ALVA DC EXPO 2025 Speakers
Jonathan Agudelo
Jonathan Agudelo is an experienced leader with over 15 years of service across the federal, military, and private sectors, specializing in organizational resilience and performance in high-pressure environments.
A former U.S. Army Captain, Agudelo's distinguished military career included serving as an Operations Officer and Platoon Leader. He deployed to Iraq in 2017 in support of Operation Inherent Resolve—the mission to defeat ISIS. As a senior logistics advisor, he worked directly with five Iraqi generals during the liberation of Mosul, coordinating operations crucial to the territorial defeat of ISIS. During this deployment, he and his medical team heroically saved ten Iraqi civilians from a chemical attack while simultaneously helping to develop Iraq's logistics program.
He now applies his expertise as a Contract Specialist at the Federal Highway Administration. Agudelo holds a Master of Policy Management from Georgetown University and a Master’s in Negotiation and Conflict Resolution. He also supports Comunidad, a nonprofit that uses soccer to empower local youth.
Josue Argueta
Josue Argueta, based in Washington, DC, US, is currently a Senior Consultant at Deloitte. Josue Argueta brings experience from previous roles at United States Air Force, Argueta Real Estate and Deloitte. Josue Argueta holds a 2018 - 2020 Bachelor of Science - BS in Finance and Information Systems @ University of Maryland - Robert H. Smith School of Business.
Victor Burrola (Wells Fargo)
Over 15 years’ experience as an Executive Leader facilitating a culture of innovation, inclusiveness, and
communication to help corporations, nonprofits, and civil rights organizations to meet their mission,
values, and goals, and effectively serve their constituents.
• A collaborator who successfully manages partnerships by building strong relationships and building
consensus.
• Social impact strategist experienced in developing and deploying local and national initiatives.
• Experienced government relations and policy advocate in Housing (housing counseling and affordable
housing), Community Development (neighborhood revitalization and small business development), and
Financial Capability, advocating for issues important to African American, Latinx, and Low-Income
communities at local, state, and federal level.
Celeste Carrasco: Director, Federal Public Affairs, AT&T
Celeste Carrasco, a Director of Federal Public Affairs for AT&T, is responsible for executing national strategies that achieve corporate legislative and regulatory objectives, presenting company positions to external stakeholders in key issue areas and managing community partnerships with non-profit organizations in the Latino, corporate social responsibility and consumer advocacy communities.
Celeste was honored as City Year Idealist of the Year in 2015 and was honored to receive the herMANA award in 2016 by the MANA organization. She has also been the recipient of the President’s Volunteer Service Award multiple years running. All recognitions highlight her passion for volunteerism and commitment to the communities she represents.
A dynamic and engaging leader. Celeste is coalition builder at heart, always looking for ways to partner, engage and execute plans. Celeste possesses extensive experience in leading diverse and large teams in network operations and customer care organizations.
Previously, Celeste was an Area Manager in New Jersey, where she led a team of 16 managers, with diverse roles and responsibilities in support of over 200,000 AT&T Business customers. Focused on cost saving initiatives, Celeste was effective in reducing expenses and increasing productivity in her management of the AT&T Business Managed Internet (MIS) budget and human capital objectives. She was also involved with the MIS Pilot Program, which is tasked to create and implement the most efficient model to support AT&T customers by providing the “Highest Quality at the Lowest Cost”. Celeste’s most significant achievements were facilitating the off-shoring of MIS support to Sykes in 2005 and in 2011, the migration of this labor back into AT&T facilities in Bangalore, India, Cyberjaya, Malaysia and Piscataway, New Jersey.
Celeste was recruited in 1996 while she was still a senior at Rutgers University, and became one of the first 10 team members to support the newly launched AT&T WorldNet Dial. From that role, she transitioned to working behind the scenes as a Process Owner for AT&T Virtual Private Network (VPN) Business Services, and later held multiple diverse roles within the MIS organization where she was a driving force behind many of the global virtual center designs in use today.
Due to all her accomplishments, Celeste was one of only fifty leaders across AT&T selected to participate in the 2011 Accelerated Development Program (ADP) – a year-long, intensive AT&T experience designed to advance business acumen and increase strategic perspective as preparation for future leadership opportunities.
Celeste holds a B.A. from Rutgers University, a MC in Project Management and a Masters in Management from Stevens Institute of Technology. She is the President of the DC Chapter of HACEMOS, The Hispanic/Latino Employee Association of AT&T, and is a strong advocate of diversity and inclusion. A native of Argentina, Celeste and her family live in Washington, D.C.
Chibunna Chimezie
Founder & Operating Partner at Clinton Street Capital, stewarding legacies and scaling companies through human capital, servant leadership, and decisive operational growth
Craig Dellorso
Craig leads the Nonprofit Relationship Management (NRM) Practice and the Relationship Management Strategic Growth Priority for the nonprofit industry at RSM. He leverages extensive leadership, technology, and operations experience in the Association and Non-Profit space, having worked both within an association and as a vendor.
Prior to RSM, Craig served as the Chief Customer Officer for Avectra, overseeing professional services, training, and customer support for over 1,750 organizations. He was also the Chief Information Officer for the National Association of College & University Business Officers (NACUBO).
Craig began his career as a U.S. Naval Officer in the Navy Supply Corps, where he was selected to lead the Joint Chiefs of Staff Flag Dining Facility for then Chairman Colin Powell.
His background includes sales and operational leadership roles at mindSHIFT Technologies, System One Technical, and MBA Management. This unique blend of experience provides Association and Non-Profit clients with a valuable perspective for success.
Craig is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy and holds an MA from Marymount University.
Joanna Diaz-Soffer: Principal Manager, T-Mobile Government & External Affairs
Joanna Diaz Soffer is the Principal Manager at T-Mobile Government & External Affairs. In her current role she works with internal and external stakeholder organizations, advocating in the public policy space for T-Mobile priorities. She also drives visibility of T-Mobile in the marketplace and its good citizenship with government leaders, diverse organizations, and a variety of external constituencies. Joanna joined T-Mobile in 2020 after working as a consultant on the historic T-Mobile-Sprint merger.
Previously in her role as Associate Vice President at DDC Public Affairs, Joanna worked with clients like T-Mobile to plan and execute their advocacy and policy initiatives. She served clients in the energy, telecommunications, and manufacturing industries. Joanna has utilized her over-a-decade in politics and corporate government relations experience to build and manage successful issue and advocacy campaigns.
