SUDECC members are recognized and highly accomplished young professionals from North America, South America, Central America and the Caribbean. It includes affiliate members that serve in leadership positions in private and public sector agencies across the region. Members actively participate in monthly meetings to strategically identify ways to create value and facilitate the implementation of projects in vulnerable communities.
Adriana Sofia Mena Obregon
Adriana is a SUDECC Advisor, where she supports the implementation of climate change adaptation and mitigation programs, particularly investment plans and strategies tailored to strengthen capacity at the municipal and territorial level.
Adriana is an Industrial Engineer with extensive experience in social management and community development in Latin America. She is passionate about social and economic development, data analysis, culture and conflict resolution with over 6 years of professional experience in the public and private sectors. More information about Adriana available at https://co.linkedin.com/in/adriana-mena-obregon
Sharún Gonzales Matute
is a multilingual (Spanish, English, and Portuguese) scholar specialized in intersectional inclusion and diversity in Latin America. Trained in Communications at the Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú, she recently graduated from a double master in Political Science/Africana Studies and Latin American Studies by the University of South Florida. Previously, Sharun worked in social development programs with diverse communities in Peru: indigenous women, teenagers, college students, and Afro-Peruvians. Throughout her time working and volunteering in Peru, the U.S., and Portugal, she has been able to build an expansive network in her field of expertise. Additional information available on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharungonzales/
Safiya N. Morgan
is a Senior Staff Attorney in the Immigrant Protection Unit at the New York Legal Assistance Group where she represents clients in immigration matters including removal defense, adjustment of status, naturalization, U Visas and self-petitions under the Violence Against Women Act. She attended Vanderbilt University Law School and served as Article Editor of the Environmental Law and Policy Annual Review. She is admitted to the State Bar of California. Safiya earned her B.A. in political science, magna cum laude, from Howard University where she was a recipient of the Patricia Roberts Harris Public Affairs Award. She was awarded the 1st Place Prize from the National Visionary Leadership Project for documenting the life of the ground breaking African American opera singer Charlotte Wesley Holloman and her work is archived at the U.S. Library of Congress. She provides pro bono counsel to the Sustainable Development and Climate Change (SUDECC), Inc. on sustainable development projects in Afro-Latinx communities in Latin America and the Caribbean. You can connect with Safiya N. Morgan on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/safiyanmorgan/
Isidra Sabio
is a self-taught painter and illustrator. She was born and raised in a Garifuna community of Honduras. She uses her artwork to create awareness about the Garifuna and Afro-Latinx people and to highlighting the strength of black women. Isidra holds an Agricultural Engineer degree and a Master of Science degree. She is currently working as a Research Specialist at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. Additional information available on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/isidrasabio/
Marlon E. Aranda
Is Public Safety Specialist retired Master Sergeant of the Maryland Army National Guard. He previously served as a Senior Maintenance Supervisor and received several awards, including the Meritorious Service Medal and three Army Commendation Medals. During his years of service, he was deployed twice to the Middle East in support of Operation Inherent Resolve and Operation Enduring Freedom (Spartan Shield). He is a proud member of the Garífuna and AfroLatinx community living in Baltimore, MD
Liena Isaula Martin
Gender and Development Specialist and PhD candidate at the Anthropology Department of the University of Barcelona, Spain. Liena brings her experience in Development, Culture, Gender and Social Inclusion. In recent years she has worked for the International Red Cross, United Nations, and USAID in Honduras.
Nyasha Laing
is a storyteller, strategist, and lawyer whose work gives voice to the vital, resonant narratives of diasporic communities. As a documentarian, she explores themes of cultural loss and renewal, ancestral memory and identity, and resistance. Her written and produced work has been featured in and on Yes Magazine, BBC Worldwide, the South African Broadcasting Network, the Art Museum of the Americas, and international film festivals. She has developed and produced storytelling products for the United Nations Development Program, the International Center for Transitional Justice, and the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund. Nyasha is a graduate of Yale University and NYU School of Law.
