Nevada Latino Alumni Chapter

Nevada Latino Alumni Chapter The Latino Alumni Chapter is open to all alumni, students, and friends of the University of Nevada.

Thank you, first responders. 🐺💙NVLAC extends our deepest gratitude to all the brave first responders battling the Hawk F...
08/24/2026

Thank you, first responders. 🐺💙

NVLAC extends our deepest gratitude to all the brave first responders battling the Hawk Fire and wildfires. Thank you for your courage, strength, and service.

Our thoughts are with our community and everyone impacted.

Meet Ilyana Gutierrez, NVLAC’s Member at Large Chair! 🐺Ilyana Gutierrez is a licensed financial advisor at Platinum Weal...
08/06/2026

Meet Ilyana Gutierrez, NVLAC’s Member at Large Chair! 🐺

Ilyana Gutierrez is a licensed financial advisor at Platinum Wealth Management. She is a proud alumna of the University of Nevada, Reno, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree with a dual major in Accounting and Finance in 2024.

➤ What inspired you to join the NVLAC Executive Board?
As a proud first-generation college graduate, joining the NVLAC Executive Board felt like a meaningful way to give back. Every year, more first-generation students are graduating from the University of Nevada, Reno, and it’s inspiring to see our community continue to grow. The Latino community is filled with hardworking individuals who are striving to create better futures for themselves and their families, and I wanted to be part of an organization that supports and celebrates that journey.

➤ How do you hope to make an impact through your role?
I’m fortunate to have experience serving on nonprofit boards, including the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts and Dress for Success Northern Nevada. I hope to bring the knowledge and perspective I’ve gained from those experiences to help the NVLAC Alumni Chapter continue to grow, strengthen its impact, and create more opportunities for students, alumni, and our broader community.

Meet Lorena Montes, NVLAC’s Member at Large Chair! 🐺Hi! I am excited to introduce myself to previous and new members 😊
I...
08/04/2026

Meet Lorena Montes, NVLAC’s Member at Large Chair! 🐺

Hi! I am excited to introduce myself to previous and new members 😊

In 2017 I proudly graduated from the University of Nevada with my Bachelor of Science in Accounting & Information Systems and a minor in Spanish Translation. Shortly after graduation I moved to the East Coast where I began building my career while discovering a love for meeting new people, exploring new places, and embracing new experiences. After five years away, I returned home to be closer to family, and where now my husband and I are excited to build our future and put down roots.
 
➤ What inspired you to join the NVLAC Executive Board?
During my time at the university, I was part of the Latino Advisory Board and was a co-founder of ADAVEN, two organization that catered to Latino students and their journeys through higher education. Experiences in these chapters showed me the power of community, mentorship, and meaningful connections. Once I moved back to Reno, I realized that I wanted to continue meeting new people and foster connections with other alumni who share my same perspective, struggles, and are proudly creating opportunities and representing our community in new spaces. Reno is growing so much, and it’s inspiring to see our alumni contributing to that growth in so many ways. Through NVLAC, I saw the opportunity to be surrounded by amazing people looking for connection. I previously had the privilege of serving as the chapter’s Finance Chair, and that experience confirmed how special this community is. I’m honored to continue serving in my new role.
 
➤ How do you hope to make an impact through your role?
As the first in my family to pursue a college degree, my path through higher education was made possible by scholarships. Because of that, I’m especially passionate about helping raise funds for our NVLAC scholarship program. Every scholarship represents an opportunity to open doors for current students, and I’m excited to help ensure future generations have access to the same support.

Meet Cynthia Nuñez-Gonzalez, NVLAC’s Chair! 🐺Cynthia is a first-generation Mexican American. Cynthia holds both a Bachel...
08/03/2026

Meet Cynthia Nuñez-Gonzalez, NVLAC’s Chair! 🐺

Cynthia is a first-generation Mexican American. Cynthia holds both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Nevada, Reno. She has over six years of experience in the behavioral health field and currently works in adolescent mental health.