Prior to joining DDC Public Affairs in 2017, Joanna served as the Deputy Campaign Manager for a top targeted congressional race in Nevada. Most notably, she served as the Nevada Hispanic Engagement Director for Jeb Bush for President in the 2016 cycle. Originally from Southern California, Joanna worked for Disneyland Resort Government Relations and various state and local political campaigns.
Currently, Joanna serves on the Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute (CHLI) Advisory Council, the OCA-Asian Pacific American Advocations Business Advisory Council and The Latino Coalition Public Policy Council. Joanna resides in Northern Virginia with her husband, daughter and English bulldog.
Alicia Denis
Alicia Denis is an experienced Program and Office Operations Manager with a Top-Secret security clearance, specializing in practical problem-solving, budget/asset management, and process improvement for federal teams. She is bilingual in English and Spanish.
Alicia currently supports the U.S. Secret Service’s Forensic Services Division in Washington, DC, coordinating administrative operations for specialized labs. Previously, in the San Juan Field Office, she led recruiting outreach and managed logistics and a $1 million budget for high-profile protective visits, achieving significant cost savings. Earlier, she helped establish Puerto Rico’s first bilingual VA call center.
Her foundation is in military healthcare, where she managed operations for a Level-3 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Alicia holds an MBA, along with Lean Six Sigma and other credentials.
She is also a dedicated volunteer board member for Techos Pa Mi Gente in Puerto Rico, assisting residents whose homes are damaged by natural disasters. Her style is steady and clear: set simple processes, teach them well, and check them regularly.
Mark Elliott: Global Head of Military & Veterans Affairs JPMorgan Chase & Co.
Mark A. Elliott is the Global Head of Military and Veterans Affairs for
JPMorgan Chase & Co. He oversees firm-wide, veteran-focused efforts
around strategic pillars, including: Career and Skills, Business Growth and
Entrepreneurship, Financial Health and Community Engagement.
Over nearly three decades serving in the U.S. Army, Mark commanded units
at the company, battalion and brigade levels. Retiring as a Colonel, his
assignments in both conventional and special missions units took him around
the world including two deployments to Iraq, with his last serving as aide-decamp
to the commander of all forces in Iraq. Most recently, Mark Elliott was
the Director of the Army’s Land Warfare Network at the Pentagon in
Washington, D.C.
Mark joined JPMorgan Chase in 2015 as a senior strategist on Global
Technology Infrastructure’s Strategy and Transformation team where he
supported the firm’s efforts to create new ways of interacting with customers
in a digital environment.
He holds a Bachelor’s of Science in physics from the University of Alabama,
a Masters in Telecommunications Management from Southern Methodist
University, and a Masters in Strategic Studies from the National War College
in Washington, D.C.
Jeanette Gilles
Jeanette Gilles is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Georgia and joined the AWP team in 2016. She holds a master’s degree in social work from the University of South Carolina and has more than 20 years of experience in the areas of addictions and mental health, medical social work, abuse prevention, and military/veteran issues.
Currently, Jeanette is the Director of Americas Warrior Partnership’s Network. She oversees a dedicated team of case coordinators working to connect veterans around the country to local resources and national programs when resources locally are exhausted.
Jeanette is the daughter of an Army veteran, sister of 3 Air Force veterans and the granddaughter of a WWII Army veteran.
Anthony Hinojosa
As Vice President of Government and International Affairs, my contributions include leading strategic legislative initiatives, fostering coalitions, and collaborating with key stakeholders across government, corporations, and allied organizations.
With over 20 years of experience in government affairs, my work has focused on advancing public policy and legislative agendas to empower constituencies. By leveraging my expertise in public policy and coalition building, my efforts are aimed at driving mission focused imperatives and impactful advocacy for those I serve.
Raul Jurado
Raul E. Jurado is a seasoned leader in federal contracting and a passionate advocate for Latino-owned businesses. As President of the Latino Federal Contracting Alliance (LFCA), he is dedicated to increasing Latino representation in the federal marketplace by providing the connections, resources, and advocacy needed to succeed. A retired Army Major and experienced business executive, Raul brings a strategic approach to navigating federal acquisition, building partnerships, and driving economic opportunities for Latino entrepreneurs. Through LFCA, he is committed to fostering collaboration, breaking barriers, and ensuring that Latino businesses not only compete but thrive in government contracting.
Dr. Anna Makela
Dr. Makela is a proud Washington, DC Metro Area native. She graduated from the University of Maryland and began her career as a biochemist. Following 9/11, she commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Army and attended medical school at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences.
She completed her residency training in Adult Psychiatry and went on to serve in Germany and Afghanistan. After transitioning to civilian practice, she pursued a Harvard Medical School fellowship in Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry during the COVID-19 pandemic.
To date, her greatest professional privilege has been providing the highest level of medical care to service members, veterans, and their families around the world.
Dr. Valery Maya
As a seasoned leader with over 10 years of experience, I have successfully driven impactful change for Fortune 500 firms across diverse industries, such as finance, healthcare, enterprise software, digital marketing, advertising technology, e-commerce, and government. My strategic approach and focus on leading cross-functional teams have resulted in significant improvements in strategy, process, and profitability for various organizations. With extensive experience in DEI strategy and driving initiatives, I have fostered inclusive environments and promoted diversity within the teams and organizations I have worked with. My unique ability to analyze and solve complex problems, combined with my expertise in project management, agile methodologies, lean six sigma, and data analysis, creates value for clients and ensures continuous growth and development for the organizations I collaborate with.
Moyer McCoy
Director of External Affairs at Philip Morris International. McCoy was previously senior legislative assistant and clerk for the Democrats on the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Oversight for more than two years. Before that, he was a committee clerk and legislative assistant for Democrats on the House Ways and Means Committee.
Victor Medina
Sergeant First Class (Ret.) Victor Medina, MRC, CRC is a Purple Heart recipient, nationally recognized traumatic brain injury (TBI) advocate, and the Founder and President of the TBI Warrior® Foundation. He proudly served 18.5 years in the U.S. Army.
In 2009, during his third deployment to Iraq, SFC Medina was severely wounded and diagnosed with moderate TBI. His challenging recovery inspired him to document his journey, which led to a Department of Defense-featured blog and the identification of critical gaps in TBI care.
Now a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, Victor and his wife work actively with Congress to strengthen national TBI policy. Their advocacy is officially recognized in the National Congressional Record.
Through the TBI Warrior® Foundation, he enhances the quality of life for veterans and children with brain injuries and their caregivers. His honors include the 2023 Patriot of the Year by the Military Order of the Purple Heart. SFC Medina continues to serve on multiple advisory boards, leveraging his journey from Wounded Warrior to powerful national advocate.
