Adrian Mendoza Trejo is a recent graduate of Kennesaw State University with a dual degree in Sociology and Theatre/Performance Studies. He is a passionate advocate for mental health in the Latino community and works to address the stigma surrounding it.
Recently, Adrian interned with the Department of Juvenile Justice in collaboration with KSU’s Theatre and Criminal Justice departments, where he taught students creative expression through poetry. He is also a proud Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity, Inc. member, having joined in Spring 2021.
In his free time, you can find him at the gym, spending time with friends, or going on his signature “mental health drives.” Adrian plans to pursue a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health after the gap year he has taken to explore new opportunities.
Alex Galvan is a proud Georgia native with a deep passion for advocacy, leadership, and community empowerment. With a Mexican father and an American mother, she has experienced the beauty of both cultures and understands the importance of representation in all aspects of life. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Sociology from Kennesaw State University, equipping her with the knowledge and skills to analyze systemic issues and work toward meaningful change. Currently employed in fraud and risk operations at a fintech company, she specializes in identifying risks and ensuring financial integrity.
Beyond her professional role, she is an active participant in her company’s Employee Resource Group, HOLA (Hispanic Organization for Leadership and Achievement), which has provided a strong sense of belonging and support. She is passionate about using her voice to advocate for underrepresented communities and inspire others to act. She believes that leadership is about service and is committed to being a resource and mentor for those seeking guidance in her personal and professional journeys.
Andres Castro is a technologist, innovator, and political disruptor committed to dismantling systemic inequities and building a government that works for the people. His work has spanned Fortune 500 companies and innovative startups, where he has delivered cutting-edge AI solutions, patented technologies, and scalable software architectures that improve efficiency and accessibility for users worldwide.
Currently serving as a Staff Software Engineer at Intuit Mailchimp, Andres spearheads AI-driven solutions to enhance content optimization, brand integration, and platform development. His work has led to patented innovations in natural language processing and system architecture, reinforcing his reputation as a leader in technological advancement.
Beyond his tech career, Andres is a working-class political candidate in Georgia’s 5th Congressional District. With a Computer Science degree from Kennesaw State University, bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish, and a proven track record of technical leadership, Andres Castro embodies the grit, innovation, and people-first approach necessary to drive meaningful change.
Angel David Rosas is a full-time student at Kennesaw State University, pursuing a Mechanical Engineering degree with a Marketing minor.
Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, Angel is a first-generation Mexican, an experience that has profoundly shaped his perspective and ambitions. Outside of academics, he enjoys spending time with his friends, family, and fraternity, Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity Inc.
Angel has held several leadership positions within his fraternity, including Chapter Treasurer and Recruitment Officer. He holds himself to high standards, constantly striving for self-improvement and embracing life’s challenges. Angel enjoys a variety of hobbies, including going to the gym, playing soccer, boxing, engaging in community service, working on cars, and building with Legos.
He is passionate about inspiring the youth in his community to pursue higher education, particularly in STEM fields. Angel believes that education is the key to both personal and communal success and that it holds the power to create positive change.
Brissa Hernandez was born and raised in Long Beach, California, and is a determined and resilient Latina business student pursuing her bachelor’s degree in Management at Kennesaw State University. Her background in operations and logistics and her role at FedEx have fueled her desire to make an intentional and effective impact in business and the community.
She is actively involved in several leadership roles and organizations, including an E-Board member of the Collegiate Entrepreneur Organization, an RSO Leadership Academy Scholar, and a Pre-Health Leadership Mentee. Additionally, she is proud to be involved with the Association of Latino Professionals for America (ALPFA) and the Latino Medical Student Association (LMSA). She is deeply passionate about Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and believes that businesses can make strategic and purposeful decisions with our lovely green earth in mind. She will be participating in the Colorado Conservation Corps.
Camila was born and raised in Yucatán, Mexico, before moving to the United States six years ago. She is the first in her family to attend college in the U.S. She is a third-year student at the University of Georgia, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in International Affairs with a double minor in French and International Human Rights and Security. She’s passionate about global policy and hopes to continue her education with a Master’s in International Policy at UGA. Beyond her studies, Camila is an undergraduate researcher working on a project exploring why Mexico does not face international sanctions for human rights violations—a topic she hopes to present at the School of Public and International Affairs CURO Symposium.
