Gabriela Hernández
Co-Chair Gaby Hernández Franch is the Chief Operating Officer of Fig Factor Media Publishing, where she brings five years of expertise in publishing, marketing, and operations, leading global book launches and author projects. Gaby has been honored multiple times for her work, including as a 30 Under 30 honoree by the Publicity Club of Chicago (2020, 2021, 2024), a Rising Star in Marketing by Ignite Visibility, and a Powerlist 40 Under 40 honoree by Color Magazine. A former pre-medical student with a dual bachelor's degree in Spanish and Biology from the University of Illinois at Chicago, Gaby followed her passion into more creative outlets. Gaby is the author of SMILE and a contributing author in Today’s Inspired Young Latina and Hispanic Stars Rising. Currently, she’s building a real estate portfolio and dedicates her time advocating for financial literacy. Gaby serves in her parish and has been involved in various faith based initiatives including, Young Catholic Professionals, Tepeyac Leadership, Inc, and JMJ Youth. One of her mottos, "Smile, be kind, and love others," reflects her approach to life and work. |
Lizbeth Saucedo
Lizbeth is a Sr. Business Development Analyst at CIBC, overseeing US philanthropy, volunteerism, giving campaigns, fundraisers, and strategy reporting. She plans large volunteer events and reports on ESG, Sustainability, and CRA FDIC Regulated Exams. Lizbeth chairs the Latin Network's Event Steering Committee and serves on Sarah’s Inn’s Associate Board. With 10+ years in banking, she started through Cristo Rey Jesuit High School’s Corporate Work-Study Program and earned a Finance degree with a Data Analytics minor from UIC in 2021. A first-generation college graduate, Lizbeth is passionate about supporting young Latinos through faith and professional development. |
Vicente Del Real
Vicente Del Real, a Mexican immigrant and founder of Iskali, an independent Catholic non-profit in Chicago, is dedicated to empowering young Latino adults as faith-filled leaders. Recognized in Negocios Now's 2020 "40 under 40" for his leadership and entrepreneurship, Vicente graduated from the Stanford Latino Entrepreneurship Initiative and holds a Master’s in Pastoral Arts from the Catholic Theological Union. He speaks at national Catholic conferences and esteemed institutions like Georgetown and Notre Dame, and teaches part-time at Loyola University Chicago. Vicente's dynamic leadership and passion for his mission inspire and uplift young people, driving transformational change within the Latino community. |
Natalia Ramírez
Natalia is a Mexican first-generation college graduate from National Louis University with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and a minor in Psychology. Her family has always been her motivation, and as the oldest of three, she aims to inspire her siblings to achieve their goals and guide them to grow in their faith. Following a profound encounter with her faith, she has committed herself to serving God with joy and seeking to help build His Kingdom with love. She joined Iskali’s mission to reach those young Latinos who have faced adversities and guide them towards the love of God. She co-leads an Iskali young adult group at a parish in Hillside, Illinois, aiming to walk by their side on their journey of faith. |
Alexis Campa
Mexican born and raised on the Southside of Chicago, Alexis attended Lindblom Math and Science Academy, excelling in AP Calculus, AP Physics, Engineering, and Mandarin, while actively participating in Varsity Soccer and Robotics. He graduated as a first-generation college student from Richard J. Daley College in 2024 with an Associate’s in Engineering Science on a full-ride scholarship, playing forward for the Men’s Soccer team. Currently, he is enrolled at Northern Illinois University (NIU), focusing on completing a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering. He is also a Manufacturing Engineer intern and co-manages a concrete business with his father. He is serving his community as a coordinator at his lifelong parish, St. Bede the Venerable, where he has dedicated over 10 years to the music ministry. |
Melanie Carranza
Melanie is a devoted coordinator serving one of the Iskali communities, where she passionately connects with individuals on an emotional level. Currently pursuing an associate's degree in computer science, Melanie combines her technical expertise with a heartfelt commitment to her faith, striving to serve Jesus in every aspect of her life. Her dedication to community service is evident in her efforts to foster meaningful relationships and support those around her. Driven by her faith and a genuine desire to help others, Melanie excels in creating a supportive and inclusive environment within her community. She advocates for emotional and spiritual growth, ensuring that each person she interacts with feels valued and understood. Melanie's unwavering dedication to her faith and her community underscores her commitment to making a positive impact, both personally and spiritually. |