Meet Our Staff

Bernal Baca

Executive Director

Dr. Bernal Baca is currently the Executive Director of Mi Centro in Tacoma a multi-million-dollar non-profit providing social, cultural, and educational services to the greater Pierce County Latino Community. He is a 30-year retired Professor Emeritus at Yakima Valley College and former Past President of the American Federation of Teachers Yakima faculty. Also, he served as the Government Relations Specialist and Chief Lobbyist of the American Federation of Teachers Washington for 10 years. Dr. Baca was appointed on the Washington State Board of Education by Gov. Gregoire and is Past President of Association of Multi-Cultural Counseling and Development, an affiliate of ACA. currently, he is vice chair of the Washington State Hispanic Affairs Commission. He also serves as the chair of the Racial Equity Team and a co-founder and board member of the Equity in Education, a trustee of the Tacoma Art Museum and a board member of the Tacoma Chamber of Commerce. He is well known and respected in the state, county and city for his work on issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Dr. Baca was born and raised in Trinidad, Colorado to a pioneer family who founded the city he was born in. This was part of Mexico prior to 1846. His father was the first Latino Mayor pro- tem for the city of Trinidad. Dr. Baca attended the University of Colorado in Boulder, Washington State University in Pullman and Seattle University in Seattle.

He has two daughters and 6 grandchildren and is an avid fan and season ticket holder since 1970 of the Denver Broncos.

Maria Chavez

Executive Assistant

Maria was born in California but raised in the state of Washington at the age of 1. She grew up in a Spanish-speaking household where she learned to speak English and took ESL classes for the first years of her elementary years. Her parents divorced when she was 9 years old, and she was raised by her single mother and 2 sisters. Her mother remarried years later and had 2 more kids, making Maria the second oldest out of 5 children. Maria has been with her high school sweetheart for over 19 years whom she shares a son and daughter. Before Mi Centro, Maria was helping the Latino community with her expertise in home and auto insurance. She helped Spanish-speaking clients to understand their needs and products. In her spare time, Maria enjoys volunteering for the PTA and listening to motivational podcasts. On the weekends, you will find Maria taking her kids to their activities such as Tae Kwon Do and basketball. For her, family is everything and spending quality time is crucial for family development and personal growth.

Priscila Desiderio, B.A.

Deputy Director

Priscila Desiderio is the Deputy Director at Mi Centro. Priscila was born in Ciudad Juarez Chihuahua and is proud to be a DACA recipient. Priscila Graduated from The Evergreen State College with her B.A. in 2018. Her academic foundation is in campus leadership, education, and social work. She believes that public secondary schools are vital to the success of marginalized students and hopes to serve underserved communities based on their individual circumstances rather than assuming everyone’s needs are the same.

Lisa Carrillo

Director of Finance

As the oldest child, she often found herself taking the responsibility of caring for her younger siblings. Raised by divorced parents, Lisa continued to push through hardships to get her family forward and support where she could. The goal for her own family was to
guide them towards positivity and good health. The most enjoyable moments being made are those she spends with her family, especially with her two granddaughters! When she doesn’t spend time at work or with her family, she enjoys reading books with favor towards mysteries.

Lisa has been with Mi Centro for over 20 years! (23 to be exact). She does not speak very much Spanish, but even now this does not stop her from finding ways to participate in projects that are brought to life by Mi Centro. While change has always been hard, Lisa’s amazing ability to persist and find ways to adapt to the many directions this organization has taken and will continue to take, are what allow her to succeed and keep this place
standing and growing.

Adan Espino Jr., B.A.

Director of Education & External Relations

Adan knew at 15 years old that he wanted to be in civics or public service. Adan’s first dream was to be a teacher. He knew that he wanted to contribute to change and the greater good and be remembered as someone who did their best to make a difference. Adan’s mission is to improve people’s lives by providing a pipeline to pass through and systemic barrier that there may be for any students who are trying to get into advocacy.

