Class of 2024: 30 Under 40 Top Young Latino Leaders of SJ, Sponsored by Franklin Bank

Dr. Alicea arrived to the Rutgers-Camden campus in 2023 from the University of California, Los Angeles, where he earned his Ph.D. in education. His dissertation, “Black in Brown Space: Anti-Blackness at a Latinx-Serving, ‘Social Justice’ School Before and After George Floyd,” was supported by 2022 National Academy of Education/Spencer Foundation Dissertation Fellowship. Alicea’s research interests include race and ethnicity, urban studies, organizational theory, and education. His research has been published in journals such as Sociology Compass, Urban Education, and the Urban Review. A critical sociologist and ethnographer, he is working on a book manuscript examining the organizational challenges of Black-Latinx solidarity in an urban school setting following the killing of George Floyd. Alicea also holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology and anthropology from Swarthmore College, a master’s degree in social studies from Brown University, and a master’s degree in public policy from UCLA.

As a Camden-based artisan and community figure for the past six years, Amador’s work specializes in expressing the presence of potent emotions such as guilt, grief, anger, connection, excellence and bliss in an attempt to better pinpoint an understanding of emotional intelligence and creative liberation which reflects the times from an interpersonal perspective. With a dozen murals and public art events under my belt, she looks to connect with the hearts of the people which reside in the city. With much of the culture suffering from a jaded state of apathy, she tries to encourage everyone to create more and create more space for nuance and self-exploration. Amador aspires to do the same, and to empower fellow artists who might feel stuck as a product of their environment to explore the thresholds as an invitation for innovation.

For the past 11 years, Aquino has advocated for migrant and seasonal farmworkers and their children. She can be found on Cumberland County farm providing education about pesticide exposure, assisting with resumes, connecting a participant with an employer in the community, or helping a farmworker calling to schedule an appointment. She calls her job and connecting with her clients her “passion.” A graduate of Vineland High School, she studied at Rowan College of South Jersey and was granted work authorization under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program.  (DACA). That same year, I applied to work at PathStone, where I have worked for the last 11 years. She arrived in the United States with her family in 2005 and during her first summer completed a job readiness program for youth through PathStone. Aquino calls her family her “inspiration and motivation” for all the things she does in the community.

Benito-Vazquez is the financial aid coordinator at RCBC. As a proud first-generation college graduate from a single-parent immigrant, she is dedicated to advancing educational opportunities and supporting underrepresented communities. Her journey is marked by resilience, commitment, and a strong desire to give back. Benito-Vazquez joined RCBC in October 2023, where she plays a key role in addressing the challenges undocumented students face with the FAFSA. In her role as a financial aid coordinator, she is instrumental in navigating these complexities and advocating for student needs. Beyond her professional work, she is actively involved in various volunteer roles. She serves as a college and scholarship essay reviewer, undocumented resource coordinator, and director of music for the Women’s Society at her church.

As the owner of Creative Mind Media, Caban is a passionate filmmaker, photographer and Camden native who graduated Magna cum laude with his bachelor’s degree in Radio/Television/Film from Rowan University in 2017. With a strong sense of pride in his community, Orlando began his career by giving back to Camden, working with Parents Invincible — group representing parents across the city, giving a voice to the voiceless. He documented their journey and captured the essence of many pivotal events in Camden, such as the Camden Peace Games, bringing awareness to important issues. His unwavering commitment to storytelling and his hometown inspired him to establish Creative Mind Media, a dynamic film and photography company based in New Jersey, dedicated to creating impactful visual content. Through this venture, Orlando continues to collaborate with Camden organizations, using his lens to highlight the positive and transformative work being done in the city he loves. His work not only reflects his artistic vision but also his deep dedication to uplifting the Camden community. 

A native of Puerto Rico and graduate of Atlantic City High School, Cabreja recently completed four months of training to become a flight attendant with Spirit Airlines, one of new Latina flight attendants in the area. Cabreja has been a longtime volunteer for charity events in the area such as the Atlantic City Easter Egg Hunt, local Christmas Tree Lighting. She was a valued volunteer as a food distributor during the COVID-19 pandemic, much of the public in Atlantic City and around the country was shut in.

