Executive Leadership

Board Officers

  • Felipe Pinzon

    President/CEO

  • Leonor E. Romero

    Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

  • Elizabeth Dorante

    Sr. Vice President of Programs

  • Magaly Alvarado

    Civic Engagement, Director

  • Ingrid Ekblad

    Sr. Director of Operations

  • Juliana Esguerra

    Sr. Director of Innovation and Strategic Initiatives

  • Michele Fernandez

    Director of Development

  • Katherin Gallego

    Sr. Director of Marketing and Communications

  • Maydee Martinez

    Director of Miami Dade Initiatives

  • Eduardo Pineda

    Director of Center for Working Families Department

  • Sara Valentin

    Director of Workforce Education Initiatives

  • Otayme "Otto" Valenzuela

    Director of Government Affairs and Advocacy

All Leadership

Felipe Pinzon

President/CEO

Birthplace: Cali, Colombia

Empowering a New Generation of Americans Since 2002

Why I Choose to Be Part of the Mission

As President and CEO of HUF, I have the privilege of leading one of South Florida’s most impactful community-based organizations dedicated to empowering immigrants and others to become self-sufficient, productive, and civically engaged. My role is rooted in strategic leadership, guiding our vision, strengthening our programs, and ensuring we remain a trusted resource for the communities we serve.What drives my work is a deep, personal commitment to access and opportunity. I’m passionate about creating pathways for working families to thrive, and I believe in the transformative power of community support and civic engagement. Every initiative we undertake at HUF is a step toward a more prosperous future for all. Supporting HUF’s mission isn’t just my job, it’s my purpose. It’s about honoring the resilience of our clients, uplifting their stories, and building systems that work for everyone. That’s what keeps me inspired every day.

Beyond the Bio

I love staying active! In my free time, you’ll often find me spending time with my family, going for a run/walk and/or playing tennis. It’s my way of recharging and staying balanced.

Leonor E. Romero

Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Birthplace: Guayaquil, Ecuador

Empowering a New Generation of Americans Since 2022

Why I Choose to Be Part of the Mission

I’ve dedicated over 30 years to the social services sector, driven by a deep commitment to meaningful work and to bridging the gap between business and social impact, because I believe community responsibility is everyone’s business. I bring focused financial expertise to support the mission and long-term sustainability of nonprofit organizations.

Before joining HUF, I spent 25 years at YWCA South Florida, where I began as CFO and eventually served as Executive Vice President and COO. Originally from New York City, I also served as the Director of Finance & Operations for Pathways to Housing. I hold a B.S. in Accounting from Hunter College in New York, New York.

Beyond the Bio

I hum to ease the day during focused projects and believe a good laugh always makes tough conversations a little easier.

Elizabeth Dorante

Sr. Vice President of Programs

Birthplace: Caracas, Venezuela

Empowering a New Generation of Americans Since 2006

Why I Choose to Be Part of the Mission

As the Senior VP of Programs at HUF, I lead the strategic development and implementation of initiatives designed to empower a new generation of Americans. My work is driven by a profound passion for fostering opportunities and unlocking the full potential within every individual we serve. This purpose fuels my commitment to ensuring our programs are not only impactful but also sustainable, directly supporting HUF’s mission to empower our community and build a more prosperous future for all. It is incredibly rewarding to contribute to a cause that uplifts families, knowing that our efforts today are shaping a brighter tomorrow.

Beyond the Bio

My favorite hobby is travelling with my family; I love canvas painting, and I am very good at organizing and finding places for everything wherever there is chaos.

Magaly Alvarado

Civic Engagement, Director

Birthplace: Barranquilla, Colombia

Empowering a New Generation of Americans Since 2002

Why I Choose to Be Part of the Mission

Working for the community brings me immense satisfaction. I experience this satisfaction through the progress of their immigration processes and the impact on their generation and future generations. My mission at Hispanic Unity has changed the lives of many families in search of a life of freedom, prosperity, and happiness. As Director of the Civic Engagement Area, I have dedicated the last 20 years to American Citizenship; thanks to this, I have been able to connect with the heart of the community and make it possible to expand legal services on immigration issues through Hispanic Unity of Florida.

Beyond the Bio

Spending time on my motorcycle has become a form of therapy — a way to connect with nature, feel the power of the machine, and strengthen my own sense of confidence. Seeing myself on a motorcycle was, and continues to be, a great challenge and an incredible learning experience. Through it, I’ve discovered that nothing is impossible for me.

Ingrid Ekblad

Sr. Director of Operations

Birthplace: Bronx, New York

Empowering a New Generation of Americans Since 2005

Why I Choose to Be Part of the Mission

I have the privilege of overseeing and optimizing all of HUF’s daily operations to ensure efficiency, productivity and alignment with our mission and strategic goals. This includes human resources, IT, facilities and risk management. I think what drives my work is knowing that everything we do in operations is to provide a strong foundation to support the work so the agency can continue to grow and do more mission.

Beyond the Bio

I am Puerto Rican with a splash of Swedish (or as we like to say in my family a Swedarican) who is loves to visit museums and has a passion for interior design.

Juliana Esguerra

Sr. Director of Innovation and Strategic Initiatives

Birthplace: Bogotá, Colombia

Empowering a New Generation of Americans Since 2020

Why I Choose to Be Part of the Mission

I lead HUF’s strategic initiatives and guide the organization’s efforts in research, quality monitoring, and performance evaluation to ensure every program and service is grounded in data and driven by purpose. My work is centered on uncovering growth opportunities, so we can respond more effectively to the evolving needs of the families and communities we serve. I believe that when we combine knowledge with compassion and collaboration, we create a powerful force that generates opportunities for others.

