Our Team
When passion and dedication come together
We are a dynamic and committed work team. We are ready to face challenges and offer innovative solutions.
Our effective communication and our orientation to results distinguish us. Trust us to achieve great things together. We are ready to do it!
Fernanda Mazcot
Executive Director
I am from Mexico and I have been working in social services for more than 15 years. My passion is raising awareness about mental health to break down those barriers and have a healthy conversation as a family. I am also an advocate for families with children with disabilities. I developed the Esperanza program because I saw a need in our community to access social services. Esperanza is a social service and wellness program that began in 2021.
Isabel Mazcot de Torres
HBPA Vice President of Business Relations
Isabel was born in Zamora, Michoacan Mexico and moved to Central WA at the age of seven with her parents and two sisters. She is married and has three children. Her background is in finance, accounting and human services. Isabel was raised in Wenatchee, WA and Phoenix, AZ. She moved to Spokane in 2010 and is currently the VP of Business Relations. Isabel has over two decades working in Administration and financial institutions. Her extensive expertise in networking and outreach, has led her to formerly be a part of the Board of Directors at Nuestras Raices Community Center - HBPA, the President of the Organization for a full term. Her passion for economic wellbeing in our community is exemplified throughout her program and the services they provide. Her success rate with workshops and educational programs as well as events, have made her an authorized voice in Spokane when discussing how to outreach and network within the community.
“Proud to be part of the Nuestras Raices/HBPA family, together we are stronger!"
Cynthia Jara Arroyo
MSW, Mental Health Project Manager
Hello! My name is Cynthia Jara Arroyo and I am the Mental Health Project Manager at Nuestras Raices. I graduated with my Master of Social Work from Eastern Washington University in 2022. My work involves connecting individuals and families with resources in the community, mental health resources, establishing primary care, and providing peer counseling. I am passionate about working with the community, hearing their stories, and helping to destigmatize mental health. On my days off, I enjoy going for walks with my family and my Yorkie named Pricilla, trying new places to eat in Spokane, game nights with friends, and reading new books.
Celeste Bravo
Resource Navigator
My name is Celeste Bravo and I am a senior at Gonzaga University studying psychology with a minor in sociology and criminology. I am a fellow and resource navigator at HBPA. I enjoy reading, dancing folklórico, extracurricular activities on campus, spending time with my dogs, and being involved en mi comunidad!
Lucia Aguirre
BSW, Family Connections Case Manager
Lucia is a family service navigator/ case manager for the Nuestras Raices Esperanza program. Lucia completed the social work program at Eastern Washington University. Lucia helps put on events that are focused on the mental health and well-being of families and children. Lucia also oversees the Cosechando Esperanza food and clothing pantry. In her free time she enjoys spending time with family, her puppy Luna and cat moon moon.
Rubyceli Alonso
Resource Navigator
I am a resource navigator at Nuestras Raíces. I also help out with DSHS as well as SNAP. While I’m not working I am completing my education on Interdisciplinary studies with a minor in Sociology! During my free time I enjoy spending my time with friends and being outdoors!
Jennifer Contreras
Operations Manager
Jennifer Guadalupe Contreras Lucatero is an alumni from Eastern Washington University with a bachelors in Spanish and Women studies. Jen is originally from Colima, Mexico and aspires to guide the Latinx community through her community organizing skills and testimonial experience as an immigrant and a first generational college student. In her free time Jen likes to be outside enjoying the PNW, traveling, and playing her guitar. You might catch her per playing at some of our events or around Spokane.
Ivan Torres
HR & Accounting Representative
Ivan Torres is a tax preparer based in Spokane, Washington. Ivan Torres can assist you with your tax return preparation and planning needs.
Francisco Gutierrez
Certified Social Financial Advisor
Francisco Gutierrez is a first-generation Mexican-American with roots and family in Jalisco and Chihuahua, Mexico. Originally from Fresno, Californina, Francisco has called Spokane home since 2013. His professional background includes serving honorably in the US Army, a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Eastern Washington University, project management in construction, small business ownership, serving as a fiduciary financial advisor, and former board member of HBPA (Nuestras Raices). His mission in life is to share as much education on financial literacy and help individuals become financial free. In his off time, he enjoys paddleboarding, tequila tasting, and spending time with his wife Stacey and son Royal.
Alexis Gallegos
BSW, Youth Coordinator
Alexis Gallegos Salas works as the Youth Coordinator at Nuestras Raíces. His work primarily focuses on connecting students and young professionals with well-suited mentors, to promote a successful future. Alexis is originally from Aguascalientes, México and is the son of immigrant parents. He is also a current DACA recipient and has experience navigating through the educational system as a DACAmented student. When he’s not helping uplift nuestra raza, Alexis is playing soccer, listening to music, or watching movies with his partner, their cat Moonmoon and puppy Luna.
