ADVISORY BOARD
Founder, Fashionista Activista, Entrepreneur, & Community Advocate
Diana Diaz
Diana Diaz is a single mother born and raised in East Los Angeles, and she is the daughter of Mexican immigrants that introduced her to the world of street vending. These intersectionalities inspired her to create Mexichic Crafts, the first chicana luxury leather brand from East Los Angeles. This fashionista activista pays homage to her cultura with exclusive and colorful designs that inspire alegria. Diana has been interviewed and showcased on Telemundo’s Accesso Total, Un Nuevo Dia and KTLA’s Unscripted news show.
Moreover, in 2021, Diana dared to dream big when she founded The Goddess Mercado and The Queer Mercado Nonprofit Collectives. Its mission is to create safe market spaces for youth to express themselves creatively, gain lucratively, and with the support of the local community and schools. In addition, her organization promotes entrepreneurship to help redress the inequities that underrepresented Latina women, youth, and the LGBTQ community face by assisting the market vendors with branding, logo, graphic design, mobile boutique presentation, marketing, etc. The Queer Mercado was featured in the front page of Los Angeles Times, LA TACO, The LAist, The Eastsider, The Daily News, and was highlighted in Fred Segal’s Guide to LA for pride month.
In October 2021, Diana spearheaded the opening of The Goddess Mercado Boutique with 12 local Latina brands. This project is an extension of her mercados. The participating vendors pay a minimal fee and a work one volunteer shift monthly to help run the space and still allow for these brands to reinvest and grow their business. The boutique grossed over $150k its first year with much support from the community.
Diana lives in City Terrace and works in East Los Angeles as a school counselor at Garfield High School. She also sits on the advisory board of the East Los Angeles Artwalk and formerly for In The Making, a community nonprofit providing job training for youth.
Mexichic Crafts products are available at MOLAA, La Plaza de Cultura y Arte, Casita del pueblo in Uptown Whittier, Mercadito Monarca in Pasadena, and and The Plus Bus- Highland Park
Diana’s leadership with the Goddess Mercado has been recognized by councilwoman Hilda Solis and councilwoman Monica Rodriguez, and the county board of supervisors. On May 30, 2022, Diana was invited by Hilda Solis to be the keynote at the Breakfast Power Hour for women’s history month to speak about her entrepreneurial journey at the Breakfast Power Hour.
This year, Diana was appointed 2023 Commissioner for the Commission on Art and Culture by Councilwoman Solis and “Woman of the Year” representing District 1.
Community Organizer, Counselor
Monica Salinas
Monica Salinas is a dedicated community organizer and counselor with the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), whose passion for uplifting others extends far beyond the classroom. As a trusted advocate for her community, Monica brings a wealth of experience and a compassionate spirit to her role, empowering individuals to overcome obstacles and realize their full potential.
In addition to her work with LAUSD, Monica proudly serves on the advisory board for The Goddess of East Los Angeles Inner Beauty Pageant & Scholarship, a transformative initiative within The Goddess Mercado. Through her involvement, Monica channels her advocacy for youth empowerment and educational opportunities, ensuring that young women in East Los Angeles have access to resources and support to pursue their dreams.
With a heart dedicated to fostering positive change and a commitment to empowering others, Monica Salinas stands as a beacon of inspiration within her community, embodying the values of compassion, resilience, and empowerment at every turn.
Film Director, Writer, Producer
Carmelita Maldonado
Carmelita Maldonado is a versatile creative talent hailing from Boyle Heights, Los Angeles. With expertise in writing, acting, directing, and producing, Carmelita's career highlights include her award-winning film "La Wija," recognized for its unique blend of horror and comedy.
Having honed her skills in theater, Carmelita transitioned seamlessly into the world of film, commercials, and music videos. Collaborating with esteemed organizations like Casa101 and Teatro Frida Kahlo, she's demonstrated a commitment to culturally rich storytelling.
Carmelita's partnership with visionary Diana Diaz led to the creation of a promo video for the Goddesses of East L.A Inner Beauty Pageant & Scholarship fund. Joined by collaborator Ashley Karp, they're embarking on a transformative documentary project, inviting the community to join in their storytelling journey.
Community Organizer, Advocate, and Educator
Blanca Espinoza
Blanca Espinoza is devoted to serving her community as the Healthy Start Coordinator/Student & Families Resources at the Los Angeles Unified School District's Department of Student Health and Human Services. Since 1993, Blanca has championed East Los Angeles, spearheading initiatives such as The Townsend More Advocates for Safer Homes with Supervisor Gloria Molina's support. Her advocacy efforts led to the establishment of vital community resources, including the Union Pacific Child Care Center and Parque de Los Suenos, aiding low-income families and youth.
Blanca's community commitment transcends her professional roles; she's served twice as president of the East Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce and coordinates the Annual Christmas Toy Distribution, bringing joy to disadvantaged children since 1999. As a devoted advocate for domestic violence victims, Blanca organizes support for incarcerated women, offering empowerment. Through her involvement in the East Los Angeles Advisory Committee and collaborations with nonprofits, Blanca continues making a positive impact, ensuring families receive essential supplies and support. Recognized for her unwavering dedication, Blanca received the Key to East Los Angeles and was elected Woman of the Year in 2007 by Assemblymen Charles Caldron of the 58th District.
