Circle de Luz is supported by a Board of Directors and a vibrant, professional staff who are dedicated to fulfilling our important mission.
Our Staff
Tere González
Executive Director
BIO
As a proud immigrant from Mexico, Tere has worked in the U.S. for nearly a decade. She is a creative communicator, social entrepreneur, and cultural engineer with a 20-year international career involving advocacy, nonprofit organization management, and communication strategy. She has extensive fieldwork experience with at-risk groups and is the co-founder of two nonprofit organizations in Mexico focused on issues ranging from social justice to sustainable energy.
She was appointed as one of the first 17 United Nations Young Leaders for the Sustainable Development Goals in recognition of her work around the world. Tere has worked at the United Nations Foundation, the Organization of American States, and the World Bank Group to advance shared prosperity, youth empowerment, gender equality, and the economic inclusion of underserved groups, such as LGBTQI+ communities, persons with disabilities, and populations living in poverty.
At Circle de Luz, Tere serves as Executive Director. She believes education is one of the greatest assets a person can have—with a ripple effect on communities, economies, and the next generations. She is convinced that collective support and investment can open important doors for Latinx girls and young women to step into their power and explore the paths of their choice.
Corrin Zumbádo Campbell
Program/Communications Manager
BIO
Originally from California, Corrin Zumbado Campbell is a first-generation college graduate of Costa Rican descent who most recently worked in higher education to serve and support multicultural college students. In both her personal and professional experiences, she has continuously seen the many systemic challenges and barriers that exist for students from underrepresented communities when it comes to pursuing their dreams.
She is passionate about working toward a future in which education is equitable and accessible to all. Corrin believes strongly in the power of community care and is grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the Circle de Luz team and support our hijas and their families. Her dream is for every hija to stand in their power, be strong in their voice, uplift those around them, and unapologetically pursue their dreams.
Vanessa Martínez
Development and Finance Director
BIO
Vanessa received her bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies and Journalism at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. In her professional experience she has had the privilege to have been surrounded by incredible industry leaders and experts of the digital marketing field. Vanessa was ready to make a shift in her career, taking her experience with her to the world of nonprofit management where she could share her skillset and advance a Latinx organization. She officially came on board with Circle de Luz in March 2020 managing the program and has since transitioned into her role as Development and Finance Director. She is proud to be part of the growing Circle de Luz family and is committed to empower and uplift her Latinx community through education, reform, sustainable practices, and community care.
Carmen Aguilera
Case Manager
BIO
I am a proud first-generation college graduate from Mexico. I have always cherished the value of education and the transformation it brings to one’s self. In my professional experience, I’ve had the privilege to be a teacher, an advocate for women’s rights, and manage a nonprofit enrichment program for the youth. I have
always been very passionate about advocating for higher education and empowering our youth to be
change agents in their communities. Of course, I believe an all-around support system is crucial to achieving higher education.
As Circle de Luz’s case manager, my goal is to uplift and support our Latinx community by ensuring that every hija and their families are equipped to reach their aspirations. My ultimate dream is to witness our youth seize the endless possibilities that education offers. I am excited to join the team and our mission and watch what we can fulfill together.
Our Board of Directors
Lauren Blasing
Board Chair
BIO
I am honored to serve on the board of this organization because of the way Circle de Luz empowers these amazing young Latinas to believe in themselves and realize all of the great things they are capable of achieving. In the special programing, it is so exciting for the girls to meet inspiring role models who share how they are making an impact in our community. I love seeing the girls learn and dream, as they figure out their life goals.
I believe in the power of education to foster an understanding and the confidence necessary to make a positive difference in the world. I am passionate about the mission of this organization because we are transforming the lives of our hijas, and their families, and our community.
My hope is to see Circle de Luz continue this ground-breaking work and empower our hijas to understand that their possibility is limitless. My hope is that these young women realize their educational aspirations and become future leaders, sharing their unique skills and abilities with our community and the world.
