Embark on the captivating journey of the Avanzando Liderazgo Program (ALP) '24 as we proudly present our newest spotlight illuminating the remarkable members of our 2024 Cohort.
Every month, we joyously highlight three extraordinary trailblazers who are spearheading transformative initiatives and nurturing camaraderie within ALP '24.
In this rendition, we honor three dynamic Latino luminaries: Talia Levin, Rebecca Zelaya, and Josh Iniguez. Come together with us to applaud their profound influence and stewardship within our thriving ALP community.
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Meet Talia Levin
Talia Levin is a passionate educator and youth worker. She currently is a manager for the Step Up Youth Employment Program at Achieve Twin Cities, creating and sustaining community partnerships and programming to foster youth talent and career development. Previously, Talia has led as a teacher, curriculum developer, and learning facilitator for adults and students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, and has guided students in college admissions and higher education.
Talia was born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina. At the University of Minnesota, she earned a B.S. in elementary education and an M.Ed. in educational leadership, with concentrations in nonprofit management and higher education.
In her free time, Talia enjoys being active outdoors, cooking, reading, creating music, and spending time with loved ones.
Meet Rebecca Zelaya
Rebecca Zelaya is a seasoned accountant and finance professional with a meticulous focus on financial accuracy and a deep commitment to upholding industry standards. With a keen eye for detail and passion for solving the problem. With over 25 years of financing, banking, accounting and auditing experience.
Known for her coaching style, Rebecca Zelaya fosters a collaborative and inclusive work environment. She has a strong track record of motivating colleagues and achieving collective goals.
She earned her Bachelor of Science in accounting from High Point University in High Point, North Carolina.
When Rebecca is not reconciling accounts and coaching her team, you could find her hiking with friends, connecting with nature or traveling. She also loves her quality time with her family.
Meet Josh Iniguez
Hola Hola! Nice to meet you! My name is Josh Iniguez and I’m excited to join this cohort. I've been married to my lovely wife Kristina for 16+ years and we live in North Minneapolis with our three dogs Madeleine (15), Jovial (14) and Frida (7). Growing up biracial with a Mexican American father and Norwegian American mother has been a wild journey and I’m grateful for strong women who’ve raised me and instilled in me a reverence for truth telling and community transformation. I was raised to show up for people and your community to help it heal and develop into a place that opens doors and opportunities for others. Throughout my education and career I’ve used my talents and passions to change the world around me while learning from elders and peers and spending our time getting into good trouble.
I’ve been working as a Project Manager for the past 10+ years and have used my skills and abilities to help transform teams and organizations. I spent my early career leading a nonprofit organization that raised support and funding for international nonprofits working in the areas of justice, equity and activism. After working in the nonprofit field I went back to school for my MBA focusing on project and change management in the modern workforce. Most recently I worked at the University of Minnesota as a Program Manager within their PEAK Initiative helping lead workforce transformation efforts within the university’s HR activities. As of November 2023 I’m now a Project Manager at Ameriprise Financial Inc. working within their HR Project Management Office and I’m excited to be part of a team that’s delivering critical project work to the organization.
Beyond work, I often spend my time staying active and living life to the fullest. I’m an avid skateboarder and snowboarder as the seasons allow, and also run my own martial arts school called Iniguez Kempo Ohana. I teach martial arts twice a week at Folwell Park in North Minneapolis and try to help support active and healthy living in all aspects of life that helps to transform the community. I often say don’t talk about it be about it because it often takes an action step to unlock the impossible.
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