Celea Guevara
is an artist inspired by the human condition and the continued whispering foundation of her Afro-Latino descendants. She is recognized for her numerous international exhibitions. She has a Master of Fine Arts from Houston Baptist University, TX and a BA in Plastic Arts from the University of Houston. In 2020 coordinated the 1st SUDECC virtual exhibition. In 2018 Celea also participated in “Rising Eyes of Texas” which inspired her to launch her solo show “Re-encounter with my Roots” based on Drawings, Paintings and Printmaking. Additional information available on LinkedIn http://linkedin.com/in/celea-guevara-4036b9137
Moses Amaya
is an Insurance and finance professional of Afro-Latinx roots. He works closely with Small Busines Owners to implement a stable and secure financial structure, protecting their revenue streams and increase bottom line profits. His studies encompass Business of Science and Computer Systems, holds State & Federal Licenses in Insurance. He knows and believes a strong foundation and understanding in financial concepts can build generational wealth for businesses and families and not just the select few. further more he is well versed and focuses on the impact to our latino communities who lack the necessary tools for a strong and sustainable future. Moses has over 10 years of experience in the industry, 20+ years in management development. Some of his professional responsibilities include financial analysis, staff training for small businesses and more. Moses was born in Tegucigalpa, Honduras and later moved to the US residing in the state of Virginia. Additional information available on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/moses-a-amaya-93616657
Alessia Bonilla Rietti
is an attorney licensed in Honduras. She holds an LL.M in Business and Finance Law from The George Washington University Law School. In recent years, Alessia has interned in the Office of the Executive Directors for Belgium, China, Germany, Israel, Italy, the Netherlands and Switzerland at the Inter-American Development Bank, supported the Department of Public Security at the Organization of American States (OAS), and worked as a Junior Associate at Forum Law Firm in Tegucigalpa. She is committed in assisting with policies and strategies that lead businesses and countries to succeed. Alessia is also fluent in English and Spanish and has proficient knowledge of German and French.
Liza Frazer
is the President of Frazer Oil & Energy Inc., Ms. Frazer oversees the day to day general operations of the firm. The former Finance C- Suite Executive, started her tenured career as VP at Bear Stearns, VP at Washington Mutual Bank, and Countrywide Home Loans. An active philanthropist, Mrs. Frazer now partners with Heads of State around the world, and the large corporations with which she does daily business with, in order to deliver medical supplies and equipment to underserved regions globally. Additional information available on LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/liza-frazer-b43695165
Jonathan A. Murillo
A Georgetown University student that in recent years served as a Project Coordinator at the Presidential Office for International Cooperation in Bogotá, Colombia. He has a Bachelor Degree in Political Science from the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana of Colombia. He completed professional practice at the Permanent Mission of Colombia to the Organization of American States (OAS) in Washington D.C. And his thesis include an analysis of the Afro-Colombian Human Rights Agenda in the ratification of the Colombia-United States Free Trade Agreement FTA.
Danna Rendon
is an Intelectual Property Law Attorney licensed in Colombia. Currently, she is an intern at the Office of the Director of the Center for Peace of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). In recent years, she received several awards for her distinguished work as a Public Relations Specialist. Ms. Rendon has also stood out for her work on behalf of Afro-Colombian children and young of the Pacific region of Colombia. She practices intellectual property law and has experience in public relations. Recently Danna has been working for the communities of the Colombian Pacific, especially children and young people for the discovery and enhancement of their talents. Additional information available on LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/dannarendonv
Mijane Jiménez Salinas
is a Specialist in Political and Voting Rights. Mijane serves as President of the organization Mano Amiga de la Costa Chica A.C. She is the founder of the National Network of Afro-Mexican Youth and a member of the Afro-Mexican Women's collective in Guerrero and Oaxaca. She is also a member of the Network of Afro-Latin, Afro-Caribbean and Diaspora women, Mexico chapter. Mijane promotes Affirmative actions for the Afro-Mexican people and she is a recognized human rights defender of the Afro-Mexican People and an activist for the political participation of black women in Mexico.
Michael Richardson
is a Financial Officer at the Netherlands Enterprise Agency. He was born and raised in Curaçao and currently lives in The Netherlands. He believes that human development is key for success. Has a Master of Science in International Business and Management. His main focus are on international relations & aid and business development. Currently, he is working on Private-Public Partnership Programs such as SDGP, sustainable food production and clean water and sanitation.
Nashxielly Alejandra Guevara Mena
es Doctora en medicina general graduada de la Universidad Nacional Autónoma De Honduras (UNAH). Con experiencia laboral de 5 años en el campo de la salud y más de 9 años en participar en brigadas médicas, odontológicas-cristianas para el apoyo de las zonas en riesgo social, colaborando con ACMEH/ misión salvación, Misión misericordia, World Relief de Honduras, Fuerzas Armadas de Honduras y El Centro Para El Desarrollo Comunal (CEDECO). Actualmente Labora en el Laboratorio y Centro médico Chatoyer y es representante de BayIsland clínica Mission en Honduras. Additional information available on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/alejandra-mena-a437a349
Igor Correa Caicedo
Is the Executive Secretary of the Permanent Council of Afro-Descendants of the Americas (COPAFRO). He is also currently part of the Working Group responsible for designing and creating the First Mutual Opportunity Bank of Colombia, which is a community driven development bank to the promote socio-economic development and financial freedom to low income communities. Previously, he served as an Advisor for Afro-descendant Affairs in the Andean International Community of Nations –C.A.N- (Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador and Colombia) and the program of human rights and international humanitarian law at the Office of the President of Colombia.
