Executive Director

Mayra is a native of San Antonio, TX and was raised in Monterrey, Mexico. She is a product of the San Antonio Independent School District (SAISD), obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Texas A&M University - College Station and a Master of Science in Social Work from The University of Texas at Austin. She has lived long-term in Mexico, the U.S., Spain, and Belgium.

She brings 15 years of non-profit experience (local, national and international) in leadership development, multicultural communication, immigration advocacy, institutional civic engagement, and talent identification. Mayra was also trained in local politics dynamics, as a grassroots community organizer, under the Industrial Areas Foundation broad-based organizing model. She is fully trilingual and triliterate in Spanish, English, and French. Elisa, her daughter, is her most precious treasure and pride.

Contact:

mjuarez@centrodelostrabajadores.org

Executive Administrative Assistant

Claudia Meza, born and raised in Guatemala, studied at the University of San Carlos obtaining a Bachelor's degree in Communication Sciences. She has lived in Denver for 20 years with her husband and 3 children. She enjoys the beauty of Colorado through outdoor walks, hiking, and actively participates in her faith. She is passionate about creating video editing and digital scrapbooking projects.

She joined Centro de los Trabajadores since May 2021 as a screener and most recently as an Executive Administrative Assistant. She worked previously as an insurance agent for 12 years, this allowed her to hear many stories about the hard work, the language challenges, and the transitions of cultures. She also taught Literature and Writing Strategies classes for GED students, where she was able to observe people's desire to excel by having better jobs, better positions, and a better quality of life.

Contact:

cmeza@centrodelostrabajadores.org

Community Economic Development and Employment Coordinator

Norys is Venezuelan, currently living in Colorado for more than 7 years with her family. She has extensive experience in conflict management, personnel selection, hiring and organizational development. She obtained a Bachelor's degree in Human Resources and a Master's degree in Labor Relations in her country.

She worked for more than 10 years in this area and her experience in the state of Colorado has been in Denver Public Schools for about a year and a half in different tasks and she also worked at the Consulate General of Guatemala for more than two years as a local assistant.

Her experience as an immigrant has undoubtedly been a great challenge, which has awakened in her the need to help whenever possible.

She decided to move to Colorado because of the beautiful landscapes which she really enjoys with her son Miguel Ignacio and her husband.

Contact:

ncastillo@centrodelostrabajadores.org

Direct Action (DAT) Wage Theft Program Coordinator

Monica was raised in Mexico until her family migrated to the United States when she was 10 yrs old. As a DACA recipient and daughter of undocumented immigrants, she is particularly interested in advocating for the physical, mental, and social well-being of undocumented immigrant communities. She moved to Denver to pursue a MA in (Medical) Anthropology at the University of Colorado Denver focusing on im/migrant health. She is currently the Wage Theft Coordinator for El Centro since August 2022. She is passionate about empowering, advocating for, and working alongside our immigrant communities.

contact:
mrodriguezrafael@centrodelostrabajadores.org

Community Worker Care Program Coordinator

Cynthia was hired in 2021 to build a framework of trauma-informed practices into all aspects of El Centro with the input and influence of the community. She holds a master’s degree in Organizational Leadership from the University of Denver, School Social Work. Her approaches in systems theory and narrative therapy allow her to center workers’ stories, social identities, and cultural upbringings to understand how people see themselves and interact with the world around them. Cynthia brings a horizontal leadership perspective that stems from studying social movements and adopting anti-oppressive methods of holding power and leading. Her experiences in youth programming and family therapy have shaped her skill sets of facilitation, mentoring, and guiding others with the values of respect and self-determination. As a former farmworker from Yakima, Washington, Cynthia connects with the struggles of workers. Outside of work, Cynthia enjoys elevating her creativity by connecting with her family, conversing over coffee, and listening to music to re-energize her.

Contact:

cmoreno@centrodelostrabajadores.org

Emprendedores del Centro Coordinator

Lorena was born and raised in Acapulco Guerrero and currently resides in Westminster CO. She is a mother of two children, and in her free time she enjoys dancing, listening to music and spending time with her family. Lorena firmly believes in community strength and leadership, she loves helping her community grow, improve and support the well-being of her community.

She has been volunteering in the community for more than 10 years in different areas, such as health, job fairs, and family well-being, in various organizations, as community outreach. During this time, she was able to see many inequities, barriers and challenges that the community faces. This sparked her passion and desire to continue working and collaborating with the community to create systems of change and impact that were equitable.

She knows that to create a healthy and strong community, there must be collaboration between organizations, cities, policymakers and the community; honoring the expertise and leadership of people within the community, and she feels El Centro is that place.

