Mimi Graves

President Presidenta

Retired and Substitute Teacher Maestra de Primaria Jubilada

Through 20+ years of teaching and traveling, Mimi has come to admire the Latino culture and feel that they have many gifts to offer.  She has also witnessed people working hard for their employers and doing their best to support their families, but needing help to understand some of our systems.  She believes that LCA's many cultural events give an opportunity to share in the blessings of Latino values: the importance of family and community and the willingness and ability to work hard.   She knows that LCA's programs help people with their health, jobs and involvement in the community.  As a member of the board of directors, Mimi oversees finances, seek out resources, and guides the organization so that programs and activities meet the goals of providing a healthy, cohesive community which is strong when people work together. 

A través de 20 años de la enseñanza y de viaje, he llegado a admirar la cultura latina y siento que tienen muchos dones que nos ofrece. También he sido testigo de personas que trabajan duro para sus empleadores y haciendo todo lo posible para mantener a sus familias, pero necesitan ayuda para entender algunos de nuestros sistemas. Los varios eventos culturales de LCA nos dan la oportunidad de compartir en las bendiciones de los valores latinos, música alegre, la importancia de la familia, y la voluntad y capacidad para trabajar duro.Los programas de LCA ayudan a la gente con la salud y el empleo y les ayudan a participar más activamente en nuestra comunidad.Juntos, podemos hacer de nuestra comunidad más fuerte.Como miembro de la junta directiva, superviso nuestras finanzas, busco recursos, y dirigo nuestra organización para que nuestros programas y actividades cumplen con nuestros objetivos de proporcionar una comunidad sana y unida.

Nicole Strong

Vice-President Vice-Presidenta

OSU Extension Service

Nicole Strong has provided landowner education in rural communities throughout Oregon as part of the Forestry and Natural Resources Extension program at Oregon State University for seven years. Prior to OSU she provided Extension expertise to the Center for Subtropical Agroforestry at the University of Florida and worked within the Biosphere Sierra de las Minas as a Peace Corps volunteer in Guatemala (1999 – 2001). She has an M.S. in Forest Resources with a minor in Community Watershed Management from the Pennsylvania State University (2003), and a B.S. in Wildlife Sciences from Purdue University (1997).  Nicole is committed to helping facilitate the development of a united multi-cultural Central Oregon community, and believes LCA’s mission is crucial to that process.

Keith Dodge

Treasurer Tesorero

Partner Gerdes-Dodge (CPAs) Contador y Socio de Gerdes-Dodge

Keith believes a community benefits when all members have the ability to participate and learn from each other.  He grew up in a multicultural city and has always enjoyed experiencing other cultures' history, food, and art.  Keith joined LCA because the Association helps the Latino members of the community learn to integrate into the community as a whole without losing their unique heritage.

Keith cree que una comunidad se beneficia cuando todos los miembros tienen la capacidad de participar y aprender unos de otros. Creció en una ciudad multi-cultural y ha gozado siempre de experimentar la historia de otras culturas, la comida y el arte. Keith se unió a LCA porque la Asociación ayuda a los miembros latinos de la comunidad aprender a integrarse en la comunidad sin perder su herencia única.

Lani Woodall

Secretary Secretaria

Columbia Bank

Lani is active in her church and with her family. She has organized Latino women's groups and is a frequent volunteer. She has great passion for the mission of LCA and is gifted in connecting people.

Margie Gregory

COCC Tutor Trainer Entrenadora de Tutores en COCC

Margie Gregory has worked for Central Oregon Community College since 1990. In addition to teaching GED and college transition courses, she has been actively involved in the COCC Latino mentoring programs to recruit and retain Latino college students.  In her role as Volunteer Tutor Coordinator, she continues to recruit, train, and provide support for volunteer tutors.  Tutors work in the classroom or with individual students or in small groups.  Students may be learning English at beginning, intermediate or advanced levels; studying for citizenship, or preparing to take a GED test.  Tutors play a particularly valuable role in assisting undocumented students who would like to upgrade their basic academic skills without the burden of paying for classes since they can't apply for federal financial aid. Margie's interest in the Spanish culture and language was fostered by her experience as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Nicaragua.

Scot Langton

Deschutes County Assessor Asesorador del Condado Deschutes

Scot has worked as the Deschutes County Chief Appraiser.  He has been president of the Oregon State Association of County Assessors, on the Executive Committee of the Association of Oregon Counties, on the Deschutes County Audit Committee, board member of Wallowa County Search and Rescue and a committee member of Boy Scout Troop 18.  Scot strongly believes in building, fostering, and maintaining an all inclusive community which is an important part of LCA's mission.

