New Board Member & New Board Leadership in 2025

We are proud to be guided by a Board of Directors that truly reflects the heart of our community. This year, we’re celebrating the arrival of a new board member and the powerful women stepping into leadership on our Executive Committee. 

Today, 68% of our board members identify as Latine, 68% identify as women, and 100% are deeply committed to our mission to build a more just community by empowering Latine women and families. Each member brings lived experience, professional excellence, and an unwavering belief in the potential of our community. 

Yazmin Santiago-Edwards, Adelante Mujeres Board President

We’re honored to announce Yazmin Santiago-Edwards as our new Board President. With over 15 years of experience in strategic and financial planning from her career at Intel, Yazmin brings a wealth of leadership expertise and heart to this role. 

“Serving on the Board of Directors for Adelante Mujeres has been an experience full of joy, learning and connection – all the best things of being in community with a group of people whose mission and work is so close to my heart!” Yazmin shared. “I am honored to step into the Board Chair role at a time when our communities are being challenged for who they are and what they stand for and amplify my role as an ambassador for this great organization.” 

In addition to her board service, Yazmin is the founder of her own coaching and consulting firm, supporting women-led small businesses in building financial strategies and achieving sustainable growth. Her leadership will continue to amplify our vision of a future where Latine women lead in their families, businesses, and civic life. 

After years of dedicated service as Board President, Jenny Gaona will continue her leadership as Vice President in 2025. We are deeply grateful for her wisdom, vision, and ongoing commitment to our work. 

Gena Villalobos-Perrine, Adelante Mujeres Board Secretary.

Gena Villalobos-Perrine is our new Board Secretary. She has served on both the Finance and Development Committees, bringing her deep knowledge of financial sustainability and donor stewardship to the organization. 

“It is truly an honor to be elected to the role of Board Secretary. Serving on the Finance and Development Committees over the last two years has given me the opportunity to collaborate with Adelante staff who work tirelessly to ensure financial stability and meaningful funder engagement," Gena said. “I look forward to continuing our work together and to serving in my new role with the Executive Committee, especially during this time when families within our communities are under stress and threat due to unjust federal policies and tactics.” 

Gena currently serves as Director of Finance & Operations at Lewis & Clark Graduate School of Education and Counseling. Her career includes roles at UCLA and The Walt Disney Company, spanning university administration, communications, and finance.  Gena was raised by a strong community of women without access to programs like ours passion for equity and opportunity shines through her board service. 

Eric Diaz, Adelante Mujeres newest Board member

We are thrilled to welcome Eric Diaz as our newest member of the Board of Directors in 2025. Eric is an Assistant Vice President and Investment Portfolio Manager at U.S. Bank, where he also serves as the Geographic Lead for Nuestros Latinos, the bank’s Latinx Employee Resource Group. 

With a decade of experience in finance, operations, and investment management, Eric brings deep expertise and a powerful sense of purpose to our board. His professional journey includes roles in wealth management, compliance, trust administration, and client services. 

"I joined Adelante Mujeres because I’m passionate about empowering Latinos and supporting their growth and development. As a member of an underrepresented community, I believe in creating equity and expanding opportunities for others like myself," he shared. 

As we move through 2025, we do so with immense gratitude and excitement. With new leadership and fresh perspectives, our Board of Directors continues to guide us with courage and care.

Together, we’re building a future rooted in equity, resilience, and the unstoppable strength of our community.