Our Team
Gianella Romero, also known as Ginny, is a first generation Mexican-American native to Hickory, NC. She is a strong administrative professional with a passion of advocacy and leadership who has obtained her Bachelor’s degree at Winston-Salem State University followed by her Master of Business Administration at Lenoir-Rhyne University. She is our current Executive Director who is also an alum of Centro Latino. She believes that strong communities are built through education, support, unity and innovation.
Michel Perez, was born in Barquisimeto, Venezuela, where she began studying Industrial Hygiene and Occupational Safety Engineering. In 2018 she moved to Peru where she lived for four years and studied English online at ICPNA aiming to build connections and contribute to the well-being of local communities. In 2021, she decided to move to North Carolina in search of new opportunities to settle down. Michel is passionate about supporting the Hispanic community and is delighted to welcome and help those in need.
Soraya Valdez Place, was born and raised in El Salvador. She immigrated to the United States in 2004 and got a Master’s Degree in Arts at North Carolina State University. Soraya moved to Hickory in 2015 after returning from Panama where she served as a Peace Corps volunteer with her husband for 3 years. She has been a Spanish Professor at Lenoir-Rhyne University since January 2015 and also works as a Family Liaison with a program called Juntos. As a forever ESL student, Soraya is very committed to making extra efforts to assist at-risk students and their families to stay on track in their educational, personal, and community goals.
Nohelia Ortiz, was born in Honduras, where she began her professional journey as a business specialist and public accountant. In 2009, she moved to the United States in search of new opportunities. Through perseverance and dedication, she earned her Phlebotomy certification in 2024 from McDowell Technical Community College.
She is passionate about photography, nature, and interior design. She loves traveling and learning about different cultures and traditions. She is also deeply committed to giving back and dedicates part of her time to supporting her community through educational initiatives.
Get to Know Us
Volunteer Technology & Cybersecurity Specialist
Thomas Hill, a native of Hickory, has a passion for technology and Cybersecurity. He works at a local government as their cybersecurity analyst while also teaching Cybersecurity for Montreat College. In his free time, he enjoys assisting and helping others with technology related issues. He does this through his business, J3 Consulting. Volunteer work has been a part of his life since the beginning and this continues through the proud support he gives to Centro Latino.
Board of Directors
Board Chair
JoAnn
Spees
Secretary
Karely
Chavez
Vice President
Martha
Carrillo
Treasurer
Ada
Harvell
Daniel
Greaser
Ellie
Wilson
Kim
Mattox