Looking ahead, she dreams of working with a nonprofit that allows her to be on the ground, making a real difference in human rights while actively crafting global policy promoting equal distributive justice and global governance. She is also a proud sister of Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc. She loves spending time with her family and sorority sisters in her free time, thrifting, and planning spontaneous trips.
Cindy Gomez is a proud Honduran immigrant who grew up and lived in New Jersey before moving to Georgia. Throughout her life, she has faced and overcome significant health challenges. Battling multiple chronic conditions, which ultimately required a liver transplant and double hip surgery, Cindy’s journey has shaped her resilience and determination. Despite these obstacles, her personal experiences have fueled her commitment to advocating for individuals with disabilities and supporting others facing similar challenges.
Cindy graduated from high school and worked teacher’sher’s assistant at a local daycare, where she nurtured the growth and development of young children. She is passionate about arts and crafts, where she can express her creativity through handmade projects. She also enjoys cooking and experimenting with new recipes to share with her family. Cindy is excited to start a new chapter in her journey as a participant in the GIL program, eager to learn from her peers and grow as a leader.
Damellys Sacriste, a native of Venezuela, has worked with faith communities for almost twenty years in Atlanta, Georgia. In her professional roles, she values building strong relationships and networks. She’s a graduate student at the University of Georgia pursuing a Master’s degree in Nonprofit Management and Leadership to be well-equipped to continue serving her community. She loves spending time near the ocean and hiking with her dog, Amalia.
Denise M. Cambridge was born and raised in New Orleans, LA. She has lived in Columbus, GA, for 20+ years, where she is raising her two daughters. Denise is widely known for sharing community news and resources that make information accessible to the community. Denise is recognized in her community as someone who shows up ready to serve. The mayor recently appointed her to the city’s Community Development Advisory Council (CDAC), and she serves as the Board Chair. Denise leads with dedication, commitment, and care for her community and its members.
She is inspired by the community organizing work of the 1960s Civil Rights and Voting Rights Movements. Denise looks forward to developing her leadership skills to increase civic engagement and participation in local government and elections.
Dennis Gomez-Artica is a driven and adaptable business professional pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management at Georgia State University’s J. Mack Robinson College of Business. As a first-generation student, he is passionate about operations management, sales, and leadership development, leveraging his analytical mindset and strategic thinking to excel in the business sector.
With hands-on experience in manufacturing, sales operations, and marketing, Dennis worked as an Assembler at Yamaha, where he ensured high-quality standards, managed inventory, and trained new employees. He also contributed to sales operations and marketing for factory utility equipment at Eleven57, where he developed strategic sales initiatives, optimized client outreach, and enhanced brand positioning to drive business growth. Dennis currently serves as President of Panther Pool, where he has successfully organized events, fostered team growth, and implemented strategic initiatives to enhance the organization’s success.
Diana Mendez-Zambrano is a proud first-generation Latina professional from Guayaquil, Ecuador. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Kennesaw State University and is pursuing a Juris Master at Emory University School of Law. Diana’s dedication to service has earned her the Outstanding Community Engagement Award from Kennesaw State University’s Hispanic/Latino Outreach & Leadership in Academics (HOLA) for her work supporting international students. As a member of the International Student Association, she helped ease the transition for international students, offering guidance and resources.
With hands-on experience in victim services, Diana has contributed to the Cobb County District Attorney’s Office Special Victims Unit. She now works to support the Latino/Hispanic community through her professional role, ensuring survivors have access to critical legal and social resources. Fluent in Spanish, French, and English, Diana aspires to become an immigration and family attorney, using her legal education to advocate for families and empower Latino professionals. Diana is a Hermana of Sigma Lambda Upsilon/Señoritas Latinas Unidas Sorority, Inc. member of HYPE (Hispanic Young Professional Entrepreneurs).
Emmanuel Ramírez is a dedicated student leader and advocate pursuing a Bachelor’s in Computer Science at Dalton State College. As a sophomore, he serves as the President of both the Association of Latino Professionals For America (ALPFA) and the Latin American Student Organization (LASO), where he works to foster inclusive spaces that empower first-generation Latino students. Through his leadership roles and participation in programs like the Emerging Leadership Cohort and Facilitator in Training, he has strengthened his ability to lead, inspire, and advocate for underrepresented communities.