Amanda Molina: Associate General Counsel for AI & Privacy, Booz Allen
Amanda C. Molina is a distinguished senior legal and policy strategist at the forefront of technology law and global governance. She specializes in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data privacy, and emerging regulatory systems.
Amanda provides strategic counsel to senior leaders across government, military, and industry, guiding the responsible development and deployment of resilient technologies in high-stakes environments. Her expertise includes AI governance, regulatory compliance, cyber operations, and shaping national AI frameworks.
A proven leader in budgetary oversight, she has managed multi-million-dollar budgets and institutional governance initiatives. She currently serves as the Treasurer-elect of the DC Bar Association and on the boards of the Hispanic National Bar Association and the United Nations Association – National Capital Area.
Amanda is a frequent speaker and lecturer who helps shape the conversation on AI ethics, governance, and law, empowering leaders to steward technology responsibly in a complex global landscape.
Ana Rivera: Incoming President, DC ALPFA
Ana Rivera is a mission-driven leader improving how families access economic security and nutritious food. She designs programs and partnerships that reflect the realities of communities historically underrepresented in decision-making.
As Senior Program Manager at Share Our Strength, Ana leads multi-million-dollar grantmaking strategies that advance economic mobility for low-income families. She is also the incoming Vice President of Corporate Relations at ALPFA DC Chapter, where she will focus on cultivating corporate partnerships and expanding leadership networks. She excels at co-designing solutions with community leaders, simplifying complex systems, and anticipating challenges before they arise.
Her background spans international development, public service, and research, including work with Chemonics International, Pew Research Center, and AmeriCorps NCCC. A first-generation Latina fluent in Spanish, Ana is passionate about building pathways that center women’s leadership and expand opportunity for communities historically overlooked.
Samuel Rogers
Sam Rogers is a former U.S. Army Interrogator and Intelligence Operations Officer with three deployments to Afghanistan.
He is the founder of the Wisconsin Veteran Business Alliance, which connects veteran business owners and non-profit executives with government decision-makers to improve veteran employment and entrepreneurship. He was recognized as a Notable Veteran Executive by BizTimes and received a President’s Volunteer Service Award.
Currently, Sam is the manager of state political and government affairs for Philip Morris International, and he owns StratNet LLC, a strategic business development company. He is a longtime Midwest leader in public policy advocacy.
Sam has managed multi-state advocacy regions for organizations like the Foundation for Government Accountability. He has conducted research and advised policymakers on reforms for higher education, veterans’ healthcare, and employment. His writing on foreign and Wisconsin policy has been featured in outlets including Newsweek, The Hill, and USA Today.
He lives in Waukesha County with his spouse, U.S. Navy Ensign Danielle Rogers, and their four children.
Mazen Saleh
With nearly 20 years of experience in healthcare, I’ve been fortunate to cultivate a multidisciplinary career spanning research and education, public policy and external affairs, business development, and nonprofit executive management.
Danny Vargas
U.S. Air Force veteran, Danny Vargas is a nationally-recognized business, community, and board leader. He was named among the “101 Most Influential Latinos” in America by Latino Leaders Magazine each year from 2020 - 2023 and among Most Influential people in D.C. by Washingtonian Magazine in 2022. and 2023 His community leadership roles include: Chair Emeritus, Friends of the National Museum of the American Latino, where he led the successful national bipartisan effort to pass the bill in Congress; Founder/Chair/CEO of the American Latino Veterans Association (ALVA), helping veterans thrive and recognizing their contributions throughout history; Chair of the Virginia Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights; Chairman of the GO Northern Virginia economic development initiative, and many other boards. In business, he is Founder/President of VARCom Solutions, a national marketing/PR firm; former Chair of the Virginia Board of Workforce Development; former Chair of the Dulles Regional Chamber of Commerce (first Latino to chair a mainstream chamber in Virginia history); and former executive at France Telecom and AOL. As a candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates in 2015, he was endorsed by the Washington Post as “one of the region’s more impressive first-time candidates in recent memory.” A Brooklyn native with a tough upbringing, he has advocated for common sense solutions on issues including economic development, workforce, veterans, healthcare, immigration, transportation and more.
Kevin Ward - Micron
Kevin Ward began his professional journey at age 17 by enlisting in the U.S. Navy as a Nuclear Electronics Technician. He served four years aboard the USS Cheyenne (SSN-773) as a Reactor Operator, gaining invaluable experience in high-stakes, high-tech environments.
Following his military service, Kevin earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering Technology from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA. After graduating in 2006, he joined Micron Technology, Inc. in Manassas, VA as a Product Technician in the Yield Enhancement (YE) department. Today, Kevin plays a key leadership role in managing classic DRAM as a part owner in the YE team.
Beyond his engineering contributions, Kevin is a passionate advocate for veterans. He serves as the Chair of the Micron Veterans Employee Resource Group (VERG), where he leads initiatives that support veteran employees and foster community engagement. Most recently, he was instrumental in organizing Micron’s annual Veterans Day Ceremony, which welcomed over 100 JROTC students from Unity Reed High School (Prince William County Public Schools). The event included a tour of Micron’s facilities and introduced students to career opportunities in the semiconductor industry, highlighting the value of military experience in the tech workforce.
Kevin’s dedication to service and community has earned him the Micron Volunteer Champion of the Year award for two consecutive years, recognizing him as one of the most engaged and impactful team members.
Diego Zambrano
Diego Zambrano currently serves as Manager of Federal Government Affairs to the United States at Philip Morris International. In this role, he advocates for the company’s top priorities, utilizing his expertise and experience to engage with government bodies.
He previously served as part of the Committee on House Administration under the Office of Diversity and Inclusion. In this capacity, he worked under House Republican leadership, focusing on fostering diversity and inclusion within the congressional setting. Prior to that, he served as Deputy Director and VP of Programs at the Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute (CHLI), advancing diversity of thought within the Hispanic community.
Diego’s public service journey began in his hometown of Miami. He began his Congressional career serving as Director of Outreach for retired U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, the first Hispanic woman elected to Congress, where he spearheaded her engagement efforts. Prior to that, he served as a Diplomatic Mission Aide at the Colombian Consulate in Miami.
Diego holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Miami.
