MEET THE TEAM

Dora Westerlund

President & CEO

As an international student at California State University, Fresno, she was given the opportunity to work for a year in the United States. She worked at Bank of America for 6 months. After that, she was hired by the Mexican Consulate in Fresno as the executive assistant to the Consul of Mexico, where she worked for four years. In 2002, she accepted the position of president and CEO for the Fresno Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and in 2004 led the creation of the Fresno Area Hispanic Foundation.

Yery Olivares

Chief Operating Officer & CDFI Executive Director

Yery Olivares was born in Colima, Mexico and raised in Kerman, California. Yery studied at California State University, Fresno and obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting. She has assisted with the award of over $2 million in microloans and has directly assisted over 500 small business entrepreneurs. Yery is grateful for the diversity of this community and the great opportunities individuals have to succeed and become self-sufficient.

Yurubi Ramirez

Chief Administrative Officer

Yurubi Ramirez is currently the Chief Administrative Officer at FAHF. Under the direction of the CEO, she develops, coordinates, and implements multi-facet grant programs to assist small businesses throughout the San Joaquin Valley. She actively leads the CDFI's  Loan Documentation Processes. In addition, she oversees monthly, quarterly, and yearly reports, tracking key performance indicators for the organization. Yurubi has a background in Office Administration working for St. Therese Parish and Rescue the Children, a social services nonprofit.  Furthermore, she recently received her A.S. in Paralegal Studies at FCC and Notary Certification. Yurubi's motto is found in Colossians 3:23, "Whatever you do, work at it with all of your heart, as working for the Lord."

David Preciado

Community Service Manager

David Preciado is from Baja California, Mexico and has a degree in law from the Autonomous University of Baja California; a Masters in Citizen Participation from the Francisco de Vitória University, Madrid, Spain and a PhD candidate from the Complutense University of Madrid in the Public Administration Program. He has served as General Director, Coordinator of Advisors, and Chief of Staff among other positions in the Mexican federal government. He also has extensive experience in Mexican foreign diplomatic service, including serving in the Mexican Embassy in Washington D.C., and in the Mexican consulates of Houston, Texas, Little Rock, Arkansas, and Fresno, California. He is currently the Director of Export and Import with U.S., Mexico, and Canada and assists small businesses in the Central Valley with the legal and technical assistance to commercialize their products and services.

Efrain Cruz

Director of Business Lending

Efrain graduated with his Bachelors in Business Administration with an emphasis in Finance. He worked as an Administrative Assistant for the Fresno Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce for 2 years. He later went on to work a total of 13 years as Credit Analyst and a Commercial Loan Officer for Valley Small Business Development Corporation. 
Efrain is the Director of Business Lending for the CDFI Program. Efrain manages loan risk by underwriting all consumer and business loans.

Manuel Flores

CDFI Loan Specialist

Manuel Flores, a driven and experienced professional with a Bachelor's degree in Economics from Universidad Autonoma de Baja California in Tijuana, Mexico. With over 12 years of experience in customer service, sales, and strategic planning, Manuel has a wealth of knowledge and skills to bring to any team.
Previously, Manuel worked at the Mexican Consulate in Fresno for 8 years, where he held several roles in departments such as Community Outreach, Protection and Legal Affairs. This experience has given Manuel a deep understanding of the needs and challenges of different communities, and a passion for helping others.
In addition to his work with Confia Rural, Manuel is also in-charge of Consumer lending. This experience gives Manuel a comprehensive understanding of finance and lending, and the ability to help consumers navigate the complex world of loans and credit.
Overall, Manuel is a valuable addition to any team. With his combination of education, experience, and passion for helping others, he is a true asset to any organization.

Heidy Puerta

Small Business Development Specialist

Heidy Puerta was born in Sinaloa, Mexico, and raised in the small town of Tranquillity, California, in Fresno County. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies from California State University, Fresno. Growing up in a community with limited resources, Heidy has always been driven by a deep desire to give back and help others succeed. With a strong commitment to supporting her community, she has dedicated herself to empowering individuals and organizations to overcome challenges and achieve their goals. Heidy’s passion for service led her to work closely with youth as a counselor, where she guided younger generations and helped them navigate various obstacles. She is now contributing to her community through her role at the Fresno Area Hispanic Foundation, where she focuses on supporting local entrepreneurs and helping businesses grow. Her dedication to making a positive impact continues to drive her efforts to improve the lives of those around her.

