Leading the Team
Bridget Cooke, Co-Founder and Executive Director
Bridget Cooke is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Adelante Mujeres, where she has dedicated over two decades to advancing equity, justice, and opportunity for immigrant women and families. With more than 25 years of experience working with nonprofits in Oregon, California, and Chile, Bridget helped launch Adelante in 2002 with a vision to dismantle systemic barriers and uplift Latine voices with dignity and respect. She holds a BA in Education from Western State University and an MDiv from the Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley. Bridget’s leadership continues to be rooted in compassion, collaboration, and an unshakable belief in the power of community.
Senior Management Team
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LETICIA AGUILAR CHAVEZ
Associate Director of Education Programs
Leticia Aguilar Chavez began her journey with Adelante Mujeres in November 2009 and has since grown through a variety of roles—including Administrative Assistant, Youth Advocate, Program Coordinator, and Program Manager—before stepping into her current position as Associate Director of Education Programs. With a strong foundation in community engagement and leadership, Leticia now provides strategic direction for both the Chicas and Family Engagement Programs, working to establish visionary goals, policies, and procedures that foster growth and impact. Leticia holds a BS in Psychology and Human Development from Warner Pacific University and brings a deep passion for supporting youth and families, backed by her early professional experience as an insurance agent. Her leadership is rooted in service, empowerment, and the unwavering belief in the potential of every young person.
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ANDREA CHUNGA-CELIS
Director of Development
Andrea Chunga-Celis began her journey at Adelante Mujeres in October 2014 as a part-time Chicas Facilitator in the Forest Grove School District. Her leadership and passion for community empowerment quickly led her to roles as Chicas Coordinator and, later, Grants Manager on the Development team—a path that ultimately prepared her for her current role as Director of Development. Andrea holds an MA in International Studies with a concentration in Latin American Studies and a Graduate Certificate in Human Rights from the University of Connecticut, as well as a BA in Human Rights and Hispanic Studies from Trinity College. Today, Andrea leads Adelante’s fundraising strategies with a values-driven approach, stewarding donor relationships and supporting a dedicated team to sustain and grow the organization’s mission. Her commitment to equity and the arts also shines through in her past roles on the Women’s Foundation of Oregon Board and Portland Art Museum’s Teacher Advisory Council.
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PATRICIA ALVARADO
Director of Education Programs
Patricia Alvarado’s journey with Adelante Mujeres began in 2010 as a volunteer mother in the Chicas program—a role that sparked a deep passion for education and community empowerment. By 2014, she officially joined the team and has since grown into her current role as Director of Education Programs, where she leads with heart, experience, and vision. Her background spans early childhood education, teacher supervision, parent training, and even driving a school bus. She holds an AA in Early Childhood Education and Family Studies, a BA in Social Science with a minor in Special Education, and an MA in Educational Leadership and Policy with a minor in Postsecondary Adult and Continuous Education. Beyond her work at Adelante Mujeres, Patricia serves as a dedicated advocate for education equity through her roles with Oregon Partners for Education Justice, Portland State University’s Oregon Center for Career Development, and Oregon State University’s Parenting Education Collaborative. Through it all, Patricia remains rooted in the belief that when we invest in families, we uplift entire communities.
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MONICA RADA
Deputy Director of Internal Operations
Monica Rada joined Adelante Mujeres in October 2019 in a temporary role as Volunteer and Database Coordinator, and through her leadership and dedication, she quickly advanced into several key roles—including Events & Database Manager, Strategic Project Manager, and Director of Strategic Projects—before stepping into her current position as Deputy Director of Internal Operations. She has over 15 years of nonprofit experience in marketing, communications, and strategic planning, and an additional nine years in the technology and financial sectors. Monica holds a BA in Organizational Leadership from George Fox University, an MBA in Marketing & Finance from Marylhurst University, and a certificate in Digital Marketing and Research & Analysis from Portland State University. In her role, Monica ensures that internal systems are not only effective and strategic but also culturally responsive and aligned with Adelante’s mission.
