Board of Directors
Florida
Michael Fernandez
is Vice President of Marketing and People at V-me Media, where he leads branding, audience engagement, and workforce initiatives for its Spanish-language television networks. He previously held marketing and advertising roles with Sony Pictures Television and Viacom International Media Networks. In 2024, Michael was appointed to the Federal Communications Commission’s Communications Equity and Diversity Council, supporting equitable access and greater opportunities for minority-owned media companies. A Brown University graduate, he brings extensive experience in media, marketing, brand strategy, and advocacy for Hispanic audiences.
Missouri
CiCi Rojas
is an entrepreneur and co-owner of Tico Productions and Tico Sports, a bilingual multimedia, marketing, and production company serving professional sports organizations. She previously led the Central Exchange, expanding membership and creating programs supporting women and young professionals. Her executive experience also includes Truman Medical Centers, the Greater Dallas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Kansas City Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Recognized for her business and community leadership, CiCi has received numerous regional and national awards. She serves in leadership roles with several civic, nonprofit, business, and cultural organizations.
Washington, D.C.
Joanna Diaz Soffer
is Principal Manager of Government and External Affairs at T-Mobile, where she advances public policy priorities and strengthens relationships with government leaders, community organizations, and external partners. She joined T-Mobile in 2020 after consulting on the T-Mobile–Sprint merger. Joanna previously led advocacy and policy initiatives for clients in telecommunications, energy, and manufacturing and held leadership roles in congressional and presidential campaigns. She serves on advisory councils for the Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute, OCA–Asian Pacific American Advocates, and The Latino Coalition. She brings more than a decade of experience in politics and corporate government relations.
Washington, D.C.
Neri Martinez
is a senior government relations consultant at Becker & Poliakoff and an experienced strategist in public policy, communications, and government affairs. She previously served as Chief of Staff to U.S. Senator Tim Scott, Staff Director for the Senate Committee on Aging, and a political appointee at the U.S. Department of Energy. Recognized for building bipartisan relationships and advancing strategic initiatives, Neri has received numerous national leadership awards. She holds degrees from Tufts University and Florida International University and is pursuing advanced studies in defense, strategic leadership, and national security. She is fluent in Spanish and French.
New Jersey
Rafael Cuellar
is President and CEO of Cuellar, LLC, operator of ShopRite of Passaic/Clifton, and an owner of Wakefern Food Corporation. He successfully revitalized an underperforming ShopRite and previously led ECO & Sons, President Supermarket, and Presidential Caterers. A U.S. Navy veteran and Fordham University graduate, Rafael served nine years as an officer before leading his family’s food business. His entrepreneurship and support of minority businesses have earned national recognition. He serves on several business and community boards, including the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce, New Jersey Food Council, and Fordham University’s Board of Visitors.
Florida
Jean Ibañez Payne
is a corporate leader and founder of TI Verbatim Consulting, specializing in communications, language services, workforce training, coaching, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. Raised in Colombia, she returned to the United States, completed high school, and served in the U.S. Navy. Jean later managed diversity initiatives for a Fortune 200 utility company, launching its first employee resource groups for veterans and women. She holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and an MBA. Jean is also certified in Six Sigma, change management, professional coaching, emotional intelligence, resilience training, and diversity leadership.
Virginia
Jackie Krick
is the founder and CEO of ECU Communications, a woman-owned digital agency delivering innovative marketing solutions to government and commercial clients. Since founding ECU in 2004, she has supported agencies including the U.S. Small Business Administration, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Census Bureau, Secret Service, and Department of State. A Colombian-born entrepreneur, Jackie advocates for women in business and youth leadership. She founded IMPACTO Youth and co-founded CenterFuse, a coworking space for entrepreneurs. With more than 30 years of marketing experience, Jackie has received numerous awards for business leadership, community service, and communications excellence.
Washington D.C.
Jose F. Niño
is the founder of El Niño Group, a business development firm specializing in partnerships, certifications, strategic planning, and growth opportunities. He also co-founded Allied Wireless Infrastructure Services, a Hispanic-owned digital infrastructure company serving North America. As a founding member and former president and CEO of the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, he expanded its network from fewer than 30 chambers to more than 250. José currently chairs the Mid-Atlantic Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and serves several business and community organizations. He is a University of Maryland graduate with extensive corporate, government, and entrepreneurial experience.
Missouri
Jeanette Prenger
is the founder and executive chair of ECCO Select, an IT consulting and talent solutions firm established in Kansas City in 1995. Under her leadership, ECCO Select has grown from serving one client into one of the nation’s largest Hispanic-owned IT talent firms. Jeanette earned a bachelor’s degree in Management Information Systems from Park University. In 2025, she delivered the university’s commencement address and received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters. Her leadership and community service have earned recognition from the Kansas City Business Journal and the Clifton R. Cohn Distinguished Community Leader Award.
California
Jaime Rojas, Jr.
Jaime’s entrepreneurship is in his DNA. His first business started in high school designing T-shirts for his high school’s sports teams, student clubs & surrounding Catholic high schools. He has over 25 years of local, state & federal experience in public affairs, public relations & marketing. A native Angelino, he also bleeds Dodgers’ Blue. He attended Loyola High & USC, including his Trojan MPA. He was a White House Intern under President Clinton, worked for companies like UPS, Lucent Technologies, MuniServices & was CEO/President of the CA Hispanic Chambers of Commerce. Jaime has taught @ USC’s Sol Price School of Public Administration. He wrote two books on the U.S. Constitution & Latino Republicans in 2011 & 2016. His biggest joy is raising his lacrosse crazed teenager.