2022-2024 CFSFV Executive Board

Lori Garcia Wheeler

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.”

Dolores Apodaca

Co-Secretary

Retired Director of Nursing Services for LAUSD

member since 2005

“I was born and raised in Imperial Valley California and received my Registered Nurse degree at Imperial Valley College, Bachelor’s at San Diego State University, and Masters from CSUN. When My family moved to Los Angeles in 1986, I worked with the Los Angeles Unified School District as a School Nurse and retired in 2014 in the position of Director of Nursing Services.

I joined Comision because I want to help move our culture forward, advocate, encourage, and assist with the education of Latinos, especially to help establish goals for them to work in valued and respected positions. This brings me joy! I am proud to see our culture gain respect and move forward. It is wonderful to be part of an Organization whose goal is to assist to “improve the quality of life for the Latino Community in this country.”

Olivia Robledo

Co-Secretary

member since

Maria Reza

CO-MEMBERSHIP

member since 1994

“I began teaching at San Fernando High School in 1969, after graduating from San Fernando Valley State College. I received a Master’s in Education Administration at UCLA and served most of my career as a school administrator. I was a principal when I joined Comision Femenil San Fernando Valley in 1994. Over the next 12 years I served 5 times as President or Co-President as I watched the organization grow in numbers as well as respect and credibility. I retired in 2005 as LAUSD Assistant Superintendent of Student Health and Human Services, and served 2 years on the LA County Board of Education. I continue to serve on the LAUSD Kurka Children’s Health Fund Board.

I have always been committed to social justice and community service, so during the 5 years I served as a LACMA Docent after retirement, I joined a group of school Docents who lobbied for a more meaningful children’s tour called, ”The Artist as a Social Conscience,” featuring pieces of historical injustices across the centuries. These pieces included: the Casta paintings depicting discrimination based on skin color, the incarceration of Japanese Americans during WWII, and black slaves picking cotton before the civil war.

I am proud to be a part of Comision Femenil San Fernando Valley, a volunteer organization, that educates, provides scholarships, and prepares young Latinas for leadership roles in the future.”

Tanya Torres

co-membership

Former Claims Rep for Social Security

member since 2012

“My family has been part of Comision for many years so joining was a given. I grew up in Panama and Puerto Rico so I missed out celebrating cultural traditions. I retired from a 30 year career with the federal government. As a public servant, my passion is volunteering and working with dedicated comadres of this organization.”

Vanessa Solache

Co-Publicity

Immunology / Neurology IVIG referral specialist at Biomatrix Specialty Pharmacy

member since 2016

“I am a Los Angeles native and a San Fernando Valley resident. I’m passionate about serving all people through civic and community engagement to cultivate a better society for all.

Through my work, I have successfully mentored many young people and led programs dedicated to transforming the lives of countless youth in the San Fernando Valley.

In my free time, I love singing, promoting live music events, and cultural events.

Currently I serve as an Executive board member for Care and Company a Hygiene pantry in Claremont, CA. Most recently I accepted a volunteer position with the Red Cross as Recognition Lead Faith Based Affiliate for the Los Angeles Region. Serving the San Fernando Valley and Los Angeles County is a lifelong commitment for me.”

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 and Consumer Electronic industries. 

One of my goals is to use my experience to help young Latinas find their path to becoming confident professionals.  Comisión 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.

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.