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  • info@plazasinaloa.org

  • (818) 830-4140

Board of Directors
Julieta Garcia Founder, Executive Director
Born in Sinaloa, Mexico, Julieta always knew she wanted to help others. Inspired by the possibilities of receiving an education, Julieta quickly developed a deep passion for education and teaching. This led her to take classes at the local community college and become certified in domestic violence advocacy, family counseling and eventually a successful businesswoman. In 1980, she opened a vocational school in Los Angeles, CA that provided injured workers with career focused training. After retirement and through her volunteer work, she noticed that literacy among Latino immigrants in the San Fernando Valley area was a major issue. With the approval of the Consulate of Mexico and INEA (National Institute of Education for Adults) she went on to start a community plaza in 2015 that provides adult literacy classes and other educational programs in the community. Today, her mission remains the same. She is a valuable community member and educator who believes that education enriches lives and breaks through barriers imposed by society. Her community service provides individuals with basic education and an incredible sense of pride and satisfaction which in turn boosts self-esteem.
Julie Garcia Treasurer, Director of Education
A California native and proud Chicana from the San Fernando Valley, Julie has served as the Director of Education since 2016. Julie brings over 20 years of admissions and recruitment experience providing support to program development, management, and educational services. She is a skilled ESL instructor and facilitator who has seen first-hand that empowering individuals through education can bring transformational improvements in the health and prosperity of families, communities, and societies. She believes that education not only changes lives but changes society. Julie received her MBA in Liberal Arts from California State University, Northridge and is currently a Program and Recruitment Coordinator in the department of Graduate & Professional Education Programs and Services at CSUN.
Jacqueline Paniagua Chief Operating Officer, Secretary
Jackie Paniagua serves as the Chief Operating Officer at Plaza Comunitaria Sinaloa, where she oversees organizational strategy, communications, and partnerships. Raised in the San Fernando Valley, Jackie is a first-generation, non-traditional student whose educational path reflects her deep curiosity and commitment to community building. She earned her B.A. in Anthropology and Latino and Latin American Studies from the University of California, Santa Cruz and is pursing graduate studies to further her impact. Throughout her career, Jackie has cultivated strong expertise in operations and relationship-building, community engagement and managing connections with funders, partners, and stakeholders to strengthen organizational capacity and financial sustainability. Guided by her passion for education and social equity, she is dedicated to expanding opportunities for youth and adult learners while uplifting the community that shaped her.
Albert Carrol Vice President, Real Estate
Albert Carrol is the Vice President of Real Estate for Economic Resources Corporation (ERC), and is a licensed California real estate broker with over thirty years of commercial real estate investment and asset management experience. ERC is a 501(c)3 economic development company working in underserved communities throughout Los Angeles County. As the Vice President of Real Estate for ERC, Mr. Carrol is responsible for sourcing, underwriting, and closing new investments and financing, and is also responsible for overseeing development, asset and property management, and leasing for existing investments. Prior to joining ERC in 2012, Mr. Carrol was Senior Asset Manager with Watt Companies, Inc. in Santa Monica, CA. Mr. Carrol managed a twenty-two property portfolio of retail, industrial, and residential properties. Previous to Watt, Mr. Carrol was the Senior Director of National Acquisitions for Combined Properties, Inc. in Beverly Hills, CA. Mr. Carrol began his career with MetLife’s Real Estate Investments Dept. in New York City as the portfolio manager of a privately placed REIT, MetLife’s corporate real estate investment portfolio, as well as a sub-portfolio of MetLife’s commercial mortgage portfolio. Mr. Carrol holds a BBA degree in real estate from the University of Cincinnati; an MBA in finance from Fordham University in New York and a Certificate of Real Estate Entitlement, Development and Design from the University of San Diego.
David Milian Director of Client Services, San Fernando Valley
David Milian brings over a decade of experience in nonprofit workforce development, with a deep commitment to serving the San Fernando Valley community. Over the years, David has held various key roles including Director, Senior Employment Specialist, and Employment Specialist. He currently oversees the San Fernando Valley office, managing a dedicated team of seven staff members. In this role, David ensures programmatic goals are achieved, reviews budgets, and monitors grant allocations to maintain compliance and maximize impact. David is actively involved in leadership development and is currently participating in a leadership training program through Pacoima Beautiful's SFV Recovery Hub. He also volunteers as a Committee Advisory Member at the Providence/CPHT Wellness Center, contributing to community health and wellness initiatives. A proud son of Guatemalan parents, David was raised in the San Fernando Valley and is a passionate advocate for educational equity. He attended Los Angeles Mission College and later graduated from UCLA with a degree in Political Science. David believes that education is a fundamental right and that every member of the community deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and access upskilling opportunities that can transform lives.
Joe Rodriguez Director of Education
I'm an accomplished enrollment management leader with extensive success attributed to a unique combination of experience in the educational industry and a background in sales management, business development, recruitment, and training and development. I'm skilled in operational analysis, strategic planning, and program implementation that drive positive results— an expert in profit and loss, project management, community outreach, public relations, and marketing promotions. I'm a talented leader with a proven track record of effectively coaching and mentoring staff to motivate and promote career growth. Excellent presenter and negotiator. Able to manage and maintain strong client relationships and build strategic public/private sector partnerships to enhance economic & and workforce development initiatives. Technically savvy with experience using PeopleSoft, Salesforce, CampusVue, and Velocify for recruitment, enrollment management, student success, and business development outcomes.
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