ALVA SAN DIEGO EXPO 2025 Speakers
Efrain Apodaca: System Architect, Cisco
Efrain Apodaca is a United States Air Force veteran with over two decades of experience supporting and designing critical military and enterprise network infrastructure. In 2019, he joined Cisco Systems as a Solutions Architect for the U.S. Navy, focusing on delivering network automation, Zero Trust Architecture, and engineering designs for both enterprise and tactical environments.
Throughout his career at Cisco, Efrain has been recognized for his technical acumen and dedication, earning the title of Engineer of the Quarter three times and, in 2024, achieving the distinguished honor of being named Cisco Solutions Architect of the Year for the Americas. Today, he applies his extensive expertise to advancing the Navy’s digital transformation, focusing on resilient, automated, and secure network environments for the warfighter.
Antonio Barbosa: VP, Social Impact & Sustainability at Wells Fargo
Antonio Barbosa serves as the Vice President for Wells Fargo Philanthropy and Community Impact, where he oversees the company's community and economic development initiatives in San Diego, Inland Empire, and Imperial Valley counties in Southern California. In his role, Antonio focuses on strategic partnerships and innovative programs that empower undeserved communities, enhance economic opportunities, and foster sustainable growth. His leadership has brought significant investments in affordable housing, small business development, and educational programs, making a lasting impact on the region.Antonio's career with Wells Fargo began in 2002. Prior to his current role, he served as the Assistant Consul for Border Affairs and Judicial Cooperation at the Consulate General of Mexico in San Diego.Deeply involved in the San Diego community, Antonio holds board positions at Community Housing Works, CASA Familiar, and The San Diego Reinvestment Task Force. He is also an advisory board member for LISC San Diego. A graduate of LEAD San Diego, Antonio has further contributed his leadership to numerous organizations including The Chicano Federation, Bayside Community Center, Ocean Connectors, and the San Ysidro Chamber of Commerce.Originally from Mexico City, Antonio holds a Law degree from Universidad Iberoamericana. He resides in Chula Vista with his wife Ana Paola and their son.
Jorge E. Calixto : Account Executive at Cisco Systems
Jorge E. Calixto is a technology executive and U.S. Navy veteran with a proven track record in enterprise sales, cloud transformation, and digital innovation. His career began in the U.S. Navy as an Air Traffic Controller and Supervisor, where he managed over 20,000 mishap-free flight operations in Rota, Spain, and aboard the USS Makin Island. This high-pressure environment instilled in him a deep sense of discipline, precision, and leadership that seamlessly translated into his transition to the tech sector. At Cisco Systems, he quickly advanced through roles of increasing responsibility, leading multimillion-dollar engagements and overseeing strategic initiatives for global clients such as Toyota and Sony, while consistently ranking among the company’s top performers.
Currently serving as an Account Executive at Cisco Systems, Jorge drives enterprise-level IT modernization and digital transformation initiatives across public and private sector clients. He has successfully led large-scale software and SaaS deployments, collaboration solutions, and cloud security efforts—combining technical fluency with executive relationship management. Jorge is also an AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner and a recipient of the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal. His unique blend of military precision, strategic sales leadership, and customer-focused innovation positions him as a key force in shaping digital outcomes in today’s technology landscape.
Guillermo Diaz, Jr. : Founder and CEO of Conectado Inc.
Guillermo Diaz, Jr., is a transformative global business leader and champion of diversity, equity and inclusion. He most recently served as the Chairman of the Hispanic Technology Council (HITEC), the premier global executive leadership organization of senior business and technology executives who have and are building outstanding careers in technology. Diaz is the Founder and CEO of Conectado Inc., an innovative Web 3 / AI digital platform with the mission to accelerate access to opportunities for those that are underrepresented. He serves on the Board of Directors for Blue Shield of California and Jack in the Box (JACK). Also, social impact boards for the Cristo Rey High School Work Study program, Npower – supporting veterans and young adults and the Stanford Latino Entrepreneur Initiative. Previously, he was a transformational innovator across Cisco Systems and the technology industry where he developed a strong track record for accelerating results through people, process, and technology. Guillermo served as Cisco’s Global Chief Information Officer and was responsible for the IT organization, strategy, and services. Guillermo began his career in technology with the U.S. Navy, where he received a military scholarship that led to his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Regis University in Colorado. He went on to hold technology leadership positions with some of Silicon Valley’s most respected companies, including Silicon Graphics, Ingram Micro, and Alza Corporation.
Livier "Livy" Lazaro : Human Rights and Veteran Advocate
Livier “Livy” Jimenez Lazaro
Retired U.S. Army Sergeant First Class E7 Combat Medic; Commander, Don Diego VFW Post 7420
Livier Lazaro served 20 years in the U.S. Army as a combat medic, including deployments to Iraq, before retiring . She became the first female Commander of Don Diego VFW Post 7420 in San Diego’s Barrio Logan, where she leads community initiatives focused on All Veterans, their families and her community
She is vocal and active advocate for non‑citizen enlistees, she works directly with a Deported Veteran Coalition to help immigrant soldiers navigate the path to U.S. citizenship and the path back from deportation.
Livier stands firm in her belief that a Veteran is a Veteran is a Veteran and if you support veterans you support is all.
Rocio Perez : Speaker & Author
Rocío Pérez — International Speaker & Bestselling Author, and Creator of The MindShift Experience®, a powerful, transformational “for-everyone- way-of-thinking” framework that helps people learn how to master their mindset, thrive during times of uncertainty, create meaningful impact, lead with confidence, and excel in multiple environments. Her work has empowered professionals around the world to shift their mindset, tap into their reservoir of resilience, and achieve lasting success. When the Mind Shifts - everything shifts and the world of possibility is revealed, the foggy becomes clear and courage emerges. Get ready to hear her words, and experience an authentic moment of change - transformation begins….now.
Bruce Rice : WWT Navy Cyber Client Manager
Bruce has had a distinguished career spanning both the military and private sectors. With 24 years of service in the Navy as an Information Systems Technician Chief (ITC) and subsequent recent retirement from the Navy Reserve component.
Notably, Bruce has spent the last 4 years as a Navy Team Consulting Systems Engineer in San Diego and recently quarterbacked the WWT Shark Cage effort with Accenture Federal Services, engineering a Navy defensive cyber operations system to be deployed throughout the Navy enterprise. As a key member of the winning proposal for an 800 million dollar 10-year contract, he showcased his leadership and engineering acumen.
In his previous roles, Bruce dedicated a decade as a Senior Architect for a private corporation that focused on C level executive development and peer advisory, where he applied his extensive knowledge in information systems management, as well as grew his leadership and management skills.
