Meet our team!
Community Leadership for an Impact
We are a dedicated group of individuals committed to driving positive change from the ground up. Our collective passion for community engagement and sustainable development inspires us to work tirelessly for the betterment of society. Here’s a closer look at our team members:
Nuestras Raices Staff
Fernanda Mazcot
Nuestras Raices Executive Director
Fernanda graduated from Whitworth University with a degree in Social Services in 2014. In 2009, Fernanda received a Social Work certificate from Arizona State School.Fernanda oversees the management and leadership of the organization, a community center that provides services in various areas to improve social determinants of health and positively impact individuals’ overall well-being.With over 15 years of experience working in the non-profit sector and more than 10 years in mental health services, Fernanda brings extensive expertise to the field.Fernanda is crafty and enjoys paper crafting, coloring pages, and DIY projects. Fernanda also enjoys coloring and spending time with family.
Fernando Alaniz, LMHCA
Clinical Director
Fernando Alaniz was born and raised in the lower Yakima Valley. A dedicated leader shaped by his service as a Fire Team Leader in the United States Marine Corps. mental health. With extensive experience in crisis intervention, psychological assessment, therapy, and program coordination across community agencies, corrections, hospitals, schools, and private practice, Fernando has guided multidisciplinary teams through high-stakes moments, including urgent evaluations as a Designated Crisis Responder (DCR). He is currently a Ph.D. candidate in Clinical Psychology at Saybrook University. He embraces a humanistic-existential approach, meeting clients with genuine acceptance and unconditional positive regard. Rejecting rigid, one-size-fits-all frameworks, instead taking on an eclectic approach. Fernando collaborates authentically with individuals to
Isabel Mazcot de Torres
Director of Operations & Spokane Site Manager
Isabel Mazcot was born in Mexico and holds a degree in human services with extensive experience in finance.
In her role at Nuestras Raíces, she supports program managers in implementing services in the best way possible to enhance the community's well-being.
Isabel is a wife and mother of three who enjoys traveling, as it provides her with a different perspective on cultures and communities.
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Lucia Aguirre
BSW, Programs Director
Lucia is the Programs Director at Nuestras Raíces and a Notary Public. She earned her bachelor's degree in Social Work from Eastern Washington University in 2022. In her role as Programs Director, Lucia oversees all programs that bring families together, strengthen community connections, and promote access to essential resources and opportunities.
She provides leadership and support to the organization's Resource Navigators, oversees the Othello office, and ensures that programs and services are responsive to the needs of the community. Working closely with staff and community partners, Lucia helps develop and coordinate initiatives that foster family engagement, cultural connection, and community well-being.
Lucia is deeply committed to bridging the gap between social services and resources and the Latin@ community, particularly for individuals and families navigating barriers related to immigration status. Her passion for community advocacy and equitable access to services continues to guide her work and leadership.
Outside of work, Lucia enjoys spending time with her friends and family, as well as with her puppy, Luna, and her cat, Moon Moon.
Li Velasco M.A.
NRCC Director of Education
Li Velasco is the Director of Education and LUNAA Program Manager with Nuestras Raices Centro Comunitario. They attended Eastern Washington University where they earned their Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and later went on to receive their Master of Arts in East Asian Languages and Cultures, with a concentration in LGBTQIA+ media. In their current work, Li focuses on supporting Hispanic/Latine students as they navigate the intricacies of education. As the Director of Education, they work with students to facilitate the processes of scholarship and university applications. Li’s impact at Nuestras Raices is evident in the continued enrollment of students, many
looking for their expertise to advance in their academic journeys. Outside of their work in education, Li enjoys spending time with family and friends and serves as a board member for Odyssey Youth Movement.
Patricia Martin
MA, Case Manager
Patricia Martin graduated with a master’s in human services from Argosy University in California. Patricia’s passion is to help others. Her experience is in social work, advocating for underserved populations such as the developmentally disabled, and those with mental illness. Patricia states she is elated to work in our agency where she can make a difference in our clients’ lives. Patricia is originally from Chile, South America and speaks fluent Spanish. Patricia’s hobbies are painting on canvas, cooking, and reading. Patricia enjoys spending time with her two grown sons who live with her.
Laura Barragan
NRCC Executive Coordinator
Laura serves as the Executive Coordinator, where she organizes and coordinates the Executive Director's schedule, meetings, and agendas while providing administrative support to the leadership team.
In addition to her administrative role, Laura is a Folklórico instructor with our Cultura Program. She teaches traditional Folklórico dance to participants of all ages and leads after-school dance classes at Ruben Trejo Elementary School.
Nay
NRCC Housing Advocate
Nay helps people with their housing needs as well as with social services such as food stamps or other state benefits they may qualify for. Something she is passionate about is helping people, and that passion is what drives her in her work and makes her look forward to coming in every morning.
Outside of work, she enjoys going on small road trips or traveling whenever she can to different states, as she wants to visit all of them and meet lots of new people. Something she really enjoys doing in Spokane, especially in the summer, is going longboarding with her friend—whether at Riverfront Park, in Kendall Yards, or at random parking lots with hills. She also loves going to the lakes when the water isn’t freezing to swim or paddleboard. When it’s cold, she enjoys getting warm drinks like hot apple cider at any coffee shop and going thrifting or simply walking around downtown with her little drink.