Chapparo Villarreal serves as the student representative on the Stockton University Board of Trustees. He also serves as the president of Los Latinos Unidos, the largest Latino organization at Stockton University. Originally from the Andes Mountains in Venezuela, Chaparro Villarreal graduated high school in West New York, N.J., an area with a diverse community of immigrants. He has been involved in multiple leadership positions and community work throughout his life. Currently studying marine science, with a concentration in marine biology and a minor in general biology, he is expected to graduate in 2025. Chapparo Villarreal is also an Aquaria Lab team leader for the Aquarium and Aquaculture club, where he oversees tank operations for the student-run projects at the Marine Field Station, a Resident Assistant for the Office of Residential Life, a Student Development Assistant for the Office of Student Development, a Student Senator under the Student Affairs committee, and an Assistant Curator for the Richard Cook Collection.

The former Miss Cumberland County tours the country and a dancer and choreographer. When she is not traveling, she’s back home supporting her nonprofit Love Through Laces, which raising money and helps purchase new shoes for children around the area. Cruz started Love Through Laces as a teenager and participating in local pageants. Working with social service agencies, the nonprofit identifies needy children and families that may need new shoes. She also organizes fundraisers and donations. “We’ve been around for 10 years and I love the size, the way it is now, and we’ve helped about 300 children. Even if it’s not a full-time job, everyone gets to feel special,” Cruz told Front Runner New Jersey.com. Cruz said it is those one-on-one feeling, seeing a child smile after receiving her first pair of new shoes and the expression for their parents that make Love Through Laces worthwhile.

A 2012 graduate from Stockton University, Diaz serves in the newly appointed role as director of Player Development, where she oversees the hotel’s Aviation division and work to develop a seamless cross-property booking experience for all of Hard Rock’s VIP customers. She is a former member of the Community Relations Committee, a volunteer group that supports property-wide community efforts that take place internally and externally. Diaz, who has a wealth of experience in non-profit sector before arriving to Hard Rock, helped the property in raising over $20,000 to date for Covenant House during its annual fundraiser Sleep Out: Atlantic City Edition. Diaz began her career in the casino industry at Borgata then later explored the non-profit sector, becoming an advisor at the Covenant House in Atlantic City. During her four-year tenure, Diaz worked front-line with the region’s at-risk youth then was elevated to the Donor Development Team at Covenant House Pennsylvania. In November 2017, Brittany joined Hard Rock’s band as a grand opening team member and has worked in four4 different departments.

Gonzalez is a Puerto Rican-born first-generation student pursuing a journalism and media studies degree at Rutgers University after becoming a student leader at Ocean County College. He currently serves as the Hispanic Ministry Worship Leader at the Church of Grace and Peace in Toms River. He was involved in Community Ambassadors, a nonprofit organization centered at the church that focuses on advocating and bridging the gap to new opportunities for the Ocean County Latino immigrant population. He’s been able to serve at his local food pantry, soup kitchen, and community outreaches, has helped establish a local ESL school at his church and a club at Ocean County College as a student, and has written about the Community Ambassadors on Latinos Unidos and Ocean County College’s Viking News. Being fluent in both English and Spanish, Dereck has become a leader at Ocean County College, being an advocate, support, and also involved as a student worker.

Gonzalez is the community outreach coordinator for the well-known parent advocacy nonprofit Parents Invincible. Born in Guatemala City, Guatemala, her family started to make the journey to the United States at 7. Denied visas, they braved harsh landscapes and danger, eventually finding refuge in Mexico City before making their way to the United States. Despite the odds, Gonzalez’s father ensured their eventual reunion, while Gabily, her mother, and younger brother navigated treacherous terrain. Settling in South Central Los Angeles, Gonzalez became a crucial caregiver amid her family’s struggles with undocumented status. Her unwavering determination led her to excel academically and pursue higher education despite significant challenges. Today, Gonzalez channels her lived experience into advocacy, passionately working to empower marginalized communities and fight for equitable access to resources. Her journey underscores the transformative power of resilience and a commitment to social justice.

Heredia has served as the creative director of the New Jersey Young Democrats, since 2020. In this collaborative role, he has helped create impactful visual campaigns and enhanced the organization’s public presence. With over eight years of experience in the design industry, Heredia has made an impact through his creative expertise and leadership. He attended Moore College of Art & Design, where he earned a professional certification in design for print and web, which laid the foundation for his career. His commitment and innovative approach led to his role as the founder of Altus Customwear, a provider of custom apparel and promotional products. He also played University Lacrosse, ULAX, the largest network of lacrosse leagues in North America, providing opportunities for men, women and high school players.