Prior to this, Bruce spent three years as a Tier III Engineer for the USMC—MCNOSC, demonstrating his commitment to supporting critical IT operations of DoD entities.
Jeffrey Rosales : Management Consultant, Booz Allen Hamilton
Jeffrey Rosales is a Mission-Driven Marine Corps Veteran and Business Consultant. Jeffrey's portfolio ranges from Startups to Fortune 500, providing advisory and consulting to high performing enterprises.
Chris Starling : Executive Director of NPower SkillBridge
Chris Starling is a retired Marine Corps Colonel with 26 years of service as an infantry officer. He completed ten overseas deployments including three combat tours. His work over the last decade was focused on the veteran community.
Chris is currently the Executive Director of NPower SkillBridge. NPower is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that empowers young adults and military connected individuals to thrive in the digital economy through IT training and creating pathways to economic prosperity. Prior to launching the SkillBridge program at NPower, he spent 4 years as Executive Director of NPower California.
While on active duty, Chris commanded the 2d Battalion, 2d Marines and the 23d Marine Regiment. Staff assignments included instructor duty at the US Military Academy, West Point, NY; Chief of the Partnership Division at US Africa Command in Stuttgart, Germany; and the senior US Military Advisor to the Emirati Presidential Guard in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Chris holds a BA from the Virginia Military Institute and a Master’s in Public Administration from the City University of New York. Additionally, he spent one year as a Hoover Fellow at Stanford University where he published his research on China’s expanding influence in Africa.
Danny Vargas: President, VARCom Solutions and Founder/Chairman/CEO, ALVA
U.S. Air Force veteran, Danny Vargas is a nationally-recognized business, community, and board leader. He was named among the “101 Most Influential Latinos” in America by Latino Leaders Magazine each year from 2020 - 2023 and among Most Influential people in D.C. by Washingtonian Magazine in 2022. and 2023 His community leadership roles include: Chair Emeritus, Friends of the National Museum of the American Latino, where he led the successful national bipartisan effort to pass the bill in Congress; Founder/Chair/CEO of the American Latino Veterans Association (ALVA), helping veterans thrive and recognizing their contributions throughout history; Chair of the Virginia Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights; Chairman of the GO Northern Virginia economic development initiative, and many other boards. In business, he is Founder/President of VARCom Solutions, a national marketing/PR firm; former Chair of the Virginia Board of Workforce Development; former Chair of the Dulles Regional Chamber of Commerce (first Latino to chair a mainstream chamber in Virginia history); and former executive at France Telecom and AOL. As a candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates in 2015, he was endorsed by the Washington Post as “one of the region’s more impressive first-time candidates in recent memory.” A Brooklyn native with a tough upbringing, he has advocated for common sense solutions on issues including economic development, workforce, veterans, healthcare, immigration, transportation and more.
Jeffrey Vargas: CEO of Generationology
Jeffrey Vargas is the President and CEO of Generationology LLC, a premier leadership and professional development firm that helps individuals and organizations build stronger, more mission-ready teams through mentorship, intergenerational collaboration, and future-focused leadership strategies. Over the course of a 23-year federal career, Jeff served in senior leadership roles at the Department of Energy, the National Nuclear Security Administration, and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, where he led national efforts to develop talent, strengthen supervisory capacity, and advance workforce strategies in support of U.S. national security priorities.
Jeff is deeply humbled by the opportunity to serve those who serve. At White Sands Missile Range, he recently collaborated with defense professionals on the intersection of artificial intelligence and leadership, helping leaders understand how AI can be leveraged to support developmental testing, improve decision-making, and strengthen the mentorship of next-generation talent. He also led a capstone mentorship seminar there as part of a broader initiative to cultivate leadership excellence across the defense community.
At the United States Military Academy at West Point, Jeff partnered with faculty and cadets to explore intergenerational collaborative intelligence—guiding future officers on how to lead across generational divides with empathy, awareness, and strategic insight. He has also worked alongside former senior military leaders from Chieftain Elite Consulting, a veteran-led firm focused on advancing mission command and leadership development.
ALVA DC EXPO 2024 Speakers
Gamal Aburdene-Marcos : Private Client Advisor with J.P. Morgan Wealth Management
Gamal Aburdene-Marcos is a Private Client Advisor with J.P. Morgan Wealth Management, where he leverages a commitment to client centered solutions to guide individuals and families toward their financial goals. Originally from Bolivia, Gamal came to the U.S. in 2012 to pursue higher education bringing with him a global perspective and a passion for financial empowerment.
Alongside his work with J.P. Morgan, Gamal is advancing his expertise as an MBA candidate at the George Washington University, sharpening his skills in strategic planning and wealth management.
Sergio F. Alcantara: Morgan Stanley
Sergio F. Alcantara is a financial services professional who specializes in Strategy and Operations. He is currently Vice President, Admin and Operations, for Global Financial Crimes at Morgan Stanley.
Sergio joined the Morgan Stanley team through the U.S. Department of Labor Program, Hiring Our Heroes in May of 2023. He currently oversees financial planning and analysis, personnel and vendor management, business continuity, entitlements, and the day-to-day operations. Additionally, he collaborates with senior management and key stakeholders across the Legal and Compliance Division to drive special projects.
Prior to entering the world of financial services Sergio served in the U.S. Army and retired after 27 years of service. He deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Sergio’s academic credentials include a Bachelor of Science in Management Studies from the University of Maryland Global Campus formerly known as the University of Maryland University College, and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Maryland.
Ruben Barrales: Senior Vice President, External Engagement Wells Fargo & Company
Ruben Barrales is Senior Vice President for External Engagement at Wells Fargo. He works to advance Wells Fargo’s diversity and inclusion efforts for employees, customers, and the communities we serve.
Barrales previously served as president & CEO of the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, and of Joint Venture: Silicon Valley Network. He also led an effort focused on increasing the number of Latinos elected to state and local government.
Prior, Barrales served in the White House as Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of White House Intergovernmental Affairs.
The son of Mexican immigrants, Ruben was the first Latino elected to the San Mateo County (California) Board of Supervisors. He was recognized as one of the “100 Most Influential Hispanics” in the United States by Hispanic Business Magazine, and he received the “Ohtli Award” from the Government of Mexico for his commitment to improving the well-being of Hispanics in the United States.
Kevin Bigelow: Just4Veterans Center, DOD
A dedicated Veteran Coach at Just for Veterans. After 20 years of service in the United States Marine Corps, I’ve picked up a few things about leadership, perseverance, and the importance of mission success. My military journey wasn’t just about wearing the uniform—it was about building strong teams, overcoming tough challenges, and pushing the limits of what’s possible.
