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Nicole Adair is a native-born resident of Texas, raised in San Antonio. In the fall, Nicole will graduate from Texas A&M University with a Masters of Science in urban planning. She received her Bachelor of Science in architecture from the University of Texas at San Antonio in 2004.
Some of her academic achievements include: American Institute of Certified Planners Outstanding Student Award, a Department Honor Roll award, and a recipient of the David Pugh Planning and Land Use Law Scholarship.
While in school, Nicole worked for a community housing development organization, conducting a feasibility study to support enabling legislation for the creation of rural land banks in Texas for affordable housing and economic development. She also worked to develop and propose a neighborhood revitalization plan for the Beaumont Housing Authority in conjunction with a Hope VI revitalization grant.
As a member of the Latinos in Planning Division of the American Planning Association, Nicole participated as a table facilitator for the inaugural Latino Dialogo in Texas, where she facilitated roundtable discussions related to Latino issues in planning.
Nicole has been active in social responsibility as a volunteer in her home state since high school, where she saw firsthand the world of opportunity and fulfillment that comes with serving her community when she volunteered for Habitat for Humanity. In December 2007, Nicole organized, fundraised, and led students to assist for one week in the Hurricane Katrina Rebuilding Effort for the New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity.
As CHCI Housing Fellow, Nicole would like hands-on experience in the federal policy decision-making process, working to implement equity-focused policies and initiatives which are effective at the state and local level. Her primary focus is to address affordable housing, and community and economic development for minority and low- to moderate-income individuals and families.
Tonantzin is a second-generation California native from Gilroy. She
graduated from Mills College in Oakland, CA with a BA in political,
legal and economic analysis. Tonantzin went to Milano New School for
Management and Urban Policy in New York City were she earned her MS in
urban policy and management.
During her time at Milano, she worked on various field research
projects, which included an analysis of the public housing stock in
post-Katrina New Orleans as well as researching ways in which affordable
housing could be preserved in New York City’s Lower East Side. While at
Milano, Tonantzin worked at the Center for New York City Affairs
conducting policy research on a wide array of topics, which included
public education, autism, early childhood education, and housing.
Prior to attending graduate school, Tonantzin worked for a housing
developer on a planned community project in northern California. She
also worked in the credit union industry in various capacities, which
included securing grant funding for a first-time homebuyer initiative.
As a CHCI Housing Graduate Fellow, Tonantzin hopes to gain a solid
foundation in legislative advocacy and national housing policy.
Zorayda Moreira-Smith was born in Estelí, Nicaragua and raised in South
Carolina. She attended the College of Charleston where she received her
BS in international business and her BA in Spanish. As an undergraduate,
Zorayda studied abroad in Santiago, Chile.
During her first year of law school, Zorayda participated in the
Community Dispute Resolution Clinic (CDRC) and the Volunteer Income Tax
Assistance Clinic (VITA). She also provided some of the Domestic
Violence Clinic clients with translation services and single-handedly
translated into Spanish the Domestic Violence Handbook, creating access
to critical information for Spanish-speaking clients. When Hurricane
Katrina ravaged parts of the South, Zorayda spearheaded the fundraiser
raising money for those affected.
Francisco “Paco” Perez was originally born in Puebla, New Mexico. He
graduated from the University of Tampa with a BA in International
Business. Paco was the only second Hispanic Student Government President
to have ever served at the University of Tampa.
Paco returned to New Mexico to attend law school at the University of
New Mexico. He became active in the following academic programs and
organizations: the Mexican American Law Student Association, the Jessup
International Moot Court Team, the International Law Student
Association, the UNM Triathlon Team, and the Alternate Dispute
Resolution Team.
While obtaining his law degree, Paco spent two summers interning for the
State Department. The first was in D.C. as a legal intern in the Office
of Civil Rights. The second was political/economic intern at the U.S.
Embassy in Lisbon, Portugal.
As a CHCI International Affairs Graduate Fellow, Paco hopes to learn how
to become a more successful Indo-Hispano leader. Entrenched in the
hyper-political atmosphere of D.C., he hopes to learn to exemplify a new
level of activism, leadership, and expertise that will complete his
transition from a student to a full fledged professional.
Stephen is a third generation Mexican-American, born in Northern
California. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in the health
sciences from St. Mary’s College of CA, where he was involved in
multiple extracurricular activities ranging from the performing arts to
organizations celebrating Latin American diversity and culture.
