Guillermo Velazquez is the Executive Director of the Pittsburgh Hispanic Development Corporation (PHDC). As Executive Director, Mr. Velazquez is responsible for the operations of PHDC and for implementing its mission in economic and community development. A Business Incubator, Housing, Employment, Investment, Training, and Career Development are activities of the Hispanic Corporation.

Mr. Velazquez began his career at (DESEM), an entrepreneurship program in Mexico City for ten years. Mr. Velazquez has a wealth of experience assisting U.S.-based companies in expanding internationally and foreign companies seeking to develop their local and international markets. His specialty is market entry strategies and market penetration. 

Mr. Velázquez has an MBA in Global Management and Business Administration from Point Park University and a bachelor's degree in Business Relations, Marketing, and International Business. Furthermore, he holds a computer systems diploma and an English diploma as a second language. He is fluent in Spanish, English, Portuguese, Italian, and French.

Howard Alvarez is the Programs Director of the Pittsburgh Hispanic Development Corporation.  He manages the Housing, Employment, Community, and the Business Incubator programs.  Howard also supports the Executive Director to over seeing the operations of PHDC. He collects data to report the impact of these programs on the Latino community in the greater Pittsburgh region to improve their execution and advocates for access at city, county and state level. He also manages educational activities at PHDC to inform and create advancement in the Hispanic community. 

Howard has a bachelor’s degree in Foreign Affairs from the Central University of Venezuela.  He is currently in the second year of his Master’s Degree of Public and International Affairs with a concentration in International Political Economy.  Howard enjoys interacting with the community, helping and empowering people.  During his studies, he was captain of the AUDAS - International Team of Spanish Debate, and faculty advisor of delegations for models of the United Nations in Venezuela, and other countries.

Ernesto Peroche is a Strategic Operations Development Consultant at the Pittsburgh Hispanic Development Corporation. He specializes in advancing technology integration, optimizing loan processes, and providing comprehensive financial evaluations. His role involves enhancing technological frameworks and financial strategies for new and existing businesses within Pittsburgh’s Hispanic and Latino communities. Ernesto also offers expert guidance on securing business capital and financial assistance options.

Ernesto holds a Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Engineering from the Universidad Nacional del Litoral in Santa Fe, Argentina, and is currently pursuing a Specialization in Information Systems at the Universidad Tecnológica Nacional.

His background includes prominent roles such as Business Analyst at the Pittsburgh Hispanic Development Corporation, where he significantly contributed to the growth and success of Latino businesses in Pennsylvania. Additionally, he founded a consultancy that helps entrepreneurs and organizations grow their businesses through strategic development and innovation.

Outside of his professional endeavors, Ernesto is passionate about traveling and mountain trekking, often exploring new destinations and engaging in outdoor adventures.

Ximena Villanueva is a Business Analyst at PHDC. She specializes in supporting companies achieve accelerated growth through economic development initiatives, community reinvestment programs and optimized customer onboarding. Her work also involves assisting clients in navigating permitting and licensing processes, as well as providing expert guidance on securing business capital and financial assistance options. Additionally, Ximena offers business education programs.

Ximena holds a Bachelor's Degree in Culinary and Hotel Management from the Colegio Superior de Gastronomía in Mexico City, Mexico, and a Postgraduate Degree in Culinary Arts and Business Management from the DCT Swiss Hotel & Business Management School in Lucerne, Switzerland.

Her background includes prominent roles at Nestlé Mexico, where she demonstrated her ability as a highly accomplished bilingual Marketing and Retail Sales Leader. She brings extensive experience in driving customer engagement, strategic business development and brand growth, in addition to proven ability in translating consumer insights into actionable strategies, delivering measurable sales increases and operational efficiencies.

Outside of her professional endeavors, Ximena is an avid culinary explorer, always on the lookout for new gastronomic adventures. Together with her husband, she shares a passion for discovering the world through food and wine.

Lorena Jimenez Ficarra is a Housing Navigator at the Pittsburgh Hispanic Development Corporation. As Housing Navigator she assists the Latino Community to connect with Landlords to obtain access to rental properties. She also works with Real Estate Agents assisting in the process of homeownership. 

