2024-2025 HPWA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
MARIA JOSE FASHORO, PRESIDENT
Maria Jose Fashoro, Born in Caracas, Venezuela, Maria Jose migrated to the United States 27 years ago, initially to the Washington, DC area where she started her career in banking at Chevy Chase Bank. Now after 25 years in the financial services industry, she has worked at various financial institutions and is currently a Vice President at Regions Bank working as a Branch Manager at their Brandon Town Center branch. Maria Jose has been a member of HPWA for the last 8 years and has been a mentor and a board member holding different positions on the board. Maria Jose has lived in the Tampa Bay area since 2002 and is passionate about giving back to the community and supporting women to pursue higher education.
MELISSA RAMOS, PRESIDENT-ELECT
Melissa Ramos, is a “veteran” member of Northwestern Mutual (NM) and began her financial services journey back in 2001. Her humble beginnings as a graduate student from the University of Hawaii, she obtained her Master’s Degree in Organizational Management with a minor in Business Administration. Melissa opted to remain within NM and has worked at many capacities successfully within the organization leveraging her expertise in business operations, product knowledge, and professional experience. She has built a remarkable reputation of “putting the client first”. In the last couple of years, Melissa has focused on what she does best, her efforts and concentration on Financial Planning by ensuring that her clients have a comprehensive plan tailored to their goals and needs. As a Financial Advisor with NM, she is able to fulfill one of her purposes by serving her diverse community ranging from business owners to young professionals.
Her Puerto Rican “raices”, “Army brat” upbringing, familia dynamics, and former military spouse experiences taught Melissa to attach herself to a mission, a calling, and ultimately, a purpose. In her spare time, Melissa is heavily involved within her community and serves on the board for local Hispanic organizations. You may see her volunteering for Alex’s Lemonade Stand, Miles for Moffit, walking for Awareness on Military Suicide, Ronald McDonald House, etc. For fun, she enjoys her travel adventures by exploring new food spots and discovering domestically or international destinations.
BRENDA BAEZ COSTA, TREASURER
Brenda Baez Costa, is a management executive with twenty-five plus years of working experience. She is passionate about creating value with her knowledge and experience, while attached to organizational core values and results-driven to efficiency and profitability. She is devoted to conquering success and enriching her learning. Currently, Brenda is an active board director in the Hispanic Professional Women Association. She’s also an active member of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Tampa Bay. Brenda is a Florida licensed insurance agent and the founder and director of her agency where she offers trustworthy, local, and customized insurance service solutions and financial guidance to her community. Also assists her husband in their family business, founded and managed by them since 2013 in the Clearwater area. Brenda was raised in the Dominican Republic. With her passion for learning, she achieved her undergraduate degree in Business Administration and a Master’s in Strategic Business both from Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra, Dominican Republic. In 2021, she achieved a certificate in Women’s Entrepreneurship at Cornell from Cornell University and also became a licensed Insurance Agent involving an accident, health, life, annuities, and variable contracts in the state of Florida.
KATHARINE PENA-PERILLA, SECRETARY
Katherine Pena-Perilla, is a seasoned healthcare operations and marketing expert with over 25 years in the industry, holds a bachelor’s in psychology from Boston University and an MBA in Marketing from the University of Phoenix. As a second-generation HPWA member, she is committed to community service, leading her daughter's Girl Scout troop for a decade and volunteering with ASOCOL, Colombian Volunteer Ladies, and Metropolitan Ministries. Proud of her Colombian heritage, Katherine brings a vibrant spirit to all she does, especially dancing. Residing in Tampa for 35 years, she enjoys family time, cooking, and Disney visits.
MARYNES MATEOS, INMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT
Marynes Mateos, is Matcon Construction Services, Inc., Managing Director. With a Bachelor of Science in Finance from the esteemed University of South Florida and a Real Estate License from the State of Florida, Marynes has positioned herself as a well-rounded professional. Before joining Matcon Construction, Marynes exhibited her exceptional leadership skills during a successful 15-year tenure in the banking industry, overseeing intricate treasury services for corporate clients.
As an active member of the Hispanic Professional Women's Association (HPWA) since 2018, Marynes has consistently demonstrated her commitment to empowering and supporting fellow professionals. She served as an HPWA 2021-2022 Program Mentor, then took on the role of HPWA 2022-2023 Mentorship Chair, displaying her dedication to fostering growth within the organization. Recognizing her outstanding contributions, she has been appointed as the 2023-2024 HPWA President, spearheading initiatives to empower and uplift women in the professional sphere.