After working in the clinical lab setting, he began a program at the
University of San Diego to pursue a degree in nursing. During his
studies he became actively involved in caring for people living with
HIV/AIDS in neighboring Tijuana, Mexico, including those recently
released from the local prison. In addition, he participated in free
clinics for children and families in the outer areas of Tijuana, and
facilitated basic health screenings and first-aide education for men
living in migrant farm worker camps in and around San Diego County.
Upon earning his license as a registered nurse, Stephen began working
with Catholic Charities, and started his graduate studies at the
University of California, San Francisco. His three years of professional
work as a registered nurse involved providing intensive case-management
and nursing care for people living with HIV/AIDS, psychiatric illness,
and substance abuse diagnoses.
As a graduate student, Stephen trained in the Department of Community
Health Systems as an Adult Nurse Practitioner specializing in providing
primary care to patients living with HIV/AIDS, working closely with
marginalized populations. This included a year-long residency in the
Department of Infectious Disease at the VA Hospital. His graduate work
culminated in his comprehensive examination.
As a CHCI Graduate Health Fellow, Stephen hopes to incorporate his
clinical training with public health policy and advocacy to diminish
disparities faced by minority populations with regards to HIV/AIDS and
other communicable diseases.
2008-2009 Public Policy Fellows
Ebenezer Concepcion graduated from Saint Peter’s College with a BA in Spanish
and Latin American and Latino studies. Most recently, Ebenezer worked as a
substitute teacher in his hometown’s school district. He taught grades k-12 and
worked with children from a variety of backgrounds, nationalities, and learning
abilities.
During the summer of 2001, Ebenezer conducted scientific research on the
monitoring of glucose levels of over 400 diabetic patients at the Jersey City
Medical Center in New Jersey. He completed a report, which he ultimately
presented in various competitions, garnering various honors and awards. He
achieved first place in his division at the regional Hudson County Science Fair.
Ebenezer’s honors and achievements include: award winning graduate thesis
entitled, “José Martí and the Politics of Repression: A Legacy of Humanism and
Freedom,” the 2004-2006 Dean’s List honoree, the Pavonia Academic Scholarship
recipient, the Jane Moulton Reuter Scholarship recipient, and induction into the
Phi Sigma Iota International Foreign Language Society, just to name a few.
As a CHCI Public Policy Fellow, Ebenezer is interested in learning more about
international human rights law.
Veronica Duron graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a
BA in history and sociology.
Her professional experiences include: project associate for Tindall and
Foster, P.C. Attorneys at Law, peer advisor for the University of Texas
at Austin, and a intern for Representative Paul Moreno (D) at the Texas
State Capitol, 79th Legislative Session, just to name a few.
Some of Veronica’s academic achievements include: 2007 Dean’s Dozen
Award recipient, 2007 Greek Spotlight recipient, 2006 & 2007 Hyperion
Award recipient, and 2007Academic Enrichment Services Peer Advisor Award.
As a CHCI Public Policy Fellow, Veronica would like to learn more about
policy making, the education system, and Hispanic nonprofit
organizations that serve the community.
Amilcar Guzman graduated from Lycoming College with a BA in psychology
and sociology. He held various leadership roles including Class
President and Multicultural Awareness Group President.
Amilcar also worked as a Lycoming Community resident assistant, tour
guide, and Latin dance instructor. But Amilcar’s commitment to community
service and student life affairs did not disrupt his academic
achievements.
As an underclassman, Amilcar received the Rose Pfaff Scholarship for
Outstanding Underclassmen Leader, Jack Buckle Award for Outstanding
Junior Male leader, and the Student of the Month. During his senior year
he received the William Bishop Eveland Faculty Prize for outstanding
contributions to the college and was one of only seven seniors to
receive the Service to Lycoming award.
One of his notable academic achievements was studying abroad in May of
2006 at the Centre Universitaired’ Etudes Francaise (C.U.E.F) in
Grenoble, France. He is also a member of the Psi Chi National Psychology
Honor Society, Alpha Kappa Delta International Sociology Honor Society,
and was chosen as a three time Hispanic College Fund Scholar.
As a CHCI Public Policy Fellow, Amilcar is interested in learning more
about the legislative process.