Now, as a Veteran Coach, I’m channeling that same dedication and focus to help fellow veterans navigate the often-complicated world of VA claims. I know firsthand how overwhelming the process can be, and I’m here to make sure no veteran has to go through it alone. Whether it’s deciphering the intricacies of disability ratings or advocating for the benefits you’ve earned, I’m committed to guiding you every step of the way.
Celeste Carrasco: Director, Federal Public Affairs, AT&T
Celeste Carrasco, a Director of Federal Public Affairs for AT&T, is responsible for executing national strategies that achieve corporate legislative and regulatory objectives, presenting company positions to external stakeholders in key issue areas and managing community partnerships with non-profit organizations in the Latino, corporate social responsibility and consumer advocacy communities.
Celeste was honored as City Year Idealist of the Year in 2015 and was honored to receive the herMANA award in 2016 by the MANA organization. She has also been the recipient of the President’s Volunteer Service Award multiple years running. All recognitions highlight her passion for volunteerism and commitment to the communities she represents.
A dynamic and engaging leader. Celeste is coalition builder at heart, always looking for ways to partner, engage and execute plans. Celeste possesses extensive experience in leading diverse and large teams in network operations and customer care organizations.
Previously, Celeste was an Area Manager in New Jersey, where she led a team of 16 managers, with diverse roles and responsibilities in support of over 200,000 AT&T Business customers. Focused on cost saving initiatives, Celeste was effective in reducing expenses and increasing productivity in her management of the AT&T Business Managed Internet (MIS) budget and human capital objectives. She was also involved with the MIS Pilot Program, which is tasked to create and implement the most efficient model to support AT&T customers by providing the “Highest Quality at the Lowest Cost”. Celeste’s most significant achievements were facilitating the off-shoring of MIS support to Sykes in 2005 and in 2011, the migration of this labor back into AT&T facilities in Bangalore, India, Cyberjaya, Malaysia and Piscataway, New Jersey.
Celeste was recruited in 1996 while she was still a senior at Rutgers University, and became one of the first 10 team members to support the newly launched AT&T WorldNet Dial. From that role, she transitioned to working behind the scenes as a Process Owner for AT&T Virtual Private Network (VPN) Business Services, and later held multiple diverse roles within the MIS organization where she was a driving force behind many of the global virtual center designs in use today.
Due to all her accomplishments, Celeste was one of only fifty leaders across AT&T selected to participate in the 2011 Accelerated Development Program (ADP) – a year-long, intensive AT&T experience designed to advance business acumen and increase strategic perspective as preparation for future leadership opportunities.
Celeste holds a B.A. from Rutgers University, a MC in Project Management and a Masters in Management from Stevens Institute of Technology. She is the President of the DC Chapter of HACEMOS, The Hispanic/Latino Employee Association of AT&T, and is a strong advocate of diversity and inclusion. A native of Argentina, Celeste and her family live in Washington, D.C.
Mark Elliott: Global Head of Military & Veterans Affairs JPMorgan Chase & Co.
Mark A. Elliott is the Global Head of Military and Veterans Affairs for
JPMorgan Chase & Co. He oversees firm-wide, veteran-focused efforts
around strategic pillars, including: Career and Skills, Business Growth and
Entrepreneurship, Financial Health and Community Engagement.
Over nearly three decades serving in the U.S. Army, Mark commanded units
at the company, battalion and brigade levels. Retiring as a Colonel, his
assignments in both conventional and special missions units took him around
the world including two deployments to Iraq, with his last serving as aide-decamp
to the commander of all forces in Iraq. Most recently, Mark Elliott was
the Director of the Army’s Land Warfare Network at the Pentagon in
Washington, D.C.
Mark joined JPMorgan Chase in 2015 as a senior strategist on Global
Technology Infrastructure’s Strategy and Transformation team where he
supported the firm’s efforts to create new ways of interacting with customers
in a digital environment.
He holds a Bachelor’s of Science in physics from the University of Alabama,
a Masters in Telecommunications Management from Southern Methodist
University, and a Masters in Strategic Studies from the National War College
in Washington, D.C.
David Flores: RSM
A resourceful and determined leader, I bring the expertise of working with diverse teams and isolate an individuals strength to improve the dynamics of the team. Through years of leadership I’ve been able to direct and motivate teams, both in the military and civilian sector, to spearhead complex projects with successful and quantifiable results. My straight forward approach has made me very accessible to my team members by allowing them to come forth and ask any question, bring up any concerns, and have the ability to provide their own input in order to succeed at any task assigned to the team.
I have over four years of active duty service with the U.S. Army assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division. As an infantryman, I have accumulated over 27 months of experience working overseas in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn. This experience led to the development of my leadership abilities and the skills needed to adapt and overcome difficult situations as they present themselves.
After serving on active duty I transitioned over to a military intelligence battalion with the California National Guard. As a Human Intelligence Collector I provided intelligence assessments on enemy operational capabilities and managed cross-functional teams. Furthermore, this position helped developed the capabilities to adjust to constant changes in the operational environments while analyzing the inflow of information.
Jean Ibañez-Payne
Born in the United States, Jean Ibañez Payne was raised in Colombia,. Jean returned to the United States to finish high school and enlisted in the United States Navy in 1992 serving as a Yeoman until 1996. In 1996, she began her 20 plus years of experience in workforce training, communications, marketing, diversity, program management, and risk management. Jean’s passion has always been helping people work better together and increasing awareness and efforts around Diversity and Inclusion. This passion motivated her to start TI Verbatim Consulting (TIVC). In 2014, Jean took a huge leap of faith with the support of her husband and started TIVC. TIVC’s mission is “To Help People Work Better Together” which has quickly become a successful business in the corporate and government environment and has earned the trust of customers across the Country.
Jean is an International Coaching Federation certified coach, Certified Diversity Executive with certification in Lean Six Sigma, Change Management and Emotional Intelligence. She is a member of multiple non-profit boards and holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and a Master of Business Administration. One of Jean’s biggest accomplishments was authoring the top seller called Reclaim Your Worth which details her life story of abuse, empowerment and building a life in her terms.
Jean is the receipient of the 2022 ALVA Veteran Entrepreneur Award.
Edgar Jimenez
Edgar is currently employed as Director and technology consultant for EJConsulting He spent over 22 years at KPMG and was a Technology Specialist Director in the Commercial Advisory practice. Edgar served as the chair for the Hispanic Latino Network for DC and VA as well as a founding member of the KPMG Involve Committee.
