Andres was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, where he has resided for most of his life. He is the first in his family to attend university and post-graduate studies. He graduated from Georgia State University for his undergraduate degree and is set to graduate from Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School in May 2026. Andres is passionate about immigration law and has been working in that field for the past six years as a paralegal.
He runs his own contract paralegal business, Rincon Legal, LLC., where he offers immigration attorneys with assistance in their caseload while also offering individuals with assistance gathering necessary documents for their immigration cases. Andres has taken up a Spring semester legal internship at the Fulton County Solicitor General’s Office. There, he is supplementing his immigration law background with experience as a legal intern. Day to day activities consist of reviewing accusations and evidence for legal sufficiency, eligibility for diversion, and arguing pretrial motions.
Ana Rocío Álvarez Bríñez is a proud Puerto Rican. After almost three years in the journalism industry, she transitioned to the third sector. She currently serves as the Creative Program Coordinator for Leadership Development at GALEO. Ana has undergraduate degrees from the University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras campus, in Journalism, and Public Relations and Advertising. She also has a graduate degree in Journalism from American University.
Augustine Jimenez was born in Los Angeles, grew up in Mexico, and has lived in Atlanta since the age of 7. He graduated from North Atlanta High School in 2016, where he helped found his school’s HoPE (Hispanic Organization Promoting Education) Leadership Chapter in 2015. Augustine was awarded the Posse Foundation Full-Tuition Leadership Scholarship to Boston University. At BU, Augustine served as Vice President of Alianza Latina, BU’s Latino student union, and also ran for student body president. In 2018, he was selected as a BU Initiative on Cities Menino Fellow, and in 2019 he was selected as a Harry S. Truman Scholar. He graduated from BU in 2020, has worked at various metro-Atlanta legal and scholarship nonprofits, and now works as an administrator for an arts and cultural strategy firm.
Brigith was born and raised in Bogotá, Colombia, and moved to the United States nearly four years ago. She is a first-generation Latina immigrant student at Oglethorpe University, where she is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a double minor in Nonprofit Management and Latin American Studies on the Pre-Law track. Brigith is deeply engaged in community advocacy and leadership. She serves as the Education Specialist Intern for HoPe (Hispanic Organization Promoting Education), a Poderosa Fellow with Poder Latinx, and a Resource Development Intern for the Latin American Association.
She is also a member of the inaugural cohort of The Democracy Academy with Common Cause Georgia and serves as the DeKalb Outreach Coordinator for Gracias ATL. In addition to her community work, Brigith supports student and community engagement through her role as the Events and Social Media Support Coordinator for The Sandwich Project and as a Student Ambassador in the Oglethorpe University Admissions Office.
Carlos A. Fernández was born to Cuban and Panamanian parents and raised in Miami, where he learned early that community does not function as an abstract idea but as a daily practice. He carried that understanding to Georgia, where he built a career as a bilingual attorney who treats the law as a tool meant to be explained, not hidden. He has served as a prosecutor, a civil advocate, and a guide for Latino families navigating courts, contracts, and consequences that rarely slow down to translate themselves.
Outside the courtroom, Carlos operates with the slightly inconvenient belief that leadership requires showing up long before recognition arrives. He holds leadership roles across bar and civic organizations, speaks to students who do not yet know which doors exist, and builds community through projects that feel more like extended family gatherings than formal programs. He also works in real estate, which he approaches as a long term investment in stability rather than a transaction.
Cassenda Nelson is a senior Criminal Justice major deeply committed to community advocacy, public service, and expanding access to resources across Southwest Georgia. She currently supports outreach efforts in Albany, Camilla, Dawson, and Sylvester, where she helps organize events, connect families to services, and strengthen partnerships between local organizations and the communities they serve. Her work focuses on empowering underserved populations—especially Black families, older adults, and rural residents—through education, engagement, and culturally grounded support.
She is passionate about building systems that uplift communities and create long‑term change. Her academic background, combined with hands-on leadership in community health and civic engagement, has shaped her goal of working in outreach, organizing, and public policy at the state level. She is committed to using her voice, skills, and lived experience to advocate for equity, expand opportunities, and help communities thrive with dignity and self‑determination.