Beyond campus, Emmanuel actively volunteers with the Latin American Association (LAA) and Hispanic Organization Promoting Education (HoPe), supporting the next generation of Latino leaders. His passion for inclusivity extends to broader initiatives, including serving as a panelist for the Red Cross, where he provided insights on improving disaster relief outreach for Latino communities, particularly for individuals with disabilities and those in the LGBTQIA+ community.
Evelyn “Mimi” Woodson is a native of Manati, Puerto Rico. She proudly served 15 years in the United States Army before settling in Columbus. She lived there for only two years before being elected City Councilor for District 7 in South Columbus. She faithfully represented the Citizens of District 7 for 28 years, making history by becoming the first Latino to be elected to the Columbus, Georgia City Council.
As City Councilor for District 7, Mimi was dedicated and passionate about serving all the citizens of Columbus, Georgia. During her time as City Councilor for District 7, Mimi was credited with helping to bring more than $586.5 million in capital projects. Furthermore, Mimi’s exemplary political representation and collaboration with political and community leaders led to thousands of new jobs in Columbus, including Total Systems/TSYS, AFLAC expansions, and Columbus South business expansions.
Evie Suarez is a career strategist, HR leader, and first-generation advocate committed to breaking career advancement and leadership development barriers. As the Founder of Work Wise Guide, she creates career education, mentorship, and resources that empower professionals and leaders—especially first-generation individuals, to navigate career growth with confidence.
With over a decade of experience in HR, talent strategy, and organizational development, Evie has led teams through workforce planning, leadership coaching, and cultural transformation. She has worked closely with executives to implement succession planning, performance management, and strategic leadership initiatives that drive long-term growth. Her transformational leadership philosophy focuses on empowering individuals and fostering inclusive workplace cultures. Beyond her work, Evie serves on the board of the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s Young Professionals & Entrepreneurs (HYPE) division, where she helps lead initiatives for entrepreneurs and emerging Hispanic business leaders.
Fatima Muñoz, 22, was born in Michoacán, Mexico, and came to the United States at just 2 years old. Since then, she has called Georgia home. As an undocumented immigrant, she deeply understands the struggles of those awaiting DACA/Undocumented, navigating these challenges with unwavering determination and resilience. Despite the obstacles she faces, Fatima has dedicated countless hours to volunteering with various nonprofit organizations, offering her time and energy to support those in need. Her work includes volunteering with Caminar Latino, Hands On Atlanta, Kate’s Club, and GALEO.
Alongside her dedication to service, Fatima is actively pursuing a career in the medical field, aspiring to use her skills to help those in need by providing accessible healthcare and resources to low-income and underprivileged communities, recognizing that quality medical care should not be a privilege, but a fundamental right. However, her ambitions do not stop there—she also hopes to explore a side career in law or continued advocacy work, ensuring that underrepresented communities, especially the undocumented, have a voice in the spaces where it is most needed.
Giselle Vazquez is a first-generation Mexican American determined to turn her family’s resilience into a legacy of success. As a finance student at Georgia State University, she is inspired by her mother’s unwavering strength. She uses her education to build wealth for herself and uplift the Hispanic community through financial literacy. As the eldest sister, she takes pride in setting an example for her younger siblings, showing them that with determination, anything is possible.
She has worked tirelessly to support herself, balancing school and work, and her passion for financial empowerment has proven that young Latinas belong in spaces where generational wealth is built. She is living proof that financial independence isn’t just a dream—it’s a choice, a strategy, and a commitment. Giselle is building more than a career; she is creating opportunities for others to rise. Through mentorship and future business ventures, she is determined to ensure that underserved communities no longer see financial success as out of reach, but as a right they, too, can claim.
Guadalupe Jimenez was born and raised in Clarkesville, Georgia, in Habersham County. She is the youngest daughter of five, of two Mexican immigrants from Michoacan, Mexico, and the only U.S.-born. Guadalupe is also a first-generation student, whose qualities have shaped who she is today.
Guadalupe is pursuing a Communications degree with a concentration in Public Relations at the University of North Georgia. She aspires to work in the entertainment PR field, become a PR specialist, and run the image of those who provide a voice to those who look like her. Guadalupe currently serves as Vice President of the Latino Student Association and previously served as Vice President for Nighthawks Entertainment for two years, the second largest organization on campus after the Student Government Association, at the University of North Georgia.