Beyond her commitment to HPWA, Marynes has also played pivotal roles in other esteemed organizations. She served as Co-Chair for Cohort '22 in the Tampa Bay Chamber - Minority Business Accelerator Program, facilitating the growth of minority-owned businesses in the region. Additionally, she was a member of the University of South Florida ISLAC Advisory Council, where her insights were instrumental in shaping the university's vision. With her exceptional track record and unwavering dedication to professional development, Marynes Mateos is deeply passionate about nurturing and inspiring future leaders, she is committed to helping them achieve their educational and professional aspirations.
CATALINA BOTERO, MEMBER AT LARGE
Catalina Botero, is a University of Florida Graduate, a dedicated mother, and a passionate leader in the Tampa Bay Area. She has been in the advertising and marketing industry for 16 years. Currently, she is a bilingual Account Executive for Spectrum Reach and advertising sales. Catalina served as President for HPWA in 2019-2020 and she is also part of the USF Latino Scholarship with the Latin Community Advisory Committee, as Vice President.
NATALIA MELO, MEMBER AT LARGE
Natalia Melo, dynamic force shaping Tampa Bay's community landscape. With over four years at Tampa Bay Federal Credit Union, Natalia's journey through various sectors showcases her versatility and dedication. Her academic journey is a testament to her unwavering pursuit of knowledge and excellence, boasting degrees in Criminal Justice and Business Administration with a Marketing focus, underscores her strategic acumen and commitment to excellence.
Beyond her professional achievements, Natalia's leadership as Communications Chair for HPWA's 2023-2024 Board of Directors reflects her passion for amplifying voices and fostering connections. A Tampa native with a global perspective, Natalia's return to her roots speaks volumes about her commitment to community and her unwavering support for Hispanic causes and higher education.
At the age of 23, she decided to return to her beloved hometown, Tampa after living in Toronto for over 12 years. This choice was not just about geography but about anchoring herself in the community she holds dear.
Outside of her impactful work, Natalia finds joy in family bonds and exploring the world through travel. In every endeavor, Natalia Melo embodies resilience, passion, and a steadfast commitment to building a brighter future.
DIANA PEREZ, MEMBER AT LARGE
Diana Perez, has over a decade of HR and Talent Acquisition experience in retail and pharmaceuticals. At Johnson & Johnson, she leads M&A, Transformations, and strategic hiring across the Americas. She previously worked at Bristol Myers Squibb. Diana holds a BA from USF and an MA from Penn State. Based in Tampa, she lives with her fiancé and their three dogs, and enjoys travel, marathon running, and mentoring. She is active in the Hispanic Professional Women’s Association and USF’s Latino Community Advisory Council.
LAYLA ALO CABALLERO, MEMBER AT LARGE
Layla Alo Caballero, Originally from Puerto Rico, Layla is an innovative and results driven sales and business development leader, with vast publishing, digital and broadcast experience. A Hispanic professional who has led the successful execution of key partnerships that leverage strategic local entities and complementary goals. She has held senior-level positions at various media companies including Clipper LLC, Americas Media Group, Yahoo!, The Miami Herald and the successful launch of a full power Spanish language TV network, Azteca America. Layla received the South Florida Hispanic Chamber Business Partner of the Year Award in 2017 and has also been recognized as a Knight Ridder Emerging Leader.
Layla enjoys all types of outdoor activities and traveling abroad, specially to Latin American. She is passionate about family life and making community connections. She serves as an ambassador for the Shallow Water Drowning Awareness Foundation and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business and Marketing from Florida Southern College. Layla joins the HPWA Board of Directors in charge of Membership.
OLGA GONZALEZ, MEMBER AT LARGE
Olga Gonzalez, is a Community Manager for Chase, focusing on Community & Business Development. She fosters relationships with community leaders, nonprofits, and small businesses, organizing financial health workshops and promoting racial equity. With a background in community development and affordable housing, she works to break down economic barriers. Olga has collaborated with government agencies, universities, and nonprofits, and previously ran a consulting firm. Passionate about helping others achieve financial stability, she has empowered many residents. Outside of work, Olga enjoys hiking with her husband.
