With over a decade of experience in the nonprofit sector, Liz Ramírez is committed to serving and improving the lives of children, youth, and families in San Diego County and beyond.
Raised on both sides of the border in the Imperial Valley, Liz comes from a low-income, immigrant, and first-generation household. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from UC San Diego and pursued a Master’s Degree in Educational Counseling in an effort to address equity gaps in education, particularly those affecting historically underserved youth.
When Liz is not fiercely advocating and leading movements that support equity and justice for marginalized communities, she enjoys dancing cumbias, practicing yoga, and spending time with family, friends, and her "hermanita", her five-year mentee from MANA de San Diego’s mentorship program.
With a Bachelor's degree in Hotel Management and International Business, Veronica Gomez has focused on Human Resources practices and training. She has also taught Business and Human Resources courses at local vocational schools. The opportunity to teach has given her the ability to work with a diverse group of students and successfully lead them in their journey to better themselves.
Veronica believes in equality for all and is involved with other organizations that advocate for equal rights regardless of race, ethnicity, and sexual orientation.
Craig Watson began working at Chicano Federation in October 2019 after several years in the hospitality industry. He has many years of hands-on experience in accounting, financial analysis, budgeting and cash forecasting. Craig graduated from CSU Chico with a Bachelors in Business and later earned a Masters in Finance from the University of Denver. He grew up in central California but came to San Diego after enjoying four years in Boston.
Craig’s role at Chicano Federation fulfills a deep desire to use his experience to help support a non-profit that is making a positive impact on the lives of thousands of people.
Rachel Villarespe has worked in the early childhood education field for over 15 years. She has held various positions in the early childhood education field including teaching. Half of Rachel’s career has been in administration at State-funded preschool programs and corporate childcare centers.
Rachel is an advocate for quality early childhood education settings and is a member of the San Diego County Child Care and Development Planning Council. Rachel holds a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education with a concentration in Early Childhood Administration. Rachel also holds a Master’s Degree in Education with a concentration in Early Childhood Education from Arizona State University.
Veronica Ruiz joined the Federation in March 2002 as a Resident Manager and moved her way up to her current position as Senior Property Manager. Miss Ruiz holds several accreditations from the San Diego Apartment Association and is pursuing her real estate license and Science degree.
Her background and experience in managing and implementing tenant and landlord regulations prepared her for her current position where she oversees nine properties with a team of eight resident managers.
Veronica Macedo started her career in Marketing for Yum! Brands. She earned her Master’s in Business Administration at San Diego State University. Upon graduation, she implemented a first of its kind Community Outreach Program for the San Diego Padres in the Dominican Republic. Her work with children and the local communities ignited her passion for helping others and her belief that all children deserve the same level of care, love, and opportunity. After over ten years in for-profit industries, Veronica made the leap to the non-profit sector and is committed to growing the work and mission of Chicano Federation.
Tomeka Williams has worked in Early Childhood Education for over 20 years. She has held a variety of positions including as a teacher, trainer, mentor, and a Center Director. She spent a large portion of her career working for UCSD Child Development Center as well as the United States Navy, Child & Youth Program.
Tomeka holds a Bachelor of Art in Early Childhood Education with an emphasize in Early Childhood Administration. In her free time, Tomeka advocates for family reunification by providing Supervised Visitation Services throughout San Diego County.
Lupe Flores joined the Chicano Federation in January of 2020 as the Development and Community Relations Manager. She is an experienced non-profit professional with a demonstrated history of working in project management and fundraising. Before joining the Chicano Federation, she worked for the San Diego County Taxpayers Association managing their political fundraising, development and community outreach.
Lupe graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from CSU San Marcos with a minor in Border Studies. Lupe is a member of local organization Mana de San Diego. She has dedicated her career to building lasting partnerships that ensure financial resilience for organizations making a positive impact in the San Diego community.