Carolina Jauregui was born and raised in Southern California. She
graduated from University of California at Berkeley with a major in
peace and conflict studies and a minor in public policy.
Her professional experiences include an internship with the Southwest
Voter Registration and Education Project in Los Angeles where she worked
to increase the voter registration of Latinos.
Recently, Carolina worked with the Vodafone Foundation distributing
grants to local non profits and grassroots organizations in the Bay
Area. Carolina is passionate about environmental justice and would like
to further explore how America can relieve its dependency on foreign
oil.
As a CHCI Public Policy Fellow, Carolina would like to learn more about
the government system, its political structure, and how she can improve
the Latino community.
Patrick Martinez graduated from the University of Virginia with a BA in
African American and African studies.
While in school, Patrick’s leadership roles included: University
Judiciary Committee counselor, La Casa Bolívar resident advisor, and a
President’s Committee on Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action
student member.
Patrick also assisted with re-establishing Minority Squared, a support
organization for ethnic/racial minorities who also identified as
Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Transgender (LGBT) on his college campus. Patrick
is a member of the Hermano of La Unidad Latina, Lambda Upsilon Lambda
Fraternity, Inc., the Z Society.
As a CHCI Public Policy Fellow, Patrick would like to learn more about
foreign policy and educational policy.
Daniel Montes’ professional experiences include working as an outreach
coordinator for the RAZA Recruitment and Retention Center at University
of California at Berkeley. While attending UC Berkley, Daniel became
active in student government. Some of his leadership roles included:
External Affairs Vice President, Board Chair for the University of
California Student Association, and Board of Directors for the United
States Student Association.
Daniel’s academic and extra-curricular achievements include: Young
People For (YP4) 2007 Fellow, and a featured photo on the cover of TIME
magazine in the February 11, 2008 issue entitled, “Why Young Voters Care
Again.”
As a Public Policy Fellow, Daniel is interested in healthcare access and
mental health awareness.
Marco Murillo graduated from the University of California, San Diego
with a BA in political science and history.
Marco was heavily involved in student government advocating for
educational equity through access and retention programs. Some of his
leadership duties included: The Preuss School UCSD and Gompers Charter
Middle School intern recruiter, Associate Vice-President of Diversity
Affairs for the Associated Students, and President of the Associated
Students where he served as the representative for more than 21,000
undergraduate students on campus.
In 2008, Marco was recognized by San Diego Magazine for his work on
educational equity and was named one of 50 people to look out for. Marco
also participated in the Ronald E. McNair research program at UCSD. His
research consisted of analyzing best school practices and how they
translate into an urban school setting.
As a CHCI Public Policy Fellow, Marco would like to learn more about
educational policy and immigration policy on a national level.
Denise Nolasco was born in the Dominican Republic. She immigrated after
high school to New York in order to pursue a career in international
relations and law. She recently earned her Bachelor’s degree from the
City University of New York, Baruch College. She majored in political
science and double minored in economics and Black and Hispanic Studies.
While at Baruch, Denise held many leadership roles within various
organizations. Some of these included the Model United Nations and the
CUNY University Student Senate. She also interned for distinguished
organizations like the United Nations, the New York State Senate, the
American Chamber of Commerce in the Dominican Republic, and the Office
of Congressman Charles Rangel.
At the Dominican Studies Institute at City College, Denise conducted
research on Dominicans residing in the United States. This research
culminated in a proposal to create a Dominican Studies and study abroad
program, and a Dominican American Business Partnership that would allow
Dominican students to take business classes in the Dominican Republic.
While participating in the Dominican study abroad project, Denise helped
fund a group of students working in the Dominican Republic and
established a Bachelor of Environmental Studies program.
After completing her CHCI Public Policy Fellowship, Denise hopes to
attend law school to further her efforts in the field of international
trade and development.
Lorenzo Olvera graduated from the College of Idaho with a BA in politics
and economics.
Lorenzo studied abroad at Cuernavaca, Mexico as an international student
immersing himself in the Mexican culture while honing his Spanish
speaking skills. At graduation, the College of Idaho awarded him the
Thomas Shear Award for outstanding leadership.
After graduation, Lorenzo worked at the Center for Community and Justice
(CCJ) as its community liaison. This community-based organization
focuses its efforts on education, immigration and health research. The
position provided him the opportunity to supervise the HIV health
research project and serve as the CCJ’s representative on a
multi-partner project, Idaho’s first Promotora health program.
