About Us

Julieta Larios has a special connection to Advance as she began her career as an intern. Working for years with our program department she holds a holistic understanding of the organization. As the executive office manager and HR Manager Julieta serves the staff everyday by cultivating a culture of inclusivity and helping everyone stay focused on the important work of the organization.

Cindy Quintero, a seasoned professional in public health, currently serves as the Health and Wellness Program Director at the local nonprofit, Advance Community (formerly known as Esperanca). With over 15 years of experience, she is deeply committed to health equity and access to care. Fluent in both English and Spanish, Cindy creates culturally tailored programs for under-resourced populations, bridging communication gaps and fostering inclusivity. Her extensive background equips her to drive impactful health initiatives.

Ernesto Ortiz, CFRE, is a dedicated fundraising professional with 20+ years of nonprofit sector experience. As a certified fundraising executive, he proudly hails from the Maryvale community in West Phoenix. Ernesto is thrilled to work for an organization serving his childhood community. He actively supports the profession, serving on the Association of Fundraising Professionals-Greater Arizona Chapter board and as an ambassador for CFRE International. Additionally, he mentors fundraising students at Boston University. When he’s not busy fundraising, Ernesto enjoys traveling around the country performing stand-up comedy.

Moises Mejia began volunteering at Advance in 2019. Seeing the growth and success of the Stove to Table program led him to make a career change and join Advance full time. Pursuing a newfound passion for growing, preparing, and sharing healthy and delicious meals, his current role he oversees the nutrition program, delivering weekly meals for seniors as well growing produce in the garden.

Anahy Juarez is a committed Community Health Worker (CHW) at Advance Community, dedicated to improving community health and well-being. With a CHW certification from Arizona State University and experience at Cancer Support Community, Anahy develops impactful health education programs and advocates for health equity. She empowers individuals to make informed health decisions, fostering a culture of wellness at Advance Community for a healthier future.

Diani Shepherd is a dedicated community health worker with a diverse skill set in anthropology, ethnic studies, personal training, and holistic nutrition. With a passion for promoting health and wellness among diverse populations, Diani specializes in creating inclusive and supportive environments for LGBTQ and gender non-conforming individuals. Their expertise and advocacy aim to empower individuals to prioritize their well-being and thrive in health and wellness spaces.

Lillian Rodgers is thrilled to share that she has graduated from the University of West Florida, earning a degree in Community Education. Although originally from Florida, Lillian has had the opportunity to travel and live around the country. However, she has now decided to plant her roots in Phoenix. She is beyond excited to embark on this new journey in the non-profit sector, where she can be a part of something that positively impacts the lives of others.

Ana is a dedicated Promotora with over a decade of community service advocating for the Latino population through health education. Her journey began as a participant in Advance Community’s health and wellness program in 2016. Now a licensed Arizona Community Health Educator, she is unwavering in her commitment to addressing health disparities in her community. Ana is passionate about empowering the community to enhance health through heightened awareness and education.

Simonne Campos graduated from Arizona State University with a mission to be a part of something greater than herself. At Advance, she gets to fulfill her passion for equity by connecting with the community around her, fostering direct impact and positive change through collaboration. Dedicated to cultural competency and active listening, and with a special love for the arts, Simonne hopes to continue advocating for underserved communities until we can all attain the care we deserve.

Bradley Beatty has always had a passion for cooking using recipes from his mother and grandmother as well as creating his own.  His love of cooking and gardening brought him to Advance to help serve the community by doing what he loves and bringing smiles to people’s faces.  Bradley is proud to be part of the nutrition program and this organization. 

Valeria López Macias has her degree in Psychology from Universidad Autonoma de Baja California. She is passionate about helping the community through the promotion of awareness and education. Valeria coordinates volunteer and and fundraising outreach into the community.

Jennifer Aguirre, Arizona State Graduate has a passion for educating people about wellness, especially people who may not have the access that they deserve to have. Her passion for decreasing health disparities while providing preventative health education and resources that can change lives.

Frankie has had a long and diverse career in public service, spanning over two decades. In March 2023, he retired from the City of Tempe, where he held various roles. He derives immense satisfaction from helping others improve their work performance and efficiency. Now, he is excited to be back in the workforce, contributing to the nonprofit sector at Advance, where he continues to provide support and guidance to the staff.