Contact:

losorio@centrodelostrabajadores.org

Bienvenidos a Denver Coordinator

Deysi Bueno De Luna was born and raised in Denver, Colorado. She is a first-generation Latina who recently graduated in May 2023 from Metropolitan State University of Denver with her masters degree in Social Work. Her passion for getting her degree in social work came from her parents who migrated here to the US in search of better opportunities, not just for them but for her siblings and herself. She started her journey with Centro De los Trabajadores in January 2023 as an intern. Once graduated, she was given the opportunity to run a new program called Bienvenidos a Denver. Her vision for the program is to continue advocating for the immigrant community for tools and resources that will support them with their integration within the community and help them navigate the different systems such as employment, education and health care systems.

Contact:

deysibuenodeluna@centrodelostrabajadores.org

Union Liaison & Organizer

Leslie is a California native and daughter of Mexican immigrants. Leslie's academic journey began at College of Sequoias in Visalia, CA where she earned her Associate's degree in Psychology, followed by a Bachelor's degree in Sociology with a double minor in Multicultural & Gender Studies and Psychology from California State University, Chico. During her undergraduate studies, Leslie immersed herself in student-led organizing spaces where she embraced an intersectional framework for activism. It was during that time period that her advocacy took root, fueled by her grandfather's first-hand account as a former Bracero in the Bracero Program that ran from the 1940's - 1960's, igniting her commitment to support migrant workers against exploitation.

Post-graduation, Leslie's journey led her to serve as a Human Trafficking Victim Advocate in Tulare County, California where she provided case management and other supportive services as well as worked collaboratively with members of the Tulare County Human Trafficking Task Force. Within this role, Leslie confronted systemic barriers facing survivors, particularly those from immigrant backgrounds. Motivated by the need for broader systemic change, Leslie pursued a dual-Master's degree in Social Work and International Human Rights, specializing in Migration & Ecological Justice from the University of Denver. Throughout her graduate studies, Leslie dedicated her time to internships with organizations focused on migrant advocacy and emotional support, refining her skills in community engagement and advocacy. Leslie hopes to use her experience to continue to amplify the voices of marginalized communities and drive impactful change.

Contact:

lmacias@centrodelostrabajadores.org

Grants Manager & Business Developer

Lucia is an anthropologist and grants specialist native of Sevilla, Spain. She moved to the U.S. to pursue a master’s degree in Latin American Studies and stayed for love. She has lived in Mexico, Ireland, Spain, and recently settled in Colorado to serve as a grants specialist for nonprofits.

Throughout her career, Lucia has specialized in researching immigration at cross country borders, including Morocco-Spain, Mexico-the U.S., and the Sahrawi Republic Algeria. Since 2014, she has documented migrants’ diasporas, sheltered arriving families, and developed poverty-alleviation programs for cities and counties, raising more than $1,000,000 in awarded grants.

Being an immigrant herself, Lucia understands the challenges and economic barriers that come with living in a foreign environment, especially for those from underrepresented communities or nonprivileged socioeconomic statuses, where systemic discrimination and Fear impede human rights-based opportunities.

She joined Centro de los Trabajadores in 2024 as a grants specialist to secure funding sources that sustain the success of El Centro and expand their impact across Colorado, empowering new communities to achieve a prosperous future.

Outside of work, Lucia loves being in the present moment and going on meditative walks in the Rocky Mountains!

Contact:

lduran@centrodelostrabajadores.org

Case Manager

Carolina Galvan was born in Delicias Chihuahua Mexico. At the age of 14 years old she and her family emigrated to the United states. She loves spending quality time with her husband and her 9 year old daughter. As an immigrant she understands the barriers of language and culture and advocates for all immigrants. For the last 14 years she has been working in the education field and the last 7 years she has been teaching for Denver Public Schools.

In 2022 she started the para pay movement where she and other organizations fought for a livable wage for all paraprofessionals and support staff in DPS going from $15.87 to $20.00 an hour. In 2022 she was invited to participate in the Save the Children Action Network National advocacy summit where she advocated for all early childhood education in the state of colorado. She loves meeting people and helping them in one way or another. She is thrilled to start working at el Centro de los trabajadores and make a difference in the immigrant community.

Contact:

cgalvan@centrodelostrabajadores.org

Case Manager

Ramona Uribe, originally from Chihuahua, Mexico, currently resides in Colorado, with a background in education, healthcare, and community service to her role. She began her career as an educator, specializing in children with special needs, demonstrating a commitment to inclusive education.

With over nine years of experience in healthcare, Ramona focused on serving Latin-American communities, contributing to enhanced patient care and community health initiatives. Additionally, she spent three years at a private school in Colorado, where she assisted families with financial aid to ensure equitable access to education.

