With over a decade of experience in the nonprofit sector, Liz Ramírez is committed to serving and improving the lives of children, youth, and families in San Diego County and beyond.
Raised on both sides of the border in the Imperial Valley, Liz comes from a low-income, immigrant, and first-generation household. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from UC San Diego and pursued a Master’s Degree in Educational Counseling in an effort to address equity gaps in education, particularly those affecting historically underserved youth.
When Liz is not fiercely advocating and leading movements that support equity and justice for marginalized communities, she enjoys dancing cumbias, practicing yoga, and spending time with family, friends, and her "hermanita", her five-year mentee from MANA de San Diego’s mentorship program.
Adrianna O’Donnell is the Chief Growth Officer at Chicano Federation, where she leads the organization’s fundraising strategy and growth initiatives with vision, integrity, and heart. An immigrant from Colombia and the first in her family to earn a four-year college degree, Adrianna proudly embraces her role as the “first of many,” paving the way for future generations through her leadership and service.
With over two decades of experience in nonprofit management and philanthropy, she brings a broad and inclusive perspective shaped by her work on the East Coast, in Hawai‘i, and through international fundraising efforts. Her approach is rooted in building authentic relationships, advancing equity, and ensuring vital resources reach the communities that need them most.
Adrianna holds an MBA from Chaminade University of Honolulu and is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE). A committed mentor and advocate, she gives back to the community as an active Rotarian and board member of LEAD San Diego, the Kim Center for Social Balance, the National City Chamber of Commerce, and the Mission Trails Regional Park Foundation. Her work reflects her deeply held values: justice, service, access, and collective well-being.
With a Bachelor's degree in Hotel Management and International Business, Veronica Gomez has focused on Human Resources practices and training. She has also taught Business and Human Resources courses at local vocational schools. The opportunity to teach has given her the ability to work with a diverse group of students and successfully lead them in their journey to better themselves.
Veronica believes in equality for all and is involved with other organizations that advocate for equal rights regardless of race, ethnicity, and sexual orientation.
With a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Business Administration from the University of Washington, Paul Glasgo has focused his adult career on Accounting and Finance management. With over 9 years of experience in the nonprofit sector and thirty years in the for-profit sector, he brings a wealth of experience in managing the Chicano Federation’s Accounting team.
When Paul is not crunching numbers at the Chicano Federation, he enjoys exercising, reading, tinkering with his collection of tools and hanging out with his dog, Echo.
Rachel Villarespe has worked in the early childhood education field for over 15 years. She has held various positions in the early childhood education field including teaching. Half of Rachel’s career has been in administration at State-funded preschool programs and corporate childcare centers.
Rachel is an advocate for quality early childhood education settings and is a member of the San Diego County Child Care and Development Planning Council. Rachel holds a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education with a concentration in Early Childhood Administration. Rachel also holds a Master’s Degree in Education with a concentration in Early Childhood Education from Arizona State University.
Denisse brings a unique perspective to the Chicano Federation with her background in government relations, nonprofit service, and real estate. As President of the local chapter of the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals, she tirelessly advocated for affordable housing, collaborating with community leaders and elected officials in DC and Sacramento. Her commitment and achievements earned her the prestigious Realtor of the Year award from the Pacific Southwest Association of Realtors. Prior to her real estate career, Denisse served as District Director for California's Lieutenant Governor in San Diego and managed corporate fundraising and government affairs for the American Heart Association.
Denisse's impact extends beyond her professional endeavors. She is a driving force in her community, working tirelessly to create a better future for youth in San Diego through her leadership and dedication to scouting. Her passion and commitment to prioritizing her community have never wavered, and she is excited to be back in nonprofit service, where she can continue making a difference. Outside of work, Denisse is married and mom to two active teenagers and furry senior rescues.
Veronica Macedo started her career in Marketing for Yum! Brands. She earned her Master’s in Business Administration at San Diego State University. Upon graduation, she implemented a first of its kind Community Outreach Program for the San Diego Padres in the Dominican Republic. Her work with children and the local communities ignited her passion for helping others and her belief that all children deserve the same level of care, love, and opportunity. After over ten years in for-profit industries, Veronica made the leap to the non-profit sector and is committed to growing the work and mission of Chicano Federation.
Jimmy Figueroa is a lifelong San Diego County resident. Born and raised in Oceanside and son of
Mexican immigrants, his personal journey has shaped a deep commitment to empowering
underserved communities.
For over a decade, Jimmy has been a steadfast advocate for working-class families,
neighborhood revitalization, and expanded opportunities for youth. His leadership has been
instrumental in securing improved public transit access, mentoring at-risk youth, developing
reentry programs for our formerly incarcerated community, strengthening access to higher
education, and directing a local homeless shelter—efforts that have directly impacted the well-
being of San Diego County residents.
With a background in community development, policy advocacy, non-profit leadership, and
social services, Jimmy understands the intersection of public policy and grassroots action.
He currently serves as a Board Member for the MiraCosta College Foundation, Co-Chair for the
North County Community Leadership Team with Live Well San Diego, and former Commissioner
of the North County Gang Commission.
Additionally, he is the elected Councilmember for District 3 in Oceanside.
Osiris Romero has been working with nonprofit organizations for over 14 years. She was born and raised in San Diego and a first-generation Mexican-American. Osiris graduated with a Bachelors degree in Latin American Studies, minoring in Political Science, from UC San Diego. From administration to project management, Osiris has been a “jack-of-all-trades” throughout her career.
She has always had a passion for working with organizations who want to help underserved communities and make a positive difference in the world. Osiris feels honored to be working with the Chicano Federation that for over 50 years has been positively impacting the lives of thousands of marginalized families.
