Hilda_podium2_grande.jpeg) Hilda is a 30+ year veteran of real estate industry and has held a variety of leadership positions. She has extensive experience in 1031 exchanges, real estate investments, educational based marketing and all things social media. She holds the Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS) and Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES) designations. Hilda Ramirez is a Founding Officer of the [National Hispanic Organization of Real Estate Associates](https://nhora.org/) (NHORA). sits on the Board of Directors for the Housing Trust of Silicon Valley (HTSV), is an Advisory Board Member of the Vietnamese National Association of Real Estate Professionals and as an Advisor to REBAC, the for profit educational arm of the National Association of REALTORS (NAR). She is well recognized as a local and national advocate for housing. Her professional accolades are many, she has been the recipient of the Affiliate of the Year for every major real estate organization and has been commended for work in her community from California leaders Senator's Bob Wieckowski and Jerry Hill along with Assembly-member Ash Kalra. Hilda Ramirez is a native of San Jose', California where she lives with her daughter, Erica, a Corporate Attorney working in Los Angeles. Hilda's hobbies include spending time at the beach, music, traveling, the arts, hiking and investing. ### County of Santa Clara Reentry Resource Center URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/social-impact-advocates/county-of-santa-clara-reentry-resource-center/ Last updated: 2026-09-28T21:56:04.000Z **County of Santa Clara Reentry Resource Center:** **Providing the Tools for Successful Reentry** One of the most precarious times for individuals leaving jail or prison are the days and weeks immediately after they are released. Without housing, jobs, medical and mental health care or support systems, many individuals simply go back to what they know. Often that means homelessness, substance use and drug dealing. The last thing a person leaving jail or prison needs is judgement and bureaucracy. The County of Santa Clara recognizes that in order to reduce the number of individuals returning to jail and prison and to build safer communities and stronger families we need to provide reentry clients with the tools to be successful. The County of Santa Clara created the Reentry Resource Center, a "one-stop-shop" providing services and support to currently and formerly incarcerated residents. Any County resident released in the last 12 months can receive services at the San Jose Center or the sister South County Center serving Gilroy, San Martin and Morgan Hill. Clients can access social services such as General Assistance, CalFresh food and Medi-Cal benefits, as well as services related to education, legal issues, health and well-being, housing, vocational training and employment. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/Vietnamese_grande.jpeg) County of Santa Clara Behavioral Health Services Department staff at the Center assess clients for substance use and mental health treatment services in the community. This department also provides peer mentors to support clients in obtaining housing, food, healthcare, and community-based health and social services. A Mobile Medical Unit bus comes to the San Jose and Gilroy centers and is staffed with a doctor and other medical and psychiatric staff. And recently the Center contracted with service navigators who meet with clients while they are still in custody to create a plan for what they will need after release. They then meet with clients post release to provide case management and linkage to services. Before reentry centers existed, churches were a main source of support for people coming out of jail and prison. Recognizing the crucial role the faith-based community plays in not only providing for immediate needs like, clothes, food and shelter, but also positive social environments, the County helps fund four Faith-Based Resource Centers in the community serving clients with basic needs as well as employment readiness regardless of their faith. Clients of the Reentry Resource Center can also get help clearing their criminal records, being assessed for housing assistance, and enrolling in college or a trade school. The Center hosts a free on-site initial college credit course taught by San Jose City College instructors for clients who wish to pursue an Alcohol and Drug Studies counseling degree. **![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/RRC_slider_photo.peg_grande.jpeg)** For employment assistance the Reentry Resource Center partners with several nonprofits providing immediate part-time employment, on-the-job training, job readiness skills, help with resumes and job searches and much more. The Center also houses programs in which clients whose offenses are considered non-violent, non-serious and non-sexual in nature, can serve the remainder of their jail sentence in the community under intensive supervision by the Sheriff’s Office. This program includes case management, educational and vocational programs and carefully designed transition plans focusing on the needs of the individual. Programs like this provide an opportunity for individuals to transition from full incarceration to community with life skills and behavioral modification tools. Clients get help with substance abuse, healthy relationships, job readiness, trauma recovery, conflict resolution, anger management and much more. And many clients can do community service work and or pursue education and employment so that when they are released from custody, they have put into place some of the most crucial elements for successful reentry: employment, housing, education and social and emotional supports. Staff at the Reentry Resource Centers in San Jose and Gilroy are ready to assist justice-involved individuals make their transitions from custody to community as successful as possible, so that when they get out, they stay out. ### Luz Urrutia - Latina of Influence URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/business/luz-urrutia-latino-leader-award-recepient-2019/ Last updated: 2026-09-28T21:56:05.000Z On November 9, 2019, Silicon Valley Latino in partnership with Santa Clara University and numerous sponsors, held the 2019 Latino Leaders Awards Ceremony in which 20 remarkable individuals were featured. Over the next few weeks, we will post features on these honorees. We kick-off this series featuring CEO of Opportunity Fund, Luz Urrutia. Luz Urrutia joined [Opportunity Fund](https://www.opportunityfund.org/) as C.E.O. in 2017, working to build a more inclusive financial system. In this role, Luz is helping to scale the non-profit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) to deepen its impact in California and expand its reach nationwide. Already the nation’s largest non-profit small business lender – with over $180 million in small business loans under management – Luz will attract the capital and raise the philanthropic funds that will quadruple Opportunity Fund’s impact by 2023. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/Raice-LuzAwardshot_grande.jpeg) Luz has spent her career in banking and financial services, particularly in under-served markets, and has won numerous awards for her leadership. She began her career at Wachovia, where she spent 18 years, before founding El Banco de Nuestra Comunidad, a financial institution based in Georgia serving the under-banked Latino population. Luz served as President and Chief Operating Officer from 2001 - 2013\. As VP of Retail Sales and Services at Oportun from 2013-2016, Luz’s team expanded Oportun’s footprint across five states. In 2016, Luz joined Dollar Financial Group as CEO for the Americas to help transform the organization into a responsible consumer finance business for underserved communities. Luz has served on the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s Consumer Advisory Board; the Center for Financial Services Innovation; the Silicon Valley Community Foundation, and the Consumer Advisory Council of the Federal Reserve Bank. Most recently, she received the Latino Leadership Award by the Silicon Valley Business Journal. Luz received a B.S., magna cum laude, in Business Administration and Finance and an M.B.A., both from Georgia State University. ### Héctor Armienta brings Zorro to San Jose in December! URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/art-culture/hector-armienta-brings-zorro-to-san-jose-in-december/ Last updated: 2026-09-28T21:56:07.000Z Silicon Valley Latino Cultura Ambassador [Héctor Armienta ](https://svlatino.com/blogs/cultura-ambassador/hector-armienta-svl-cultura-ambassador)brings to San Jose's MACLA theater his latest interpretation of Zorro! With his theater company Opera Cultura they will present the very first performances of excerpts from *Zorro*, the newest bilingual opera by nationally-recognized Mexican-American composer Héctor Armienta. This incredible opera tells the story of the beloved fictional character—the masked, swashbuckling vigilante who fights injustice and corruption. The opera incorporates a variety of musical styles, including Mariachi and Mexican corridos. The story is of a young man of noble birth in search of his destiny. After spending several years abroad in Spain, he returns home to Reina de Los Angeles to discover his true calling—to fight for the poor and disenfranchised. Set in the early 19th century in Alta California and in México, the story reflects a time of great political upheaval, due in part to the French Revolution and Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte. The opera references political events and historical figures, including Spanish King Ferdinand and the man who lit the flame of the Mexican revolution, Padre Miguel Hidalgo. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/DSC001591_SM_large.JPG) The performance will be directed by Mexican will feature Mexican tenor Alonso Sicairos-León performing the leading role of Diego de la Vega (Zorro), as part of Opera Cultura’s Young Artist Program and Arte Sin Fronteras/Art Without Borders Initiative. Arte Sin Fronteras is a cross-cultural exchange initiative that was originally spearheaded by Opera Cultura in association with the Office of Cultural Affairs, the city of San José, the Mexican Consulate of San José, and the city of Guadalajara, México. Other featured artists are: Soprano Aléxa Anderson, baritone Eugene Brancoveanu, mezzo-soprano Nikola Printz, baritone J.T. Williams, and soprano Nicole Lopez-Hagan. The performance will be directed by Mexican stage director Octavio Cardenas, who captivates audiences with his visionary, visceral, and physical style of directing. Please note that both performances have very limited capacity. The performance on December 19th will be followed by a discussion with the composer, artists, and stage director. **TWO PERFORMANCES:** - Thursday, December 19 at 7:00pm - Friday, December 20 at 7:00pm **Location:** MACLA, 510 S. First Street, San Jose CA 95113 **Tickets and Information:** Tickets are pay-what-you-can (value $10-$25) and can be ordered online at [**zorroworkshop.brownpapertickets.com**](http://zorroworkshop.brownpapertickets.com) or over the phone at **1-800-838-3006**. Performances will be approximately one hour long. The venue is wheelchair accessible. For all other info (directions, parking, etc.) contact: 408-471-7853 or [info@operacultura.org](mailto:info@operacultura.org). **ABOUT THE COMPOSER/LIBRETTIST** Héctor Armienta, a nationally-recognized Mexican-American composer, focuses on creating work that explores the Mexican and Mexican-American cultural experience. His awards and commissions include those from Fort Worth Opera, Opera SouthWest, Meet the Composer, the National Endowment for the Arts, Arts International, Opera Pacific, the Pacific Symphony, two San Francisco Arts Commissions, Oakland East Bay Symphony, and Western Stage Theater. His work for orchestra and theater has received support from three NEA grants in artistic excellence. Mr. Armienta holds a BM degree in composition from California Institute of the Arts and an MM degree in composition from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. [www.hectorarmienta.com](http://www.hectorarmienta.com) **ABOUT OPERA CULTURA** Our mission is to explore the Latinx-Hispanic cultural experience through music theater and opera, while providing opportunities for the community to participate as creators, learners, and performers. We accomplish this by presenting the work of composer Héctor Armienta and other Latinx composers, showcasing other artists, and training young people in the performing arts. By doing so, we create a cultural bridge between communities. Our programming in the past has included presenting Latinx-Hispanic opera, collaborating with Latinx-based arts organizations and other community organizations, and providing training for young people in the performing arts. While San Jose remains our artistic home, we have also presented and co-presented in New York, Washington D.C., and México. Notable performances include La LLorona, Rio de Mujéres, and Armienta's immigration song cycle opera Cuentos de Peregrinacíon. Cuentos has been performed in San Jose and in Guadalajara, México's Degollado Theater. Opera Cultura also initiated the Arte Sin Fronteras (Art Without Borders) Initiative, a cross-cultural exchange between San Jose, CA, and Guadalajara, México. **SPONSORS:** This performance and project is supported in part by: [SVCreates,](https://www.svcreates.org/) in partnership with the [County of Santa Clara](https://www.sccgov.org/sites/scc/Documents/home.html), [Fort Worth Opera](https://www.fwopera.org/), the Cultura Guild, and Friends of Opera Cultura. ### KPLA’s LatinX Heritage Awards and Scholarship Banquet URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/social-impact-advocates/kpla-s-latinx-heritage-awards-and-scholarship-banquet/ Last updated: 2026-09-28T21:56:08.000Z On October 11, 2019, Kaiser Permanente Latino Association (KPLA) hosted their 28th Annual LatinX Heritage Awards and Scholarship Banquet at Scott’s Restaurant in Oakland. This year’s theme was dedicated to La Mujer – an ode to Latinas/LatinXs making immense contributions to Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity. The remarkable [Ysabel Duron](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjD6mJOso3s&t=151s), Founder/President of [The Latino Cancer Institute](https://www.latinocancerinstitute.org/en/home/) was the evening’s keynote speaker who delivered a powerful message on overcoming adversity in her career as a Latina journalist and transforming her cancer experience to address cancer in the LatinX population at the national level. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/73047199_2081348048633168_2383106923953127424_o_large.jpg) KPLA awarded scholarships to over 15 students who demonstrate through their activities in school, in the community, or in the face of unusual circumstances – an aspiration to address health disparities in the LatinX Community and/or support the development of LatinX Health Care leaders. KPLA also recognized over 20 physicians, clinicians and employees in two categories; Signature and Visión con Pasión Awards. The Signature awards are given to individuals that have gone above and beyond to break ground, advance, champion and care for our LatinX and diverse population and workforce. The Visión con Pasión Awards are given to bilingual, bi-cultural physicians and clinicians who inspires, promotes, and models cultural sensitivity amongst providers and staff in the health care setting. Both awards are selected by the KPLA Regional Executive Board and vetted by their respective leaders. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/72900786_2081330141968292_7525090918035095552_o_large.jpg) KPLA understands that saying Thank You goes a long way, and doing it with a little flavor, style, and authenticity makes it that much more meaningful. KPLA’s LatinX Heritage Awards and Scholarship Banquet is meant to say, as a familia, that KPLA appreciates, and celebrates the efforts of each awardee for making Kaiser Permanente a best place to work and receive quality care. ### Raices - Creo En Ti Summit URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/business/raices-creo-en-ti-summit/ Last updated: 2026-09-28T21:56:09.000Z On Saturday, November 9, 2019, Silicon Valley Latino had the honor of partnering up with [Santa Clara University’s Office of Undergraduate Admission](https://www.scu.edu/admission/undergraduate/contact-us/) and the Latinx Student Union for the inaugural “Raices - Creo En Ti Summit.” Over 450 high school students, parents, faculty, staff, Latino professionals and SVL Latino Leader Award recipients along with several sponsors came together for this high touch and high impact summit! Students and parents came from as far away as Sacramento and Merced to Santa Clara University, to participate in this one of a kind one-day empowerment conference which included several workshops and panel discussions on Financial Aid, Health Care, Business, STEM, and Intro to Coding. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/Raices_students_shot_SLIDER_1024x1024.jpeg) At the conclusion of the summit, we held the 2019 SVL Latino Leaders Award Ceremony where we paid tribute to 20 remarkable leaders. Special thanks to our summit sponsors and collaborators [Palo Alto Networks](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/), [Delta/AeroMexico](https://www.delta.com/), [Kaiser Permanente](https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/), [Aruba Networks](https://www.arubanetworks.com/), [Morgan Stanley](https://advisor.morganstanley.com/el-camino-group), [Monterey Bay Aquarium](https://www.montereybayaquarium.org/), [Omniscient CRM](https://omniscientcrm.com/), [Pahl & McCay](http://www.pahl-mccay.com/), [San Jose Evergreen Community College District](http://www.sjeccd.edu/), [Study.com](http://study.com/), [The Foundation for Hispanic Education](https://www.tfhe.org/), [LISTAS ](https://www.listas.org/)and [ABC7 ](https://abc7news.com/)as well as numerous professional Latinos and countless volunteers. Here's our complete Raices - Creo En Ti Summit Highlight Video, enjoy. We look forward to engaging you at our next summit! ### Agave Uptown - #CreoEnTi Business Ambassador URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/business/agave-uptown/ Last updated: 2026-09-28T21:56:10.000Z We are delighted to introduce our latest “Creo En Ti Business Ambassador” [Agave Uptown](http://agaveuptown.com/)! Agave Uptown was named in homage to the agave plant, the vital ingredient in mezcal production. For the past three years, Agave Uptown has become an exciting addition to the Oakland food scene, the restaurant not only features a delicious menu of authentic Oaxacan dishes for both lunch and dinner, but also offers an original cocktail menu that highlights the versatility and flavor of mezcal. Housed on the ground floor of the Kapor Center for Social Impact, Agave Uptown has become an integral part of the Oakland dining scene while joining with the Kapor Center in its mission to narrow gaps in opportunity and access for underrepresented communities. Local architecture and design firm, Arcsine, was selected to work with Chef Octavio Diaz to create a dynamic experience for his second restaurant in the Bay Area. In addition to full scope architecture and interior design services, Arcsine’s creative direction through brand development allowed a comprehensive approach to the design process, resulting in a rich and seamless experience of all that Agave offers. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/Screen_Shot_2019-12-02_at_1.01.15_PM_grande.jpeg) Agave Uptown is a 4,000-square-foot oasis filled with thoughtful design references that bring the culture, history, and diverse energy of Oaxaca, Mexico to Oakland, California. Agave Uptown is a gregarious and accommodating space where guests can pick up a quick meal or stay and enjoy full-service dining. With two points of entry, one allows instant access to delicious, quick food options, while the other leads to a comfortable, seated dining area. Upon entering, guests are welcomed by a sophisticated, yet approachable color palette of cool blues punctuated by earthy reds, yellows, and oranges. A handsome teak floor sets the foundation for wood, copper, porcelain, brown- braided leather details that add warmth and depth to the space. Born and raised in Santa Gertrudis, Mexico, southwest of the city of Oaxaca, Agave Uptown owner, Octavio Diaz, grew up cooking in a close-knit environment renowned for its vibrant cuisine, striking landscape and rich cultural history. With a focus on farm-raised ingredients and soulful cooking, Agave Uptown draws from the artisanal traditions of Oaxaca - an aesthetic entrenched in Diaz family culture long before it became trendy north of the border. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/Alex_Octavio_Agave_grande.jpeg) The grab and go area is a lively zone where guests are welcomed by an array of marketplace items. Here, patrons can observe tortillas being made, purchase jars of signature mole and Sal de Gusano, and watch Diaz lovingly craft meals from recipes handed down from his grandmother. The open kitchen is a bright space with custom mosaic tile and copper-clad columns that set the scene for a bustling culinary environment. Floor to ceiling mosaic tiles, arranged in a colorful Zapotec pattern on the bathroom walls also offer an unexpected and fun surprise. The main dining area is defined by a curved wall separating the restaurant from the Kapor Center. A custom curved banquette and angled tables offer flexibility for small and large groups to dine. Lapiztola, Oaxaca-based art collective, worked with the design team to create a compelling mural that speaks to Agave Uptown’s dedication to authentic cuisine, the creation of mezcal, social empowerment, and community. Patrons can choose to dine at the bar, the main dining room, at tables and counters lining the perimeter or in the wood-clad private dining room at the back. The bar boasts a faceted display of folded steel planes woven and welded into a dazzling centerpiece. The intricate custom metalwork was inspired by the geometric folds of agave leaves and draws visitors to the energetic center of the restaurant to sample mezcal, craft cocktails, and delicacies from the raw bar. Behind the back bar itself, a glass wall with a delicate copper mesh veil separates the private dining room from the lively restaurant and offers a relaxed and intimate setting. Under a hickory wood canopy, generous banquette seating is clad in custom fabric inspired by Zapotec rug patterns from Oaxaca. From the leather-wrapped coas mounted to the wood wall to the black clay and copper agave leaves on display, the private dining room pays tribute to the hard work and handcrafted heritage of Oaxacan farmers. We invite you, your family and friends to make reservations this holiday season and enjoy the gastronomic pleasures Agave Uptown offers and let them know that their friends at SVL say “Salud!”. ### THANK YOU from Silicon Valley Latino! URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/cultura-ambassador/thank-you-from-silicon-valley-latino/ Last updated: 2026-09-23T21:39:28.000Z Greetings all and Happy Thanksgiving. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you for your continued support, partnership, and collaboration. We’ve recently celebrated our eight-year anniversary and we could not have reached this milestone without the support of so many of you and for this, we are very grateful. Special thanks to our Kickstarter donors, early print publication subscribers, Cultura Ambassadors, Creo En Ti Business Ambassadors, SVL Advisory Board Members, former SVL team members and countless volunteers, the numerous corporate sponsors, as well as our clients and collaborators. List of corporate sponsors and collaborators Charles Schwab, Cisco, Santa Clara University, Palo Alto Networks, Delta/AeroMexico, Kaiser Permanente, Google, IBM, Oracle, Microsoft, Aruba Networks, HITEC, Latinas Contra Cancer, LBAN, BeVisible, ATAX, El Camino Group at Morgan Stanley, Monterey Bay Aquarium, Omniscient CRM, Citibank, Pahl & McCay, Merrill Lynch, [Bill.com](http://bill.com/), Cañada College, Cristo Rey High School, Milpitas Unified School District, Milpitas High School, San Jose City College, San Jose Evergreen Community College District, [Study.com](http://study.com/?fbclid=IwAR2cVzTZrmV4ZC7DMEtj5hTl85Ph2pUA79JHMFqxkRy9j3-VNzJGiMsvAvA), The Foundation for Hispanic Education, Chacho's, Zona Rosa, Mezcal Restaurant, Pepito's Paletas, Alex Sotelo Winery, Vino Latino, Sabor Del Valle, LISTAS, Yerba Buena Engineering & Construction, Comerica Bank, SGI, National Hispanic University, Manos Accelerator, Ernst & Young, Cooley Law Firm, State Farm, Casa De Chocolates, ALPFA, Maya Upholstery, MJLaw, Avalos Foundation, Fremont Bank, Blyve, Edible Arrangements, The Chapultepec Group, 5Run, Liquid Agency, The Castellano Foundation, Club Sportiva, Made in San Jose, Bank of the West, County of Santa Clara Reentry Resource Center, Fairmont Hotel - San Jose, The Velasco Group, SupportX and ABC7. Thank you for believing in the work that we lead! ### Santiago Luna - Cultura Ambassador URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/cultura-ambassador/santiago-luna-cultura-ambassador/ Last updated: 2026-09-28T21:56:11.000Z He grew up in Guadalajara, Mexico, Austin, TX., and Toulouse, France; & spoke 3 languages by the age of 11 and visited 18 countries by the age of 18\. During his College days, Santiago received a BA in Sociology at UNAM in Mexico City and he worked as a research assistant and social media manager to a famous novelist in Mexico, Elena Poniatowska. He created her Twitter account, which went from 0 to 300K by the time he finished managing her account. He also dabbled in the professional theater arena . and attended the Stanford Graduate School of Business’ Summer Institute for General Management, which is a 1-month residential program. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/Santiago2_grande.jpeg) While at Stanford business school, he discovered a couple of things about himself, 1) He felt he did not have enough experience to apply right away and 2) that it was very expensive. Thus, he decided to redirect himself and applied to graduate programs at schools that offered International Affairs programs. To be admitted, he studied for the GRE and GMAT intensively for 8 months straight. He was admitted to The George Washington University's Elliot School of International Affairs, where he was given the Slim Scholarship. He felt very lucky as the scholarship granted included full tuition along with a nice monthly stipend. He studied 'Global Communications Master Program', which allowed him to take business and communication classes. His favorite class being Integrated Marketing Communications. During his master’s Santiago also interned at a PR and marketing firm in New Orleans, where he spent the summer, named Bond-Moroch and another internship at the Atlantic Council, a prestigious Think Tank in D.C. He also managed to participate in a group capstone project focused on giving the local chamber of commerce of Cologne, Germany a proposal on how to integrate refugees. Besides the Slim Scholarship, he was awarded two other awards during his master’s program. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/Santiago3_grande.jpg) After completing his master’s degree in the Spring of 2017, he became an independent contractor doing marketing projects in Guadalajara, Mexico and Silicon Valley. His first project was joining a team in redesigning the UX for [Ahaa.org](http://ahaa.org/), the largest network of LGBT members in the Middle East, a project founded by The Mozilla Foundation. He then improved the digital communications of prominent doctors (Guadalajara is an international hub for 'medical tourism’). He enjoyed this very much! The most prominent plastic surgeon in Guadalajara, Dr Lazaro Cardenas, who performs surgery particularly on transgender people from all around the world, hired him so that he could focus on his website and Facebook site, which became his training ground. To date, Santiago has worked as a contractor with more than 15 different companies (mostly in tech) helping them improve their products and digital communications. ### 2019 Latino Leaders Awards Ceremony URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/business/2019-latino-leaders-awards-ceremony/ Last updated: 2026-09-25T14:08:23.000Z Silicon Valley Latino is proud to partner with Santa Clara University and several sponsors in producing the 2019 Latino Leaders Awards Ceremony at Santa Clara University - Locatelli Center in Santa Clara, California the evening of November 9th! In alignment with our mission, this awards ceremony is designed to pay tribute to the work of numerous exceptional Latinos. Through this special event, we will pay tribute to the following: **Trailblazers** - Pilar Manchon - Senior Director of Research @ Google AI - Dr. Efren Rosas - Physician in Chief @Kaiser Permanente - Diana Albarran Chicas - Technical Advisor to Vice President, Systems Engineering @ Maxar Technologies - Adrian Ridner - Founder and CEO @Study.com - Eva Blanco Masias - Dean of Undergraduate Admission @ Santa Clara University **Creo En Ti Champions** - Ileana Rivera - Senior IT Director @ Cisco - Servando Sandoval - Partner at Law @ Pahl & McCay - Michelle Linares - Senior Manager, National Equity, Inclusion & Diversity at Kaiser Permanente - Angel Chavez -Vice President, Corporate Client & Family Wealth Director @Morgan Stanley - Hilda Ramirez - CEO @ Keller Williams Silicon City - Carlos Quezada - Head of Customer Success @ Aruba Networks/HPE - Adriana Flores- Ragade - Social Entrepreneur & Founder/Host @ Latinx America - Jeffrey Camarillo - Founding Principal @ Lighthouse Community Public Schools **Latinos of Influence** - Sylvia Flores - CEO & Co-founder @ Manos Accelerator - Javier Gonzalez - Government Affairs & Public Policy Manager @ Google - Luz Urrutia - CEO @ Opportunity Fund - Jorge Escobar - Interim Vice Chancellor @ San Jose/Evergreen Community College District - Lili Gangas - Chief Technology Community Officer @ Kapor Center **Rising Stars** - Edith Gonzalez - Co-Director @ Latinx Student Union - Santa Clara University - Javier Ortega Co-Director @ Latinx Student Union - Santa Clara University We invite you to join us for this special recognition event and hope to see you on November 9th! **We would like to give a special thanks to our sponsors:** **Event Sponsors** Santa Clara University & SCU Latinx Student Union **Gold Sponsor** Palo Alto Networks **Silver Sponsors** Delta Airlines & Kaiser Permanente **Community Sponsors** El Camino Group, Monterey Bay Aquarium, Omniscient Holdings, Inc. Pahl & McCay, Study.Com, The Foundation for Hispanic Education, Aruba Networks & San José Evergreen Community College District. #### Get your tickets here [SVL Latino Leaders Award Ceremony](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/svl-latino-leaders-award-ceremony-tickets-77891839589?fbclid=IwAR3tJg8UGCOsgac0lBh-KgbVVLama84aUVXV3YlSjTstKUzN6saZePJU3-A) #### We invite you to join us for this special recognition event and hope to see you on November 9th! ### LTX Fest 2019 URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/social-impact-advocates/ltx-fest-2019/ Last updated: 2026-09-28T21:56:13.000Z This week, to celebrate Latino Heritage Month, Kapor Center, Latino Community Foundation and Latinas in Tech will be bringing us an event spanning four days where tech and philanthropy will come together to celebrate the rich culture that we bring to the table! Pitch competitions, Art, Healing Activities, Panel Discussions, mini-TED talks & the general promotion of all Latinx will be the highlight of this event. Tickets available here => **The Latino Community Foundation Celebrates Latino Heritage Month by Investing in Community Organizations with Events Across the Bay Area** ***Events include the four-day LTX Fest which brings together tech and philanthropy to*** ***disrupt philanthropy, promote innovation and take collective action*** The [Latino Community Foundation](https://latinocf.org/) (LCF) is proud to share the culture, beauty and contributions of our community during Latino Heritage Month with events across the Bay Area. "Latino Heritage Month is the perfect opportunity for the Latino Community Foundation to amplify the work we do year-round — unleashing the power of Latinos across California by using the healing power of culture and harnessing our collective love, creativity and generosity,” said Jacqueline Martinez Garcel, LCF CEO. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/Screen_Shot_2019-10-04_at_10.56.33_AM_large.png) The cornerstone of LCF’s celebration will be [LTX Fest](https://ltxfest.com/) — a one-of-a-kind event merging tech and philanthropy taking place in San Francisco and Oakland Oct. 8-11\. LTX Fest will convene 1,000 Latinx visionaries across 4 days and 2 cities. The goal is to bring together tech and philanthropy with a focus on culture, innovation, and people. LTX Fest brings together the visionary work of Kapor Center, Latinas in Tech and Latino Community Foundation. “LTX Fest will truly ignite a movement that celebrates Latino culture, innovation and civic power,” said Amber Gonzales Vargas, Senior Program Manager at LCF. “Now more than ever, we must create spaces where we can honor our leaders, celebrate our culture, and continue to build our collective power by leveraging tech.” LTX Fest Opening Day- October 8th, curated by the Latino Community Foundation will feature mini-TED Talks, spoken word, youth hip hop performances, a love letter writing station and big mural painting session. There will also be panel discussions on a range of topics including reclaiming philanthropy for the people and the power of the Latino vote. The event will also provide an opportunity for healing which is especially critical following this summer’s violence and current political climate. LTX Fest has partnered with [Latinx Therapy](https://latinxtherapy.com/) to provide one-on-one therapy sessions, resources and referrals, and a group-healing circle. The first two days will take place in San Francisco at the Hibernia Bank Building. The final two days, LTX Fest heads across the Bay Bridge to the Esports Arena in Oakland. For a complete list of speakers, click [here](https://ltxfest.com/). The four-day agenda for the event can be found [here](https://ltxfest.com/agenda/). Tickets can be purchased for one day or for the entire event. To purchase tickets, click [here](https://ltxfest.com/tickets/). **Additional October events to commemorate Latino Heritage Month include:** - [Indigenous People’s Day](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSekPhNLC9GB2q-F60vAb7eKiaVmc92ICAewzsLGO-yGfX9U%5FA/viewform), A Community Celebration with Nuestra Casa of East Palo Alto, Oct. 5 - [LGBTQ Latinx Giving Circle](https://latinocf.org/latino-giving-circle-network/), Grants Night!, Oct. 9 - [LCF Just Recovery Funders Briefing in Sonoma](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/two-years-after-the-fires-reimagining-disaster-philanthropy-centered-on-building-power-and-tickets-70991693065), Oct. 10 - [Nest Flight with Digital NEST in Watsonville](https://www.nestflight.org/), CA Oct 12 We hope to see you at these events! ### Silicon Valley Latino Hall of Fame URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/art-culture/silicon-valley-latino-hall-of-fame/ Last updated: 2026-09-28T21:56:14.000Z On June 14, 2008, the Mexican American Community Services Agency (MACSA) celebrated its 2nd Annual Red Carpet Gala which featured the Most Influential Latinos of Silicon Valley. Additionally, MACSA inaugurated the Silicon Valley Latino Hall of Fame which is housed at the Mexican Heritage Plaza in an actual hallway that runs along the side the Mexican Heritage Plaza Theater. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/IMG_2923_large.jpg) That evening MACSA had the pleasure of inducting seven legendary Latino leaders into the Silicon Valley Latino Hall of Fame. They are Civic Leader - Blanca Alvarado, American Civil Rights Leader - Cesar E. Chavez, Education Trailblazer - Dr.Roberto Cruz, Humanitarian, Activist, and Author - Ernesto Galarza, Founder of the pueblo of San Jose - Jose Joaquin Moraga, and Community Advocates and volunteers (sisters) Lupe and Carmen Sanchez. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/IMG_2925_large.jpg) Our founder, [Alex Ontiveros](https://www.linkedin.com/in/ACoAAAClwUoBAF7VZnBnhiIVVeepgHxojzbt2sI/), spearheaded this initiative and chaired the planning and selection committee along with Latino leaders, Olivia Soza-Mendiola, Fernando Zazueta, Ivonne Montes de Oca, Teresa Alvarado and Cindy Chavez. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/IMG_2926_large.jpg) We invite you and your family to visit the beautiful Mexican Heritage Plaza and the Silicon Valley Latino Hall of Fame where you can read the bios of these legendary leaders. ### Marcelo De Santis & Latinx Tech Leaders lead Chicago Tech Transformation URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/cultura-ambassador/marcelo-de-santis-latinx-tech-leaders-lead-chicago-tech-transformation/ Last updated: 2026-09-28T21:56:15.000Z We are excited to share that SVL Executive Cultura Ambassador, [Marcelo De Santis](https://svlatino.com/blogs/cultura-ambassador/marcelo-de-santis-svl-executive-cultura-ambassador), along with other leading Latino tech leaders are a key part of a working table to bring the city of Chicago into the 21st century by building an inclusive foundation for the future of work in Chicago via technology. Marcelo is a digital innovation leader transforming companies at the intersection of people, data and technology. He has extensive experience digitizing products and business models while building value added engagement with consumers, customers and employees. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/BhutanKids_c8c7ca5a-b507-4260-9493-3583f075b9e5_large.jpg) Over the years, he has developed a “panoramic view” of the enterprise while working across a wide range of industries - consulting, automotive, telco, financial services, pharma and CPG. He has provided leadership to startups, SMB and Fortune 500 corporations while living and working in North America, Asia Pacific, Europe and Latin America. He strongly believes in the power of cultivating a diverse, entrepreneurial, collaborative and agile team culture focused on delivering practical business results: profitable revenue, satisfied customers and engaged employees. Read full press release below: **Technology Firms United to Accelerate Chicago's Digital Transformation** **Chairman Gilbert Villegas, of the Economic, Capital, and Technology Development Committee advances collaboration and innovation** **Chicago, IL** \-- Alderman Gilbert Villegas has found fast success in Chicago’s City Council, recently becoming Chairman of the influential Committee on Economic, Capital, and Technology Development and Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s Floor Leader. Chairman Villegas has now formed two new technology-working groups of subject matter experts to the table, which include the new Innovation and Capital Transformation Working Group. This group has a global focus on connected infrastructure, efficient funding, entrepreneurship and sustainable urbanization. Led by George Burciaga, of IGNITE CITIES And the Economic Impact and City Equity Working Group, with a local focus on building an inclusive foundation for the future of work in Chicago through technology. Led by Darrell Higueros, of Next Generation, Inc. The two working groups have three stated goals: generate revenue for the City without increasing taxes, build a more inclusive workforce, and make Chicago a technology hub that cultivates benefits for all Chicagoans and entrepreneurs across the country. “I am asking industry leaders to put time and resources toward improving Chicago for everyone,” said Alderman Villegas. “So far we have had a remarkable response. Companies are really stepping up, I can’t wait to see what they come up with.” A full list of participants will be announced with the first report issued in September, but a number of organizations have already participated a great deal. Those include MasterCard, Cisco, City Tech and a dozen others. The first formal meeting of the working groups took place August 14th at Chicago City Hall. Media will be encouraged to participate at subsequent meetings. For more information, please contact Justin Heath at 630.747.4992 or email Justin.heath@cityofchicago.org. ### Cañada College's Promise Scholars Program Financial Benefits URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/social-impact-advocates/canada-colleges-promise-scholars-program-financial-benefits/ Last updated: 2026-09-25T14:04:53.000Z We are continuing our series on Cañada College's Promise Scholars Program (PSP). This time we are featuring the financial benefits of the program. Specifically, the Promise Scholars Program covers the cost of attending Cañada College for the first full year and continues to offer other financial supports after completion of that first year. This financial support includes **1)** coverage of college fees for the first full year (the first fall, spring, and summer semesters) at Cañada College (enrollment fee, health fee, student rep fee, student union fee, study body fee), **2)** textbook costs and **3)** transportation costs (scholars will receive funds to help cover transportation costs). For more information on this great program please visit ### Nancy Rosales - Latina Empresaria Hall of Fame award CHCC URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/cultura-ambassador/nancy-rosales-latina-empresaria-hall-of-fame-award-chcc/ Last updated: 2026-09-28T21:56:17.000Z We are delighted to share that our #CreoEnTi Business Ambassador and long-time supporter of Silicon Valley Latino, Nancy Rosales has been selected to receive the Latina Empresaria Hall of Fame award at this year’s 40th Annual California Hispanic Chamber of Commerce event! Nancy’s success, achievements, and honors span two decades. She truly has a comprehensive background that ranges from journalism and media to entrepreneurship. She earned a Broadcast Journalism degree from San Francisco State University and has worked as an editor, reporter, account executive and television producer throughout her career with media outlets like Univision, KRON and Azteca US. Some of the projects Nancy is proud of include: Exitos de Estrellas 2001 (Execute Director / Host TV Show), Corazón Musical 2003 (Execute Producer Creator / Host TV Show), Corazón Viajero 2006 (Partner / Producer / Host Traveling Show) and The Travelers Channel 2016 (Producer / Host). ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/Screen_Shot_2019-08-13_at_12.56.32_PM_large.png) In 2007, she began her entrepreneurial path as a business partner in Pepito’s Paletas, a minority-women owned co-op. A couple of years later, she launched NR Consulting, a strategic media firm and her latest venture Easy Video Success in 2019\. Throughout her journey, Nancy has received numerous honors and awards such as the Latina Style Magazine Entrepreneur of the Year, being featured on the cover of Red Social Hispana Magazine, Univision 14 – International Women’s Day feature and the most recent, California Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s Latina Empresaria Hall of Fame Award. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/2000-size-paleta-variety_large.jpeg) Silicon Valley Latino is proud to have featured Nancy as one of our panelists through our Inspire Higher initiative over the past few years as well as our Master of Ceremonies at our inaugural College Declaration Day in 2017 and as a champion of the work we lead. We also want to thank her for being an exemplary entrepreneur and demonstrating to us that one can achieve success in various industries while giving back to your community. #Adelante #CreoEnTi #CreoEnNosotros ### Cañada College - Promise Scholars Program (PSP) URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/social-impact-advocates/canada-college-promise-scholars-program-psp/ Last updated: 2026-09-28T21:56:18.000Z Like many parents with a college-bound teenager, I’ve been pre-occupied with the rising cost of college tuition and related expenses. I’ve also witnessed the high levels of stress that my daughter, a high school Junior, has experienced these last few years maintaining a high GPA and balancing extra-curricular activities. As you all know, the selection and admittance process to a four-year university is also incredibly competitive. However, thanks to our friends at Cañada College, I’ve learned about an alternate path through the [Promise Scholars Program (PSP)](https://canadacollege.edu/promise/). This path is less stressful, less expensive and available through the California Community College system and ultimately ensure admittance to many of the CSUs and UCs provided students maintain a specific GPA. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/PSP_Photo_2_large.jpeg) In the next few weeks, we will feature testimonials from students at Cañada College on how this program is working for them. ### Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival (LALIFF) 2019 URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/art-culture/los-angeles-latino-international-film-festival-laliff-2019/ Last updated: 2026-09-29T00:16:18.000Z On July 9th Academy Award®-nominated actor Edward James Olmos announced the program that will be featured at the 2019 [Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival](https://latinofilm.org/) (LALIFF) which runs Wednesday, July 31 through Sunday, August 4 at the TCL Chinese Theatres. As the largest Latinx film festival to be hosted in Los Angeles, this year the festival will shine a spotlight on US-born Latinx filmmakers. This year’s program includes 15 features, 17 shorts, five episodics, two special events, and two Latinx podcasts live from the festival. This year’s program will open with Cristina Ibarra and Alex Rivera’s *The Infiltrators*, which won the Audience Award: NEXT and The NEXT Innovator Prize at Sundance earlier this year. The film, a mixture of documentary and narrative, focuses on a real-life rag-tag group of undocumented youth – Dreamers – that get deliberately detained by Border Patrol in order to infiltrate a shadowy, for-profit detention center. The film is a suspenseful telling of this high-stakes mission – a little-known chapter in American activism, and a rare insider experience of a for-profit immigrant detention center, an institution that is rapidly expanding across the American landscape. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/LALIFF_3_large.jpeg) “*The Infiltrators* represents everything LALIFF aspires to be – a film for our U.S. community by our U.S. community with international ramifications,” said LALIFF co-founder Edward James Olmos. “The film was made by a Latinx duo and focuses on the real-life story of undocumented youth that sacrificed everything to help others like them being held inside migrant detention centers. Nothing can be more timely.” The festival program is comprised of 15 feature films including three World Premieres, with ten of the features helmed by women. In addition to *The Infiltrators,* the section includes *Building the American Dream* (directed by Chelsea Hernandez), *Carlos Almaraz: Playing with Fire* (directed by Elsa Flores Almaraz and Richard J. Montoya), *Councilwoman* (directed by Margo Guernsey), *De Lo Mio* (directed by Diana Peralta), *Divine Love* (directed by Gabriel Mascaro), the World Premiere of *I’ll See You Around* (directed by Daniel Fermin Pfeffer), *Initials S. G.* (directed by Rania Attieh and Daniel Garcia), *Midnight Family* (directed by Luke Lorentzen), *Pahokee* (directed by Ivete Lucas and Patrick Bresnan), *Premature* (directed by Rashaad Ernesto Green), the World Premiere of *Raúl Julia: The World’s a Stage* (directed by Ben DeJesus), *Sick Sick Sick* (directed by Alice Furtado), the World Premiere of *Siqueiros: Walls of Passion* (directed by Lorena Manriquez) and *The Sharks* (directed by Los Tiburones and Lucia Garibaldi). “This year’s program redefines what a Latinx story is,” said Dilcia Barrera, Director of Programming. “The diversity in voice, aesthetic and vision propels our narratives beyond clichés and conventions. I am certain that the next generation of storytellers can be found within this group of talented artists.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/LALIFF_1_large.jpeg) The program also includes a shorts program comprised of 17 shorts including four World Premieres and five episodics, plus two special events, *Latinx in Animation: A Masterclass* and *Sneak Peek: Latinx TV*. *Latinx in Animation: A Masterclass* will feature some of the most influential creators and producers of upcoming animated projects discussing their influences and how their unique perspectives help bring their projects to life. The discussion will be moderated by Remezcla’s film and television editor, Vanessa Erazo. *Sneak Peek: Latinx TV* will give the audience a preview of two highly anticipated TV shows, The CW’s *Two Sentence Horror Stories* and Netflix’s *Gentefied*. Written in part by some of the most exciting new Latinx voices in television today including Stephanie Adams-Santos, Linda Yvette Chavez and Marvin Lemus, the event will be moderated by Gadiel Del Orbe from BuzzFeed’s *Pero Like* and is presented by Stage 13. Additionally, there will be two live podcast conversations from the festival, *Latina Representation Podcast,* and *Latinx Podcast*. The first on TV Latina representation features Locatora Radio, with hosts Diosa Femme and Mala Muñoz, both who are podcast trailblazers in the Latinx community. They will lead a conversation on Latina representation on television with TV writer, Moises Zamora, Writer and Executive Producer of the up-and-coming Netflix series, *Selena*, and writer/director Aurora Guerrero. The second, *Latinx Podcast*, is focused on media criticism by Espoilers Podcast, featuring hosts StephOH and Rubén Angel. They will lead a conversation on Latinx coming-of-age stories with TV and film writer, Eddie Gonzalez, co-creator of Netflix’s hit TV show, *On My Block*. LALIFF will also offer special screenings including Les Blank’s *Chulas Fronteras* (1976), marking the Los Angeles premiere of the 4K restoration, and a screening of Ascent of Weavers, 3-channel video piece a by artist, Rebeca Mendez as part of LALIFF Art. LALIFF Legacy, LALIFF’s student festival, returns for its second year. LALIFF Legacy will feature films produced by students of the statewide, public school film program, the Youth Cinema Project, which was also founded by Olmos. This two-day event is presented by CAA and HBO COLLABS, and will feature 93 student-produced short films, along with 30 student filmmaker panelists, who range from elementary school, middle school, and high school students. Youth Cinema Project is the Premiere Sponsor of LALIFF, Egeda and Premios Platino are the Presenting Sponsors and AltaMed is the Opening Night Sponsor, with numerous other sponsors. We encourage you to find some time to attend this remarkable festival and support their programs. ### Brian Evans and second chance employers: A Success Story URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/social-impact-advocates/santa-clara-county-resource-center-brian-evans/ Last updated: 2026-09-28T21:56:19.000Z Former Reentry Resource Center client Brian Evans uses his past to mentor peers towards community integration and successful employment opportunities. Brian Evans, Lead Peer Mentor at Goodwill of Silicon Valley’s New Opportunity Work Program [(NOW)](https://goodwillsv.org/now-program/), helps prepare reentry clients from jail and prison for employment. He’s an excellent mentor. He’s optimistic, has a passion for helping people and knows intimately how it feels to be estranged from family, addicted and incarcerated. He’s spent most of his life in and out of the system. Once he was ready to break that cycle, he sought help at the [County of Santa Clara Reentry Resource Center](https://www.sccgov.org/sites/reentry/Pages/Reentry-Services.aspx) (RRC) which connected him with resources for both his immediate needs, like food, and his long-term ones, like employment. Through the NOW Program, which the RRC funds, Evans worked his way up to Lead Peer Mentor. NOW offers participants immediate part-time employment in a variety of jobs within Goodwill. It also provides services such as resume preparation, job interview techniques, and behavioral therapy. After 90 days NOW helps participants transition to full-time employment in the community. But a criminal record often prevents them from even getting to the interview process. Many are highly motivated to make a new start and to utilize the job training skills they receive at NOW. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/Brian_Evans_large.jpeg) Some companies in the Bay Area are stepping up to provide jobs to people with criminal records. ARM-Elite Construction Inc. of Hayward and the Santa Clara branch of PeopleReady Skilled Trades are two of those companies providing jobs in skilled construction trades. Nonprofits are also doing their part. Through the Trades Orientation Program, Working Partnerships USA, in collaboration with work2future, NOVA, San Jose City College, and the South Bay Consortium for Adult Education, provides apprentice readiness training, assessment and placement for entry-level apprenticeship jobs in construction trades like plumbing, carpentry, sheet metal, ironwork and many more. Roughly one-third of their participants have criminal records. Thanks to partnerships with the Santa Clara Building Trades Council and its affiliated unions, apprenticeships and employers, graduates can enter construction careers based on their abilities and commitment, without regard for their background. The San Jose Conservation Corps. Charter School (SJCC+CS) hires 18-27-year-old young adults providing them both full-time and part-time employment, schooling to earn a high school diploma, as well as uniforms, meals, public transportation and college scholarships. SJCC+CS partners with the Santa Clara Valley Water district, Santa Clara County Parks Department, and the cities of San Jose, Cupertino, Milpitas, Palo Alto, Los Altos and Campbell. These public entities provide paid employment for students in environmental and community projects involving landscaping, fuel break construction, trail building and solar energy. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/Brianandwife2_large.jpeg) Giving a reentry client a job, a purpose, a chance to give back, can mean the difference between successful reentry or returning to jail. Employment not only supports that individual but their family and our community by reducing crime as well as the cost of incarcerating people. “When you give individuals a responsibility and an opportunity to rise to that level of responsibility, they do it,” said Pablo Gaxiola, Goodwill NOW’s Reentry Program Manager. Evans is taking his opportunity and running with it. He’s not only excelling at Goodwill; he is also a student at San Jose City College pursuing certification to become a drug and alcohol counselor so he can help more people. “I’m living whole with a pay it forward mentality,” Evans says. “For the first time in my life, I’m a father, husband, friend, and son. I can finally say I’m home.” ### Introducing SVL Collaborator: Nathalie Raiz-Anaya URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/cultura-ambassador/introducing-nathalie-raiz-anaya-svl-collaborator/ Last updated: 2026-09-23T15:55:40.000Z Nathalie Raiz-Anaya is a storyteller, producer and video editor based in the Bay Area. She is someone who is dedicated to producing, managing and fostering projects that empower people and show the human connection. She currently works as a Post Production Coordinator at Circle Visions, a luxury real estate production company. Nathalie is proudly Latina and a Bay Area native. She uses her platform to capture the beauty of the human experience, especially within her community. In 2018, Nathalie graduated with a double major in Communication and Broadcast & Electronic Communication Arts (BECA) from San Francisco State University. Silicon Valley Latino has had the pleasure of bringing Nathalie on as a video production collaborator on a few projects. She has consistently delivered high-quality video production work where clients have pleased with the end product. Silicon Valley Latino looks forward to collaborating with her on future projects. ### Composer Hector Armienta's Musical Drama - La Llorona URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/art-culture/composer-hector-armientas-musical-drama-la-llorona/ Last updated: 2026-09-28T21:56:20.000Z Photo Aléxa Anderson First produced in 2008 by Western Stage Theater in Salinas California, his Musical Drama, La Llorona, has had sold out productions in California, New York, and will have its Mexican Premiere in Jalisco México on November 2nd, 2019\. This weekend, [Opera Cultura](http://www.operacultura.org/calendar/La-Llorona%5F2019), the only Latinx focused opera company in the country, will present it in San Jose at the Mexican Heritage Theater - School of Arts and Culture June 28th - 30th. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/Shaman_large.jpg) Anthony Ruiz Photography Mr Armienta talks about the genesis for creating this work; " La Llorona is part of a trilogy titled - *Aguas Ancestrales.* The cuento of La Llorona is a story that speaks to so many of us in the Mexican and Mexican American community. For some, it is a story that we grew up with as children. While popular media has exploited the story and focused on the horror element, her story is more than that. It is about her tragedy. It is about what would compel a mother to kill and drown her children. I also wanted to explore the question of fate and whether or not we are truly in control of that. Part of the development of this story took me to México in 2004 to explore the many versions of this legend. After that trip, I decide to incorporate some of the Mayan mythology and set the work in the late 19th century. My hope is that those that come to see my tale of La Llorona, will come away with a deeper understanding of who she is and the power that her story holds on all of us" ### Fútbol con Corazón Fundraiser URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/social-impact-advocates/futbol-con-corazon-fundraiser/ Last updated: 2026-09-29T01:16:07.000Z We are excited to share this wonderful event that Cultura Ambassador and Advisory Board Member [Lilian Peña ](https://svlatino.com/blogs/cultura-ambassador/cultura-ambassador-lilian-pen)has brought to our attention. Fútbol con Corazóns 4th Annual event will be held this coming June 22, 2019 at Sacred Heart Schools in Atherton, California. This activity helps unaccompanied minors throughout the Bay Area. **Do you know that unaccompanied minors are:** - Seeking escape from persecution, abandonment, exploitation, serious deprivation, and violence in their communities. They also may be the victim of human trafficking. - Alone. Separated from family or orphaned. - From all over the world; with the majority from Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, and Mexico. - Only represented by counsel in court 32% of the time. - Confronted with a low 15% success rate when unrepresented in court. With representation, the success rate rises to 73%. If you are interested in participating by donating or playing please visit the following link => ### Leading By Example - Proud Dad Moments URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/cultura-ambassador/leading-by-example-proud-dad-moments/ Last updated: 2026-09-29T00:12:50.000Z In my adult life, I had the pleasure of discovering the sport of triathlon, participating in this truly special sport has been one of the best decisions of my life. It not only provided me with an incredible sense of accomplishment and gratification it also taught me a lot about the human spirit and about tenacity and grittiness. Specifically, it taught me that I was a tenacious and gritty person and that if you are focused, disciplined and committed you can accomplish things that may seem impossible. You see, when I first started competing in 1994 I barely knew how to swim and didn't know much about cycling but I knew I was a distance runner and could run for days. I felt the other two disciplines I would learn. I started with what is typically called sprint triathlons or "tri-for-funs", we're talking the shortest triathlons around. When I thought of an Ironman triathlon (2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike, and 26.2-mile run), I thought those races for truly special, gifted, professional triathletes. I never thought I would be able to do something like that but little by little I started leaving the sprint triathlons behind and ventured into the Olympic distance (0.9 miles swim, 24.8 miles bike and 6.2 miles run), then into the Half-Ironman (1.2-mile swim, a 56-mile bike, and a 13.1-mile run) and on September 17, 2005, I completed an Ironman. One of my favorite moments of that race came when I carried my 2-year-old daughter across the finish line. This is by far one of the most memorable moments of life. When appropriate, I've shared with both of my children the joys of competing in triathlons and mental fortitude, grittiness, and tenacity that I developed by participating in the sport. Ultimately, the message is nothing is impossible as long as you are committed, driven and believe you can achieve it. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/Alex_Lily_in_frame_large.jpeg) This past year I've had the pleasure of observing the way both my children are developing their own grit and tenacity. I'm a firm believer that the best way to lead is to lead by example. I have had the pleasure of employing this strategy for decades throughout my career and the results have been incredibly rewarding. I have also employed this strategy with both of my children and it has also been extremely gratifying, however, this past school year both of my daughter and son have demonstrated to themselves and our family that if you put your mind and energy towards your goals, you will achieve them. This school year, as usual, they both have excelled academically but this year they have achieved major milestones in their athletic endeavors. Since her freshman year, my daughter has competed in both cross country and track at the varsity level and doing well in both sports. This year she even won her first track meet in the 1 mile, however, I am extremely proud of how she has been demonstrated true grittiness racing in the heat, cold, rain and even hail. As a young man, I also ran track and cross country in high school but I never took a first-place finish, I came relatively close but never was able to attain that elusive win. At a young age, she has been able to accomplish goals that I wasn't able to achieve. I am so proud of her in so many ways and I know that she will be able to achieve so much more in her life. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/LilyRunning_large.jpeg) My son, on the other hand, last week had the pleasure to compete in his first track meet "The East Side Relays" as a 5th grader. He competed in four relays with his fellow classmates, they did not fare too well in their first three attempts, however, in their last race, the 4 x 100, they took first place with my son bringing in the win as he ran the anchor leg. He enjoyed the entire experience and is looking forward to competing again next year. I am also proud of the way he showed up and competed at The East Side Relays, however, I am even prouder of the way he fared in his school's Running Club" program. Last year, as a fourth grader, he came in 2nd place to another runner by only two laps. This year, he was determined and each Running Club Wednesday, he would do his best to run as many miles as he could, he would average two miles per session. Well, the Ontiveros family is delighted to report that this year he earned first place at his school's Running Club and completely impressed that he ran a total of 46.5 miles this school year. I am equally proud of him and also believe that he will achieve many things in life just like his older sister. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/Jackson_Running_large.jpg) I truly believe that having these experiences early on in life, where they push beyond their comfort zones will teach them that they have grit and tenacity and that many times these are the key elements in achieving success in life. If you haven't already, may you discover that you have greatness within you, that you have grit and tenacity and that you may accomplish what once seemed impossible! ### Oscar Cordova - Cultura Ambassador URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/cultura-ambassador/oscar-cordova-cultura-ambassador/ Last updated: 2026-09-29T01:17:02.000Z Oscar Cordova was born and raised in Mexico. He immigrated to the United States at the age of 12 with his family, looking for a better life. Oscar earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from San José State University and completed his MBA from St. Mary's College. He holds a Project Management Certificate from Stanford University and is a Six Sigma Green Belt. Oscar held management and leadership positions in various organizations at Cisco where he was able to shape his career after college. He currently holds a position as a Sr. Manager Channel Operations at Palo Alto Networks, where he is responsible for developing and executing all Global Channel systems and processes. Throughout the rise of his career, Oscar has not forgotten about his Hispanic roots. He spends time improving the prospects for those with a similar cultural background. Oscar was part of the Conexion’s board, Cisco’s employee Latino resource group. He was able to launch a Stretch Assignment Marketplace to allow employees to gain exposure and networking opportunities. He also partnered with Saint Mary’s College to create a four-year college rotational internship program focused on minorities. Oscar is also the founding member and current president of Juntos, Palo Alto Networks Latinx employee network where he is actively pushing his vision to attract, retain and develop Latinos. In his free time, Oscar enjoys spending time with his six-year-old son, playing the piano, traveling and trying to pick up Salsa dancing. ### Ricardo Santamaria - Cultura Ambassador URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/cultura-ambassador/rick-santamaria-cultura-ambassador/ Last updated: 2026-09-29T00:19:48.000Z **We are very excited to have Ricardo join the tribe as the latest Cultura Ambassador.** **Ricardo Santamaria joined Bank of the West a BNP Paribas company in January 2019\. Ricardo leads the wealth management group’s business development and sales strategy group and is responsible for developing and executing a cross channel strategy by enhancing client experience of distribution of wealth products and services throughout the footprint. He develops and implements sales strategies and initiatives, monitors and tracks results, develops online campaigns and promotions, provides tools for sales activities and provides summary reports and updates to senior management. In addition, he identifies trends and exploits opportunities for income growth for the Bank by translating the sales strategy into daily behaviors.** **Prior to joining Bank of the West (BNP) Ricardo was a Vice President and Business Development Director at Morgan Stanley. Ricardo worked for Morgan Stanley for 17 years. The last 10 years he worked on one of the firms largest wealth management teams the Mark Curtis group based in Palo Alto. Ricardo** **joined Morgan Stanley (and its predecessor firms) in 2001\. In 2010, Mr. Santamaria received the Western Region Consulting Group Analyst of the Year award.** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/image2_70717e2d-32bd-4887-a8dd-377d0eee3eb8_large.jpeg) **Mr. Santamaria holds a M.B.A. from Santa Clara University. He currently lives in Cupertino, Ca and enjoys playing basketball as well as coaching his 2 sons in basketball and other sports!** ### Bay Area Border Relief - Sister Norma Pimentel Event! URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/art-culture/bay-area-border-relief-sister-norma-pimentel-event/ Last updated: 2026-09-29T00:17:43.000Z We invite you to attend an event hosted by [Bay Area Border Relief](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-bridge-among-walls-update-from-the-border-sister-norma-pimentel-tickets-59367761573) (BABR) to learn about what's happening on the ground in the Rio Grande Valley, directly from the award-winning, inspirational woman who has been referred to as the Mother Teresa of South Texas, patron saint of the border and the "favorite nun" of Pope Francis, Sister Norma Seni Pimentel, M.J., Executive Director of [Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley](http://www.catholiccharitiesrgv.org/Home.aspx). Sister Norma Seni Pimentel will present *“A Bridge Among Walls: Update from the Border”* at Our Lady of Angels (OLA) gymnasium in Burlingame, CA. Reservations for this FREE April 28 keynote are available via Eventbrite, [www.bit.ly/SisterNorma](http://www.bit.ly/SisterNorma). ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/Screen_Shot_2019-04-23_at_9.40.19_PM_large.png) Pimentel will take part in a series of conversations and discussion with various University of San Francisco departmental faculty during the morning of Monday, April 29\. Open to the public on Monday afternoon, April 29, 2019, 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, will be a keynote presentation at the University of San Francisco McLaren Conference Center in collaboration with 15 USF departments and Bay Area Border Relief*, “The Undocumented Truth at the Border—A Conversation with Sister Norma Pimentel of the South Texas Humanitarian Center.”* Opening remarks from USF President Father Fitzgerald will be followed by USF Law School Professor Bill Hing, School of Education Dean, Shabnam Koirala-Azad and Sister Norma Pimentel. Attendance is free, but all donations will go to support for the Humanitarian Respite Center. The McLaren Conference Center is at 2130 Fulton Street, San Francisco. Pimentel has overseen the charitable arm of the Diocese of Brownsville (Texas) since 2008, providing a range of services that include emergency food and shelter, housing assistance, clinical counseling and pregnancy care to all four counties in the Rio Grande Valley. She was instrumental in organizing the south Texas response to the 2014 surge of Central Americans seeking asylum in the United States. She then noticed the extreme need and established the Humanitarian Respite Center in McAllen, Texas, which has been operating continuously since 2014, offering daily support to refugees and asylum seekers. The respite center offers unconditional humanitarian assistance to legal asylum seekers recently released from mandatory immigration detention in the City of McAllen, along the southern Texas border, one of the busiest stretches of the U.S./Mexico border. Sister Norma’s response always stresses first and foremost the humanity of those arriving. A recipient of the prestigious University of Notre Dame Laetare Medal in 2018, the highest honor to a U.S. Catholic, Sister Norma heeds the call to compassion to those in need and has received numerous accolades for her service in “restoring of human dignity.” “It is not until you find yourself in front of the face of the immigrant child or mother that you will understand this. It is a moment of realizing we are all one human family.” According to Pimentel, it results in radical transformation. In 2015, Pope Francis recognized and thanked Sister Norma personally for her work with immigrants in a segment that [was featured on ABC’s “20/20;](http://abcnews.go.com/2020/video/texas-nun-norma-pimentel-words-33547897)” she was also a finalist for “Texan of the Year.” The focus on Northern California will include presentations with ALAS (Ayudando Latinos a Soñar) in Half Moon Bay, Our Lady of Angels parish in Burlingame, and the University of San Francisco (USF) School of Education and other departments. Her two-day visit will include mass at Our Lady of the Pillar in Half Moon Bay and a Sunday reunion with Central American immigrant families, who passed through the Humanitarian Respite Center in McAllen and have recently resettled on the coast. With the support of Bay Area Border Relief and local coast side organizations, these families are getting used to their new neighborhoods and adjusting to life in the United States as they await formal decisions on their applications for legal asylum. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/bayareaborder_large.png) Bay Area Border Relief (BABR) is a humanitarian organization that serves and advocates for children and families seeking their human right to asylum in the U.S. A grassroots organization of local citizens, BABR was inspired by Rep. Jackie Speier (CA-14), to provide a response to the child separation crisis of 2018 at the U.S./Mexico border area. Congresswoman Speier organized the initial congressional delegation to visit the Texas border area detention centers in May 2018 and encouraged members of BABR to be witnesses to the inhumane separation of families and children and their poor treatment as legal asylum seekers in immigration detention. The BABR group is comprised of college faculty and other educators, students, philanthropists, nurses, counselors, volunteers, filmmakers, and law and human rights advocates. Philanthropic Ventures Foundation acts as a fiscal sponsor and has also sent staff and supported graduate student volunteer travel to Texas. “This is a citizen-created, humane and compassionate reaction to assist asylum seekers fleeing violence, our fellow human beings who have journeyed under difficult circumstances to seek a brighter future for their families,” said Dr. Belinda Hernandez-Arriaga, a faculty member of the University of San Francisco School of Education. BABR members have volunteered on several multi-day visits to the Humanitarian Respite Center of the Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley (CCRGV) in McAllen, TX and have protested outside Casa Padre, one of the largest immigrant youth detention facilities in Texas, housed *inside a repurposed Walmart, where 1,500* immigrant teenage boys—many of them forcibly separated from their families—are still being detained. It is one of more than two dozen centers owned by Southwest Key Programs, a Texas-based private nonprofit group under federal contract to run children’s detention facilities across Texas, Arizona, and California. Once again, reservations for the April 28 keynote address at Our Lady of Angels in Burlingame are available via Eventbrite, [www.bit.ly/SisterNorma](http://www.bit.ly/SisterNorma). Donations will be accepted at the event in support of the Humanitarian Respite Center Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley. Silicon Valley Latino is especially proud of the significant involvement of Cultura Ambassador and SVL Advisory Board Member, Lilian Peña, with the Bay Area Border Relief. Lilian thank you for your dedication, leadership, and commitment to this work, we applaud you. ### ATAX Franchise - #CreoEnTi Business Ambassador URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/business/atax-franchise-creoenti-business-ambassador/ Last updated: 2026-10-07T21:19:03.000Z ## We are proud to present our newest #CreoEnTi Business Ambassador [ATAX Franchise, Inc.](https://ataxfranchise.com) ATAX is a full-service national tax preparation and business services franchise. They are proud of the fact that they are 100% Latino-owned, and that they serve clients in both English and Spanish. *From humble beginnings and helping his dad with his food and ice cream truck to now managing a nationwide, fast-growing bookkeeping and tax preparation franchise.* As a child growing up in Denver, CO [Arthur Garcia](https://www.linkedin.com/in/arthurgarcialeader/) quickly learned the importance of hard work and the struggles of entrepreneurship. His parents ran an ice cream truck, a food truck and later a full-service restaurant and catering business. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/Arthur_Garcia_8x11white_Bkgd_large.jpg) Arthur was their at their side not by choice, but because it was the family business and everyone was expected to contribute. During his formative years he did not fully appreciate the life lessons nor enjoy the experience as much as he does today. Who knew that keeping the books for his parents' business would lead to recognition by [CPA Practice Advisor](https://www.cpapracticeadvisor.com/accounting-audit/promotion/12426916/arthur-garcia-mba-2018-20-under-40-vendor-superstar) as a 2018 Top 20 Under 40 Professional in the Accounting Industry? *"Running a family-owned business shaped me and fueled the passion I have for helping small businesses with their financial operations."* *![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/AG_TACOSGARCIA_large.jpg)* As President of ATAX Franchise, he is in a position to help accountants, bookkeepers and tax professionals run their practice so that their clients get the most value from the relationship. *"Accounting professionals are one of the most trusted advisors both individuals and business owners have, we know the numbers and are expected to offer guidance and support."* This is a huge responsibility and at ATAX he is surrounded by a talented team that is dedicated to ensuring the franchise owners are equipped with the best tools to deliver the services and resources their clients expect. ATAX is an award-winning franchise founded by Rafael Alvarez, who started the business in 1986 in the Washington Heights neighborhood in New York. After starting with $200, 2 computers and a fax machine, the company became one of the largest tax preparation providers in New York. In 2007, Mr. Alvarez launched ATAX Franchise, Inc, and began expanding along the East Coast of the US with a focus on serving the needs of the Latino community. In 2015, Rafael was recognized by the International Franchise Association (IFA) as the recipient of the [Ronald E. Harrison Diversity Award](https://atax.com/lp/pr/) for his work and contributions to the industry and his community. Latino-owned Franchisors are few and Arthur is proud to work alongside this pioneer and trailblazer. *"Accounting is the international language of business and with entrepreneurship rates of* [*Latinos in the US increasing 46% faster than non-Latinos*](https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/faculty-research/publications/state-latino-entrepreneurship-2018)*, it is crucial that they are served by a trusted advisor to help them scale."* There is a significant need in the market for proactive advisory and an up-to-date set of books. It has been Arthur’s experience over the last 15 years of working with accounting professionals that most are using outdated systems and processes, to serve their clients. *Arthur says "At ATAX, we use the latest technology and tools to automate basic business tasks so that we have more time to spend advising our clients."* Why Franchise? Arthur has seen in the Latino accounting professional space that there is a misconception in the value of franchising. The focus has been put on the name on the sign above the office and the fees associated. *"With over* [*745,000 franchise businesses*](https://www.statista.com/statistics/190313/estimated-number-of-us-franchise-establishments-since-2007/) *(and growing) in the US in 2018, it is clear that following a proven system works and can help anyone start a profitable business."* ATAX strives to have Franchise owners feel like owners who uphold standards and not employees forced to follow rules. They are different from other franchises in the space because they are open year-round and serve both individuals and businesses. *"We believe that all businesses should get the most from their accounting and tax professional and that we strive to mirror our clients and the diverse backgrounds they represent and languages they speak. Somos ATAX!"* Visit them at [ataxfranchise.com](https://ataxfranchise.com) to find an office near you or for information about franchise opportunities. ### I Am Her, She Is Me… by Lilian Peña URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/cultura-ambassador/i-am-her-she-is-me-by-lilian-pena/ Last updated: 2026-09-29T00:02:13.000Z *We share this powerful experience & story by Silicon Valley Latino Cultura Ambassador & Advisory Board Member Lilian Peña.* *Originally posted on Medium by Lilian Peña:* *(Reflections from voices I heard during two 2018 trips to the Texas border with Bay Area Border Relief Team, assisting immigrant families. I had a close encounter with this woman.)* Let’s travel from the present reality which says she can’t be me, to the hypothetical past where she is me because of the countless combinations in the way souls are dealt, but by deliberate assignment. I could’ve been her. This was our journey which I didn’t have to live, but I did, since our hearts beat the same as she came closer, I felt the bold pulse of red blood in hot currents through the caves of our veins, encased in brown skin, colór de canela. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/56cb6f9f-7d0f-4cc3-94fa-e80a674176a5_large.jpeg) I am her, she is me, made with the last threads of ancient indigenous discernment, preserved in the mosaic stories regurgitated by our ancestors, from levels of time where our warriors hunted and we labored under the God of Sun. We are connected through the Source, the Spirit of Fire that transcends time because it never changes, it blazes an eternal flame, its rhythm entrancing while dancing with the passion burning within our souls, masked behind the desire to soar, to be simultaneously grounded, barefoot on the earth, deathly still among massive movement, planted in the comfort of humble home, mi casa. She’s the one who got me here, we became each other, united by the persistence of survival resting on each pearl of sweat from our foreheads, of our forefathers at the foremost forefront in the fight for Freedom which called us far and away, not leading us astray, for the taste of Being is not a misguided crime, certainly not the thought that crossed our mind in the pivotal moment we took flight. Our desperation took shape as an invisible hand of resolved action, bending, pulling, dragging our will through the dirt, down the path toward its Sanctuary. Who knew? This ideal would mean finding unfounded courage to pursue it, and to leave it. An illusion in the heat, a frost in the night, nothing tangible, yet seemingly attainable, if only we could catch it by the speed of our calloused feet, even though we didn’t want to budge, we didn’t want to come. The desert wind sanded our emotions raw, when there was no place to hide, only boundaries to surpass. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/107a77d5-83df-46fd-a422-c2d459f8c8ca_large.jpeg) With the same legs that brought us here, I now stood behind her, a shadow, watching myself, a reflection on the delicate glass through which I contemplate my own humanity, yet it’s an open window into the future, and I hear it all, absorbing the unspoken crisis, I can’t talk, the words don’t explain why I can only see what my eyes will forever convey. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/d31bcd1f-9bee-4ee8-8a03-39d03c0d05f0_large.jpeg) She made the walk, in a skirt, nevertheless, not alone, her child in the deepest part of her heart on the warmth of her back, carried by the strength of her thighs, on the reliance of lonely soles, por la niñez. Nowhere seemed eternally distant, flanked by arid horizons day-after-day, coping with the longing of water, the thirst for quench. Yet, we are of the river, the one we must wade and cannot drink, breathing above it, resuscitated by the breeze, as our body flows, carried by its raging ripples, resisting its urge to submerge. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/217f254f-18d9-42a7-a2ee-1fcbc029ccd1_large.JPG) The moon our faint guide through darkened fields, a menacing spotlight depending on the moment in the road, whether it meant hiding quietly under a blanket of thorn bushes or running for our lives from wild animals, from people. Let no sound come from the mouth of the babe now, may innocence sleep or it can mean the end. Because there’s no returning, we’d gone too far, even before we’d left. The vision had flown us to foreign lands we saw as green with hope. With our dry lips, we whisper a wish for rain on this clay we are, instead like a potter’s vase we are passed through the oven, after spinning, bronzing, hardening, cracking, unbroken, fortaleza. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/1b265df1-f5fa-485e-bff7-e10e05e001c2_large.jpeg) We are the earth we came from, let it swallow us for rebirth, that we may return as tears for the thirsty, as wings for the weary, as Fire to light the dream. I Am Her, She Is Me. ### Marcelo De Santis - SVL Executive Cultura Ambassador URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/cultura-ambassador/marcelo-de-santis-svl-executive-cultura-ambassador/ Last updated: 2026-09-28T21:56:23.000Z Marcelo is a digital innovation leader transforming companies at the intersection of people, data and technology. He has extensive experience digitizing products and business models while building value added engagement with consumers, customers and employees. Over the years, he has developed a “panoramic view” of the enterprise while working across a wide range of industries - consulting, automotive, telco, financial services, pharma and CPG. He has provided leadership to startups, SMB and Fortune 500 corporations while living and working in North America, Asia Pacific, Europe and Latin America. He strongly believes in the power of cultivating a diverse, entrepreneurial, collaborative and agile team culture focused on delivering practical business results: profitable revenue, satisfied customers and engaged employees. Determined to make a difference in the world; he actively supports non-profit organizations that work to improve the lives of underprivileged children. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/BhutanKids_large.jpg) Back in 2014 Marcelo ventured into the unknown world of mountain climbing with the vision to conquer the world's highest peak, Mount Everest! His goal was not to just climb and summit the peak but in doing so it was the desire to help the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) by raising an astonishing amount of $250,000 USD! ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/IMG_2129_large.JPG) Marcelo is currently Executive Advisor, Digital Transformation at [ThoughtWorks.](https://thoughtworks.com/) He serves as Board Member of [HITEC](https://hitecglobal.org/) in where he advocates for the advancement of Hispanics and Women in STEM careers. Marcelo regularly mentors tech startups at [1871 Chicago](https://1871.com/) and [Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce](https://www.ihccbusiness.net/) and is member of Forbes Technology Council. Prior to joining ThoughtWorks, he was CIO of Mondelez and Group CIO of Pirelli. Join us in welcoming him to The Tribe and share your comments with us! ### Pepito's Paletas - #CreoEnTi Business Ambassador URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/business/pepitos-paletas-creoenti-business-ambassador/ Last updated: 2026-09-29T00:05:21.000Z ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/pepitospaletas_large.jpg) **We are excited to share with you our most delectable #CreoEnTi Business Ambassador, [Pepito's Paletas](http://pepitosicecream.com/), a catering company that makes Traditional Mexican Artisan Paletas, made with 100% Fruit and Sweetened Agave Honey - all-natural ingredients, no artificial flavors, no additives; all natural.** **“MADE TODAY TO ENJOY TODAY” is the slogan because everything tastes better when it’s made fresh and eaten fresh.** **From generation to generation, [Nancy Rosale’s](http://pepitosicecream.com/) Family have kept a tradition alive by serving mouth-watering homemade paletas just like abuelita used to make them. The superb quality with the unique and decadent fruits picked daily, and abuelitas recipes have been the inspiration behind the startup.** **Pepito is well known for fresh paletas, but they are also distinguished by Pepito’s 8-hour Frozen Signature Box, making catering a fun and smooth experience.** **![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/Pepitos_Paletas_CreoEnTi_large.jpeg)** **[Pepito’s Paletas](http://pepitosicecream.com/) has innovated a new way of showcasing paletas. Traditionally, paletas are inside a pushcart, but for Pepito’s, it was about seeing the fresh product, experiencing the colors and the variety of flavors all at a glance. This evolution sought to give customers the ultimate catering experience of not merely an exchange but feeling as close as possible to the creation process of the fresh paletas.** **In 2010, when the Rosales sisters had a hard time figuring out how to deliver the product without freezers because they drove around in a Smart Car, they decided to sit down and start designing the Pepito Box, so that the product could be anywhere at any time without melting. It had never crossed their minds that this box would be a huge hit for people on-the-go and for catering events.** **The box has been a big hit for corporations like Facebook and Google, and now you can order Fresh Paletas online for all types of events such as weddings, big corporate parties, dessert socials, and outdoor activities.** **Pepito’s Paletas are made from 100% real fruit, and they use Agave Honey as a natural sweetener.** **Don't be surprised if Pepito’s Paletas is awarded an Innovation Award for their signature box, as they were granted an Innovation Award in 2008 for their real-life mascot that walked the streets sharing fresh paletas.** **![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/pepitospaletas1_large.jpg)** **Tell us what you think about the new innovation, and share with your friends Pepito’s Paletas!** **Swoon in the tradition and order today!** **![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/fullsizeoutput_20bd_large.jpg)** **They are our founder's favorite paletas.** **\* Pepito’s frozen signature box is copyright © protected** **![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/IMG_6432_large.jpg)** ### The El Camino Group - Tax Season Basics URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/business/the-el-camino-group-tax-season-basics/ Last updated: 2026-09-29T01:18:14.000Z **Tax Season Basics: Understanding Your Personal Income Taxes** While taxes may not be top of mind for much of the year, now might be a good time for a quick refresher on some important information that impacts how much you’ll owe Uncle Sam. Taxes impact nearly every aspect of your financial life­­­­­­, from your overall financial and investment strategy to how you choose to save for your most important goals, such as a dream vacation, retirement or your child’s education. Understanding tax concepts and tax planning strategies—and opportunities that may reduce your tax bill—will help you make the most of the money you’ve worked so hard to earn. In order to plan for your tax obligations and take advantage of common tax strategies, you need to know what forms you will need, how different types of income are taxed and how your federal taxes are calculated. ***Common Tax Forms*** **W-4 Form.** This is the form your employer uses to determine what percentage of your pay will be deducted for taxes. Filling out your W-4 form correctly helps ensure you don’t underpay or overpay your taxes during the year. **W-2 Form.** Your W-2 statement provides a breakdown of your earnings and the amount of taxes withheld from your paycheck for the year. If contributions to your retirement plan and health savings account were deducted from your paycheck, you will see this on your W-2, as well. **Form 1099-INT.** If you received any interest income, it will be reported on this form. **Form 1099-DIV.** If you received any dividend income, it will be reported on this form. **Form 1040\.** This is the official form used to file your individual income tax return each year. ***How Income Is Taxed*** Your taxable income includes more than just the money you earn at work. Taxable income can be divided into ordinary income and capital gains. Ordinary income includes the compensation you receive from your job, as well as interest income. Capital gains include money you make on selling an asset, such as stock or real estate, as well as investment property. If you lose money selling an asset, you incur a capital loss. It is important to distinguish between ordinary income and capital gains or losses because these two types of income are treated differently for tax purposes. For capital gains, your tax will rate will depend on how long you held the asset. If the holding period was longer than one year, your capital gain or loss is considered long-term and is subject to a lower tax rate. If you have capital losses you can offset them against gains or against a maximum of $3,000 of ordinary income. If you still have capital losses left over, you can carry them forward to the next tax year. ***How Your Taxes Are Calculated*** Important components of your tax calculation include: **Gross Income.** This includes all your income from all sources. **Adjustments to Income.** These are deductions that reduce your gross income, such as traditional IRA contributions, student loan interest payments and contributions to a health savings account. **Standard or Itemized Deductions.** These are deductions, such as medical expenses, mortgage interest and charitable gifts that reduce your taxable income. **Credits.** These are credits that reduce your tax liability, such as child tax credits and education credits. ***Tax Planning Strategies*** There are a number of tax-deferred accounts that you may be able to use to set aside money for specific needs and to potentially reduce your liability. These include flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, commuter accounts or commuter benefits programs, education savings accounts, employer-sponsored retirement plans and individual retirement accounts. Another strategy that may help to reduce your tax liability is to maximize your contributions to your company retirement plan and/or your IRA(s). With your permission, it is a healthy practice to have your wealth advisor work with your tax advisor to help ensure that your tax strategy aligns with your overall wealth management strategy and is tailored to your individual goals. **Disclosures** Article by Morgan Stanley and provided courtesy of Morgan Stanley Financial Advisor. Angel Chavez, CIMA is a Wealth advisor in San Francisco at Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”). He can be reached by email at angel.chavez@morganstanley.comor by telephone at 415-984-6008.His California Insurance License # is 0E48771\. His website is https://advisor-staging.morganstanley.com/el-camino-group. This article has been prepared for informational purposes only. The information and data in the article has been obtained from sources outside of Morgan Stanley. Morgan Stanley makes no representations or guarantees as to the accuracy or completeness of the information or data from sources outside of Morgan Stanley. It does not provide individually tailored investment advice and has been prepared without regard to the individual financial circumstances and objectives of persons who receive it. The strategies and/or investments discussed in this article may not be suitable for all investors. Morgan Stanley recommends that investors independently evaluate particular investments and strategies, and encourages investors to seek the advice of a Financial Advisor. The appropriateness of a particular investment or strategy will depend on an investor’s individual circumstances and objectives. Tax laws are complex and subject to change. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice and are not “fiduciaries” (under ERISA, the Internal Revenue Code or otherwise) with respect to the services or activities described herein except as otherwise provided in writing by Morgan Stanley and/or as described at www.morganstanley.com/disclosures/dol. Individuals are encouraged to consult their tax and legal advisors (a) before establishing a retirement plan or account, and (b) regarding any potential tax, ERISA and related consequences of any investments made under such plan or account. Angel Chavez may only transact business, follow-up with individualized responses, or render personalized investment advice for compensation, in states where heis registered or excluded or exempted from registration, https://advisor-staging.morganstanley.com/el-camino-group \]. Courtesy of: Angel Chavez, CIMA Wealth Advisor with the El Camino Group Branch Name: Morgan Stanley San Francisco **Phone Number: 415-984-6008** **California Insurance License #: 0E48771** **Web Address: https://advisor-staging.morganstanley.com/el-camino-group** © 2018 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC. CRC 2289455 10/2018 ### Ivan Reyes released "Dedicado" URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/art-culture/ivan-reyes-released-dedicado/ Last updated: 2026-09-28T21:56:24.000Z ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/FINAL_DEDICADO_ARTWORK_large.jpeg) On February 16th, Silicon Valley Latino had the pleasure to support one of its most talented, dynamic, artistic and charismatic Cultura Ambassadors, Ivan Reyes, as Templo Records hosted a release party for "Dedicado." The release party was held at Dragons Production Theatre in Redwood City. It was a delight to see a standing room only crowd as the community came out to support Ivan on this special day. Dedicado is absolutely rhythmic and it incorporates various elements of contemporary urban Latino music as well as great vocals from various featured artists. We must also highlight that Ivan is one of those truly rare talents, a trifecta if you will as the CD is produced, written, and performed by him. "This album was a representation of me as a creator absolutely having fun with music and embracing my roots to my Latin culture. Every song started with a simple Latin rhythm and lyrics that came from personal memory that I felt would make an interesting soundtrack to a story. The album title “Dedicado” takes on a double meaning for me. In English, this translates to “dedicated,” which is what I have been to this music industry for the past 15 years as a music producer only. The release date was also my 30th B-day and it was a great time to showcase what embracing and finding your voice behind the microphone really means. The second meaning to the title was the simple fact that I wanted to dedicate a project to those around me that I love and continue to make life a beautiful journey for me. My goal with this project is to continue to inspire those who are in the fields of creative arts, to continue to push through the obstacles to find their true unique voice and share their stories, music, and art with the world. I want people to know that it’s never too late to get creative and find your passion. Most importantly, I want my local fans to know that someone that looks like them and shares a similar upbringing is happy to represent us and keep bringing the light to all the local talent that deserves the world’s attention." Ivan Reyes. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/LobbyPic_large.jpg) We recommend getting this great CD as it has a little of everything, it's available via iTunes, Spotify, and Youtube. Happy listening, happy dancing! ### Introducing Executive Cultura Ambassador: Michael Archuleta URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/cultura-ambassador/introducing-executive-cultura-ambassador-michael-archuleta/ Last updated: 2026-09-29T00:13:56.000Z We are delighted to introduce our latest Executive Cultura Ambassador, Michael Archuleta. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/Michael_Archuleta_1_large.jpeg) Recognized as a Top Hospital and Health System CIO to know and named a Rising Star in Healthcare, Michael is a cutting edge, innovative, visionary leader who possesses strong leadership skills with extensive experience and a proven track record of driving increased levels of productivity, profits, high integrity customer relationship skills and expert problem-solving approaches. Michael currently serves on the board of directors for The Neural Network, a CXO advisory board facilitated by NetApp, and a Healthcare Ambassador for Fujitsu of America. He is also an active member of the College of Healthcare Information Management Executives, a cybersecurity advisor to several healthcare startups and an active Speaker within the field of Health Information Technology. The results of this close collaboration between the hospital and Information Technology department can be astonishing: In his current role, Michael oversees all aspects of Information Technology and has led major organizational transformations. During Michael’s time serving as CIO, he led and designed the first data center while then adding virtualization efforts that reduced costs fifty-six percent and improved uptime from fifty-nine percent to ninety-nine percent which increased business productivity, operating efficiencies and enhanced services while reducing operating expenses. This direct collaboration allows the Information Technology Team to innovate pragmatically and remain a leader and disruptor in Health Information Technology. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/4_large.jpeg) Under Michael’s guidance and leadership, Mt San Rafael Hospital became one of the leading hospitals in the State of Colorado for leveraging advanced technology to enhance the patient and provider experience. With Michael’s innovative, driven approach, the hospital met HIMSS Analytics Stage Six recognition on the eight-stage HIMSS Analytics Electronic Medical Record Adoption Model in 2017, a feat only reached by thirty percent of U.S. hospitals. Leveraging advanced Information Technology to improve performance for value-based health care in the areas of infrastructure, business, administrative management, quality, safety, and clinical integration the Information Technology Department has also been presented the 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 Healthcare’s Most Wired Award which is given annually to the top hospitals in the country making the most progress in the adoption of Health Information Technology. Through Michael’s leadership, Mt. San Rafael achieved recognition as a top scoring hospital from the 2018 Most Wired survey. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/2_large.jpeg) During his downtime, Michael enjoys spending time with his wife Rosalie, his daughter Destiny and his son Michael Jr. Michael also enjoys skiing, hiking, running, and fishing. Michael was also an amateur boxer and now teaches both his son and daughter the sweet science of boxing. Michael states “To succeed, skill and talent alone is not enough, but instead, the will to win is worth much more! If you fall down, get back up and never give up because I believe in you!” #CreoEnTi” ### Ferrer named CEO at Child Advocates URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/business/ferrer-named-ceo-at-child-advocates/ Last updated: 2026-09-28T21:56:25.000Z Frederick J. Ferrer has been named CEO of Child Advocates, CASA of Silicon Valley, the Santa Clara County nonprofit that provides trained volunteer Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) for children in the Santa Clara County foster care system. Ferrer replaces outgoing Executive Director Karen Scussel who is retiring after six and a half years of heading the agency. Scussel has been involved with Child Advocates for over 18 years serving as a Board Member, Interim Director of Volunteer Services, Interim Director of Programs and Education Advocacy Supervisor. She has personally advocated for 17 foster children. In October 2012, Scussel became the Executive Director for the agency. During her tenure, Child Advocates grew from serving 595 foster children in FY 2014 to 905 foster children in FY 2018\. During this time, Child Advocates became one of the largest CASA programs in California with a budget of $2.4 million. In fiscal year 2019, Child Advocates plans to serve nearly 1,000 foster children and recruit, train and support 700 CASA volunteers in Santa Clara County. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/Ferrer2_large.jpg) “Karen is an exceptional leader who achieved the monumental challenge of aggressively growing the number of children we serve while accumulating financial resources for future investments. The board has always been impressed by the passion she brings to work every day and by the results she delivers year after year. She has been a true inspiration to all of us,” says Cassio Conceicão, board chair. “It has been an immense privilege to lead one of the most impactful small nonprofits in Silicon Valley, one that is truly creating better outcomes for foster children in our community,” says Scussel. “I leave this role with tremendous optimism and complete confidence that Frederick is the right person to lead the agency toward even greater success. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/Ferrer3_9367e361-c4b6-482d-bc1a-84ef6274b6e7_large.jpg) Frederick J. Ferrer has over three decades of leadership in mobilizing stakeholders and staff toward change through groundbreaking nonprofit and public policy initiatives, programs and systems reforms. Most recently, he worked as President and Principal Consultant at Manzanita Solutions, a national consulting firm that specializes in delivering strategic solutions and project management guidance to family-focused nonprofits and government agencies. Prior to this, he served as CEO of the Health Trust for nine years where he led the strategic direction of a $100M foundation while growing the annual operating budget from $12M to $22M. Ferrer is Vice Chair of the Santa Clara University College of Arts and Science Leadership Advisory Board. Additionally, he serves as a Dean’s Executive Professor of Public Health at Santa Clara University and adjunct instructor in Child Development and Education at De Anza College. Ferrer holds a M.S. degree in Counseling Psychology from San Jose State University and B.S. degree in Developmental Psychology from Santa Clara University. Ferrer received the Burgess Lifetime Achievement Award in HIV Services and Advocacy in 2016 and an honorary Doctorate of Public Service from Santa Clara University in 2014. “Early in my career I realized that I had a great affinity to work with children and in low-income communities,” says Ferrer. “As an early childhood practitioner, college instructor, fundraiser, and policy advocate, I developed and grew programs, designed state of the art curriculum, created innovative models in early childhood to include families in service delivery and advocated for system expansion and reforms at the local, state and federal levels. I see direct alignment with Child Advocates’ mission to serve vulnerable children and youth in the dependency court system, and I look forward to growing the agency to serve more foster youth.” “Child Advocates is poised to leverage our very solid operational foundation to partner with other organizations as we seek to not only grow the number of children we serve but also to improve outcomes and help drive systemic change,” says Conceicão. “There is no question in my mind that Frederick is the perfect candidate to lead us into this next phase of our journey. We feel incredibly fortunate to have him as our new leader.” "I have known Fred for many years and enjoyed working with him when he served as CEO of the Health Trust and as Executive Director of Estrella Family Services," says Santa Clara County Supervisor Cindy Chavez. "He is a decisive leader who champions change through collaboration and has extensive experience in backing research-based public policy initiatives that drive improvements in child development and health and human services. I look forward to collaborating with him and Child Advocates to further the county's ‘Making Families Stronger Initiative’ to vastly improve the county's foster care system." In Santa Clara County, there are approximately 1,300 children in dependency care. In fiscal year 2018, Child Advocates provided CASAs to 905 dependent children and youth. The nonprofit agency has a three-year strategic plan to serve 1,200 children with a CASA by 2021\. Currently, Child Advocates has more than 150 foster children waiting to be matched with a CASA. About Child Advocates of Silicon Valley, Child Advocates was founded in 1986 and has served more than 16,000 foster children with a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA). Child Advocates is the only agency in Santa Clara County that provides CASAs to foster youth. Because our volunteers are court-appointed, they can thoroughly research every aspect of a child’s case, including meeting teachers, doctors, social workers, counselors, biological family members, and foster parents, thereby gaining a comprehensive perspective on what the child needs in order to thrive. CASAs assist their child in accessing needed resources, follow their school progress, and speak up for their child’s best interests in court. They maintain records about the case, submit reports and attend court hearings. CASA volunteers stay with their case until their child has a safe, loving home. Find out more about our CASA program at [www.BeMyAdvocate.org](http://www.bemyadvocate.org/). About Frederick J. Ferrer Frederick J. Ferrer has over three decades of leadership in mobilizing stakeholders and staff toward change through groundbreaking nonprofit and public policy initiatives, programs and systems reforms. Prior to becoming CEO of Child Advocates, Ferrer founded and lead Manzanita Solutions, where he provided consultation on health, early childhood, non-profit management, and systems reform. Before that, Ferrer served for nine years as CEO at the Health Trust, a $100 million foundation, which provides direct health services, grants, and drives policy to improve the health of the community. Ferrer is the former Executive Director of Estrella Family Services, and was chair of the FIRST 5 Santa Clara County Commission. He is vice chair of the Santa Clara University’s College of Arts and Sciences Leadership Advisory Board. He chaired the university’s Blue Ribbon Commission on Diversity and Inclusion. He chairs the Rocketship Public Schools Board and serves on the Board of Legacy Academy. He is also a member of the Children’s Discovery Museum LGBTQ Advisory Board. ### Jorge Escobar named Interim Vice Chancellor SJECCD URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/cultura-ambassador/jorge-escobar-named-interim-vice-chancellor-sjeccd/ Last updated: 2026-09-28T23:59:21.000Z We are excited to announce that Cultura Ambassador, Collaborator & Education Champion [Jorge Escobar](https://svlatino.com/blogs/cultura-ambassador/cultura-ambassador-jorge-escobar-named-president-of-sjcc) has been named Interim Vice chancellor at San José Evergreen Community College District! ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/Screen_Shot_2019-02-25_at_12.54.27_PM_large.png) Jorge has a long career and a vast amount of experience in the education industry which has permitted him to sit on the board at The Foundation for Hispanic Education among many of his accomplishments! **San José – Evergreen CCD Fills Key Leadership Roles** (San Jose, Calif.) —San José – Evergreen Community College District (SJECCD) recently welcomed new leaders to two key roles within the District's administration, appointing Jorge L. Escobar interim vice chancellor of administrative services and Dr. Beatriz Chaidez associate vice chancellor of human resources. "These are very important leadership positions within our District and will help move our District forward. Following our robust search process, Jorge and Beatriz were the clear top candidates for their respective positions," said Dr. Byron D. Clift Breland, SJECCD chancellor. "We are very fortunate to be adding two people with extraordinary skills and experiences and visionary leadership to our District." Prior to his appointment as interim vice chancellor, Escobar took on the role of acting president at San José City College (SJCC) where he had previously served as vice president of administrative services since 2014\. Before joining SJCC, Escobar held various leadership positions with Princeton University, Laureate International Universities, the National Hispanic University and Merrill Lynch. He has extensive experience in strategic planning, business reengineering, fiscal management, business development, technology implementation, online education, and oversight of construction projects. During his tenure at SJCC, the college opened an extension site in Milpitas, a welding lab, and a physical education building and gymnasium, among other projects, all of which were built under Escobar's leadership. His educational background includes a Master of Science in education from Walden University, Bachelor of Science in business administration-finance from Rider University, Bachelor of Science in business administration management from Thomas Edison State College, and an Associate of Applied Science in business administration and accounting from County College of Morris. "I take this opportunity as a way of exercising all my experience and knowledge with the ultimate intention of making our colleges the top choice for higher education in Silicon Valley," Escobar said. Dr. Chaidez has spent more than 20 years in education, a career which began as a classroom teacher and saw her most recently serving as assistant superintendent for human resources with Salinas City Elementary School District (SCESD). She has held numerous positions within education, including director of pupil personnel services and special education—also with SCESD—assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction with Sacramento City Unified School District and superintendent/principal with Raisin City School District. Dr. Chaidez has extensive experience with worker's compensation, classification and compensation of job descriptions, employment law, labor negotiations, California Educational Code, and Title 5, all of which will inform the work she does for SJECCD. She has also served as an executive board member for both the Association of California School Administrators and the California Association of Latino Superintendents and Administrators. "I'm very pleased to be joining San José – Evergreen Community College District. My personal values align closely with the District's mission and values and I look forward to using my skills and experience to help advance our mission and serve our students and community," Dr. Chaidez said. "I understand and appreciate the vital role that community colleges play in our educational system, particularly for many individuals from traditionally underrepresented groups." Chaidez holds a doctorate in educational leadership from University of California, Davis; a Master of Arts in educational administration from Fresno Pacific University; and a Bachelor of Arts in liberal studies from California State University, Fresno. "Both Jorge and Beatriz have shown unwavering commitment to our District's core values of Opportunity, Equity, and Social Justice throughout their careers," Dr. Clift Breland said. "I look forward to working closely with both of them as members of our Executive Cabinet." **\*\*\*** **About San José – Evergreen Community College District** Located in vibrant downtown San José in the heart of Silicon Valley, the San José – Evergreen Community College District (SJECCD) encompasses more than 300 square miles, including a large portion of the City of San José and all of the City of Milpitas. The District includes the areas served by Milpitas and San José Unified School Districts, together with East Side Union High School District. SJECCD is comprised of: Evergreen Valley College, established in 1975; San José City College, the first community college in Santa Clara County, established in 1921; the Community College Center for Economic Mobility (previously known as the Workforce Institute), established in 1988, and the San José – Evergreen Community College Extension at Milpitas, established in 2016\. For more information, visit www.sjeccd.edu. ### The El Camino Group - #CreoEnTi Business Ambassador URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/business/the-el-camino-group-creoenti-business-ambassador/ Last updated: 2026-09-29T01:20:32.000Z The El Camino Group is Committed to Taking Care of Your Family as Their Own. We are delighted to introduce Wealth Advisor Angel Chavez and The El Camino Group at Morgan Stanley as our latest #CreoEnTi Business Ambassadors. The El Camino Group is a team within Morgan Stanley that delivers investment and planning advice to hard-working families and corporations, predominantly in the San Francisco Bay Area. Angel has been advising families and corporations in the San Francisco Bay Area with their finances since 1996\. He is passionate about helping people to successfully navigate the complexities they face in their financial lives through coaching and guidance. Angel grew up in San Francisco with his grandmother, who instilled in him from a very young age the value of hard work, a strong education, and giving back to his community. These core values have helped him understand the struggles and the tenacity it takes to be successful. A portfolio manager by trade, Angel was the chief operating officer of a successful technology start-up prior to venturing into the world of finance. He earned his degree in finance from SF State University, received his MBA from Golden Gate University and completed his executive development course work at Haas School of Business, UC Berkeley. In his spare time, Angel competes in Obstacle Course Racing and has completed more than 10 Spartan Races and 3 Tough Mudders in the past few years. He also coaches CYO Cross Country and Volleyball and in the past year he coached several young Latinos to attain their Spartan Trifectas. He truly loves having outdoor adventures with the support and participation of his wife and two children. Angel is also passionate about giving back to his community. He has served on the Board of the Latino Community Foundation, Juma Ventures and the Susan G. Komen Foundation, among other organizations. In 2015, he founded the Latino Men’s Giving Circle to address the persistent opportunity gaps faced by boys and young men of color. His goal is to partner with other organizations to inspire youth to pursue studies focused on Science Technology Engineering Arts and Math (STEAM). Angel and his team believe that planning for your family’s financial future can be a complex and challenging process that requires knowledge, experience and a deep dedication to understanding your family’s unique dynamics, values, and priorities. The team delivers comprehensive, family-centric wealth management, which includes having meaningful conversations about money with the entire family. Working together on family business matters and defining and achieving philanthropic goals that align with the family values by using estate planning, tax and wealth transfer strategies. All with an understanding of family dynamics while engaging the next generation in taking ownership of their finances. What this means for their clients is that the team takes a disciplined, diligent approach to delivering a high level of service and a standard of care that takes into account your family’s best interests and full financial picture in achieving their goals. “We are committed to taking care of your family as we would our own, with the greater purpose of making a difference and creating a better community,” said Angel Chavez **The El Camino Group’s Guiding Principles include:** · **PERSONAL ATTENTION** and service that exceeds expectations · **COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH** to wealth management that addresses all financial and Family needs · **PROCESS-DRIVEN STRATEGY** for helping their clients chart a confident course to their most important goals · **ACCESS** to the global resources, talent and state of the art platforms of one of the world’s leading investment and wealth management firms **As you can see The El Camino Group is there with you Every Step of the Way.** As part of our [ShopLatino](https://svlatino.com/collections/shop-latino) initiative we encourage our community to do business with Latino businesses and in particular those who support our #CreoEnTi initiatives such as our latest #CreoEnTi Business Ambassadors, The El Camino Group. You may learn more about them by visiting [El Camino Group](http://fa.morganstanley.com/elcaminogroup/) or calling them at 415-984-6008. 555 California Street 35th Floor - San Francisco, CA 94104 - 415-984-6008 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Clients should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for matters involving trust and estate planning and other legal matters. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC. ### Max Luna - Collegiate Cultura Ambassador URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/cultura-ambassador/max-luna-collegiate-cultura-ambassador/ Last updated: 2026-10-07T21:11:19.000Z Max is currently a first-year student at Santa Clara University pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering. His inspiration came from his parents, both first generation Latino Americans and college graduates that strongly instilled the value of education in him, perpetuating that his higher education is the key to success. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/SVL_pic_1_scu_gear_on_campus_large.jpg) Despite being a Bay Area native, he decided to live on campus to get the entire college life experience instead of commuting from home. On campus, he has been able to further explore and learn about the social and academic communities. He has been able to explore Greek life at school and looks forward to rushing a fraternity next year. Recently, he joined a start-up club that focuses on incubating business ideas and nurtures the entrepreneurial mindset. In terms of academics, he has been able to explore his major and learn new skills necessary for his intended industry, such as CAD drawing and other design skills. Max also intends on picking up a minor in aerospace engineering. His ambitions to pursue mechanical engineering stem from his fascination with cars and bicycles ever since he has was a young boy. For this reason, a few industries that have piqued his interest include the automotive, aerospace, and defense industries. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/SVL_pic_3_rose_garden_large.jpg)](https://www.linkedin.com/in/max-luna-a81632113/) [Max](https://www.linkedin.com/in/max-luna-a81632113/) is grateful for how the Latino community has supported him on his journey, particularly manifesting itself through Silicon Valley Latino. He is currently exploring internship opportunities and is most interested in those that would be related to the automotive, aerospace, and defense industries. Adelante Max! Interested in joining SVLatino and our #CreoEnTi movement? See all the options here => [Join Us](https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/cultura-ambassador/max-luna-collegiate-cultura-ambassador/#/portal/signup) ### Analiese Hernandez - Collegiate Cultura Ambassador URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/cultura-ambassador/analiese-hernandez-collegiate-cultura-ambassador/ Last updated: 2026-09-29T00:20:43.000Z It is our pleasure to introduce our latest Silicon Valley Latino Collegiate Cultura Ambassador, Analiese Hernandez. Analiese is currently a second year at Oregon State University and pursuing a degree in Marketing. She gained her inspiration from her parents who are both first-generation college graduates and paved a path for their children to chase their dreams. She strives to make her parents proud and use her drive to make a difference and represent the Latino community. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/Analiese1_large.jpg) Attending college out-of-state has been a growing experience for Analiese as she gained much independence and has persevered throughout her obstacles. Throughout all terms at Oregon State, she has maintained a 4.0 GPA as well as an Honor Roll student, which is an honor that less than two percent of the College of Business have achieved. Analiese’s interest in marketing stems from her experiences on the Public Relations committee in high school and leading the marketing team for a term long projected in which her team developed a company. Analiese is a currently serving on the executive council for her sorority, Kappa Kappa Gamma, as her chapter’s Panhellenic Delegate. As Panhellenic Delegate, she represents the entire chapter at biweekly meetings, manages a committee, and develops new methods to emphasize diversity and encourage members to be more involved. She is also a mentor for the College of Business, in which she is responsible for four freshman students to help them with their transition into college and provide them with individualized resources to be successful. She is a member of the Women in Leadership club as she is passionate about empowering women and learning from their experiences. In a community where Hispanics are a large minority, Analiese volunteered to teach a Spanish-speaking third-grade class about the importance of financial literacy and motivate them to discuss their aspirations for their future. She is inspired by viewing features of successful Latino’s via [SVL’s platforms](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0ZQYZ2gHGnjep2U0eG84nQ) and hopes to one day be an inspiration for others. Analiese is excited for what the rest of her journey has to offer and optimistic to secure an internship that will allow her to utilize her marketing, leadership, and communication skills to contribute to the success of the company. ### Cultura Ambassador - Servando R. Sandoval URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/cultura-ambassador/cultura-ambassador-servando-r-sandoval/ Last updated: 2026-09-28T21:48:44.000Z Servando R. Sandoval is a Shareholder in the San Jose-based law firm Pahl & McCay. He has been practicing for 19 years in Silicon Valley. His areas of concentration include all aspects of real estate, with special emphasis on the multi-family housing industry, employment law and commercial litigation. He represents both for-profit and non-profit owners, property managers and developers, providing operational advice in all areas of employment and real estate, including fair housing and compliance issues. He also represents many Latino-owned businesses in the Valley. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/Servando_large.jpg) He was born in the State of Zacatecas Mexico and immigrated to San Jose at the age of six. He grew up in San Jose, attending Overfelt High School. Servando graduated with honors from the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) and also received his Juris Doctor from the UCLA School of Law. Servando is the current Chair of the Board of Directors for Voices College-Bound Language Academies, a dual immersion charter school network with four schools in the Bay Area. He is also the Vice Chair for the Alum Rock Jazz Foundation (formerly Friends of Alum Rock Jazz), which raises funds for the Alum Rock School District after school jazz program. He previously served as Chairman of Board of Directors for the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Silicon Valley and as a member of the Board of Directors for San Jose Day Nursery. ### Guillermo Diaz Jr. elected Chairman of HITEC Board of Directors URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/cultura-ambassador/guillermo-diaz-jr-elected-chairman-of-hitec-board-of-directors/ Last updated: 2026-09-29T01:14:57.000Z | We are delighted to share the great news that Cultura Ambassador and #CreoEnTi Champion of Silicon Valley Latino, [Guillermo Díaz Jr.](https://svlatino.com/blogs/creoenti/fireside-chat-with-cisco-cio-guillermo-diaz-jr), has been elected Chairman of the HITEC Board of Directors. [Guillermo Díaz](https://youtu.be/ib-RIkGLl68) is a focused and determined man who never really sees obstacles, so much as assignments on a checklist of life’s “to do”. As Diaz talks about his career moves, one thing is clear and not lost on his audience. Guillermo Díaz wakes up every morning determined to do his best, always steadfast in the resolve to make a difference. That is what makes him a great leader of people. At an early age, teachers pointed out how he possessed something clearly exceptional and it was then that he started his path towards being an effective leader. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/GuillermoInTux_cd78f740-5201-47ad-9847-16c8c9cec759_large.JPG) **Press Release originally released by HITEC** January 18, 2019 (SAN JOSE, CA.), -- [Guillermo Díaz Jr.](https://www.hitecglobal.org/page/GuillermoDiazJr), SVP and Chief Information Officer (CIO) for Cisco, has been elected Chairman of the HITEC Board of Directors. Diaz succeeds [Alberto Yépez](https://www.hitecglobal.org/page/page3BoDYepez), who has served as Chairman of the organization since 2008\. Yépez has been named Chairman Emeritus in recognition for his distinguished service and critical role in growing the organization. “I am excited to have the confidence of my colleagues on the board. I look forward to working with our board, our team and our partners to help grow HITEC’s impact and influence,” Diaz said. “We remain committed to being the leading organization for Hispanics in technology and innovation and to helping build the next generation of Hispanic technology leaders.” [Rosa Ramos-Kwok](https://www.hitecglobal.org/page/RosaRamosKwok), Managing Director for JP Morgan Chase & Co. will serve as HITEC’s Vice Chair. [Miriam Hernandez-Kakol](https://www.hitecglobal.org/page/MiriamHernandezKakol), Partner & Customer and Operations Global Leader for KPMG will serve as HITEC’s Board Secretary and [Darrell Higueros](https://www.hitecglobal.org/page/darrellhigueros), CEO of Next Generation Inc. will continue to serve as HITEC’s Treasurer. “I have been honored to serve as Chairman of HITEC and I’m happy to say that because of the commitment and active involvement of our members, corporate partners and advocates, HITEC has been ‘built to last’ and that our motto of *pushing up and pulling up* summarizes our key tenant of service to our community,” Yépez said. “I’m confident that Guillermo and the board will lead HITEC into the organization’s next phase of growth and I look forward to continuing to be actively involved in HITEC. Our time has come.” The following individuals join the HITEC Board of Directors effective January 2019: [Andy Erlandson](https://hitecglobal.org/page/Andy-Erlandson), General Manager, Microsoft [Marcelo De Santis](https://hitecglobal.org/page/MarceloDeSantisBio), Executive Advisor, Digital Transformation, ThoughtWorks [Adriana Torres](https://hitecglobal.org/page/AdrianaTorresBio), Senior VP & Global Head of Hospitality and Food & Beverage Support, Oracle Corporation Longtime HITEC member, [Ramón Baez](https://hitecglobal.org/mpage/RamonBaez2), will serve as Chairman of the HITEC Foundation. The HITEC Foundation works to build a sustainable pipeline for future Latinx leaders in technology by providing scholarships, internships and mentoring to Hispanic youth. “I am thrilled to be selected to serve as the Chairman for the HITEC Foundation board. The Board consist of terrific global IT leaders that happened to be Hispanic. We will be focused on raising funds collaborating with our partners for providing scholarships to Latinx students that are working hard to attain a degree in computer science and technology,” Baez said. This year, four HITEC board members have concluded their board service. [Alberto Yépez](https://www.hitecglobal.org/page/page3BoDYepez), [Myrna Soto](https://www.hitecglobal.org/page/BoDSoto), [Ileana Rivera](https://www.hitecglobal.org/page/IleanaRiverabio) and [Carlos Amésquita](https://www.hitecglobal.org/page/CarlosAmesquita) have served with distinction and we are grateful for their service and contributions. | | 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| | | ### State of Latino Entrepreneurship URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/business/state-of-latino-entrepreneurship/ Last updated: 2026-09-29T00:15:03.000Z Silicon Valley Latino had the pleasure of attending the 2019 State of Latino Entrepreneurship Forum on Friday, January 25, 2019, at the Stanford Graduate School of Business. It was wonderful to see several hundreds in attendance including numerous Silicon Valley Latino Ambassadors and Advisory Board Members supporting this annual event. The program included a welcome by the Latino Business Action Network (LBAN), CEO, Mark Madrid as well as LBAN Founder & Chairman Emeritus and Stanford Graduate School of Business Professor, Emeritus, Dr. Jerry Porras and LBAN Chairman, Victor Arias. Marlene Orozco, LBAN Lead Research Analyst presented a detailed 2018 Research Report overview. Victor Arias also conducted an insightful panel discussion with Stanford Latino Entrepreneurship Initiative Education Scaling Program graduates which included Rafael Alvarez, Founder & CEO of ATAX and Maria A. Marin, President & CEO of Recycling, Inc. Unlimited, Inc. The program concluded LBAN Board Member, Sol Trujillo interviewing Nick Bailey, former President and CEO of Century 21 in an intimate fireside chat. Silicon Valley Latino appreciates the diligent and purpose driven work that LBAN leads to support Latino entrepreneur community. We look forward to staying tuned to more of LBAN updates. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/Panel_large.jpeg) **Executive Summary** With this report, the Stanford Latino Entrepreneurship Initiative (SLEI) shares results from the fourth annual Survey of U.S. Latino Business Owners. We examine characteristics of U.S. Latino-owned businesses, identify business approaches that correlate with Latino business success, and highlight important information about Latino entrepreneurs’ attitudes toward and access to capital. Previous SLEI reports have detailed growth trends in the total number of U.S. Latino-owned businesses, estimated to be around 5 million. The U.S. Census Bureau reports that while the total number of businesses in the U.S. declined from 2007 to 2012, the number of Latino-owned businesses grew by 46 percent. Currently, most Latino-owned businesses start small and stay small, with only 3 percent of all Latino-owned companies generating at least $1 million in annual gross revenue. In this report, we share insights into a growth framework that highlights characteristics and strategies prevalent among Latino-owned firms that have successfully scaled. The corollaries of success outlined in the growth framework may be interesting for other Latino firms seeking to grow. We also examine entrepreneurs’ perspectives on barriers to growth and their attitudes about and access to outside capital. We highlight key issues and findings below. Several business strategies and characteristics positively correlate to scale: Latino-owned firms that generate $1 million+ in annual gross revenue (i.e., scaled firms) are more likely than unscaled firms to hold Minority- and Women-owned Business Enterprise (M/WBE) business certification, to be networked with local business organizations such as chambers of commerce, to formally register their company, to operate a firm in the technology sector, and to export their products. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/Sol_Nick_large.jpeg) Business Certification: M/WBE certification programs exist to address social and economic disadvantages. Among all Latino-owned firms surveyed, 21 percent have some type of business certification. Scaled Latino-owned firms are more likely to be certified (58 percent), giving them access to contracts not available to uncertified firms. Formal Networking: Membership in business organizations such as chambers of commerce or trade associations can develop an entrepreneur’s social capital and can be related to economic returns by virtue of referrals, access to information, or other business opportunities. Scaled firms are more likely to be well-networked (77 percent) than the average Latino-owned firm (35 percent). Business Registration: Formally registering a business with local, state, and/or federal agencies can provide personal liability protection, legal benefits, and potential tax benefits. In this study, scaled businesses are more likely to be registered than unscaled businesses (89 percent compared to 67 percent). Technology Sector: On average, 8 percent of Latino-owned businesses operate in the technology sector. Scaled firms are more likely to be in the tech sector (24 percent) than unscaled firms (7 percent). Although being in the tech sector did correlate with revenues above $1 million, Latino tech companies still report lack of access to capital as a major factor impacting their profitability. Exporting Goods & Services: According to the Department of Commerce, U.S. businesses that export not only grow faster but also are nearly 8.5 percent less likely to go out of business than non-exporting businesses.1 We found that 14 percent of all Latino-owned companies export products and services, while 30 percent of scaled Latino companies did so. Latino export businesses are more likely to be profitable, immigrant-owned, scaled, and tech companies. The top two export markets include Mexico (18 percent) and Canada (13 percent). The majority of Latino-owned businesses did not apply for financing in the previous 12 months; among those that did, three-quarters obtained at least a portion of the financing requested. In the 12-month period prior to taking the survey, 60 percent of Latino business owners did not apply for any financing. Among those who did apply for financing, 30 percent applied for less than $100,000\. Scaled firms had all of their funding approved at nearly twice the rate of unscaled firms (51 percent compared to 29 percent). Firms that are highly networked with formal organizations (e.g. chambers of commerce, trade associations, etc.) are also more likely to obtain all of the funding they requested (37 percent compared to 27 percent). For firms that did not apply for financing, their reasons included: funding not needed (30 percent); did not want to accrue debt (20 percent); and did not think the application would be approved (15 percent). Previous research by SLEI, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, and Interise noted that while Latino business owners apply for financing at comparable rates to white business owners, Latino entrepreneurs are more likely to experience a funding shortfall. Twenty-eight percent of Latino business owners received full funding, compared to 49 percent of white business owners.2 In other words, Latino business owners are denied more often than white business owners. Personal credit scores are utilized more frequently than business credit scores when securing capital. Just as personal credit scores provide information to lenders when an individual seeks a mortgage or other personal loan, business scores indicate the credit risk of a business. However, 72 percent of small business owners do not know their business credit score, and 60 percent don’t know how to find it.3 This leads to low rates of usage, even though owners who understand their business credit score are 41 percent more likely to be approved for a loan.4 Our study found that only one-third of Latino-owned employer and scaled firms use a business score to access capital. This means that many firms with proven track records continue to rely on the owner’s personal credit scores when seeking funding for the business. Thus, Latino business owners with good personal credit are more likely to have higher gross business revenue and also use a wider variety of funding. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/GroupShot_large.jpeg) Most Latino entrepreneurs with scaled businesses were raised in lower and lower-middle income households. As a key measure in the growth framework, scaled businesses, or those that generate more than $1 million in annual gross revenue, serves as one benchmark of business success. Relatedly, business success may be linked to personal success (i.e., household wealth), and social mobility in entrepreneurship has become an important topic of study. In our survey, we find that a plurality of Latino business owners who have grown their company to $1 million or more in annual gross revenue (i.e., scaled firms) report having been raised in lower to lower-middle income households, suggesting that childhood background need not be an insurmountable barrier to building a successful business. For complete insights from the SLEI 2018 Survey of U.S. Latino Business Owners, you may download the report at ### José Benitez Cong welcomed as SVL Advisory Board Member URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/cultura-ambassador/jose-benitez-cong-welcomed-as-svl-advisory-board-member/ Last updated: 2026-09-28T21:56:28.000Z As we close in on 2019 we are focused on making the up coming year an even bigger success here at SVLatino. In our preparation for the year we have the privilege of presenting another exceptional addition to our Advisory Board in José Benitez Cong. José is recognized as a Silicon Valley industry thought leader in the field of talent management. He has been part of talent strategies behind some of the most recognized consumer electronics products in history. He spent the 2000’s organizing the growth behind the iPod, iPhone, and iOS cameras at Apple. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/CulturalFusion_-93_2_adc8dbcf-947b-4f7b-aae0-6b025260cd5e_large.jpg) In 2011, José left Apple to join Nest Labs, a startup set to re-invent the home. The startup went on to launch the critical acclaimed Nest Learning Thermostat and Nest Protect, an intelligent smoke & CO detector and was successfully acquired by Google for $3.2B in early 2014\. Currently, José is the co-founder and CEO of [Plause](https://www.plause.com/), an enterprise platform helping companies to better engage and manage their workforce, making work, work better by bringing a more human experience to HR with data backed transformations. ### Inaugural Cultural Fusion Festival URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/art-culture/innaugural-cultural-fusion-festival/ Last updated: 2026-09-29T00:10:01.000Z Saturday, October 27th, we gathered to celebrate cultural diversity in the bay area at the Inaugural Cultural Fusion Festival. The spirit of collaboration was palatable as many business, community and political leaders along with active community members enjoyed food and music from the eclectic mix of artists in attendance. The goal was to bring folks together in the spirit of unity to discuss the rich advantages we have from all the heritages living right here in our own backyard. Presenters ranged from nutrition ([Tranont](https://www.tranont.com/)) and art experts (Macchu Pichu Gallery) to youth empowerment inspired jewelry and crafts. The day also included a panel discussion on Growing Up Biracial. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/CulturalFusion_-136_large.jpg) The day started with a yoga practice with Kat Da Silva from [Root to Rise](https://yogitones.com/2018/09/13/yogi-tones-podcast-finding-the-real-guru-with-kat-da-silva/) and Cheryl Robledo from [Samadhi Yoga](https://www.samadhiyogagruha.com/) of San Jose. Attendees were immediately put at ease as they were put through an uplifting and inspiring meditation at the close of the session. Music was then provided by Peter Colclasure and Freya Cellista. A chilling haunting duo featuring unique contemporary compositions with piano and cello. Attendees were able to mingle in the main courtyard where information tables were set up while [DJ Vex One](https://www.facebook.com/Dj-Vex-One-Freshmen-Crew-Funklab-Crew-MZK-Lifestyles-116923241709609/) and Timo on Steel Drum kept the crowds entertained. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/CulturalFusion_-114_large.jpg) The panel discussion featured Jose Cong and Emily Lam which shared their experiences growing up in search of identity and a sense of place. It’s that sense of place that Silicon Valley residents struggle with as we strive to communicate in this ever-changing and global landscape. The truth is that with the advent of technology, we are all global citizens. Broadcasting worldwide in a much bigger community that’s tied together right in our own backyard. The lines of who we are getting blurred. How do we embrace our past, present, and future? ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/CulturalFusion_-93_2_large.jpg) Following the panel discussion, the audience was shaken with traditional Aztec dancing with Parents and Students of the Milpitas area known as Xicmecayolt. The ancient drums reverberating in the very same valley they had once rung out many years ago. An attendee asked me where the culture of those drums came from. I answered, “Right here, you’re standing where those drums echoed many years ago.” The afternoon concluded with a stirring performance by [The Kalakari Crew,](https://www.kalakaricrew.com/) built of artists and activists born and raised in California. Growing up organizing for social justice while spray-painting neighborhood walls with messages of resistance. As children of Punjabi immigrants, they were raised in strict households, turning to hip-hop and graffiti as tools of creative freedom and powerful self-expression. The message was clear, culture unites. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/CulturalFusion_-165_2_large.jpg) Overall the afternoon gave our community a chance to network and talk about what we need to do to embrace all our cultures. Milpitas truly is a reflection of immense diversity and strength. Thank you San Jose City College Milpitas Extension for once again allowing our community to strive in the wonderfully rich valley. “Today, more than ever, it’s important for all Americans to celebrate diversity and inclusion because it’s the best antidote to cultural and political violence. I felt proud to be an American as I enjoyed the activities of the Cultural Fusion Festival!” Michael Mooney, Director - San José City College - Milpitas College Extension We would like to give special thank to Assemblymember Chu for having Field Representative, Anurag Pal, from his office, present both San Jose City College and Silicon Valley Latino with Certificates of Recognition for bringing the community together through our Inaugural Cultural Fusion Festival. We look forward to seeing you at the 2nd Annual Cultural Fusion Festival next year! Adam Mendoza ### Guillermo "Memo" Diaz III - #CreoEnTi Ambassador URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/cultura-ambassador/guillermo-memo-diaz-iii-collegiate-cultura-ambassador/ Last updated: 2026-09-28T21:56:29.000Z Guillermo "Memo" Christiano Diaz III, born in Denver, Colorado, and raised in Northern California has a Military (Navy) background, as does his father and older brother. He first found high value in developing a veterans’ practice - True Colors, while working towards his BSBA, after transitioning out of the military that later was recognized by the Salesforce veterans’ program - Vetforce. This opportunity helped to configure a strong foundation of two years, that also led him to be involved with the Latinoforce and Vetforce Salesforce 'Ohana' groups (Employee Resource Groups), in addition to his support for Salesforce University Marketing. All of that heightened his interest in working with nonprofit organizations, specifically Salesforce partner VetsinTech, one of the industry’s top veteran non-profits who is making a huge difference for veterans. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/13335879_141681969577085_3734506483897847395_n_grande.jpg) Currently, Memo is working with a startup in SOMA, San Francisco called Medisas (focused in Healthcare) in business development and looks forward to furthering his contributions in the healthcare industry. In his spare time, he enjoys seeing people come together as an event promoter and fitness coach (CrossFit), spending time with family, his dog Apollo, as well as traveling and immersing himself in other cultures. ### Gabriela Gil - Siamese Fighting Fish Art URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/art-culture/gabriela-gil-siamese-fighting-fish-art/ Last updated: 2026-09-29T00:18:48.000Z My large-scale paintings explore my personal journey of being born in Honduras, growing up throughout Latin America, and immigrating to the United States ten years ago. I believe art has the power to make the world a better place by enriching the lives of those who live with it, by collaborating on initiatives that inspire, and by giving back to the community. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/IMG_0297_large.JPG) The Siamese series is a body of work I began three years while using materials, color, and light to explore the concept of inner strength and grit. Flowing acrylic brushstrokes come together with thousands of metal thumbtacks to convey the delicate appearance of Siamese fighting fish, partnered with a core that resembles thousands of scales, but most importantly, the body armor of a warrior. The colors, mixed from primary colors, are meant to reflect the emotions from a specific period in time, but are also grounded on my Latin American roots which stem from a warm and vivid culture. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/IMG_0280_large.jpg) The pop-up gallery in Downtown San Francisco, open from October 20th through November 18th, celebrates the end of the series and is the first time the whole body of work is presented together and available to collect. The address of the pop-up is [833 Market St., 4th floor, San Francisco, CA 94103](https://www.google.com/maps/place/833+Market+St,+San+Francisco,+CA+94103,+USA/@37.7848321,-122.4081658,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x8085808613ef99b9:0x61d01220bf64caf4!8m2!3d37.7848321!4d-122.4059771), and we are open Monday through Saturday, 11am-6pm. Website (including a video of Gabriela speaking about the series): [www.gabrielagil.com](http://www.gabrielagil.com) **See Press Release below:** **Is working through a gallery the only path for artists?** **Gabriela Gil doesn’t think so.** **\[San Francisco, CA, October 24, 2018\]** After three years in the making, Latin American artist based in San Francisco, Gabriela Gil, presents a series of paintings that explore inner strength and grit in a 5,000 sq. ft. pop-up gallery in downtown San Francisco. With a background working with tech start-ups in the area, the artist believes there is room to approach art with Silicon Valley’s spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation. Opened last weekend, the Siamese gallery showcases large-scale paintings of Siamese fighting fish made from multiple layers of acrylic and metal thumbtacks. The color-filled space with large canvases hanging from the ceiling serves as an example of an alternative approach for artists to share their work and build their career. Gabriela believes that artists should feel empowered to own both the creative decisions of their work and how they present it to the world. According to the 29-year old artist, the key is to focus on high-quality work, learn the business aspects of the art industry through mentors and self-education, collaboration, and most importantly, have the courage of betting on yourself. The pop-up marks the end of the series, and is the first time after three years that the whole body of work is presented together and available to collect. On view through November 18th, Gabriela intends to use this opportunity to engage with artists, art-lovers and collectors alike in dialogue about what it means to be an artist in this time and age, as well as how we can use technology to empower artists, and infuse the art industry with positive evolution. \------ *Gabriela Gil is a visual artist based in San Francisco, CA. Her large-scale paintings explore her personal journey of being born in Honduras, growing up throughout Latin America, and immigrating to the United States ten years ago. I believe art has the power to make the world a better place by enriching the lives of those who live with it, by collaborating on initiatives that inspire, and by giving back to the community.* ### Cultura Ambassador - Lilian Peña URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/cultura-ambassador/cultura-ambassador-lilian-pen/ Last updated: 2026-09-29T01:21:38.000Z Lilian Peña, is currently an Account Executive, in the Sales & Marketing Department of Disney-Owned, Bay Area television station, ABC7/KGO-TV, part of the Disney-ABC Television Group (DATG). In her current sales role, Peña specializes in fostering and maintaining relationships with clients and agencies to generate revenue in support of the business operation of the station. Her expertise in the field, backed with several years of operational experience, make her a valuable contributor in advertiser marketing budget planning. In addition to possessing content production knowledge, she helps create the most effective campaign by presenting multi-platform offerings – broadcast/streamed television, online and digital tools, Network/Local app ad placement, and social opportunities. Prior to her move into sales, she led the operations department, for 15 years of her career, in the daily, deadline-driven task of creating the television station’s program logs for the primary and secondary channels. She oversaw the various aspects of the department including contract entry, materials ingest, traffic instructions input, inventory management and software upgrades. Peña was the central contact among all departments – programming, promotions, finance, public affairs, web, digital and news – for coordinating LIVE and breaking news events, as well as scheduled programming. She worked closely with engineering to continually refine the on-air playlist, configuring and entering codes in formats, making the different systems more compatible and automated. As part of streamlining internal business workflows, she served as a consultant with the Group’s traffic system vendor in their product development to give ABC an edge in the traffic aspect of the industry as an early-adopter. Peña also moderated monthly conference calls with the Group’s operations managers for sharing best practices. In addition to her day-to-day work responsibilities, Peña is also the Station’s Community Liaison of the Disney-ABC Owned Television Group’s Hispanic/Multicultural Initiatives committee. Her membership spans three years of teamwork in quantifying the growth of the Hispanic market, leading the creation of strategic plans to keep DATG competitive and connected, and in developing ways for the Group to reach this audience through relevant content and meaningful connections. As an active member of California-based non-profit, the Latino Community Foundation (LCF), she cultivates authentic relationships with the community, through extending her professional skills to further LCF’s vision and conversely being an LCF ambassador among her business network. Her involvement, along with other members, through LCF’s Latino Giving Circle Network (LGCN) has made the organization the largest Latino donor network in the nation – with 430 members, LGCN has given out $516,500 in grants, over four years, to Latino-based non-profits in the Bay Area and recently expanded to serve organizations across California. Peña recently joined Silicon Valley Latino as Cultura Ambassador. Her heart for people will make her an engaged and valueable contributor to the community through this influential network. Peña received a Bachelor of Arts degree in broadcast television and radio, with a concentration in newswriting and an emphasis in marketing, from San Francisco State University, San Francisco, CA. You can find her here on LinkedIn => ### Cultura Ambassador - Adriana Flores-Ragade URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/cultura-ambassador/cultura-ambassador-adriana-flores-ragade/ Last updated: 2026-09-29T01:23:11.000Z Adriana is an experienced relationship builder with a demonstrated history of working in the broadcast media industry and education non-profit sectors. She spent over a decade building equity and access programs and partnerships at the College Board and most recently focused on social impact and corporate social responsibilities campaigns at Univision Communications Inc. and Fusion Media Group. She is currently the host of [LatinxAmerica](http://latinxamerica.libsyn.com/), a podcast focused on highlighting people in tech who are leveraging, creating or financing tech. Adriana is also a freelance consultant for Univision’s Deeper Learning campaign launched in collaboration with the Hewlett Foundation. Adriana is skilled in Nonprofit Organizations, Equity & Access Programs, Educational Technology, Instructional Design, Program Development and Facilitation in English and Spanish. She is a strong business development professional with a Master's degree focused in Communication Management from USC Annenberg School for Communication & Journalism and a Bachelors of Arts from Claremont McKenna College. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling the world with her family. On a personal note, Adriana is a first generation college graduate and also the first in her family to receive a Masters degree. She emigrated from Mexico at the age of 12 to reunite with her family and was also an ELL student, so she understands the importance of supporting and contributing to student success. She currently resides in Silicon Valley with her husband and two children. ### Cultura Ambassador - Leandro Margulis URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/cultura-ambassador/cultura-ambassador-leandro-margulis/ Last updated: 2026-09-29T01:26:26.000Z Leandro is originally from Buenos Aires, Argentina. He has lived in the US for 15 years, the last 7 in the Bay Area. Leandro has strong business development experience and has utilized his effective sales and marketing skills to launch new products and business operations. As a former Big 4 management consultant, Yale MBA with an Industrial and Systems Engineering background, Leandro sits at the intersection between Product and Business. He looks at Business with the "product hat", figuring out the proper end use case and then aligning all the pieces of the puzzle (internal to the company and external via creatively structured partnerships) to fulfill that use case. In his free time Leandro enjoys spending time with his wife and friends traveling, hiking, as well as building cool projects with Raspberry Pi's or upgrading his cars. Latest accomplishments include: \- Top Business Development performer closing deals from $2 million to $14 million \- Former Founder & CEO of start-up in the Tech / RFID space; received patent for invention \- Wrote an article on effective networking which got thousands of views and republications. Then got featured on Hispanic Executive Magazine \-Speaker at TechCrunch Disrupt San Francisco 2018 Check out this short video clip of him in action at TechCrunch ### Cultura Ambassador Laura Gomez takes aim at Diversity Issue URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/latinos-in-tech/cultura-ambassador-laura-gomez-takes-aim-at-diversity-issue/ Last updated: 2026-09-29T18:55:15.000Z Silicon Valley Latino Cultura Ambassador and Advisory Board Member [Laura I. Gómez](https://www.facebook.com/lauraigomez) is part of an amazing team of women who are tackling the Diversity Issue in Tech. Here is yet another article highlighting who they are and what they are shooting for. How are you taking part in battling this issue? Share your actions and thoughts here. Congrats Laura and keep up the great work! [‪#‎Latina‬](https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/latina?source=feed%5Ftext&story%5Fid=1191512157548483) [‪#‎LatinaMentor‬](https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/latinamentor?source=feed%5Ftext&story%5Fid=1191512157548483) [‪#‎LatinaLeader‬](https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/latinaleader?source=feed%5Ftext&story%5Fid=1191512157548483) [](https://theestablishment.co/meet-the-women-behind-the-initiative-tackling-techs-diversity-crisis-26577f0f18bc/) ### Raices - Creo En Ti Sponsors 2019 URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/social-impact-advocates/raices-creo-en-ti-sponsors-2019/ Last updated: 2026-09-28T21:56:30.000Z We are excited to share our sponsors and their contributions that allow us to carry out the Raices - Creo En Ti Summit! ## **Gold Sponsor** ## **Palo Alto Networks** [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/PAN_Logo_light_orange_compact.png)](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/) ## **Silver Sponsor** ## **Kaiser Permanente & Delta/ Aero Mexico** [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/image001_medium.jpg)](https://www.delta.com/) **![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/kporg_medium.png)** ## **Community Sponsors** ## **Study.com - Pahl & McCay - Monterey Bay Aquarium** ## ****El Camino Group - Omniscient Holding, Inc -** ## ****The Foundation for Hispanic Education - Aruba - San Jose Evergreen Community College District** [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/StudyDotCom_Logo-playbtn_black_STANDARD_compact.png)](https://study.com/) **[![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/MBA_2Line_2colorPos_Lft_compact.png)](https://study.com/)** ****![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/Foundation_Logo_compact.jpg)![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/Aruba_logo_compact.jpg)** ****![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/SJECCD_Stacked_DarkBlue_Lettering_compact.png)** **![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/Screen_Shot_2019-10-25_at_11.43.10_AM_medium.png)** ### ****Media Sponsors** ****![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/2014_ABC7_BLACK_011018_compact.jpg)** ### Pablo Federico - SVL Cultura Ambassador URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/cultura-ambassador/pablo-federico-svl-cultura-ambassador/ Last updated: 2026-09-28T21:56:31.000Z Pablo Federico is a sales leader at Bill.com where he grows the bill pay platform for accounting firms and their clients. Since joining Bill.com in November 2015, Pablo has presented at conferences and enabled hundreds of businesses to solve their bill pay problems and achieve greater efficiency in the process. Prior to Bill.com, Pablo worked in corporate sales for a large fortune 500 company selling to retailers like Walmart. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/Screen_Shot_2018-10-17_at_4.45.50_PM_large.png) Before sales, Pablo had 10+ years of internal audit experience both domestically and internationally. He enjoyed the travel and experiences abroad but switched careers in order to align his career more closely with his sales talent and to spend more time with his family. A decision that his wife and two young daughters appreciate! Before starting a family, Pablo took a sabbatical with his wife and traveled in South East Asia and Latin America for several months. Before returning to “real life”, he also worked on President Barak Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign in New Mexico and Colorado and may have been chased by a dog or two. Pablo is a Stanford graduate originating from El Paso, Texas where everything is big including his family. He enjoys weightlifting and playing My Little Pony with his two daughters and wishes he could find a way to stop time. ### The Heartbleed Hit List: The Passwords You Need to Change Right Now URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/latinos-in-tech/the-heartbleed-hit-list-the-passwords-you-need-to-change-right-now-7/ Last updated: 2026-09-29T18:43:09.000Z I know this can be a literal heartache but here is a list of what accounts you should be changing passwords to. Good luck! ### "How to Stop Your iPhone from Remembering Everywhere You Go, All the Time" URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/travel/how-to-stop-your-iphone-from-remembering-everywhere-you-go-all-the-time/ Last updated: 2026-09-29T18:49:53.000Z Do you have that strange feeling that someone is following you? Well here is a little iPhone tech tip for you on this beautiful spring day. It could be that that feeling is the big apple that is following you around. ### Paying Tribute To The Women Who Inspire Us URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/business/paying-tribute-to-the-women-who-inspire-us/ Last updated: 2026-09-29T18:52:02.000Z In honor of Women’s History Month we would like recognize the numerous women that inspire us everyday. In an effort to pay tribute to these women we’ve put together this album featuring our Silicon Valley Latino Cultura Ambassadors, Advisory Board Members, Honorees, friends & supporters. May you all continue to create positive impact for those around you and continue to inspire us all through the work you lead! \[flagallery gid=38\] ### Rewritten anti-nazi poem directed to all of us! URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/art-culture/rewritten-anti-nazi-poem-directed-to-all-of-us/ Last updated: 2026-09-29T18:57:27.000Z Today we share a rewritten version of what [Pastor Martin Niemöller](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin%5FNiem%C3%B6ller) wrote sometime ago when an evil movement took hold of a large nation and eventually the entire world. The poem has been rewritten by [Gideon Lichfield](http://qz.com/author/glichfieldqz/) by making a call to all of us to (((raise our voices & take action))) to prevent this type of movement from occurring ever again. Being part of a diverse group as latin@s what will you do to make a difference? Please share your thoughts and actions after reading this poem! ### Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute event at Arnoldo Avalos home URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/business/congressional-hispanic-caucus-institute-event-at-arnoldo-avalos-home/ Last updated: 2026-09-29T19:01:15.000Z Many Silicon Valley Latinos enjoyed an evening with Esther Aguilera, President & CEO of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute. The event was graciously hosted by Arnoldo and Alma Avalos at their lovely home in Pleasanton, California. Guest included philanthropists, venture capitalists, educators, activits, entrepreneurs, community leaders and the young men of Hermanos Unidos. Ms. Aguilera articulated about the great work the CHCI leads through its various programs and initiatives. She also talked about the visit they will be conduct to Silicon Valley in June with several Hispanic Congrssional members, keep an eye out for more news on it in the near future. At the conclusion of the evening Alma presented Alvaro with elegant congratulatory tres leches cake on his recent confirmation to the Board of Governors for the Community Colleges of California. Congrats once again Arnoldo! Silicon Valley Latino was delighted to be in attendance. ### Latinas Contra Cancer - National Latino Cancer Summit URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/events/latinas-contra-cancer-national-latino-cancer-summit/ Last updated: 2026-09-11T19:17:29.000Z [Latinas Contra Cancer](http://latinascontracancer.org/) will host a National Latino Cancer Summit in San Francisco, CA The National Latino Cancer Summit will convene researchers, providers, community agencies, health educators and community members to explore and discuss the latest in cancer research, prevention, treatment and best practices within Latino populations. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/824_LCC26-D2-7.22.14-EMendoza-1024x566.jpg)San Francisco, Calif. – June 11, 2018 – Latinas Contra Cancer, a San Jose based health advocacy organization, today announced the program for the National Latino Cancer Summit. The theme for this 6th Biennial event is From Science to Populations to People: The Latino Cancer Conundrum. The National Latino Cancer Summit and its network of researchers, providers, community agencies and outreach workers will explore issues of biology, risk factors, prevention and treatments at the individual and population levels in an effort to address needs and gaps across the Latino Community. The two-day program will be held on July 30 and July 31 at UCSF Mission Bay Conference Center. Everyone is welcomed to attend, space is limited. “The topics presented at this summit spark important conversation about the impact of cancer on a heterogeneous Latino community,” said Sandra Madrigal, Board Chair of Latinas Contra Cancer. “This impact is under-researched and the effect that the differences in lifestyle, environment and genetic variation among Latinos have on cancer incidence, risk and prognosis are still mostly unknown. That is what makes this national summit so crucial.” The Summit will host more than 30 distinguished panelists and speakers including nationally recognized researchers, academics, health educators and health advocates with keynote addresses from Ms. Amelie G. Ramirez, Dr.P.H. of UT Health Science Center at San Antonio and Mr. Robert A. Hiatt, M.D., Ph.D. of UC San Francisco Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center. The prestigious "Making A Different World" award will be given to a selected researcher or academic making a positive impact on health outcomes for Latino populations. Nominations are still being accepted. “We are very excited about the enthusiasm our speakers, sponsors and attendees continue to have about this event dedicated to recognizing and discussing the health disparities Latinos face across the cancer continuum,” said Darcie Green, CEO of Latinas Contra Cancer, “We look forward to bringing together experts and advocates from across the country to identify needs and gaps through research and best practices.” The lead sponsor for the conference is the UCSF Helen Diller Comprehensive Cancer Care Center. Additional sponsors include City of Hope, NIH National Cancer Institute, Pfizer, The Sobrato Organization, American Cancer Society and the Have A Ball Foundation. [Latinas Contra Cancer](http://latinascontracancer.org/) is a San Jose health advocacy organization that provides community education regarding cancer prevention as well as support services to low income, Spanish-speaking cancer patients and their families. Since its inception in 2003, Latinas Contra Cancer has educated over four thousand community members, guided several hundred women (and some men) into cancer screenings, provided psychosocial support groups since and navigated over hundreds of patients through cancer treatments. Join us for another great Summit program packed with exciting speakers, cutting edge panel discussions, learning labs and interactive science cafes. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/908_Screen-Shot-2018-06-28-at-5.36.39-PM.png)](https://www.regonline.com/registration/Checkin.aspx?EventId=2108452) ### BeVisible's #BeWokeSF event URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/events/bevisibles-bewokesf-event/ Last updated: 2026-09-11T19:17:31.000Z On May 17th, Silicon Valley Latino - Cultura Ambassador, Andrea Guendelman and her team at BeVisible led an unprecedented event in the Bay Area, #BeWokeSF. The purpose and message of the event were clear challenging Silicon Valley: it is not enough to just hit certain diversity numbers. Companies must be intentional about going further than simply inclusion. They need to move towards developing a sense of belonging that leads to retention and productivity. As Andrea, co-founder of Be Visible and the event’s organizer, shared in her opening remarks, “Belonging is what we should be talking about all the time.” #BeWokeSF, a next-gen career networking event, brought together over 500 underrepresented professionals to the Pearl in San Francisco to push the diversity and inclusion topic forward. The event was filled with razor-sharp conversations that included the power of female networks particularly in the era of #MeToo, equal pay, activism and multiculturalism in tech, and even the new frontier of dating apps. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/772_IMG_5630-1024x683.jpg)Unique to the event was the incredibly diverse array of speakers and luminaries from Thaddeus Arroyo - CEO at AT&T Business to Beatriz Acevedo - co-founder and President at Mitú to Jesse Martinez founder at CareerForce to Sarahi Espinoza Salamanca founder & CEO at DREAMers RoadMap to our very own, Silicon Valley Latino, founder & CEO, Alex Ontiveros. The rather long list of equally engaged forward-thinking organizations included Pathbrite, AT&T, Airbnb, Mitú, Backstage Capital, Tinder and Lucasfilm who spoke to a similarly diverse audience. For many, it was an important and one-of-a-kind opportunity to connect directly with others who shared their experience, insights, and expertise. *“It means a lot to me to be invited to speak here today because this is really the first opportunity for me to speak to an audience who may be interested in not only my perspective of working in the entertainment industry for 20 years but as a woman working in the entertainment industry, as a woman of color working in the entertainment industry, and as a woman of color who is a first generation child of immigrant parents,”* shared Keynote Speaker Julie Peng, Senior Manager of Talent & Production, ILMXLAB at Lucasfilm. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/764_IMG_5383-2-1024x585.jpg)With electrifying energy, the conversations evolved through a series of short discussions that packed personal stories, data, and solutions. The general message: employers in this country need to move beyond the diversity index data to develop an organizational culture that makes the underrepresented talent community feel welcomed without feeling tokenized. A creative use and synergy of culture, lifestyle, tech, and storytelling offer a direct pathway to that. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/765_IMG_5474-1024x623.jpg)“The days of talking about diversity are long gone. It’s time to act and that entails taking courageous and untraditional stances. As underrepresented minorities we don’t connect to a ‘thing’ an‘ethereal thing’. We connect to people, so companies need to start betting on diverse leadership and putting diverse leadership forward; it will change things,” said, Andrea Guendelman, the Harvard-educated Latinx entrepreneur. “At the same time, women, people of color, the LGBTQ community--we need to take our place as owners of this country and stop asking for permission to belong. As my friend Ana Flores from #WeAllGrow said, don’t just get a seat at the table. Build your own table and create your own room,” she added. Guendelman created the career platform after experiencing first hand the difficulties of making it in the workplace without the necessary support networks and mentors. The platform was born in 2014 to help Latinx millennials and Gen Zers connect with the innovative mentors and leaders needed to increase diversity and inclusion in the business world. Today, BeVisible, through #BeWokeSF, is taking a stance for women, people of color, LGTBQ, and non-gender binary individuals. Among the corporate partners were Google, YouTube, Disney, Tinder, Spotify, Airbnb, Adobe, Charles Schwab, Williams Sonoma. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/743_IMG_2450-300x225.jpg)"Participating in BeVisibile's inaugural conference helped us connect with the talented community in the Bay Area while facilitating important, candid discussions about inclusion, representation, and mentorship," said Lina Alcala, VP of HR at Tinder. "Engaging in these conversations is important to us as a global company, and crucial in effecting positive change across industries." Beyond the discussions, guests participated in an intimate and immersive experience where they connected and built a community committed to fostering a more inclusive workplace that reflects the diversity of America. The program closed with an epic party that paid homage to diversity and multiculturalism. Performances from Smoked Out Soul, Deuce Eclipse of Bang Data, Afrolicious, DJ Umami, the exquisite rapper Aima the Dreamer, DJ Icon with a Silent Disco, and other installations kept the crowd going. BeVisible is just getting started and have big plans for more dynamic #BeWoke events in the near future. Andrea, we look forward to your next event and continuing to support the work that you and your team lead in this space. #CreoEnTi **(We are finalizing an event recap video, in the meantime please enjoy this event slideshow.)** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3arnjUZU3o&t=1s ### Inspire Higher Panel featuring SHPE-SV members! URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/events/inspire-higher-panel-featuring-shpe-sv-members/ Last updated: 2026-09-11T19:17:32.000Z On April 7th Silicon Valley Latino held a very special Inspire Higher Panel featuring members of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, Silicon Valley ([SHPE-SV](http://shpe-sv.org/)) The Panel consisted of Roxana Ruvalcaba, Operations Finance at Intel Corporation, Mario Rincon, Senior Software Engineer formerly at Linkedin, Consuelo Cervantes, Senior Human Resources Manager with Intel Corporation and Lemuel Lebron a Silicon Architecture Engineer at Intel Corporation. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/890_SVLV2HigherPics-70-1024x683.jpg)The Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) was founded in Los Angeles, California, in 1974 by a group of engineers employed by the city of Los Angeles. Their objective was to form a national organization of professional engineers to serve as role models in the Hispanic community. The concept of Networking was the key basis for the organization. SHPE quickly established two student chapters to begin the network that would grow to encompass the nation as well as reach countries outside the United States. Today, SHPE enjoys a strong but independent network of professional and student chapters throughout the nation. SHPE has been a long-time friend of Silicon Valley Latino with many shared members. We are certainly thrilled to be collaborating with this stellar organization. These professionals took time out of their busy schedule to spend time with students and community leaders at San Jose City College Milpitas Extension. A special shout out to Adriana Fuentes President of SHPE-SV for helping coordinate this special event. The panel shared their incredible stories of achievement and perseverance to a very captive audience. We are proud to share their stories here… Originally from LA, **Roxana Ruvacalba** went to UC Berkeley to study Industrial Engineering and Operations Research. While at Berkeley, she had two summer internships at Toyota where she learned about the Toyota Production System and continuous improvement. Once she graduated, she joined PG&E through a rotational program where she worked on various projects including creation and implementation of new policy. After completing the rotational program, Roxana joined the renewable energy team negotiating contracts. Four years into her career, she decided to go back to school to complete an MBA at UCLA Anderson. While at Anderson, she interned at Google in Finance Operations working on the renegotiation strategy for their outsourcing contracts. Upon graduation, she joined Intel through the finance rotational program. She is currently in Operations Finance at Intel. Roxana is one of four siblings. Family support and a strong network of friends has been essential to her both professionally and personally. **Mario Rincón** was born and raised in Santa Marta, Colombia. He is the first in his family to earn a college degree. Mario graduated from Universidad de Los Andes in Bogotá with a B.S. in Computer and Systems Engineering. After working for the Central Bank of Colombia, he earned a scholarship to pursue graduate school in the U.S. at Carnegie Mellon University where he graduated with a Master’s degree in Information Security. Since then, Mario has worked in different areas of software engineering and software development in Silicon Valley for Cisco, Ooyala, and LinkedIn. Mario is also a husband and father, and an active member of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE). In his free time, he enjoys writing, playing the guitar, and memorizing poetry. As a first-generation college student and Latino software engineer, he likes to share his journey to inspire others to pursue higher education and careers in software development. **Consuelo Cervantes** is currently a senior HR Manager at Intel, supporting the data center sales team. She has over 15 years of deep HR experience managing talent, succession planning, total compensation, resource planning, organization design, driving culture change and building leadership teams across industries and geographies. She has global experience managing business groups and teams based in Latin America, Europe and Asia. She has led and managed through several mergers and acquisitions at Cargill, 3M and Intel. Consuelo holds a Master’s degree in HR and Change Leadership from the University of St. Thomas in Minneapolis MN and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from DePaul University, Chicago. She is multilingual, fluent in Spanish, Portuguese and Dutch. Consuelo was born in Mexico and raised in Chicago. She currently lives with her family in San Jose, CA. **Lemuel Lebron** is a first-generation Latino, born and raised in New Jersey to Puerto Rican and Dominican parents. He currently works at Intel as a System-on-Chip Validation Engineer designing the intellectual property for next-generation processors targeting the data center and high-end computing market segments. Lemuel received his Bachelors in Computer Engineering from the Rochester Institute of Technology in 2011 just before relocating to the Silicon Valley to start his career. Lemuel uses his expertise in technology to give back to the community through mentorship, leadership coaching, and contributing to pro-bono web-development projects for non-profit organizations such as SHPE, Braven, and LSU. Currently, he is exploring new interests in machine learning and looking for ways to apply them in the hardware development space. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/891_SVLV2HigherPics-71-1024x683.jpg)All four panelists shared the moments they drew inspiration from that one mentor who guided them in their professional careers. One highlight being how eloquently Mario Rincón shared his fear of his first few months in the U.S. A time filled with uncertainty and challenges. A time he sought solace in the software programming he so passionately loved. Throwing himself head-long into a language he felt universal and spoke to him, when few around him could due to language barriers. Driven by dreams, he turned hope into action in a land very far from home. We identified with Roxana’s story of parents who put all their hopes and dreams into their children and raising them with strong civic approach in a safe, supportive home. While her parents worked long hours to provide the tools she needed. Overcoming obstacles that could have easily made them feel like giving up. They didn’t. Roxana never did…it shows. Consuelo Cervantes’ carries a force within her that is undeniable. Failure was never an option for her. A strong work ethics and never depending on anyone but herself makes Consuelo a fierce Latina for her generation. Truly a role model for the young Latinas in the attendance that day. Lemuel Lebron has been a long time SVL Cultura Ambassador, giving tirelessly of his talents to the youth of our community. His energy is infectious and we are always genuinely warmed by Lemuel’s effortless way of connecting with young people. Well, we must say, he’s done a lot in his young career. Doesn’t hurt that he still looks 19\. Such a fresh face in the tech landscape. All our participants took time to meet and greet with our audience and, as in the past, the post panel discussion became a friendly networking moment. Smiles shared, cards exchanged. New stories blossoming as our audience grows at Silicon Valley Latino. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B19B09gPGfE&t=8s #CreoEnTi ### Laura Fernández – SVL Collegiate Cultura Ambassador URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/cultura-ambassador/laura-fernandez-svl-collegiate-cultura-ambassador/ Last updated: 2026-09-23T15:53:32.000Z > Laura Fernández is currently completing her third year at San Francisco State with a major in Broadcast and Electronic Communication Arts and a minor in Criminal Justice. She was born and raised in El Salvador until she was 10 years old. Her experience as a first-generation immigrant and all the recent events occurring in the country led her to choose a career in media that allows her to help the Latino community stay informed about the events that are affecting them, events that benefit them and to provide a way in which they can share their stories with the world. Her ultimate goal is to help them take action and stay engaged in conversations and decisions that affect their communities through documentaries, stories, and other media content. > > ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/829_LauraFernandez2-1024x768.jpg) > > Laura has volunteered as a photographer for the Resist documentary premier, a story about two undocumented students at SF State, and with Silicon Valley Latino as a media sponsor to BeVisible's "BeWokeSF" event. She was inspired by Cultura Ambassador, Andrea Guendelman's vision, signature event and how she created a platform inviting key leaders to dialogue and share insights to under-represented groups about diversity, inclusion, and career success. > > She is eager to expand her knowledge and expertise in media, thus she is currently looking for job or internship opportunities for this summer and her last year at SF State. In the future, she looks forward to continuing to learn and serve her Latino community by providing a service in which they can share their stories. > > ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/732_IMG_1008-copy-1024x576.jpg) > > Laura keep up the great work! We look forward to keeping an eye on you and collaborating with you more in the future! #CreoEnTi ### Inspire Higher Panel at SJCC Milpitas Extension URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/creoenti/inspire-higher-panel-at-sjcc-milpitas-extension-2/ Last updated: 2026-09-22T00:16:14.000Z This past week we delivered another successful Inspire Higher Panel presentation at the San Jose City College Milpitas Extension. With over 100 students in attendance, it was standing room only. Silicon Valley Latino’s Inspire Higher Initiative engages numerous successful and inspiring Latino professionals. We ask them to share their journeys primarily through “The Inspire Higher Tour” - a high touch/high impact panel of diverse Latino professionals that visit schools with predominantly Latino students. Our end goal is to inspire Latino youth throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and expose them to exciting and rewarding careers in STEAM. Through the Inspire Higher Program, we Inspire, Impact and Ignite our youth to aspire beyond the dreams they've previously had. Through this special program, we have sparked the interest and dreams of hundreds of youth over the last few years and we continue to build on this program through key strategic public/private partnerships. Today we were delighted to feature another four exceptional Latinos: - Jose Benitez Cong - Co-founder & CEO @ [Plause](https://www.plause.com/) - Sonia Munoz - VP of Marketing @ [Bill.com](https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2FBill.com%2F&h=ATOS5SKvuGSHH4JkM1mmYacUlMHp1nz7Cuxtq4AGo2DoRH9rLrKRpiX1luXtpGXn76QtwTSWymkL0OxeIbKeYycjUMtChrQxBBsiFKmiUpx0OQQkhzpz6wBviGHcdLEjoSR-8ycAX5n9Ajfu6tM1UCnD) - Maritza Vallejo - HR Manager @ [STG Partners, LLC](http://www.symphonytg.com/) - Rich Garcia - Sr. Software Developer @ [Bill.com](http://bill.com/) They all shared their life's journeys in a very open, honest, authentic and inspiring manner. We want to thank San Jose City College Milpitas Extension, once again for sponsoring and presenting another exceptional panel. Special thanks to MUSD Superintendent Jordan and her team for collaborating with us in making today's Inspire Higher program a truly impactful event for our youth! Enjoy the video and photos from this very successful event! If you are interested in bringing our Inspire Higher program to your school please reach us at info@svlatino.com #CreoEnTi #Adelante ### Welcome Daniela Alcaraz! URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/cultura-ambassador/welcome-daniela-alcaraz/ Last updated: 2026-09-30T00:17:27.000Z We want to welcome Daniela Alcaraz to our team as our new intern. If you get a chance to meet her giver her a warm welcome. Daniela Alcaraz was born in Lazaro Cardenas, Mexico, but has lived in Fremont California for most of her life. She is a recent graduate of Fremont's Washington High School and is currently studying at Ohlone College. Her goal is to transfer to UC Berkeley where she wants to major in Psychology. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/755_IMG_4457-232x300.jpg)](http://svlatino.com/2018/02/28/welcome-daniela-alcaraz/img%5F4457/)Daniela is the middle child of three siblings and one of the first in her family to pursue higher education. She enjoys life and where she is and what she is doing, she especially enjoys the vibrancy about her culture and being a 21st Century Latina. Daniela is passionate about helping others and making a difference in people’s lives. She’s also excited about her new role as a Silicon Valley Latino Intern and is ready to roll-up her sleeves and contribute to the work the Silicon Valley Latino team leads. ### Latino Leaders Fireside Chat Series Launch with Tony Quintero URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/creoenti/latino-leaders-fireside-chat-series-launch-with-tony-quintero/ Last updated: 2026-09-28T21:56:33.000Z Silicon Valley Latino and [San Jose City College](http://www.sjcc.edu/discover-sjcc/sjeccd-milpitas-extension) had the distinct pleasure of bringing together the community to become part of our inaugural Latino Leaders Fireside Chat Series featuring Tony Quintero at the new Milpitas Extension campus. We were challenged with the task of condensing this man’s amazing accomplishments and adventures in the two hour talk. We could have gone all afternoon. Certainly those in attendance wanted more. Tony awed and inspired the participants with his unique life story. Starting out as a humble transfer student at San Jose State University to leading The La Raza National Law Students Association, to teaching at different universities statewide. He also became a commercial real estate all-star, the first Latino to own a chain of regional malls to now becoming a Latino industry champion. All with a focus to support and inspire Latinas/Latinos, never losing site of the rage burning inside of him. As a child, Tony witnessed first hand how our community was treated back in the 1960’s. Refusing to come to grips with the question haunting him from an early childhood experience. “Why does God let us be second class citizens?” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/Screen_Shot_2018-10-18_at_11.14.07_AM_large.png) What attendees learned was that Tony was able to harness that independent spirit and align himself with those values early on. Tony has always worked as an independent agent. When posed the question of why he never sought to run for office Tony, answers, "because he did not want to participate in the money in politics bureaucracy or red tape." This has allowed him to make the kind of changes and have the impact he has had in his career. A child of a WWII veteran and a warm, nurturing mother, growing up in Redwood City, Tony experienced poverty at a young age as his father struggled to find work in the post WWII bay area. After serving and becoming citizens after the war, many families struggled and often questioned what they were fighting for. Tony’s experience was a lot like many Latinos in that era, trying to find identity, while facing racial injustice and lack of opportunities in school and in the workplace. Even to the point, as Tony recalls, of Mexican children segregated in schools and forced to share classrooms in horse stables. Until in 1947 the case of Mendez v. Westminster in which the Federal Court ruled this type of segregation as unconstitutional. Tony knew early on that college was his path. He found refuge in books, became a book worm. Bullied more for this, Tony focused even more, and fueled by the discrimination and misunderstandings around him, fought to make a difference. Those battles percolate in every turn of Tony’s career. Fighting for justice through earning a law degree from Cal Berkeley, starting the first EOP Program at San Jose State University and being Elected First National President of La Raza Law Students Association in 1970. Tony’s ascent was rapid and clear. He wanted to give Latinos a voice. He wanted to organize and lead. Being the maverick that he is, Tony did not seek to align with red tape, he aligned with action. The next chapter in Tony’s career lead to an interest in Commercial Real Estate. Seeking to breathe life into a downtown San Jose area that had become run down and stagnant. He saw the future of this high tech mecca. He’s quoted in the early 90’s as predicting a major corporation would call San Jose home within 5 years. His foresight was dead on, to say the least. He moved on to the buying and developing of shopping malls, and was instrumental in allowing small, minority owned businesses to share the stage with major retail players. Tony’s latest endeavor is developing and producing films which portray Latinos in a more positive light. Latinos represent over 25% of box office ticket sales, yet are grossly under represented on film. With well under 4% of roles going to Latinos. Not only that, but often cultural biographies representing Latino figures are often cast to Anglos. Tony points out numerous examples. The audience nods in recognition. Those who were fortunate enough to sit down with Tony at our fireside chat were allowed a glimpse of a compassionate and determined individual, who so eloquently reminded us that revolution, comes from within. We are certainly grateful for allowing Tony to share his story and inspire so many. ### 2017 College Declaration Day - Call for Nominations URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/creoenti/2017-college-declaration-day-call-for-nominations/ Last updated: 2026-09-22T00:14:51.000Z Silicon Valley Latino is delighted to announce its First Annual Declaration Day. Declaration Day will be a special event where we will pay tribute to select high school graduates that will be entering top tier schools the fall of 2017\. At this time, we ask our community to submit nominations for this special and inaugural event that will recognize some of our special local graduates. In order to submit a nomination fill out the following google form: [Submission Form ](https://goo.gl/forms/gUQRToNjTBy4jr1w1) • Name of Student • Contact Information (phone number and email address) • Nominees Compelling Story (Essay 350-500 words) • GPA (weighted and unweighted) • University accepted and entering in the fall of 2017 We look forward to receiving your nominations! [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/632_Declaration-Day14th.jpg)](http://svlatino.com/2017/07/25/2017-college-declaration-day-call-for-nominations/declaration-day14th/) ### Miguel Garcia - SVL Jr. Cultura Ambassador URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/cultura-ambassador/miguel-garcia-svl-jr-cultura-ambassador/ Last updated: 2026-10-01T19:55:37.000Z Silicon Valley Latino is excited to introduce our Jr. Cultura Ambassador program, which is focused on featuring stellar high school students. We are delighted to introduce our first Jr. Cultura Ambassador, Miguel Garcia. Miguel is a junior at Cristo Rey High School in San Jose, California and an intern at Cisco. Through his internship, Miguel works in the IT department for Katty Coulson, IT Director (Regional IT Leader for Americas) where he has been doing an outstanding job on various projects. Besides being focused on achieving his academic goals by taking AP courses, Miguel enjoys playing on the varsity soccer team and next year he plans to join the volleyball team. In addition to academics and sport, Miguel has taken a deep interest in photography and video editing and plans to pursue a career in this field in the future. Miguel also enjoys working on bicycles and when he’s not fixing them he enjoys riding throughout San Jose. He also derives much satisfaction from working in landscaping with his father on a weekly basis. We’ve also received several reports that Miguel is a great networker and enjoys meeting people from various backgrounds and learning about their journeys so don’t be surprised to see him at one of our networking events in the near future. This summer Miguel will be attending the Saints and Scholars program in Indiana at the Holy Cross College. We will certainly keep an eye on Miguel and his up and coming senior year at Cristo Rey. Interested in becoming an SVL Cultura Ambassador? Reach out to us so that we can give you all the details on joining this growing community of professional latin@s. email us info@svlatino.com ### SVL Inspire Higher Tour 2017 @ Cristo Rey High School URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/creoenti/svl-inspire-higher-tour-2017-cristo-rey-high-school/ Last updated: 2026-09-22T00:07:30.000Z Silicon Valley Latino’s Inspire Higher Tour engages numerous successful and inspiring Latino professionals and asks them to share their stories via various platforms but primarily through moderated panel discussions with an end goal to inspire Latino youth throughout Silicon Valley to prepare for careers in STEAM. The primary component of the Inspire Higher Initiative is the “The Inspire Higher Tour,” a high touch/high impact element comprised of a touring and rotating panel of Latino professionals visiting numerous schools where the student body is predominantly Latino. This semester the Inspire Higher Tour is visiting four schools and will conduct five panel discussions. The schools include: **Cristo Rey High School, Luis Valdez Leadership Academy, ACE Franklin McKinley Middle School and ACE High School.** [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/513_18359484_1514561135243582_50888696914790534_o-1024x669.jpg)](http://svlatino.com/2017/05/10/svl-inspire-higher-tour-2017-cristo-rey-high-school/18359484%5F1514561135243582%5F50888696914790534%5Fo/) The moderated panel discussions are scheduled for 40 to 45 minutes to be followed by a 15 to 20 minute “meet & greet” segment where “high-touch” connections allow for the magic to happen. We believe that having STEAM programs is a very good option for our Latino youth. However, the true challenge is that no matter how great a program may be if the student does not have the self-esteem, ambition, aspiration and confidence to attempt the program the student will fail to capitalize on the opportunity at hand. We further believe that if we create an environment and opportunities for our students where they connect with successful Latino professionals they will be inspired to engage in STEAM programs and succeed in them. Through our initial Inspire Higher Tour we witnessed the immediate inspirational effect our program had with participating students. Adelante! #InspireHigherTour Interested in becoming an SVL Cultura Ambassador? Reach out to us so that we can give you all the details on joining this growing community of professional latin@s. #CreoEnTi email us info@svlatino.com ### Cultura Ambassador Diana Albarrán featured in Vanity Fair URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/cultura-ambassador/cultura-ambassador-diana-albarran-featured-in-vanity-fair/ Last updated: 2026-10-01T20:01:17.000Z "In Celebration of the Release of the Movie [*Hidden Figures*](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4846340/),Vanity Fair Studios Profiles Notable and Diverse Figures in S.T.E.M." And highlighted is, Cultura Ambassador and friend, [Diana Albarrán Chicas](http://svlatino.com/2014/05/07/diana-albarran-chicas-svl-cultura-ambassador/) among these wonderful women! [In Celebration of the Release of the Movie Hidden Figures,Vanity Fair Studios Profiles Notable and Diverse Figures in S.T.E.M.Photographed by Amanda Demme![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/icon/favicon-8dda7278-5697-433e-b770-a4f74abababe.ico)Vanity FairVanity Fair![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/thumbnail/Demme_VF_IBM_102016_NYC-PLATES_2997_NB_V7-25a795c0-adfd-4e9a-9bf8-ef3f30d93f90.jpg)](https://www.vanityfair.com/news/photos/2016/11/in-celebration-of-the-release-of-the-movie-hidden-figures-ibm-and-vanity-fair-studios-profiles-notable-and-diverse-role-models-in-stem) ### WiSci (Women in Science) Technology Camp for Girls URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/events/wisci-women-in-science-technology-camp-for-girls/ Last updated: 2026-09-30T00:33:43.000Z We, at Silicon Valley Latino, are excited to share the work that Intel, Google, United Nations Foundation, APEC, GirlUp and the US Department of State are leading through the WiSci Tech Camp for Girls. We are also delighted that one of our Cultura Ambassadors, Julissa Ramirez Lebron (Product Manager at Intel), participated as one of the women in tech that exposed girls to tech and served as a role model as to what they may aspire to be as professionals. Julissa keep up the great work, we're proud of all the work you lead to inspire the next generation! This past summer Julissa along with many other women went to Peru and presented tech to numerous girls from various countries including Mexico, Chile, USA and of course Peru. This initiative is also taking on the gender equality issue and inspiring many young girls become the innovators of tomorrow. We invite you to view this video that features a very cool camp and what the girls had to say about the experience. **To close the gender gap in the tech industry, we will achieve greater results through collaboration. This “WiSci” public-private partnership is just one of many examples of the steps we’re taking. See what the experience meant for girls who learned new skills as they worked together to innovate technologies for positive social impact in their communities.** ### Eva Longoria addresses Pence's "that Mexican thing" URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/art-culture/eva-longoria-addresses-pences-that-mexican-thing/ Last updated: 2026-09-30T00:15:34.000Z During the Vice Presidential Debate, Vice Presidential Candidate Mike Pence addresses a question by referring to Mexican immigrants as the "That Mexican Thing." Well, actress, model and activist Eva Longoria eloquently educates Pence on what Mexican immigrants truly represent in the United States. We encourage you to view this video if you haven't already. Well done Eva! We also want to encourage all of those following us on our various platforms to get out and vote this November 8th! Tu Voto es Tu Voz! ### Announcing The Francisco and Laura Jimenez Breaking Through Scholarship! URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/cultura-ambassador/announcing-the-francisco-and-laura-jimenez-breaking-through-scholarship/ Last updated: 2026-09-30T14:11:46.000Z ![francisco-y-laura-jimenez](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/683_Francisco-y-Laura-Jimenez_600x600.jpg) The Francisco and Laura Jimenez Breaking Through Scholarship at Santa Clara University (SCU)! It gives us great pleasure in announcing the Francisco and Laura Jimenez Breaking Through Scholarship! We are pleased that this initiative is being co-led by one of our Cultura Ambassador, Josef Castaneda-Liles. Dr. Francisco Jiménez and his wife Laura Jimenez have dedicated their lives to empowering Latino students and first-generation students from various backgrounds. Coming from humble beginnings as a migrant farm worker, Dr. Jiménez earned his undergraduate degree from Santa Clara University in 1966 and a doctorate from Columbia University. He returned to SCU and led a successful career in teaching, advocacy and writing that spanned more than forty years. He published multiple books that chronicled his experience as an immigrant and first-generation college student that have touched the lives of countless individuals. His wife Laura Jimenez (class of 1967) worked at SCU for 19 years, including her service as the first staff member of SCU’s community-based Eastside Project. Inspired by the legacy of the Jiménez family, the SCU Chicano/Latino Alumni Chapter is leading the effort to raise $100,000 to endow the Francisco and Laura Jiménez Breaking Through Scholarship, which will support first-generation college students at SCU. Our desire is to honor Francisco Jiménez this year in recognition of his 50th undergraduate reunion. We are pleased to have an initial $25,000 matching gift challenge from an SCU parent inspired by Dr. Jiménez’s story. Please join us in honoring Francisco and Laura’s legacy of service by making a gift to this scholarship. Visit to learn more and make your gift today. ### Mexican Consulate presents Cross - Border Art & Tech Talk URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/events/mexican-consulate-presents-cross-border-art-tech-talk/ Last updated: 2026-09-11T19:17:33.000Z Silicon Valley Latino was delighted to be a media partner as The Consulate General of Mexico in San Jose presented a lunch discussion panel on immigration, the arts and the tech sector on April 1st at the San Jose Museum of Art with guest speakers: Katie Aragon from FWD.US, Professor Matt Spangler from San Jose State University and Curator Emmanuel Audelo from the Mexican organization Habitajes. The panel was moderated by the Consul of Media Relations and Cultural Affairs, Loren Cruz, who remarked about the interest of the Consulate in promoting a positive image of Mexico and the Latino community in the area. [![ Cross - Border Art & Tech Talk Lunch](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/871_Picture2-300x180.png)](http://svlatino.com/cross-border-art-tech-talk-lunch-at-mexican-consulate/picture2/)The discussion panel featured the contributions of the Latino community in the US and Silicon Valley, while drawing strategies in order to promote the participation of the Mexican community and for them to take a greater advantage of the programs that could enhance the exercise of their rights in this country, and the wellbeing of their families. This panel highlighted the strength of the Latino community. Economically the Latino community has a purchasing power of more than $1.3 billion USD which represents the 10% of the country. Since 2008, the purchasing power of the Hispanic community has increased by 45% and it is expected to reach $1.7 billion USD by 2017\. Mexican immigrants are also business owners that create numerous jobs. In fact, the Latino community has more than 2.3 million businesses, which accounts for more than 8% of the firms in the US. These businesses create more than 2 million jobs. Mexican immigrants, including second and third generations, account for 8% of the GDP of the US, and the Latino community’s influence in the economy is actually growing. Currently one sixth of the US population is Latino, and two thirds of them are of Mexican origin. In fact, more than 20 million people of Mexican origin reside in Texas and California, and these are the two of the principal state economies of the US! [![ Cross - Border Art & Tech Talk Lunch](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/509_12923307_10206819431577393_4600185482031132662_n-243x300.jpg)](http://svlatino.com/cross-border-art-tech-talk-lunch-at-mexican-consulate/12923307%5F10206819431577393%5F4600185482031132662%5Fn/)All of the speakers brought very interesting insights to the discussion. Professor Spangler, for instance talked about the different kinds of immigrants that come to this country in order to be able to understand the myths behind immigration currently in the US in this political period. The San Jose State Professor’s research also shows that immigrants are not taking jobs from US citizens. On the other hand, Katie Aragon from FWD.US highlighted the numerous contributions that immigrants have made in the tech sector as well as industries and how immigration reform could help to regularize and match the needs of the industry in Silicon Valley and further create wealth in the US. Emmanuel Audelo, talked about how the arts are the right vehicle to join communities, eradicate myths behind immigration and work together towards a future with less social violence. The Consulate General of Mexico in San Jose would like to give special thanks to the San Jose Museum of Art and Silicon Valley Latino for making this event possible as well as to those who joined this special discussion panel. ### Jesse Martinez to speak at CGI 2016! URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/cultura-ambassador/jesse-martinez-to-speak-at-cgi-2016/ Last updated: 2026-10-09T00:06:17.000Z Cultura Ambassador & Silicon Valley Latino Advisory Board Member, Jesse Martinez, has been invited to present at this year's CGI 2016 in Atlanta along with several dignitaries, Corporate & Non Profit Executives and past Presidents of the United States. We congratulate him and all of the work he leads! See article here ==> ### Cultura Ambassador Tiq Chapa recognized by Voto Latino URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/cultura-ambassador/cultura-ambassador-tiq-chapa-recognized-by-voto-latino/ Last updated: 2026-10-01T20:02:56.000Z We at Silicon Valley Latino are proud and encouraged with the work that Voto Latino leads for our community through its various initiatives and Mission statement as a pioneering civic media organization that seeks to transform America by recognizing Latinos’ innate leadership. They have recognized & awarded, through their "VL Innovators" video, Cultura Ambassador, Eutiquio "Tiq" Chapa for his [Stanford Latino Entrepreneurship Initiative](http://lban.us/programs/education/slep3-2016/). Tiq is the epitome of what it is to be a Cultura Ambassador. He along with the rest of his colleagues Dr. Jerry Porras (SVL Trail Blazer) and Remy Arteaga are doing an outstanding job in leading the Stanford Latino Entrepreneurship Initiative and we look forward to sharing their success stories in the near future. Tiq keep up the great work, we are very proud of you and delighted to support your efforts in empowering our entrepreneurship community. Adelante! