Experience

Community and Economic Development, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach

• United States
• Higher Education
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Retail Business Specialist

  • Jul 2017 - Present

  Provides educational opportunities and programs, consultation, and technical assistance for retail business owners and for communities seeking to build stronger local retail economies. Works with and builds relationships with Latino businesses and communities in East Iowa (Muscatine, Quad Cities [including Moline, IL], Columbus Junction, Iowa City, and Mt. Pleasant. Part of the Teams of Local Economies Team and Equity, Respect & Inclusion at Community and Economic Development. At Farm, Food and Enterprise Development works in a variety of ways to strengthen local retail economies. A primary focus is on the linkages between food producers and food retailers to expand the food options offered to consumers.



Calvary Church Hispanic Ministry - Iglesia Calvario

• Hispanic Leadership Team

  • Jan 2012 - Jul 2018

  Co-leader delegated to establish the new Hispanic Ministry. Assisted in building up membership through a discipleship/small group program while mentoring new leaders for projected expansion of ministry. The ministry, "Iglesia Calvario",​ is led by Josue Villatoro from Costa Rica as Pastor. We continue to grow through "CONECTO: Alcance, Adoracion, Comunidad, Ensenanza, Oracion, Administracion, Servicio".



Iowa State University Extension and Outreach - Community and Economic Development

• Latino Community Liaison

  • Oct 2014 - Jun 2017

  As Latino Community Liaison provided educational opportunities and programs, consultation, and technical assistance in the areas of community capacity building and leadership. Worked with and build relationships with Latino youth, families, businesses and communities.



West Liberty Chamber Commerce

• United States
• Non-profit Organizations
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Chief Operating Officer

  • Oct 2014 - May 2017

  As West Liberty Chamber of Commerce worked in collaboration with local businesses and government bodies to help accomplish the shared vision to improve community prosperity, standard of living and quality of life through planning and development.



ISED Ventures - Emprendedores Latinos de Iowa (ELI)

• Regional Director - Southeast Iowa

  • Feb 2013 - Sep 2014

  Successfully launched and established the ELI program as a small business development program run by and for Latinos. Supported Latino owned small businesses in Southeast Iowa (Muscatine, Louisa, Washington and Henry Counties). Latino entrepreneurs gained access to business management training, mentoring, and business networking. ELI's work was possible through collaboration and partnership with federal, state, regional and local organizations. The program consisted of 4 Development Steps: Primeros Pasos, Lanza, Avanza and ELI Conecta.



Iowa Workforce Development-New Iowan Centers

• Coordinator

  • Nov 2006 - Sep 2011

  Successfully launched and managed the New Iowan Centers Mount Pleasant office serving from 40 to 70 new Iowans per month with passion and dedication, in addition to 20 to 40 Employers, Community Organizations and Governmental Agencies per month, averaging 300 services per month. In my tenure 468 individuals from 34 nations were provided culturally competent services and guidance. The services included employment readiness skills, job search, referrals on education, immigration and legal issues, specialized trainings which included diversity & sensitivity, ESL & Spanish, US Citizenship, Introduction to US culture, small business and finances. I maintained the mission and identity of NIC, while also developing, planning and implementing projects which are now part of NIC core services. Developed, built and maintained excellent community relations and partnerships, guided and counseled community leaders on issues pertinent to the integration of new Iowans and a healthy vibrant community.



Vida Nueva Church

• Elder & Leadership Team

  • Jun 2003 - Jun 2006

  Counseled and guided the leadership in areas belonging to administrative and developmental aspects of the congregation while committed to the vision and mission. Instructed, mentored, counseled, and edified the members. I excelled in developing community relations in a predominantly Hispanic region in South Texas.



Trainser Company

• Administrative Assistant

  • Aug 2005 - Apr 2006

  Supported and collaborated with the owner/operator in a wide range of confidential business duties. English/Spanish interpreter on behalf of Trainser Co. with Export-Import Bank of the United states and the Small Business Administration.



SOS International

• English/Spanish Interpreter

  • Sep 2004 - Feb 2005

  Translated and transcribed Spanish/English on behalf of a federal government agency.



Centro de Amor Church & Shepherd's Heart Ministries

• Assistant Pastor & Assistant Missionary

  • Jan 1998 - Jul 2001

  Collaborated in planting and establishing the church. Instructed, counseled and mentored in the following areas: children's ministry, youth ministry, men's ministry, adult discipleship, biblical study groups. Guided and interpreted for American short-term mission groups. Managed the graphic design and printing department for both ministries.