Sandra Mosquera
is a Certified Scrum Master, Software Engineer and she holds an MBA in strategic management from Villanova University. She is originally from el Choco the predominantly Afro Latin region on the pacific coast of Colombia. She has experience in large enterprise software development, DevOps, and SRE and an exceptional ability to lead, motivate, coach, and organize Scrum and Kanban teams. Additional information available on LinkedIn http://linkedin.com/in/sandrammosquera
Sulma Arzu-Brown
Sulma Arzu-Brown has over 15 years of experience working on Diversity and Inclusion. As a proud Garifuna and Afro-Latina, she authored “Bad Hair Does Not Exist/Pelo Malo No Existe” in 2014, which was written to educate her daughters day care provider on proper terminology to address hair particularly when dealing with Girls and Women of Color. Her follow up book, My Hair Comes With Me-Shifting helps address the infinite possibilities of professional careers that young women of color can pursue.
Guy Djoken
has a proven track record providing diversity, public relations, leadership, and international affairs trainings. He is the chairman of the U.S. National Commission for UNESCO Clubs, Centers & Associations and Executive Director of Washington, D.C. based UNESCO Center for Peace. He is also a social entrepreneur and a civil rights activist with extensive public speaking experience in domestic and international settings on social justice and Human Rights. His international awards include the Gandhi Peace Award, the Nikola Tesla Global Forum White Dove Award, Citibank Community Partner Award and Justice Thurgood Marshall Award.
Lissette Ortiz
is an Afro-Dominican Human Resources Specialist with experience in mediation, grievance procedures, conflict management and resolution. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Administration from Medgar Evers College of the City University of New York. Lissette is currently pursuing her Master’s in Public Administration at George Washington University with a concentration in Politics, Policy, and Administration.
Luther Castillo Harry
is a Medical Doctor and Garífuna activist, Harvard graduate who also received his Medical Doctor Degree from the Latin American School of Medicine in Cuba. Dr. Castillo founded the 1st Garífuna Hospital of Honduras after graduating the medical school. In 2010, after the natural disaster in Haiti, Dr. He managed a medical team of 728 doctors of 26 different countries providing medical services to the Haitian people affected by the earthquake.
Magda Theodate
is an international trade lawyer and supply chain/procurement adviser. She has worked extensively in the international development arena, with over two decades of experience in both headquarters and mission offices for development institutions, including the World Bank in the Africa Region, IDB in the Caribbean, and the OECD in Paris, France. Magda currently serves as the Director of Global Executive Trade Consulting Ltd., a Belize-based trade and procurement advisory services firm. Magda is an affiliate members and you can learn more abut her through LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/mtheodate
Jose Dorce
is a strategic leader who has successfully developed and managed a line of business integrating public relations, diplomacy, policy planning, and the delivery of public, private and civil society stakeholders. He facilitates U.S government, multinational organizations, private sector, and NGOs programs through strategic planning engagement. His contributions have resulted in the creation of multi-million dollars public-private partnerships in the social protection, education, health, energy, sports and entertainment sectors. With over 15 years of experience in international consulting, the U.S. government and private sector, Dorce has developed and managed a portfolio of projects that involve geographically dispersed and diverse teams.Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. Additional information about Jose is available in Linkedin
Ibironke Ogunye
is a civil engineer and technical writer by education from Carnegie Mellon University. She has worked as an energy engineer and project manager. Her experience has made her knowledgeable in the areas of energy, marketing, design, product management and project management. She has also worked in emerging markets, curated Afrocentric events, launched an e-commerce site, worked on a mobile app, and was a founding member of the African Diaspora of Las Vegas (501c3).
Tesla Quevedo
has over 11 years of experience managing projects financed by International Development Cooperation agencies in Latin America. She has a Master degree in Psychology from Catholic University. Tesla is also an Internationally recognized fashion designer, creative and owner of the Musue Collection brand. Tesla was born in the Garifuna community of Sangrelaya Colon in Honduras.
John Clarke
is a global risk advisor and Regional Security Manger - Operations for International SOS. He has worked as a U.S. diplomat, community relations, intelligence/investigations, and duty of care business continuity professional for 15+ years working in Latin America, the US, and EMEA. He has led teams that provided real time intelligence, leadership, and actionable analysis to large events such as the NFL Super Bowl and working within the Joint Operations Centers supporting the JTTF and natural disasters such as hurricanes. He has experience supporting the Fortune 500 and Silicon Valley Tech firms on security matters and is well versed at interagency cooperation within the US government and engaging stakeholders in Mexico, the Caribbean, and Colombia on security matters. Additional information available on LinkedIn http://linkedin.com/in/john-clarke-68889132
Rosalyn Damiana Lake Montero
is an Afro-Dominican with a double major in Spanish and Global affairs with a concentration in communications. She brings her intellectual abilities such as research, data analysis, billigual communications, translation & interpretations. She currently holds a position as a teacher for SPAN I in South East Washington, DC where she works closely with the academic, athletics and student life teams facilitating and organizing after school activities. Rosalyn is also dedicated and driven to unite and educate the Latinx communities on issues that are not televised or broadcasted issues such as the lack of diversity in Spanish speaking communication institutions.