As a bicultural and bilingual clinician, Cynthia brings extensive experience in crisis intervention, community engagement, grassroots initiatives, program development, and mental health advocacy. She previously worked in the juvenile justice system, specializing in gang diversion and prevention. Cynthia also serves as a member of the Nevada Juvenile Justice Oversight Commission (JJOC).

➤ What inspired you to join the NVLAC Executive Board?
My vision is to continue advancing the mission of NVLAC—not only through the work we are doing today, but by ensuring its long-term sustainability and future. As we continue to grow, it is essential that we prioritize succession planning, leadership development, and the cultivation of the next generation of leaders, while also supporting those who are currently paving the way. I hope to continue contributing to NVLAC’s legacy by helping strengthen that foundation and ensuring the organization continues to thrive for generations to come.

➤ How do you hope to make an impact through your role?
As a first-generation daughter of immigrants, I deeply understand the transformative power of education, mentorship, and opportunity. My personal and professional journey has reinforced my belief in the importance of accessibility, empowerment, and investing in future generations, knowledge, and meaningful relationships.
I strongly value unity, community, and collective empowerment. Rooted in the belief that our communities thrive when we invest in one another, foster authentic relationships, and create opportunities for future generations. By honoring the diverse experiences, perspectives, and strengths that make our community resilient and vibrant, we can build a stronger, more inclusive future where everyone has the opportunity to succeed and contribute.

Meet Joceline Esquivel, NVLAC’s Vice Chair! 🐺Joceline is a UNR alumna who earned her Bachelor of Arts in International A...
08/02/2026

Meet Joceline Esquivel, NVLAC’s Vice Chair! 🐺

Joceline is a UNR alumna who earned her Bachelor of Arts in International Affairs with an emphasis in Diplomacy, Law, and Organization, along with a minor in Psychology. Born in Los Angeles and raised in Guatemala.  Her commitment to global engagement and love for Latin America led her to study abroad in Santiago, Chile, an experience that strengthened her appreciation for cultural exchange, international cooperation, and public service. Throughout her time at UNR, she remained actively involved in community outreach, leadership, and initiatives supporting students and underserved communities. Joceline is currently working with Stellar Snacks as a community outreach coordinator.

➤ What inspired you to join the NVLAC Executive Board?
As someone who has experienced the challenges of adapting to different countries, learning new languages, and navigating higher education as a first-generation student, I know how important it is to have a supportive comunidad. The Nevada Latino Alumni Chapter represents connection, mentorship, and opportunity. Joining the Executive Board was a meaningful way to give back to the university and Latino community that has played such an important role in my personal and professional growth.

➤ How do you hope to make an impact through your role?
As Vice Chair, I hope to help build a stronger, more connected Latino alumni community by creating meaningful opportunities for networking, mentorship, and cultural engagement. As someone whose first language is Spanish, who was once an ESL student, and who has lived in places with vibrant Latino communities, such as Los Angeles, Guatemala, and Chile. I bring a diverse perspective on the many ways our cultures celebrate, connect, and support one another.

Meet Lesly Perez, NVLAC’s Member at Large Chair! 🐺Hi! I’m Lesly Perez, a proud alumna of the University of Nevada, Reno ...
08/01/2026

Meet Lesly Perez, NVLAC’s Member at Large Chair! 🐺

Hi! I’m Lesly Perez, a proud alumna of the University of Nevada, Reno and a proud first-generation Mexican American. I currently work in public relations at The Abbi Agency, where I develop strategic communications campaigns, build relationships with media and community partners, and help tell the stories of organizations that make a positive impact across Nevada and beyond. I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Communication Studies from the University of Nevada, Reno, and I’m currently pursuing my Master of Arts in Strategic Public Relations and Advertising at UNR. I’m passionate about storytelling, building meaningful relationships, and creating opportunities that empower and uplift our Latino community.