Adan’s motivation stems from seeing his family’s journey to the United States. Watching his family achieve the American dream and wanting to continue that legacy pushes him every day to strive for more and to always put his best foot forward. His greatest strength is always having the mindset that “Tomorrows a new day” and he prides himself on being a hopeful and optimistic individual. If he could change anything about the world, he would help to put an end to the fighting and division created in this world. Instead, focus on collaboration and organizing, not separation.

Maribel Galva, M.E.d.

Director of art And culture

Maribel Galvan is currently the Arts & Cultural Center Director at Mi Centro. She received her bachelor’s degree from Western Washington University (WWU) in American Culture Studies, with a focus on Diversity in Higher Education. As an undergraduate student, she was extremely involved with WWU’s Ethnic Student Center in organizations such as M.E.Ch.A. and the Latino Student Union—which helped her become a stronger member of the surrounding community and create institutional changes, outreach, and programming for underrepresented students at WWU. Maribel received her M.Ed. in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies focusing in Higher Education from the University of Washington. Her dedication to youth and education has led Maribel to work at the College Success Foundation, South Seattle Community College’s 13^thYear Promise Scholarship, and the City of Seattle’s Youth Employment Program.

Along with being passionate about supporting community, Maribel is also an artist. As the artist and owner of MariGlvn, LLC, Maribel has vended and been featured in art shows across Washington, Oregon, California, and Utah. Her latest commission mural is currently on permanent display at the new location for the Latino Civic Alliance in Burien, Washington. Maribel was also formally a part of the Colectiva Noroeste, a collective of small business artist that curated events and mercados across Western Washington.

Maribel is a first generation Mexican-American Chicana, who grew up in East Los Angeles California but has called the Northwest home for over two decades. The strength of her family and roots are reflected in her art, and journey within education as a working professional. She is passionate about supporting and being of service to her community, by improving equity through programming, delivery of resources and advocacy. She is passionate about creating opportunities and programs that empower the multitude of identity intersections we see within our strong, talented, and diverse community and promote social justice.

Valentine Cortes

Program Assistant – Arts & Culture

He is Reconnecting Indigenous Nahua Otomi, Mixteca, Maya on his father’s side and Taino on his mother’s side. He received his education in the arts with handson vending at events in the Pacific Northwest.They are the artist and owner of Vaquero Azul Art. His art mediums range from watercolor, acrylic and fabric textiles. Their work focuses on Latine Indigenous Joy and Trans Euphoria.

His work was featured in “El Noroeste”, Nepantla and other local Galleries.They are passionate about LGBT rights, BIPOC rights, and justice for all.His hope is to bring resources to the communities. Arm them with the tools for empowerment through knowledge and love for creating art.

Alondra Sanchez

Program Assistant – CF & Finance

Alondra is from Los Angeles, California, but her parents and siblings are all from Guerrero, Mexico. As a young child, she was abandoned by her birth birth mother and came to live with her dad and family. Alondra received love, care, and affection from her stepmother, which she considered her mom since the first moment they met.

Everything Alondra is today; she owes to her. All her teachings and disciplines taught her that she can achieve anything in life if she really wants it and goes about it with a good heart and intention.

Alondra grew up being raised from immigrant parents. Although, she didn’t get the same hardships as her siblings, her goal is to bring more light, become a voice, and lend a hand for those who want a better future.

When she’s not at work Alondra enjoys to help out at the church she attends with the youth and worship ministry. Also enjoying time with family and friends.

Sarai Sword

Small Business Coordinator

Sarai is originally from Las Cruces, New Mexico and is very proud to be an accomplished Latina business owner.

Sarai has been an insurance agent for 18 years and is very knowledgeable in her industry and is excited to share her knowledge with other business owners.

Making a difference in her community has been key for her and she continues to excel by proving that ethics, transparency and honesty are keys to building a successful partnership within her community.

Her Role with Mi Centro is super important. As a Small business Coordinator, she can use her skills and knowledge to help new businesses or established ones that need guidance.

