Advisory Board of Directors
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Stephen Chavez is an award-winning public relations strategist with expertise in the Hispanic marketplace, media relations, and influencer engagement. As President & CEO of ChavezPR based in Los Angeles, Stephen serves as lead counsel and chief media strategist for clients such as Northgate Gonzalez Market, Museum of Latin American Art, Oportun, California Latino Legislative Caucus, Alexandra Lozano Immigration Law Firm, to name a few. Recognized for his expertise in connecting with multicultural communities, Stephen has spoken at regional and national marketing conferences. Stephen is the 2023-24 President of the Public Relations Society of America, Los Angeles Chapter. A former journalist with the Los Angeles Times, Stephen’s communications programs has received top industry honors, including the Silver Anvil, multiple PRISM Awards from the Public Relations Society of America, and the Hispanic Public Relations Association. Stephen also teaches public relations courses as a Senior Adjunct Professor at the University of La Verne. He serves as Chairman of the Latino Equality Alliance Community Advisory Board, an LGBTQ+ nonprofit, and past National President of the Hispanic Public Relations Association.
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Matt Inouye is currently the Manager of Policy and Community Engagement for the TransLatin@ Coalition in Los Angeles, California. He also currently serves as a Board Member for The Village Family Services as well as an Advisory Board member for Latino Equality Alliance. Inouye graduated from California State University, Northridge (CSUN) with a degree in Journalism in May of 2021. His day-to-day work life includes working with city, county, and state governments to pass policies that enhance the lives of Transgender, Gender Non-Conforming, and Intersex community members.
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Advisory BOARD MEMBERS
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With over two decades of experience in corporate communications, Marco Gonzalez stands as a seasoned veteran in the field. Notably, he recently held the position of VP of Public Relations and Corporate Affairs at Estrella Media, a prominent multi-platform Hispanic media enterprise. During his tenure, he established the company's PR division and spearheaded comprehensive corporate communications, publicity campaigns, employee outreach, and community relations efforts across the television network, radio, and digital domains. Presently, he is the driving force behind MaGO PR, his own PR firm, renowned for its ability to enhance and cultivate client brands. The firm employs a multicultural and bilingual strategy, effectively managing public relations and reputation across diverse industries. An internationally-oriented, multilingual communications executive, Marco boasts a wealth of expertise in the Hispanic market. His successful track record spans international publicity, issue management, employee communications, corporate social responsibility, entertainment publicity, press campaign development, and strategic communication across both the U.S. and Latin America. Notably, he has held significant roles at important organizations like Herbalife Nutrition, Univision Music Group, and The United Way of Greater Los Angeles. Educationally, Gonzalez holds a Master's degree in Communications Management from USC's Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, along with a Bachelor's degree in Spanish, Language & Culture from California State University, Northridge.
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Liliana T. Pérez serves as the Cultural Affairs Director for the Los Angeles Chargers and is responsible for building strategic partnerships within California's dynamic and versatile economic, cultural and social sectors. Prior to joining the Chargers, Pérez had made a career in public service holding senior leadership roles in the office of six Speakers of the California Assembly. After almost 25 years in government, she became an acknowledged expert in creating multisector coalitions to advance legislation in support of local economies and public policy addressing pressing social issues.
Pérez has been recognized for her advocacy work on behalf of marginalized populations including the LGBTQ community, immigrants, and women. Pérez remains passionate about social justice and civil rights causes and is active with numerous organizations. Born in Guadalajara, Mexico, Pérez immigrated to Los Angeles in 1971. She attended California State University Northridge and soon after began her servant leadership in the office of then Speaker Emeritus of the California Assembly, Antonio R. Villaraigosa. As a true Angelina, Pérez enjoys the City's culturally rich food offerings and social events as well as spending time with her mother, partner and three rescue furry babies. |
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Marco Valadez is a seasoned professional in Governance, Risk, and Compliance, currently serving as the Vice President, Risk Program Manager in Data & Analytics at City National Bank. Prior to his role at City National Bank, he held significant positions at EY as a Senior Risk Consultant and at Green Dot Corporation as a Risk Analyst.