Nelia Amaya
holds a Master Degree in Forensic Medicine through the University of Maryland Baltimore at the Chief Office Medical Examiner. She recently became a member of the Harvard Associates Police Science, Inc. as a result of her engagement in the Frances Glessner Lee Homicide Investigation Seminar. She has experience working on a diverse range of forensic science subfields — from document examination to crime scene investigation. Additional information available on LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/nelia-amaya-521a661aa
Celso Castro
is a scientist of over 30 years of experience working for the pharmaceutical industry. He has worked in the research and development of novel therapeutics for Johnson & Johnson and consulted for Merck Research Laboratories, Allergan and MedImmune/Astra Senecain recent years. He served proudly in the US Army and the Army National Guard from the Vietnam Era to the Persian Gulf wars, for 23 years concurrently. He retired from the military as a Major in 2004; and in 2008 he retired from Johnson & Johnson. Celso devotes a great deal of his free time to organizations like the Latin American Chapter of the Pan African Federalist Movement, as well as to the Central American Black Organization (CABO). He holds a Bachelor’s of Science (BS) degree in Chemistry from City College - City University of New York.
Rosa King
has extensive experience working as a Program Officer at a private grantmaking foundation located in the San Francisco Bay Area. Ms. King has over 15 years of experience in philanthropy, ranging from donor advised fund portfolio management to grantmaking. She has worked in various capacities as an intern for Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton’s presidential campaign, as well as Congressman Fortney H. “Pete” Stark and chief intern for Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. She has also served in various leadership roles with Peak Grantmaking, a grants management professionals network, as well as with Emerging Practitioners in Philanthropy. Ms. King currently lives in San Francisco, CA. She active in her community through serving on several local educational nonprofit community boards as well as being a presenter at family transracial adoption workshops. Ms. King holds a B.A. degree in Communications from Santa Clara University.
Karina Quevedo
Is a Medical and Surgery Intern at the National Autonomous University of Honduras (UNAH). In recent years, she has been working at Center for Research, Development, Occupational Health and the Environment (CIDSTA) of the School of Medicine and Sciences of the UNAH where she supports the epidemiological surveillance of workers' health and the environment. Karina is a renowned Social Entrepreneur and owner of an online store for women's footwear and accessories @ keyle.rs.
David Fernando Murillo Mosquera
David has an expertise in Government and International Affairs. He was a member of the 2016-2018 Mel King Community Fellows Program on Economic Democracy led by the MIT CoLab. He has also served as a researcher on Ethnical and Racial Justice at Dejusticia, Project Coordinator and Manager at Manos Visibles, non-profit organization. Currently he is a student at Georgetown University and has a Master in Management for Development from the Externado University of Colombia.
Ana Lucía Mosquera-Rosado, MA, MLA
is an Afro-Peruvian scholar, communications consultant, University Professor and activist. She holds a Bachelor's in Communications by Universidad de San Martin de Porres (Peru), a Master of Arts in Latin American and Caribbean Studies, and a Master of Liberal Arts in Africana Studies by the University of South Florida. Ana Lucía is certified in communication for development in public and private institutions. She is also a member of the Executive Board of Makungu para el Desarrollo, a civil society organization that works towards the recognition and celebration of the AfroPeruvian identity and culture focusing on education. Additional information available on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/analuciamosquerarosado/
Julio Guity-Guevara, LL.M.
is the Managing Director of SUDECC, Inc. a Washington, DC-based consulting firm that promotes sustainable development and delivers services to facilitate the implementation of projects in vulnerable communities. Julio has received multiple recognitions. In 2021 he has been appointed to serve at the National Advisory Committee on Racial, Ethnic, and Other Populations of the U.S. Census Bureau, Department of Commerce. In 2020 he was selected as one of the top 40 Latinx experts in U.S. national security and foreign policy by the Diversity in National Security Network and New America. Previously, he served as Deputy Director of the Executive Office of the Mayor, Office on Latino Affairs. He developed an expertise in international project finance, dispute settlement mechanisms and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) after working for the Organization of American States, the Inter-American Development Bank and the World Bank Group. Additional information available on LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/guity