Photographer, DEI Advocate, & Public Radio Host
Kristina Martel
Kristina Martel was born in the San Gabriel Valley and raised in Highland Park, California where she proudly calls home. She is a graduate of California State University Los Angeles and New York University Tisch School of the Arts Film School. As a second-generation, Mexican American, she identifies as a multicultural Latina and is passionate about equitable representation of the diverse people and cultures of the City of Los Angeles, where her family roots go as far back as 1919.
In her 22-year career at the American Cancer Society, Kristina has led national and regional marketing communication strategies as Integrated Marketing Director and more recently in her leadership role as Strategic Director, Diversity Equity & Inclusion for the ACS California Guam Hawaii Division. Kristina oversees DE&I initiatives driving impact through philanthropic partnerships in areas of health equity, access to care, cancer screening, and research in diversity. Her partnerships with local and national media outlets, corporate partners, community, and nationwide DE&I leaders have yielded impact in marginalized communities across the Western U.S. Kristina’s documented storytelling of Indigenous people including Native American, Native Hawaiian, Alaskan Native, and Latinos disproportionately impacted by systemic racism is unwavering.
Kristina’s storytelling extends to KQBH Radio 101.5 FM in Boyle Heights, where she hosts and produces two public radio shows “Super Mujeres” and “CMTY Live,” elevating local femme and LGBTQ+ artists, musicians, entrepreneurs, activists, and socially conscious innovators. Kristina also sits on the board of “The Goddess Mercado,” wherein she proudly amplifies a beacon of hope and space lead by founder Diana Diaz, for all women and femmes to shine, lead, and empower the next generation.
To explore Kristina's visual storytelling and advocacy journey, follow her on Instagram at @STACYSORIANOPHOTOGRAPHY.
FOUNDER DIOSA COSMETICS
Angela Vizcaya
Angela Vizcaya, MA.Ed., Ed. S, PPS, is an educational and mental health specialist with a passion for creativity and inclusivity. Hailing from El Sereno, Angela is not only dedicated to supporting students and communities through her work as a school psychologist but is also a trailblazing entrepreneur.
Angela is the visionary creator behind the first Chicana queer vegan Makeup and lifestyle brand from El Sereno. With a focus on authenticity and sustainability, Angela's brand celebrates diversity and self-expression. Through her innovative products and inclusive messaging, Angela empowers individuals to embrace their true selves and redefine beauty on their own terms.
Join Angela on her journey as she continues to break barriers, challenge norms, and advocate for a more inclusive and compassionate world. Follow her lifestyle brand to discover a vibrant community built on authenticity, diversity, and empowerment.
Community Organizer & Educator
Tina Serrato
Tina Serrato is a retired teacher who dedicated 34 years of her life to educating young minds in the Pre-K and Kindergarten levels at LAUSD. She was born and raised in Boyle Heights, a vibrant neighborhood that shaped her into the amazing person she is today. Adopted by her cousin and raised in a multicultural family she met her husband at the tender age of eight. As a wife and mother of three, she always managed to balance her family life with her career. In fact, her passion for teaching and her dedication to her students earned her the prestigious title of Teacher of the Year in 2014. However, teaching isn't her only talent. Tina is also an avid artist and crafter, and her creativity shines through in everything she does. She can turn any ordinary object into a work of art. She even served as an Arts Program Coordinator, bringing the joy of art to countless students. When she's not busy with her artistic endeavors, you can find her swimming, as she absolutely loves it.
Tina Serrato is a retired teacher, a loving wife and mother, an award-winning educator, a talented artist, a swimmer extraordinaire, and a pillar of our community.
Multifaceted Entrepreneur, Actress, and Restaurateur
Claire Risoli
Claire Risoli- is a bilingual, bicultural, native Angelina. Her mother is from Sonora, Mexico and her father, of Eastern European descent from Brooklyn, NY. Claire grew up in the entertainment business, she was a signed recording artist with MCA Records at 19 years old and has appeared in many national commercials, TV shows and films in both English & Spanish. In her adult years, she was a freelance producer in Latino Marketing when she discovered an opportunity with a health & wellness, network marketing company called, Arbonne International. For the last 12 years she climbed up the ranks to the top 1% and parlayed her success to pursue yet ANOTHER dream. Claire is a serial entrepreneur. Although the timing was not ideal, her entrepreneurial spirit led her to boldly open the doors of her own Modern Mexicana restaurant concept called,Pocha LAin Highland Park, CA on April 10th, 2020. She loves cooking with her 14 year old son, Rocco who you also might see at the restaurant working alongside her and learning the ropes.
Technical Lead, Software Engineer, and Project Manager
Elva Osorio
Elva Osorio is a visionary advocate, entrepreneur, and technologist dedicated to bridging the gap in STEM fields. Inspired by mentors and pivotal experiences, Elva has become a driving force in championing diversity in tech.
As a councilmember for Girls Who Code, Elva is committed to fostering diversity and retention in tech. At Middlebury College, she broke barriers as the only Chicana in her class to graduate in Computer Science, also receiving an honorary award for Japanese language studies.
Elva is deeply involved in Blockchain events in NYC, exploring cryptocurrency's potential for marginalized communities. She leverages her expertise to offer strategic guidance to first-generation small business owners through her freelance tech consulting business, while also enriching lives through her jewelry and cosmetic services.
Elva's journey epitomizes resilience, innovation, and compassion. With unwavering dedication, she empowers individuals to embrace their potential and shape a brighter, more inclusive future in tech. Connect with Elva here.
