Nominee Name: Kenia Ashby
What position are you running for? Public Relations
Where are you from? I was born in RIo de Janeiro, Brazil. Moved to the US in 1980 to pursue my singing carrer.
What is your current occupation? I am an enterpreneur. I have been actively singing ever since I arrived in the US and have recorded 7 solo albums, three of which are on my own record label.
I have worked in development for many years and fundraised for organizations such as United Way, LACU, Pittsburgh AIDS Task Force and several other non-profits as Special Events coordinator, including for LACU where I coordinated 2 annual galas.
I currently released a new CD and administer my singing career as well as do volunteer work for different non-profits.
Why do you want to serve on the LACU Board? I believe in the mission of the organization and feel that after many years of hard work by your founding members LACU built a reputaion in the region which I find have lost some ground in the past couple of years. I think that with some effort and a few dedicated individuals the organization can reinstate itself asa the sole catalyst for the Latino community in the Western Pennsylvania region.
Nominee Name: Monica Aveni-Ranii
What position are you running for? Membership Coordinator
Where are you from? Native from Argentina, born, grew up in Mendoza, Wine country, working with my parents, grandparents & uncles in the food industry. I am a third generation Sicilian on my father side and Spanish on my mother side. I did my High School in Buenos Aires. I have a certification in Preschool Teacher's Aid 1980. I am also an English Teacher from the Institute Anglo-Argentino 1982. I am certified in Food Service & Preparation from Connelley Trade School 1991 here in Pittsburgh.
What is your current occupation? I took over my parents business in 2004 and continue with a small Catering Service specializing in Argentine Cuisine. Since my parents were Dance instructors I developed a passion for music and dance. I worked for many years in my parents Restaurant and grew up in my Grandma's Pizza shop where I was exposed to cooking since an early age. I love to entertain family & friends, love to go dancing and work very hard in my micro-virtual Catering Service. I also love animals and spend time taking my dog for long walks at the park.
Why do you want to serve on the LACU Board? Because I like to be involved in helping my Latin community. I believe anyone can make a difference just dedicating few hours a month, bringing new ideas to the board, sharing traditions from Latin America and preserving our rich culture. We must continue to teach and keep alive our culture and pass it to the next generations. Since I moved from my country to this city; LACU has been my most precious connection with my Latin heritage, giving me the opportunity to help in what I do best, showcase my talents, make new friends and have a sense of identity just being myself!
Nominee Name: Jorge Enrique Delgado
What position are you running for? Chief Editor of Noticiero
Where are you from? I am originally from Bogota Colombia where I spent all my life before coming to live to the United States in 2005.
What is your current occupation? I am a doctoral student of comparative education and policy at the University of Pittsburgh. I am also enrolled in a certificate program in Latin American social and public policy.
I am the chief editor of a scientific journal in dentistry in Colombia, work that I do online.
In addition, I start soon teaching online courses on higher education at Drexel Universty.
Why do you want to serve on the LACU Board? I have served on the LACU Board of Directors for around five years as the chief editor of the newsletter NOTICIERO.
Nominee Name: Maria Antonieta Farnen
What position are you running for? Treasurer and Children and Youth Development
Where are you from? Lima, Peru
What is your current occupation? Translator
Why do you want to serve on the LACU Board?
Nominee Name: Barbara Johnson
What position are you running for? Co-Editor
Where are you from? I grew up in Holyoke, Mass and was surrounded by a Spanish community mostly from Puerto Rico. I studied Spanish in school and want to refresh my ability to speak Spanish. My family is from Jamaica, and I consider myself African American. I have enjoyed so many of the events that LACU sponsors here in Pittsburgh, and I really want to be involved more. I love Latin music and salsa dancing.
What is your current occupation? I work at Carlow University as the Director of Diversity Initiatives to support the African American students as well as other underrepresented student populations though programs, events, mentors and campus resources.
Why do you want to serve on the LACU Board? I feel connected to the Latin culture through my love for the Spanish language, Latin dance and music. I want to serve on the board because I have been very impressed with the events, activities and programs sponsored by LACU and I would like to share my talents and make new friends.
Nominee Name: Carla Leininger
What position are you running for? Board Advisor
Where are you from? I am a native of Brasília, Brazil. I am fluent in Portuguese and Spanish and have lived in Pittsburgh, PA, since 1987. I have a Master’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication with emphasis in Public Relations.