Lorena has experience in Real Estate Management, providing services to Latino families for over 6 years, which leads her to understand the needs of the Latino community. Lorena’s ability to connect with members of the community is key to the success of the housing initiative at PHDC. 

Marcela Guerrero is from Ecuador and has lived in the U.S. for over 15 years. As a Housing Coordinator for PHDC, she is dedicated to assisting the Hispanic community in finding affordable rental housing. Marcela guides people through the housing search process, providing guidance and connecting them with landlords and resources to facilitate access to rental properties. Her work also includes solving housing-related problems and addressing the specific needs of the Hispanic community.

With over three years of experience in Real Estate Management in Pittsburgh, Marcela has developed exceptional customer service skills, cultivating strong relationships within the PHDC community. She holds a Master's Degree in Executive Leadership from Liberty University and runs her own business, providing interpretation and translation services in over 15 languages. Marcela's primary objective at PHDC is to assist as many individuals as possible and contribute to the organization's ongoing success.

In her leisure time, Marcela finds joy in outdoor activities such as running and other sports. She particularly cherishes sunny days, as they allow her to pursue her hobbies and enjoy nature.

Carolina Tapia-Urzua  joined PHDC in April 2024 as a Bilingual Housing Coordinator Consultant.  She assists in connecting and preparing community members with home ownership opportunities in the Pittsburgh metropolitan area.   Carolina is also a local artist participating in gallery shows as well as in social media presence.  While at PHDC, she hopes to continue to contribute to the Hispanic and Latino communities in the area. 

Carolina.is originally from Chile, where she started her studies in graphic design and art. She attended school in Pittsburgh where she got an Associates degree in Graphic Design at The Art Institute of Pittsburgh. She expended the last 25 years in California where she worked as a graphic designer and as a Realtor for the last 12 years.  She relocated back to Pittsburgh in early 2024, where she lives with her daughter and their little dog Feebie. Outside of work she enjoys reading, painting, singing, listening to music, hiking and spending time with friends and family.

Aurora Pinto is a Bilingual Employment and Community Navigator for PHDC. She is responsible for

connecting community members with employment opportunities in the Pittsburgh metropolitan area.

She also identifies and connects community members in need of legal assistance, employment inquiries,

and coordination of job applications with employers. She also assists the Program Manager in

coordinating activities with partners related to tax preparation for the Latino community, as well as

various community events.

Aurora has a Ph.D. in Rhetoric (Communications) from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, where she has taught various courses in the area of ​​Communications. At the same University, she obtained her Master's degree in Corporate Communication, and in her native Venezuela she graduated as a Social Communicator at the Andres Bello Catholic University, in Caracas.

Aurora has extensive experience in the area of ​​Corporate Communications in the petrochemical industry in her country of origin, as well as in advertising and public relations.

Aurora enjoys outdoor sports such as hiking, jogging, and bicycling. As an art lover, she regularly

participates in various Urban Sketching groups in the city of Pittsburgh.

Alice Rivera joined PHDC in September 2023 as a Bilingual Employment Coordinator Consultant.  She assists in connecting community members with employment opportunities in the Pittsburgh metropolitan area.   Alice also works as a legal assistant and document reviewer.  While at PHDC, she hopes to continue to contribute to the Hispanic and Latino communities in the area. 

Alice is originally from Puerto Rico; she has lived in  Pittsburgh for 9 years.  She graduated from the Pontifical Catholic University of PR, where she majored in Psychology.   Outside of work she enjoys reading, painting, and spending time with friends and family.

Selene Alvarado is a Business Analyst Coordinator Consultant for the Hispanic Corporation Incubator. Her job is to evaluate the business ideas of aspiring entrepreneurs before they can incorporate their companies. 

Originally from Mexico, Selene holds a degree in Communication and a master's degree in Philosophy from ITESO, the Jesuit university in Guadalajara. She has gained professional experience in various fields including communication, advertising, and institutional relations while working for several large companies.

Sebastian Muñoz is currently working part-time with the business incubator at the Pittsburgh Hispanic Development Corporation. With his skills in client service and bilingual communication, he helps as a business analyst to new and currently existing Latino entrepreneurs with permit applications and certifications, as well as a translator for any documents and offices they require contact with.

