Associate Director of Education Programs

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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. 

Director of Development

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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. 

Director of Education Programs

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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. 

Deputy Director of Internal Operations

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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. 

Director of Finance

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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. 

Director Leadership & Advocacy

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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. 

Director of Health Equity

People & Culture Director

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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. 

Director of Microenterprise Programs

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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. 

Director of Communications

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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.