Marco is an alumnus of the University of Southern California, where he earned a degree in Economics with a concentration in American Studies & Ethnicity (Chicano Studies) and a minor in Business Entrepreneurship. In addition to his distinguished career, Marco is an active and committed board member of three reputable organizations: the Latino Equality Alliance, ReachLA, and the USC Lambda LGBTQ Alumni Association. His unwavering dedication to service, community development, and outreach is rooted in his steadfast belief that every individual should have equal access to and the opportunity to establish spaces where traditionally marginalized groups have been historically underrepresented. Outside of his professional and community involvements, Marco has a deep affection for animals, particularly dogs. He aspires to one day attain the financial means to provide for the well-being of his entire family, close friends, and the communities he holds dear. |
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Luis Andrade was born in Tijuana, Mexico and raised in East Los Angeles (Boyle Heights/ City Terrace). He currently lives in Westlake Village, CA. Luis Andrade is a full-time employee with Bank of America as a Testing Specialist II for the ‘Enterprise Independent Testing’ team under Global Risk Management. As a Testing Specialist II, he conducts independent transactional and process testing in support of needs identified by Compliance and Operational Risk Officers for the various lines of business within the firm. Luis Andrade’s career began with Bank of America in 2004. He has worked in the banking and mortgage industry since 1990. Additionally Luis serves on the leadership team of the Bank of America Southern California LGBT+ Pride Chapter as Community Engagement Committee Chair. Luis has been serving as a volunteer and building community relationships with numerous of non-profit organizations throughout the Los Angeles and Ventura Counties since 2012. Luis serves on the Board of Directors with Diversity Collective Ventura County, the leading LGBTQ+ Resource Center in Ventura County, CA. My favorite hobby is Mexican homemade cooking especially moms past recipes. “Serving on the Advisory Board with LEA is an opportunity to continue the organizations mission and serving our LatinX LGBTQ Community in a broader scale. My passion is to advocate for those who feel that they don’t have a voice.”
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Ronn Ruiz is a visionary entrepreneur with a passion for helping businesses & individuals thrive. Since 2013, he’s the Co Founder & CEO of Long Beach based Apartment SEO™️, an award-winning international digital marketing agency. Ronn is also the Founder and CEO of iZone Marketing™️, a full-service digital marketing agency for B2B, B2C, Government & Nonprofit. Ruiz is also the President of VIVE, a new non-profit startup for individuals struggling with substance use in the ELA & surrounding communities and one of the newest board members to join the Latino Equality Alliance. Ronn couldn’t be happier to empower our LGBTQ youth.
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Born and raised in East Los Angeles California a proud Chicano/Mexicano and graduate from Wilson High School. He attended Rio Hondo College, received a Bachelor of Science in Human Services from California State University, Fullerton, and Master of Science in Marriage and Family Counseling from San Francisco State University. He has over 30 years of experience in higher education as a counselor/professor. Retired after 26 years from Pasadena City College, now serving as an adjunct professor at Glendale Community College. He served on both the Human Service Commission for the City of Pasadena, and as co-chair for the redistricting commission for Pasadena Unified School District. He is passionate about working with LEA to help empower our LGBTQ+ Latin@ youth! James is an avid softball player, certified umpire & loves to sing, dance & celebrate life!
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Felipe Osorno is a transformational health care leader passionate about unleashing the potential of people and the organizations where they work. He has focused significant energy toward giving back to communities in the Los Angeles area and advocating for Latinx and LGBTQ+ communities.
Felipe serves as Chief Post-Acute Care Officer and Chief of Staff at Keck Medicine of USC, where he leads efforts to connect services across the care continuum as well as enterprise-wide strategic and improvement projects. He launched of the Keck Medicine Gender-Affirming Care Program, which addresses the underserved needs of transgender, non-binary and gender-diverse patients. He holds a master’s degree from MIT and a bachelor’s degree from McGill University. He was born and raised in Bogotá, Colombia, is married to Professor Ian Holloway, y es el papá orgulloso de Sofía y Lucía. |
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Deanna Ductoc is one of the owners of Los Angelitos Bakery, which is a family owned small business in the heart of Huntington Park providing pan dulce and pastries for their community for over 31 years. Outside of the bakery Deanna is a Certified Athletic Trainer in the occupational setting and acquired her Master’s Degree in Sports Medicine and Injury Studies from California State University, Long Beach. She balances both careers while involving herself with the community and giving back any way that she can. Now, as a board member of LEA, she looks forward to contributing to the advocacy of our LGBTQ+ youth!
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Lisseth Flores formerly served as Bell Gardens' Mayor Pro Tem and City Council member, advocating for gender equity, youth development, and LGBTQ+ equality. Her impactful work included a unique youth employment program and a special-needs awareness pageant. In the face of challenges like COVID-19, she preserved jobs, supported families, and now owns a government affairs company representing Del Records, the largest Mexican-American music label in the US. Additionally, Lisseth, along with her partner, owns an insurance office. Her commitment to community remains steadfast, as she thrives as a proud mother, contributing to local growth and fostering positive change.
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Tony Hernandez, is a marketing leader with 20 years of diverse marketing experience; which includes media, Consumer Package Goods, Healthcare and Non-Profit. In his current role at Adventist Health White Memorial, he serves as the Marketing and Communications Leader providing opportunities for engagement with community stakeholders to provide access to healthcare and improve health literacy.
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