2026 New Board Members
This year, we added seven new members to our Board of Directors. Each of them brings diverse experiences and knowledge, and they are all dedicated to our mission.
Yuritza Sandoval brings expertise in public service, strategic communications, marketing, and community engagement. Having worked with nonprofits and local governments in both Oregon and Mexico, she offers a bicultural and bilingual perspective that strengthens her commitment to advancing equity and opportunity for the Latino community. As a Latina immigrant and first-generation professional, Yuritza’s lived experience informs her passion for creating pathways to access, representation, and empowerment. She joined the Adelante Mujeres Board to contribute her skills and community-centered approach in support of the organization’s mission to help Latine women and families thrive.
“My lived experience as a Latina immigrant and first-generation professional inspires my passion for creating pathways to access, representation, and empowerment.” - Yuritza Sandoval
Alison Ecker is an immigration attorney who focuses exclusively on family-based immigration cases and limited-scope removal defense. With a deep commitment to advancing equity and justice, Alison joined the Adelante Mujeres Board because of her passion for empowering Latine women and creating opportunities to support the community beyond her legal practice. Through her work, she has developed a strong understanding of the barriers many Latine women and immigrant families face and is dedicated to using her legal expertise to help strengthen Adelante’s mission and impact.
“I am passionate about empowering Latine women and supporting our community beyond my legal practice”. - Alison Ecker
John Worcester has dedicated his retirement to improving the lives of children and families through service, leadership, and advocacy. Before retiring in 2013, he built a distinguished career in human resources. Today, John volunteers extensively with organizations that expand educational and health opportunities for children around the world. He joined the Adelante Mujeres Board to continue his lifelong commitment to helping children and strengthening communities.
“I joined the Adelante Mujeres Board to continue my lifelong commitment to helping children and strengthening communities.” - John Worcester
Jaclyn Sarna is a nonprofit leader with more than 15 years of experience advancing opportunities for Oregon’s Latine community, serving in a variety of leadership roles at Hacienda CDC spanning direct service, youth program management, department leadership, and organizational operations. She joined the Adelante Mujeres Board because of her deep belief in the power of culturally specific programming rooted in popular education and empowerment, and she is honored to help advance the organization’s mission.
“I deeply believe in the power of culturally specific programming rooted in popular education and empowerment.” - Jaclyn Sarna
Cathy Brewer is a services strategist and leadership coach, helping organizations build customer-centered strategies while investing in the people who bring those strategies to life. Her passion for empowering individuals extends beyond her professional work—she also founded Eve’s Daughters, a Portland nonprofit that supported single mothers and their children, making Adelante Mujeres’ mission a natural fit for her continued service. Cathy brings a thoughtful, people-first approach to board leadership, believing that organizations create lasting impact when they prioritize both those they serve and those doing the work.
“Lasting impact begins by prioritizing both the people we serve and the people doing the work.” - Cathy Brewer
Marianna Zapata is legal counsel for real estate acquisitions, development, and operations. Through her legal work, she has developed a deep understanding of how thoughtful planning and strategic decision-making can shape stronger, more vibrant communities. As a first-generation Latina college and law school graduate, Marianna’s own journey was made possible through the support of mentors, family, and community-based programs similar to those offered by Adelante Mujeres. She joined the Board to help expand those same opportunities for future generations of Latine women and families.
“My journey was made possible through the support of mentors, family, and community—and I want to help create those same opportunities for future generations.” - Marianna Zapata
Wendy Weissman returns to the Adelante Mujeres Board this year, where she previously served for six years. She is an organizational development consultant with a rich career spanning federal research coordination in behavioral medicine, corporate leadership in human resources, and global project management in innovation and product development. Deeply aligned with Adelante Mujeres’ mission, she is passionate about empowering Latinas, advancing mental health access, and driving social justice—values that have guided her lifelong commitment to building stronger, more equitable communities.
“I am passionate about empowering Latinas, advancing mental health access, and driving social justice.” - Wendy Weissman