➤ What inspired you to join the NVLAC Executive Board?
UNR played such an important role in shaping who I am, both personally and professionally. Throughout my journey, I was fortunate to have mentors and a community that believed in me, and joining the NVLAC Executive Board felt like a meaningful way to give back. I’m excited to help create opportunities for students and alumni to connect, grow, and feel supported throughout their own journeys.

➤ How do you hope to make an impact through your role?
I hope to strengthen connections within our Latino alumni community while helping students see what’s possible after graduation. Whether it’s through networking events, mentorship, or community engagement, I want to help create spaces where people feel welcomed, supported, and inspired. I also hope to use my background in communications to help share the stories and accomplishments of our incredible alumni.

Meet Cynthia Parra, NVLAC’s Communications Chair. 🐺Hello!! My name is Cynthia Parra. I am the new Communications Chair f...
08/01/2026

Meet Cynthia Parra, NVLAC’s Communications Chair. 🐺

Hello!! My name is Cynthia Parra. I am the new Communications Chair for the Nevada Latino Alumni Chapter Board. In 2025 I graduated with my bachelor's in Human Development and Family Science from the University of Nevada, Reno.

➤ What inspired you to join the NVLAC Executive Board?
I was inspired to join the NVLAC Executive Board because of the various events I was able to attend. In being at NVLAC events I felt a great sense of community and was able to meet so many phenomenal individuals with similar backgrounds to me. Everyone made such a supportive and welcoming environment and I knew that it was something I wanted to continue to be a part of.

➤ How do you hope to make an impact through your role?
I hope to make an impact through my role by working to continue to spread the mission of the NVLAC. Keeping the community involved and informed of what events we have coming up, opportunities to get involved, and connecting individuals within the community to one another will be my top priorities and what I’m most looking forward to.

Meet Amairani Gonzalez Meza, NVLAC’s Finance Chair! 🐺Amairani is a UNR alumna who earned her Bachelor of Science in Fina...
07/31/2026

Meet Amairani Gonzalez Meza, NVLAC’s Finance Chair! 🐺

Amairani is a UNR alumna who earned her Bachelor of Science in Finance with a minor in Accounting in 2016. She currently serves as Vice President of Grants and Government Affairs at Boys & Girls Club of Truckee Meadows, where she leads funding strategy, government relations, and community partnerships across a network of 59+ sites serving youth and families throughout urban and rural Nevada. A first-generation college graduate who grew up between Mexico City and Northern Nevada, Amairani is deeply committed to building community and creating pathways for the next generation of Latino leaders.

➤ What inspired you to join the NVLAC Executive Board?
As a first-generation Latina navigating college and a professional career without a clear roadmap, I know how much community and connection can change someone’s trajectory. Joining the board felt like a natural way to give back to UNR and to the Latino community that has shaped so much of who I am.

➤ How do you hope to make an impact through your role?
I hope to bring my experience in strategic planning, partnership development, and community engagement to help NVLAC grow its reach and deepen its relationships with students, alumni, and the broader Northern Nevada community. More than anything, I want to help create spaces where Latino alumni feel seen, celebrated, and connected.

Our new Executive Board introductions are coming soon. 🐺Big introductions are on the way! 🎉
07/23/2026

Our new Executive Board introductions are coming soon. 🐺

Big introductions are on the way! 🎉

  to another great evening with Pack Unidos. 🐺We’re grateful for everyone who joined us to connect, share ideas, and lea...
06/25/2026

to another great evening with Pack Unidos. 🐺

We’re grateful for everyone who joined us to connect, share ideas, and learn more about ways to get involved through NVLAC’s leadership opportunities.

Link. Learn. Lead. 💼

A special thank you to Karajillo & Co. for hosting us and helping create a welcoming space for conversation and connection. ☕️🍹🥃✨

Porque somos Pack Unidos, y juntos seguimos creciendo y llegando más lejos. 💙

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Reno, NV
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