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CSsCeCUavCA&app=desktop *About LBAN:* *In 2012, Professor Jerry Porras and a group of Stanford Alums came together to form a non-profit 501(c)3 organization, the Latino Business Action Network (LBAN), focused on making America stronger through LBAN funded Latino research and education impact programs at Stanford University.* ### North Fair Oaks Community Festival URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/art-culture/north-fair-oaks-community-festival/ Last updated: 2026-09-29T18:59:33.000Z Every year the North Fair Oaks Community Festival welcomes the community to enjoy a day of free live entertainment, arts and crafts, food and beverages, children's rides and activities, and a festive parade. The festival proceeds benefit the many [youth programs](http://northfairoaksfestival.org/youth-programs) of the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office and provide scholarships through the [Queen of the Festival scholarship program](http://northfairoaksfestival.org/queen-festival). Youth programs keep our youth safe and occupied during the critical, after-school hours and during the most vulnerable years of their school careers. ### Cultura Ambassador Isabel Valdés appointed to U.S. SBA URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/cultura-ambassador/cultura-ambassador-isabel-valdes-appointed-to-u-s-sba/ Last updated: 2026-09-30T14:07:35.000Z We are excited to share that SVL Cultura Ambassador Isabel Valdés has been appointed to the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Region IX Regulatory Fairness Board by SBA Administrator Maria Contreras-Sweet. Isabel has been a long time supporter of not only our small business but many others and this comes as a result of all her hard work and dedication to the Latino Community throughout the country. ***News Release*** [![Untitled](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/973_Untitled.png)](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/973%5FUntitled.png) | **Release Date:** | **Contact:** Marlow Schindler (415) 744-6771 | | ------------------- | ----------------------------------------------- | | **Release Number:** | **Internet Address:** | ***California Small Business Owner Isabel Valdés Appointed to Federal Advisory Board*** **SAN FRANCISCO –** San Francisco small business owner Maria Isabel Valdés has been appointed to the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Region IX Regulatory Fairness Board by SBA Administrator Maria Contreras-Sweet. Regional Regulatory Fairness Boards in all 10 of SBA’s regions represent the voice of small business on regulatory fairness issues. Each Board is comprised of five small business owners who serve as a resource and point of contact for small business owners who feel they have experienced excessive federal regulatory enforcement and compliance actions. Regional Regulatory Fairness Board members advise the Acting National Ombudsman, Yolanda Swift. Together, The National Ombudsman and Board members host regulatory fairness hearings and outreach events nationwide where small business owners report concerns about burdensome federal regulations. “With extensive multi-cultural communications and marketing experience working with Fortune 50 as well as 1000 companies, across business categories such as retail, healthcare, financial services and insurance, as well as entertainment and media, Ms. Valdés is uniquely positioned to understand and advocate for small businesses,” Swift said. “As a member of the Region IX Regulatory Fairness Board, she will play a vital role in insuring that the voice of small business is heard by federal regulators, while facilitating regulatory solutions that save small business owners time and money.” As a Region IX Regulatory Fairness Board member, Valdés will serve as a local resource for small businesses and will work with small business trade groups and other entities to address regional concerns about federal regulatory enforcement and compliance issues. SBA Region IX includes California, Nevada, Arizona, Hawaii, and Guam. Valdés is the president of IVC, a boutique marketing consulting firm. Valdés is also a VP of the Chile California Council (CCC) and is the Chair of the Center for Multi-Cultural Sciences, with previous positions with PepsiCO/Frito-Lay’s Advisory Board; The National Hispana Leadership Institute (NHLI); and The Latino Community Foundation (LCF) San Francisco. Valdés can be reached by email at [isabel@isabelvaldes.com](mailto:isabel@isabelvaldes.com) or by phone at (650) 444-3924\. The Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996 (SBREFA), created five-member Regulatory Fairness Boards in each of SBA’s 10 regions. As representatives of their local and regional small business communities, Board members provide insights and recommendations on regulatory challenges facing the small business owners they represent – perspectives that are critical to eliminating ineffective, duplicative, or outmoded regulatory business barriers to small business success. For more information about the Office of the National Ombudsman and the Regional Regulatory Fairness Boards, visit [www.sba.gov/ombudsman](http://www.sba.gov/ombudsman).### ### Ivan Reyes & Gabriel Lomeli guiding Latino youth! URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/cultura-ambassador/ivan-reyes-gabriel-lomeli-guiding-latino-youth/ Last updated: 2026-10-09T00:07:59.000Z We are delighted to feature the work and involvement of two Silicon Valley Latino Cultura Ambassadors, Ivan Reyes Martinez and Gabriel Lomeli. We are very proud of how Ivan has dedicated his career to supporting and empowering our local Latino youth through the work he leads as the Director of [MACLA’s](http://maclaarte.org/) Digital Media Academy and of course Gabriel is often here offering his expertise and support to the program’s youth. Nicely done gentlemen, please continue to inspire the next generations of creative Latinos, we will continue to feature your collective work. ### Five Cisco executives extend a hand to Cristo Rey San José students URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/latinos-in-tech/five-cisco-executives-extend-a-hand-to-cristo-rey-san-jose-students/ Last updated: 2026-09-11T19:17:34.000Z Article originally posted on Hispanic Executive Cisco partners with Silicon Valley high school to build the pipeline for Latino STEM leaders Five Cisco executives extend a hand to Cristo Rey San José students *By* [*Olivia N. Castañeda*](http://hispanicexecutive.com/article%5Fauthor/olivia-n-castaneda/) Cristo Rey San José High School, founded in the fall of 2014 and located in the Silicon Valley area, is on a mission to end the cycle of poverty. The school’s founders believe the key to prosperity is education. It is affiliated with 28 other urban Cristo Rey Network education institutions that span the country, and unlike the average high school, an admissions prerequisite is that the student comes from a low-income family. Each school’s curriculum includes an adjunct to their academic studies called the Corporate Work Study Program (CWSP), in which four students team up to alternate daily at an assigned nine-to-five job, Monday through Friday. In its first year of operation, 129 freshman-level pupils make up the entire student body at Cristo Rey High School in San José; 92 percent are Hispanic and eight percent are Asian and black. Currently, there are 28 different corporate sponsors in collaboration with the high school for CWSP. Cisco Executive VP Randy Pond [![Randypond](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/878_Randypond-215x300.png)](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/879%5FRandypond.png) These corporate sponsors hire one team of students for the school year: September through June. Cisco, one of the school’s corporate sponsors, has exemplified what the program hopes to achieve. “Cisco has been very different from the typical experience. Their level of engagement and support of our students has been truly remarkable,” says Matt Bell, the school’s director of the Work Study Program. The global IT company with 70,000-plus employees has the following vision statement: “changing the way we work, live, play, and learn.” **Anne-Marie Azzi*,* marketing manager at Cisco, says that the company’s interest in participating in CWSP is to share a passion for revolutionizing the world through technology with younger generations. CWSP is a STEM initiative with a goal of building the pipeline for Latino leadership in STEM. By sparking interest at an early age, companies will more likely to be able to recruit from this talented and passionate pool. Photo: Mauricio Palomar [![Annemarie](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/570_Annemarie-200x300.png)](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/571%5FAnnemarie.png) **Cisco Senior VP of IT Guillermo Diaz, Jr.** Practicing what they preach, Cisco’s executive vice president **Randy Pond** sponsors two teams, contributing $30,000 per student. Pond has also smartly linked the program to Cisco’s Latino employee resource group, [![Guillermo](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/692_Guillermo-300x200.png)](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/697%5FGuillermo.png) *Conexión*. “\[The corporate sponsorship\] is not a charitable contribution. This is a business expense for our corporate sponsors,” says the Rev. Peter Pabst, Society of Jesus, who is the president of the high school. The business pays 50 percent of each student’s tuition, the school contributes another 40 percent through grants and fundraising, and the families pay the remaining 10 percent of the total $15,000 balance. **Cisco Senior Manager of Latin America IT Katty Coulson** [![Katty](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/818_Katty-200x300.png)](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/819%5FKatty.png) Another huge supporter of the collaboration is Cisco’s **Guillermo Díaz Jr.**, senior vice president of IT. “Guillermo has just been the champion of this program,” Pabst says. Díaz helps the students make connections with other Cisco employees; building their confidence in the process and creating mentor-mentee situations. “Inspire exponentially” was Díaz’s phrase of the year for his students in 2014-2015 school year. “That means waking up everyday and inspiring ourselves and others through the use of technology,” he says. The student IT team at Cisco is lead by **Katty Coulson**, who is the senior manager of Latin America information technology. Working in a high-energy environment amongst recently hired college graduates, the high school students assist in web-page development, blogging, and creating presentations. **Cisco Senior VP of Project Operations Ana Corrales** [![anacorrales](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/1004_anacorrales-300x196.png)](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/1005%5Fanacorrales.png) The second team leader is **Ana Corrales**, who is Cisco’s senior vice president of product operations. Managed by her team she calls “product operations central,” the students assist with events or product showcases that are targeted to the company. “It has been quite delightful,” Corrales says. “It’s a very rewarding experience to see \[the students\] grow.” She is recruiting the same students to return next year to continue building their skill sets and give them direct product experience the second time around. In addition to students gaining work experience, there is an “unexpected by-product,” as Pabst calls it, resulting from CWSP. The students feel excitement as they look forward to working in a professional setting and stand proud as their fellow adult colleagues treat them as professionals. They also enjoy having real-world responsibilities and having others rely on them in the office. From the beginning of the program to today, the students have developed into mature, confident, and courageous future Latino leaders. ### Latina Coalition's "Getting to the C-Suite" Panel URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/events/latina-coalitions-getting-to-the-c-suite-panel/ Last updated: 2026-09-30T19:46:08.000Z Latina Coalition of Silicon Valley held a great panel discussion that featured four exceptional Latinas at Symantec's World Headquarters (Norma Olmos - VP of HR at Symantec, Ana Depelo-Garcia - Administrative Director of Patient Access Services at Stanford Health Care, Raquel Gonzalez - Silicon Valley Market President for Bank of America and Ana Luz Acevedo-Cabrera - CEO & Co-founder of Vrenergy. We are delighted to note that both Norma and Raquel are Inaugural "Silicon Valley Latino List" Honorees. Special acknowledgement to Consuelo Cervantez (Business HR Manager at Intel) for doing a great job in moderating the evening's panel discussion. It was wonderful to listen to these highly accomplished Latinas share their journeys in a very honest and authentic manner while sharing their successes, trials and lessons learned. Nicely done Latina Coalition of Silicon Valley! ### Jeff Camarillo: Building the School He Wished Had Always Existed URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/cultura-ambassador/jeff-camarillo-svl-cultura-ambassador/ Last updated: 2026-09-29T00:03:50.000Z Your browser does not support the audio element. Some people talk about changing education for Latino youth. Jeff Camarillo built a school. He is the Founding Director and Principal of Luis Valdez Leadership Academy — a college-prep charter high school in East San Jose serving first-generation students from disadvantaged communities. A Stanford graduate. A former classroom teacher in Compton. A mentee shaped by his father's example. A leader who has spent 14 years proving that zip code is not destiny. **The Root** Jeff Camarillo's story begins with his father — Professor Al Camarillo of Stanford University, a pioneer in Mexican-American studies who broke the cycle of poverty through education and opened doors for generations of students and faculty to explore their history and identity. That example never left Jeff. It became his north star. ![LVLA_DSC0023B](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/826_LVLA_DSC0023B-300x300.jpg) **The Journey** After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania, Camarillo walked into a classroom in Compton Unified School District as an 8th grade U.S. History teacher. He coached basketball, football, and baseball. He stayed three years — three of the most formative years of his life. Then he went back to school himself. At Stanford University's Teacher Education Program he earned his Master's degree and teaching credential — and discovered the Mural, Music and Arts Project in East Palo Alto, an economic and education empowerment program using the arts to inspire Latino teens. He directed their Teen Mural Program for five summers. From there — the June Jordan School for Equity in San Francisco. Back to Compton. East Palo Alto Academy as Assistant Principal, where he reduced school suspensions by over 40% in his first year and earned a Teaching Ambassador Fellowship with the U.S. Department of Education — helping bridge the gap between federal education policy and what actually happens in urban classrooms. In 2014 he was given the opportunity of a lifetime — to build something from scratch. **The Contribution** Luis Valdez Leadership Academy in East San Jose is not just a school. It is a declaration. Under Camarillo's leadership LVLA has achieved suspension-free school years, a college-going culture, and a mission rooted in culturally sustaining pedagogy, bi-literacy, and four-year college preparation for first-generation students. The students who walk those halls see themselves in the curriculum. They see their history. They see their future. In 2006 Jeff and his brother Greg — a former NFL wide receiver — founded Charging Forward, a mentoring program rewarding student-athletes in Compton for their achievements in the classroom and in their sport. Education. Mentorship. Community. That is the Camarillo blueprint. **The Call** Jeff Camarillo is proof that the ladder gets rebuilt — one student, one school, one generation at a time. Know a Latino educator or community leader whose story deserves to be told? SVL wants to hear from you. *Stories like this don't tell themselves.* *SVL has spent over a decade making the invisible visible — celebrating Latino excellence, naming hard truths, and calling our comunidad to action. Independent Latino journalism only survives when the community it serves decides it's worth protecting.* *There are two ways to stand with us:* *Are you a Latino professional, entrepreneur, or leader ready to be celebrated? Become a Cultura Ambassador — SVL's official community membership for Latino leaders who are ready to have their story told, their work amplified, and their excellence made visible.* *Become a [Cultura Ambassador ](https://svlatino.com/#/portal/signup/6a8db2d43e7c840008178b04/yearly)* *Want to support our mission? Become an Amigo de SVL. Your support keeps our journalism independent, our stories free, and our #CreoEnTi programs and community events alive — from Inspire Higher Tours to Latino Leaders Fireside Chats to College Declaration Day. No spotlight required. Just solidarity.* *Support SVL as an [Amigo de SVL](https://svlatino.com/#/portal/signup/6a8e00f723b28c0001855fa0/monthly)* *Juntos Adelante. Because silence is complicity. And so is inaction.* *#CulturaAmbassador #LatinoEducation #SVLVoices #JuntosAdelante #WeAreSVL #CreoEnTi* ### Latinas recognized and take Helm at Cal Wellness! URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/business/latinas-recognized-and-take-helm-at-cal-wellness/ Last updated: 2026-09-30T14:15:56.000Z New Board Chair and Vice Chair Take Helm at Cal Wellness Elizabeth M. Gomez elected chair and M. Isabel Becerra, vice chair **Woodland Hills (CA)** – The Board of Directors of The California Wellness Foundation ([Cal Wellness](http://www.calwellness.org/)) has elected Elizabeth (Liz) M. Gomez as chair and M. Isabel Becerra as vice chair. Gomez is the executive director of Sober College LLC, a private drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility for young adults. Becerra is the chief executive officer of the Coalition of Orange County Community Health Centers. Both will serve in their new roles through December 2016\. “Both Liz and Isabel are extremely dedicated health leaders who have been on the frontlines in promoting access, equity and advocacy for underserved communities. They bring that deep commitment to the Board,” said Cal Wellness President and CEO Judy Belk. “I’m looking forward to their leadership, wisdom and support as we work together in advancing wellness for all Californians.” [![Liz Gomez_14](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/836_Liz-Gomez_14-218x300.jpg)](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/837%5FLiz-Gomez%5F14.jpg)Gomez, a member of Cal Wellness’ Board since 2005, served as Board chair from January 2009 to December 2010\. In addition to serving as Sober College’s executive director, she is a consultant for youth programs across the country, providing technical assistance and expertise on the operation of nonprofit organizations; shelter, transitional living and independent living programs; and programs providing services for youth. Previously, Gomez was the executive director of Los Angeles Youth Network, a position she held for 17 years. Her full biography can be found here. Gomez looks forward to continuing to work with the Board as chair. “Joining the Board was an honor and privilege for me,” Gomez said. “I have always admired how Cal Wellness honors and respects the grantees, the experts in the field working with the population directly, and how they invite that expertise back to the Foundation.” [![Isabel Becerra_09](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/790_Isabel-Becerra_09-200x300.jpg)](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/791%5FIsabel-Becerra%5F09.jpg)Becerra joined the Board in January 2009\. She has more than 18 years of experience in program planning, operations, health policy and development activities for community health centers and private clinics in San Diego, Seattle and Orange County. In 2000, Becerra joined the Coalition of Orange County Community Health Centers, a consortium of safety net partners providing quality health care services for underserved communities. Throughout her career, Becerra has advocated for health care access for the uninsured and underserved. Becerra’s full biography can be found here. “With the Advancing Wellness grantmaking program, we are getting at the root causes of the issues that our target populations deal with,” Becerra said. “I think we are going to make great strides, changes and great positive health outcomes and impacts. I’m proud to be part of the leadership team that will make that difference.” Outgoing Board chair, Eugene (Gene) Washington, M.D., stepped down after accepting a new position as Duke University’s chancellor for health affairs and as the president and chief executive officer of the Duke University Health System in Durham, North Carolina. He served eight years on Cal Wellness’ board and is the former dean of the David Geffen School of Medicine and former vice chancellor of health sciences at UCLA. Gomez expressed the Board’s gratitude for his contributions to Cal Wellness. “Gene’s extraordinary leadership during our strategic planning was instrumental in guiding the Foundation to this exciting point in our philanthropic journey,” Gomez said. “We are thankful for his service to the Foundation and congratulate him on his next venture at Duke.” To view videos of Gomez and Becerra discussing their work with Cal Wellness, please visit the Sound Bites page on our website. For more information about Cal Wellness’ trustees, please visit here. The California Wellness Foundation is a private independent foundation created in 1992 with a mission to improve the health of the people of California by making grants for health promotion, wellness education and disease prevention. Cal Wellness’ Advancing Wellness grants program is designed to promote equity through advocacy and access. The grantmaking focuses on three interconnected portfolios: Bridging the Gaps in Access and Quality Care; Promoting Healthy and Safe Neighborhoods; and Expanding Education and Employment Pathways. The program also includes the Opportunity Fund to support innovation in the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors. Since its founding, Cal Wellness has awarded 7,690 grants totaling more than $912 million. ### Milpitas High School receives SVL "Inspire Higher Tour" URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/creoenti/milpitas-high-school-receives-svl-inspire-higher-tour/ Last updated: 2026-09-22T00:06:25.000Z On Friday April 24th the Silicon Valley Latino “Inspire Higher Tour” made its latest spot at Milpitas High School in Milpitas Ca. This time the featured panelist included Giovanni Rodriquez, CEO of SocialxDesign and Forbes contributor, Elba Moreno Linscott, Senior Program Manager at Intuit, Leticia Pena, Senior Theater Event Services Manager at Team San Jose and Rich Perez, Founder & CEO of Perezidential Homes. Our panel was delighted to have presented to the Spanish Heritage classes, Latinos in STEM Club and the Dream Act Organization. Silicon Valley Latino is proud to have impacted and inspired another 44 eager and enthusiastic students through this tour stop, this brings our total to 333 students this semester. We would like to give a special thanks to Cultura Ambassador, Spanish Teacher and Founding Advisor to both clubs at Milpitas High School, Maria Consuelo Vargas, for her partnership and support as we coordinated this special tour stop. Once again we thank our Inspire Higher Tour sponsors because this initiative would not be possible without their support and partnership Our Champion Sponsor, Cisco Systems, Advocate Sponsors, Microsoft and Perezidential Homes and Amigo Sponsors, Kaiser Permanente and Oracle. We are excited to hold our next tour stop at Scared Heart Nativity Schools early next month! If you are interested in hosting an Inspire Higher Tour event at your High School reach out to us via one of our social media platforms or via this website. ### Jesus Ruvalcaba - SVL Cultura Ambassador URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/cultura-ambassador/jesus-ruvalcaba-svl-cultura-ambassador/ Last updated: 2026-09-23T15:52:33.000Z Jesus was raised in Castroville, California, the artichoke center of the world, where he developed his twin obsessions with traditional fine arts and design. From there, he went on to graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Print Design from California State University, Monterey Bay. After a stint as an outreach specialist, Jesus landed his first job as a graphic designer with national cataloger Discount School Supply. ![Jesus Ruvalcaba - SVL Cultura Ambassador](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/803_Jesus-Ruvalcaba-200x300.jpg) In 2011, his design portfolio caught the attention of the global marketing agency Epsilon, where he was offered a position as a graphic design consultant for eBay Inc. For the following 2 years, Jesus helped to roll out the revitalized eBay logo and brand guidelines across all relationship marketing channels. Today, Jesus works for Hewlett Packard as a visual designer, where he creates high-visibility homepage designs for Canada, the United States, and Latin America. In addition, Jesus is currently a Masters of Fine Art candidate in the school of advertising at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. Jesus's master's thesis is focused on rethinking the approach to community outreach through the use of digital platforms and integrated campaigns. You can view a small sample of his work at [www.JesusRuvalcaba.com](http://www.jesusruvalcaba.com/). ### Guillermo Diaz Jr. "Inspires Exponentially" URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/creoenti/guillermo-diaz-jr-inspires-exponentially/ Last updated: 2026-09-22T00:03:55.000Z We are delighted to feature our SVL Cultura Ambassador & SVL champion in this video where he talks about his phrase of the year "Inspire Exponentially". He also inspired the name of our tour Inspire Higher Tour. #InspireHigherTour ### Sabor del Valle - Celebrity Bartender Night 2015 URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/events/sabor-del-valle-celebrity-bartender-night-2015/ Last updated: 2026-09-30T00:18:49.000Z Sabor Del Valle's Celebrity Bartender Night at the Silicon Valley Capital Club on March 25th was another great success! Over 350 special guests attended this special event and helped raise funds for the various non-profit organizations that Sabor del Valle supports. Silicon Valley Latino was delighted to have partiicpated once again as a media sponsor. It has been our pleasure to support our friends at Sabor del Valle for the last few years. Join Sabor del Valle on July 31st at History San Jose for their [6th Annual Festival](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/6th-annual-sabor-del-valle-event-2015-tickets-15571566976 "6th Annual Festival")! ### SVL Pick-Up Party at Charles Schwab URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/events/svl-pick-up-party-at-charles-schwab/ Last updated: 2026-09-11T19:17:36.000Z Last Thursday evening Silicon Valley Latino held another one of its “Magazine Pick-Up Parties” and this time it was graciously hosted and sponsored by Charles Schwab at its San Francisco headquarters. As usual the attendees included a comprehensive mix of Cultura Ambassadors (Silicon Valley Latino members) ranging from seasoned professionals, entrepreneurs and executives to emerging leaders from various fields. The Magazine Pick-Up Party was hosted by Charles Schwab’s Latino employee resource group, “Schwab Organization of Latinos” also known as SOL. Alex Ontiveros, Silicon Valley Latino CEO, and Zana Lugo co-lead (along with Juan Barroso) of SOL opened the event by welcoming all guests and thanking them for their attendance and support. Ontiveros continued to address the audience, thanking Charles Schwab, SOL and Charles Schwab’s Chief Investment Officer, Omar Aguilar, for their support of SVL’s mission and vision early on. The group was also recognized for hosting SVL’s inaugural Latino leadership recognition event, The 40 Under 40 Latinos2Watch awards ceremony in 2013\. He then elaborated on Silicon Valley Latino’s mission and vision as well as the various platforms (online magazine, print publication, ½ hour TV program, Latino leadership recognition events, social media outlets, Inspire Higher Tour and its membership program) that are utilized to continuously promote positive stories from the Latino community as well as the exemplary work that key influential Latinos, like Omar Aguilar lead. Alex closed his remarks by talking about the latest issue’s primary segment, the inaugural “SVL List” where Omar, the evening’s keynote speaker, is featured as one of the 47 most influential, prominent, trend setting and game changing Latinos of the San Francisco Bay Area. [![Omar Aguilar ](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/718_IMG_0374-300x251.jpg)](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/719%5FIMG%5F0374.jpg)Ms. Lugo then introduced Mr. Aguilar and welcomed him to the podium. Omar also welcomed all attendees and thanked them for joining this special reception where Silicon Valley Latino introduced its latest print issue. He went on to talk about the importance of the work that Silicon Valley Latino leads and how it resonates with Schwab Values of providing platforms for people with good ideas and providing the support they need. He also elaborated on the importance of the work the Schwab Foundation leads and how they provide support for non-profit organizations. This also resonates with his personal mission which is to give back to the community. Omar also shared his personal story and how different things were when he came to the United States 20 years ago as a Fullbright Scholar to Duke University. One of the key differences that he highlighted was that 20 years ago the Latino population was only 25 million compared to 55 million today and the importance and the potential of the next generation, which in 2050 is projected to be close to 40% of the US population. Omar also pointed out that 65% of Latino millennials are on computers, which is higher than other ethnic groups. In closing, Mr. Aguilar stated, “It’s an honor and pleasure to co-host an event with Silicon Valley Latino and to reaffirm Schwab’s commitment to support the Latino community in the Bay Area. These events exemplify the values of active citizenship, community engagement, and leadership that are so integral to the Schwab culture.” [![Isabel Valdes](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/722_IMG_04491-300x230.jpg)](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/723%5FIMG%5F04491.jpg)At the conclusion of the event another SVL List Honoree, Isabel Valdes, was asked to talk about what it meant for to be named to the prestigious list. She described it as an honor to be included as part of the inaugural list and was pleased to be recognized for the work she has led in the community, as well as through her professional career. She also talked about the importance of mentoring and civic engagement. She closed by stating, “I strongly support the work of Silicon Valley Latino because it helps us become more established as a community. We need to have media that tells our stories, that represents us as we are with our struggles and our successes. I’m sending a copy of the magazine to my parents in Chile and letting them know that we are here and contributing as well as bringing the Latino community to be 110% integrated and fully successful in America!” Silicon Valley Latino would like to, once again, thank Charles Schwab and SOL for hosting this special magazine pick-up party as well as for their continued support. SVL looks forward to seeing you at its next magazine pick up party in the very near future. ### SVL's Inaugural Inspire Higher Tour 2015 URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/creoenti/svls-inaugural-inspire-higher-tour-2015/ Last updated: 2026-09-11T19:17:37.000Z Silicon Valley Latino takes a proactive approach to engaging, empowering and inspiring Latino high school students while also addressing the lack of diversity in tech issue. As is stated in the company’s vision statement, Silicon Valley Latino is committed to engaging, educating and inspiring the new generation of Latino heroes. With this commitment in mind, Silicon Valley Latino decided to create an initiative where Latino professionals from the STEAM fields would engage and ultimately inspire Latino high schools through a newly created program, the “Inspire Higher Tour.” The “Inspire Higher Tour” is a high touch/high impact component within the Inspire Higher Initiative and it’s comprised of a touring and rotating panel of Latino professionals visiting numerous schools where the student body is predominantly Latino and/or students of color. [![10835157_902604943105874_7980071187313040070_o](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/498_10835157_902604943105874_7980071187313040070_o-286x300.jpg)](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/499%5F10835157%5F902604943105874%5F7980071187313040070.jpg) Throughout the tour these STEAM Latino professionals will be sharing their stories via various moderated panel discussions within high school campus settings, creating a direct dialogue and impact with students. The end goal is to inspire Latino youth throughout Silicon Valley/San Francisco Bay Area to engage and prepare for careers in STEAM while also helping fill the pipeline for the future Latino workforce. Silicon Valley Latino is optimistic that this initiative will eventually aid in minimizing the well publicized diversity gap in the tech sector. Alex Ontiveros, Founder & CEO of Silicon Valley Latino was impressed with the newly launched [Luis Valdez Leadership Academy](http://www.sjlvla.org/ "Luis Valdez Leadership Academy") (LVLA). Specifically, Ontiveros appreciated LVLA’s *committed to providing a rigorous academic program designed to instill a lifelong passion for learning and its desire to equip students with the skills for social and academic success at four-year colleges and universities as well as local community colleges. Alex was also impressed with the school’s emphasis on visual and performing arts, digital media and its culturally sustaining pedagogy. LVLA’s goal is to graduate empowered young adults who are poised, confident, and articulate leaders. Through a focus on the Spanish language, for both native speakers and learners, LVLA students will use their education, bi-literacy and life experiences to create positive change in their lives, their families and within their communities. Alex was truly impressed with this comprehensive approach to education and contacted the school’s ambitious and confident director, Jeff Camarillo, about hosting the inaugural Inspire Higher panel discussion.