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XANDI ARANDA
Director of Finance
Xandi Aranda joined Adelante Mujeres in December 2020, bringing over a decade of experience in national nonprofits and auditing to her role. As Director of Finance, Xandi is responsible for overseeing the financial well-being of the organization, ensuring that resources are managed with transparency, integrity, and a deep commitment to community impact. With a strong foundation in financial stewardship and a passion for mission-driven work, Xandi plays a critical role in sustaining the programs that empower women and families across our communities.
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VERÓNIKA NÚÑEZ
Director Leadership & Advocacy
Verónika Núñez joined Adelante Mujeres in January 2022 as the Director of Leadership & Advocacy, bringing with her more than two decades of experience in education, inclusion, and community empowerment. Prior to Adelante, she spent 20 years at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI), where she developed programs and exhibits, led community partnerships, and worked to make science accessible for underserved communities. Her passion for equity is further reflected in her past work teaching science in Spanish in rural Oregon and Washington. At Adelante, Verónika leads a team dedicated to cultivating leadership, advocacy, and culturally responsive legal services, ensuring community members know their rights and have the tools to take action. Originally from Caracas, Venezuela, Verónika holds a BS in Education Management from Universidad Católica Andrés Bello.
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INGRID SOLARES
Director of Health Equity
Ingrid Solares is the Director of Health Equity at Adelante Mujeres, where she leads the development and implementation of a culturally responsive, trauma-informed mental health and wellness program for Latine women and families. A licensed social worker with both a BA and MA in social work from Portland State University, Ingrid brings over a decade of experience providing behavioral health services to the Latino/immigrant community in Washington County. Her journey with Adelante began in 2014 as a dedicated board member, eventually serving as Board President before stepping into her current leadership role in 2023. Ingrid’s work is grounded in equity, cultural identity, and community empowerment. Through her advocacy and healing-centered leadership, Ingrid uplifts the voices, stories, and resilience of the communities she serves.
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JULISSA VASQUEZ
People & Culture Director
Julissa Vasquez joined Adelante Mujeres in January 2024, bringing with her a strong foundation in corporate leadership and a deep commitment to people-centered work. With a career that includes impactful roles in Human Resources, Finance, and Accounting at Intel Corporation, Julissa now leads our department of People & Culture, with a focus on aligning strategy, culture, and mission to nurture a thriving, inclusive workplace. She holds an MBA from the University of Portland and a BA in Accounting from the University of Oregon and is a Senior Certified Professional with the Society for Human Resource Management. With a heart for equity and empowerment, Julissa plays a vital role in ensuring that our team is supported, valued, and equipped to serve the community with purpose.
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LOURDES HERENCIA
Director of Microenterprise Programs
Lourdes Herencia joined Adelante Mujeres in April 2023, bringing over 15 years of global experience in project management, corporate sustainability, and impact-driven innovation. As Director of Microenterprise Programs, she leads three core initiatives: Empresas Small Business Development, Market Access, and Regenerative Agriculture and Land Access. She holds an MA in Social Innovation and Solidarity Economy from Universidad de Salamanca, an MBA from Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, and a BA in International Relations from the University of Maryland, and several leadership and entrepreneurship certifications. Lourdes also serves as a board member of the Forest Grove/Cornelius Chamber of Commerce and is a member of Access OSU’s Community Advisory Council and the City of Forest Grove’s Economic Development Commission—building a more inclusive and sustainable future from the ground up.
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ELIZABETH AGUILERA
Director of Communications
Dr. Elizabeth Aguilera joined Adelante Mujeres as Director of Communications in 2024, following two years of dedicated service on the organization’s Board of Directors. With a rich background that began in higher education—where she taught Latin American art history at universities—Elizabeth has since channeled her passion for storytelling into communications and marketing roles for local nonprofits and small businesses. She brings a deep understanding of culture, community, and strategy to her role, ensuring that Adelante’s voice is both powerful and authentic. Elizabeth holds a PhD from the University of California, Santa Barbara, an MA from Arizona State University, and a BA from the University of California, Santa Cruz. Through her leadership, she helps amplify the stories that inspire change and uplift our community.