Sarai‘s motto in life is truly about treating others the way you like to be treated and enjoying life to its fullest.

Thalia Preciado

Manager of Family Support Services

Greetings! I’m Thalia Preciado, a dedicated advocate originally from Silicon Valley, San Jose, California. Now, I proudly call the Pacific Northwest my new home as I step into the role of Manager of Family Support Services at Mi Centro in Tacoma, Washington.

Since 2016, my journey has been one of compassion and service. Starting with a dual agency, I committed myself to supporting victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and at-risk youth. As a paralegal in the family department of the superior court, I bridged the gap between clients and the legal system, ensuring their rights were understood and upheld. Collaborating with the District Attorney’s office as a case manager, I assisted underserved populations in accessing vital resources.

Passionate about advocacy and education, I focus on shedding light on unhealthy relationships and empowering individuals with knowledge about their rights. Concurrently, I pursue further education in psychology to deepen my understanding of human behavior.

Driven by the belief in justice and compassion, I strive to advocate for those in need and contribute to a society built on understanding and support.

Michelle Camacho

Domestic Violence Preventionist

Michelle Camacho serves as the Domestic Violence Preventionist at Mi Centro. Originally from San Bernardino, California, Michelle relocated to Tacoma, Washington at the age of 8.

With a fervent commitment to fostering positive change, Michelle’s primary objective is to educate and empower the community to recognize and challenge the normalization of domestic violence. Through her work at Mi Centro, she strives to initiate conversations and implement strategies that promote awareness and prevention.

Michelle’s dedication to creating safer and more supportive environments underscores her role as a compassionate advocate for those affected by domestic violence. She believes that through collective effort and understanding, we can transform societal attitudes towards domestic violence.

Mattie Zamora Mora

Program Assistant

Mattie Zamora is vital to Mi Centro; she is a Program Assistance and a Family Support Service Advocate. Mattie was born in Michoacán, Mexico. She moved to the United States at the age of 19 with her 3 month old daughter. Mattie has endured hardship and trying times in her journey of life like many of us, but Mattie’s experience and background motivates her to support and assist the community. Mattie prides herself in her excellent customer service.

Monica Apocada

Family Support Advocate

Hello, I’m Monica Apodaca, and I’m thrilled you’ve found your way to my corner of the web! Originally hailing from El Paso, Texas, often referred to as “El Chuco City,” I’ve spent most of my life in the scenic Pacific Northwest, specifically Washington State. I consider myself incredibly fortunate to call this region my home.

With over a decade of experience in the insurance industry, I specialize in handling various lines of insurance. My passion lies in advising and educating our Latino community and diverse clientele. In this ever-evolving world, each day presents new challenges and opportunities, both professionally and personally, which is precisely why I’m deeply passionate about what I do.

My personal mantra is a simple yet powerful one: learn from your mistakes, keep moving forward, and avoid taking things too personally. During my leisure time, I wholeheartedly embrace life’s offerings and eagerly seek out new and exciting adventures, especially when shared with the people I hold close to my heart.

My commitment extends to continuously enhancing my skills and strengths, always striving to be the best version of myself, guided by a genuine sense of purpose. I firmly believe in the importance of giving back to our community whenever possible. While I’m here at Mi Centro, my mission is to fortify our community through education, support, and extending a helping hand to those in need.

Samantha Franco

Front Desk Receptionist

I was born and raised in Tacoma, Washington. I have had the privilege to be a first gen graduate from UW Seattle class of 2023. It has been the beginning of me being able to break down barriers and it has brought joy to my family. Seeing the joy and proudness from my parents and family has brought me to impact it to my Latino Community as well. By working at Mi Centro it will help me learn new skills and give me the opportunity to help the Latino community. During my free time I like going to concerts. Also, I like spending time with my family and friends. I also enjoy traveling and going to Mexico to visit my family and being able to see where my parents grew up.