Sebastian is originally from Mexico and finished High School in Texas at The Woodlands High School, he has an intense passion for economics, reading, and Latino Politics.

His purpose for joining PHDC is to help the Hispanic community become independent and successful as well as to find themselves comfortable in a distinct culture such as the United States of America

Rebecca A. Rosas is a Business Analyst Intern for the Business Incubator Program at PHDC. She specializes in researching and applying for necessary permitting and licensing for our entrepreneurs in order to comply with all regulations on a state and federal level. Her work also includes increasing the efficiency of the Incubator through the creation of standardized forms unique to different business types, as well as increasing the effectiveness of the current business education program.

Rebecca was born and raised in New Jersey to Mexican parents, speaking both English and Spanish, a skill she uses to coordinate meetings with entrepreneurs that may need translation services. She is currently studying at Carnegie Mellon University and pursuing a B.S. in Business Administration, a Minor in Engineering Studies, and a concentration in Business Analytics and Technologies. While working at PHDC she looks forward to helping the local hispanic community grow their businesses.

Outside of work you can find her cooking up a new recipe from different countries, reading, or crafting a new project. 

Jacobo Dantus is a Business Analyst Coordinator Consultant of the Business Incubator Program at PHDC. His tasks include assisting rising Hispanic entrepreneurs to bring their prospective businesses to light.  In addition, Jacobo assists existing businesses with permits and other requirements they may need to take their business to the next step.  

Jacobo is a Mexican American born and raised in the US, and speaks both English and Spanish, a skill which he has used to aid in translation, and to communicate with the Hispanic community in Pittsburgh.  He lives in Washington DC but is currently studying at the University of Pittsburgh and pursuing a Major in Finance, Minor in Philosophy, and a Certificate in Innovation and Entrepreneurship.  While working at PHDC he looks to both aid the development of the Hispanic community in Pittsburgh and learn the ins and outs of starting and running a business.

Kiara Lazu is a Business Analyst Coordinator Consultant.   She assists the Business Analysts with time sensitive deliveries.  She also acts as a translator for business documents and provides support to the day to day activities.   Currently, Kiara has been focused on helping business owners with permit applications ranging from health permits to building permits.

Kiara is originally from Connecticut and is in Pittsburgh studying Business Administration with concentration in Strategic Management at Carnegie Mellon University.  Outside of work, she is often creating student events as the Internal Outreach Chair at Carnegie Mellon’s Spanish and Latino Student Association.  Because of her background in non profit organizations and the arts, she is passionate about applying her studies to supporting marginalized communities.

Since his arrival in the US from his native country of Venezuela, Juan Jaramillo has established himself as a prominent violinist in a variety of music scenes around the country.    He is a product of the internationally famous “EL Sistema '' orchestra program that started in Venezuela.  Currently he is the Principal Second of the Wheeling Symphony and first violinist for the Pittsburgh Opera and Ballet Orchestras, as well as the Sarasota Opera and Sarasota Orchestra.    In addition, Juan is the Events Coordinator Consultant at the Pittsburgh Hispanic Development Corporation.  Juan has also shared the stage with international artists such as Andrea Bocelli, Vince Gill, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Kansas, Ray Charles, Bernadette Peters and more.

Juan received his Bachelor’s Degree and Artist Diploma from Duquesne University and also earned a Master’s Degree from Penn State University.  When he is not performing, rehearsing, or teaching, Juan enjoys running, cooking and the movies. 

My name is Sandy Jacqueline Ruiz Linan, I was born in New Jersey, but grew up in Guatemala, I am the intake coordinator at PHDC, I take the calls to welcome and register clients,  gather information about the client and create a profile on the PHDC platform. Also I am the ISAC Navigator, I help refugees and immigrants thrive in Allegheny county.  

I studied Marketing at the Universidad Mariano Galvez in Guatemala.  I joined PHDC to learn and be able to contribute to the Latino Community realizing its dreams. My hobbies are playing board games, making crafts and making designs in the Cricut program.

Nureddyn Ballout is the Ambridge Outreach Consultant at the Pittsburgh Hispanic Development Corporation.

He assists in connecting community members with employment, housing and business opportunities in Ambridge Borough.