A native of Atlantic City, Isidro is a first-generation college graduate and law student. She is currently in her final year at Rutgers Law School-Camden. While at Rutgers, Isidro worked in the Clinic, translating and interpreting in immigration, domestic violence, and child and family advocacy cases. She is involved with pro-bono tax preparation, will and estate planning, and domestic violence orders. Additionally, Isidro and her co-counsel won the 2023-2024 prestigious Hunter Moot Court oral argument competition. Kate is the President of the Latin American Law Student Alliance. Isidro has interned for Federal Magistrate Judge Sharon King at the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey and Superior Court Judge Judith Charny in Camden, New Jersey. Currently, Isidro works at one of the nation’s leading personal injury law firms, Saltz Mongeluzzi Bendesky. Her legal interests include criminal law, personal injury and products liability.

Jimenez is a first-generation, non-traditional student and DACA recipient born to undocumented Mexican parents. She is deeply passionate about immigrant rights, women’s rights, and protecting our animals and environment. She is also a passionate advocate for the importance of mental health. This summer, She interned at East Oak Animal Hospital last summer, taking one step closer to her dream of becoming a veterinary doctor. Jimenez has told her story speaking at events like the GEAR UP closing ceremony and the Blue and Gold Gala. She said it is important to tell her family’s story to understand the larger community. Jimenez said she proudly represented non-traditional students in front of a prestigious ASPEN Award panel, where RCSJ placed in the top 150 community colleges of the nation. In her spare time, Jimenez can be found volunteering at the local animal shelter usually as an emergency transporter, or with CU Maurice River in Millville.

Martinez-Matias serves in the National Farm Worker Jobs program with PathStone. The program helps to improve the living and working conditions of local farmworkers and contributes to the overall well-being of Hispanic communities around New Jersey. She said it has been “deeply rewarding” to see how her work has had a positive impact in the community. The daughter of farmworkers herself, Martinez-Matias was raised in Bridgeton and witnessed first-hand how her parents were challenged to advocate for themselves and their rights. “I am proud to be a part of an organization that works tirelessly to support and empower not only our Hispanic farmworkers but our farm workers from different ethnicities,” Martinez-Matias told Front Runner New Jersey. “I contribute to our mission by providing essential services such as advocating for the rights of our farmworkers, health education, training and employment services, and much more. By addressing the unique challenges faced by farmworkers.”

Martinez, is president and founder of Essential Senior Benefits, established during the pandemic.  Martinez has spent most of her life serving others through different organizations whether it was volunteering in nursing homes or tutoring young children at the local community center. In March of 2009, she started a nonprofit organization called “United Fighting against Cancer” in which her and her team raised money for area children in Atlantic County who was fighting cancer and donated 100% of those funds to help offset the cost that cancer leaves a family financially. A 2009 Stockton University graduate, Martinez said she knew her heart was entrepreneurship when she started Essential Senior Benefits. Her husband of 20 years, Damian Martinez, serves as vice president of the business. The couple has three children, Sofia, Damian, and Eli. The couple on a Nuestro Pueblo Award from the Hispanic Association of Atlantic County for their work in the community.

Martinez is the CEO of the Spanish Community Center and the director of community health workers for the Atlantic County Sheriff’s Department. Her journey into social work began with personal experience, witnessing her mother navigate the often-stigmatized social service system as a single mother. Martinez holds a bachelor’s in political science and a master’s degree in social work. Driven by a passion for advocacy and meaningful social change, she dedicates her career to improving community services and support. In her spare time, Martinez enjoys traveling, reading, hiking, and spending quality moments with her four children.
 

A recent graduate of Egg Harbor Township High School, Nambo is currently a 24-hour on-call firefighter for the Farmington Volunteer Engine Company No. 4. A volunteer at many community events around the county, he was approved to start the local fire fighting academy in August. A mechanic by training, Nambo has lent his talents as a volunteer for the Latino Festival in Pleasantville, National Day of Prayer, different food distribution drives and wrapped gifts for the Holiday Secret Santa program for the Atlantic City-based non-profit Friends in Action.