Board of Directors FY 2024-2025
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Board of Directors FY 2024-2025 〰️
Board of Directors
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Jenny Gaona
Board President
Jenny Gaona is the Board President of Adelante Mujeres and a proud first-generation Mexican-American, born and raised in the Bay Area, California by parents who immigrated from Michoacán, Mexico. She earned her BA in Communications with a double minor in Dance and Retail Studies from Santa Clara University. In 2016, Jenny moved to Portland, Oregon to pursue a career in Merchandising at Nike. She joined the Adelante Mujeres Board in 2021 as a way to reconnect with her roots and uplift the local Latine community. Having participated in a program similar to Adelante’s Chicas Youth Development Program as a young student, Jenny brings both lived experience and professional expertise to her role, driven by a deep desire to give back and empower the next generation.
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Yazmin Santiago-Edwards
Board Vice-President
Yazmin Santiago-Edwards serves as Vice-President of the Adelante Mujeres Board of Directors, bringing over 15 years of experience in strategic and financial planning from her career at Intel. Passionate about empowering women through financial and technological literacy, she recently launched her own coaching and consulting firm, where she partners primarily with women-led small businesses to build strategies that support their growth and financial success. Yazmin’s commitment to Adelante Mujeres is rooted in her belief in the transformative power of education and empowerment for Latine women and girls. She holds a BA in Biochemistry from Occidental College and an MBA in Finance from Brigham Young University. Through her leadership, Yazmin champions a future where women thrive as leaders in their families, communities, and beyond.
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Wendy Weissman
Board Secretary
Wendy Weissman serves as Board Secretary at Adelante Mujeres and is the Principal of Weissman & Associates Consulting. 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, Wendy brings decades of expertise to her role. Her organizational development consulting has taken her across the U.S. and into medical and public health institutions in Cambodia, Botswana, and Ethiopia. Wendy holds a BA and MS in Psychology from San Diego State University and an MA in Industrial Relations from the University of Oregon. 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.
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Gudrun Granholm
Board Co-Treasurer
Gudrun Granholm is the Board Co-Treasurer of Adelante Mujeres, bringing a dynamic blend of financial expertise and a passion for education and equity. She is the CEO and Founder of Box One, Inc., a Venture Partner with the Oregon Venture Fund, and an adjunct professor at the University of Oregon. With a dual career as a finance professional and educator, Gudrun has taught executive education courses for universities nationwide. An immigrant herself, she is deeply committed to paying forward the opportunities she’s received, which fuels her dedication to Adelante’s mission of empowerment and justice. She holds a BA from Harvard University and an MBA from Stanford University. Gudrun also serves on several boards and organizations, including the Oregon Growth Board, 100 Women of Maui, Stanford Associates, the Women’s Foundation of Oregon, the YWCA of Portland, and the Girl Scouts.
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Michael Martin-Tellis
Board Co-Treasurer
Michael Martin-Tellis serves as Board Co-Treasurer at Adelante Mujeres, bringing a strong financial acumen and deep commitment to educational equity. As Vice President of Finance at Schnitzer Properties, Michael oversees the financing of a broad commercial real estate portfolio, building on previous experience in corporate cash management. He believes education is one of the most powerful tools to uplift individuals and communities—a belief that aligns closely with Adelante’s mission. Michael holds a BS in Finance from Portland State University and an MBA from the University of Oregon. He also gives back by coaching over 90 MBA students and mentoring undergraduates at the University of Oregon, furthering his commitment to building pathways to opportunity.
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Kirsten Agard
Board Member
Kirsten Agard is President of Strategic Pathways, LLC, bringing over 19 years of experience in project, event, and change management, including more than a decade in mortgage home lending operations at Umpqua Bank. With a strong foundation in process automation, regulatory compliance, and team leadership, Kirsten is deeply committed to advancing economic and environmental change, fair housing, and equity for underrepresented communities. She joined the board of Adelante Mujeres to support its mission of empowering the Latine community through education, leadership, and entrepreneurship. Kirsten holds a BA in Business Administration and Psychology with an emphasis in Entrepreneurship and Marketing from the University of Oregon and is currently pursuing her Executive MBA there. She also serves as Chairperson of the Beaverton Downtown Association, advocating for inclusive growth and community vitality.