Isabella Boddie is a recent graduate of Georgia State University. After graduating in film and entertainment media management, summa cum laude, is devoting her time to studying and applying to law schools while gaining volunteer experience and producing short student-led films.
Isabella has always been a strong believer that art and community go hand in hand and strives to make her communities better through her work in film and painting, producing shorts and PSAs that call attention to the issues impacting Atlanteans and painting a mural for her University’s Latino Student Association.
Born in Los Angeles, California, and a proud resident of Atlanta for the past 30 years, Jazmin Guerrero embraces her Mexican heritage in all facets of her life. With a background in business administration from Georgia State University, she has built a distinguished career in Global Mobility and Corporate Relocation, spending 16 years in the industry.
Demonstrating an entrepreneurial spirit, Jazmin co-founded Hola Amiga Experience, a community-driven initiative dedicated to empowering women-owned and POC-owned small businesses. She is also the founder of Becalia Botanicals, a skincare line inspired by her Mexican roots. The brand garnered attention from publications such as People en Español, Parents Latina, and HOLA! Magazine. Notably, Becalia Botanicals was featured in the UPS x Awake NY collection during New York Fashion Week 2022, a collaboration supporting Latinx-owned small businesses. Currently, Jazmin serves as the Chief Growth Officer for Castro for Congress, leading brand strategy, partnerships, and expansion efforts for Andrés Castro, candidate for Georgia’s 5th congressional district.
Jonathan was born in Bogota, Colombia, and has lived in the United States since 2000. As is the case with many immigrants, his family moved to this country in search of better opportunities, leaving their life in Colombia behind. The eldest of four children, Jonathan was inspired by his parents’ hard work and perseverance to start fresh and make a better life for their family.
Jonathan earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Georgia. He also holds multiple certifications, including Workplace Diversity and Six Sigma. Currently, Jonathan works at SQM Lithium, a chemical and mining company headquartered in Chile, managing the service and support team overseeing the North American division. He has extensive sales and supply chain experience across various industries and a proven track record of efficiencies and process implementations. Additionally, he plans to begin pursuing his MBA in 2025.
Jonathan Florencio is a first-generation Mexican American born in Moultrie, Georgia, and raised by a single mother who immigrated from Hidalgo, Mexico. To pay for his college education, Jonathan enlisted in the United States Army as an Infantryman, where he completed two tours to Africa and Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Freedom’s Sentinel. Jonathan continued his military service as a Patient Administration Specialist in the Army National Guard, until he earned his associate degree in Business Management from Southern Regional Technical College and transferred to the University of Georgia to earn his bachelor’s in risk management and insurance.
Jonathan is currently serving in the Army Reserves as a Horizontal Construction Engineer, until his next assignment as a newly commissioned Army officer. On the civilian side, he works as an Install Project Management Associate for ROOMY. He is an active member of Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity Inc. ,the Latinx Alliance, and Hispanic Young Professionals & Entrepreneurs (HYPE).
Manny Portillo is a seasoned publicist and the founder of Manny Portillo Public Relations, a boutique PR consultancy based in Atlanta, Georgia. Manny has led successful campaigns for high-profile clients, including iHeart Radio’s MyCultura Podcast channel, The Million Roses, and the League of Legends World Championships. Born in Coyuca de Catalán, Guerrero, Mexico, and raised in Atlanta from the age of 1, Manny embodies a “ni de aquí, ni de allá” perspective, seamlessly blending his Mexican heritage with his American upbringing.
Manny is a proud graduate of Oglethorpe University, holding dual bachelor’s degrees in Communication Studies (Public Relations Track) and Sociology (Social Work Track). During his time at Oglethorpe, Manny served as president of the university’s chapters of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) and Environmentally Conscious Oglethorpe Students (ECOS). Manny’s professional journey includes valuable experiences as an image and sound intern at CNN and as a congressional intern for the late Honorable John R. Lewis (GA-05). His ability to secure top-tier media placements spans both English and Spanish-language outlets, such as Univision, The New York Times, New York Post, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, iHeart Media, CBS News, Southern Bride, and Shoutout Atlanta. He serves on HOPE Atlanta’s Young Professionals Board as a Public Relations and Marketing Consultant, contributing to initiatives aimed at preventing and ending homelessness in the community.