What is your current occupation? Founder, Producer, Promoter and DJ of Global Beats www.globalbeatspitt.com)
Global Beats is an initiative to build bridges across different cultures through world music events by working with local organizations such as Colombia en Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh Urban Management Project (PUMP), Turkish Professional Association, Guitar Society of Fine Arts (GSFA), Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, CMU Graduate Student Organization, Latin American Cultural Union and others.
Brazilian Radio Hour Producer on WRCT 88.3 FM
1999 show is founded as a monthly hourly program, part of the Latin American Radio Magazine.
2004 program becomes independent and weekly broadcasting in Portuguese/ English at 6 pm on Fridays.
Names that have appeared on the show include former Brazilian President Jose Sarney and artists such as Jorge Ben Jor, Daniela Mercury, Daniel Jobim, Beth Carvalho, Araketu, Terra Samba, the Mosquitos, Angelique Kidjo, Plena Libre and many more. The program collaborates with organizations such as the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, Pittsburgh City Theater, Guitar Society of Fine Arts and the Latin American Cultural Union (LACU) in promoting events.
2008 CAS (Caipirinha Appreciation Society), one of the most popular podcast shows of Brazilian music, mentions the WRCT Brazilian Radio show and we establish a mutual connection.
Why do you want to serve on the LACU Board? To strengthen the mission of the organization and to ensure the continuation of its programs.
To research and write grants.
To mentor young Latino leaders.
Nominee Name: Migdalia (Dally) Lowry
What position are you running for? Secretary
Where are you from? I was born in Caguas, Puerto Rico, and raised in the US while my father served in the US Army. I grew up in different places like Texas, Panama, and Puerto Rico. I have traveled extensively through Central and South America, Spain,Paris and Souh Africa. I have been living in Pittsburgh since 2007 and excited to be part of the LACU communnity.
What is your current occupation? I currently work as a Human Resoures Generalist for Paychex. Previouly, I worked for General Mills as the Human Resources Manager for the Latin America & South Africa Region I enjoy very much my job and the field in which I work in. I possess a BBA in Management and Supervision and a MBA in Human Resources Management I have a passion for helping those in need and maintaining my heritage alive.
Why do you want to serve on the LACU Board? I would love to serve on the LACU Board of Directors to enhance with my knowledge and experience the mission of LACU in cultivating and maintaining the Latin American and Caribbean culture in South West PA. In addition, I have special interest in helping those Latin America fellows that are currently struggling in a country that is not their own and have language barriers. The gratification of giving to others without expecting anything in return is fulfilling to me. I am very excited to become a member of the LACU Board !!
Nominee Name: Mark Lowry
What position are you running for? Webmaster
Where are you from? Born & raised in Greensburg, PA. Scotch/Irish/German hertige. I spent 25 years in the Baltimore/Washington, DC area before moving back to Aliquippa in 2006.
What is your current occupation? Quality Control Engineer at the Department of Energy's National Energy Technology Laboratory in South Park. I spent 25 years as a project engineer designing & building plant production systems. I'm an avid car/racing guy, enjoy DIY home projects, gardening, cooking and computers.
Why do you want to serve on the LACU Board? This region has limited knowledge and appreciation of Latin culture and traditions. I would like to help elevate the Latin culture in western Pennsylvania.
Nominee Name: Ada Mezzich
What position are you running for? President
Where are you from? Lima, Peru
What is your current occupation? I am a clinical child and adolescent psychologist and currently an associate professor at the University School of Pharmacy, Department of Psychiatry and Center for Latin American Studies. I am one of the founders of LACU and have served as president, secretary, dance coordinator and academic coordinator. I am also involved with other community organizations such as “9 Lunas…” serving as the secretary and the Motivadoras (Peer coaching program) serving as an assistant to the director.
Nominee Name: Monica Nogueira
What position are you running for? Vice President
Where are you from? Sao Paulo, Brazil
What is your current occupation? Content Acquisition Manager at SAE Intl.
Why do you want to serve on the LACU Board? I believe in LACU's mission and want to be a bigger part of it in the future.
Nominee Name: Esther Nuñez
What position are you running for? Board Member
Where are you from? I was born in Manhattan but raised in the Bronx. My parents are from the Dominican Republic. I lived in Ny until the age of 12; I then moved to Gloucester, Ma, where I graduated high school at the age of 16. I moved to Pittsburgh that summer and began college. I went to the Wilma Boyd Travel and Business school where I earned an Associates Degree. I've traveled all over the Caribbean. I'm fluent in Spanish and converstaional Italian.