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Marinda Peters
Board Member
Marinda Peters serves as a Civil Rights Specialist at the Oregon Department of Education, where she works to ensure students with disabilities have equal access to educational opportunities and co-leads the state’s Civil Rights Coordinator program for public school districts and charter schools. With a rich background as a school counselor at both primary and secondary levels and as an adjunct instructor in graduate counseling programs, Marinda brings a deep passion for educational equity and mental wellness. She holds a PhD in Counseling from Oregon State University, an MA in Counseling Psychology, and a BA in Psychology from Pacific University. A longtime Washington County resident, Marinda has witnessed Adelante Mujeres grow from its early days and has championed the integration of Chicas programs in local schools. She now serves on the board to help expand the organization’s reach and impact in the community she calls home.
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Cassie Buckroyd
Board Member
Cassie Buckroyd is a Senior Manager in Total Rewards, with a focus on Benefits, Wellbeing, and Compensation. With over a decade of experience in Human Resources, she brings deep expertise in employee wellbeing, engagement, and compensation strategy. Cassie has also worked in client services, delivering digital health and coaching programs to a wide range of employers, and began her career in healthcare administration. She holds an MPH from Portland State University and a BA in Psychology with a Certificate in Applied Ethics from Oregon State University. Cassie is passionate about systems and solutions that help individuals and communities thrive. She was drawn to Adelante Mujeres for its holistic and culturally responsive programs that uplift Latine women and their families. In addition to her role on the Adelante Board, Cassie also serves on the Board of Directors for the Westside Transportation Alliance.
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Joni Pierce
Board Member
Joni Pierce is a Senior Director of Field Operations at Comcast, where she has had an impactful career spanning over two decades. With a rich background in technical operations, sales, business operations, and marketing, she has led key initiatives to drive customer growth, manage large budgets, and improve the customer experience. Joni’s expertise includes overseeing multi-million-dollar budgets, product management, and strategic partnerships to elevate operational performance. She is also dedicated to empowering women in the workforce, serving on the board at Adelante Mujeres and as President of the Pacific Northwest Chapter of Women in Cable Telecommunications. Joni holds an MBA from George Fox University and a BS in Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing from the University of Montana. Passionate about community and personal growth, Joni continues to leverage her experience to support women’s leadership and education.
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LeRoy Feigelson
Board Member
LeRoy Feigelson is a retired Financial Controller from Intel Corporation with a long-standing passion for community service. After retiring, he sought to give back in meaningful ways and found a deep alignment with Adelante Mujeres’ mission to empower Latine women and families through education and support—especially children. With a BA in Business from Oregon State University and an MBA in Finance from the University of Illinois, LeRoy brings a strong financial background and a heart for service to his role on the Board. He is continually inspired by the passion and impact of Adelante’s work in the community.
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Alycia Solis Rivera-Tutsch
Board Member
Dr. Alycia Rivera-Tutsch, DNP, RN, CCRN brings deep expertise in nursing, workforce development, and healthcare innovation to her role on the Adelante Mujeres Board. As Nurse Manager at Oregon Health & Science University’s Center for Nursing Excellence and Innovation, she leads initiatives that strengthen clinical practice, education, informatics, and care quality across diverse settings. Her journey from a young girl running a peer after-school program in her South Los Angeles neighborhood to earning multiple advanced degrees—including a Doctorate in Nursing Practice, an MA in Nursing Education, and a Baccalaureate in Nursing—was shaped by grit, community, and the belief that education is a pathway to liberation. Alycia sees in Adelante Mujeres the kind of transformational support she wished for her own family—especially her parents, whose dreams and resilience continue to inspire her. Her appointment to the board is not just a professional milestone—it’s a full-circle moment filled with joy, pride, and purpose.
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Gena Villalobos-Perrine
Board Member
Gena Villalobos-Perrine serves as the Director of Finance & Operations at Lewis & Clark Graduate School of Education and Counseling, where she has worked since 2014. With over two decades of experience, including roles at UCLA and The Walt Disney Company, Gena’s expertise spans university administration, external communications, and finance. Passionate about empowering women and families within marginalized communities, Gena was drawn to Adelante Mujeres because of her own childhood experience of being raised by a strong community of women who lacked access to resources like the programs Adelante offers. She is committed to supporting these vital programs, including Chicas Youth Program and Empresas, to help local families thrive. Gena holds an MBA from the University of Oregon and a BA in History from UCLA. Additionally, she volunteers with organizations like Latino Network and the Oregon Food Bank, working to strengthen the community she holds dear.