* [![SVL Inspire Higher Tour 2015](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/712_IHTphoto2-300x129.jpg)](http://www.sjlvla.org/ "Luis Valdez Leadership Academy") On January 23rd, the [inaugural](http://svlatino.com/luis-valdez-leadership-academy-celebrates/ "inaugural ") Inspire Higher panel was indeed hosted by the LVLA and its inaugural freshmen class. Silicon Valley Latino knew that this tour needed to get off to a great start, so it carefully selected a group of high hitting and high impact panelist. This inaugural panel included the following STEAM Rock Stars, Guillermo Diaz Jr., Sr. VP of IT at Cisco, Laura I. Gomez, tech entrepreneur and founder of Atipica, Ivan Reyes, Director of Digital Media & Culture at MACLA and Julissa Ramirez Lebron, Industrial Engineer and rising star at Intel Corporation. The panelists were on point with their authenticity and messages of perseverance, focus and commitment while the audience was an enthusiastic and eager interactive group of 97 students from LVLA 's debut freshmen class. The panelists hit a home run as they were engaging and inspiring and the students were attentive and eager to speak to the panelist at the conclusion of the moderated Q&A. “Silicon Valley Latino's Inspire Higher tour is an empowering and culturally resonating experience for the youth of East San Jose! Many of my students were deeply moved by the stories of the four panelists. For my freshman, the panelists' stories further reinforced that through education all dreams are attainable! Thank you Silicon Valley Latino for making LVLA your first stop on this much needed and important tour.” Jeff Camarillo. “Sharing a panel amongst champions who have proven true leadership is always a pleasure, but seeing some youth eager and determined to be in our position is beyond exciting.” Ivan Reyes I believe in you Silicon Valley Latino, I believe in our youth, I believe in our community and I believe in the Inspire Higher Tour” Guillermo Diaz Jr. [![SVL Inspire Higher Tour 2015](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/906_Screen-Shot-2015-01-22-at-9.58.51-AM-300x202.png)](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/907%5FScreen-Shot-2015-01-22-at-9.58.51-AM.png) At the end of the day, the Inspire Higher Tour was a huge success. Clearly from a “supply and demand” perspective, the demand is in place. We have tapped into a community of students that are eager to be inspired, fueled by a strong supply of highly accomplished and inspiring Latino professionals. SVL, LVLA and the panelists were very pleased with the tour’s first stop and Silicon Valley Latino is eager to conduct several more in Silicon Valley this Spring Semester. Stay tuned for more updates as the Inspire Higher Tour makes its rounds! If you are interested in hosting an Inspire Higher Tour event at your school please reach out to us. alex@svlatino.com ### City of San Jose 2015 Inaugural Ceremony URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/events/city-of-san-jose-2015-inaugural-ceremony/ Last updated: 2026-09-30T13:59:57.000Z This evening the City of San Jose hosted a swearing-in ceremony for its new mayor, Sam Liccardo and four new councilmembers Magdalena Carrasco, Raul Peralez, Charles Jones and Tam Nguyen. It was one of the most entertaining and diverse swearing-in ceremonies that we had attended. The Aztec dancers were amazing, Manuel Romero's National Anthem performance was incredibly moving, David Perez's Poetic Reading was intriguing, Mayor Liccardo's remarks were inspiring and of course the evening's Master of Ceremonies, Tamara Alvarado was witty, funny and engaging. ### SVL Cultura Ambassador - Julissa Ramirez Lebron featured in Intel video URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/latinos-in-tech/svl-cultura-ambassador-julissa-ramirez-lebron-featured-in-intel-video/ Last updated: 2026-09-11T19:17:38.000Z ### Silicon Valley Latino 2014 Year In Review URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/events/silicon-valley-latino-2014-year-in-review/ Last updated: 2026-09-30T19:42:18.000Z Silicon Valley Latino would like to thank all the organizations who collaborated with us in creating a positive impact in our community. We enjoyed covering countless events and programs in 2014 and look forward to covering even more in 2015! The following is a partial list of what we covered this year: *The Latino Leadership Alliance Cohort 4 Completion Certificate Presentation, Red Carpet Premier of the feature film Hola Venky, The San Jose Jazz's Be Sharp Silicon Valley Fashion Show, The Sacred Heart Nativity Schools' 12th Annual Fiesta, Cinequest 2014, The East Side Sushi Premiere, Rotary Club of San Jose's 100 Year Anniversary Gala, Sabor del Valle's Celebrity Bartender Night, the 13th Annual Cesar Chavez Breakfast, Square Celebrates Latino Business in San Francisco, Content Magazine Pick Up Parties, SHPE Noche de Ciencia, LCPA Career Fair and Senior Decision Day, LIT College Tour, LOFT & Google's Coding Jam in Collaboration with the Hispanic Heritage Foundation, Manos Accelerator 2nd Cohort's Kick Off Reception and Demo Day, Mezlan & SVL Vines & Fashion Mixer, Sabor Del Valle's 5th Annual Event, the San Jose Jazz Summer Festival, Silicon Valley Business Journal's Latino Leadership Summit, Voto Latino's Power Summit Silicon Valley, the Hispanic Foundation of Silicon Valley's 25th Annual Ball, Latinas in STEM "STEM 101 Conference", the Q4 HITEC Summit & 100 Awards Gala, and Latino Magazine's "Ahora Student Day"*We would also like to thank the following for their leadership: Latino Leadership Alliance, San Jose Jazz, Sacred Heart Nativity Schools, Cinequest, the cast of East Side Sushi, Rotary Club of San Jose, Sabor Del Valle, SHPE SV & SF Chapters, LCPA, LIT College Tour, the Hispanic Heritage Foundation & LOFT, Google, [Manos Accelerator](https://www.facebook.com/ManosAccelerator), Mezlan Store @ Valley Fair, Silicon Valley Business Journal, Voto Latino, [Hispanic Foundation of Silicon Valley](https://www.facebook.com/HispanicFoundationSV), Latinas in STEM, and HITEC. We also want to thank all of our members and Cultura Ambassadors for your support! Soon we will announce some exciting programs and partnerships that we will launch in 2015\. Stay tuned and may you all have a prosperous 2015! ### Latinas in STEM "STEM 101 Conference" URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/events/latinas-in-stem-stem-101-conference/ Last updated: 2026-10-07T21:20:49.000Z On Saturday, November 8th, Silicon Valley Latino had the great pleasure of covering Latinas in STEM's "STEM 101 Conference," hosted at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School. SVL attended as a media sponsor — and as a parent, with both of my children participating in the event. The morning began with registration at 8AM and a light breakfast, followed by a heartfelt welcome and an inspiring keynote delivered by Patricia Millan, Sr. Research Statistician at Nielsen. Patricia shared her real-life experience as a Latina high school student navigating familia expectations, college opportunities, and the journey from high school to higher education. Her honesty and warmth resonated deeply with an audience of 250 students, parents, STEM professionals, sponsors, and volunteers. After the keynote, students chose between hands-on STEM learning workshops or career presentations, while parents attended a separate session on supporting their students through the college application process. The highlight of the day — students built and programmed Lego robots. Safe to say, my daughter is already looking forward to the next one. SVL sat down with Diana Albarran Chicas, co-founder of Latinas in STEM and Near Field Range Test Section Manager at Space Systems Loral. "For us it's about impact," Diana said. "It's about connecting with these young girls and awakening the spark from within them." On making it all happen: "It truly takes a village — volunteers, sponsors like Google, Cisco, Symantec, IBM, Chevron, Nielsen, and NASA, and collaborators like LISTAS and Latinovating by Grace Tiscareno-Sato." The conference closed with acknowledgements to sponsors, partners, and volunteers. Silicon Valley Latino was honored to serve as a media sponsor. Adelante Latinas in STEM. For more information visit [latinasinstem.com](https://latinasinstem.com) ### Raul Lomeli - SVL Cultura Ambassador URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/cultura-ambassador/raul-lomeli-svl-cultura-ambassador/ Last updated: 2026-10-01T20:03:59.000Z Raul Lomeli was born to a Mexican family in East side Salinas, CA. Amidst gang violence and drugs, he was fortunate enough to have role models in his family who demonstrated that any educational and career goal or pursuit was attainable through hard work (ganas), and dedication. His Mother’s family migrated from Mexico to Salinas when they were all in their teens or pre-teens, and 5 out of the 7 attained at least a Bachelors degree from some of the most prestigious schools in California. The examples they set forth and their support ensured a clear path for Raul in higher education. In order to stay close to home, he decided to attend Santa Clara University where he studied and received degrees in Psychology and Music. His time at SCU was fruitful; filled with learning and creativity. A few years later, he began a teaching career in Salinas, CA as a part time Music teacher. Teaching was exciting and extremely rewarding for him as he had always wanted to give back to the community where he originated. He quickly began working toward an MA degree in Education and a teaching credential. After two years at Alisal High School and after revitalizing the Music program, he joined the Latino College Preparatory Academy and once again felt an immediate connection with the community; staff, students, and parents. He was determined to make a positive impact in the lives of the students he taught. During his years as a teacher at LCPA he founded the Music program and was the Volleyball coach during the 2010-2011 season. In order to further serve the LCPA community he worked on and received his administrative credential and became an Associate Director of Curriculum and Instruction. Shortly thereafter, and with the recommendation and support of the NHU foundation and teaching staff, he took on the position of Director in February of 2013\. Over the last couple of years he has been awed by the progress of the students. This progress has been possible due to consistent and true collaboration within the LCPA familia! They experienced the highest GPA average as a school (Semester 2 of 2013-2014), and are soon to go above and beyond any expectation in terms of students that will be accepted to a 4 year University. ​"​All students can and will succeed at very high levels when the right resources are allocated and when a community arises to support the students in their educational and career paths. " - R. Lomeli ### Maricela Castro - SVL Cultura Ambassador URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/cultura-ambassador/maricela-castro-svl-cultura-ambassador/ Last updated: 2026-09-30T14:17:15.000Z Maricela Castro, was born and raised in San Jose, CA. She attended Andrew Hill High School and San Jose State University. She has been in the Human Resources industry for over 10 years and has worked at several high-tech companies and a CRO (Clinical Research Organization) in Silicon Valley. She is currently the Human Resources Manager at dB Control located in Fremont, an Electronic Technologies Group (ETG) division of HEICO Corp., that supplies mission-critical, often sole-source, products worldwide to military organizations, as well as to major defense contractors and commercial manufacturers. dB Control has a high number of Latino Engineers, Managers and Supervisors. Maricela is very proud to work with this very diverse workforce. [![Maricela Castro 1-2-2012](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/853_Maricela-Castro-1-2-2012-300x280.jpeg.jpg)](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/854%5FMaricela-Castro-1-2-2012.jpeg.jpg) She also takes great pride in helping our community and getting the entire organization involved. Each year dB Control participates in Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk, The Alameda County Community Food Bank Drive and they conduct a yearly Toy Drive and donate all the toys to a non-profit organization. She truly enjoys her role as a Human Resources professional and making a difference in the company and the community. ### Silicon Valley Latinos celebrating the 25th Anniversary HFB URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/events/silicon-valley-latinos-celebrating-the-25th-anniversary-hfb/ Last updated: 2026-09-30T14:02:23.000Z 2014 La Familia - Community Engagement Award is presented to the Guzman family! The Guzmán family has a long standing history of community service instilled by family matriarch and patriarch Gilberto and Cunda Guzmán, who served as role models to their four children Lupe, Gilberto Jr., Maribel and Jaqui. SVL enjoyed celebrating the 25th Anniversary Hispanic Foundation Ball (HFB) with many prominent Silicon Valley Latinos. We look forward to covering next year's ball, see you next year! ### Silicon Valley Latino's Magazine Pick-up Party hosted by Mezlan URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/events/silicon-valley-latinos-magazine-pick-up-party-hosted-by-mezlan/ Last updated: 2026-09-30T00:20:29.000Z We would like to thank all the SVL List Honorees and Cultura Ambassadors that came out to our Pick-up Party. We also want to thank our host Mezlan and Perezidential Homes for sponsoring the wine tasting by Vino Latino. We look forward to seeing more of our SVL List Honorees and Cultura Ambassadors at the next Pick-up Party, stay tuned. ### Business Journal's Latino Leadership Summit URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/events/business-journals-latino-leadership-summit/ Last updated: 2026-09-30T14:01:03.000Z SVL had the pleasure of covering the Silicon Valley Business Journal's Latino Leadership Summit featuring a panel discussion with Guillermo Diaz, Tamara Alvarado and Darcie Green. This special event was sponsored by Wells Fargo Bank. SVL was especially proud to have covered an event featuring SVL Culura Ambassadors, SVL honorees and champions. They did an outstanding job addressing questions about leadership, engagement, mentoring and media coverage. We would like to congratulate all involved in producing this great event. ### Pilar Manchon - SVL List Honoree URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/cultura-ambassador/pilar-manchon-svl-list-honoree/ Last updated: 2026-10-01T20:06:40.000Z Pilar is an innovator in tech and a 20 year veteran in Speech & Natural Language Processing. She has built and led high-performance teams with top talent, developed leading-edge conversational agent technology and tools, successfully deployed disruptive solutions internationally and raised millions in venture capital. Additionally, she has been presented with multiple international awards for her work in this space and driven her company through a successful exit. She is passionate about disruptive innovation, overcoming great business & technological challenges, and inspiring others to grow, lead and prevail. Her strong technical background together with an extensive business-intensive track-record and result-oriented focus have made her a strategic thinker, a big dreamer and a relentless go getter. She is a big fan of lean and product-oriented development, inter-team coordination and value-driven organizations. Her technical expertise ranges from Speech Recognition & Synthesis, to Natural Language Understanding, Multimodal Dialogue Management, Machine Translation and Language Technologies in general. She is particularly interested in Intelligent Conversational Agents, Cognitive Science, Human-Computer Interaction, User Experience and Artificial Intelligence. She envisions a world where smart and multimodal conversational interfaces will improve the lives of billions of people, and is proud to be one of the architects that will make this vision come true. ### Latina Professionals Discuss Career Strategies at the 20th Anniversary of ALPFA in SF URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/latinos-in-tech/latina-professionals-discuss-career-strategies-at-the-20th-anniversary-of-alpfa-in-sf/ Last updated: 2026-09-11T19:17:39.000Z ALPFA, the nation’s largest Latino professional organization, took over the third floor of San Francisco’s Intercontinental Hotel last Saturday. Auditors, non-profit professionals, HR representatives, life-coaches, and finance specialists were there to commemorate ALPFA’s 20 years in the Bay Area and to celebrate and support the careers of Latina professionals. [ALPFA](http://sanfrancisco.alpfa.org/ "ALPFA") was founded in 1972 and it began as an association for Latino professionals in finance and accounting (hence ALPFA). However, over the last 42 years it has been transformed into a premier business association for Latino professionals in all industries and now has 23,000 members across the country. For student members, ALPFA is a great place to network and many of them end up building careers at companies such as Deloitte, KPMG, McKesson, Walmart, and McGladery. [![networking](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/1132_networking-300x202.jpg)](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/1133%5Fnetworking.jpg) The Women of ALPFA make up another big portion of the organization. [WOA](http://sanfrancisco.alpfa.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=page.viewpage&pageId=3525&stopRedirect=1 "WOA"), as they are also known, supports the goals of Latina business professionals by organizing annual conferences and workshops that provide leadership development for its members. This year, WOA chose the theme of “Using the Power of You to Transform Latina Leadership” and the executive coaching expert Dr. Santalynda Marrero kicked off this year’s conference with an energizing keynote speech. Dr. Marrero commenced a day-long conversation about what it means to be a Latina professional and how they can overcome obstacles they face in the workplace. She shared with the audience one of her biggest professional setbacks that she experienced as a doctoral student at Rutgers University. When Marrero was in the early stages of her research, she found out that one of her colleagues had stolen her research topic and data. Although Marrero had to start all over again, she marched back to the library in search of a new research topic. It is during these major setbacks, she told the audience, that each woman needs to give herself what she calls “CPR”—not Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, but Confidence, Presence and Resiliency. [![Dr. Santalynda Marrero](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/634_Dr.Marrero-300x238.jpg)](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/635%5FDr.Marrero.jpg) Dr. Marrero characterized confidence as a muscle that women “must work out everyday” and that must be exercised especially when your boss passes you up for that promotion or when you don’t get that highly coveted job. “Self-confidence,” she explained, “is having the ability to define success for yourself. If you don’t do that the media will and everyone else will.” “Executive presence” she defined as acting like a leader, which includes walking into a room with your head up high, staying composed under stressful situations, and being a team-player instead of an “individual contributor” who can be easily replaced. She warned the entire room: “looking busy or frantic is not impressive folks,” adding, “working up until midnight so someone will notice—forget about it.” Resiliency, which many understand as the act of getting up after being knocked down, is actually more complex in Dr. Marrero’s description. She saw an example of resiliency in her father who immigrated from Puerto Rico to New Jersey with a second-grade education. He taught her “that you have to survive first in order to thrive.” According to Marrero, migrants and immigrants can teach us a lesson in resiliency since they make the most out of a situation even when choices are limited. But even more important than administering this form of CPR in difficult times, suggests Marrero, is having an unshakable sense of self that can withstand any circumstances. First you have to “be” before you can “do” and before you can “have,” she says. She calls this the “Be-do-have” philosophy and it rests on the notion that you must have a sense of who you are before working toward a goal and attaining professional success. The question of what it means to “be” a Latina professional in the corporate sector is one that was pondered by many of the participants at the ALPFA event. At the panel discussion, which featured women who hold prominent positions at Microsoft, McKesson, Walmart, and McGladery, one young woman from the audience named Bianca asked a question about finding fulfilment as an auditor in corporate America. She shared with the audience and the panel that she was going through “internal conflict” about choosing to be a professional in corporate America instead of working at a non-profit. [![Geraldine](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/688_Geraldine-300x194.jpg)](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/689%5FGeraldine.jpg) As Bianca saw it, her sister, who is working for a non-profit that helps high school students, is “doing something that gives back to the community” while she is helping a company that is “already rich” generate revenue. Bianca asks the panelists, “Is there anything that you ladies do to give back to the community?” Geraldine Nueva, a senior director at Walmart Gobal eCommerce, assured Bianca that “just because you are a finance accountant doesn’t mean that you can’t get be involved in other things.” Nueva, for instance, is part of multiple employee resource groups that support diversity efforts. After the panel, audience members trickled out of the grand ballroom for a short networking session. While many networked as they grabbed a drink from the hotel bars, some continued the discussion raised by Bianca’s question. A group of women standing around a high table seemed to agree that there is an unspoken pressure for Latinas –and Latinos as well— to choose careers that are explicitly about helping the community over careers that are financially rewarding. Rosie, who is a consultant for professionals, was one of the women partaking in this conversation. “I think there is a belief system \[within the Latino community\] that it’s bad to make money,” said Rosie. “I get the social good—it’s important,” she added. “But you can do more for the social good with money than without it.” Rosie wondered why Latinos feel “that they always have to choose” between a career in business and helping the community. As she shared with the other women at the table, she did not choose one path over the other in her own career. “There are two worlds I operate in,” she explained, “the money world and the social good world.” The women listening to the conversation all agreed that there is a feeling of “guilt” or “selling-out” around choosing financially lucrative careers. While the discussion didn’t reach any conclusions, it did raise questions. As the women walked back to the grand ballroom to celebrate ALPFA’s 20th anniversary that night with dinner and dancing, for example, the question of what a Latina and Latino professional should or shouldn’t be still remained unsettled. Considering that Latinas and Latinos are defining success on their own terms, perhaps it is better to leave that question unanswered. Article by Lupe Carrillo ### Keeping Financially Fit URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/business/keeping-financially-fit/ Last updated: 2026-10-01T19:49:46.000Z **Keeping Financially Fit:**There’s much more to getting and staying ahead financially than earning a good salary. This article offers tips and best practices on ways to help improve one's financial well-being. Achieving financial success is no simple matter. It takes hard work, perseverance and adherence to strategies of saving, investing and managing your finances. Just as there are good habits associated with staying physically fit, there are also best practices involved with keeping financially fit. Simple strategies such as using debt wisely, taking advantage of tax- advantaged investment vehicles, and monitoring spending habits all go a long way toward helping you achieve your personal, business and financial goals. Consider the “financially fit” best practices below. If you are not already doing them, consider how they could improve your financial picture. **Reduce and manage debt.** - Consider how much you spend on debt service for mortgages, auto loans, credit cards, and student or other loans. Lenders typically look at two metrics when deciding whether or not to extend credit: the front-end and back-end ratios. The front-end ratio shows what percentage of your income goes toward housing expenses, including mortgage payments, real estate taxes, homeowner's insurance and association dues. The back-end ratio shows what portion of your income is needed to cover all of your monthly debt obligations, including housing, credit card bills, car loans, student loans and other debt service. Most lenders look for a front-end ratio of no more than 28% and a back-end ratio of 36% or less.1 - Develop a plan for eliminating credit card debt. Credit card debt is one of the most expensive debts you can carry. Interest rates often top 18% on existing balances. Paying off just $100 more per month on a $5,000 balance could pay off the entire balance in 32 months instead of 94 months, saving almost $3,000 in interest (assuming an interest rate of 18% and a 2% minimum monthly payment).2 - Check your credit report. Credit reports offer a snapshot of how the world views your “creditability.” Credit scores range between 300 points and 850 points, and most fall between 600 and 750\. A score above 700 usually suggests good credit management.3 You can request a free copy of your credit report once each year from each of three major credit reporting agencies--Equifax, Experian and TransUnion--at AnnualCreditReport.com. **Manage your income and expenses.** - Set a budget and track monthly spending. This is one of the most effective ways to control your costs. The simple act of recording expenses forces you to think about them and to see exactly how much you are spending on a given item on a monthly or annual basis. A $5 latte at the local coffee shop may seem insignificant on its own, but if you buy one five days a week, that adds up to over $100 per month and $1,200 per year. - Pay bills on time using online recurring services. Online bill payment saves time and postage, and lets you avoid late fees by automating payments for many services. Timely bill payment also factors in your credit score. According to FICO, credit history accounts for about 35% of your credit score.4 - Cancel recurring expenses you don’t use. Many services today are purchased on a subscription basis, with monthly charges and automated annual renewals. That includes club memberships, gyms, newspapers, magazines or online publications, not to mention cable TV and phone service. Taken individually, none of these expenses may amount to a lot, but when looked at collectively over the course of a year, they can be surprisingly high. Consider how often you use these services or if they can be renegotiated with the provider by reducing elective options. Save more by taking advantage of tax-deferred accounts. - Contribute the maximum to your 401(k) or other employer-sponsored retirement plan. Your company retirement savings plan offers one of the best ways to save for retirement. Contributions to traditional plans are tax deductible, and earnings are tax-deferred. And in many plans, employers will match a portion of your contributions. In a 401(k) plan, employees can contribute up to $17,500 in 2013\. Individuals aged 50 or older can contribute an additional $5,500\. 5 - Contribute to an IRA. Contributions to a traditional IRA may be deductible, so they may reduce your taxable income. Contributions to a Roth IRA are after tax, but distributions are tax free when you retire. Whether or not you can contribute to a Roth is based on your Adjusted Gross Income. Traditional and Roth IRA contribution limits for the 2013 tax year--which may be made up until April 15, 2014--are $5,500 per individual and $6,500 for those aged 50 or older. 6 Note that deductibility of traditional IRA contributions phases out above certain income levels, depending upon your filing status and if you or your spouse are covered by an employer-sponsored retirement plan. - Look into a Health Savings Account (HSA). If you have a high-deductible health plan, you may be able to contribute to a HSA. These accounts let you set aside pre-tax money to pay for health care costs not covered under your plan. The maximum contribution to an HSA for 2013 is $3,250 if you have single coverage, or $6,450 if you have family coverage. No income limits apply to HSAs, and funds do not have to be used in a given year. HSAs are offered through banks or other financial services companies, and may be available as part of your employer benefits package. For more information, see IRS publication 969 Health Savings Accounts and Other Tax-Favored Health Plans.7 Plan for the future. - Set aside money for emergencies and retirement. Whether through contributions to an employer plan or automated payroll deductions to a savings or investment account, making regular, systematic contributions is the easiest and most effective way to save over time. And when it comes to saving, time is your ally because of the power of compounding; so the earlier you start, the more you’ll save. - Create a will. Especially if you have children, a will serves not only to specify executors and beneficiaries of your estate, but also to designate guardians for minors. If you die without a will and have minor children, the probate court will appoint a guardian for them, and there is no guarantee that the court's appointment of a guardian will coincide with your own wishes. - Review your beneficiaries annually. This includes your will, insurance policies and retirement accounts. Keep in mind that an account with a designated beneficiary is not included in your estate for distribution purposes. It is distributed to the designated beneficiary. So you will want to make sure your account beneficiaries are coordinated with named heirs in your will. Footnotes/Disclaimers 1Source: Bankrate.com, http://www.bankrate.com/finance/mortgages/why-debt-to-income-matters-in-mortgages-1.aspx. 2Source: S&P Capital IQ. Example is hypothetical. Your results will differ. 3Source: Experian, http://www.experian.com/credit-education/what-is-a-good-credit-score.html. 4Source: Fair Isaac Corporation, 2013, http://www.myfico.com/crediteducation/whatsinyourscore.aspx. 5Source: Internal Revenue Service, http://www.irs.gov/uac/2013-Pension-Plan-Limitations. 6Source: Internal Revenue Service, http://www.irs.gov/Retirement-Plans/Plan-Participant,-Employee/Retirement-Topics- IRA-Contribution-Limits. 7Source: Internal Revenue Service. http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p969.pdf. If you’d like to learn more, please contact \[Angel Chavez 415-984-6008\]. Article by Wealth Management Systems, Inc. and provided courtesy of Morgan Stanley Financial Advisor. The author(s) are not employees of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC ("Morgan Stanley"). The opinions expressed by the authors are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Morgan Stanley. The information and data in the article or publication has been obtained from sources outside of Morgan Stanley and Morgan Stanley makes no representations or guarantees as to the accuracy or completeness of information or data from sources outside of Morgan Stanley. Neither the information provided nor any opinion expressed constitutes a solicitation by Morgan Stanley with respect to the purchase or sale of any security, investment, strategy or product that may be mentioned. Tax laws are complex and subject to change. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice and are not “fiduciaries” (under ERISA, the Internal Revenue Code or otherwise) with respect to the services or activities described herein except as otherwise agreed to in writing by Morgan Stanley. This material was not intended or written to be used for the purpose of avoiding tax penalties that may be imposed on the taxpayer. Individuals are encouraged to consult their tax and legal advisors (a) before establishing a retirement plan or account, and (b) regarding any potential tax, ERISA and related consequences of any investments made under such plan or account. Morgan Stanley Financial Advisor(s) engaged (Name of Publisher) to feature this article. may only transact business in states where is registered or excluded or exempted from registration \[Insert URL link to FA website or FINRA . Transacting business, follow-up and individualized responses involving either effecting or attempting to effect transactions in securities, or the rendering of personalized investment advice for compensation, will not be made to persons in states where \[Name\] is not registered or excluded or exempt from registration. © 2013 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC. CRC 758843 11/13\] ### Signal brings painless encrypted calling to iOS via The Verge URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/latinos-in-tech/signal-brings-painless-encrypted-calling-to-ios-via-the-verge/ Last updated: 2026-09-11T19:17:41.000Z We share this with you today but secretly Would love to hear what some of our tech entrepreneurs think of this app and if it is worth downloading? Share your insights with us. [Signal brings painless encrypted calling to iOSThe Verge is about technology and how it makes us feel. Founded in 2011, we offer our audience everything from breaking news to reviews to award-winning features and investigations, on our site, in video, and in podcasts.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/icon/android-chrome-512x512-c5f43ea1-dd82-46ff-8207-db2112bc20e6.png)The VergeRussell Brandom![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/thumbnail/signal-003.0.1410978283-bd2d8785-0c04-4739-94c6-815314436d28.jpg)](https://www.theverge.com/2014/7/29/5945547/signal-brings-painless-encrypted-calling-whisper-systems-moxie-marlinspike) ### LOFT & Google's Coding Jam Session URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/events/loft-googles-coding-jam-session/ Last updated: 2026-09-30T19:44:56.000Z On Friday May 2nd Google and the [Hispanic Heritage Foundation](http://www.hispanicheritage.org/ "Hispanic Heritage Foundation") (HHF) hosted a [Latinos On The Fast Track](http://www.hispanicheritage.org/loft%5Fint.php?sec=200 "Latinos On The Fast Track") (LOFT) Coding Jam Session at Silver Creek High School in San Jose. During this Coding Jam Session Google employees introduced minority youth to computer coding as an effort to bridge career paths in technology fields to fill the skills gap. Antonio Tijerino, CEO and President of the Hispanc Heritage Foundation delivered encouraging remarks to the attending youth at this special event. SVL was delighted to cover this for our audience. \[flagallery gid=22\] ### Tony Quintero - SVL Cultura Ambassador URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/cultura-ambassador/tony-quintero-svl-cultura-ambassador/ Last updated: 2026-09-23T15:51:38.000Z Tony Quintero was a founder of the first Latino student organization at San Jose State University and the first Chicano on the Student Council, where his work led to the first EOP Program and the Mexican American Graduate Studies Department. ![Tony Quintero](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/969_Tony-Quintero--200x300.jpg) He later attended UC Berkeley's School of Law (Boalt Hall) and was elected the first President of La Raza National Law Students Association, Founder of the First Law Student Legal Centers, a Robert F. Kennedy Fellow, Latino Leaders Magazine-Professional Achievement and the Latino Leadership Alliance Ollin Awards. He has served on the USHCC Board, was New America Alliance's Vice-Chairman, Founder of National Immigration Reform Advocates, and National Financial Services Consortium. He also was past Chair of the NAA Corporate Board Initiative, and started the HACR/NAA Corporate Board Certification Program with Ana Cabral at USC and Harvard Business Schools. He also served as Chair of the Hispanic Leadership Council, and served on the White House National Advisory Board, and as NAA Advisor to Treasury. ### Ileana Rivera - SVL Cultura Ambassador URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/cultura-ambassador/ileana-rivera-svl-cultura-ambassador/ Last updated: 2026-10-01T20:08:05.000Z It is with great pleasure that we present our very first SVL Cultura Ambassador, **Ms. Ileana Rivera!**Ileana has been an exemplary professional, director, mentor, community leader and great friend and supporter to the work that we lead at SVL.Please learn more about Ileana below: ### LCPA Career Fair 2014 photo album URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/events/lcpa-career-fair-2014-photo-album/ Last updated: 2026-09-28T21:56:34.000Z The [LCPA](http://www.sjlcpa.org "LCPA") hosted a very successful Career Fair at their campus in East San Jose on Monday April 28th. A major collaborator was Cisco's Latino employee resource group, [Conexion](http://www.diversitybestpractices.com/person/cisco-conexion-hispanic-group "Conexion"), led by Jessica Ruvalcaba and Esmeralda Barriga. Numerous Latino professionals and community leaders attended as well three Latino Cisco Executives, Eugenia Corrales - VP of Business Development, Guillermo Diaz, Senior Vice President of IT and Angel Mendez, Senior VP of Cisco Transformation who were featured in the Executive Panel Discussion early in the program. The day started off with a passionate and insightful keynote by Guillermo Diaz. Other high impact components of the day consisted of several mock interviews and small group discussions where important dialogues were initiated and where professionals shared their background, stories and insights. Big congrats to LCPA, the professional volunteers and the LCPA students who came prepared to learn from this unique experience! ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/10_LCPA_20_large.jpg) ### "Avion: An Accelerator For Latinas Takes Flight" by Giovanni Rodriguez URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/entrepreneur/avion-an-accelerator-for-latinas-takes-flight-by-giovanni-rodriguez/ Last updated: 2026-09-30T19:50:15.000Z The launch of Avion, an accelerator for Latinas, comes at a key moment in N. American history and they plan on making history! Good luck Deldep & Jesse. ### "Will Silicon Valley bet on Latina Youth" by Giovanni Rodriguez URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/entrepreneur/will-silicon-valley-bet-on-latina-youth-by-giovanni-rodriguez/ Last updated: 2026-10-01T19:57:41.000Z Giovanni Rodriguez has written part one of this three part series focusing on Latina Entrepreneurs and technology. He begins his incursion into the energy that these ladies and their support groups are having and will continue to have on the North American society. ### A Movie Review of MAPA URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/art-culture/a-movie-review-of-mapa/ Last updated: 2026-09-29T18:01:31.000Z What does one do after a serious break-up? By Eydie Mendoza While working as a children’s television show director, he had suppressed his dream of being a filmmaker, so he shot short films with a floundering plan to make a short film diary. Most clips contain, his ex-girlfriend Ainhoa so his inspiration was stumped. Then he loses his job. Jobless and broken hearted, 37-year-old Elías León Siminiani listens to 90s music, in search for a time where he felt invincible as a youth. [![2_STILL_MAPA_](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/533_2_STILL_MAPA_-300x224.jpg)](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/533%5F2%5FSTILL%5FMAPA%5F-300x224.jpg) In MAPA, a film by León Siminiani (Spanish and English with English subtitles), the comedic hopeless romantic, travels to India in 2008 to make his movie called *Donde*. Camcorder in hand, he backpacks through India inspired his friend, Luna. ![1_STILL_MAPA_](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/519_1_STILL_MAPA_-300x225.jpg) The keen cinematography and split screen scenes capture this man’s lonely journey unlike any other documentary. Coincidentally the short films create a beautiful diary if his search for companionship and finding himself. From the moment he lands in India, he attempts to drown out the hustle and bustle by listening to his iPod. After overcoming vertigo, he struggles between reason and emotions, filming buildings and people. Only six weeks into his trip, he realizes that he is lonely and obsesses with finding love, a female travel partner. While he encounters some self-rewarding moments on a plane, in the trains, in the mountains, and in the city, he continually asks, “*¿Podria ser ella mi compañera?