2023 Graduation

Meet the 2023 LLI Graduates:

Andrea Marinero Cea

Andrea Michelle Marinero Cea, graduated high school in her home country El Salvador. Immigrated to the United States at the age of18 while carrying her son Lucas Santiago. As a young immigrant mother and domestic violence survivor, Andrea has made her mission to create a community in which women and immigrants can thrive. She obtained her GED at Des Moines Area Community College and plans on continuing her education by obtaining a diploma to become an interpreter and an accountant. Additionally, she would like to create her own business that could serve immigrants in the state of Iowa as a center of multiple services. In this center, she hopes to create a community in which her son can enrich his culture and cultivate pride in his Latinx roots. In her free time, she loves to read (mainly motivational and spiritual books), spend time with her son, her pets, her family and friends. Through the Latina Leadership Initiative Program, she has gained confidence and has been motivated by her LLI sisters to continue empowering women, specially immigrant women.

Dayana Nicole Marinero Cea

Nicole Marinero Cea, was born and raised in El Salvador. She immigrated with her sister and mother to the United States in 2013. As a 14 year old teenager arriving to the unknown, Nicole always made it her mission to succeed and build her American Dream through her education. She graduated high school as top 7% of her class and has remained in President’s List at both Grandview University and DMACC. Nicole has worked for Inmobiliaria Inc. and DREAM Iowa. She has been president of El Puente Club at DMACC and Los Busca Metas during high school. Her biggest passion has always been to share her story and motivate others to succeed. As an immigrant herself, she has made it her dream to help immigrant entrepreneurs in the United States build their American Dream through design. She will be graduating in Summer of 2023, and plans to have her own business, a design agency through which she will be able to build her dream.

Elizabeth Zamora

Elizabeth Zamora, known in the Latino community as “La Realtor de Confianza,'' due to her journey helping families with their American Dream of Home Ownership for the last 12 years. "I was born in Michoacan, Mexico, but immigrated to the USA when I was 18. Before and after I moved to the USA, I've been very passionate about helping my community. Like in Mexico, I used to help my neighborhood writing letters to the President of Mexico for home Improvements or with business grants. And later in Iowa, I was volunteering for a non profit organization call L.U.N.A. (Latinas United for a New Dawn) helping battled women and their families. So I enjoy and love working with families, that is why I consider “La familia es la base de la sociedad.” I like to contribute for a better world by taking care of my own family, continue in the Real Estate Business with good ethical practices, and by serving my community in church or non-profits."

Elizabeth Medina

Elizabeth Medina (she/her), was born and raised in Guadalajara, Jalisco in México. She moved to Des Moines, Iowa at the age of eight, where she later received her GED. Her passion for advocating for the Latino community led to her work at Conmigo Early Education Center, where she started teaching as a Floater, in 2016. In 2021, Elizabeth's hard work at the Center led to her promotion to Family Development Coordinator where she engages, supports, and plans events for the Center's families. In 2023, her resiliency and dedication culminated to the completion of her Associate's Degree in Early Childhood where she joined the 22% of Latinos with a post-secondary degree in the US. Her 5-year goals include pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Human Services, joining a Board, and starting a youth support program or initiative. Elizabeth values friendliness, adaptability, and commitment, and is focused on spreading kindness and promoting empowerment.

Rita Martinez Caceres

Rita Martinez Caceres, from Ecuador, came to the United States when she was 13 years old, "My parents decided to bring me here to be able to have a better life. I’m a strong independent person, always fighting for what I want to accomplish." She is a graduate from Valley High School. "My first job was McDonald’s as a cashier when I was 15 years old and since then I have always work for my own things. At the age of 17, I was managing a Panera Bread then at at 19 I never thought I was gonna end it up working for a bank that gave me an opportunity to learned everything I know now. I work for Wells Fargo Bank since 2008 to 2022 I started from the bottom. I was a Teller, CSSR, Banker 1, Banker 2, Business Banker, and my last position Home Mortgage Banker. I’m currently a Home Mortgage Banker at American Pacific Mortgage have been a Mortgage Banker since 2016. In 2019 I won The Top 250 NAHREP Latino Mortgage Originators in the USA I was the only Latina representing Iowa, it was a great accomplishment. I love what I do and when I see a happy client with there keys on the hand is when I say to my self I don’t care about being popular I care about my clients accomplishment of becoming a home owner and I was part of it and that is what makes me happy." In her free time, she likes to dance and travel with her 2 boys and her husband.

