Who We Are

Executive Director

José Hernández-Paris

Jhparis@latinamericancoalition.org

704-531-3845

MY CULTURE

I was born in Colombia and raised in Charlotte; therefore, I self-identify as a Charlottean of Hispanic descent.

MY IMPACT

I interpret the Board's vision and provide guidance and support to staff and volunteers to fulfill the organizational mission.

Operations and Project Support Coordinator

Ashlee Brooks

abrooks@latinamericancoalition.org

704-941-2557

MY CULTURE I was born and raised in Clover SC. I graduated from UNCC and will continue my education with Gardner Webb University. i have lived in Charlotte for almost three years now, and I have come to love it here.

MY IMPACT I am excited to begin Membership Id classes to help the community move forward as one. I am also excited to practice speaking Spanish and further my knowledge in the language and different cultures associated with it.

Development and Strategic Initiatives Director

Faith Josephs

fjosephs@latinamericancoalition.org

704-941-2559

MY CULTURE

I am originally from Philadelphia, PA, where my family has lived for generations yet I have chosen North Carolina as my home.

MY IMPACT

I ensure continued support for our critical programs and services. 

Immigrant Welcome Center Manager

Alba Sanchez

asanchez@MyLac.org

704-941-2558

MY CULTURE

I was born and raised in Costa Rica, living in the states since Dec. 2001 and in Charlotte Since Nov. 2002. My career focus for the past 10 years has been Substance use and prevention in NC. Also, I served as a Latino Facilitator with the Union Co. Health Department for the last 7 Years "Parenting with Purpose" program. 

MY IMPACT

I am glad to be able to help my community and being part of the Latin American Coalition is a great pride, since this organization has impacted my life in so many ways. Looking forward to being the support my Latinos in Charlotte need.

Immigrant Welcome Center Coordinator

German Barriga

gbarriga@latinamericancoalition.org

(704) 941 6731

Economic Mobility Center Manager

Isael Mejia

imejia@latinamericancoalition.org

704-941-2550

MY CULTURE

I was born in Mexico in a very small town and moved to North Carolina at 6 years old. I came here with my family in 1992 and have lived in the Charlotte area where I attended UNCC. 

MY IMPACT

I help to inform and connect Latinos with the resources available to them in the community and to organize el pueblo with long-term stability, civic, and economic participation in Charlotte.

Workforce Development Coordinator

Kendal Thomas

KThomas@MyLac.org

704-941-6737

MY CULTURE
I was born and raised here in Charlotte, NC and am a Carolina girl at heart. During college, I had the opportunity to study in Costa Rica where I discovered a love for Latino culture and community. After returning home I began to become more acquainted with the rich Latino community here in North Carolina, and it is so cool to now be able to connect with Latinos in the city I've always called home.

MY IMPACT
I serve as an AmeriCorps Member in the Job Bank, providing information and support for community members who hope to find employment and develop professionally. 

Workforce Development Coordinator

Ulises Martinez

workforce@latinamericancoalition.org

I was born in La Unión, El Salvador; and settled in Charlotte when I was 8 years old. I have been living in Charlotte since.

My IMPACT

There is a Nigerian Proverb that says: "It is the heart that does the giving; the fingers only let go" I firmly believe helping others heal is how we make a difference. My duties are to connect people with resources available, build resumes and cover letters for people, and with any workforce development.

Immigrant Integration Center Manager -DOJ Accredited Representative

Ivone Bass

ibass@latinamericancoaltion.org

(704)941-2553

MY CULTURE 
I was born and raised in Bogota, Colombia. Went to College and graduated from La Salle University with a 5 years professional degree in Business Administration. Came to the United States 14 years ago and lived in Colorado Springs, Colorado until we decided to relocate to Lake Wylie, South Carolina on July of 2017. I love the diversity that the States of North and South Carolina offer in culture, food and environment.

MY IMPACT
I love helping the immigrant community to achieve their goals and continue working for a better future by providing the most professional and accurate legal help they can find. Not only I enjoy counseling them in their immigration processes but also sharing time and experiences with them.

Immigration Paralegal

Laura Oreamuno

loreamuno@latinamericancoalition.org

(704) 941-2544

Lessly Lilley

LLilley@MyLac.org

MY CULTURE
Raised in Charlotte NC. Graduated from Wingate University with a Bachelor's Degree in History, with an emphasis in pre-law and Latin American studies. Currently pursuing a Master's in Business Administration Degree, with a concentration in Marketing, from Wingate University. Lessly has experience coordinating local events to benefit the Latin American community. 

MY IMPACT
Lessly currently has two years of experience in the non-profit industry. She is an advocate for diversity in Higher Education, and she possesses a genuine commitment to aid the local Latino community with her skill set. Her involvement in the community is based on her aspirations of cultivating a new generation of Latino(a) leaders and activists for North Carolina

Community Education Assistant

Angela Acosta

aacosta@latinamericancoalition.org

7049412542

MY CULTURE

Iam originally from Veracruz, Mexico and came to North Carolina at the age of 4. An an immigrant my parents always instilled in me the importance of knowing and understanding my culture and roots and the intersection with American identiry. Currently I am pursuing my bachelors in International Business with the goal of one day owning and managing my own business. On my free time I enjoy working with teens and adults constructing meaningful events for our church youth group.

MY IMPACT

To bring meaningful information to immigrants in our community and beyond.

Advocacy and Community Engagement Coordinator

Yisel Pomier Maren

ymaren@latinamericancoalition.org

704-531-3849

MY CULTURE

My name is Yisel Pomier. I was born in Santiago de Cuba, Cuba. I am the youngest of 3 sisters. My family is still in Cuba, and I visit them whenever I have the opportunity. I have been in this country for only two years and I have lived in the Queen City, which I already consider as my home.

MY IMPACT

Since I left Cuba, I have become a new group, a new minority, and a new hope for my family. I am a fighter of everything in what I believe, but most of all I plead for each person to raise their voice for themselves. With the Coalition, I have the opportunity support, mobilize, and defend the rights of people and their families. Having your own voice, never give up and staying true to your beliefs.

IT / Office Management

Luis José Rodriguez

lrodriguez@latinamericancoalition.org

704-941-2552

Cultural Events Director

Tony Arreaza

aarreaza@latinamericancoalition.org

(704) 458 8072

MY CULTURE

I am from Venezuela. I have been living in Charlotte since 1993 and I have been introducing Latino culture through music, art and food since then. 

MY IMPACT

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

Communications and Graphic Design coordinator

Carolina Diaz

cdiaz@latinamericancoalition.org

704-449-1679

MY CULTURE

Native from Colombia, but a Charlottean at heart; since I've lived here for the past 16 years. I am a dreamer, chocolate fanatic passionate about art, music and most of all passionate about design.

MY IMPACT

My aim is to create great experiences, real connections through the filter of design and to be able to share with my community the voice of La Coalición.