SYLVIA PARKER, MEMBER AT LARGE
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Sylvia Parker, is originally from Chicago; she've lived in Tampa since 1994. A proud second-generation Puerto Rican. She is a Senior Vice President of Sales at Congruity HR. Her passion is community work; She served as President of Tampa Hispanic Heritage and now serves on the Tampa Mayor’s Hispanic Advisory Council. She volunteered with HPWA, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, and Eckerd’s Kids. In her spare time, she enjoys working out, dancing, paddling with a breast cancer survivor group, and spending time with her family and six grandchildren.
LILIBETH CAIN, MEMBER AT LARGE
Lilibeth Cain, is an immigration attorney born in Colombia and raised in New York, holds a BA from Binghamton University and a JD from Syracuse University College of Law. With extensive litigation experience as a former Assistant State Attorney in Florida, she now focuses on immigration law, passionately advocating for clients pursuing their American dreams. She is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association and Tampa Hispanic Bar Association, and mentors young women through the HPWA.
GLADYS YANIRA SANCHEZ SANTIAGO, MEMBER AT LARGE
Gladys Yanira Sanchez Santiago, born in Arecibo, Puerto Rico, holds a bachelor's degree in Physics Science and certifications as a Secondary Level Teacher and School Principal. With extensive teaching and leadership experience, she also earned a master's degree in Educational Administration and Supervision and a Doctorate in Education. Currently, she serves as Senior Manager of Economic Opportunity at Enterprising Latinas Inc, creates lessons for Learn Aid, and owns GS Educational Consultant LLC. Additionally, she is the author of "Traición Inconsciente." Passionate about education, Gladys believes it's crucial for shaping future professionals and fostering economic growth and citizenship.
MARGARITA GONZALEZ, HONORARY CHAIR
Margarita Gonzalez, has been an integral part of HPWA since 1990, as Honorary Chairperson and Co-founder, positions she also holds at HPWF since 2019. Currently retired from the City of Tampa after 30 years of service, she remains involved in fostering professional and educational opportunities. Margarita is well known as a community and public relations leader, radio and television producer and host, bilingual interpreter/translator, human rights investigator, and advisor to government agencies, and non-profit organizations.
A Hillsborough Community College and University of South Florida graduate, with a B.A. in Mass Communications, Margarita specializes in bilingual communication campaigns, cultural diversity, as well as civil rights. Her fundraising efforts with organizations like HPWA, MHAC, MHHC, SHAC, and others, resulted in the establishment of several scholarships and endowments at HCC and USF. In 2021, she was honored as a Tampa Bay Lightning “Community Hero,” and used her $50,000 gift to establish the Margarita Gonzalez-HPWF Latino Scholarship Endowment at USF.
In 1988, Margarita Gonzalez was the first Hispanic woman President of THHI, Inc. and President and founder of the Mayor’s Hispanic Heritage Celebration, and later of other organizations; the first to serve on the Superbowl Task Force (1991); and created, produced and hosted the first Spanish language television program on CTTV, “Nuestra Tampa,” which also aired on Univision and Telemundo. In March 2023, her trailblazing work was publicly acknowledged becoming the first Cuban-American inducted into the Hillsborough Co. Commission on the Status of Women Hall of Fame.
Her professional and volunteer work has also been recognized with several Golden Cassette Television Awards, City of Tampa and Hillsborough Co. Commendations, the NFL-Tampa Bay Bucs Hispanic Heritage Leadership Award, 1989 Hispanic Woman of the Year, Girl Scouts’ Woman of Distinction, and many others.
NELCY BALTZ, HONORARY CHAIR
Nelcy Baltz a graduate from Hillsborough Community College and the co-founder of SN Shots Photography. For over a decade, Nelcy has enhanced her clients' images through custom photo sessions with her photography business, using their essence and personality to bring their visions to life.
A member of HPWA since 2010, Nelcy has previously served in several Board positions, including Communications Chair, Membership Chair, Outreach Chair, Mentorship Chair, and Treasurer. She was the 2018-2019 HPWA President and currently holds an Honorary Chair position. Nelcy is the co-founder and President Emeritus of HPWF, established in 2019, and was appointed to represent HPWA at the Commission on the Status of Women (COSW) of Hillsborough County Florida (2021-2023). Additionally, she serves as a member of the Sheriff’s Hispanic Advisory Council and supports other non-profit organizations such of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Tampa Bay, Miss Latina Tampa, Tampa Hispanic Heritage, Inc., and the Mayor’s Hispanic Advisory Council.
Nelcy was born in Bogota, Colombia, and has called Tampa home for 20 years. Nelcy is excited to continue the legacy of the HPWA, helping Latin women further their education and significantly improve the potential for success.