STAFF

ADMIN

JOSÉ HERNANDEZ PARIS
Chief Executive Officer
José Hernández-París was born in Colombia and has lived in Charlotte for 45 years. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Educational Leadership and a minor in Applied Psychology from Belmont Abbey College. He has a Nonprofit Management Certification from Duke University. Hernandez-Paris was a former executive director of The International House, led the Diversity Office of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, and in January 2016, became the chief executive officer of the Latin American Coalition. He has been recognized as a Community Service Person of the Year by the Excelente Awards (La Noticia Newspaper); A Hero of Democracy by The Charlotte Observer; Father of the Year by the Father’s Day Council; a Hometown Hero by WBT Radio and the Business Journal; The Cesar Chavez Liderazgo Award by Leadership in the Clouds; and Crown Jewel Award for Advocacy Organization of the Year (Mecklenburg County Government)
WILLIAM IRAHETA
Executive Assistant
Wide knowledge in banking and finance experience for over 24 years. New process implementation to increase efficiency. Energetic leadership with strong communications skills and teamwork solutions. First came to New York from El Salvador in 1991 at the age of eighteen and enrolled in an English academy then attended Martin Luther King Jr. High School in Manhattan NY. In 1994 returned to El Salvador to course: Business Administration in Dr. Jose Matias Delgado University. 2001 moved to Charlotte and became part of the Latino Community Credit Union, started as a part time teller to later became the first loan processor for the credit union also involved in financial education programs for the community. In 2006 joined Hendrick Automotive Group and became the first Latino Finance and Insurance Manager, I started the first-time auto buyer program. In 2009 was part of the first wave of licensed mortgage loan officers. In 2010 was called back from the Latino Credit Union to stablish the process to manage the delinquent portfolio.
SUSANA JEREZ
Chief Programs & Operations Officer
Mi mayor motivación es saber que soy parte de un equipo que hace un impacto profundo y significativo para los miembros de mi comunidad Latinx. Abogar por la igualdad, equidad, inclusividad, y participación cívica de nuestras familias en Charlotte
KARINA VOGEL
Finance Manager
Karina Vogel is the Finance Manager at the Latin American Coalition; she brings over 20 years of professional experience in the areas of Finance, Operations and Project Management. Original from Lima-Peru, she migrated to the US as a young adult; as an immigrant herself, she identifies with our community and can relate to their daily struggles and strong desire to succeed. She currently lives in Charlotte, with her husband Steve, son Alex and dog Bruno.

OPERATIONS

NICOLTH TOVAR
Data Management & Process Coordinator
The Coalition has allowed me to unite my different passions in a single role: helping people, social media and activity planning. The time that I have been in La Coalición has allowed me to meet wonderful people with the same desire to help others.

DEVELOPMENT

EDWIN GIL
Chief Development Officer
My motivation lies in the opportunity to empower and uplift Latin American communities, fostering social justice, equity, and inclusive development through the impactful work of the Latin American Coalition.
ELIO GONZALEZ
Events & Membership Director
Mi nombre es Elio J. González, nacido en Cuba. Llegué a Charlotte junto con mi familia siendo adolescente. Me gradué de la Universidad de Carolina del Norte en Greensboro, donde mis estudios se centraron en negocios y América Latina. Soy una persona dedicada, con un fuerte compromiso de ayudar a los más necesitados. Creo firmemente que uno de los propósitos de mi vida es asistir y conectar a las personas, contribuyendo a mejorar su bienestar. Mi motivación es clara y sencilla: ayudar a nuestra gente. Me dedico a proporcionar información sobre los servicios que ofrece la organización y a conectar a los latinos con los recursos disponibles, tanto en la Coalición como en otras instituciones. He sido testigo del crecimiento de la Coalición desde sus inicios, así como del impacto positivo que ha tenido en nuestra comunidad, siempre trabajando por el bienestar de los latinos.
MARÍA FERNANDA ROBLES
Events & Membership Coordinator
Hacer mi sueño realidad de organizar eventos y que sea para el bien de la comunidad me enorgullece. Siempre me ha gustado ayudar a otros a crecer como lo han hecho conmigo.

DEPARMENTS

IMMIGRANT WELCOME CENTER

ALBA SANCHEZ
Immigrant Welcome Center Manager
Mother, sister, aunt, daughter --- Leader and activist for the rights of humanity. Originally from Costa Rica. Heredia. Professional in primary and adult education. UNA. CR. Specialized and Certified in Prevention of Substance Use and Abuse, Coalition Work and Family-Focused Programs by the state of North Carolina. Since 2013. My own beginnings as an immigrant in this country. I believe that LAC has played and continues to play a crucial role in the development of a vital fragment of the community here in Charlotte, NC.
MARIA ALEJANDRA ROLDAN
Immigrant Welcome Center Coordinator
My name is Maria Alejandra Roldan, I am Guatemalan, mother of 3 children, I came to the United States more than 10 years ago with the desire to have a better future for myself and my family. I am a true believer that when you help someone you are helping yourself as well because you learn something new, and you also sow blessings for yourself. I am part of the Immigrant Welcome Center (IWC) team where we focus on guiding and empowering immigrant families so that they can integrate into the community in Charlotte.
WILNELYA FIGUERA
Immigrant Welcome Center Associate
Soy Venezolana, Licenciada en Administración, con amplia experiencia en banca y finanzas. Como inmigrante, comprendo de primera mano los desafíos que enfrentan las familias al llegar a un nuevo país. Esto me motiva a brindar apoyo a quienes más lo necesitan. Encuentro una gran satisfacción en educar, empoderar y aportar ese "granito de arena" que puede marcar la diferencia en la vida de cada persona que servimos.
MARY JARQUIN
Immigrant Welcome Center Associate
Perseverancia, servicio y humildad son tres valores fundamentales que definen mi identidad. Soy orgullosamente nicaragüense, Licenciada en Trabajo Social y actualmente estudio una Maestría en Ambiente, Desarrollo y Paz. Mi trayectoria profesional incluye experiencia en proyectos, específicamente trabajando con ONGs y Organismos Internacionales. Mi pasión radica en utilizar mis conocimientos y habilidades para contribuir al desarrollo de las comunidades con las que colaboro. Mi objetivo es seguir trabajando con ONGs que impulsen la transformación social sobre la base de justicia y equidad, para lograr un impacto positivo y duradero en la sociedad.