Ramona holds a degree in education and has accumulated extensive practical experience in both healthcare and community service. Her professional journey reflects a dedication to fostering educational opportunities and improving community access and support.

Outside of work, Ramona is a mother of 4 kids and she loves to give classes to kids at her parish. She also enjoys the winter where she can go ice skating and ski with her husband and kids.

Ramona Uribe continues to prioritize professional growth and community engagement, embodying dedication and professionalism in her role at Centro de los Trabajadores. Her diverse expertise and commitment to service make her a valuable asset to our team.

Contact:

ruribe@centrodelostrabajadores.org

Case Manager

Ninoskarina is a 26-year-old immigrant originally from Valencia, Venezuela. With a degree in Journalism focusing on audiovisual media, She embarked on a journey that eventually brought her to the United States five years ago. Initially settling in Indianapolis, Indiana, where she immersed herself in the healthcare industry, gaining valuable experience and insight into serving others.

A year and a half ago, she made the leap to Denver, Colorado, drawn by the state's stunning landscapes and abundant outdoor activities, which she enjoys alongside her dog, Trufa. Colorado's vibrant community and favorable weather have provided Ninoskarina with a new sense of home and adventure. Having found fulfillment in her previous healthcare roles, where she discovered a passion for helping others, Ninoskarina is now embarking on a new career path as a community economic development specialist. This role aligns perfectly with her desire to make a positive impact and contribute to the well-being of the community.

Contact:

ncaceres@centrodelostrabajadores.org

Case Manager

Anna Vaine is a passionate and dedicated individual hailing from the vibrant landscapes of Colorado. At 22 years old, she has already carved a dynamic path through academia and community service. Graduating from the University of Colorado Boulder with a degree in psychology and a minor in Spanish, Anna's academic journey was enriched by her love for languages and cultures, which led her to immersive experiences in Spain and Costa Rica.

Beyond the classroom, Anna's commitment to service is evident in her diverse volunteer work. From teaching STEM to underserved students with 4H and AmeriCorps, to supporting queer high school students at OUT Boulder, Anna has consistently invested her time in creating positive change. She is an advocate for social justice, having organized impactful initiatives like community marches to amplify the voices of marginalized groups.

Anna's deep connection to Colorado's natural beauty is a cornerstone of her life. She finds solace and inspiration in the mountains and forests that surround her, often spending cherished moments exploring the outdoors with her beloved dog. With a profound passion for connecting with others, Anna is eager to channel her energy into this people-oriented role where she can continue to make a difference and foster meaningful relationships.

Contact:

avaine@centrodelostrabajadores.org

Case Manager

Sandra was born and raised in Ciudad Juárez, Chih, México and emigrated to Denver, Colorado in 2000. She is mother of three daughters, most of her free time is dedicated to her daughters going out for walks to the mall, which is what she loves the most. Sandra enjoys helping her community, for example, she has been a volunteer at the Margarita of Costello food bank for a year and currently volunteers at Saint Dominic Church, seeing over 100 to 150 immigrant families per week to distribute mutual aid.

Sandra is driven by her faith and holds extensive experience in organizing religious events and expanding her knowledge by being an active member of Centro de los Trabajadores. In 2023, Sandra became a Mentor for the Bienvenido's a Denver Program and then hired as a Case Manager for the WorkReady Program in July 2024. Sandra is passionate about continuing to work and achieving positive changes for the Hispanic community in Colorado.

Contact:

scardoza@centrodelostrabajadores.org

Case Manager

Jorge Flores, born and raised in Denver, Co is a Mexican-American, accomplished professional in business management with over eight years of expertise in administrative leadership, sales improvement, and safety management. Throughout his career, Jorge has consistently boosted company performance, achieving a 20% increase in sales and a 25% reduction in administrative errors. He has leveraged his bilingual proficiency in Spanish and English and his mastery of Microsoft Office Suite to deliver these impressive results.

Jorge excels in dispatch management and converting customer inquiries into sales, significantly driving company growth. His strategic and results-oriented approach has been fundamental to the success of the organizations he has worked with.

In addition to his business acumen, Jorge has made substantial contributions to workplace safety. He has developed over 400 toolbox topics to enhance workplace safety and has led weekly safety meetings. His certifications in first aid, CPR, and OSHA 30, combined with his role as a competent person, underscore his dedication to the safety and well-being of his colleagues.

Jorge holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from Metropolitan State University of Denver. His solid academic background, coupled with rich practical experience, has been a cornerstone of his professional journey. He has also been nominated three times for membership in The National Society of Leadership and Success, a testament to his leadership and dedication. Jorge is a detail-oriented and dedicated professional with exceptional skills in sales, customer service, leadership, and team training.