Lina Varela
Board Vice-Chair
BIO
COMING SOON
Rosie Molinary
Founder & Board Member
BIO
Every single one of us has a profound gift to offer this world, and our community suffers when not everyone is given the access and opportunity they deserve to thrive. Rosie believes in Circle de Luz’s mission because she knows that our greatest resource is an educated, empowered and diverse community. During the recognition ceremony for our first class, a mother openly wept and shared that she had dreamt of the opportunities that her daughter might have in the United States only to realize that there were barriers in place that she didn’t know how to navigate.
“Circle de Luz is an answer to my prayers,” she shared, and her words made the urgency of our mission even more profound. Rosie wants every hija who participates in our program to develop a clear sense of and belief in herself so that she may choose to share her talents and gifts with the world in a way that gives her meaning and the world healing.
Ari Lopez
Board Member
BIO
As a Circle de Luz Alumna, I feel honored to be able to give back to this amazing organization that guided me as a hija.
I am serving this mission wholeheartedly because I have personally experienced the impact this program can have on young Latina women like myself.
My hope is that Circle De Luz will continue to grow and impact not only our hijas but our community as well. I would love to see this program expand to other cities and touch as many lives as possible so we can empower our Latinx community and encourage them them to dream big.
Jocelyn Negron-Rios
Board Member
BIO
As a proud Puerto Rican hailing from NYC and having been raised by two strong Puerto Rican women, Jocelyn knows firsthand the collective and transformative power of Latina women in the community. They rally, they support and they hold down communities for generations. Circle de Luz mirrors that model for the next generation of young women. We rally, we support and we empower our girls and communities through our collective work towards our incredible shared mission.
There are so many moments Jocelyn is proud of, including watching our first class graduate in 2014 and seeing them each pursue post-secondary education and having the grand honor of watching them grow into amazing women who are evolving into their best selves. They are self-assured, educated, empowered and so confident. Jocelyn’s hope is that the work we do creates a generation of self-assured, empowered, educated women and families who continue to do this work and make big dents in creating a world where communities of color are seen, heard and represented at all levels.
Mary Kathryn Elkins
Board Member
BIO
Mary Kathryn’s college experience still, 18 years later, stands as the most transformative experience of her life. She believes the opportunity to have your life changed and the world cracked wide open by learning should be available in equal measure to every person. In 2013 when serving as the Development Chair for Circle de Luz, she helped secure enough in grant funding for us to hire our first staff member. Mary Kathryn was humbled and honored to, then, be hired as that staff member and is incredibly proud of the growth we accomplished in her three years in that role. She hopes to see the Charlotte community shift their attention and focus to the wealth of talent, resilience and gifts exuding from the young women we serve, their families and the Latino community at large. Then she hopes they take that attention and turn it into action spurred on by organizations like ours.
Yanira Castro
Board Member
BIO
As a Black Puerto Rican, I reflect on how my life journey might have been transformed had I encountered an organization like Circle de Luz during my formative years. Contemplating my own daughters, aged 27 and 11, reminds me of the vital role that community played and continues to play in shaping their lives, enabling them to thrive through collective support.
Recently, I embarked on a journey of involvement with a strong desire to forge deeper connections within the Charlotte Latinx community. I am driven by the belief that my diverse experiences and national network can contribute meaningfully.
The unwavering commitment to nurturing these young girls over a six-year span, coupled with the numerous success stories that have emerged, underscores the lasting impact of Circle de Luz. This enduring organization exemplifies the power of dedication.
My dedication stems from a place of genuine care, and I’m meticulous in how I allocate my time. I am confident that my associations will resonate deeply with those who share my values.
Central to this mission is the cultivation of sisterhood. The magnetic pull of fostering strong connections is a universal truth. Guiding young girls to comprehend the significance of collaboration and mutual support over competition is an incredible privilege. After all, everyone understands the quest to find their squad.
Together, we sow the seeds of empowerment, creating a legacy of transformation that ripples through generations.
Crystal Trotter
Board Member
BIO
As an immigrant, Crystal connected and empathized with the challenges many of our Circle de Luz hijas face. As a female and an attorney, she is passionate about helping young women to attain higher education and skills that lead to fulfilling and happy lives. Circle de Luz and its powerful mission presents a unique opportunity to do all these things. Working with her mentee through College 101 for the past two years and seeing her growth and advancement was a truly rewarding experience for Crystal.