*” Experience the humbling clips of a man running through a monsoon, another swimming in the Ganges, a child’s innocent joy of seeing himself on camera, the poverty and architecture. It is natural to identify with the director, in these shared moments of self-discovery. Throughout his travels León Siminiani struggles between his inner busy and calm extremes, and when he is on the verge of embracing an answer, he returns to Spain in search of Luna. His intent is to return to India with her by his side to finish his film. Learn what happens when he returns Madrid. This humorous film about the journey of self-discovery is a must see with friends and family. **The first showing is on Wed, Mar. 5, 2014 at 2:30 PM at Camera 12 - Screen 10\. [![leon siminiani](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/1116_leon-siminiani-300x199.jpg)](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/1117%5Fleon-siminiani.jpg)** "’*MAPA*’premiered last November at the Festival de Cine Europeo de Sevilla, where won the prize to the *Best European Documentary*. Then travelled to international film festivals such as IDFA, Mar del Plata, Festival du Cinéma Espagnol de Nantes, was opening film in Cali Int. Film Festival, among others. We have been also nominated as *Best Documentary in the Goya* (Spanish Film Academy) Awards.” http://www.cinequest.org/ ### And God Said, "Let there be Wine" URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/cuisine/and-god-said-let-there-be-wine/ Last updated: 2026-09-11T19:17:45.000Z Walking through a Latin grocery store the other day we saw aisles and aisles of beans. Latin stores always have beans, but this time there was every bean imaginable due to Lent starting on February 13\. Latinos, who are meat based, get creative during this time with beans and fish. Some people will practice Lent every day, some only on Fridays. Some have fish every day, some only on Fridays. There are many Lent traditions. Whatever your chosen tradition, Lent still means that a carnivore society will have to pretend lo be herbivores Here’s the good news, wine is vegetarian. We have a few wines that we think will make this Lent season more palatable. [![food3-LoRez](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/1067_food3-LoRez-300x225.jpg)](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/1068%5Ffood3-LoRez.jpg)Ceja Rose\`: This wine is going to pair well with everything, but we added it specifically for those of you who enjoy fish. This rose\` is dry, so the acidity will play well with the fish. However, it also has a little barrel age to it which gives it a nice round mouth feel, meaning it’s great with ceviche or with a delicious grilled salmon. Because it’s light, it will do okay with salsas as long as they aren’t too hot. [![fish-LoRez](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/1063_fish-LoRez1-272x300.jpg)](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/1064%5Ffish-LoRez1.jpg)Cesar Toxqui Viogner: At the beginning of the year we did a vegan experiment for 3 weeks. Three weeks with no meat (not even fish or eggs) was a long time for us. We missed meat. We found some in this viogner. This viogner, to me, has a distinctive *umami* finish. *Umami* is a taste that is meaty, sort of like soy sauce. It’s a savory sensation on the palate that I have an affinity for and more people seem to be talking about it. If you are missing meat, crack open some of this viogner. It will go lovely with anything made with cheese, roasted vegetables, bean stews, and roasted fish (but not ceviche) [![winebttle](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/1163_winebttle-93x300.jpeg.jpg)](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/1164%5Fwinebttle.jpeg.jpg)J. Wilkes Pinot Noir: This pinot will go great with vegetarian empanadas, especially the traditional kind that include cinnamon and raisins. It will also lend itself well to lentils. We don’t suggest this with salmon, although people always think of pinot and salmon, because this pinot has a lot of spicy notes such as cardamom and cinnamon. However, if you create a lent dish other than empanadas that includes raisins and olives, this is the wine for that dish. Aurora Vinedos Petite Sirah. Sometimes you just need steak. Petite Sirah is the steak of wine . It’s big and meaty. It’s warm and comforting. Sometimes, when we want a steak, we just have a glass of petite sirah instead. The perfect Lent pairing for this wine is cotija cheese and olives. The saltiness of the cheese and olives will tame the tanins leaving with you something that will give the meat eater in you some satisfaction during this season of fasting. [![wine label](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/1162_wine-label.jpg)](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/1162%5Fwine-label.jpg) ### Limiting Smartphone Access Has Cost to Latino Community URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/latinos-in-tech/limiting-smartphone-access-has-cost-to-latino-community/ Last updated: 2026-10-07T21:22:07.000Z By Natalie Blanning Imagine something that you could never live without. For almost a third of Americans, that item is their mobile phone. According to a recent Pew Charitable Trust study, a mobile phone is more than just a communication tool; it’s a direct connection to health information, news, online banking and other services for many Americans. More and more, Latinos rely on their smartphones to help them navigate everyday life. Smartphones are particularly important as an accessible and affordable alternative Internet portal for the 19 million Americans who do not have access to broadband Internet. [![HR122011_16](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/702_HR122011_16-150x150.jpg)](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/703%5FHR122011%5F16.jpg)But a battle at a government agency, the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC), has the potential to increase the cost of smartphones, putting further strain on certain segments of the U.S. population who are already struggling to get by. Apple is seeking an over-reaching injunction that would bar various smartphones made by Samsung—sold by different carriers and at varying price points, from being imported to the U.S. If granted, it will ultimately lead to higher prices and less consumer choice. Unfortunately, this would deny affordable access to the Internet for many Latinos who rely on their mobile phones to pay bills, get news or job-hunt. To ensure the cost of smartphones stays down, companies should compete in the marketplace over products and innovations, not in courtrooms. [![millennials](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/1124_millennials-150x150.jpg)](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/1125%5Fmillennials.jpg)This issue came about because Apple is claiming monopoly over any rounded rectangular touchscreen device. But almost all smartphones are shaped this way, and for good reason—it’s functional. If Apple gets its way, it may try to ban all non-Apple smartphones with rounded corners from entering the United States. This means a higher price tag on mobile phones, because competition won’t exist to drive prices down. While the ITC’s ruling will have an immediate impact on all of our pockets, it will also widen the digital divide in the Latino community. As more aspects of daily life move online, and as offline alternatives disappear, the range of choices and services available to people without broadband Internet access narrows. Preserving access to smartphones is especially important in preventing some underserved communities from falling farther behind the digital “haves.” Samsung and other manufacturers of smartphones offer a broad choice of mobile phones at different price points and provide service to rural and prepaid markets, many of which are not serviced by broadband providers. According to a recent study by the Pew Hispanic Center, a digital divide still exists between native- and foreign-born Latinos. For example, the study found that while 49 percent of the current Latino population in the U.S. owns a smartphone, 58 percent of those who do not own a smartphone are foreign-born Latinos. With this in mind, it seems banning smartphones that come in broader price ranges could further broaden the digital divide for Latinos here in the Bay Area and throughout the country. While it will be to all smartphone users’ detriment if Apple wins its overbearing case, the biggest burden will be placed on those who can least afford to pay higher prices. That’s inequality at its best. About The Author: Natalie Blanning is the executive director of Consumer Alliance for A Strong Economy, a statewide non-partisan organization which seeks to educate and inform consumers about state and federal public policy issues. For more information, please visit: [www.consumeralliance.org](https://www.consumeralliance.org "www.consumeralliance.org") ### Omar Aguilar- On being a Corporate Partner with SVL URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/business/omar-aguilar-on-being-a-corporate-partner-with-svl/ Last updated: 2026-09-29T19:07:54.000Z Chief Investment Officer, Equities, for Charles Schwab Investment Management, Inc expresses his thoughts on partnering with Silicon Valley Latino and their Signature Leadership Recognition Events. Last of an eight part interview. [![svl event](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/1158_svl-event.jpg)](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/1158%5Fsvl-event.jpg) [![square](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/1155_square.jpg)](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/1155%5Fsquare.jpg) ### Omar Aguilar on Role Models URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/business/omar-aguilar-on-role-models/ Last updated: 2026-09-29T19:25:15.000Z [![IMG_6087](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/774_IMG_6087-300x168.jpg)](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/775%5FIMG%5F6087.jpg) Omar Aguilar's biggest role model didn't have electricity growing up. He didn't have running water. He started working at age 5. That was Omar's father, a boy from a small town in Michoacán who left home at 13, alone, for Mexico City, a city of 20 million people. He became a teacher. Then a lawyer. And he taught Omar the lesson that shaped everything: work hard, stay focused on the end goal, and never stop getting educated. In this episode of SVL's Cultura Ambassador series, Omar shares the two role models who built his path to success, his father's relentless drive, and the college professors who showed him that real knowledge means nothing if you don't share it with others. This is what it means to build on the shoulders of those who came before us. Silence is complicity. And so is inaction. ### Meet Omar Aguilar: SVL Cultura Ambassador URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/business/silicon-valley-latino-corporate-leaders-series-presents/ Last updated: 2026-09-29T19:03:21.000Z ###### **Before leaving Mexico for the United States, Omar's father gave him a piece of wisdom that would shape the next two decades of his life:** > *"You have a yellow lens — that's what you see today, because everything in Mexico looks yellow to you. Once you go there, everybody looks at things with a blue lens. Now you're going to go there, and you're going to meld the two. You're never going to see things blue. They're always going to look green to you — because you're looking at it from what you grew up with, which is yellow, and now from blue. But for you, it's always going to be green."* More than 20 years later, Omar says he's still melding, never forgetting what he learned growing up in Mexico, while learning more about American culture every day. Leaving wasn't easy. He missed the food, he missed his family. But he calls it one of the most enriching experiences of his life. ### Omar Aguilar on Business Relationships URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/business/omar-aguilar-on-business-relationships/ Last updated: 2026-09-29T19:05:31.000Z [![leaders series](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/1114_leaders-series-300x165.jpg)](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/1115%5Fleaders-series.jpg) ### Key Tax Changes for 2013 URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/business/key-tax-changes-for-2013/ Last updated: 2026-10-01T19:51:32.000Z ***In another down-to-the-wire scenario, Congress moved on New Year’s Day to avoid the tax side of the fiscal cliff by passing legislation that extended many of the Bush-era tax cuts. But the new law raised taxes for high earners, posing new planning considerations.*** The eleventh-hour extension of many of the Bush-era tax rates narrowly skirted an across-the-board increase in most federal tax rates. But the new rules differ in a number of ways from the old—particularly for those in the top tax bracket. Here are some of the important tax alterations you’ll want to be aware of as you plan for 2013: - **Higher marginal tax rates:** Legislation that resolved the fiscal cliff created the first upward tax-bracket revisions in decades. With the top marginal income tax rate now 39.6%, tax management strategies that once had limited cost-benefit may now be more attractive. For example, if you are relying on cash flow from a fixed-income portfolio in a taxable account, you may find that municipal bonds might offer better net cash flows now than they might have last year, even if their gross yields might be lower. - **Capital gains and equity dividend taxes:** The favorable tax rates on long-term capital gains and qualified equity dividends are now effectively graduated for many taxpayers. That means you may have to do a complex calculation to estimate the tax rate you might be liable for on your income from these sources.As a general rule, long-term capital gains and qualified dividend tax rates for those in the 10% and 15% income tax brackets are zero. For those in the 25% to 35% brackets, the rate is 15%. And for taxpayers in the top bracket (39.6%), it’s 20%. Here’s where it becomes interesting: You may be subject to a higher rate on long-term gains and dividends than your ordinary marginal tax bracket might imply. That’s because your capital gains and dividend income tax bracket will be assigned according to what your ordinary tax bracket would have been if the capital gains and dividend income were tallied as ordinary income instead. For example, assume that your employment earnings put you in the 33% tax bracket and you also have significant income from qualified long-term capital gains and qualified dividends. To estimate your dividend and capital gains tax liabilities this year, you’ll need to add your investment income total to your ordinary income total. You could then see what tax bracket the combined tally would put you in, and by how much. In this case, the portion of investment income that brings you up to the 39.6% threshold would still be taxed at 15%, but any portion of capital gains and dividend income beyond that would be taxed at the higher 20% rate. You could pay the top rate on favored investment income even though your ordinary income tax bracket would still be 33% for wages, salaries, interest income and the like. Keep in mind that the new 3.8% Medicare tax on investment income (more below on this) applies to qualified dividends and capital gains, effectively increasing the net tax rate even further for some taxpayers. - **Medicare tax on unearned income:** This tax is new for 2013 even though strictly speaking it was not part of the fiscal cliff legislation, but rather, mandated by the Affordable Care Act. The actual tax is assessed only on “unearned” income— typically interest, dividends, royalties, annuities, rents and other passive activity income, capital gains on investments and trading of financial instruments and commodities. The trigger for this tax is your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI): $200,000 for single taxpayers, $250,000 for those married filing jointly. Any strategy that effectively defers or reduces your reportable income can help you manage the impact of this tax in 2013. - **Estate, gift and generation-skipping taxes:** The taxes on inherited wealth and major gifts are higher now than they have been in recent years. But they are lower than they would have been if there had been no new action by Congress. What is more, for the first time in a decade, there may be a sense of statutory stability. As the law now stands, estate and gift taxes will remain as they are, without sunset or expiration provisions. The maximum exclusion amount ($5.25 million in 2013) will be indexed for inflation in the future if needed, but there are no scheduled changes in tax rates or other assessment policies. One new feature stands out: A taxpayer’s unused estate/gift exclusion allowance can be passed on to a surviving spouse and added to his or her own personal exclusion amount. Keep in mind that this transfer of a future tax benefit can be made only to a spouse who is a US citizen. - **Alternative minimum tax:** Like the estate tax, the alternative minimum tax (AMT) gained a new measure of predictability from the fiscal cliff law. Inflation adjustments have become a permanent part of the basic AMT calculation. That means that for income earned in 2012 and reported on tax returns filed this year, the basic exemption amount is $50,600 for individuals and $78,750 for couples. For income earned during 2013, the exemption amounts are $51,900 for singles and $80,800 for couples. This is only a general summary of highlights from the new laws. It is not tax advice. Before you take any tax management steps you should consult your tax advisor. Also, please keep in mind that in federal tax discussions, tax benefits for spouses are available only to those couples whose marriages can be recognized by federal law. That said, please feel free to contact me with any investment-related tax questions you might have. I would be pleased to help you assess the impact of tax changes on your investment and financial accounts. \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* Sources: Tax information was compiled from Internal Revenue Service Revenue Procedure 2013-15, IRS news release IR-2013-4 (Annual Inflation Adjustments for 2013, January 11, 2013), Internal Revenue Bulletin No. 2013-2 (January 7, 2013), and IRS news release IR-2012-78 (In 2013, Various Tax Benefits Increase Due to Inflation Adjustments, October 18, 2012). **If you’d like to learn more, please contact Angel Chavez, CIMA®, 415-984-6008, angel.chavez@morganstanley.com.**Article by McGraw Hill and provided courtesy of Morgan Stanley Financial Advisor. The author(s) are not employees of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC ("Morgan Stanley"). The opinions expressed by the authors are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Morgan Stanley. The information and data in the article or publication has been obtained from sources outside of Morgan Stanley and Morgan Stanley makes no representations or guarantees as to the accuracy or completeness of information or data from sources outside of Morgan Stanley. Neither the information provided nor any opinion expressed constitutes a solicitation by Morgan Stanley with respect to the purchase or sale of any security, investment, strategy or product that may be mentioned. Tax laws are complex and subject to change. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice and are not “fiduciaries” (under the Internal Revenue Code or otherwise) with respect to the services or activities described herein except as otherwise agreed to in writing by Morgan Stanley. This material was not intended or written to be used for the purpose of avoiding tax penalties that may be imposed on the taxpayer. Individuals are encouraged to consult their tax and legal advisors regarding any potential tax and related consequences of any investments made under such account, their tax advisors for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for matters involving trust and estate planning and other legal matters. *Interest in municipal bonds is generally exempt from federal income tax. However, some bonds may be subject to the alternative minimum tax (AMT). Typically, state tax-exemption applies if securities are issued within one’s state of residence and, local tax-exemption typically applies if securities are issued within one’s city of residence.* *Bonds are affected by a number of risks, including fluctuations in interest rates, credit risk and prepayment risk. In general, as prevailing interest rates rise, fixed income securities prices will fall; additionally, the longer a bond’s maturity (duration), the more sensitive it is to this risk. Bonds face credit risk if a decline in an issuer's credit rating, or creditworthiness, causes a bond's price to decline. Finally, bonds can be subject to prepayment risk. When interest rates fall, an issuer may choose to borrow money at a lower interest rate, while paying off its previously issued bonds. As a consequence, underlying bonds will lose the interest payments from the investment and will be forced to reinvest in a market where prevailing interest rates are lower than when the initial investment was made. *NOTE:* High yield bonds are subject to additional risks such as increased risk of default and greater volatility because of the lower credit quality of the issues.*Morgan Stanley Financial Advisor(s) engaged Silicon Valley Latino to feature this article. Angel Chavez, CIMA® may only transact business in states where he is registered or excluded or exempted from registration www.morganstanleyfa.com/elcaminogroup/. Transacting business, follow-up and individualized responses involving either effecting or attempting to effect transactions in securities, or the rendering of personalized investment advice for compensation, will not be made to persons in states where Angel Chavez, CIMA® is not registered or excluded or exempt from registration. Investments and services offered through Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, member SIPC. CRC 619858 \[03/13\] ### Stable Life: Movie Review URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/art-culture/stable-life-movie-review/ Last updated: 2026-09-29T17:55:54.000Z **At the 23rd Annual Cinequest Film Festival running Feb 26 through March 10** ![inspiration](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/1097_inspiration.jpg) ****INSPIRATION-** Films that give your mind & soul a boost! Meet Dionicia, a mother of five, and her husband, Mario in the remarkable documentary, Stable Life by Director Sara MacPherson and Producer Tricia Creason-Valencia premiering Wednesday, February 27, 2013\. The Martinez’s life was stable while living and working at Bay Meadows of San Mateo, Calif. The family’s passion for the stable life, livelihood, and unity is cleverly projected in this documentary film, along with the unimaginable heartbreak that occurs afterwards. The racetrack is demolished, there is little work, the community is torn apart, and then the Martinez family is also separated. **By Eydie Mendoza** “A whole community that counts on it for a living,” reports the news anchor and 500-600 employees lost their job that day. Leading up to the days of the Bay Meadow Racetrack closure on August 17, 2008, *Stable Life* a film by Director/Producer Sara MacPherson and Producer Tricia Creason-Valencia in (English and Spanish with English Subtitles) captures the life, hopes and dreams through the eyes of Dionicia Martinez, a stable hot walker a mother of five. [![stable life premier 2.27.13](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/1156_stable-life-premier-2.27.13-189x300.jpg)](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/1157%5Fstable-life-premier-2.27.13.jpg) Producer Sara MacPherson and Producer Tricia Creason-Valencia In this documentary the passions and dreams of the stable workers are captured, welcoming the audience into the livelihood of the Martinez family and the community that nurtures the tracks. Dionicia shares that her ultimate low was when she stole from a neighbor’s farm, back in Mexico, to cook for her family, and that she swore she did not want to live that way, or for her children to suffer as she did. She stresses that that’s no way to live, that a person can be a mother but it doesn’t mean a thing if you cannot feed your child. Meet her husband Mario who works lives and works at the stables. Mario and Donicia came to the Unites States with hopes and dreams of a better life. They are skilled in caring for the horses. Their eldest son, Jose Luis was born in Mexico and crossed the border when he was a 12-year-old and becomes a horse jockey. Two of their sons Mario (Junior) and Homar are born in California, but Andres and Carlos stay behind with Mario parents. Working conditions vary between tracks. At Bay Meadows they get room, board and $900 every 15 days. Dionicia and Mario share a room and the two boys have room, as well. While one might question these living conditions, the Martinez’s are grateful for to be together and for the basics, like running water. (Photo: Benoit Photography) Experience the emotional heart break as Bay Meadows of San Mateo prepares to close and watch it crumble. Just then a caller alerts the director, “Sarah … Dionicia and Mario were arrested and they might be deported very soon.” What was stability for the Martinez family crumbles after the tracks close. Producer Tricia Creason-Valencia quotes Dionicia, “The U.S. separates families.” If you missed the premier of *Stable Life* on Wednesday, February 27, Cinequest Film Festival is scheduled to show on **Sunday, March 3, 4pm and Tuesday, March 5, 7pm**, but check the guide for updated times and location [http://www.cinequest.org](http://www.cinequest.org/). ### Finding Yield in a Low-Rate Environment With Dividend-Paying Stocks URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/business/finding-yield-in-a-low-rate-environment-with-dividend-paying-stocks/ Last updated: 2026-10-01T19:50:36.000Z Where do you go to find yield in today’s low-rate environment? Think dividends. A growing number of companies pay dividends and offer attractive yields. For today’s income-oriented investor, it’s been a frustrating time. Yields on US Treasury bonds, as well as investment-grade municipal and corporate bonds have hovered near historical lows. Even longer-term issues remain in the doldrums; rates on 30-year Treasuries have not topped 4% since October 20081But for investors seeking income, there is an alternative: dividend-paying stocks. There are now 395 companies in the S&P 500 that pay dividends, and the average yield on these stocks has been rising since 2000\. As of December 31, 2011, the average yield of a dividend-paying stock in the S&P 500 was 2.4%, compared with 1.9% for 10-year US Treasuries.1But there’s more to dividend-paying stocks than yield. The long-term benefits of dividends are significant: • **Dividends are a key driver of total return.** There are several factors that may contribute to the superior total return of dividend-paying stocks over the long term. One of them is dividend reinvestment. The longer the period in which dividends are reinvested, the greater the spread between price return and dividend reinvested total return. • **Dividends help boost returns in down markets.** Since 1926, dividends have accounted for over a third of the returns of the S&P 500\. In down years, when price return is negative, dividends help offset the drop. Since 1926, dividends have provided an average return of 4.5% in all 12-month periods where the index declined, which helped offset the average price decline of 18.6%.1• **Dividend-paying stocks offer potentially stronger returns and lower volatility.** Dividend-paying stocks have outperformed the broader market over time. Stocks with a history of increasing their dividend each year have produced higher returns with lower risk than non-dividend-paying stocks. For instance, since 1990, the S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats--those stocks within the S&P 500 that have increased their dividends each year for the past 25 years--produced annualized returns of 11.04% versus 8.23% for the S&P 500 overall, with less volatility, as measured by standard deviation (14.14% versus 15.22%, respectively).2• **Dividends benefit from continued favorable tax treatment.** The extension of the Bush-era tax cuts helps to reinforce the current case for dividend stocks. The tax bill passed in late 2010 extended the 15% tax on qualifying dividends and other forms of investment income through December 31, 2012\. Because there are restrictions on the types of dividend income subject to the lower 15% rate, investors should consult a tax advisor to determine how tax laws apply to their situation. • **Dividends are a sign of corporate financial health.** Dividend payouts are often indicative of a company's financial health and management’s confidence in future cash flow. They are usually paid by mature businesses, and communicate a positive message to investors who perceive a long-term dividend as a sign of corporate strength. **The Growth of Dividend-Paying Stocks, 1950-2011** ![](webkit-fake-url://EF916D95-F3E8-4CAE-8627-0349A1A456F9/application.pdf)Dividend-paying stocks historically have demonstrated a performance edge. As this chart shows, an investor who invested a $1,000 portfolio consisting of the dividend-paying stocks within the S&P 500 in 1950 and reinvested all the dividends would have amassed in excess of $500,000 more than an investor with a portfolio of non-dividend-paying stocks within the index. Source: Standard & Poor’s. Stocks are represented by the S&P 500, an unmanaged index considered representative of the broad US stock market. For the period January 1, 1950, through December 31, 2011\. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investors cannot invest directly in any index. Keep in mind that like any stock, dividend-paying stocks can lose money, and there is no guarantee that dividends will be paid in the future. But for investors seeking current income or an income-producing alternative to diversify a portfolio, dividend-paying stocks can be an attractive choice. Morgan Stanley can help you find dividend-paying stocks that suit your portfolio. Equity Securities’ prices may fluctuate in response to specific situations for each company, industry, market conditions, and general economic environment. Morgan Stanley, its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors do not provide tax advice. Individuals are urged to consult their tax advisor regarding their own tax or financial situation before implementing any strategies. 1Sources: Standard & Poor’s; The Federal Reserve, Selected Interest Rates (Daily) – Report H.15\. 2Source: Standard & Poor’s. The S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats index measures the performance of all stocks within the S&P 500 that have increased their dividends each year for the past 25 years. Stocks are represented by the S&P 500, an unmanaged index considered representative of the broad US stock market. For the period January 1, 1950, through December 31, 2011\. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investors cannot invest directly in any index. **Notices & Prohibitions:**The Morgan Stanley Legal and Compliance Department has approved this article for use exactly as it appears. It may not be changed in any way. However, longer articles may be run in two or more parts as long as any disclaimers also appear in the respective parts. Please note that the non-solicitation clause must appear at the end of every article. Finding Yield in a Low-Rate Environment With Dividend-Paying Stocks Courtesy of: El Camino Group at Morgan Stanley, Angel Chavez, CIMA®, Financial Advisor **Branch Name:** Morgan Stanley San Francisco, CA **Phone Number:** 415-984-6008 **Web Address:** [www.morganstanleyfa.com/elcaminogroup/](http://www.morganstanleyfa.com/elcaminogroup/)If you’d like to learn more, please contact Angel Chavez, CIMA®, 415-984-6008\. Article by McGraw Hill and provided courtesy of Morgan Stanley Financial Advisor. The author(s) are not employees of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC ("MSSB"). The opinions expressed by the authors are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect those of MSSB. The information and data in the article or publication has been obtained from sources outside of MSSB and MSSB makes no representations or guarantees as to the accuracy or completeness of information or data from sources outside of MSSB. Neither the information provided nor any opinion expressed constitutes a solicitation by MSSB with respect to the purchase or sale of any security, investment, strategy or product that may be mentioned. Morgan Stanley Financial Advisor(s) engaged to feature this article. Angel V. Chavez may only transact business in states where he is registered or excluded or exempted from registration www.morganstanleyfa.com/elcaminogroup/. Transacting business, follow-up and individualized responses involving either effecting or attempting to effect transactions in securities, or the rendering of personalized investment advice for compensation, will not be made to persons in states where \[Name\] is not registered or excluded or exempt from registration. Investments and services offered through Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, member SIPC. CRC 498648 (05/12) ### "New Wineries, New Traditions" URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/cuisine/new-wineries-new-traditions/ Last updated: 2026-09-11T19:17:46.000Z "New Wineries, New Traditions" by Becky Tyner Sandoval The holidays are a time for traditions. Some are old, some are new, and it all depends on what is happening in our lives. The wineries we work with are family owned; yet many of them are fairly new. Here are three Latino family owned wineries and how they have incorporated new traditions with old ones to embrace their wine careers. [![Logo2](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/975_VA_FINAL_logo_125x350px2.jpg)](http://svlatino.com/new-wineries-new-traditions/logo2/)Gerardo Espinoza, vintner and winemaker for Vinedos Aurora in Lodi, and his family began experimenting with wine about 10 years ago. As a hobby they would make wine from their vineyards every year. That first Christmas, ten or so years ago, after their first harvest, they could hardly contain their excitement about their winemaking project. They were so excited that they took barrel samples and served them with their Christmas dinner and made projections about what the wine would be like in the future. This has been their tradition ever since then. However, this past year was a bit different, now that Gerardo makes wine professionally, he also brought along the finished project to share with his wine loving family. [![Cottage-small](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/617_Cottage-small.jpg)](http://svlatino.com/new-wineries-new-traditions/cottage-small/)Jess Castillo of Castillo’s Hill Shire winery in Morgan Hill has always stayed true to his Mexican roots. During Christmas he makes tamales. Yes, HE makes them, his wife Rhoni Jo decided that while she certainly could lend a helping hand, the tamale making was up to him. Now that they own their own winery they’ve decided to share this tradition with their wine club members. Every year they make homemade tamales and serve them to their wine club members at their home. Guests not only get to eat delicious food, but they also get to enjoy music from Jess’ wife and their two kids, Nate and Vivienne. [![IMG_0022_3](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/716_IMG_0022_3-150x150.jpg)](http://svlatino.com/new-wineries-new-traditions/img%5F0022%5F3/)While you are diving down Westside Road in Healdsburg you might notice a big gift. The gift is the theme behind Gracianna. The Amador family got in the wine making business when they caught their 15-year-old son, Trini IV, making wine. This led to Trini IV working for several well-known wineries in Sonoma Country to more recently, his parents investing in his dream to create their family winery, Gracianna. Mexican on Trini III’s dad’s side, Gracianna is the name of his Basque grandmother who led an adventurous life during WWI and taught them many lessons about love, family and gratitude. The gift, that is their logo, is a reminder to everyone to remember what they are grateful for and to remember those things are the biggest and greatest gifts we could ever receive at Christmas time. This Christmas, as you celebrate your holiday traditions, old and new, remember that those traditions along with respect are what make us successful Latinos. The wines we feature are from real Latino families that have succeeded in this industry and in this wonderful opportunistic country. ### Gerardo Vazquez URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/latinos-in-tech/gerardo-vazquez/ Last updated: 2026-09-11T19:17:47.000Z [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/1072_gerardo-LR1-300x225.jpg "gerardo-LR")](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/1073%5Fgerardo-LR1.jpg) ### Ron Gonzales- Hispanic Foundation of Silicon Valley URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/business/ron-gonzales-hispanic-foundation-of-silicon-valley/ Last updated: 2026-09-30T14:10:06.000Z [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/1148_ron-300x168.jpg "ron")](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/1149%5Fron.jpg) ### I AM SILICON VALLEY LATINO URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/business/i-am-silicon-valley-latino/ Last updated: 2026-09-30T14:24:08.000Z Are you a Silicon Valley Latino? Silicon Valley Latinos are not just found in the heart of Silicon Valley but throughout the world where Latinos live and have that Silicon Valley State of Mind, and who value the entrepreneurial spirit, exemplify the qualities of a risk taker, are creative in their actions and their thoughts, and who strive for success in all facets of their lives. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/1112_latinas-LR1-300x225.jpg "latinas-LR")](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/1113%5Flatinas-LR1.jpg) ### The Latino Vote URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/events/the-latino-vote/ Last updated: 2026-09-30T00:12:37.000Z **Arizona Poll - Latino vote puts Obama over Romney by 2 points** By Gabriel Jack A poll released yesterday morning provides evidence that the Latin vote could tip the election in an even more profound way than previously thought. The polling firm Behavior Research Center reported Obama with a 2 point lead over Romney in Arizona This comes as a shock in a state with well publicized anti-immigrant laws which have been supported by Romney and other hard right conservatives. The conventional wisdom is that Arizona is more than a bit conservative. The main stream polls have had Romney leading by 10 points or more in the state. However, what makes this poll different is that the calls were made in both English and Spanish. Most conventional polls do not conduct any polling in Spanish. This poll could be exposing an underestimation of the Latin vote for this year’s election. With the media narrative we most often hear that says Latin voters don’t show up at the polls, it provides even lower expectations and thus even more opportunity for the Latin voter to have a huge influence for this election year and beyond. With a higher than expected turn out, it could not only tip the election to Obama, but it could mean a new power class of voters who would wield their power on federal issues such as immigration, as well as state initiatives such as for the undocumented’s right to drive and the right to work. It could also begin to address issues such as inordinate incarceration rates, employment training opportunities, higher education funding and other issues desperately needed in Latino and other minority communities. ### Laura E. Martinez of PwC URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/business/laura-e-martinez-of-pwc/ Last updated: 2026-09-30T00:25:36.000Z Laura Martinez, Partner at Pricewaterhouse Coopers LLP speaks on leadership ### Casa de Chocolates URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/cuisine/casa-de-chocolates/ Last updated: 2026-09-29T18:41:04.000Z Amelia Gonzalez speaks about History of Cacao ### Manuel Romero: El orgullo de ser Latino URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/art-culture/manuel-romero-el-orgullo-de-ser-latino/ Last updated: 2026-09-30T13:58:22.000Z Manuel Romero singer, song writer, and guitarist expresses his *Orgullo* through his music and for his Latino roots and for Silicon Valley. He performs for local sports teams, the President of Mexico, as well a having performed for the Pope John Paul II in Mexico City. Romero made his first recording at age nine. He adds, "Ever since I was just two years old ... (his family) they have videos of me singing at the house with him (my father) playing at the house." Interview with Manuel Romero by Alex Ontiveros on traditional mariachi musical talent, vision, and proud heritage. ### Getcha Shades as X Rises to the Sky URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/entrepreneur/getcha-shades-as-x-rises-to-the-sky/ Last updated: 2026-09-11T19:17:49.000Z [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/998_X-new-edit-sized.jpg "Xavier Toscano | Photo by Patricia Ruiz")](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/998%5FX-new-edit-sized.jpg)“My first real recording in late 2007 but in 2008 I made my first album,” says Xavier Toscano, local recording artist and performer. He had the desire to sing since he was a child but took lessons and began singing after high school. “I built up the courage to do it.” In November 2007, he recorded his first song and then was approached to do a video that was played on Logo. “I submitted some songs to Wild 94.9 and they gave me a dedicated space for my music and videos, but because they are part of Clear Channel, I am on other stations like iHeartRadio.” His latest album was submitted Pandora since August 2011 and can be heard there too. He writes his own lyrics and says the music inspires his writing. Xavier has two CDs recorded and some digital remixes. His first CD, *Mighty Real* contains songs like “*Dimelo*” a hip bilingual song, and “Moving On,” his personal favorite. The second CD is titled *X*, with songs like “I’m Sinking” that is about addiction, and “Awake” which he says, “The song simply reflects my perception of the chaos in the world.” His current inspiration is Top 40 radio, loves the simplicity of pop music and it's catchy, in the sense that it is simple. “It (Top 40) is basically the soundtrack of everyone’s life even if you don’t like it, because you hear it everywhere.” He expresses his high appreciation for the producers because they are the backbone of the music industry. His parents, both laborers, moved to San Jose from Mexico. Xavier was raised in East San Jose since age 5 and grew up with the desire to sing. “My dad is a big Vicente Fernandez fan so I listened to him.” His family, including eight uncles that also resided in San Jose, had an extensive collection of vinyl records in English and Spanish especially funk and hip-hop in the 1980s. “I picked up English really fast and a lot of the kids I hung out with spoke English, so I listened to a lot of hip-hop, so that was huge for me.” Xavier shares, “Anyone who is interested in getting into music and the arts should treat it as a process and to not give up.” “I was petrified of performing so I didn’t start performing a lot but March 2008 I recorded the album so I literally pushed myself to start performing. He approached local bars and open mics, as I got more comfortable it switched and people started asking me (to perform).” Xavier overcame his biggest challenges as a shy person, petrified to perform on stage and of being booed off-stage by facing them. “That was my biggest fear, but when it happened, it felt awful but I didn’t get off stage. I finished my 30 minute set.” He tells, “I still get nervous but it’s not as bad. People respond better when the performer seems to be having fun.” “Seeing him perform on stage inspires me to someday perform on stage,” adds his nephew, Carlos Toscano age 16, an aspiring vocalist. “My biggest goal is to sign a record deal.” His current focus is on performing and is holding off on recording for now. He is performing at Oscar Night in Sacramento on January 26, 2012\. He also has additional initiations to perform in some out of state festivals. Has also filmed commercials and acting is fun but I prefer singing to acting. Xavier Toscano featured Video *Threw Me Away* from the CD titled *X* Visit Xavier Toscano's website for his performance schedule and see his latest videos like *[To the Sky](http://youtu.be/7Lf0O3r56GA "To the Sky")* and *[Do It All Tonight](http://youtu.be/13m32PM3Vi0 "Do it All Tonight")*. Written by Eydie Mendoza | Photos by Patricia Ruiz ### Jose Hernandez: Candidate for Congress URL: https://www.svlatino.com/blogs/cultura-ambassador/jose-hernandez-candidate-for-congress/ Last updated: 2026-10-08T10:49:16.000Z Hernández announced on September 29, 2011 that at the urging of President Obama he was considering a run for the U.S. Congress. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/1130_nasa-hernandez2-300x199.jpg "nasa hernandez2")](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/c2/dac234fa-0ada-4c3c-ab9c-95843168f30c/content/images/2026/09/1131%5Fnasa-hernandez2.jpg) In this 2012 conversation with Silicon Valley Latino, former NASA astronaut José Hernández shares the principles that shaped his journey — from working the fields as a child of migrant farmworkers to flying aboard a space shuttle. Rather than focusing on titles or accolades, Hernández breaks down the core ingredients for success: setting clear goals, preparing relentlessly, staying persistent through setbacks, and never losing sight of where you come from.