Marilyn Alvarez has been with the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office for over 27 years, first as a sworn deputy and currently as a Community Relations Coordinator. She also serves as the Hispanic Liaison, acting as a bridge between the Sheriff's Office and the Hispanic community.
Considered a leader in the community, she serves on several boards, including The City of Tampa Mayor's Hispanic Advisory Council (past Vice Chair) and the Tampa Bay Area Refugee Task Force. She is also an advisor and liaison to the Sheriff's Hispanic Advisory Council. Outside of work, Marilyn actively supports local community organizations and has served as a mentor through the Hispanic Professional Women's Association. Marilyn has received the 2008 Hispanic Deputy of the Year Award from the Sheriff's Hispanic Advisory Council, the 2016 Deputy of the Year from All American Productions Viva Tampa Bay Festival, the 2017 Tampa Hispanic Heritage Inc. Woman of the Year, and the 2019 Premios Enfoque Leadership Award for Community Service. She was also chosen as one of the 2024 Girl Scouts of West Central Florida Women of Distinction.
Sgt. Rose Angelakopoulos
Police Liason, Tampa Police Department
Rose Angelakopoulos has been a member of the Tampa Police Department for over 11 years. Prior to joining TPD, she worked for HCSO as a Detention Deputy for 6 years. During her tenure here, she has been assigned to various divisions and is currently the Chief Executive Officer. Rose Angelakopoulos also serves as the department's Hispanic Liaison.
Sergeant Angelakopoulos earned her master's degree from Saint Leo University and is currently a Sergeant First Class in the Army Reserves.
Maruchi Zorin, MBA
Entrepreneur; Owner of Villa Rosa Linens Specialty Store (since 1984)
Maruchi Azorin's lifelong commitment to mentoring Hispanic students pursuing higher education is rooted in her early experiences as an immigrant in the United States. Born in Cuba, she emigrated to the United States in 1960 and settled in Plant City, Florida, where she distinguished herself academically and through leadership. She graduated from Plant City High School with honors and was named PCHS Girl of the Year.
Maruchi earned both a BA and an MBA (cum laude) from the University of Florida and became the first Hispanic woman inducted into the UF Student Hall of Fame. Appointed to the Mayor's Hispanic Advisory Council in 1987 by Mayor Sandra Freedman, she is the longest-serving member of the Council and served as chair for eight years. Alongside Margarita Gonzalez, she is the founding chair of the Latinos Unidos Luncheon, which she chaired for four years and later co-chaired its 20th Anniversary Luncheon in 2018. In addition to her civic leadership, Maruchi has been the owner of Villa Rosa Linens Specialty Store for over 40 years.
Larissa R. Baia, Ph.D.
Campus President, Hillsborough Community College (Ybor Campus)
Serving as Campus President of Hillsborough College's Ybor City Campus, Dr. Larissa Ruiz Baia brings over 20 years of higher education experience to the Tampa Bay community. A first generation college student born in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, to Dominican parents, her background and lived experience shape her commitment to student success, equity, inclusion and workforce pathways.
Dr. Baia's career spans leadership roles in both public and private institutions, including serving as President of Lakes Region Community College in New Hampshire and previously as Vice President of Student Services and Enrollment Management. Dr. Baia earned her bachelor's degree in Economics from Brandeis University, a master's degree in Latin American Studies, and a doctorate in Political Science from the University of Florida. Dr. Bafa has also been an adjunct instructor in Comparative Politics and International Relations, writing and collaborating on various articles and book chapters. She lives in Temple Terrace with her husband, Carlos, and is the proud mother
of two young adults.
Maria M. Bermudez-Torres
Distance Learning Coordinator, Hillsborough Community College
After 23 years supporting her husband's military career, Maria M. Bermudez-Torres and her family made Tampa their home. She currently serves on Tampa Hispanic Heritage, Inc., as past president and executive board member leading initiatives that promote higher education and empower the community.
Maria holds a Master of Arts in Adult Education from the University of South Florida (USF) Sarasota-Manatee, a Graduate Certificate in Leadership and Human Resources from USF, and a Bachelor's in Latin American Studies from the University of Arizona. With over two decades of professional experience at institutions such as the University of Arizona and in various leadership roles, Maria is deeply committed to student success. She was instrumental in the creation of Hillsborough Community College-South Shore and the Lennard Collegiate Academy, both of which help high school student earn college credits. Additionally, she has supported Hispanic students through programs such as Apoyo and the Title V "Transition to Success" retention initiative. Her dedication continues to have a profound impact on the Tampa Bay area.
Maria Elena Elizalde, MBA (Treasurer)
IT Group Manager, Citi Bank
With over 20 years of banking experience, Maria Elena Elizalde, originally from Ecuador, earned her MBA at the University of Tampa. She currently serves as an IT Group Manager at Citi, managing a budget of USD $1 billion and overseeing international operations, restructurings, process improvements, and third-party contracting. One of Maria's passions is advancing others professionally.