Nureddyn also actively works to improve permitting and paperwork processes through the development of software tools.

Knowing first-hand the difficulties that an immigrant faces when settling in the United States, he is driven to contribute to the Latino community around him.

Originally from Venezuela, Nureddyn is a software developer with a solid background in management and customer service, with critical thinking being a fundamental part of his professional work.

Diana Andrade is an Administrative Assistant Consultant at the Pittsburgh Hispanic Development Corporation. Her daily activities include helping the office staff, making sure not to leave out any details, and managing all phone calls, emails, and correspondence. Diana is aware of the business start-up process, and ideas that people bring to PHDC every day in search of guidance.

Diana studied Law at the Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolas de Hidalgo in Mexico. She joined PHDC to learn and to contribute to the Latino Community.  Diana enjoys learning from the people who come to PHDC and she is very grateful for the opportunity and plans to continue assisting her community.  

Simone Pazian has a degree in Public Relations and Pedagogy and a postgraduate degree from USP (University of Sal Paulo/Brazil) in People Management.  In addition, she has taken several courses in Business Management and Finance.

Simone worked in the Logistics Area for two large multinationals.  After this experience, she migrated her career to Human Resources,  where she had the opportunity to work at a logistics company and was  responsible for structuring the Human Resources Department.  

After gaining experience, Simone decided to open a company in the Pet Industry.   Along the way, she specialized in Business Management and networked to share experiences.  Her company was referenced as a Business Model for companies in the same segment.  It was a moment of great satisfaction of professional and personal growth.

Leila Vazquez is the Portuguese Coordinator Consultant at PHDC, a recently established position aimed at providing the Brazilian community with the same resources and opportunities offered to the Hispanic community.  In her role as the Brazilian Navigator, Leila will focus on the three key pillars of the PHDC - Employment, Housing and Business incubator - providing valuable assistance to Brazilians as they strive to achieve success in their personal and professional endeavors as immigrants in the USA.

With over 20 years experience working with immigrants as a teacher, translator and service coordinator, Leila is perfectly suited to use her wealth of knowledge to support the Brazilian community that has been lacking in initiatives such as those offered by PHDC.   Her degree in Portuguese and English as a second language from the esteemed University Gama Filho in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, along with her specialization in translation, make her a valuable asset to the community she serves. 

Jose Maria Siqueira is a Brazilian native of the municipality of Cameta in the state of Para, located in the heart of the Brazilian Amazon.  He arrived in Pittsburgh four years ago and has recently joined PHDC assisting the Brazilian community in their quest for housing, employment, social support, and potential business and investment opportunities.   At PHDC, he also organizes events that commemorate important dates in Latin American culture and history.

Jose Maria holds a bachelor’s degree in law, and postgraduate qualifications in Municipal Law and Natural Resource Management and Local Development.  His extensive professional background spans more than two decades of service in the legal field at the Court Of Accounts of the Municipalities of the State of Para.  Additionally, he has practiced law in areas such as Civil, Labor and Constitutional.  He also served as the Secretary-General of the Ethics Tribunal and as the Director of Research at the Higher School of Advocacy at the Brazilian Bar Associate in the state of Para.

Beyond his legal pursuits, Jose Maria is also a trained musician and composer.

Nathaniel Scanlon is a business analyst intern for PHDC. Tasks include conducting market research and aiding in the development of business plans. Other duties include assisting Hispanic entrepreneurs from the Pittsburgh area in incorporating and creating their businesses, and assisting with other tasks as needed.

Nathaniel is a native from Pittsburgh, born and raised in the south hills. Using previous knowledge of the city and familiarity with the area, Nathaniel contributes to aid more development for the Hispanic community. Currently, he attends Carnegie Mellon University majoring in Statistics and Machine Learning and is considering either an additional major in Business Administration or Computer Science. Through working at PHDC he hopes to gain insight into how businesses operate and how non-profit organizations are managed.

In his free time, he enjoys going to the gym or hanging out with friends.

Jack Kiggins is working part-time with the Community Engagement sector at the Pittsburgh Hispanic Development Corporation. He will be primarily helping with housing coordination, organizing local events, and assisting the Latino community with navigating the Pittsburgh area. 

