Current Board of Directors
Daniel Izaguirre, President
Hello everyone. My name is Daniel Izaguirre and I am the president of the San Diego County Latino Association. I am currently working in Self-Sufficiency Services in the Health and Human Services Agency as a Program Specialist - Eligibility Trainer. It has been an honor to join the organization to help in bringing knowledge and awareness to the community of San Diego County. Being one who has made his career in helping others, it has been great to bring our workforce closer together and assist in personal growth. When I first became a member for this organization I was assisted in my career development and introduced to many who I would work with in the future. I would love for that to continue with our current and new members. Nice to meet you all.
Alexandra Talaro, Vice President
Hello! My name is Alexandra Talaro, I am the Vice President of the San Diego County Latino Association (SDCLA) and I serve as the Secretary for the association. I work for the Health and Human Services Agency - Self-Sufficiency Services – Finance and Contracts Team as an Admin Analyst II. I am so proud of the work the SDCLA does every year and the sense of engagement the Association brings for our members. I joined SDCLA as a Graduate Student Worker for the County and formed friendships that I cherish to this day. Through events and workshops, we have hosted I have witnessed members share a sense of common purpose and community that brings us together. Our association is filled with members who are passionate about their community and passionate about their personal development and we can’t wait to have you join!
Jeffrey Inigo, Secretary
My name is Jeffrey Inigo and I am excited to serve as the Secretary for the SDCLA Board of Directors. I am a Program Coordinator for Public Health Admin and lead the Sustainability Unit for Public Health. I am proud to join the SDCLA because of my Latin Heritage and want to be able to assist and provide all the guidance I can to my peers. I hope to be able to provide the support and volunteer as much as possible to the Board of Directors but more importantly all of the members of SDCLA.
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Sebastian Falcon, Treasurer
Hola! My name is Sebastian Falcon. I am the Treasurer for SDCLA.
I am the Digital Workplace Program Coordinator with Health and Human Services Agency - Information Technology Services (ITS). I've been a part of SDCLA since 2021 and I joined to help and support my fellow Latino members of the County and the Community. This organization has been a lot of fun and I hope to see you at one of our next events!
Tina Emmerick, Board of Directors
Hi! My name is Tina Emmerick. I have been a County Employee for over 20 years. I currently serve as a Program Coordinator in Public Health Services overseeing a Grants Administration Unit. I am excited to bring my strengths, knowledge and passion to SDCLA. My hope is to inspire other Latina’s to step into the light of leadership.
Patricia Laffiton, Board of Directors
Hello, my name is Patricia Laffiton, and I am part of the Board of Directors for the San Diego Latino Association. I am employed with the County of San Diego, Office of Homeless Solutions and Equitable Communities as a Social Worker and have an extensive history in connecting community members to self-sufficiency programs and resources. I have been a part of the Board of Directors since 2020, and it has been a true honor to serve the SDLA. The opportunity has allowed me the ability to not only encourage personal growth but be a part of the process in the development and growth of community members. I promote the importance of acquiring knowledge, gaining new experiences, and reflecting on what the true essence of life is, via my own personal lived experiences and lens. I extend the invitation to all my colleagues, who aspire to serve and inspire others to find their purpose in life.
Lizbeth Lopez, Board of Directors
Hola! My name is Lizbeth Lopez. Proud Board Director for the Association. I am a proud Chicana with a background in Public Health. I am currently serving as a grant manager in Public Health Services at HHSA. I joined SDCLA to support my fellow Latino colleagues at the County and to ensure a space is provided for us to build fellowship and grow as leaders in our community. I am looking forward to engaging with current and future members. Please reach out to any of us if you have any questions abouts SDCLA.
Crystal Morales, Board of Directors
Hello, my name is Crystal Morales. I am one of the Board of Directors for the San Diego Latino Association. I am currently assigned to the Metro Family Resource Center (GWOW) as a Human Services Specialist. My vision to joining this amazing ERG was to connect with members of different fields as we reach the same goal of expanding our cultural while learning our heritage within the community. I was given the opportunity to do so since 2021. I encourage new members to join us in exploring these amazing experiences together
Guadalupe "Lupe" Rabago, Board of Directors
Hello to all SDCLA family and friends. My name is Guadalupe "Lupe" Rabago, and I am on the Board of Directors for the Association. This is my second term in SDCLA Leadership, first being over 10 years ago. My reason for being a member and interest is connecting people to other like-minded professionals and assisting others by sharing my county knowledge. I currently work for the Housing and Community Development (HHSA-HCDS) Rental Assistance Division as an Administrative Analyst II. Prior to joining our team at HCDS, I graduated from University of California – Riverside with a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Political Science and National University with a master’s in public administration (M.P.A.). I have prior work experience working with families, youth through my 17 years in probation services between three different counties (San Diego, Imperial, and Santa Barbara) at multiple assignments and levels. Upon my return to San Diego in 2018, I have two years’ experience as an eligibility worker working at the Southeast Family Resource Center (FRC) and 1 year as a Protective Services Worker (PSW) for CWS South Region. When I am not at work, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends and enjoying the many gems that Baja California, Mexico, and the world has to offer.
Felipe Ruiz, Board of Directors
Hi! My name is Felipe Ruiz. I’m one of the Board of Directors for the San Diego County Latino Association. Originally from Bogota, Colombia I have been with the County of San Diego since 2021. I’m currently a Health Planning and Program Specialist with the HIV, STD, Hepatitis Branch of Public Health Services. Prior to joining the County, I worked for the City of Boston’s Health Department for six years. I joined the San Diego County Latino Association to help continuing to build a supportive and uplifting environment, promoting and creating awareness about our history and culture, and supporting each other in navigating our work environments. I live in La Mesa with my wife, Erika, and enjoy hiking, watching SD Loyal soccer games, and taking long coastal drives.
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Oscar Talaro, Board of Directors
I am currently assigned to the office of Behavioral Health Services/HHSA in the Prevention and Community Engagement Unit. As an Administrative Analyst III, I am servings as a Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) working with substance use disorder and mental health providers addressing underage access and use of alcohol and other drugs, mental health prevention to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness and changing social norms or behaviors through environmental or policy change. I joined SDCLA to build leadership development and promote our heritage and culture among employees and support larger community engagement and involvement for Latinos. SDCLA provides a platform for professional development, career planning, and leadership. The personal and professional relationships I have built as a member and now a Board of Director has increased my visibility and connections to County leaders and allowed me to take an active role in service to the organization. I’m SDCLA and SDCLA is me! A space to be creative in planning and organizing meaningful projects and build community! To appreciate our culture and heritage, to grow professionally, to inspire others to see their talents and abilities. That is SDCLA and that is me!