Beyond the Bio

My background in anthropology and curiosity about human diversity have taken me from remote indigenous villages in the Amazon jungle to vibrant communities in the heart of Tanzania, experiences that inspire my growing collection of ethnic handicrafts, masks, and necklaces.

Michele Fernandez

Director of Development

Birthplace: Dominican Republic

Empowering a New Generation of Americans Since 2024

Why I Choose to Be Part of the Mission

I believe when we share information and resources – when we choose to collaborate for the greater good – communities thrive. As a Hispanic American, I relate to the experiences of many children of immigrants: helping our elders navigate translation and technology; decoding applications and financial aid as first-gen college students; selecting a major for a future career path that is yet another first in the family… and doing so while carefully maintaining our culture – in recipes and music and languages.

I lead fundraising strategies at HUF so our mission impact can grow – so our neighbors can experience a team guiding them each step of the way to success. Our supporters – every person, every company and foundation – helps our neighbors achieve their dreams.

Beyond the Bio

One of my favorite places in South Florida is the waterfront view in Cutler Park.

Katherin Gallego

Sr. Director of Marketing and Communications

Birthplace: Bogota, Colombia

Empowering a New Generation of Americans Since 2019

Why I Choose to Be Part of the Mission

You could say I’ve always been a communicator at heart. From my earliest memories performing on stage and bringing music to life, to now amplifying our mission live at HUF, storytelling has always been my rhythm. As the Senior Director of Marketing and Communications, I’m fortunate to do what I love every day, crafting messages that move people, building meaningful connections, and shining a spotlight on the incredible work happening across our agency.

Whether I’m designing a campaign, writing a press release, or capturing a powerful story from the community, my goal is simple: to ensure HUF’s voice is clear, compelling, and impossible to ignore. Because great communication isn’t just about what you say, it’s about how you make people feel, and how that feeling shapes their experience.

In many ways, I’m responsible for setting the tone for HUF. And at HUF, we have a lot of heart to share. I’m on a mission to make sure the world sees and feels the impact we’re making, one message, one moment, and one meaningful experience at a time.

Beyond the Bio

I find peace and calm during the golden hour and the beauty of sunsets. I recently found out this has a name “Heliophile”.

Maydee Martinez

Director of Miami Dade Initiatives

Birthplace: Miami, FL

Empowering a New Generation of Americans Since 2025

Why I Choose to Be Part of the Mission

As Director of Miami-Dade Initiatives at Hispanic Unity of Florida, I lead our expansion efforts to ensure immigrant communities across the county have access to critical wraparound services, including small business education, citizenship support, food distribution, and vocational training. I bring over a decade of experience in civic education, program development, and community engagement to deepen HUF’s impact in this region. My work is fueled by a passion for creating access and designing community-rooted systems that meet people where they are, especially those who are often left out of traditional pathways.

Beyond the Bio

Outside of work, I enjoy solving puzzles, discovering new restaurants, connecting with people, friends, and family.

Eduardo Pineda

Director of Center for Working Families Department

Birthplace: Bogotá, Colombia

Empowering a New Generation of Americans Since 2014

Why I Choose to Be Part of the Mission

As Director of Economic Development Programs at Hispanic Unity of Florida, I am dedicated to helping individuals and families build lasting financial stability and economic mobility. Since joining HUF in 2014, I’ve led a range of initiatives, from workforce development and financial education to housing and small business support, designed to empower our community to earn it, keep it, and grow it. My work is driven by a deep commitment to equity and opportunity, and to giving back to the community that shaped me. I hold both a Bachelor’s degree and an MBA from Florida International University—go Golden Panthers!

Beyond the Bio

I’m married and a proud father to a wonderful daughter. On weekends, you’ll often find me cycling, long road rides are my favorite way to unwind and recharge.

Sara Valentin

Director of Workforce Education Initiatives

Birthplace: Born in New York, raised in Puerto Rico

Empowering a New Generation of Americans Since 2023

Why I Choose to Be Part of the Mission

As the Director of Workforce Education Initiatives at HUF, I am driven by a deep passion to help families achieve financial stability through career and educational pathways. With a background in education, I’ve always been committed to supporting both students and parents by connecting them to valuable resources. In my current role, I research in-demand careers and build programs that align with the interests and needs of our community. Ultimately, my purpose is to create meaningful connections helping individuals grow financially, academically, and personally one person at a time.

Beyond the Bio

In my free time, I love to get creative whether it’s decorating for birthdays, parties, or making fun balloon art. It’s my way of relaxing and bringing joy to others. One of my favorite things to do is travel back to Puerto Rico to recharge, reconnect with my roots, and spend quality time with my family.

Otayme "Otto" Valenzuela

Director of Government Affairs and Advocacy

Birthplace: Hollywood, FL

Empowering a New Generation of Americans Since 2020

Why I Choose to Be Part of the Mission

As Director of Government Affairs & Advocacy at HUF, Otto leads efforts to drive systemic change that benefits our community for generations to come. While HUF’s Programs provide immediate support to those in need, our advocacy work focuses on long-term, multi-generational, solutions. We advance this mission through advocacy—informing, educating, and collaborating with elected officials, stakeholders, and community partners. Our goal is to amplify the voices of those often unheard and ensure that everyone has a seat at the table.

Beyond the Bio

Otto is a first-generation graduate of The George Washington University, a member of Leadership Broward Class XLII, and the Chair of United Way of Broward County’s Public Policy Advisory Committee. Born and raised down the street from HUF, he has witnessed the organization’s impact in the community for over 20 years. He is a proud son of Guatemalan immigrants.