She has been actively involved in the Tampa Bay community, serving as a board member of local and national nonprofit organizations. As a result of her successful career and extensive community involvement, Maria Elena was chosen as a finalist for Tampa Bay Business Journal's Business Woman of the Year Award and was a recipient of the Hispanic Heritage Award for Civic Involvement.
Maribel R. Garrett, MA.
Community Engagement Coordinator & Hispanic Liaison, City of Tampa
Maribel Garrett is the Community Engagement Coordinator for the City of Tampa's Community Engagement & Partnerships Department and also serves as the Hispanic Liaison. In this role, she collaborates with other departments to ensure Spanish speakers are informed, engaged, and have access to resources.
Prior to this role, Garrett worked in various educational settings in both the public and private sectors. Born and raised in Puerto Rico, she earned her undergraduate degree at the University of Puerto Rico. She later moved to Tampa to pursue her master's degree at the University of South Florida, becoming involved with numerous Hispanic organizations that keep her connected to her culture and traditions. She remains active in community organizations such as the Mayor's Hispanic Advisory Council, Tampa Hispanic Heritage, Inc., Rotary Club of Ybor City, USF Latin Community Advisory Council, and Visit Tampa Bay Multicultural Board.
Jose Guevara (Vice-Chair)
Youth Outreach Manager, Suncoast Credit Union
Jose Guevara serves as Youth Outreach Manager at Suncoast Credit Union, overseeing the Student Run Branch Program, Collegiate Outreach, and K-12 & Nonprofit efforts. With more than a decade of experience in the financial industry, he previously worked in compliance.
A longtime Tampa Bay resident, Jose is passionate about bringing financial education to youth and the Hispanic community. He serves as the Vice-Chair for the Mayor's Hispanic Advisory Council, Treasurer of the Tampa Hispanic Heritage Inc. and Treasurer for The Small Magic Foundation. Jose earned a bachelor's in management and organizational leadership with a focus on project management from St. Petersburg College, and in 2023, completed his MBA in Leadership at Florida Gulf Coast University. He also holds a Financial Education Instructor Certificate.
Christine Hernandez, DDS, MS, MBA
Vice President of Practice Administration/Dental Director, Tampa Family Health
Centers
Dr. Christine Hernandez was born and raised in Miami to Cuban immigrant parents, she holds degrees from the University of Florida, Florida International University (magna cum laude), New York University College of Dentistry, and an MBA from Louisiana State University (2024). She moved to Tampa in 2018 and has since built a strong commitment to community-focused healthcare leadership.
Dr. Hernandez oversees 12 dental clinics and two mobile dental units serving elementary schools, Head Start programs, and community partners across Hillsborough County. Her work focuses on expanding access to quality healthcare for underserved populations. She serves as Secretary of Tampa Hispanic Heritage, Inc. and was appointed to the Mayor's Hispanic Advisory Council in 2025. Passionate about advocating for Hispanic youth and underserved communities, she supports mentorship and outreach initiatives. In her spare time, Dr. Hernandez enjoys spending time with her family, cycling, and fishing.
Danielle V. Hernandez, Esq.
Founder, DVH Law Group
Danielle Hernandez is a community leader and advocate in Tampa Bay and beyond. Danielle has worked for the federal government, international organizations, and private practice and owns her law firm in Tampa and New York.
Danielle is an immigration attorney, and through DVH Law Group, she advocates for immigrants' rights. Danielle served as the President of the Tampa Bay Latin Chamber of Commerce and has dedicated her time to helping Latino entrepreneurs in Tampa Bay. Danielle was recently appointed to the Board of Directors of Enterprising Latinas where she serves as Vice-Chair.
Ileana Iturriaga Giordano
Multicultural Marketing Professional
Born in Cuba, Ileana lturriaga Giordano moved to Tampa with her family at the age of eight and attended public schools in South Tampa. As a continuing education student, she later earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from the University of Tampa. Her personal journey shaped a lifelong commitment to community involvement, education, and service.
Appointed to the Mayor's Hispanic Advisory Council in 2017 by then Mayor Bob Buckhorn, Ileana has served in various leadership roles over the past nine years, contributing to initiatives that support the Hispanic community. She has twice served as Co-Chair, leading the 2023 Latinos Unidos Scholarship Luncheon and the 2024-2025 Communications Committee. Professionally, Ileana enjoyed a successful 40-year career in sales and marketing, most recently retiring as Advertising Sales Manager with NBCUniversal/Telemundo/Peacock. She remains an active and engaged member of the Tampa Bay community.