Edgar truly has a passion for community service, evidenced by his work as a Board Member and current president of the board of La Clinica del Pueblo, where he has served for over 15 years, and of Project GiveBack’s Annual Thanksgiving Food Distribution for over 20 years. PGB provides food for around 5000 families around the holidays. La Clinica del Pueblo has provided health services to the Latino Community for over 40 years. Edgar has served with many other health and community service organizations since he was a teenager growing up in the Washington, DC area.
Edgar served as Washington DC chapter President of the Association of Latino Professionals for America, ALPFA-DC, with the sole mission to build and empower Latino men and women. Edgar continues to support Veterans of ALPFA.
Edgar’s community service awards include the 2005, 2010 and 2012 KPMG Washington DC Chairman’s Award for Excellence in Volunteerism. He also received a the 2006 United States President’s Call to Service Award and a 2007 Certificate of Appreciation from Washington, DC Mayor Adrian Fenty.
Edgar served in the United States Marine Corp from November 1983 until November 1990.
Roy Love: President ANSO - Association of Naval Services Officers, Speaker, CAPTAIN USN (Ret)
Roy Love was born in the Dominican Republic and moved to the U.S. in 1983. In 1988 he graduated from Townsend Harris HS in N.Y. Following HS, Love enlisted in the U.S. Navy and attended the Broadened Opportunity for Officer Selection and Training (BOOST) Program in San Diego, California, in 1989. In 1993, he graduated from the State University of New York (SUNY) Maritime College, earning a bachelor’s degree in Marine Transportation/Business Administration, and received his naval commission via ROTC.
His sea duty assignments are numerous, having served over 12 years at sea. He attended the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island, earning a Master of Arts Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies in 2008.
He deployed to Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom on an Individual Assignment in support of the ARMY 304th Sustainment Brigade, managing and distributing fuel across all of Iraq to support U.S. and allied forces.
CAPT Love reported as Commanding Officer of USS BOONE (FFG 28) in June 2010, where he led the ship in winning the Battle Efficiency award in 2011. He completed his tour on BOONE in December 2011 and assumed Command of Afloat Training Group Mayport in Jacksonville, Florida. CAPT Love served in the Joint Staff, Joint Chiefs of Staff, as Joint Division Chief for PACOM, NORTHCOM, and SOUTHCOM, under the Deputy Director for Regional Operations (J35) from 2014-2016.
In August 2016, he assumed command of Naval Base San Diego (NBSD), the second-largest Naval Base in the U.S. CAPT Love culminated his tour as Commanding Officer of NBSD in July 2019, after leading the base in winning the Commander in Chief Installation Excellence Award.
His final assignment in the U.S. Navy was as Executive Assistant to Commander Navy Installations Command, who leads 10 Navy Regions and 70 Naval Installations worldwide, with over 50,000 employees and over $200 Billion in assets, and a $10B annual operating budget. Captain Love retired from the U.S. Navy after 29 years on active duty.
CAPT Love’s awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, the Humanitarian Service Medal, and various U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard unit and service awards.
Dr. Valery Maya, DEL, PMP, BB
As a seasoned leader with over 10 years of experience, I have successfully driven impactful change for Fortune 500 firms across diverse industries, such as finance, healthcare, enterprise software, digital marketing, advertising technology, e-commerce, and government. My strategic approach and focus on leading cross-functional teams have resulted in significant improvements in strategy, process, and profitability for various organizations. With extensive experience in DEI strategy and driving initiatives, I have fostered inclusive environments and promoted diversity within the teams and organizations I have worked with. My unique ability to analyze and solve complex problems, combined with my expertise in project management, agile methodologies, lean six sigma, and data analysis, creates value for clients and ensures continuous growth and development for the organizations I collaborate with.
Jose Melecio II: Senior Program Management/Senior Project Management/Healthcare Management/Senior Healthcare Administrator/Program Management, Dept. of Veterans Affairs
Strategic, high performing management professional with over 20+ years of proven experience in Military and private healthcare systems. Extensive experience in iterative process improvements, coordinating and monitoring leadership engagement activities, driving cultural safety, and policy preparation in a healthcare delivery system. Extensive knowledge of VA Healthcare, Veterans Benefits Administration, Veterans Cemetery, and TRICARE/HUMANA. Demonstrated understanding of the federal health care landscape with previous and current experience managing Veterans Health Administration. Bilingual in English/Spanish communications.
Silvana Montenegro: Global Head of Advancing Hispanics & Latinos at JPMorgan Chase & Co.
Silvana Montenegro is JPMorgan’s Global Head of Advancing Hispanics & Latinos for the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I) organization. This first-ever leadership role for JPMorgan Chase provides a unified vision and strategy to advance the unique priorities of the Hispanic and Latino communities, aligning with the firm’s $30 Billion Racial Equity Commitment.
Silvana brings a wealth of experience from her leadership roles in the U.S. and Latin America, as well as a proven reputation for empowering leadership teams and individuals to reach their potential. She is passionate about developing talent, driving an inclusive workplace and excels at connecting the dots to deliver business results.
Prior to her current role, Silvana was the Head of Commercial Banking Talent, Diversity & Inclusion at JPMorgan Chase, where she led and elevated strategic efforts around developing and retaining top talent, as well as promoting an inclusive culture across the organization.
Previously, she played a key role in building and developing Leadership Edge, JPMorgan Chase’s Leadership Center of Excellence. During her 3 years on the team, Silvana was responsible for designing and facilitating several management and executive programs for senior managers, including leading programs for JPMorgan Chase’s Top 1,000 Executives.
Of her 25 years with the firm, she spent 17 supporting the Latin America business in various capacities, including as the Head of Latin America Talent, Diversity & Inclusion, leading the function from the ground up and laying a strong and sustainable foundation for the region. During her time supporting Latin America, she played a critical role in advising Senior Management on talent matters, in addition to leading key strategic efforts. A key example was the set-up of the JPMC Colombia office, where she developed the local HR function and practices, in addition to leading the recruiting and onboarding of over 30 new employees.
Silvana has been featured in several publications and was recently recognized by Latino Leaders magazine as one of the top 100 Latinas in the US.
Silvana is a Brazilian national and US citizen and speaks fluent Portuguese, Spanish and English. She received a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil. Silvana currently resides in Westchester, NY, with her husband and two children.