ECONOMIC WORKFORCE CENTER

ANA RODRIGUEZ
Economic Workforce Center Manager
My name is Ana Rodriguez, I am originally from Venezuela, and I am proudly part of the immigrant community in Charlotte. My motivation to work at LAC stems from my desire to assist my community in various areas, such as job opportunities, organizing educational and financial workshops, promoting workforce development, certifications, and career pathway opportunities. My goal is to serve as a bridge to improve the working and socio-economic conditions of our people so that their families can thrive in this beautiful country.
MARLENE BLANCO
Economic Workforce Center Associate
Originally from Costa Rica, I arrived in the USA 23 years ago and in Charlotte, NC, in 2006. Since then, I have had the privilege of serving our community, which every day gives its best to move forward. I hold a Bachelor's degree in International Studies focusing on Socio-Economic Development and a Minor in Public Health from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNCC). With over 10 years of experience in non-profit organizations, I began as a volunteer at a low-cost health center, working as a medical and mental health interpreter. Simultaneously, I worked for 8 years as a bilingual instructor with the American Red Cross, where I received the President's Award for being one of the organization's top instructors. In late 2023, I joined the Latin American Coalition, where I continue my commitment to offering my experience to the community. My mission is to provide the information, support, and guidance necessary so everyone visiting us can continue working towards their goals and dreams.

CENTRO LEGAL DE INMIGRACIÓN

XOCHITL SANCHEZ
Immigration Legal Center Manager
Ser parte de una organización donde se interesan por el bienestar de nuestra comunidad latina y trabajamos unidos para ofrecerles un mejor porvenir a nuestra gente. Donde mi tiempo, esfuerzo y conocimiento aportan un granito de arena a su mejoría.
ESMERALDA PINEDA
Immigration Legal Center Assistant
hold a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and Sociology from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. I am deeply committed to helping those in need within our community, which I actively pursue through my work at La Coalición. My focus is on guiding individuals through the complexities of immigration law. With Mexican heritage, I have lived in Charlotte for the past three years. I plan to attend law school to become an immigration attorney, where I hope to further assist individuals in their immigration processes and advocate for social justice.
ERIKA RODRIGUEZ
DOJ Accredited Representative
For me is all about the people. I feel so proud for being part of an organization like LAC where our team members dedicate their lives to helping our community.
DIANA PALACIOS
Immigration Legal Center Paralegal
I am a first-generation Mexican student at Central Piedmont Community College, where I am pursuing an Associate's degree in the Paralegal program. I am committed to helping individuals through my work at the Legal Clinic, where I aim to make a meaningful difference in their lives. Being part of the LAC allows me to collaborate with dedicated professionals who focus on creating a positive impact every day.
XUNAHXI PINEDA
Immigration Legal Center Paralegal
Abogada mexicana por la Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) y maestra en Derechos Humanos y Democracia por la Facultad Latinoamericana de Ciencias Sociales (FLACSO), con especialización en Procesos Políticos en América Latina, con más de 15 años de experiencia en el ámbito de los derechos humanos. Estoy profundamente comprometida con la mejora continua de la calidad de vida de las personas y el disfrute pleno de sus derechos. Me entusiasma colaborar activamente en iniciativas que promuevan estos objetivos, contribuyendo a crear entornos en los que se respeten y disfruten los derechos fundamentales y la dignidad humana en todas las dimensiones.

YOUTH AND EDUCATION CENTER

NANCY APOLINAR
Youth and Education Center Manager
I am a social worker passionate about connecting with the community. As a first-generation Mexican, my personal experience inspires me to serve and strengthen our Latino community. I am committed to creating opportunities and improving the lives of our youth, our future.
LILIANA CARVAJALINO
YEC ASSOCIATE
I am an educational psychologist passionate about promoting the academic, social, and emotional development of young people. I have experience implementing strategies and programs to help students overcome academic and emotional challenges. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling, and drinking coffee. I love spaces that foster connections and supportive social networks.
BECCA JACKSON
MSW INTERN
I am an intern at La Coalición while pursuing my Master's in Social Work at UNC Charlotte. I am studying to become a Clinical Social Worker. I enjoy reading, drawing, crocheting, and spending time outdoors with my fiancé and cat, and any other animals. I love the beach and lived there for most of my life.

COMMUNICATIONS TECNOLOGY AND SOCIAL MEDIA

PABLO BARRIOS
VIDEO EDITOR
Es una organización que ayuda a los migrantes en Carolina del Norte y me motiva para aportar un granito de arena con la comunicación audiovisual en la distancia.
MARCEL SUÁREZ
WEB DEVELOPER
Mi motivación como lo ha sido siempre, es dar todo mi apoyo y aporte a esta organización por que me motiva mucho que su función es ayudar a todos esos latinos que se encuentran desamparados