Karen Romero, a first-generation college graduate, earned her Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences from Clayton State University. Born in Los Angeles, California, and raised in Georgia, she is the proud daughter of immigrants—her mother from Nicaragua and her father from El Salvador. Currently, Karen contributes her expertise in human resources to Northside Hospital, a leading healthcare provider in Georgia. Beyond her professional role, she is deeply committed to uplifting the Latino community. Her involvement profoundly influenced this dedication in the 2024 election, during which she canvassed with GALEO.
Through door-to-door efforts, she mobilized Latino voters, recognizing the power of civic engagement in effecting change. This experience reinforced her commitment to advocacy and highlighted the importance of providing resources and support to underrepresented communities.
Karen Machuca-Barboza was born in Uruguay and moved to the United States at three, pursuing the American Dream with her family. Karen became a Naturalized U.S. Citizen in 2019. She joined Southern Company Gas in December 2016 as a Bilingual Customer Service Representative and has held several roles of increasing responsibility in Customer Operations and Field Operations.
Karen is pursuing a Business Administration degree focusing on Organizational Leadership from the University of Arizona. She is a recent graduate of Southern Company’s EMERGE Leadership Development and GAS Enterprise Mentoring (GEM) programs. Karen has held leadership roles in several Employee Resource Groups (ERG) across Southern Company Gas and Georgia Power, including founding HOLA, a Latinx/Hispanic ERG and currently serves as President of the Georgia Chapter. Karen is a Hispanic Young Professional and Entrepreneurs “HYPE” and Women’s Energy Network (WEN) member. In 2023, she graduated from GHCC’s CHLI (Cultivating Hispanic Leadership Institute) and Hands on Atlanta Civic Leadership Program..
As a seasoned pharmaceutical medicine consultant, Karl (MD, MPH, ABAM) brings extensive experience in monitoring studies and building pharmacovigilance systems. He is passionate about improving patient outcomes and ensuring the safety and efficacy of medical treatments. Karl is grateful to be accepted into the GALEO Institute for Leadership (GIL) program because of its focus on community building. He looks forward to collaborating with like-minded individuals and learning best practices to enhance the lives of people in our community. Being part of the GIL program will allow him to contribute meaningfully and grow personally and professionally.
Kimberly Hernandez is a first-generation Latina raised by a Salvadoran mother and a Mexican father. She attends Agnes Scott College, double majoring in Biology, Anthropology, and Sociology on the pre-med track. Kimberly aspires to become a surgeon and to establish free clinics in rural Latin America, providing high-quality care and internships for young people. Kimberly hopes to develop the leadership skills necessary for this project and to connect with others who can help bring her vision to reality.
Outside of school, Kimberly dedicates her time to PAWS Atlanta, a no-kill shelter in Decatur. At the shelter, she walks dogs to help build their confidence, socializes with cats, and assists in maintaining a clean environment. Kimberly strives to positively impact her community each month by picking up trash along the roads and volunteering at local events.
Lucy is a proud Afro-Latina, born and raised in Bogotá, Colombia. Currently pursuing a Master’s in Languages and Cultural Studies at Georgia State University. Lucy is the first in her family to migrate to the US for better opportunities. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in mass communication with a minor in marketing from Benedict College–a small HBCU in Columbia, South Carolina, which changed her life.
Lucy has worked in the Communications field in various capacities, ranging from Copywriter to Communications Specialist. Currently in her last semester of grad school, Lucy is a Graduate Administrative Assistant of the Cultures, Communities, and Inclusion department at Georgia State University, where she supports students from different backgrounds by creating yearlong social, cultural, academic, and professional programming. Simultaneously, she is the Communications Intern at a non-profit organization.
Mariana Lopez-Torres is a Georgia native who grew up in Forsyth County in Cumming, GA. She chose to further her education at Georgia State University, majoring in Computer Science, intending to break into the tech industry in America. As a proud Mexican-American, she is passionate about change and development.
Mariana plans to continue her education by pursuing a Master’s degree in Computer Science. She is currently a member of Women in Tech at Georgia State University and the founder of an upcoming Latina professional development club on campus. Additionally, she will participate in a software internship at Veeam during the summer to gain industry experience. Her mission is to break generational cycles and bring opportunities back to her community. She hopes to inspire future Hispanic high school graduates by showing them that there is more to life beyond Cumming, GA.
