(SDCLA)

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. 

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. 

Hola, my name is Denise Márquez, and I am proud to join the SDCLA Board of Directors. I am a Mexican Guatemalan, first-generation Latina researcher, and an active community volunteer dedicated to immigrant rights at the U.S.-Mexico border. I currently serve as an Administrative Analyst II in Self-Sufficiency Services under the Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs at the Health and Human Services Agency. I joined SDCLA to help create a safe, empowering space where Latinos can support one another, share resources, and empower one another to become leaders in the workplace. I also envision SDCLA as a place where we can show up authentically, grow together, and amplify our collective impact. My passion lies in building strong relationships with diverse organizations, actively advocating for immigrant rights, and providing services that impact the Latino community both professionally and at a community level. ¡Luchamos sin fin!

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.

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.

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!