What is your current occupation? Currently I'm the Executive Assistant to the VP of Engineering and the VP of Finance at Comcast. I also support both departments.
I'm passionate about many things but most of all volunteering. I currently volunteer at my church every week, but some of the places I've volunteered at are the following: POISE Foundation, Pittsburgh Marathon, Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, Great Race, Multiple Sclerosis Bike Ride, Glade Run Services, PACE organization just to name a few.
Why do you want to serve on the LACU Board? I would like to serve because I've lived in Pittsburgh for 13 years and there is such a lack of Hispanic involvement in this city. I've helped so many other communities out and now I would like to make a difference within my own culture. I think Hispanics in Pittsburgh need to be more proactive so that we can grow and make in difference as a whole.
Nominee Name: Walkiria Preston
What position are you running for? Children and Youth Development
Where are you from? Both my parents are from Montevideo, Uruguay. I was born in North Bergen, New Jersey but grew up in Miami, Florida. I was brought up in an Uruguayan household, eating Milanesas and Empanadas religiously! I was lucky enough to spend 4 years of my life in Uruguay. I have been living in Pittsburgh since 1999.
What is your current occupation? I am a teacher at La Escuelita Arcoiris. I have been at La Escuelita for almost 5 years now. I am currently the Kindergarten teacher but I have taught a wide range of children (2.5 to 11 years old). The longer I am at La Escuelita, the more I get involved in every aspect of helping this project grow.
I started a Master's program at California University of PA in August. So my life currently is consumed with working, studying, and once in a while I get to go kayaking.
Why do you want to serve on the LACU Board? I feel that I will be a great addition to LACU as the Children and Youth Development Coordinator because I have the ability to plan creative, developmentally-appropriate activities for children of all ages. I feel I can easily associate and connect with children and their families. I want to be given the chance to reach out and serve the children in our community. I am a very organized, hardworking individual that loves to work with a diverse group of people.
Nominee Name: Brent Rondon
What position are you running for? Director at Large
Where are you from? Peru
What is your current occupation? Manager Global Business Program, Small Business Development Center, Duquense University
Nominee Name: Victor Ruiz
What position are you running for? Music Coordination
Where are you from? Mexico City
What is your current occupation? Full time Musician (teacher, performer, producer, composer)
Why do you want to serve on the LACU Board? I agree with LACU's mission, and I love to work for making it possible.
Nominee Name: Marie Vicens
What position are you running for? Marketing
Where are you from? I was born and raised in Caguas, Puerto Rico. I am the youngest of seven siblings. I have a BS and MS in Chemistry from the University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez. In 2000, I moved to Ganesville, FL to attend the University of Florida. In 2005 I received a PhD in Analytical Chemistry. I am a huge Florida Gators fan!!!
I love to travel, try ethnic foods, learn about wine and watch movies. I am a dog person and my miniature schnauzer is named Geno after Eugene Malkin from the Pittsburgh Penguins.
What is your current occupation? In 2005 I accepted a position as an Applications Specialist with ASPEX Corporation in Delmont, PA. I lived in Pittsburgh for three years and moved to Harrison City ( east of Pittsburgh) two years ago.
I am a trained Scientist and my role in ASPEX is directly related to Sales, Marketing and Customer Service. I had experience in the following areas: Identifying international and domestic target markets for new products; improving product marketability by composing concept documents in accordance with customer needs and market research; delivering effective sales presentations to highlight advantages of capital equipment and systems; identifying government contract opportunities; writing technical proposals in response to detailed bid specifications; developing collateral marketing materials; coordinating trade show attendance, market research and lead generation activities; developing and cultivating effective relationships with key customers and personnel.
Why do you want to serve on the LACU Board? I want to serve on the LACU Board of Director because this will give me the opportunity to interact with other Hispanics in the area in a more dynamic role. I want to learn more about LACU and share my opinion and ideas with other members. I see this as a learning experience and a great opportunity to grow profesionally and personally. At the same time I want to make myself avalaible to the community and provide assistance as neccesary.
Nominee Name: Marisol Wandiga
What position are you running for? Board Advisor
Where are you from? I am half Puertorican and half Kenyan. I have lived in Pittsburgh for the past 17 years.
What is your current occupation? I am the Program Officer for the Caribbean Region for Global Links - a non profit with a dual mission of environmental stewardship and helping countries in Latin America and the Caribbean improve their health care systems.
Why do you want to serve on the LACU Board? I believe that by sharing our cultures we can create stronger, more unified communities. Simply put, I am a Lacuholic...