Cristopher Lopez Cortes is a proud first-generation immigrant who was born in Mexico and moved to the U.S. at the age of 11. He earned an Associate’s degree in Business Administration from Georgia Highlands College before completing his Bachelor’s degree in Marketing at Kennesaw State University. During his academic journey, he was involved in the American Marketing Association and continues to participate as a professional member. Also, he participated in the JA Fellows leadership and entrepreneurship program, where he gained hands-on experience in business development, teamwork, and financial management.
Cristopher currently works as a Marketing Coordinator for a managed services provider, where he focuses on understanding consumer behavior and developing solutions that align with community and business needs. He is passionate about increasing Latino representation across industries and empowering others to pursue their goals with confidence. Through the GALEO Institute for Leadership, He looks forward to strengthening his leadership skills and contributing to a more inclusive and representative Georgia.
Diane Alvarez is a proud Garifuna from Honduras whose Afro-Indigenous heritage grounds her
commitment to resilience, service, and community impact. Raised in New York, she developed a strong sense of cultural pride and leadership. Five years ago, she moved to Atlanta with her family in pursuit of greater opportunity and a better life. A first-generation college graduate, Diane earned her Bachelor’s degree in Social Science and an MBA in Human Resource Management and is currently a Doctoral Candidate pursuing her Doctor of Healthcare Administration (DHA). She views education as a pathway to equity and generational transformation.
Diane serves as an executive human resources leader at Grady Health System, where she leads talent strategy and workforce operations. With nearly two decades of healthcare leadership experience, she drives workforce innovation and champions equitable access to care and employment. Deeply committed to mentorship and civic engagement, Diane is passionate about expanding Latino leadership and increasing Afro-Latino representation. As a mother of four, she is a servant leader who believes leadership is about legacy; intentionally opening doors so others can walk through with courage and pride.
Fidel Rodriguez is a Georgia native currently pursuing a degree in Cybersecurity at Kennesaw State University after beginning his academic journey at Clayton State University. As a college student, he values discipline, responsibility, and always trying to improve, while gaining hands-on experience in IT and technology. Fidel is passionate about leadership and making a positive impact in his community by supporting and encouraging others, including volunteering with middle school students in academic activities. He aims to be a role model for younger students and hopes to use his skills to open doors for others in the future. Outside of school, he enjoys playing soccer and playing music with his brother, which helps him stay balanced and connected to what matters most.
Gabriel was born in Queens, New York City. He went to school there up until the
6th grade and then spent the rest of grade school on Long Island, New York. He did my undergrad studies at Penn State University and upon graduation, did Teach For America. During this time, he lived in Charlotte, North Carolina, obtained my MAT from UNCC, and taught middle school science for several years.
Currently, he sells final expense life insurance, mainly to seniors on a fixed income, and he is also building a team. He has about 4 agents under him whom he also teaches how to effectively market our product and service our clients. My long term goals include running for office to become a strong leader for my community and fulfill its needs. He is also an active member/disciple of my church, having completed mission trips in Guatemala and Mexico.
Jose Cervantes Lara was born in Mexico and raised in Georgia. He was nurtured by two hardworking parents and grew up alongside two amazing siblings. He married the love of his soul in the summer of ‘25 and currently has three wonderful fur babies. Learning what he doesn’t know yet fuels his many passions. He strives to surpass his previous limits in every mission and task that he takes on, constantly living for growth. His appreciation for the impact that leadership has on those in need of guidance helps him lead in accordance with his core values. He has benefited greatly from those who have led me, since their guidance helped him build the confidence to voice his story. Ultimately, he wants to be remembered as someone who empowered others to succeed.
Juan Estrada is a first-generation Latino attorney and community advocate focused on practical leadership and public service in Georgia. As the founder of Juan Estrada Law and a leader behind Estrada Or Nada For GA, his work centers on helping working families, tenants, and small business owners navigate legal and government systems that can often feel complex or inaccessible. Raised in a Latino household shaped by hard work and persistence, Juan understands many of the challenges immigrant and first-generation families face, including housing instability, language barriers, and limited civic access.
In both his legal practice and civic involvement, Juan emphasizes access, accountability, and informed participation. He has worked on housing-related matters, local governance issues, and community outreach efforts aimed at increasing engagement and awareness. His approach to leadership is grounded in consistency, listening, and problem-solving. His goal is straightforward: expand participation, encourage responsible leadership, and help create clearer pathways for Latino representation in public and professional spaces.
