Who We Are

Workforce Coordinator/AmeriCorps ACCESS Member

Erin Adamson

workforce@latinamericancoalition.org

704-941-6736

My Culture

I am from Charlotte, NC and I like to celebrate the beauty and diversity of the African Diaspora everyday.

My Impact

I assist with resume building and conduct mock interviews to help people find jobs.

Cultural Events Director

Tony Arreaza

aarreaza@latinamericancoalition.org

704-941-2557

MY CULTURE

I am from Venezuela. I have been living in Charlotte since 1993 and am married to a beautiful woman from Cuba.

MY IMPACT

I organize five annual cultural events that raise community awareness of Latino culture and I strive to make Charlotte a cooler, more diverse city.

Community Organizer

Elver Barrios

ebarrios@LatinAmericanCoaliton.org

704-584-9582

MY CULTURE

I'm a DACAmented immigrant from Guatemala. I have been living here since 2005 and I'm a first generation college student.

MY IMPACT

I engage my community to fight for their rights, and to take a stand against oppression.

Volunteer & HR Manager

Bonnie Carter

bcarter@latinamericancoalition.org

704-531-3849

MY CULTURE

I am an American with Irish roots.

MY IMPACT

I help people get involved in their community through meaningful volunteer work and internships.

Immigrant Welcome Center Coordinator

Luisa Dexheimer

ldexheimer@LatinAmericanCoalition.org

704-941-2559

MY CULTURE

I’m from the land of lakes and volcanoes, a simple town where the country is small, but it dreams big. Proud Nicaraguan of Indigenous Miskito mothers, mestizo father, and social upbringings.

MY IMPACT

Lead our community to a better cultural, economic, and social integration in Charlotte with the help from our friend agencies and through our programs and services.

Integration Coordinator

Silvia Falconi

sfalconi@latinamericancoalition.org

704-941-2547

Bookkeeper

Adriana Farfan

accountant@latinamericancoalition.org

704-941-2558

Volunteer Coordinator/AmeriCorps ACCESS Member

Alexandra Garcia

volunteers@latinamericancoalition.org

704-941-6733

My culture

I am a first-generation Mexican-American woman who loves and appreciates her roots!

My impact

I help recruit volunteers who are enthusiastic about serving their community through social action. Volunteers serve in diverse areas within the coalition including cultural events, workshops, and internships.

Executive Director

Jess George

jgeorge@latinamericancoalition.org

704-531-3845

MY CULTURE

I am the American great-granddaughter of Irish and Norwegian immigrants.

MY IMPACT

I am a passionate ally of the immigrant rights movement.

Assistant, Immigrant Rights Program

Estefani Merchan

emerchan@latinamericancoalition.org

704-941-2552

MY CULTURE

I am a PROUD immigrant and Citizen of the World.

MY IMPACT

Support the on-going mission of the Immigrant Rights Program which is not only to assist but empower clients with the necessary information to safely navigate the complex world of immigration law.

ESL Coordinator/AmeriCorps ACCESS Member

Samantha Poler

esl@latinamericancoalition.org

704-941-6732

My Culture

I am United Statesian with family roots all over Europe.

My impact

Through instruction, I provide students with resources to improve upon their English language skills.

Immigrant Welcome Center Manager

Joanna Rivera

jrivera@latinamericancoalition.org

704-941-6731

MY CULTURE

I am a proud Colombiana. I came to Charlotte in 2000 seeking better opportunities and a more peaceful place to start my family.

MY IMPACT

I make sure people are informed about all the resources, opportunities, support and services available in the Charlotte community.

Development Coordinator

Whitney Smith

wsmith@latinamericancoalition.org

704-941-2544

MY CULTURE

I am a native North Carolinian. I am a mix of small town roots and a global perspective.

MY IMPACT

I tell compelling stories about the needs in our community and the critical work that we do to address those needs.

Immigration Paralegal

Maritza Solano-Rodriguez

msolano@latinamericancoalition.org

704-941-2553

MY CULTURE

I am from Colombia and was born in a city that is 2,600 meters closer to the stars.

MY IMPACT

With my family, I came to the United States 7 years ago. Working for two years with Americorps awoke in me the passion to serve and help my community. I know that together, we can go far. My community needs people who want to help them and that's where I want to focus my work.

Immigrant Rights Program Director

Adriana Galvez Taylor

ataylor@latinamericancoalition.org

704-941-6734

MY CULTURE

I was born and essentially formed in Argentina, am a U.S. citizen, and am married to a Mexican national.

MY IMPACT

I lend my technical knowledge in the field of immigration law to the immigrant rights program specifically, and more widely to the entire organization, trying my best to incorporate education, advocacy, compassion, and a whole systems perspective to the way I do the work.

Advocacy Director

Lacey Williams

lwilliams@latinamericancoalition.org

704-941-2542

MY CULTURE

My great grandparents were Bulgarian immigrants.

MY IMPACT

I facilitate youth leadership and activism. I also have the most decorated office. Come see me!

Youth Development Coordinator

Megan Walsh

mwalsh@LatinAmericanCoalition.org

704-531-3848

MY CULTURE

I'm a self-identified Chicana, born and raised in the south.

MY IMPACT

I help break down barriers that inhibit undocumented an immigrant students from accessing higher education. I also run the advocacy based OBRA Art Collective.