Kristina Smith
Medically Disability Complex Parent Caregiver Life Coach
Kristina is dedicated to providing personalized support for parents of children with disabilities and complex medical needs. Her extensive lived experience offers a profound understanding of the often unseen challenges that parents encounter. As a certified Special Needs Life Quality Coach, she is committed to empowering families through compassionate guidance and informed advocacy. Kristina's journey began with her own experiences as a parent navigating the complex landscape of medical and educational resources. This personal insight fuels her passion for helping others, ensuring that they do not feel alone in their journey. Her expertise is further enhanced by her certification, which equips her to offer professional and empathetic support.
Through our Medically Complex Caregiver Community program, Kristina works one-on-one with parents. She assists them in processing difficult emotions, navigating a myriad of resources, and setting achievable goals that foster the health and wellness of the entire family. Kristina's approach is holistic and inclusive, ensuring that all family members are supported and empowered.
Kristina, born and raised in Spokane, has deep ties to her local community, which fuel her commitment to making a difference. She enjoys attending local festivals and events that celebrate the area's vibrant culture. Family is central to her life; she values time spent with her large extended family, creating cherished memories filled with laughter and support that reflect her core values. In her leisure time, Kristina finds solace and inspiration in nature, whether through peaceful walks in the park or hikes in the nearby mountains.
Celeste
Ethan Mendoza-Pena
Manager of Economic Development
Ethan is a skilled professional based in Spokane, WA, with expertise in insurance, business development, and higher education. He holds a Master of Arts in Administrative and Non-Profit Leadership and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Whitworth University. As the owner of Ethan Mendoza-Pena Insurance Agency, LLC, he has successfully built a client base across seven states since the agency inception in 2020.
In addition to his entrepreneurial work, Ethan serves as an Adjunct Faculty member at both Whitworth University and Eastern Washington University, teaching courses in leadership and African American culture. He is also the Economic Development Manager and Student Mentorship Consultant at Nuestras Raices, where he plays a key role in community development, program reporting, and fostering economic growth opportunities.
Ethan has previously held significant positions at the Carl Maxey Center, Farmers Insurance, and State Farm, which have further honed his leadership and business development skills. Committed to community engagement, he is the Board Chair for the Pillar Rock Homeowners Association, Vice Chair for the Fresh Soul/Spokane Eastside Reunion Association, and serves as a Board member with the West Central Community Center.
With a passion for supporting community initiatives and empowering individuals through education and business development, Ethan’s work is vital in strengthening local economies and creating sustainable growth for underrepresented communities in Spokane.
Yadira Orozco
Resource Navigator
Yadira graduated from Gonzaga University, with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration Degree with concentrations in Finance and Human Resources. Originally from Tonasket, Washington, Yadira is passionate about using business and economic development as tools to support small businesses and strengthen communities. As the Resource Navigator for our Éxito Program, Yadiara empowers local entrepreneurs by connecting them with valuable resources, supporting their business growth, and strengthening economic opportunities throughout the community.
Outside of her academic and professional work, Yadira loves to sing—especially mariachi music—and often listens to music as a way to relax and reset during busy days. She also enjoys dancing and learning how to cook new recipes, particularly the ones her mom has passed down to her. Staying connected to her culture, family, and community is important to her, and she hopes to continue using her education and experiences to support community growth in the future.
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Israel Wright
Resource Navigator/Case Manager - Othello Office
His name is Israel Wright, and his pronouns are he/him. He is the L & I advocate for the Othello office. He received an AA in Business from Spokane Community College in 2009 and a BA in Accounting from WSU in 2024. His main role at NRCC is assisting clients with L & I questions, completing forms, and educating workers on their rights. He also helps with FAFSA/WAFSA and will be teaching NRCC’s driving course. He is passionate about helping the community understand their rights and connecting them with resources to improve their quality of life. In his free time, he enjoys taking trips with his family, trying out new restaurants, and attending car shows. He is a big-time car enthusiast and has a few project cars he hopes to finish someday. He was born in Mexico City and grew up in Othello, WA.
Pedro Hernandez
IT & Web Specialist
This is Pedro Hernandez. He is the Web Developer and IT specialist at Nuestras Raíces. In addition to ensuring that the technology at Nuestras Raíces runs smoothly and efficiently, he also works with business clients to help create websites that expand their reach through the web.
He graduated from Eastern Washington University in 2022 with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science. His hobbies include playing the piano, going to the movies, and collecting vinyl records. His involvement with HBPA helps the organization and its clients stay up to date with the ever-evolving world of technology.
Nuestras Raices Board
Gabriela Jablonski
NRCC Interim President
Gabriela is originally from Texas and works in the Spokane area as a Nurse RN. With almost 20 years of experience in this field, Gabriela started HBPA Nuestras Raíces with COVID vaccines. Gabriela has two daughters in college. In her free time, Gabriela takes flamenco classes and enjoys running and cooking new recipes. Gabriela is delighted to serve on the Board of Nuestras Raíces HBPA..
Flor Castaneda
NRCC Interim Secretary
Mario Ruiz
Board Member
His name is Mario Ruiz Ramirez, originally from Guatemala, but he has been serving the Spokane community since 2001 and proudly calls Spokane his second home. He is the proud owner of The Otis Restaurant (formerly Marandos on Sprague), located in Otis, WA, which he runs alongside his wife, Belky Makiko Rizzo. His background is in finance and business administration, but he is also deeply passionate about Latin American food and community involvement. He is honored to serve on the board of directors for Nuestras Raíces Centro Comunitario, the Hispanic Business/Professional Association, and to be a member of the Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce.
