Our Team
Ginny Romero 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 recieved a Certificate in Nonprofit Management at Duke 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.
Sam Rangel, born in Hickory, NC, earned her bachelor's degree in International Business from the Universidad Autónoma del Noreste (UANE) in Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico. Throughout her professional career, she has specialized in logistics, supply chain management, and the creation and management of databases within the automotive and furniture industries in Mexico and the United States.
One of her most important goals in life is to pass on her passion for serving others and her community to her daughters, Hannah and Phoebe, by leading by example.
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 Multilingual Learner, 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.
Vanessa Reyes, was born in Venezuela and immigrated to the United States at age fifteen, first living in Florida before settling in North Carolina in 2015. She earned her CNA certification from Forsyth Community College in 2017 and gained strong clinical experience at Wake Forest Baptist Hospital, where she provided direct patient care, supported nursing staff, and built meaningful connections with patients and families. Her background also includes administrative roles in banking and office operations, strengthening her organizational and communication skills.
In 2026, Vanessa completed her Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Food with a concentration in Nutrition & Wellness and a minor in Sport Science & Coaching at Appalachian State University. Her work reflects a deep commitment to community health, empowerment, and supporting individuals as they pursue their educational, personal, and wellness goals.
Volunteer Technology & Cybersecurity
Specialist
Vanessa Reyes, was born in Venezuela and immigrated to the United States at age fifteen, first living in Florida before settling in North Carolina in 2015. She earned her CNA certification from Forsyth Community College in 2017 and gained strong clinical experience at Wake Forest Baptist Hospital, where she provided direct patient care, supported nursing staff, and built meaningful connections with patients and families. Her background also includes administrative roles in banking and office operations, strengthening her organizational and communication skills.
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
Martha Carrillo
Board Chair
Karely Chavez
Secretary
JoAnn Spees
Ex Officio
Ada Harvell
Treasurer
Daniel Greaser
Board Member
Ellie Wilson
Board Member
Alexis Hernandez
Board Member