She is extremely proud of being a part of a team that is targeting standardized test preparation and working on implementing more programs dedicated to improving college readiness. Crystal hopes Circle de Luz’s presence in the community continues to grow and that the organization’s participants continue to strive, achieving great things and ultimately bringing it all back to serve others in the Circle.
Courtney McCreary
Board Member
BIO
As a mother to seven daughters, Circle de Luz’s mission to radically empower young women was an obvious fit for me. As a mentor in various capacities for over 20 years, I am particularly impressed with Circle’s holistic programming, six year commitment to each student, and support of not only the students, but also their families. I believe whole-heartedly that Circle de Luz is more impactful than any other mentorship program I have experienced. I have witnessed first-hand, as a college 101 mentor (now Adelante) and Class Captain, how truly transformative Circle’s program is on the young women in our community. Our students begin as timid seventh graders and through Circle’s support and exposure to opportunity, grow into confident, determined young women, many of whom are now in positions of power locally, nationally and even globally.
As a new board member, I hope to lean on my experience to carefully and intentionally expand Circle de Luz’s presence in the Charlotte community. My dream is for every student to graduate self-assured in her potential with a true sense of the support of her circle, the confidence to pursue her goals and the desire to uplift her community.
Jessica Rojas
Board Member
BIO
Jessica is an experienced data professional, with over 10 years in the STEM field. Working in a male-dominated industry, Jessica is passionate about disrupting the status quo and promoting equality for women in underrepresented spaces. She believes that education is the most powerful weapon against inequality.
As the daughter of immigrants, Jessica faced significant challenges while navigating college, which has inspired her to support others on similar journeys. For over 5 years, she has been deeply committed to Circle de Luz. Serving as a Class Captain, she has been instrumental in guiding and mentoring Latinas, providing them with the resources and support.
Jessica is thrilled to continue her service and join the Circle de Luz board, where she aims to leverage her experience and passion to drive impactful change and create a positive social impact for the next generation.
Jessica hopes that Circle de Luz continues to make a profound impact on even more girls and families and can scale this program to reach and empower a wider community.
Euralis Figueroa
Board Member
BIO
Euralis’ tenure as the Class Captain of Circle de Luz’s class of 2024 spanned three impactful years. Her involvement underscores the profound influence programs like Circle de Luz can have on young girls’ lives, echoing her personal journey as a beneficiary of a similar initiative. Through her dedication and leadership, Euralis not only contributed to her hijas’ growth but also exemplified the transformative power of educational and mentorship programs.
With over 18 years of experience in the financial industry, Euralis brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise shaped by her journey from humble beginnings. Her career began with a transition to Wall Street, navigating and excelling in a new and challenging environment. Euralis’ professional trajectory not only showcases her resilience and adaptability but also serves as an inspiring example of overcoming barriers and achieving success.
Euralis’ ministry revolves around serving others through mentorship, education, and coaching. She is deeply committed to advocating for individuals whose voices are often unheard or marginalized. Her approach is rooted in empowering others, helping them find their strengths and voice in order to effect positive change. Euralis is committed to upholding and advancing Circle de Luz’ goals and aiming to make a positive impact on the community.
Cristina Shaul
Board Member
BIO
Cristina Shaul spent over 10 years of her childhood in San Juan, Puerto Rico and Mexico City, Mexico, and feels a kinship with the people there and here. She feels it’s an honor and joy to serve Circle de Luz and the Latina community as a new board member. Cristina has been a cheerleader for Circle de Luz for many years — she loved serving as a Co-Captain for the Circle de Luz Class of 2016 for six years creating programs and experiences for the growth and development of our young women, and loves staying in touch with the 2016 alumnae. She believes the vision and mission of Circle de Luz are so important — the ripple effects this organization has on the young women with whom we work and their families and friends is profound. She is so proud of the work Circle de Luz has done in the past and is excited to be a part of the team to help guide this inspiring organization into the future.