Jack is from Atlanta, Georgia and recently completed his first year at Carnegie Mellon University, majoring in Ethics, History, and Public Policy. He plans to eventually pursue a career in law, but wanted to first gain some experience working with the Latino community in Pittsburgh. Jack has some background with Spanish through high school, but is eager to learn more and plans to develop his communication skills over the summer. Beyond work, Jack enjoys playing football and often watches European matches in his free time — his favorite club is Arsenal FC in London. 

While interning at PHDC, Jack hopes to develop his skills in bilingual communication to help as many in the Latino community as possible. 

Valeria Silva Yepez is the current Community Engagement Intern at the PHDC, and her work includes assisting with translation and interpretation of documents, coordination of events, and developing community engagement strategies. 

She is originally from Venezuela, currently attending the University of Pittsburgh and is pursuing a double major in Psychology and Spanish, a certificate in Latin American studies, and minors in Portuguese, Gender Sexuality and Women’s Studies, and Studio Arts. She is also a board member of the Luso-Brazilian Student Association (Brazil Nuts), and has completed individual field research in Colombia as part of The Center for Latin American Studies (CLAS) Seminar and Field Trip Program at Pitt. 

Being raised in Venezuela, and moving to the US at a young age has allowed her to understand the issues immigrants can face, inspiring her academic focus and work with the community. Valeria looks forward to working with the Latin community of Pittsburgh, and helping them navigate business, employment, and community related inquiries. 

Louisiana Figueroa is the Business Analyst of the PHDC Incubator Program. She assists Hispanic entrepreneurs with the creation and incorporation of their business by performing SWOT analysis, business capital advising, permit and license processing, translating, and overall clientele administrative support in their business journey. 

Louisiana looks forward to getting more involved with the Pittsburgh Hispanic community, offering her knowledge and experience as a way to keep making progress in the development of the Hispanic community. Being raised in Peru has led her to understand the hardships Hispanic people go through in Pittsburgh, which allows her to work with the community in Pittsburgh. 

She enjoys playing instruments, going on hikes, and is very passionate about being an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community and women’s rights. 

Edel is the Business Analyst Coordinator and Navigator. As the Business Analyst Coordinator he works to provide overall assistance to the Business Analyst. While also focusing on certifications and permits relating to the Health Department and other special events.

Edel was born and raised in Puerto Rico, he recently moved to pursue his undergraduate career at Carnegie Mellon University. He is currently majoring in Statistics and Machine Learning and plans to complete an additional major in Computer Science. In addition, he is currently serving as a mentor for students that are from low socio-economic backgrounds and historically marginalized communities by helping them navigate the higher educational system. 

During his time with PHDC, Edel looks forward to developing sustainable ways to assist Hispanic business owners by empowering them with the necessary knowledge and tools to succeed in today’s world.

Franco Chiappori is currently working part-time with the Business Incubator at the Pittsburgh Hispanic Corporation. He helps to conduct business and financial evaluations for rising and existing businesses in Pittsburgh's Hispanic and Latino communities. 

Franco is originally from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida but attends the University of Pittsburgh, where he majors in Economics and minors in Hispanic Language and Culture. Franco learned Spanish through his immediate family, which is originally from Lima, Peru. Outside of work, Franco is also involved in the University of Pittsburgh's Air Force ROTC program, where he hopes to serve his country proudly as a contracting officer.

Franco looks forward to getting more involved in the Pittsburgh Hispanic community and expanding upon his professional and business skills while working at PHDC.

Sofia Galvan is currently working as an intern in PHDC in the programs of Community Engagement and Business Incubator. She assists in carrying out the activities that conduct housing, employment and community; as well as helping with the financial, administrative, and marketing operations, SWOT analysis, optimization assessments, and entrepreneurship boosts for new or existing business owners in Pittsburgh's Hispanic and Latino communities.

Sofia is from Mexico and studies at Tecnológico de Monterrey where she majors in Engineering in Business and IT. She currently lives in Mexico but often visits Pittsburgh since she came to live here from 2011-2014 while her dad was doing his PhD at CMU. 

From this internship she hopes to contribute to the Hispanic and Latino communities in Pittsburgh and learn new skills from working with PHDC clients that look to better their businesses.