Brian Morales: Wells Fargo
Brian is a Senior Financial Advisor, Senior Vice President-Investments and PIM Portfolio Manager for Wells Fargo Advisors. Brian’s practice focuses on helping high net worth private clients as well as corporate and institutional clients optimize the preservation and prudent growth of their assets. By taking a holistic, needs-based and planning-driven approach with his clients, Brian ensures that his client’s portfolios are risk optimized and that all of his client’s financial concerns are addressed throughout the planning and investment management processes. He is supported by a group of highly experienced specialists and offers securities brokerage, investment management and planning, access to estate planning services, and insurance solutions available through the firm’s affiliates. In addition to advising numerous wealthy families and family offices, Brian works with a variety of non-profit organizations on their reserve management and 401k retirement plan needs.
Brian joined Wells Fargo Advisors in 2006 after 9 years as a Corporate Services Financial Advisor at UBS Wealth Management. At UBS, he was responsible for portfolio construction, investment management and concentrated equity transactions as well as analysis and strategy for corporate executives of publicly-traded companies. He began his career in the financial services industry in 1991 after graduating from the University of Maryland in College Park with a Bachelor of Science degree. He held a variety of management and advisory positions after graduating and prior to joining UBS in 1997.
Brian is a PIM* Portfolio Manager, an advanced designation held by less than 10% of the firm’s Financial Advisors and provides highly customized discretionary investment solutions for clients, guided closely by the recommendations and collective insights of our research partners.
Brian is a periodic guest lecturer on wealth management topics at American University in Washington DC and George Mason University in Fairfax, VA and shares Wells Fargo Advisors’ commitment to the local community. In the community, Brian serves as a Blue and Gold officer at the United States Naval Academy where he guides exceptional high school students through the application, nomination and appointment process. He is the son of a US Air Force pilot and lived with his family in Madrid, Spain. He is a general aviation and military aviation enthusiast and enjoys bass fishing and golf in his spare time. He is very proud of his two children Jack and Rachel and has called Southern Maryland home since 2002.
Marie Robles: SVP-Director of Finance, EagleBank
Marie Robles’ financial expertise spans over 20 years in both the private and public sectors. Ms. Robles is SVP-Director of Finance at EagleBank.
She was previously Chief Financial Officer at Transportation Federal Credit Union where she oversees all functions of accounting and risk. Prior roles include VP of Accounting and Finance at Northwest Federal Credit Union and Funds Accounting Manager at Navy Federal Credit Union. Throughout her career Marie has played a key role in the implementation of processes and procedures for compliance with new accounting and regulatory reporting requirements including risk assessment and documentation of risks and controls for compliance with the Sarbanes Oxley Act. Marie is also passionate about serving the community. She currently serves as Secretary on the National Board of Directors for the Association of Latino Professionals for America (ALPFA) and on the Strategy Development Committee of the National Women of ALPFA. She is also Treasurer for the American Latino Veterans Association (ALVA). Ms. Robles is a Certified Public Accountant licensed in Nevada, and she holds a BS in Accounting from George Mason University and a MBA from University of Phoenix.
Joanna Diaz-Soffer: Principal Manager, T-Mobile Government & External Affairs
Joanna Diaz Soffer is the Principal Manager at T-Mobile Government & External Affairs. In her current role she works with internal and external stakeholder organizations, advocating in the public policy space for T-Mobile priorities. She also drives visibility of T-Mobile in the marketplace and its good citizenship with government leaders, diverse organizations, and a variety of external constituencies. Joanna joined T-Mobile in 2020 after working as a consultant on the historic T-Mobile-Sprint merger.
Previously in her role as Associate Vice President at DDC Public Affairs, Joanna worked with clients like T-Mobile to plan and execute their advocacy and policy initiatives. She served clients in the energy, telecommunications, and manufacturing industries. Joanna has utilized her over-a-decade in politics and corporate government relations experience to build and manage successful issue and advocacy campaigns.
Prior to joining DDC Public Affairs in 2017, Joanna served as the Deputy Campaign Manager for a top targeted congressional race in Nevada. Most notably, she served as the Nevada Hispanic Engagement Director for Jeb Bush for President in the 2016 cycle. Originally from Southern California, Joanna worked for Disneyland Resort Government Relations and various state and local political campaigns.
Currently, Joanna serves on the Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute (CHLI) Advisory Council, the OCA-Asian Pacific American Advocations Business Advisory Council and The Latino Coalition Public Policy Council. Joanna resides in Northern Virginia with her husband, daughter and English bulldog.
Danny Vargas: President, VARCom Solutions and Founder/Chairman/CEO, ALVA
U.S. Air Force veteran, Danny Vargas is a nationally-recognized business, community, and board leader. He was named among the “101 Most Influential Latinos” in America by Latino Leaders Magazine each year from 2020 - 2023 and among Most Influential people in D.C. by Washingtonian Magazine in 2022. and 2023 His community leadership roles include: Chair Emeritus, Friends of the National Museum of the American Latino, where he led the successful national bipartisan effort to pass the bill in Congress; Founder/Chair/CEO of the American Latino Veterans Association (ALVA), helping veterans thrive and recognizing their contributions throughout history; Chair of the Virginia Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights; Chairman of the GO Northern Virginia economic development initiative, and many other boards. In business, he is Founder/President of VARCom Solutions, a national marketing/PR firm; former Chair of the Virginia Board of Workforce Development; former Chair of the Dulles Regional Chamber of Commerce (first Latino to chair a mainstream chamber in Virginia history); and former executive at France Telecom and AOL. As a candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates in 2015, he was endorsed by the Washington Post as “one of the region’s more impressive first-time candidates in recent memory.” A Brooklyn native with a tough upbringing, he has advocated for common sense solutions on issues including economic development, workforce, veterans, healthcare, immigration, transportation and more.
Diego Zambrano: Manager of Federal Government Affairs to the United States at Philip Morris International (PMI)
Diego Zambrano currently serves as Manager of Federal Government Affairs to the United States at Philip Morris International. In this role, he advocates for the company’s top priorities, utilizing his expertise and experience to engage with government bodies.
He previously served as part of the Committee on House Administration under the Office of Diversity and Inclusion. In this capacity, he worked under House Republican leadership, focusing on fostering diversity and inclusion within the congressional setting. Prior to that, he served as Deputy Director and VP of Programs at the Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute (CHLI), advancing diversity of thought within the Hispanic community.
Diego’s public service journey began in his hometown of Miami. He began his Congressional career serving as Director of Outreach for retired U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, the first Hispanic woman elected to Congress, where he spearheaded her engagement efforts. Prior to that, he served as a Diplomatic Mission Aide at the Colombian Consulate in Miami.
Diego holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Miami.
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