Janice Justinano
Assistant Director of Assisted Housing, Tampa Housing Authority
With a passion for community service, Janice Justiniano has dedicated 19 years to the Tampa Housing Authority, where she currently serves as the Assistant Director of Assisted Housing. She helps manage a portfolio of over 12,000 Housing Choice Vouchers with a budget of $175 million, overseeing supervisors, inspections, and customer service.
Janice holds an associate's degree in business management from Hillsborough Community College and a bachelor's degree in marketing from the University of South Florida. She has earned more than 12 certifications from the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO) and holds a Green Belt Six Sigma Certification, reflecting her commitment to operational excellence. She collaborates with organizations that help families achieve self-sufficiency and secure decent housing. Janice is a proud member of the Mayor's Hispanic Advisory Council as well as the Tampa Bay Fair Housing Consortium.
Yasmin McComber
Regional Affairs Associate Manager, Tampa Electric Company
Yasmin is a Regional Affairs Associate Manager on the State & Regional Affairs team at Tampa Electric, where she supports regional engagement initiatives and community investment activities. With nearly 17 years of experience, she brings a diverse background in customer service, environmental operations, and risk and loss control, allowing her to effectively collaborate with customers, stakeholders, and business partners.
Yasmin McComber holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration with a concentration in Leadership Studies from the University of South Florida. She has also served as Co-Chair of Tampa Electric's HOLA Employee Resource Group for the past three years, demonstrating her commitment to leadership, advocacy, and community engagement. Yasmin remains dedicated to expanding her impact and advancing meaningful community partnerships.
Martha Murillo
Retired Field Training Lieutenant, Tampa Police Department
A member of the Mayor's Hispanic Advisory Council since 2017, Martha Murillo is the daughter of Peruvian and Colombian immigrant parents. Raised in Northern Virginia, she has lived in Tampa for over 29 years. She holds a bachelor's degree in criminal justice and recently retired as a Police Lieutenant from the Tampa Police Department after 23 years of service specializing in training and development of new police officers.
Currently working as both a real estate agent and the owner of a law enforcement training and teaching company, Martha joined the Council to help develop meaningful projects that foster positive relationships between law enforcement and the Hispanic community. She remains committed to being a positive role model for Hispanic youth, inspiring them to set goals and remain actively engaged in their communities.
Sylvia Parker (Secretary)
Senior Vice President of Sales, Congruity HR
After moving to Tampa, Sylvia Parker built a 22-year career in the Professional Employer Organization sector, becoming known for her expertise in payroll, HR, benefits, and risk management. She currently holds a leadership role at Congruity HR, a national provider of HR services.
A native of Chicago and a second-generation Puerto Rican, Sylvia has called Tampa home for 32 years. She served as President of Tampa Hispanic Heritage in 2016 and is a council member of the Mayor's Hispanic Advisory Council and Secretary. She is also a board member of the Hispanic Professional Women's Association (HPWA). A breast cancer survivor, Sylvia joined the Pink Dragon Ladies (Team Survivor Tampa Bay) in January of 2024 and earned her first gold medal in dragon boat racing in April of the same year. She is most proud of advocating for her three children-all USF alumni-who attained their degrees.
Anthony Perez
Senior Vice President, Executive Area, SouthState Bank
Anthony is the Senior Vice President for SouthState Bank, a leading bank in the state of Florida, and a former Chairman of the Mayor's Hispanic Advisory Council. A first-generation American born in Chicago to Cuban-born parents, he was inspired by his parents' story of sacrifice, which shaped his commitment to leadership and service.
That inspiration has grown into a passion for giving back to disadvantaged Hispanic youth. Anthony earned a Master's degree in Business Administration from the University of South Florida and serves on the USF Latin Community Advisory Committee. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the Judea-Christian Clinic.
Rafael Pizano
Firefighter/Paramedic, City of Tampa; Army Veteran
A first-generation American of Cuban descent, Rafael Pizano was raised in Tampa and is a product of the Hillsborough County school system. He enlisted in the U.S. Army as an infantry/paratrooper. After his honorable service, he studied Emergency Medicine and Fire Science at Hillsborough Community College.
Currently employed by the City of Tampa as a Firefighter/Paramedic, Rafael also volunteers with community initiatives supporting veterans and mental health awareness. He works with organizations dedicated to advocating for human rights-an inspiration rooted in his family's flight from totalitarian rule in their native land. Rafael believes that serving is an opportunity to bring humanity together.
Jose J. Rincon (Chair)
Entrepreneur
Arriving from Colombia in 2000, Jose Rincon earned his education at Hillsborough Community College, the University of Tampa, and the University of South Florida.