Jumarie Flores is a seasoned communications strategist, entrepreneur, and community leader with more than 20 years of experience in public relations, marketing, and event coordination. As Founder and President of Perfect Goal Marketing, she leads high-level communications strategies that elevate brands, strengthen institutional visibility, and position organizations for meaningful impact. She currently serves as the Public Relations lead for the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GHCC), where she plays a key role in amplifying the voice of Hispanic businesses across Georgia through media relations, strategic storytelling, and executive-level event communications. Her career reflects a dynamic blend of entrepreneurship and public service, including being part of the first ACCIONA incubator cohort at the Latin American Association and serving as the first female co-owner of a professional soccer team in Puerto Rico.
Originally from Puerto Rico, Jumarie relocated to Atlanta in 2017 following Hurricane María and has since deepened her leadership within Georgia’s civic and business communities. She serves on the Board of MorningStar and is also part of the Board of Semilla Seeds, and was
recognized as part of Latin American Who’s Who 2026 in the state of Georgia. A wife, mother, stepmother, daughter, and sister, she believes strongly in the power of family and community—values instilled by her late father and maternal grandparents—which continue to guide her leadership, service, and commitment to empowering Hispanic entrepreneurs and
strengthening economic opportunity across the state.
Maria R. Padilla is a dedicated Georgia Power/Southern Company Repair Shop Specialist
based in Forest Park, GA, known for her strong technical skills, reliability, and commitment
to high-quality service. In her role as QA Coordinator, she manages the QA Program for Safety Related Nuclear Motor Repairs with a focus on quality, accuracy, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
Maria works closely with her team and leadership—including her manager and skip manager—to ensure smooth shop workflows and consistent performance. With a hands-on approach and problem-solving mindset, Maria is driven by a passion for learning and continuous improvement. She brings professionalism, teamwork, and a strong work ethic to every project, making her a trusted resource in daily operations.
Maricielo Fuller is a skilled strategist in the areas of Communications, Corporate Social Responsibility, and Public Relations. With more than two decades of experience, Maricielo has established herself as a natural connector, helping businesses create innovative programs, campaigns, and initiatives to achieve exponential growth while building partnerships and alliances among businesses, civic organizations, and government entities. Maricielo’s experience spans both the corporate world and the non-profit sector, providing her with a unique perspective and a meaningful framework for creating value for all stakeholders. Born in Colombia, Maricielo earned a degree in Social Work, which equipped her with tools for fostering relationships and building bridges across diverse communities. Maricielo’s passion lies in building, expanding, and deepening relationships to propel thematic priorities and economic and social growth for Hispanic businesses. She was recognized as one of The 50 Most Influential Latinos in Georgia in 2020 and 2021 by the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
Maridalia Pineda is a Team Leader in Project Controls with extensive experience supporting Georgia’s Distribution Project Controls (DPC) organization. She specializes in operational oversight, process improvement, and cross‑functional coordination to strengthen scheduling accuracy and workflow efficiency. She is committed to enhancing organizational excellence through standardization, transparency, and continuous improvement across all operational areas. Originally from Guerrero, Mexico and now based in Georgia,she brings a multicultural perspective and bilingual communication strengths to her work. Outside of her professional responsibilities, she values time with family and enjoys traveling.
Miguel Del Angel is a proud son of Mexican immigrants hailing from Matamoros, Tamaulipas and Tlanepantla de Baz, Estado de Mexico. Born and raised in Gainesville, Georgia, he is a first generation student currently pursuing his degree in Political Science with a concentration in Pre-Law at the University of North Georgia hoping to become the first member of his family to gain a college degree in the United States.
Growing up, his parents implemented the importance of education from a very young age, and as an alumni of the TRIO Upward Bound program, Miguel wants to continue to work with Latino students and help them envision a future where higher education is an attainable dream. At UNG, he has been involved in organizations such as the Political Science Student Association (PSSA), Pre-Law Student Organization (PLSO), the Latin American Student Organization (LASO), Nighthawks Entertainment Dahlonega (NED), and the Student Government Association (SGA). His goal is to go to law school and become an immigration lawyer so he can come back to Gainesville to help the growing Latino immigrant community in his hometown. In the future, he hopes to possibly run for local office either at the city or state level and be a representative of the Latino community not just in Gainesville but all over Georgia.