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Nora Duffy
Board Member
Nora Duffy is an IT Controller at Daimler Trucks North America, bringing a wealth of experience from her diverse background in finance and operations. Throughout her career, Nora has held various roles, including Audit Project Manager, Mexico Controller, and Senior Cost Analyst at Daimler, as well as positions in product management and procurement at major brands like Adidas and Pendleton Woolen Mills. Her passion for addressing the resource gaps faced by underserved communities aligns perfectly with Adelante Mujeres' mission to empower Latina women and families. Holding an MBA in Finance and Global Business and a BBA in Marketing & Management from the University of Portland, Nora is deeply committed to social change. She is also an active participant in professional networks such as WIN (Women's Interactive Network) and LEAP (Latino Employee Active Partnership Group) at Daimler.
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Jamy Raquel Amaya
Board Member
Jamy Raquel Amaya is a Licensed Personnel Specialist in Human Resources with the Beaverton School District, bringing over 20 years of experience as a dual-language educator and instructional leader in PK-12 schools. Her deep-rooted passion for public education and early learning drives her commitment to equity and community empowerment. She holds a BA in Sociology & Ethnic Studies from the University of Oregon, an MA in the Art of Teaching Portland State University, and an M.Ed. in the Science of Education from Western Oregon University. Jamy brings both academic and lived experience to her work. She joined the Adelante Mujeres board out of a strong belief in the power of community and a shared mission to create opportunities for Latinas to thrive and lead.
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Angie Aguilar
Board Member
Angelita (Angie) Aguilar serves as the Executive Office Supervisor at Washington County, Oregon, where she oversees the administrative functions for the County Administrative Office and the Board of County Commissioners Office. With over 25 years of government experience, Angie leads a team of five administrative professionals, ensuring smooth operations across the office. A first-generation college graduate, Angie earned her BA in Business Administration & Information Systems from George Fox University and has participated in multiple leadership programs, including the Washington County Leadership Program and Portland State University Executive Leadership Program. Angie is dedicated to equity and inclusion, as evidenced by her work with Washington County’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion “Think Tank” Committee and her leadership of the Women’s Networking Employee Resource Group. She is also passionate about community engagement, having played a key role in increasing Latino voter participation during the 2004 Presidential Election. Angie is committed to empowering youth and giving back to the community she calls home.
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Oscar Rico-Cazeres
Board Member
Oscar Rico-Cazares is the Director of Human Resources & Benefits at Latino Network, with previous experience at Xenium in human resources. His expertise in nonprofits, change management, and personnel has made him an invaluable asset as a board member at Adelante Mujeres. Oscar joined the board in honor of his late mother, Araceli, a strong-willed Latina who faced many of the same struggles that Adelante supports. He is excited to contribute to the organization’s impactful work in the community. Oscar holds an MA in Educational Leadership & Policy and a BA in Business Administration from Portland State University.
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Ruby Ramirez
Board Member
Ruby Ramirez is a Philanthropic Program Officer – Early Childhood at Oregon Community Foundation (OCF), where she worked closely with Adelante Mujeres even before becoming a board member. Ruby helped steward the Growing Master Trainers initiative, a key grantee for Adelante, and collaborated with the organization through Early Childhood Coalition advocacy efforts, aligning with her background as a social worker. A cross-sector strategist, Ruby is passionate about creating systemic social change for marginalized communities, focusing on equity-driven approaches that promote healthy early childhood development, education, and thriving families. Ruby holds an MSW and MPP from UCLA, a graduate certificate in Non-Profit & Public Management, and a BA in Marketing from Portland State University.
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Benito Juarez II
Board Member
Benito Juarez II is a Principal Auditor at Portland General Electric (PGE) and a passionate advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion both in his professional work and personal life. His dedication to empowering individuals affected by systemic barriers, coupled with his own lived experience, led him to serve on the board of Adelante Mujeres. Benito holds both an MA and BA in Accounting from the University of Texas at Dallas, and he is committed to supporting the organization’s mission to empower the Latine community.
