About Our Team

 

Mission

We create opportunities for Latino youth to build healthy relationships, advocate for their education, and become proud of the work they do.

Vision

We envision families, schools, and workplaces that build resilience though belonging so Latino youth can learn, grow, and lead.

Diana Avalos-Leos

Executive Director (SHE/HER/ELLA)

Diana Avalos Leos is a dedicated community advocate and leader focused on health and education for the Latino community in Southwest Washington. She serves as the COVID-19 Care Coordinator at the Washington State Department of Health and is a Board Member at the Washington Health Benefit Exchange. A co-founder of LULAC Southwest Washington and the Clark County Latino Youth Conference, which became Latino Leadership Northwest, she empowers Latino youth and advocates for their needs.

Her work has earned numerous accolades, including the Bravo Award and Clark County's First Citizen Award in 2020. With a career spanning various leadership roles, she is a respected figure in the movement toward greater health equity and inclusion in the Pacific Northwest.

Rose Mendoza

Assistant Director of Internal Operations (SHE/HER/ELLA)

Rose Mendoza is the Assistant Director of Operations for Latino Leadership Northwest. A baker, crafter, and Bigfoot enthusiast, Rose was born in Loma Linda, California, and raised in Vancouver, Washington. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Health from Central Washington University and began her LLNW journey as the Health Research Coordinator during the COVID-19 pandemic, contributing to the recognized Compassion and Safety for All campaign.

Passionate about supporting youth and families, Rose is driven by her own childhood experiences and strives to be the mentor she needed growing up. She is dedicated to advocating for youth in need of guidance and support.

Ana Betancourt Macias

Director of Programs and Outreach (SHE/HER/ELLA)

Ana Karen Betancourt Macias (She/Her/Ella), a first-generation immigrant from La Paz, Mexico, is the Director of Programs at Latino Leadership NW, where she leads initiatives empowering the Latino community in the Pacific Northwest. With a Sociology degree and a Certificate in Women’s Studies from Washington State University-Vancouver, Ana has over a decade of experience in Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) and has made significant contributions as a community organizer and advocate.

Alma Melchor Burgos

Health Equity Manager (SHE/HER/ELLA)

Alma Melchor Burgos, a first-generation college graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and a minor in Spanish from Washington State University Vancouver, is a passionate advocate for underserved communities. As the Youth Program Coordinator at Latino Leadership Northwest, she empowers Clark County youth by fostering leadership, promoting equity, and advancing environmental sustainability.

Yesenia Martinez

Outreach and Engagement Manager (SHE/HER/ELLA)

Yesenia Martinez is a first-generation college student. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Human Development with a minor in Psychology, as well as certificates in Human Services and Family Studies. Her academic background, combined with personal experience, has shaped her commitment to supporting underserved communities. Her work centers on uplifting underserved populations and empowering young people to find and use their voice. Through her commitment to advocacy and community engagement, she continues to drive positive change and promote equity. Through her ongoing efforts in community engagement, Yesenia strives to build inclusive spaces where young people feel seen, heard, and equipped to reach their full potential.

Pamela Melchor Burgos

Social Media Coordinator (SHE/HER/ELLA)

Pamela is the Social Media Coordinator for Latino Leadership Northwest and a first-generation Latina student at Washington State University Vancouver, pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering. She draws from her lived experiences to uplift underrepresented communities, using LLNW’s social media platforms to create an inviting and supportive online space. While her passion for race cars led her to engineering, her dedication to advocacy has allowed her to amplify her voice in spaces focused on environmental justice, higher education, climate action, and community empowerment. Through her work, she strives to provide the tools and resources necessary for Latine communities to grow and thrive.

Jorge Luis-Contreras

Youth Program Coordinator (HE/HIM/EL)

Jorge Luis-Contreras is a first-generation college student pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Digital Technology and Culture (DTC) with a minor in business marketing at Washington State University Vancouver. He is currently the president of the Latinx club at WSUV, continuing his advocacy work at Latino Leadership Northwest. Growing up in Gresham, OR, Jorge is passionate about serving his community and helping the youth pursue higher education while growing his professional career.

Meet The Board

Alexis Espinoza

CEO of Media Mountain Production

Diana Perez

US Forest Service, Vancouver City Council

Bill Oman

Vancouver Public Schools, Executive Director of Schools and Learning

Eduardo Ramos

Policy Advisor at Metro

Sandra Zavala

Vancouver Public Schools, School Board President

Dr. Jennifer Hernandez

Former Director of Department of Multilingual Education, and Educational Consultant

Yessenia Martinez

Attorney at Law Office of Yessenia Martinez

Melissa Meconi

Healthcare professional at Cambia Health

  • Leadership

    Building skills, sharing resources, and providing the necessary supports to help elevate Latino youth into their leadership potential.

  • Connection

    Our deep connection with our community has allowed us to gain the trust of Latino families, students, and young professionals across SW WA.

  • Collaboration

    We work together to lead conversations and create change that benefits all of us.

  • Impacts

    Opportunities, resources, and support for ALL youth means we can make waves bigger than us.

 Mariposa Fellows

Andrea Gonzalez

MARIPOSA 2.0

Bio coming Soon…

Cesar Marin

MARIPOSA 2.0

Bio Coming Soon…

Roselin Sanchez

MARIPOSA 2.0

Bio Coming Soon…

 

Joshua Catellanos

MARIPOSA 2.0

Bio coming Soon…

Brian Galindo

MARIPOSA 2.0

Bio Coming Soon…

 

Community Partners