Navarro Hurtado is a dedicated advocate for accessible healthcare and a passionate researcher in behavioral sciences. She serves as president of the United Latinos Association and Community outreach chair for Rowan SOUL (Shades of United Love), which serves as a home for BIPOC queer students. Currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in biological and biomedical sciences at Rowan University, she is actively engaging in research under the mentorship of Dr. Christina A. Simmons, In this role, Navarro Hurtado contributes to the Social Acceptability and Functional Evaluation of Behavior Lab, focusing on the assessment and treatment of severe behaviors in individuals with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities. She also served as a Research Assistant for the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia as part of her internship for the University of Pennsylvania. During her high school years, Emilia started an initiative aimed at teaching teenagers with autism to cultivate independence and acquire lifelong skills.

A native of Ecuador whose family came to the United States in 2001, Noble started working for PRAC in 2021. She currently works and became part of its Hispanic Women’s Center after the pandemic where she focused on helping all women in our community develop skills for success. She helped women with ESL (English as a Second Language) classes, building on the many pillars the center has to offer to the people in our community. She said she found a great deal of satisfaction helping women prepare for the citizenship exam. Understands that the task is not always easy, she loved encouraging women to improve at all levels. Overall, she is very passionate about helping the Hispanic people in South Jersey. She truly enjoys motivating people to continue to improve themselves in different ways, whether it is with learning the English language, employment opportunities, and other challenges they may face while living in their local communities.

The Hammonton native is the founder of Glamour By B & The Boutique in Minotola, next to Vineland. She told Front Runner New Jersey that her goal is to be the ultimate one stop shop for women’s beauty needs. In 2020, after 13 years in the medical field, she take the bold step during the pandemic to leave and focus on building and expanding my beauty career and opened her first full service beauty salon in South Jersey in 2022. In 2023, she decided to expand her business by opening The Boutique, which offers a variety of trendy, and affordable women’s clothing. Perez said her mission is to build a business that contributes to the creation of a community in which women feel and look confident. “It was the right decision for myself,” she told FRNJ. “Since I was a child I dreamed of having my own salon and when the opportunity presented itself I took it. I’ve grown my business over the past 2 years along with personal growth as an entrepreneur.”

Puerta serves as an EOF (Educational Opportunity Fund) admissions counselor at Stockton University. She also acts as the staff adviser for Los Latino Unidos, one of the prominent Hispanic-geared student organizations on campus. A 2015 graduate of Stockton with her bachelor’s degree in public health, Puerta is one of seven founding members of the Gamma Alpha chapter of the Latin sorority Chi Upsilon Sigma on campus. In her current role, she connects with prospective students and showcase the opportunities available at Stockton. Being an EOP recruiter has taken Puerta, who has also earned her master’s degree, full circle as a first-generation college student who was part of the EOF program while attending Stockton. The daughter of immigrant Colombian parents, Puerta said family values are deeply important to her. She worked in the public health field after earning her bachelor’s specializing in infectious diseases, particularly HIV before returning to academia.

Ramirez, a senior at Stockton University, is on track to earn her bachelor’s in political science with a pre-law concentration. Committed to a career in law, she’s actively participated in programs like LatinoJustice LAWBound, Penn Carey Outreach Program, and Law School Admission Council Plus. At Stockton, Ramirez serves as the vice president of Minorities in Law, leading initiatives like a pre-law newsletter, a successful mentorship program, and law school field trips. She has also been a student leader at the university’s Community Engagement and Service-Learing program for the past two years, helping initiatives like the Stanley Holmes Homework Program. Last fall, her research on post-affirmative action earned her a prestigious Board of Trustees Fellowship. Currently, Ashley is an Immigrant Justice Fellow for El Pueblo Unido of Atlantic City Y Pueblos Cercanos, advocating for immigrant rights alongside local organizations. (Photo by Gianna Schiattarella)

A former Miss Hammonton in 2007, Ramirez-Murray is an Afro-Latina entrepreneur and performer, who developed a love for the arts early on. After her Expanded Functions Dental Auxiliary license in Pennsylvania, she graduated from Rutgers University-New Brunswick and pursued dance, performing for the Philadelphia KIXX and was a Sixers Dancer finalist. Her career includes appearances in commercials, Netflix and EPIX specials, and performances with stars like Freestyle Shannon, Jay Sean, and T-Pain. In addition to performing, she empowers women through her wellness workshop, Get Steph’isticated. The event, which features experts and encourages self-care, will be hosted in a different county each year, with the next scheduled for Oct. 25, 2025. Currently, Ramirez-Murray is a Veteran Affairs government employee, where she has been helping veterans in many aspects. She also owns an entertainment staffing agency. Overall aiming to make a positive impact on youth and women globally.