Contact:

jflores@centrodelostrabajadores.org

Case Manager

Stephanie was born in Northglenn, Colorado. and grew up in downtown Denver. Her parents are both immigrants coming from Mexico immigrating for a better future in the United States. As a migrant, her background enables her to relate with immigrants cultural differences while establishing in a new country. She is able to relate to different situations regarding the life changes adapting to a new lifestyle.

She continued her studies abroad when she migrated to Mexico at UACH FCPYS Bachelors in Science of Communication specializing in Mass Media.

Stephanie is dedicated to creating sustainable solutions that foster economic vitality and enhance quality of life. She enjoys creating relationships, listening to music and trying new things.

Contact:

scorrales@centrodelostrabajadores.org

Case Manager

Esau is a native of Mcallen, Texas and was raised in Reynosa, Mexico. He was able to obtain values and ideals from both cultures, being raised in Mexico while attending school in the U.S. This enabled him to grow up with a strong sense of what each culture represents and their differences. Esau is a first-generation college student born from Mexican parents who understood the needs of immigrants because his parents experienced first hand struggles of living in a third world country. This has only served as inspiration for him to understand, assess immigrants and provide the necessary guidance.

Esau graduated from the University of the Texas Rio Grande Valley with a Bachelor’s degree in Science of Psychology. His education has helped him understand the importance of destigmatizing mental health while transitioning into a new country. Most Latino immigrants that transition into the U.S. due it out of necessity either economically or fearing their safety. He also has background experience as a case manager with a large immigrant population. Esau has found inspiration through the struggles of immigrants because he experienced the same when migrating, providing the guidance he would have wanted to receive.

Contact:

esalinas@centrodelostrabajadoreso.org

Strategic Partnerships Liaison

Alexandra was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, but spent much of her childhood traveling to Serbia, where her father is from. She later moved to Serbia and worked in the E&S insurance sector for several years, honing her skills in building strong client relationships. Growing up with an immigrant parent and grandparents sparked her interest in immigration rights, and living and exploring different cultures and countries in Europe only deepened that interest. Her commitment grew stronger when she began studying social work and learning about transnational families in Belgium.

Recently, she finished her bachelor’s degree in social work at MSU Denver, where she put her energy into creating a community-organizing curriculum aimed at identifying local leaders and building collective power—something she's truly passionate about for making lasting change.

Her journey also includes valuable experiences with startups and small teams, where she picked up a diverse skill set in operations management, team training, marketing strategy, and sales tactics. She thrives on teamwork, using a strengths-based approach to tackle problems creatively. For Alexandra, challenges are opportunities to grow, and she believes that real success comes from building deep, meaningful relationships along the way. These connections are key to her personal and professional fulfillment, and she’s dedicated to making a positive impact on the communities and people she cares about.

Daniel’s journey to El Centro began as a Spanish teacher, working directly with first- and second-generation immigrant families in Denver Public schools since 2016. He left the classroom in 2024 to dedicate his energies to aiding and empowering Colorado's workers because he believes deeply in El Centro's mantra: "A prosperous working class."  Previously, Daniel taught languages at the college level in California, in Monterrey (México) and in Buenos Aires (Argentina), and will be working to refine El Centro's curriculum in some of the core classes and workshops.  He also tries to bring attention to the environmental crisis, and enjoys helping out at his in-laws' family farm in Galicia (Spain) when he has vacation time.

Contact:

dgilden@centrodelostrabajadores.org

Board President
Philanthropist, Colorado Community Leader, Consultant at Colorado Latino Age Wave

Board Vice President
Denver Parks and Recreation, City of Denver

Associate Professor
Josef Korbel School of International Studies, University of Denver

Rev. Paul Nguyen, OMV, a Catholic Priest since 2018, is originally from Long Beach, CA and currently serves as pastor of the Church of the Holy Ghost downtown since his appointment in 2022. He is the son of a Vietnamese immigrant father from Laos, and has always loved encountering other cultures and promoting the good of every person, beginning with the necessities of life. Father Paul also has a strong track record of volunteering and networking, and is poised to assist newcomers to Denver with productive connections to gain stability.

Lindsay Fred serves as Sales Director and Assistant Vice President at Cargill, bringing 20 years of experience in Sales, Commercial, and Finance leadership to our Board. Her background in strategic planning and financial strategy supports our organization's mission while promoting financial health and operational efficiency. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and a Master’s degree in Business Administration. Born and raised in Venezuela, Lindsay has a deep understanding of the immigrant journey and the opportunities for growth and success in this country. She is a passionate advocate for empowering and advancing the Hispanic and Latino community.