Linda Caballero Sotelo

Executive Director at NEW AMERICANS MUSEUM & Immigration Learning Center and Partner/Owner Cerveza Xteca

Linda Caballero Sotelo has been the Executive Director at New Americans Museum & Immigration Learning Center (NAM) in San Diego, a visual arts and oral history institution whose mission is to celebrate and educate about the contributions of multi-generational immigrants post WWII into the American narrative through oral histories, exhibits, art and cultural. programming, creative sector social enterprises ventures, and democracy-building initiatives and leadership development for new Americans.

She is an entrepreneur and co-owner of Xteca Coffee and has lead teams in a variety of corporate, public and non-profit settings heading a strategic consulting business. Linda is a contributing write, editor and speaker on topics that impact the Latino community.

Panelist

Elizabeth Martinez

Vice President Of Business Development at Meruelo Enterprises, Inc.

Elizabeth Martinez is the Vice President of Government Relations & Business Development for Meruelo Enterprises, Inc. (MEI). MEI is an affiliate of the Meruelo Group, a privately held company that provides strategic consulting and business support services.

Before joining MEI, Elizabeth was in the Waste Industry for over 20-years. She is a five-time winner of the prestigious, Republic Services Chairman Awards. Elizabeth’s secret to success is her passion for providing exceptional customer service, and   understanding the needs of her clients. Elizabeth grew up in El Monte as a first generation Mexican-American. 

Nancy De Los Santos

Writer, Producer & Director - WT Productions

Nancy De Los Santos the Associate Producer of the iconic Latinos feature films My Family, Mi Familia, and Selena. She's written for “Resurrection Blvd.,” “American Family,” and “East Los High,” as well as co-wrote and co-produced the HBO Cinemax quintessential documentary, “The Bronze Screen: 100 Years of the Latino Image in Hollywood Cinema.” 

Nancy was the first Latino to serve on the Writers Guild of America Board of Directors. De Los Santos will make her feature directorial debut from a script she authored, “The Answer To My Prayer,” a “rom-com with a Latina heart” set for production this year in San Antonio, Texas. 

Brissa Sotelo-Vargas

Director of Community Relations & Government Affairs - Valero Energy 

Brissa Sotelo-Vargas manages and coordinates the full range of communication and stakeholder activities including, but not limited to, the regulatory and political environment of government affairs, and philanthropic partnerships and investments for the Valero Refinery in Wilmington, California.

Passionate about community and business, Brissa is active on several professional and community boards including as the 2022 Chair of BizFed, Chair of the Energy, Water and Environment Sustainability Committee at the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce,  Advisory  Board of Hispanas Organized for Political Equality (HOPE), Dolores Mission in Boyle Heights, Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, Long Beach Symphony and the Wilmington YMCA to name a few. 

Loriann Serna

Entrepreneur & Event Planner at The Wife of the Party

Loriann Serna and the team at The Wife of the Party, along with sister company HAPPEN, strive to produce uniquely creative celebrations and weddings that showcase a distinct flair all their own. The sought-after team has become known for creating memorable occasions for some of the biggest names in Hollywood, popular clothing lines, beauty brands, well-loved corporations, and favorite social-media influencers. As an event producer who not only helps to set hot new trends, Loriann remains excited to work with her talented peers, always in search for valuable ways to bring vendors together.

The Wife of the Party team also donates their time and expertise to assist with charity events and local school fundraisers. Loriann was raised in South Pasadena, California and when not busy creating memorable fêtes for others, she relishes time spent with her husband and four daughters.