In January of 2008, the Idaho Hispanic Caucus Institute for Research &
Education (IHCIRE) recruited Lorenzo to serve as the project director
for Emerging Latino Communities, a project funded by the National
Council of La Raza. Much of his service focused on two initiatives;
establishing an Idaho Office of Multicultural Health, and securing a
Latino appointment to the Idaho State Board of Education, both high
priorities for IHCIRE. For both initiatives he helped organize
coalitions comprised of a variety of Idaho’s Latino and health care or
education advocacy organizations. This also allowed him to work closely
with the Idaho Governor’s staff and other Idaho agencies.
As a CHCI Public Policy Fellow, Lorenzo would like to learn more about
the committees within the Senate.
Angel Rafael Padilla graduated from the University of California at
Berkeley with high honors in political science. While at the University,
Angel worked as an archival/administrative assistant at the Center for
the Study of Political Graphics from August 2007 to June 2008.
As a CHCI Public Policy Fellow, Angel would like to learn more about
international development and U.S. trade relations with Latin America.
Alejandra María Piers-Torres graduated from Brown University with a B.A.
in international relations and Hispanic studies. Her professional
experience includes: 2004-2008 Brown University Watson Institute for
International Studies Research Assistant, 2007 Chicago Community Trust
Summer Philanthropic Services Intern, and a Northwestern Law School
Bluhm Legal Clinic volunteer at the Children and Family Justice Center.
In the summer of 2006, Alejandra worked as a 21st Century Leaders Intern
at the United States Hispanic Leadership Institute (USHLI) where she was
responsible for registering 1000 voters in predominantly Latino wards
working with community leaders and elected officials.
Her academic and extracurricular achievements include: 2008 W. Fichter
Prize “Outstanding Work in Hispanic Studies” recipient and a published
writer in Brown University’s literary magazine, SOMOS Latino.
As a CHCI Public Policy Fellow, Alejandra wants to gain a better
understanding of how Latino issues are represented on a national level.
Belen Plasencia was born and raised in Laredo, TX. In May of 2008, she
graduated from a former women’s college in upstate New York, where as an
undergraduate student, she managed to complete and present an
undergraduate thesis that analyzed the voting behavior of Latinos in
American Politics entitled “Bringing Latinos to the Table: The Rise of
Latino Evangelicalism in American Politics.”
Belen held various leadership positions while in school, some of which
include President of the College Democrats of America, member of the
Wells College programming board, S.G.A board of trustee representative,
constitutional revisions committee, and student government president.
In addition, Belen remained involved with several non-profit
organizations on a national and state-wide level, including Habitat for
Humanity and Mother’s Against Drunk Driving. Most recently, Belen has
had the opportunity to work a student mentor and residential assistant
with the Laredo Job Corps which is a no-cost education and vocational
training program administered by the United States Department of Labor
that helps young people ages 16-24 get a better job, make more money,
and take control of their lives.
As a CHCI Public Policy Fellow, Belen hopes to gain a broader
understanding of policy-making. Belen is dedicated and passionate about
educating low-income and immigrant communities. In the future, Belen
hopes to pursue a career in law and run for U.S. Congress.
Throughout her undergraduate career, Amanda dedicated her work to
uplifting the Latino community. As president for the Mexican American
Student Association (MASA), Amanda was instrumental in educating Latino
youth by organizing conferences and community workshops on financial aid
resources and ending gang violence.
As a student supervisor for the Office of Admissions at UNL, Amanda
worked with prospective students in addressing questions on admission
requirements and college life. Her strongest role was recruiting more
diversity to the school.
In 2006, Amanda spearheaded the establishment of a local chapter of a
Latina-based sorority, Lambda Theta Nu Sorority Inc. This served as a
platform to provide opportunities for Latinas in Lincoln like the Latina
Youth Leadership Conference program. In addition to her regular
coursework, Amanda successfully completed the Ronald E. McNair Scholars
Program. Her academic research dealt with substantive and descriptive
representation in legislation. Most recently, Amanda was employed with
Cedars Youth Services working with youth between the ages 12-18 years
old. She also assisted at-risk youth with obtaining essential life
skills and tools to achieve a higher education.
As a CHCI Public Policy Fellow, Amanda is interested in learning more
about legislative process.