Evelia Sandoval

COCC Latino Student Program Coordinator Coordinadora de los programas para los Latinos

Relatively new to Central Oregon, Evelia has quickly earned a reputation for coordinating events and bringing programs and speakers to COCC that celebrate diversity and are well-attended. She has begun a Latino Club whose members have become active at COCC and in the community. In her classes, she teaches students how to follow through and be successful members of our community. She guides them into leadership.

Frank Carrillo, Ph.D.

Retired Social Researcher/Professor Investigador Social y Profesor Jubilado

A medical sociologist, D

Former Board Members and Supporters:

Frank Carrillo, Ph.D.

Retired Social Researcher/Professor Investigador Social y Profesor Jubilado

A medical sociologist, Dr. Carrillo has conducted extensive research regarding the health care needs and access issues of the poor and underserved. In addition to his experience as a social researcher, he is also a former university professor and healthcare administrative manager with the County of Orange in California. A relatively new resident of Oregon (since December 2009), Dr. Carrillo looks forward providing his energy and service to the general Bend community.

Un sociólogo médico, ha llevado a cabo una amplia investigación sobre las necesidades de atención de salud y de acceso de los pobres y desatendidas. Además de su experiencia como investigador social, es también un ex profesor universitario y director de administración de salud con el Condado de Orange en California. Un residente de Oregón relativamente nuevo (desde diciembre de 2009), el Dr. Carrillo espera siempre y cuando su energía y servicio a la comunidad Doble general.

Rolando Mendez

Deputy District Ranger – US Forest Service Servicio Forestal

Rolando R. Mendez, BS MF,has more than 30 years of management experience and has invested the last 3 years here in Bend as the Deputy District Ranger for the Bend – Ft. Rock Ranger District, Deschutes National Forest.  Rolando hails from Texas, and has also worked in Washington, California, and Florida.  He enjoys the outdoors and sharing conversation over a hearty cup of coffee.  Rolando’s aim for our Central Oregon community emphasizes education, job skills, and community service. He also serves on the board of directors for the Starwood Association. Rolando R. Méndez, BS MF, tiene más de 30 años de experiencia en gestión y ha invertido los últimos 3 años aquí en Bend como el Ranger Adjunto de Distrito para el Deschutes National Forest.Rolando es oriundo de Texas, y también ha trabajado en Washington, California y Florida. Le gusta disfrutar el aire libre y compartir conversación durante una buena taza de café. El objetivo de Rolando para nuestra comunidad de Oregon Central hace hincapié en la educación, capacitación laboral, y servicio comunitario.También es miembro de la junta directiva de la Asociación de Starwood.

A.J. Losoya

Past President Presidente Anterior

Branch Manager -Community Federal Bank, Redmond

A.J. was born in Portland, OR and was raised on a poultry farm just outside of Woodburn. He continued his education at Western Oregon University where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business, with a focus in finance and marketing. He is currently Vice President and Branch Manager of Columbia River Bank’s Wall St. office in Bend. A.J. loves being a part of the business community and has volunteered with Big Brothers Big Sisters and PROS of Central Oregon. A.J. is married and the father of two sons. A.J. nació en Portland, Oregon y crecía cerca de la ciudad de Woodburn donde vivía en una granja criando pollos. Terminó sus estudios en Western Oregon University y recibió su licenciatura de Administración de Negocios con enfoques de finanzas y promoción. Actualmente, es Vice Presidente y Manager del sede de Columbia River Bank en la Calle Wall en Bend. Le gusta mucho ser parte de la comunidad comercial y ha sido voluntario de Big Brothers-Big Sisters y PROS de Oregon Central. A.J. está casado y tienen dos hijos.

Jaime Aguirre

Past Vice-President

Owner/manager of Ginger's Kitchenware Dueno/Gerente de Ginger's Kitchenware

Jaime was born and raised in California. He has a strong interest in lending a hand to issues that help improve the overall well-being of a community. He has participated in organizations feeding the homeless and those less fortunate, enhancing economic opportunities for businesses, and guiding youth to academic excellence. Jaime is fluent in Spanish and has served as spokesperson for a fortune 500 company. He and his wife own and manage Ginger's Kitchenware in Bend. Jaime nació en California y mantiene un interés de apoyar proyectos que se dedican al bienestar de la comunidad. Ha participado con organizaciones cuales objetivos incluyen alimentar personas sin vivienda, mejorar el estado económico de empresas, y animando a jóvenes a seguir sus estudios. Jaime es bilingüe y ha servido como portavoz de una empresa mayor. Sus padres son originarios de Jalostotitlán, en los altos de Jalisco, México. Él y su esposa son los dueños de la tienda Ginger's Kitchenware en Bend.