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.

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.

Operations Manager & Accountant

Jose Chavez

accountant@latinamericancoalition.org

704-941-2558

MY CULTURE

I am from El Salvador and grew up in Raleigh, North Carolina. After attending Wingate University, I fell in love with Charlotte and decided to move to the Queen City.   

MY IMPACT

I assist in interpreting and analyzing the financial information of the Latin American Coalition.

Administrative and Membership Support Coordinator

Ashlee Brooks

abrooks@latinamericancoalition.org

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 ears 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.

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.

Immigrant Welcome Center Director

Faith Josephs

fjosephs@latinamericancoalition.org

704-941-2559

MY CULTURE

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

MY IMPACT

I help families overcome crisis, connect to community resource and access education opportunities. 

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.

Director of Immigrant Integration Center

Atenas Burrola

aburrola@latinamericancoalition.org

MY CULTURE

I'm from New Mexico and a daughter of Mexican immigrants, which shows in my love for El Tri, banda, and mariachi. I've lived in ten different places around the US and the world and have taken a little bit of each's culture for my own. 

MY IMPACT

I am passionate about helping my community, and the way I do that is by helping people who qualify for some sort of immigration relief apply for and obtain it, allowing them to remain in this country, which many of them already call home, and which the rest soon will. 

Immigration Paralegal, Immigrant Integration Center

Laura Oreamuno

loreamuno@latinamericancoalition.org

(704) 941-2544

Naturalization Coordinator

M. Stefania Arteaga

marteaga@latinamericancoalition.org

704-941-2542

MY CULTURE

I was born in San Salvador, El Salvador and was brought to the states at age 6. I have been living in Charlotte for the past 9 years. 

MY IMPACT

I help Legal Permanent Residents take the important step to become naturalize. 

Naturalization Outreach Coordinator

German Barriga

gbarriga@latinamericancoalition.org

(704) 941 2542

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.