Beatriz Dunai is a visionary leader and passionate advocate for women’s empowerment, distinguished by her multifaceted expertise and dedication to excellence. Renowned for her exceptional leadership, strategic planning, and operational precision, Beatriz has built a career defined by innovation and a deep commitment to making a difference. With her innate ability to manage complexity, communicate effectively, and inspire trust, she has become a trailblazer in every field she has entered.

A proud native of Aguascalientes, Mexico, Beatriz holds an engineering degree and a master’s degree in finance, which have equipped her with the analytical and problem-solving skills to excel in diverse professional landscapes. She began her career in the automotive industry, where she quickly rose through the ranks, managing intricate logistics and supply chains for globally recognized corporations. Her success opened doors to international opportunities in Mexico, Australia and the United States, where she further honed her leadership skills and gained recognition as a top-tier professional.

Currently, Beatriz is pursuing a law degree—a testament to her lifelong passion for justice and advocacy. Her work at Sus Abogados Latinos, a highly respected firm led by Patrick Espinosa, has allowed her to combine her operational expertise with her growing legal acumen. As the firm’s Director of Operations, she plays a pivotal role in delivering exceptional results while ensuring clients receive the compassion and clarity they deserve during life-changing transitions.

Beatriz is also deeply committed to empowering women, a mission that goes beyond her professional achievements. She believes that empowerment is the process of helping women achieve a sense of self-worth, the ability to make their own choices, and the right to influence social change—essential values in today’s society. Through her mentorship and advocacy, Beatriz inspires women to pursue their goals, including careers in law, fostering diversity, collaboration, and innovation.

Beatriz’s leadership extends beyond her professional life. As a devoted mother, she exemplifies the balance of family and career, demonstrating resilience, compassion, and determination in all that she does. Since 2020, she has also been a licensed real estate agent in Ohio, further showcasing her versatility and entrepreneurial spirit.

Whether streamlining operations, pursuing her passion for law, Beatriz Dunai embodies the qualities of a transformative leader and compassionate advocate. Her vision, drive, and dedication inspire those around her, paving the way for a brighter, more equitable future.

Daniela Goncalves is the Marketing Manager at Open Doors Academy, where she leads all strategic marketing, communications, and public relations efforts for the organization. Daniela works closely with every team at ODA to enhance scholar and family engagement, donor relations, and corporate and nonprofit community outreach, ensuring increased visibility of ODA’s reach and impact.

She has 12 years of experience in business development, marketing, and communications, having held roles across various industries such as economic development, nonprofit management, media, energy, technology, and legal services. Daniela also does consulting work, providing services in marketing strategy, business development, and community engagement to help organizations in northeast Ohio align their corporate and community goals with the needs in the region.

Daniela holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Akron, a Master of Arts in Communication Management from the University of Denver, and a Bachelor of Science in Communication from the University of Miami. She is pursuing her Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) and Ph.D. in Management at Case Western Reserve University. 

Daniela is involved in civic leadership education through the OnBoard Cleveland program at the Cleveland Leadership Center and in diversity, equity, and inclusion education through the LEADDiversity program at the Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio. She serves in nonprofit boards and development committees for the Cleveland Council on World Affairs, Engage! Cleveland, Partners of Playhouse Square, and Column & Stripe at the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Daniela and her husband, Alex, live in Avon Lake with their two dogs, Beppo and Chupa. Outside of work, Daniela enjoys traveling, cooking, and spending time with family and friends.

Marcia is a culture and strategy consultant with over 20 years of experience in fostering diverse and inclusive workplaces. In 2018, she founded AmMore Consulting to elevate Latino professionals and help organizations become Latino Ready™. The firm’s mission is to create equitable workplaces and develop the next generation of Latino leaders. In 2020, she launched the “100+ Latinos Cleveland Must Know” program, now the largest network of Latino professionals in Northeast Ohio. Marcia, originally from Chile, lives in Rocky River with her husband, Joe, their son Teddy, and their cat, Katerina. She enjoys bike riding, traveling, and reading.

Tanisha Velez is a passionate advocate for food accessibility and sustainable agriculture in Cleveland, Ohio. A proud native of Cleveland and a graduate of Lincoln West High School, Tanisha’s dedication to her community is deeply personal. She is the loving mother of three growing young men and shares her life with her high school sweetheart.

As the owner of Cleveland Fresh and Urban Agriculture Operation, Tanisha has revolutionized local agriculture with a focus on indoor growing practices, particularly microgreens. Her commitment to reducing food deserts in Cleveland is evident in her hands-on approach and innovative solutions.

Tanisha is also the co-director of Jardin 4 Life Inc., a newly formed nonprofit organization in Cleveland. Jardin 4 Life aims to create significant community impact through meaningful action, working closely with youth and families. One of their key initiatives is La Marketa, a vibrant market held every Saturday at Roberto Clemente Park. Now in its second year, La Marketa not only provides much-needed food access to the Clark/Fulton community but also supports small and growing businesses.

In addition, Tanisha leads the “Garden Like It’s 1890” program, which educates youth at Lincoln West School of Global Science on sustainable agriculture practices. Her efforts extend to organizing the Roberto Clemente League, which boasts 14 teams and involves 250 youth ranging from ages 3 to 19.

Tanisha’s unwavering focus on increasing food access and supporting community growth through agriculture and education embodies her life mission. Her work continues to inspire and make a tangible difference in the lives of many in Cleveland.