Roman describes herself as a “Latina hustler” and driven entrepreneur. She is a proud mother of two children and started her career as a correction officer, where she cultivated a strong foundation in law enforcement. While working in this demanding role, she pursued higher education, earning an associate’s degree in criminal justice. Driven by her passion and expertise, she launched her own successful security company, Roman Protective Services, exemplifying her dedication to both her family and professional growth. Roman also has worked as a domestic violence advocate and through it all finds time to motivate and encourage youth as well. She enjoys traveling and making memories with her family and friends. Roman’s hobbies include her jeep group for ladies only empowering woman all with a unique and rugged style.

Salgado, an international student from Mexico City, is a computer science major at RCBC. A talented musician, Salgado serves as student peer mentor at the school’s Welcome center. “As a peer mentor, Salgado leads campus tours and is often the first on-campus impression that future students get of RCBC,” said Mimi Oliveira, who manages the RCBC Welcome Center, said in nominating him. She said Salgado is instrumental in engaging Spanish-speaking students on campus as a peer mentor and his positive personality and laugh has made him a popular and influential student on campus.

A multimedia professional of Puerto Rican and Nicaraguan descent, Santos spent the summer filling the news desert in South Jersey with compelling stories about people of color through the South Jersey Information Equity Project sponsored by Montclair State University. With a decade of experience in community relations, digital marketing, and graphic design, Santos specializes in creating socially impactful media content for small businesses and non-profit organizations.

His published work for the South Jersey Information Project Fellowship, BlackinJersey.com and mentoring for Scholastic’s R.E.A.L. Program at Octavius V. Catto Community School. He designed the first Camden Food Book in collaboration with Stories Invincible and the Center for Cooperative Media. This project highlighted the issue of food insecurity and profiled local heroes working to feed their community. Passionate about enhancing the digital ecosystem for Black and Brown communities, Frank aims to continue developing multimedia resources that improve socioeconomic communication efforts.

His bosses call Segarra Cancel the epitome of community and motivation who takes immense pride in his community and workplace and leads with encouragement and excitement. He start at Hard Rock as Front Desk agent during its Atlantic City opening but quickly transitioned to other positions throughout the establishment and then into hotel management. Segarra Cancel’s urge to learn and develop led him to his current position in VIP Services, where he works closely with Player Development and creates authentic experiences that rock for the establishment’s highest clientele. Known for his energetic personality, he can be found at nearly all of Hard Rock’s volunteer events, engaging the community and spreading a positive environment. His “LIFE” brand stands for Living In Fear Ends and the message behind his brand is to always live your truth. He uses he own platform to motivate the community he has built around him and create videos to send positive messages.

Dr. Solesio trained in Spain, where she earned her Pharm.D. in 2008 and her Ph.D. in Neuropharmacology in 2013. The main focus of her Ph.D. dissertation was the study of mitochondrial dysfunction in pharmacological models of Parkinson’s and Huntington’s disease. During her undergraduate studies, she visited the laboratory of Dr. Mike P. Murphy, in Cambridge, UK, where she trained in the use of mitochondrial-addressed antioxidants. Her current main research focus has been the study of mitochondrial physiology and dysfunction in neurodegeneration and aging. She is especially interested in the role of mitochondrial inorganic polyphosphate (polyP) in the dysfunction of the organelle.

In May 2018, Solesio was awarded a K99/R00 Grant by NIA/NIH. Thanks to those funds and the generous start-up package offered by Rutgers University, she was able to establish her own laboratory at Rutgers University, where she is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology. Photo courtesy of Rutgers-Camden

Velazquez is president of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers on campus. As a first-generation student majoring in engineer from Jackson, he chose to focus on mechanical engineering. Velazquez said he is “filled with immense pride” to excel in the STEM field and be a positive role model. “My journey has been one of perseverance and dedication, a testament to the vibrant spirit that characterizes my Mexican heritage,” Velazquez told Front Runner New Jersey. “I stand on the shoulders of my parents, whose sacrifices and unwavering support have been the bedrock of my success. Their belief in the value of education and hard work has been my guiding light, and for that, I am eternally grateful.”  Velazquez said he hopes to

inspire and empower other Latinos to get into the STEM fields such as engineering and believe that kind of unity can break barriers.