Jessica Luna

Jessica Luna, Branch Manager at Greater Iowa Credit Union. First-generation daughter of Mexican immigrants and older sister of three good-hearted brothers. Iowa State University graduate with a Bachelor’s Degree in Financial Counseling and Planning. Committed to continuing to promote and improve the community’s financial literacy to help build their financial wellness and well-being. Her personal financial wellness journey led to a new hobby of doing manicures and nails at home to save money. She enjoys game nights, music, concerts, cooking, organizing and has a newly found interest in reading motivational books and journaling. She is a believer of things in life happening for a reason and having a purpose even if it doesn’t seem like it at the time. Jessica is thankful to all the people that have come into her life and have helped with her learning and growth.

Julie Ruiz

Julie Ruiz, was born in Torence, California and originally relocated to Des Moines in 1996. Julie became a young mother while in high school and persevered to her high school diploma. After high school, she focused on two of her greatest passions: to provide for her family and to support customers through the complex home purchasing process. For 12 years, Julie had the pleasure of using her bilingual skills to serve a diverse clientele. This year, Julie transitioned to Athene as a New Business Senior Representative. In this role, Julie supports her colleagues by processing annuities for new clients working towards financial security. On her free time, Julie enjoys getting involved with our community and volunteering with programs such as Junior Achievement, Avenue Scholars, and The Beacon.

Kathy Guillen

Kathy Guillen, 30 years old and recently relocated to Ames. She is currently a Community Treatment Coordinator for Second Judicial District, Department of Correctional Services. She is a Licensed Mental Health Therapist in Iowa. She received her Bachelor's Degree in Human Services and Psychology from Buena Vista University. She then received her Master's Degree in Licensed Mental Health Counseling also from Buena Vista University. In her little free time, she enjoys reading, spending time with friends and family, doing activities outdoors, dancing, traveling, and spending time with her 2 dogs. She additionally enjoys being involved in local activities, community events, and agency boards.

Maddie Rocha

Maddie Rocha, a Des Moines native and proud Hawkeye alumna. She graduated from the University of Iowa with a degree in Journalism and Critical Cultural Competency focusing on non-profit communications. Her work at progressive organizations like the ACLU of Iowa to President Obama’s Organizing for Action (OFA) has prepared her for the role at One Iowa working with LGBTQ Iowans. She is eager to learn about the complex issues minority communities face and how to challenge them in sustainable and equitable ways.

Patricia Zamora

Patricia Zamora, originally from Michoacán, Mexico. She moved to Iowa 21 years ago assimilating herself into American culture for over 20 years and learning the English language. Patricia comes from a household that has always valued family and she has worked hard to teach her kids about family values. She has always been passionate about her children’s safety and being a role model to them. As her kids grew older, she decided to continue with her professional growth and chose a career as an After School Supervisor with the Des Moines Public School system. She loves working with children and connecting with them, as well as growing in her own role. She joined Latina Leadership Initiative to gain more experience to become more involved in the community, develop more skills, and expand her network. In her free time, she enjoys reading, walking at Gray’s Lake, and dancing.

Patricia Burt

Pati Burt, a goal-oriented professional with a diverse education and work background. She is a proud Latina born, raised and educated in Ecuador. She obtained a BS in Agricultural Engineering and built a strong resume while working for different companies. She moved to Alaska in 2004 and she was determined to continue with her personal and professional growth. She changed her professional career path because of limited engineering job opportunities. She obtained the Alaskan Teaching Certification and taught for several years for the Anchorage School District. During this time, she was recognized for excellent ethical/professional behavior, flexibility in adapting to change and being a superb team member. Pati has always valued family and stayed home for the last 4 years to raise her two children. She moved to Iowa in 2021 and now she sees this as the opportune time to return to a long-time dream of opening a restaurant. Having a diverse education and various work experiences from Ecuador to Alaska and traveling throughout the world has helped her understand and appreciate different communities and cultures. She would love to combine her knowledge of the Latin culture and her love for cooking with her Ancestral Ecuadorian cuisine elevating it with her own twist to provide a heightened food experience in her new Iowa home.