Melissa is passionate about advocating for human rights and uplifting the voices of marginalized communities. Originally from El Salvador, she immigrated to the United States as a young adult, experiencing firsthand the challenges and aspirations of immigrant life. This personal journey fuels her commitment to understanding those within her community’s struggles, needs, and ambitions. With a professional background in International Relations and a specialization in Project Management and International Cooperation, Melissa has dedicated over a decade to serving and empowering those around her.
In 2024, she joined the Gwinnett Coalition, where she continued her mission of fostering community well-being through vital information, support, and guidance. Melissa believes everyone deserves access to the resources needed to improve their lives and health. Her work equips individuals and families with the tools necessary to succeed and thrive. Together, she believes people can build a stronger, more inclusive community that celebrates diversity and champions the rights of all.
Nathalia Gomez-Artica is a first-generation Honduran-American from Mays Landing, New Jersey. She graduated in Spring 2024 with a Bachelor of Science in Health Science from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Nathalia’s early career centered on public health projects and research addressing health disparities. She gained valuable experience as a summer research intern with the Morehouse College CDC John R. Lewis Scholars Imhotep Program, conducting research at the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, where she focused on examining the association between county-level structural racism and breast cancer incidence in North Carolina.
Nathalia also previously worked as a Population Health Project Support Assistant at Rutgers Health –Office of Population Health, where she focused on improving access to care through various methods for underserved populations. In addition to these roles, Nathalia co-founded Students for Cancer Awareness and Navigating Screenings (SCANS), a student-led initiative at Rutgers University that trains future healthcare professionals in patient navigation to promote early cancer detection and prevention. Nathalia is a Quality Assurance Specialist at Pathways Center Mental Health, a behavioral health agency serving Northwest Georgia.
Rachel is a dedicated professional passionate about language, entrepreneurship, and community outreach. She holds a BA in Romance Languages from the University of Georgia and an MBA from Columbus State University. As Executive Director of Target Language LLC, she manages educational programs in multiple languages, bridging communication gaps and fostering cross-cultural understanding.
At StartUP Columbus, Rachel supports entrepreneurs by helping them navigate the challenges of launching and growing their businesses. She brings cultural sensitivity from working with diverse populations, including Latin American, Asian, and French-speaking communities. Additionally, she actively contributes to the Hispanic Outreach Committee, which serves the Columbus, Phenix City, and Fort Moore areas, working to empower and advocate for the Hispanic community through meaningful initiatives and resources.
Experienced construction management professional with a strong project leadership and technical expertise background. Holding a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management combines a passion for building with a practical understanding of engineering principles to drive successful projects. As a marathoner and avid hiker, Raul can bring a unique discipline, perseverance, and a goal-oriented mindset to every aspect of life, including work. Whether running long distances or leading complex construction initiatives, the same dedication to excellence and attention to detail is applied to every task.
In addition to a successful career in construction, Raul owns a small business, where entrepreneurial spirit and innovative thinking are key drivers of success. Whether on the construction site, the trail, or running a business, he pushes boundaries and delivers high-quality results with integrity and efficiency.
Rosemarie Santa González is an industrial engineer and applied researcher with over a decade of experience in AI-driven decision-support tools, socially responsible logistics, and supply chain optimization. A Boricua from Cidra, Puerto Rico, she has lived and worked in Montreal, Canada, for seven years and now resides in Atlanta, Georgia. She holds a Ph.D. in Business Administration from the Joint Ph.D. Program in Montréal (McGill, HEC Montréal, Concordia, and UQAM), where she developed AI-powered models for optimizing mobile clinic deployments in conflict zones. She also earned a Master of Science in Industrial Engineering and Management Systems and a Bachelor’s in Industrial Engineering from the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez, where she worked on inventory optimization for the American Red Cross.
Most recently, Rosemarie served as a Research Scientist at the NSF AI Institute for Advances in Optimization, where she led cross-functional teams in developing AI-enabled decision-support tools for food supply chain sustainability. In addition to her research, Rosemarie is an experienced multilingual educator, teaching operations management and logistics courses in English, Spanish, and French at universities across Puerto Rico and Canada.
Samie Celeste Couttolenc Duran, originally from Tlalnepantla, Mexico, immigrated to the United States with her family at 2. Passionate about empowering the Latinx community, Samie is committed to mobilizing and encouraging civic engagement. As a canvasser with Asian Americans Advancing Justice, she has worked closely with diverse immigrant communities, facilitating voter registration and providing multilingual resources for the 2024 presidential election.