Monika D. Brown is a seasoned public service leader with more than a decade of experience serving families and individuals in complex, compliance-driven environments. She currently serves as a Claims Technical Expert and Senior Team Lead with the Social Security Administration, where she provides functional leadership for a specialized unit handling complex eligibility and post-entitlement cases. In her role, she mentors staff, conducts quality reviews, manages high-priority initiatives, and ensures equitable service delivery to diverse communities.
Beyond her professional leadership, Monika is deeply committed to civic engagement and community advocacy. She previously worked closely with schools as a juvenile case manager, supporting youth and families through challenging circumstances. She is an active member of the Junior League of Columbus and participates in PTAs at three local schools, including a countywide PTA focused on serving students with special needs.
Morgan Chen is a documentary filmmaker, creative entrepreneur, and the founder and president of Morgan Chen Productions, a multimedia production company headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia dedicated to crafting cinematic story driven media that inspires, informs, and connects audiences across the world.
Morgan’s work is rooted in a philosophy that media should go beyond entertainment, it should inspire life, explore truth, and ignite social reflection. He strives to tell stories that reveal inner human experience, highlight courage and resilience, and explore fundamental values such as liberty, dignity, and shared purpose.
Mynor Velásquez Tercero is a first-year Psychology major with a Political Science minor at the University of North Georgia. Raised in Dalton, Georgia, by a single mother who immigrated from Guatemala, Mynor is a first-generation college student and native Spanish speaker navigating higher education with purpose. As Vice President of Membership for the Latino Student Association and Media Manager for the Accessibility Advocacy Group, he cultivates inclusive leadership and empowers others to have a voice on campus. Beyond academics, Mynor volunteers weekly at his local church, reflecting a commitment to community and service. Driven by a passion for justice, Mynor aspires to become a lawyer and future judge, using his education and experiences to create a meaningful change and positively impact the environment around him. He is eager to see what the GIL has in store for him and hopes to apply his new leadership skills to his future endeavors.
Preston Garcia Ramirez is a proud Chicano who was born in San Jose, California on February 18, 2006. From a young age, he was motivated to make a difference in the world. Taking in the lessons from his historic heroes, he came to the conclusion that the best way to leave a lasting positive mark in the world is through politics. Determined to accomplish this, he is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Political Science at the University of North Georgia.
He re-established a Young Democrats chapter on his college campus and served as Senator in the Student Government Association where he strived to connect to his peers and address their needs. He has also expanded out into his community, from entering the Gwinnett County Young Democrats to meeting with state representatives. However, when he is not preparing for the future or studying for his exams, he enjoys jogging in the mornings, reading and playing video games with his younger siblings in the afternoons, and watching movies all the while eating freshly microwaved popcorn on the weekends.
Sitota Rogal is an Ethiopian-American who was born and raised in southern Ethiopia until her arrival in the Midwest at the age of four. She is currently a second-year college student attending Agnes Scott College. She plans to declare a public health major and minor in the
creative arts and music, with a violin concentration.
In her free time, Sitota continues to build community through her leadership roles in organizations like Ethiopian Adoptees Foundation (EAF), participation in the Agnes Scott College Community Orchestra, various community service projects, and as a dancer for the Agnes Scott College Majorette Dance team. Sitota hopes to incorporate her love of science and the arts as she continues pursuing a pre-health track.
Stephanie Rios Medina is a proud first-generation Mexican American from north Atlanta. She is currently a second-year student at the University of Georgia, pursuing Bachelor of Arts in International Affairs, Political Science, and Portuguese. As the first in her family to pursue education in the United States, she understands the importance of Latino voices and perspectives in all levels of academia and government.
From a very young age, Stephanie has been committed to advocating for immigrants and minorities in impoverished areas. She hopes to assist in cultivating leaders from those communities to change the systemic disparities that they face in social mobility, academia, and representation. Alongside her passion for community, Stephanie also hopes to attend law school and obtain her J.D. She is also a sister of Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc., and in her free time mentors through LISTO, SLE and volunteers at Casa de Amistad.