Neli Zarco

Small Business Development Specialist

Neli Zarco is a dedicated Small Business Development Specialist with a strong background in customer service and entrepreneurship support. Born and raised in Fresno, California, she brings over nine years of experience in customer relations to her role. Neli actively contributes to the Womanpreneur and Latinapreneur programs, empowering women entrepreneurs to launch and expand their businesses. She provides tailored guidance to small business owners at every stage of their journey, working closely with clients to drive growth and success in their entrepreneurial endeavors. 

Flavio Arechiga

Small Business Development Specialist

Flavio Arechiga was born is Sinaloa, Mexico and grew up in Fresno, California. Flavio graduated from UC Davis with a double major in Economics and Political Science. He has work in non-profit since graduating from university and has assisted various businesses and students through his work. Since joining the foundation he has assisted small businesses receive an approximate $1.5 million in grants and continues on this work. Flavio is grateful to be able to help members of this community grow and succeed.

Monica Rodriguez

Data Entry Specialist

Monica was born and raised in Fresno, California, where she attended California State University, Fresno, and earned a bachelor's degree in Spanish. She also completed coursework in Interpretation and Translation at the university. Growing up, Monica witnessed firsthand the challenges caused by language barriers, which inspired her from a young age to support her community. Motivated by a deep sense of purpose, she often volunteered her time as an interpreter, whether for classmates or during school events. 

Today, Monica continues to pursue her passion for helping others. In her current role, she not only manages data entry but also plays a vital part in ensuring that individuals from rural communities receive the support they need. She connects them with team members based on their specific needs, furthering her lifelong mission of service and advocacy. 

Rosalba Flores

Program Director

Rosalba Flores serves as the Program Director at the Fresno Area Hispanic Foundation, where she leads with passion, purpose, and firsthand experience. As a small business owner herself, Rosalba understands the challenges and triumphs that come with entrepreneurship. Her journey has shaped her ability to connect with and support local entrepreneurs, offering practical guidance and heartfelt encouragement. With a deep commitment to business development, she now uses her experience to empower others through tailored programs, mentorship, and community collaboration.

Maria Saldaña

Loan Servicing Specialist

Maria Saldaña is the Loan Servicing Specialist at the Fresno Area Hispanic Foundation, where she plays a key role in supporting small businesses through effective loan management and client assistance. In addition to her primary role, Maria also provides valuable support to the accounting department, helping ensure smooth financial operations across the organization. Her attention to detail and dedication make her an integral part of the FAHF team.

Maria Abad

Marketing Manager and Small Business Development Specialist

Maria was born in Mexico and raised in the Bay Area, where she attended San Jose State University and earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration. Five years ago, she relocated to Fresno, where she worked for a national consumer packaged goods corporation for three years before transitioning to the non-profit sector. Maria finds her work in the non-profit sector deeply fulfilling, as it allows her to pursue her personal passion for helping others. She is grateful for the opportunity to be part of the Fresno Area Hispanic Foundation, where she serves as the Marketing Manager for the Technical Assistance department. In this role, she leverages her expertise to support business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs in achieving their goals. Outside of work, Maria enjoys spending quality time with her family and visiting new places.

Araceli Huerta

Data Analyst

​Araceli is a data analyst committed to advancing equitable, data-driven solutions. Her background spans social science, entrepreneurship, and public service, beginning at an entrepreneurship-focused high school and continuing through a BA in Anthropology from UC Berkeley. With experience across non-profit and government sectors, she applies data to measure impact, improve programs, and inform strategy. She also holds a Google Data Analytics Certificate and brings a strong focus on community outcomes, accountability, and continuous learning.

Jasmin Mejia

Director of Operations

Jasmin Mejia serves as the Operations Director at the Fresno Area Hispanic Foundation, where she oversees the day-to-day functions that keep the organization running efficiently. With a strong background in administration and organizational leadership, Jasmin plays a key role in streamlining internal processes, supporting team coordination, and ensuring the successful execution of programs that empower local entrepreneurs and small businesses. Her dedication and behind-the-scenes leadership contribute greatly to the Foundation’s continued growth and community impact.

Clarissa Pineda

Community Relations Coordinator

Clarissa Pineda is the Community Relations Coordinator at the Fresno Area Hispanic Foundation, where she helps foster strong connections between the Foundation and the local community. While pursuing her degree in Business at Fresno State University, Clarissa brings fresh perspective, dedication, and a heart for service to her role—bridging resources, events, and outreach efforts that uplift entrepreneurs and families throughout the region.

Claudia Lopez

Office Manager

Claudia Lopez serves as the Office Manager at the Fresno Area Hispanic Foundation, where she ensures the day-to-day operations run smoothly and efficiently. Known for her organization, professionalism, and commitment to service, Claudia plays a key role in supporting staff, managing administrative tasks, and creating a welcoming environment for all who walk through the Foundation’s doors.