Samie also advocates for environmental sustainability and climate action, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Engineering. Her dedication to the environment extends into her personal life, where she runs a small online business selling curated vintage clothing and actively participates in local park cleanup efforts in Gwinnett County.
Steven Mejia is a lifelong Georgia native, with his bloodline descending from Michoacán, Mexico. He is enlisted in the Georgia Army National Guard and a graduate of Kennesaw State University, holding a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Steven is officially beginning his RN residency in the summer of 2025 at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta in the General Pediatrics department.
He aims to eventually begin travel nursing to assist the country’s rural communities. He has been involved in many extracurricular activities on campus, such as SNA (Student Nurses Association), HOLA (Hispanic/Latino Outreach & Leadership in Academics), and Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity, Inc., as well as playing a role in starting the Latino Medical Student Association+ (LMSA+) chapter on his campus, with the intent of bringing resources to Latino students who wish to go into nursing and other medical-oriented careers.
Torkwase Peterson is a seasoned business leader and strategist with over 30 years of experience spanning business operations, finance, technology, and sales. She most recently served as a Senior Account Manager at Per Scholas, a nonprofit organization that provides tuition-free technology training for diverse learners. In addition to her corporate career, Torkwase has an extensive sales and financial services background. As a licensed life insurance agent and financial services representative, she has helped families build generational wealth, secure financial stability, and navigate their path to financial independence.
Beyond her professional experience, Torkwase is a visionary entrepreneur, developing media, personal wellness, and lifestyle branding initiatives. She is also a dedicated life coach, helping individuals unlock their full potential by providing career, leadership, and personal development guidance. Torkwase holds an MBA from Strayer University and was recently accepted into a PhD program in Psychology with a specialization in Organizational Development. She aspires to teach at the university level, equipping future professionals with the knowledge and skills to thrive in today’s dynamic workplaces.
Due to socio-political and economic situations in her home country, Venezuela, Victoria Lahoud was forced to leave in April 2019. Thanks to the opportunities in the United States, Victoria gradually developed professionally, eventually securing a position at Telemundo Atlanta. Currently, she works as a Sales Coordinator at Telemundo Atlanta.
Through Telemundo, Victoria has had the opportunity to join the GIL program. She seeks to continue expanding not only in her professional career but also to contribute to the Georgia community as an immigrant. Victoria aims to share her story and inspire others.
Victoria Paz Ponce is a dedicated research and policy professional with a background in political science and a minor in criminal justice from Georgia State University, graduating summa cum laude. Born in Fairfax, Virginia, and raised in Lima, Peru, she moved to the United States in 2018 to pursue higher education. Currently, she serves as the Training Program Coordinator in the Workforce Development Department at the Latin American Association, where she designs and manages training initiatives to support economic mobility for underserved communities.
Victoria’s analytical skills were further honed through her tenure as a Research Assistant at Georgia State University, where she translated and codified complex research materials from Spanish to English to support data analysis. At Neighborhood Nexus, she directed the development of data maturity tools, ensuring alignment with policy guidelines and local government needs. Her experience extends into legal advocacy, having worked as a Bilingual Legal Intern at Gwinnett Legal Aid, where she provided critical legal support to vulnerable communities. Fluent in Spanish, she has consistently leveraged her bilingual abilities to bridge communication gaps and support diverse populations.
Vitaly Santana Herrea was born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, on December 16th, 2002. She moved to the United States at 2 years old and has lived in Marietta, Georgia. She is a junior at Kennesaw State University studying International Affairs with a minor in Political Science. She enjoys writing and performing spoken word poems when not working or in school. Vitaly enjoys working towards bettering her community and hopes that she can work towards a future that prioritizes Latino lives. Vitaly also aspires to be a Spanish translator/interpreter and an entertainment lawyer.
Yuliana Medina Plaza is a first-generation Mexican American born and raised in Georgia. She graduated from Georgia State University with a bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, concentrating in Global Studies. During her undergraduate years, Yuliana held multiple leadership positions in her university’s Model United Nations, showcasing her passion for international politics.
With a strong commitment to advocating for immigrant rights, she has had the opportunity to work on various initiatives and projects to support and empower immigrant communities. Currently, she serves as a legal assistant at an immigration law firm, where she helps clients navigate the complexities of immigration processes.
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