Over two decades, he has built extensive experience across public and private sectors in multiple industries. As an entrepreneur, he most recently sold a senior home care agency and is exploring opportunities to acquire a new business. He brings expertise in business development, strategic growth, and cross-cultural market engagement. Jose is deeply committed to the Tampa Bay community. He serves on the University of Tampa Alumni Advisory Board, the Visit Tampa Bay Multicultural Committee, and mentors students through the Hillsborough Education Foundation's Take Stock in Children program. He is also Chair of the City of Tampa Mayor's Hispanic Advisory Council and an Entrepreneur in Residence at the University of Tampa Lowth Entrepreneurship Center. Jose and his wife, Katie, are passionate about creating opportunities for others and building a stronger, more inclusive community.
Tony Rokita
Senior Vice President, Community Engagement & Social Responsibility, The Florida Aquarium
In 2022, Tony Rokita became The Florida Aquarium's first Senior Vice President of Community Engagement & Social Responsibility. Collaborating across
departments, he enhances conservation efforts, educational programs, career recruitment, and outreach to authentically engage and reflect the Tampa Bay community.
Previously, Tony spent 32 seasons with the Chicago Bulls in leadership roles overseeing Alumni Relations, Community Relations, and Player Programs. He pioneered community engagement and social responsibility initiatives in professional sports, earning accolades such as the NBA's "Values of the Game" Award and
contributing to the Chicago Bulls' ESPN Humanitarian Team of the Year Award. Today, Tony remains deeply involved in the community, serving on the Mayor's Hispanic Advisory Council, Visit Tampa Bay Advisory Board, the Advisory Board for the USL Super Team Tampa Bay Sun, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Diversity Committee, and the Aquarium Conservation Partnership Executive Committee.
Carolina L. Ruiz Mederos
Marketing Manager, Centro Tampa Bay
Carolina L. Ruiz Mederos is a bilingual digital marketer, entrepreneur, and community leader with over 15 years of experience in media, branding, and cultural strategy. Based in Tampa Bay, she leads digital growth and community engagement efforts at Tampa Bay Newspapers and Centro Tampa Bay, where her work focuses on elevating Latino voices, connecting cultures, and empowering communities through storytelling and strategic marketing. She also serves as the current President of Tampa Hispanic Heritage, Inc.
A graduate of lnteramerican University of Puerto Rico with a BBA in Marketing, Carolina's career spans fashion, media, talent development, and digital strategy. She has collaborated with high-profile brands across Puerto Rico and Florida and is the founder of By Carol Ruiz, her consulting and creative platform. Passionate about women's empowerment and community service, she has inspired hundreds through messages of self-love and body acceptance and participates in ongoing missionary work in the Dominican Republic supporting youth programs and human trafficking prevention initiatives. Her leadership has been recognized with multiple honors, including the 2025 Media Athena Award from the Tampa Bay Latin Chamber of Commerce.
Brian Serrano, MBA
Sample Insights Leader, Nielsen
As the Customer Experience Local Liaison for Nielsen Media, Brian Serrano advocates for TV samples covering the U.S., leading business relationships with national TV media clients. He is also the founder of Serrano Investments Inc., a boutique consulting firm supporting small
businesses.
Originally from Miami, Brian moved to Tampa in 2012 and resides in historic Seminole Heights. In 2001, he graduated from Florida State University with a BA in English and Creative Writing, and in December 2020, he earned his MBA (with honors) from Southeastern Oklahoma State University. Brian chaired the Mayor's Hispanic Advisory Council from 2020-2024, having joined in 2017. He also serves as an Ambassador of the Tampa Business Club and is a member of the National Association of Asian American Professionals (NAAAP).
Myriam Warren
Journalist Editor
A graduate of Xavierian University in Colombia, Myriam Warren is an award-winning journalist honored by both the Florida Society of News Editors and the Society of Professional Journalists. She worked at Diners Magazine in Colombia and a government publication, as well as a children's magazine, before moving to the U.S. in 2004.
In Tampa, she joined The Tampa Tribune as a multimedia journalist and later became editor of CENTRO Tampa, the leading Hispanic publication in Tampa Bay owned by the Tampa Bay Times. Currently, she is editing an educational book on preventing child abuse in natural family environments-an endeavor that aligns with her passion for sharing stories with the diverse Hispanic community.
Ray Wong
Managing Principal/Architect, Lawrence Group
Born in Panama to immigrant parents, Ramon "Ray" Wong is the first in his family to graduate from college and pursue advanced degrees in Architecture and Business (UF). Now a naturalized citizen, he relates to the challenges many face on the path to U.S.
citizenship.
Ray is devoted to service in the greater Tampa area, staying active in the Greater Tampa Chamber, Downtown Advisory committees, architectural organizations, and the Mayor's Hispanic Advisory Council. Through his success as an architect, he hopes to inspire others to aim high and achieve their professional and personal goals.