Leadership

Lea Cruz

Lea Cruz is responsible for the control of the organization’s financial resources. She oversees the Accounting Department and the reporting of various reports including grant claims and compliance, accounts payable and receivable, purchasing, banking, payroll, cost allocation and general accounting. She is also responsible for the timely completion and reporting of all financial statements, budget reports, audit and tax schedules; manage the Accounting staff; develop, incorporate and maintain internal controls, accounting and financial policies and procedures. Lea has a Masters Degree in Accounting and Financial Management and has over 20 years of combined accounting, audit, tax and management experience.

Pamela Portillo/ VP of Housing and Community Development

Pamela Portillo has been the Vice-President of Housing and Community Development at Chicano Federation for 20 years. Her past experience in the public sector includes working with the City of Chula Vista as a housing element consultant and with the Housing Authority in Northern California. Pamela holds a Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Planning from University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) and Master's Degree in Urban Planning from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). She belongs to the San Diego Association of Realtors and the San Diego Housing Federation. On her time away from work, Pamela enjoys travelling abroad and practicing yoga daily. She loves to read books from authors who write about their personal adventures with food and culture.

Susan Villareal/ Director of Child Development

Susan Villareal manages and oversees Chicano Federation's Child Development and Services programs, including the State Preschools, Infant Toddler Program, Head Start Contracts, Nutrition, FCC Training and the La Cuna foster care program. Susan oversees staff and a budget of over $12 million. She has experience as a teacher, Center Director and most recently as Program Manager of the ITP and Head Start programs. She has a Bachelor's of Science Degree from the University of Phoenix and an Associate's Degree in Child Development.

Adriana Alcaraz/ Director of Development and Communications

Adriana Alcaraz is a familiar name and face in our community. Her work as a local television journalist, media publicist and community outreach specialist for more than 15 years has earned her some of the highest recognitions in the profession, including two Emmy awards. Being bilingual and bicultural has allowed her to work with a variety of non-profit organizations to execute communications, marketing and fundraising strategies. . Adriana own her own business as well and has worked for several news outlets including ABC 10, Azteca America San Diego, CBS 8, WB News, Univision, PBS and The Associated Press. Adriana is deeply rooted in the community, serving on several boards. She is a passionate advocate for education and the arts.

Luz Nuñez/ Human Resources Manager

Luz Nuñez has more than 10 years of experience in the Human Resources field and prides herself on utilizing her strengths and education to develop employees and leaders within organizations of all sizes in an effort to accomplish their mission. At Chicano Federation she is responsible for recruitment, benefits administration, work comp and risk management, training, and employee relations. Luz has been the HR Manager for several hotels including Paradise Pointe Resort and Spa and Hard Rock Hotel San Diego. She holds a B.B.A in Human Resources Concentration from National University and is currently working on an MA in Human Resources from Webster University. In her free time, Luz enjoys traveling, live music (concerts), dancing, and movies; spending time with her son, mom and close friends.