Ricardo Alejandro Quinto graduated from the University of California
with a BA in political science. His professional experiences include:
law clerk, paralegal, campaign field organizer, case manager, and
interviewer and research assistant.
His academic and extracurricular honors and achievements include:
founding member of Order of Omega Honor Society, Skyline College Dean’s
list honoree, and UCLA Dean’s List honoree.
As a CHCI Public Policy Fellow, Ricardo would like to learn more about
legislative initiatives and how to implement policies. He is
specifically interested in healthcare, education, affordable housing and
immigration issues.
Evelyn Rodriguez graduated from Marquette University with a BA in
journalism and political science. She became interested in pursuing a
career in public policy when she participated in Marquette’s Les Aspin
Program for Government in Washington, D.C. last fall. Evelyn took a
rigorous political science course and interned on Capitol Hill for
Congressman Luis V. Gutierrez (IL-4).
Upon returning to Marquette for her final semester, she continued to
work as a resident assistant in addition to interning for the Mayor’s
office in Milwaukee. In addition to working in the government sector,
Evelyn also worked with nonprofit organizations in the Latino
communities of Milwaukee and Chicago. She founded a branch of the
national nonprofit mentoring organization at Marquette called, “Women &
Youth Supporting Each Other.” Evelyn also worked and volunteered as a
tutor for the United Community Center.
Evelyn’s passion lies in her community of Chicago where she’s been an
integral part of various nonprofit organizations including Pilsen
Neighbors Community Council. For the past five years, Rodriguez has
participated as a member of the public relations committee for one of
the largest Latino festivals in the country, “Fiesta del Sol.”
Evelyn dedicated the summer of 2007 to participate in the Ronald E.
McNair Scholar Program. Her academic research is called,
“English-language vs. Spanish-language Media: An Analytical Comparison
of Newspaper Coverage during the May 1, 2006 Immigration Rally in
Chicago.” She presented her research at symposiums in Milwaukee and the
16th Annual McNair National Research Conference in Delevan, Wisconsin.
Evelyn’s awards and honors include: 2006 Outstanding Sophomore of the
Year Award and the student body representative selected to meet Paul
Rusesabagina, subject of the film Hotel Rwanda, during Marquette’s
Mission Week. Evelyn was one of six students selected to present the
honorary degree recipients at graduation, an honor that culminates her
Marquette experience.
As a CHCI Public Policy Fellow, Evelyn would like to gain hands on
experience on policy reform.
Name: Robert Sanchez Robert Sanchez graduated from Yale University with a BA in history of
science and medicine. During his college career, Robert served in a number of leadership
positions in the Latino and greater school community, some of which
included Office of Undergraduate Admissions Student Recruitment
Coordinator and La Casa Cultural volunteer, Yale’s Latino Cultural
Center. In May 2008, Robert was awarded the Latino Alumni Prize. On the premedical track, Robert Sanchez fulfilled the requirements for a
career in medicine while also pursuing his academic interests in the
historical and political issues surrounding the health of minorities in
the United States. In the summer of 2007, Robert worked as an interpreter at the Haven Free
Clinic in New Haven. He also worked as a President’s Public Service
Fellow with the Hill Health Center in Yale. He continues to be committed
to working to solve the problems of health disparities for minorities in
the United States. As a CHCI Public Policy Fellow, Robert hopes to gain valuable experience
in health policy.
Maria Urbina graduated from the University of Nevada with a BA in
journalism and political science.
Her professional experiences include 2007 summer voter outreach intern
in the Office of the Secretary of State Ross Miller in Carson City, NV,
and 2007 legislative intern in the Office of Assemblywoman Sheila Leslie
in Carson City, NV.
Maria’s leadership duties included the 2007-2008 Vice President of Clubs
and Organizations as part of the Associated Students of the University
of Nevada, Reno. She managed a $150,000 budget and funding policies for
more than 250 clubs and organizations.
Some of Maria’s honors and achievements include: 2008 College of Liberal
Arts Senior Dean’s Awards for Service, 2008 N. Edd Miller Outstanding
Leader Award, 2007 Bertha Miranda Scholarship of Northern Nevada
Recipient, and 2006 Big Sister of the Year just to name a few.
As a CHCI Public Policy Fellow, Maria would like to increase her
knowledge of the policy making process.
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Name:
Nicole Adair
