2024-2026 CFSFV Executive Board
Lori Garcia Wheeler
co-president
member since 1994
"I was born and raised in the San Fernando Valley and grew up in a close family in Reseda. I worked in the public sector for almost 30 years starting with LAUSD, the City of Los Angeles and retired from the County of Los Angeles four years ago.
I joined Comision Femenil in 1994 and have loved being a member since. I love all my comadres and enjoy the familia we are.
Our goal is to help our young Latina students to find their passion and courage to achieve their goals through our signature event - the Adelante Mujer Latina Conference and offer scholarships. I am currently the Co-president and look forward to our 27th annual AML conference"
Olivia Robledo
co-president
member since
Bio TBD
Joanne Moreno
co-Teasurer
CSUN Graduation/Retention Advisor/LACCD Faculty
member since 2017
I grew up and live in the city of San Fernando. I attended school in San Fernando and Sylmar areas, so I have been part of this community all of my life.
I’ve worked in the healthcare arena for over 15 years and most recently work in the academic arena. Completing my Master’s in Healthcare Administration opened up opportunities to teach in the community college setting.
My connection with Comision Femenil was having relatives and friends who are members, but more importantly to have the opportunity to give back to the young people in our community. The conference and events that Comision Femenil has hosted is just one pathway to reach our younger generation and provide them with options for their futures.
Anita Ruiz
co-Treasurer
Training Specialist
member since 2017
“I have been in the Education/Training field for over 15 years. I was a classroom teacher with LAUSD and more recently have been working in the private sector as a software trainer for various healthcare organizations.
Growing up, I learned the importance of being involved in community advocacy and positive change. I am proud to be a member of Comisión Femenil and contribute to supporting Latina empowerment.”
Sandra Cruz
Co-Secretary
FORMER SCHOOL ADMINISTRATOR
member since 1994
“I have been a member of CF for over 20 years. I joined Comisión Femenil after being introduced to this marvelous organization when I was asked to co-present in the yearly Adelante Latina Mujer conference for high school students.
I have lived in the San Fernando Valley since I was 4 years old, in other words, my "entire life". I am a proud graduate of Canoga Park High School l in the west SFV. I was an educator and administrator in the LAUSD for over 40 years. I graduated from CSUN with a B.A. and teaching credential and went on to receive my M.A. and Ed.D. from Cal Lutheran University both focusing on Educational Administration.
After I retired from the LAUSD in July 2020, I served as a principal with the LA Catholic Archdiocese. I've always loved being of service and especially working with middle and high school students.”
Juliana Alvarez
Co-Secretary
CSUN Campus Engagement Associate
member since 2023
”Having worked in the non-profit/higher education sector for 11 years, I am inspired by the transformative power of supporting each other and building our community. My goal is to create safe spaces for belonging, amplifying the voices of Latinas, and unlocking access to higher education and the arts for everyone. I love the collective voices of our community, learning about each other, our stories, and what makes us who we are (including finding out what people’s comfort foods are – mine is a good cafecito).It is an amazing honor to be part of Comisión Femenil of the San Fernando Valley! Being part of this group of amazing mujeres has been life changing for me.
I hope you can join us in supporting each other and making a difference for all Latinas!”
Lilly Fernandez
CO-MEMBERSHIP
Retired Registered Nurse (RN)
member since 2022
“I am a retired registered nurse (RN) who worked in various nursing roles for L. A. County DHS during my 30-year career. I attended Los Angeles Valley Community College and obtained my nursing and Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree. I later received my Bachelor of Science (BSN) and Public Health Nursing (PHN) through the University of Phoenix. As a nurse, assisting and caring for patients gave me great satisfaction and reward throughout my career.
After my retirement, I wanted to continue to help and serve my community, so I joined Comisión Femenil. I have volunteered at their Adelante Mujer Latina (AML) Conference, Mujer de Corazon Gala, and currently, I am on the High School Mentorship Committee. I look forward to serving on the E-Board and collaborating with all these remarkable ladies.”
