CREALatinX

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Genoveva Díaz

Genoveva Díaz

President
Genoveva Díaz holds a degree in Communication with a specialization in Public Relations. She promotes the preservation of Mexican dance traditions in Arizona, working with new generations to create a cultural legacy that enriches the community. As President of CREA LatinX, she provides educational, employment, and legal support to migrants. In 2024, she received an Honorary Doctorate from the Instituto Socrático Americano of Veracruz. In 2025, she was recognized as “Mother of the Year” in Arizona by American Mothers, Inc., highlighting her leadership and commitment to the Hispanic community in the United States.
Claudia Jones

Claudia Jones

CEO
Claudia Jones is a renowned educator, activist, and leader with more than 26 years of experience in higher education, specializing in business, marketing, and cultural equity. She is an Adjunct Professor at Mat-Su College and has received multiple awards, including Educator of the Year and an Honorary Doctorate. Her career includes developing initiatives for inclusion and global leadership. As CEO of CREA LatinX, she drives programs that empower the Latino community in the United States. Her FOCUS approach helps women connect with their life purpose through personal development.
Angie López

Angie López

Vice President
Angie López is a visionary in the world of business and finance, with a strong mission to empower the Hispanic community in the United States. As Vice President of CREA LatinX, she works tirelessly to support and guide Latinos in building economic stability and strengthening their businesses. Currently based in Tucson, Arizona, Angie is a high-impact entrepreneur in the business and tax sector, committed to providing tools that help Latinos achieve financial success. Her leadership has led her to expand her work beyond numbers by opening a beauty salon focused on enhancing self-esteem and well-being within her community.Actualmente radicada en Tucson, Arizona, Angie es una empresaria de gran impacto en el sector de negocios e impuestos, comprometida con brindar herramientas a los latinos para alcanzar el éxito financiero. Su liderazgo la ha llevado a expandir su labor más allá de los números, abriendo un salón de belleza con el propósito de realzar la autoestima y el bienestar de su comunidad.
Verónica Kurka

Verónica Kurka

STEM Area Director
Verónica Kurka is a microbiologist working in the environmental sector for the State of Alaska. She studied Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Biology in Mexico and emigrated after graduating, facing the challenge of entering a market where her degree does not have a direct equivalent. With experience in microbiology and certification in data analysis, she has built her professional path in applied environmental science. As a Latina woman in STEM, she promotes representation in a field historically dominated by men and believes in the importance of creating spaces where the migrant and Latina community can grow and contribute their talent.
Claudia Cárdenas

Claudia Cárdenas

Board Member
Claudia Cárdenas is an influential business leader in economics, productivity, and human resources. Founder of Talant4Process, she drives people-centered transformation across Latin America and the United States. An international speaker and LinkedIn Top Voice, she holds a master’s degree in Organizational Behavior and certifications from UC Berkeley and the Happiness Studies Academy (2025). Recognized with an Honorary Doctorate in 2024, Claudia inspires leaders and organizations to thrive through innovation, empathy, and human-centered leadership in the digital age.
Angelina Barrera

Angelina Barrera

Director of Binational Educational Outreach and Migrant Support
Angelina Barrera is a specialist and advisor for students in the area of English as a Second Language, with more than 15 years of experience in higher education at Southwestern College. Her passion for binational educational outreach stems from her academic background and personal experience on both sides of the Mexico–United States border. She is an expert in student advocacy and in protecting vulnerable communities within the educational system, as well as in serving migrant communities through nonprofit organizations. She is a graduate of Point Loma Nazarene University in California, holding a master’s degree in Counseling and Educational Guidance at the higher education level. In 2024, she received an Honorary Doctorate from the Instituto Socrático Americano of Veracruz.
Monserrat Aparicio

Monserrat Aparicio

Treasurer
Monserrat Aparicio is a student at the University of Arizona, where she is pursuing a double bachelor’s degree in Spanish with an emphasis on Translation and Interpreting, and in Arts and Design Practices with a focus on Spatial Design. She is expected to graduate in the summer of 2026. She has experience in translation, interpreting, and photography—skills she balances alongside her part-time work. Recently, she completed a legislative internship that strengthened her understanding of civic processes and institutional communication. Beyond her academic and professional activities, she enjoys hiking, traveling, attending concerts, and experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen. Her goal is to use her knowledge in communication and design to generate positive and meaningful impact in the communities she serves.
Claudia María Melgar de Trani

Claudia María Melgar de Trani

Director of Strategic Communications and International Relations
Claudia María Melgar de Trani is a bilingual communications strategist, journalist, and public health advocate of Bolivian-American background. With more than two decades of experience in journalism, government, and nonprofit organizations, she has driven visibility and impact for diverse institutions through inclusive and accessible messaging for multicultural audiences. As a spokesperson for the New Jersey Department of Health, she leads campaigns that translate complex information into clear and trustworthy messages. Her journalistic career in Bolivia strengthened her commitment to amplifying Latino voices and promoting information equity. She has experience in translation, interpreting, and photography, skills she balances alongside her professional work. Recently, she completed a legislative internship that strengthened her understanding of civic processes and institutional communication. Beyond her academic and professional activities, she enjoys hiking, traveling, attending concerts, and experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen. Her goal is to use her expertise in communication and design to create positive and meaningful impact in the communities she collaborates with.