About Us

Elaine Botello is the board president and co-founder of the Hispanic Leaders' Network (HLN) and owns Victory Employer Services, LLC, providing Human Resources consultation and project-based services.​

Daniela Rodriguez is a bilingual realtor with Turner Brothers Real Estate, dedicated to building strong relationships and helping clients achieve their real estate goals.

A proud first-generation Waco native, Catelia earned a Bachelor of Science in Child and Family Studies from Baylor University after graduating top of her class from A.J. Moore Academy in Waco ISD. Currently serving as the Director of Operations for Transformation Waco, she is deeply committed to strengthening the community she calls home.

Isabel Lozano is the principal at Kendrick Elementary and has a diverse background in education, including roles as a teacher, instructional specialist, and assistant principal.​​

Caelie Terrazas, a Waco native, holds a bachelor’s degree in corporate communication from Baylor University and a master’s degree in strategic communication and innovation from Texas Tech University. She also holds certificates in advanced social media practice and inclusive and ethical leadership. She serves on the boards of Waco Civic Theatre, Keep Waco Beautiful, and the advisory committee for the Waco Bridge. Caelie is a certified facilitator for the LeadershipPlenty Institute, a member of the Baylor Latinx Faculty and Staff Association, and a mentor to first-generation college students through Baylor’s Adelante program. Terrazas has worked at Baylor University for over five years and currently serves as Assistant Director of Community Relations, advancing the Baylor Waco Initiative by connecting university resources with local organizations and fostering collaboration throughout the city.

Dr. J. Anthony Luévanos lives to be a servant-leader, educator, and coach who equips leaders to strengthen families, uplift communities, and dwell in purpose with integrity. With two doctoral degrees and current study in nonprofit-focused business leadership, he brings a rare blend of academic depth and practical compassion. Dr. Luévanos has led over $2 million in funded non-profit initiatives supporting education, equity, and community renewal. Certified by Rice University’s Doerr Institute, he also provides coaching to emerging and experienced leaders across the country. Through his work with Good Neighbor Waco, Hispanic Leaders’ Network, and other grassroots efforts, he finds joy in building authentic relationships that empower people where they are. His life’s work reflects a deep commitment to faith, service, and walking with others toward meaningful impact.

Alonzo McAdoo Jr. currently serves as the Executive Director of Secondary Education for Waco Independent School District, where he oversees six secondary campuses, including Waco High School and University High School. With over a decade of experience in school leadership, Mr. McAdoo is deeply committed to improving instructional quality, student achievement, and campus culture across all secondary levels. Before stepping into his current district leadership role, Mr. McAdoo served successfully as a high school principal, where he implemented systems to improve academic outcomes, strengthen teacher development, and build strong community partnerships. He is also an active board member with the Hispanic Leadership Network of Waco and has led initiatives like the Navegando program, which connects English learners to community role models and scholarship opportunities. Mr. McAdoo is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Educational Leadership at the University of Mary Hardin–Baylor, with research focused on school climate and teacher well-being in the context of school security. His long-term goal is to serve as a superintendent and champion educational equity, safety, and excellence for all students.

Dr. Mito Diaz-Espinoza (PhD) serves as the President and CEO of the Central-Texas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Throughout his career, he has led initiatives that amplify voices, dismantle barriers, and create sustainable change. Previously Mito served as the Director of Equity Initiatives at Waco Family Medicine and his work centered on building a culture of respect and belonging among staff and patients. He spent over 20 years in various areas of higher education including admissions, academic advising, diversity programs, leadership, Title IX, and civic engagement. Mito earned his undergraduate degree in History from Texas A&M University and his Master’s degree in Higher Education & Student Affairs from Baylor University. He earned his Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where his dissertation research investigated the motivations of first-generation Latino men to pursue college degrees. Mito is an avid reader and spends any and all free time with his daughter and wife. He is a Waco native and graduated from University High School and attended Waco ISD schools his entire pre-college academic career.

Carlos Diaz is an attorney with over 5 years of experience. Carlos practices Criminal, Immigration, and Personal Injury Law. He has over 20 years experience managing insurance agencies and other businesses. Carlos has been an entrepreneur for over 25 years.

Pedro Zamora was born in Rio Grande City, Texas. At the age of 4, his parents relocated to Waco, Texas in pursuit of better opportunities. Currently, Pedro serves as a public relations and sales associate at Jack of All Trades Personnel Services and brings over 25 years of experience in customer service and sales to his role.

Brenda Hernandez is the Finance Director for the City of Woodway and a Certified Public Accountant. She attended Baylor University as a first-generation college student. After graduation, she began her career in public accounting at JRBT, where she served the audit department for 7 years. Brenda is currently involved with the Waco Young Professionals, Greater Waco Sports Commission, and serves in the Kids Ministry at Harris Creek Baptist Church. She currently resides in the Lorena area with her King Charles Cavalier Pup.

Dr. Elizabeth (Liz) D. Palacios is a first-generation student from San Antonio, Texas. She attended Baylor University where she received both her bachelor’s degree in business administration (’80) and master’s degree (’91) in student services and professional counseling. In 2002, she earned her Ph.D. in School Psychology at the University of Texas at Austin. After graduation, she joined Baylor in 1981 where she served in various areas including the Graduate School, where she was awarded a $96,000 federal grant to develop the first graduate minority recruitment scholarship and recruitment program.

Analí Looper is the managing attorney and director of the Waco office of American Gateways, a nonprofit providing immigration legal services.​

Maria Macias is the Program Director at VOICE, a nonprofit dedicated to teaching critical life skills and promoting behavioral health and wellness. A proud Waco native and University High graduate, Maria was the first in her family to earn both a high school diploma and a college degree, overcoming significant challenges along the way. Maria is married to David, and together they raised five children. She is also a proud grandmother to many grandchildren, who bring immense joy to her life and who are the light of her life. After earning an Associate’s Degree in Applied Science from McLennan Community College (MCC) and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Tarleton State University, Maria began her career as a medical lab technician before transitioning to education and community support. She spent 12 years as a financial aid specialist at MCC, where she helped countless students access higher education, and also volunteered as an advisor for the Hispanic Student Association. She joined VOICE in 2015 as an advisor for the College Achievement Program (CAP) and later helped lead Pathways to Success, a leadership program for high school students. In 2019, she was promoted to Program Director. She is deeply passionate about empowering individuals through education, leadership, and behavioral health initiatives, believing in the power of community support to change lives. In her role at VOICE, she finds fulfillment in combining her personal experiences, professional expertise, and passion for helping others..

Judge J. Patrick Atkins practiced law in McLennan County for over 30 years prior to assuming the bench of County Court at Law #3 in March 2024. Judge Atkins has been active in the local community-- serving 17 years on the Waco ISD Board of Trustees, including ten years as President of the school board. He has held several leadership positions in the Waco community, including serving on the hospital Board of Directors for Ascension Providence in Waco and Ascension Seton Medical Center in Austin, being a founding board member of Prosper Waco, and serving on a number of boards and commissions for the City of Waco. He has served on the boards of the Texas Sports Hall of Fame, the Association for Good Government, Waco Civic Theatre, Community in Schools, the Cen-Tex Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Lake Air Little League, Friends of the Waco-McLennan County Library, and on the Advisory Committee of The Cove-Heart of Texas, Inc. He is a graduate of Leadership Waco Class XIII. Judge Atkins and his wife have three adult children and one grandson.