​Li Velasco
LUNAA Program Manager
(They/Them/Ella) is the L.U.N.A.A. program manager with Nuestras Raices. They work with students and young professionals on finding scholarships, fellowships, and working on their leadership skills. Li also works as part of Alianza in attempts to support the understanding of gender and sexuality by doing workshops in Spanish for families that want to be supportive. Li has their Bachelors of Arts from Eastern Washington University and their Master of Arts from Indiana University. In their free time, they love to crochet, hang out with their dogs, listen to music, and spend time with their family.
Anabella Cardozo
Resource Navigator/ Office supervisor
My name is Anabella, I come from Argentina, I am a colleague in the front office at HBPA. I like outdoor activities and sports with my family, as well as art and reading. I really enjoy being part of this beautiful community that is fortunately growing every day in Spokane.
Brianda Lizeth Perez
Community Outreach Coordinator
Brianda Lizeth Perez is a 2021 first generation alumni from Washington State University, where she pursued a double major in Multimedia Journalism and Public Relations from Edward R. Murrow College of Communication.
She was raised in a small town in Michoacan Mexico where she started her education and passion for dancing.
Brianda is part of the Ballet Folklorico de Spokane and she is the new Communications and Outreach Coordinator for Nuestras Raices.
Before joining Nuestras Raíces, she worked for a local TV station as a bilingual digital producer, which helped her to realize the need for bilingual information and resources in the Inland Northwest.
When she is not working, you can find her hiking nearby or vintage thrifting in the Valley.
Irene Faustino
Resource Navigator
I am part time resource navigator for Nuestras Raíces Esperanza program. I am currently helping out the Othello/Mattawa community connecting them to local resources.
I am very happy to be back in this field as it is very rewarding to me when I am able to help a family.
In my days off, I enjoy spending time with my two little girls watching movies or going out to the park!
Stacey Gutierrez
Business Logo Marketing Consultant
My name is Stacey Gutierrez. I am a local to Washington State, born and raised. My undergraduate education covered a few disciplines, including community health and accounting. I currently work for a local software company as a Project Coordinator/Scrum Master. My husband Francisco and I also own and operate a landscaping business. Through both personal and professional roles, I discovered a passion for graphic design. I am eager to help with logo and business card designs for our community members. In our free time, my husband and I enjoy taking our son Royal outdoors to explore all there is to discover.
Nydia Martinez
Vice President
Dr. Nydia Martinez specializes in Latin American and Latinx/e history, ethnic studies, gender, DEI, and social justice. She has over ten years of leadership experience in post-secondary education and community engagement in the U.S. and Mexico. She is committed to addressing the complex root causes of problems impacting equitable access to education opportunities for BIPOC students, families, and communities through advocacy, partnerships, and community relations. She has been a contributor to our organization since 2015.
Gabriela Jablonski
RN - Board Secretary
I am originally from Texas and I work in the Spokane area as a Nurse RN. I have almost 20 years of experience in this field and it was in this capacity that I started HBPA Nuestras Raizes with COVID vaccines. I have two daughters in college In my free time I take flamenco classes and I like to run and cook new recipes I am delighted to serve on the Board of Nuestras Raíces HBPA.
Luis Mota
Board Treasurer
For the last 20+ years, Luis Mota has worn venue owner/manager, band manager, talent-buyer, tour manager, and event production manager/coordinator hats for bands including Chicago trio Russian Circles, and for events including SXSW, Texas Tattoo Showdown, and the New Mexico Pride Fest.
Since moving to Spokane, WA, Luis has played an important role in keeping the entertainment scene alive, acting as production manager co/owner for The Palimpsest Group . Luis helps characterize The Palimpsest Group as experienced, hard-working, and kind. Luis enjoys maki
Naydelin Olalde
Resource Navigator and Housing Advocate
My name is Naydelin Olalde! I am a fellow and Resource Navigator at Nuestras Raices and a student at Eastern Washington University. My current focus here is housing and social adaptation as well as organizing with LUNAA. I was born and raised in Manzanillo, Colima in Mexico and lived in tri cities for four years. I enjoy spending time with friends and doing outdoor activities with them:)
Yajaira Valentinez
Business Marketing Support - LUNAA Fellow
My name is Yajaira Valentinez, and I am thrilled to have recently joined Nuestras Raises as one of the Small Business Coordinators. Originally from Yakima, Washington, I ventured to Spokane to pursue a degree in Business Administration, as well as a Minor in Hogan Entrepreneurship and Leadership and Computer Science at Gonzaga University. I am committed to leveraging my education and experience to provide comprehensive support to small businesses, and to help entrepreneurs thrive in today's ever-changing economy. My goal is to empower individuals to build successful and sustainable businesses that will not only benefit themselves but also their communities.