Pamela Junqueira is currently volunteering part-time with the Business Incubator at the Pittsburgh Hispanic Corporation. She helps to conduct market and general research as well as business and financial evaluations for rising and existing businesses in Pittsburgh's Hispanic and Latino communities.

Pamela is originally from São Paulo, Brazil but attends the University of Pittsburgh, where she majors in Finance and is pursuing a certificate in International Business. Pamela is fluent in English and Portuguese. Outside of volunteering, Pamela is also involved in Women in Business, the Undergraduate Finance club, and Delta Zeta Sorority which are all student organizations at the University of Pittsburgh. 

Pamela looks forward to getting more involved in the Pittsburgh Hispanic community and expanding upon her professional and business skills while volunteering at PHDC.

Alexander Gonzalez is currently working as a Business Incubator intern at the Pittsburgh Hispanic Development Corporation. He assists in conducting financial, marketing, and operations research, as well as evaluations for Latino owned businesses in the Pittsburgh area.

Alex is originally from Ashburn, Virginia, but is currently enrolled in the University of Pittsburgh where he majors in finance and operations management. He learned Spanish through his grandparents who are originally from Quito, Ecuador, and Asturias in Spain. Outside of his internship, Alex works as the Club Lacrosse Social Chair, and as a part time employee at restaurant here in Pittsburgh.

Alex looks forward to getting more involved in the Pittsburgh Hispanic community, while expanding on his professional and business skills.

Karla Tejeda is currently working part-time for PHDC as a community engagement intern. She assists in carrying out activities regarding housing, community, and employment for the Pittsburgh community.

Karla is originally from Dallas, Texas but currently attends Carnegie Mellon University where she majors in Applied Multilingual Studies and is minoring in Hispanic Studies. Karla is also fluent in English and Spanish. Outside of her internship, Karla is Events Chair in First Together, the first generation undergrad student organization, and SALSA, the Hispanic student organization at Carnegie Mellon University.

Karla looks forward to getting more involved in the Pittsburgh Hispanic community and expand on her professional skills while interning for PHDC.

Cecilia Mendoza is currently working as a business analyst intern for the PHDC. She uses her organizational and analytical skills to help conduct business analyses in the Hispanic and Latino communities in Pittsburgh.

Cecilia is originally from Mexico and immigrated to the United States at a young age. Now she resides in Southern California but currently attends Carnegie Mellon University. She is majoring in Information Systems and plans to minor in Global Systems and Management. Throughout her time at CMU, she has volunteered and helped at the Center for Diversity and Inclusion. Asides from her academics and internship, Cecilia is also involved and has participated in the executive board of  First Together, SALSA (Spanish and Latin Student Association), and  SHPE (Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers). 

Cecilia looks forward to expanding her communication and professional skills while connecting with the Hispanic and Latino community in Pittsburgh.

Selene Alvarado Cuevas Is a Consultant at PHDC, she has experience in Marketing and Communications. Currently, Selene is coordinating and deploying the Communications Entrepreneur Training Series of the Business Incubator program.  Her bilingual skills and experience are important in the educational programs of the organization.

She has a degree in Communication Sciences and a teacher in Philosophy and Social Sciences from ITESO, a Jesuit university in Guadalajara. She has developed professionally in areas related to communication, advertising, and institutional relations. In Mexico she worked for companies such as LALA Guadalajara, MAVI de Occidente and ITESO. She currently serves as deputy director and head of advertising and social media for the digital magazine Drakma.

She is of Mexican origin. Her favorite sport is swimming. She learned how to crochet by watching videos on YouTube. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, writing, and riding a bicycle.

Hannah Schoenig, the Community Engagement  Volunteer at Pittsburgh Hispanic Development Corporation, is currently a junior at the University of Pittsburgh. She is majoring in anthropology, minoring in Spanish and getting a certificate in Latin American Studies. After college, she wants to teach in Latin America and go to school to be an immigration lawyer. 

Outside of school, Hannah works as a barista and she is involved with the improve team at her university. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, cooking, reading, exercising and spending time with friends and family. 

From this internship, she hopes to gain a better understanding of the experiences of the Hispanic population in Pittsburgh.