Board of Directors

Alba Lucero Villa is

is a writer, human rights lawyer, and nonprofit leader whose work is rooted in compassion, courage, and a deep belief in people.  She is currently a C-Suite  Executive at LULAC (League of United Latin American Citizens), where she leads national efforts to   spark lasting progress through purposeful partnerships and values-driven philanthropy.

Alba has served as Executive Director of national organizations across the legal and philanthropic sectors, where she has helped build programs fueled by service, innovation, and heart. 

A  graduate of Brown University, NYU School of Law, and American University’s School of Communication, Alba approaches every challenge with an interdisciplinary lens and an unwavering commitment to equity, inclusion, and hope.

Her work centers on listening deeply, building trust, and creating spaces where communities can lead boldly and thrive fully. At her core, Alba believes that small acts of leadership—grounded in kindness and purpose—can ripple outward and transform the world.

Dr. Marcella Villa is a board-certified pediatrician, educator, and children’s book author who has dedicated her career to nurturing the minds, hearts, and bodies of young people. She currently serves as an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at both Georgetown University School of Medicine and the University of Virginia School of Medicine, where she actively educates and mentors medical students and residents.

Dr. Villa earned her Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and her Doctor of Medicine through Brown University’s Program in Liberal Medical Education (PLME) in Providence, Rhode Island. She completed her pediatric residency at Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, D.C.

Her clinical expertise spans general pediatrics and pediatric mental health, offering a unique lens through which she blends storytelling with evidence-based tools such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)—always keeping the heart of a child in mind. She has also completed specialized training through the REACH Institute’s evidence-based Pediatric Behavioral Health course, which equips primary care providers to assess and manage conditions such as anxiety, depression, and ADHD in children and adolescents.

Her debut children’s book, Embracing Grace: A Journey of Self-Worth, Wonder, and the Power of Kindness, is anticipated for release between Fall 2025 and Spring 2026. The book reflects her commitment to integrating compassion, emotional wellness, and developmental science into meaningful narratives for young readers.

Dr. Villa is a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. She has been recognized as a “Top Doctor” by Washingtonian and Northern Virginia Magazine, and is fluent in Spanish, enabling her to serve diverse families with cultural and linguistic inclusivity.

Jillie Bronte Richards is a highly accomplished attorney specializing in government investigations and complex immigration matters. A graduate of Rutgers School of Law, Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service, and Sarah Lawrence College, she brings strategic insight and deep expertise to every case.

Beyond her corporate legal work, Jillie has led pro bono efforts for decades, providing critical legal support in immigration cases and advocating for individuals and families in need. 

Professor Suzanne Oboler is a renowned scholar, author, and educator, specializing in human rights, immigration, and citizenship. Recognized as Fulbright Distinguished Chair in American Studies by the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro, she has been at the forefront of groundbreaking scholarship throughout her career. She inspiries students and scholars through her innovative research, teaching, and commitment to  justice and  has taught at Brown University, University of Illinois and John Jay College-CUNY. She is also  the founding editor of Latino Studies Journal 

Juan Carlos (J.C.) Ramirez is a business leader focused on business management and strategic leadership. A graduate of Georgetown University and NYU Stern School of Business's MBA program, he integrates faith and stewardship into both his professional and personal life.  A leader in project management and workforce planning, J.C. applies his expertise to create meaningful impact in organizations while also instilling values of integrity, responsibility, and generosity in his children.