Past LLN Speakers
Yolanda Meraz, SEP -
September 21st, 2022
Yolanda Meraz is the Chief Strategy Officer for Stanislaus Equity Partners. Ms. Meraz is a nonprofit professional with over 20 years of experience in community investment, philanthropy, financial services, marketing, product development, strategic planning, and advocacy. Yolanda has worked with many community leaders, Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) officers, and philanthropy executives to strategize on bringing greater investments and resources into disinvested communities. She holds a Bachelor Degree in Communications from the Universidad Iberoamericana in Mexico, and a degree in Computer Graphics from Stanislaus State University.
Yamilet Valladolid, MPH -
October 19th, 2022
Yamilet Valladolid works for Golden Valley Health Centers a non-profit organization that offers health care to families in Merced, Stanislaus and San Joaquin counties regardless of language, cultural and financial barriers as their Director of Government and Community Affairs, building relationships with community and elected officials by creating bridges and collaborations, also staying updated on health policies and issues that have an effect on the communities served. Ms. Valladolid, holds a Master's degree in Public Health and is committed to paving the way for others to follow their educational and leadership goals.
Virginia Madueño -
April 12th, 2023
In 2021, Virginia was appointed by Governor Newsom to the Delta Stewardship Council; she serves as its Chair. Aside from her service to the State, Virginia is Managing Member and President of IMAGEN LLC, Managing Partner of SanGuard Growth LLC and CaliCasas LLC, Investor and Advisor to Alterna Card Services, and President of BeauTea Imports. She is a national award-winning small business owner. Virginia has multiple accolades including Woman of the Year by Amaré Magazine, Business Owner of the Year by Enterprising Women’s Magazine, 100 Women to Know in America by Know Book, and Trailblazer Business of the Year by NAWBO. Virginia has a passion for public service and strives to raise awareness about the critical role the Delta plays in California. She hopes to launch two new business projects in 2023. She is a former Councilmember and Mayor for the City of Riverbank, Former Chair and Commissioner for California Boating and Waterways, and more.
Angelica Anguiano, Esq -
November 16th, 2022
Angelica Anguiano is the founder and managing attorney of Anguiano Law, A Professional Law Corporation. Her mission is to provide excellent legal services to those that have been personally injured as well as the families who have lost a loved one through the negligence of others. In 2015, Angelica was appointed by Governor Jerry Brown to the Stanislaus County Fair Board where she continues to serve. In 2020, she was nominated as Outstanding Woman of Stanislaus County by Stanislaus County Commission for Women. Angelica is a first-generation Latina and speaks Spanish fluently. When she is not managing the firm or donating her time to the community, she spends time with her two beautiful boys.
Melissa Santos -
Febuary 15th, 2023
Melissa Santos is the Senior District Rep. for the Office of Congressman Josh Harder representing Congressional District 9. Melissa is a first-generation Latina and proud of her immigrant roots. She began her career as an organizer about ten years ago when she learned that she could best serve her community by educating them and mobilizing them to vote. She accepted a position as District Representative for the Congressman’s office in February of 2019. Since then, she has led significant projects such as being the liaison for the Congressman’s Multicultural Community Advisory Committee (MCAC), Latino community outreach, and Spanish media Liaison. She was recently promoted to Senior District Representative where she will oversee the field program and the team of field representatives.
Stephanie Oyervides -
March 15th, 2023
My name is Stephanie Oyervides and I am a fashion designer and I own the taste studio located in downtown Modesto. From a young age my dream was always to be a fashion designer. Being raised by a single mother, who used to sew to be able to provide for my sister and I, is where my passion began. Sitting by her side collecting scraps, is when I started designing my own creations. I graduated from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM) in 2010. And with this education and a lot of hard work I’ve been able to create a career for myself running a retail space and production studio.