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 II - 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!
Patricia Laffiton, Secretary
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 Program Specialist II 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.
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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!
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.
Rosimari Bhattarai Mejia, Board of Directors
My name is Rosimari Bhattarai Mejia, but I go by Rosi. I am an Administrative Analyst III with Behavioral Health Services - Business Operations/IT Support Unit and serve on the Board of Directors for the Association. I began my career with the County in 2017 as a Human Services Specialist. Now, as a supervisor, I thrive on fostering a collaborative work environment, promoting wellness initiatives, and encouraging team engagement. I graduated from UCSD with a B.S. in Economics, becoming a first-generation college graduate—a milestone I hold with great pride. I am deeply proud of my heritage and am passionate about creating growth opportunities for my peers by cultivating a sense of Latino community and togetherness. I am excited to contribute to planning SDCLA events and inspiring the next generation of leaders.
Ivan Noriega, Board of Directors
Hello, my name is Ivan Noriega. I am on the Board of Directors for the San Diego County Latino Association (SDCLA) and a Senior Protective Services Worker in the Workforce Training Unit (WTD) within the Health and Human Services Agency. I work in Child and Family Wellbeing, focusing on supporting vulnerable communities. I am part of the SDCLA because I am deeply committed to advocating for the Latino community and addressing the inequities they face. Serving on the board allows me to drive initiatives that will empower our members, expand the organization’s impact in San Diego, and help promote leadership and cultural awareness. SDCLA provides a platform for members to engage with key resources, professional development opportunities, and a network of like-minded individuals who share a passion for social justice. Through collective efforts, we can amplify our voices and create meaningful change in both our communities and professional spheres.
Lilly Payton, Board of Directors
Hola! My name is Lilly Payton, and I am honored to serve as a Board Director for the San Diego County Latino Association (SDCLA). Throughout my career, I have been deeply committed to enhancing access to services for historically marginalized communities, with a strong focus on equity and inclusion. In my current role as Program Coordinator for Behavioral Health Services (BHS), I oversee various engagement initiatives, particularly those designed to connect with underserved populations. As a Board Director for SDCLA, I am dedicated to building on the incredible work of my predecessors. My focus in this role will be on promoting professional excellence, leadership, and cultural awareness by creating opportunities for mentorship and networking that empower members to develop their skills and confidence to grow within the organization. I am excited to contribute to the association’s success and to celebrate and amplify the achievements of the Latino community through this meaningful work.
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.
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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!