Pedro Hernandez
IT & Web Specialist
I am in charge of assisting HBPA businesses with web & logo designs, as well as IT service. Graduated from Eastern Washington University majoring in a bachelors of Computer Science degree. I'm glad to help businesses expand through the world wide web.
Jazmine Aleman
WASFA/FASFA resource navigator
Hello! I`m Jazmine Aleman, I am a Senior at Gonzaga University. I´m double majoring in Criminology and Sociology. I am a fellow at HBPA and dance for their folklorico dance group. I enjoy being outdoors and hanging out with my friends. I love being a part of Spokane´s community but I do miss my hometown and my doggies.
Natalie Barton
LUNAA student engagement Fellow
Hey there! I'm Natalie Barton, a Senior at Eastern Washington University. I'm double majoring in Secondary Education and Biology and a sister of Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority Inc. I am an also a HBPA Fellow! I love to be heavily involved in my community and in student life on my college campus. I hope to someday teach high school level biology and help lead the next generation of leaders!
Melody Carrillo & Emilio Carrillo
Melody & Emilio
I'm Emilio Carrillo, a proud Army Combat Veteran with a strong background in law enforcement. My diverse heritage includes Hispanic and Filipino roots. With a bachelor's degree in business, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the real estate industry.
And I'm Melody Carrillo, a combat Army veteran with a Guatemalan and Honduran background. I pursued my education at the Art Institute of Hollywood, where I earned a bachelor's degree in hospitality management. Together, we are Real Estate Brokers & owners of Hidden Gem Properties at Realty One Group Eclipse.
As proud members of the Hispanic Business Professional Association, we are dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusivity. Our heritage and experiences have shaped us into compassionate professionals who genuinely care about making a positive impact within our community.
Monica Romberg Mota
Board President
Monica Mota Romberg is Founder and Director of Quiero Flamenco.
She started dancing professionally as a ballet dancer with the New Mexico Ballet Company and as a modern dancer with the UNM Dance Company. She is now on a mission to produce and create dance opportunities for local dancers. Monica believes strongly in the work Nuestras Raices Centro Comunitario and HBPA is trying to accomplish and was honored to be elected as President of the Board. She hopes to help in any way she can in the future and looks forward to the journey ahead.
Andrew Mark Carlos
Outreach Director
Andrew Mark Carlos is a community organizer from Spokane, Washington. He is a proud board member of Nuestras Raices and appreciates the cultural affirmation, the camaraderie and the support that the organization provides for the Hispanic and Latino community. While studying at Spokane Falls Community College, he found solace in spaces and organizations of color like Latinos Unidos and the annual Students of Color Conference and how they serve as a space of solidarity that encourage our communities of color. At the Falls, Carlos realized that most community college students don’t have many opportunities to engage with elected leaders so he coordinated events to bring them together. Carlos also coordinated celebrations for the Women’s Suffrage Centennial, highlighting the diverse women leaders on campus and the need for more female voices in America. He is also the first Man of Color (Hispanic and Asian) to work in the Office of the Spokane City Council. In his spare time Mark Carlos likes to try new places with his friends, try new recipes and work on his victory garden.
Mario Ruiz
Board Director
Hello, my name is Mario Ruiz Ramirez originally from Guatemala, but have been serving the Spokane community since 2001 so I call Spokane my second home. I’m a proud owner of The Otis Restaurant (formerly Marandos on Sprague) located in Otis, WA along with my wife Belky Makiko Rizzo. Come check us out! My background is finances and business administration, but I’m also passionate about Latin American food and community involvement. Thrilled to serve on the board of directors for Nuestras Raíces Centro Comunitario; Hispanic Business/Professional Association and to be part of the Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce.
Guillermo Espinoza
Board Director
Hi my people! My name is Guillermo, the son of Armando and Abigail Espinosa, two hard-working Mexican immigrants who moved to the US to raise their family of six children in rural central Washington. I moved to Spokane in 2009 to attend Gonzaga University as a first generation college student. I decided to get involved with HBPA then as a student looking to connect with a community that shared similar cultural aspects. I decided to stay in Spokane after my time in college and have lived here ever since. I have worked in higher education for 10 years and have spent most of my time working at Spokane Community College helping students achieve their educational goals. I enjoy visiting new restaurants in Spokane and participating in all the cultural events that groups offer here.