Tanya P. Torres
co-membership
Former federal govt.Claims Rep and pt harley davidson customer serv.
member since 2012
“I joined Comisión to be part of the fundraising group along with my 7 cousins and nieces. I’ve traveled extensively with my immediate family overseas in my youth due to my father’s employment. Since I retired from a 30 year career with the federal government, I served on the Board of Directors as secretary for the Pacoima Boys and Girls club. As a public servant, my passion is volunteering and working with dedicated comadres of this organization.”
Hayley Benitez
Co-Publicity
Masters student at pepperdine university
member since 2019
“I grew up in the San Fernando Valley in a home full of Hispanic culture. I went from breaking piñatas during birthday parties to breaking stereotypes people had placed on me. I received my Bachelor's in Psychology at California State University, Northridge in May 2023. I am currently attending Pepperdine University to pursue my Master's in Clinical Psychology to one day become a therapist. In 2019, I became a scholarship recipient for Comisión Femenil and since then have contributed to their mission statement of helping young Latinas attend higher education and pursue their dreams. I have worked at multiple non-profit organizations and I hope to serve as encouragement and support other latinos/as who have faced similar situations as I have and become more than just a stereotype. I want to ensure that every young Latina isn’t stereotyped but instead encouraged, supported, and welcomed into any field they may find interest in. I want Latinas to be proud of who they are and know that the Latinx community will always support them in achieving any of their aspirations. ¡La comunidad Latinx siempre está unida!”
Xochitl Murakawa
Co-Publicity
Project Manager
member since 2016
“I was raised in the San Fernando Valley, graduated from San Fernando High School, and earned a B.A. degree in Sociology from UC Berkeley. I’m a Project Manager professional with experience in the High Tech, IT , Consumer Electronic, and Entertainment industries.
One of my goals is to use my experience to help young Latinas find their path to becoming confident professionals. Comisión Femenil has helped me to move closer to this goal through holding E-Board positions as Co-Membership and currently as Co-Publicity, participating in AML, and serving on the Dr. Karin Duran Memorial Scholarship Committee.”
Eva Valenzuela
social media
licensed financial consultant
member since 2021
“I am a First-Generation Mexican American born and raised in the San Fernando Valley. Like many others, my parents immigrated to this country to offer us a better life. I am a licensed financial consultant with over 5 years of experience, expert in term life insurance and investment accounts. I am committed to make a difference in my community with financial education. I became involved with Comisión Femenil about 3 years ago, and never been prouder and honor to be part of such respectful organization. I always wanted to be part of something that represent and gave back to my Hispanic roots and what better organization than Comisión Femenil.?
Rosemary Muniz
CO-Historian
member since 1990
“Seeking better educational opportunities my parents decided to move their young family from Cuidad Juarez, Chihuahua to the United States. By the age of 6 my family was living in East Los Angeles.
As a student at Nightingale Junior High School I was involved with the student group UMAS (United Mexican American Students). A young teacher was our guest speaker. He talked about our rights as students and the inequities which existed in the Mexican American communities. This young teacher was Mr. Sal Castro and he introduced me to the Chicano Movement. On that day he planted that seed in my heart to fight for social justice, quality education, and human rights for all. That seed blossomed into a lifelong commitment to give back to the community and dedicate myself to providing opportunities to our youth.
I joined Comision Femenil in 1990 and currently serve as the organization’s Historian.”
Martha Garcia
CO-Historian
Engineering Services Manager
member since 2000
“I was raised and attended public schools in the northeast San Fernando Valley and graduated from Cal State Northridge with BS in Engineering and an MBA.
Currently I’m Comision Femenil's Co-Historian and have been a member since 2000. Previous Comision E-Board positions I’ve held include Treasurer and Co-President. I’m currently an Engineering Services Manager for an energy company in Los Angeles.
I’m passionate about enhancing the lives of all Latina(o)s in our community. I’m also an avid traveler and love learning about different cultures.