2026-2028 CFSFV Executive Board
Juliana Alvarez
co-president
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!”
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"
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.”
Olivia Robledo
Co-Secretary
former lausd school administrator
I am a retired LAUSD principal and lifelong advocate for education, community service, and social justice. I earned my Bachelor’s Degree from California State University, Northridge in 1989 and my Master’s Degree from Pepperdine University in 2004.
I currently serve as co-Secretary of Comisión Femenil of the San Fernando Valley, on the LAUSD Human Relations Commission for the 6th District, and on the CSUN Alumni Board and Commission on Diversity and Inclusion. I also teach environmental justice through the Good Heart Chicana/o and Native Science Project, connecting families through culture, science, and environmental stewardship.
Through my work, I continue to champion education, equity, cultural heritage, and community empowerment. In 2025, I was honored as Woman of the Year for California’s 43rd District by Assemblymember Celeste Rodriguez.
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.”
Eva Valenzuela
Co-Membership
Financial Professional
member since 2019
“I’m a dedicated financial professional, and community advocate committed to empowering first-gen women and families through financial education. As a member of Comisión Femenil since May 2019, I have proudly supported the organization’s mission of creating opportunities, building connections, and uplifting young Latinas in the community. In my current role as Co-Chair of Membership, I am passionate about welcoming new members, strengthening relationships, and fostering a strong sense of community and belonging.
Through my professional work, I focus on helping first-generation families better understand their finances, identify financial blind spots, and feel more confident about their financial future. I am passionate about making financial education approachable, culturally relevant, and accessible to the families and communities she serves. I believe in the power of women supporting women and is proud to continue growing alongside Comisión Femenil and the community.”
Antonia Blanco
co-Publicity
Tax Professional and Owner, Trusty Transactions, specializing in tax resolution and tax strategy
member since 2024
“I am the owner of Trusty Transactions in Granada Hills, where I specializes in tax resolution and tax strategy for families and small business owners across the San Fernando Valley. While anyone can prepare a tax return, my focus goes deeper: solving the problems that have already happened, like IRS and state tax notices, and building strategies that prevent the problems still to come. I am a CTEC Registered Tax Preparer, hold the IRS Annual Filing Season Program Record of Completion, and am currently pursuing my Enrolled Agent credential alongside my bachelor's degree in Business Administration... proof that I practice the same commitment to growth I encourage in my clients. I also serves as the in-house tax preparer and notary for the Panorama City Chamber of Commerce. My passion is financial education in the Latino community; I create bilingual content that helps familias and entrepreneurs protect what they have worked so hard to build. A wife and proud mom of five daughters, I was drawn to Comisión Femenil by the values that guide my life and work: faith, service, and mujeres lifting each other up.”
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.”
M. Citlalli Mejia-Johnson
Co-social media
EDUCATOR / FINANCIAL EDUCATOR
member since 2021
“I am a dedicated educator with over a decade of experience, specializing in Middle School Math and Science within Special Education. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts with minors in Chicano Studies and American Sign Language (ASL), a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction, and a credential in College and Career Counseling reflecting my lifelong commitment to empowering students and expanding access to higher education. In addition to my work in the classroom, I am a financial educator passionate about fostering financial literacy within our communities. Five years ago, I was honored to join Comisión Femenil at the invitation of my mentor, Dr. Sandra Cruz. Today, as a mother of three, educator, and community advocate, I am proud to give back and support the next generation of leaders.“
Alejandra Tostado
Co-social media
High School Teacher
member since 2023
“I grew up in Northeast LA, where I still reside today. I earned my BA in Spanish and Chicana/o Studies from CSUN in 2011, later returning to complete my teaching credential and an MA in Education in 2019. Since 2014, I have enjoyed a rewarding career in the classroom, where I love learning alongside my students. I first discovered Comisión Femenil during my undergraduate studies while volunteering for AML through a "Fieldwork in the Barrio" course. Years later, a colleague invited me to chaperone an AML event. After years of bringing my own students to the program, I decided to become an official member. I am grateful to be a part of this wonderful organization and work alongside women who uplift our community and inspire future generations.”
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.”
Martha Fernandez Ruiz
CO-Historian
Retired elementary educator
member since 2001, President 2002-2003
“I am a lifelong San Fernando Valley resident and graduate of the Los Angeles Unified School District. I earned my BA in Liberal Studies and Teaching Credential from California State University, Northridge, followed by a Master’s in Elementary Education. I taught for 27 years at San Fernando Elementary and Morningside Elementary and became a National Board Certified Teacher.
Now retired, I remain active with Comisión Femenil of the San Fernando Valley, the CSUN La Raza Alumni Association, and my church and the United Methodist Conference. I continue to advocate for education and social justice, particularly for women and children of color. I live in Northridge with my husband, Veto, and I’m the mother of three and grandmother of five.”