Twelve University of Wisconsin–Madison community members were recognized in Madison365’s annual list of “Wisconsin’s 36 Most Influential Latino Leaders” for 2024.
Madison365, a nonprofit online news publication, has published annual power lists recognizing Wisconsin leaders from different racial and ethnic groups since 2015. The purpose of the lists is to “highlight the beauty of the diversity across our state,” according to Henry Sanders, Jr., the co-founder, publisher, and chief executive officer of Madison365.
Congratulations to the following current and former UW–Madison students and employees who received this well-deserved recognition. You can read the complete list on the Madison365 website.
Natalie Arriaga de Brooks is the assistant director of the Wisconsin School of Business Multicultural Center. She also is an active member of many organizations and also serves as Graduation Committee Co-Chair of the UW–Madison Latinx Academic Staff Association, and Midwest North Regional Collegiate Director for Gamma Alpha Omega Sorority, Inc. Brooks earned her Master’s in education leadership and policy analysis at UW–Madison.
Yolibeth Rangel-Fitzgibbon is a UW–Madison alumnus, having earned her Master’s degree in plant pathology more than 20 years ago. She is also the Community Partnerships Coordinator at REAP Food Group (a nonprofit based in Madison with the objective to “transform communities, economies and lives through the power of good food”). Additionally, she is the founder of a nonprofit that provides academic support to underrepresented students called Mosaicos Cultural Enrichment.
Judge Kristela Cervera is a judge in the Milwaukee County Circuit Court, appointed in 2021 by Governor Tony Evers. She also served as the first Latina court commissioner for the City of Milwaukee Municipal Court. Cervera was named Hispanic Woman of the Year in 2021 by the United Migrant Opportunity Services and earned her bachelor’s in journalism and law from the University of Wisconsin.
Isaia Ben-Ami is policy director for State Representative Kalan Haywood. He has worked in various legislative offices in roles such as an aide, chief of staff, and policy director in the Assembly and the Senate. In addition to serving as the president of the Pi Lambda Phi Wisconsin Omega Chapter, he graduated with a degree in political science and government from UW–Madison in 2020.
Angela Puerta is an urban planner for the City of Madison, where she advocates for inclusive neighborhoods. As a popular local musician. Puerta fronts the Angela Puerta Band and also performs her music solo as singer and guitarist. She has received six Madison Area Music Awards and won bronze and silver stars in Best of Madison. She earned her Master’s degree from UW–Madison in urban planning.
Dr. Dominic J Ledesma is the assistant vice provost for culture, climate, and engagement at UW–Madison’s Division of Information Technology. Prior to this experience, Dr. Ledesma has worked as chief diversity officer and interim director of the Office of Access, Inclusion and Compliance. He spent six years with the Chancellor’s and Powers-Knapp Scholarship programs as student services coordinator and associate director, and earned his bachelor’s from UW–Madison in Spanish and Italian.
Amy Lindner is the president and CEO of the United Way of Greater Milwaukee and Waukesha County. Since 2018, she has raised $350 million for the community. Lindner is the award winner for the 2015 Milwaukee Business Journal 40 under 40 and Betty Award winner for the Milwaukee Magazine in 2020. She has previously served as president and CEO of Meta House, a Milwaukee nonprofit dedicated to healing families and ending generational addiction. She holds a degree from UW–Madison.
Dr. Louis Macias is the Associate Dean of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences at UW-Madison. In addition to being an educator for most of his career, Macias served as the first Executive Director of Recruitment, Diversity and Inclusion for the UW–Madison Police Department, as well as as a few other roles related to student affairs, academic advising, and enrollment management.
Nancy Gomez is the director of the Salud Mental Program at Anesis Family Therapy, focusing on removing mental health service barriers for the Latino community. Gomez has worked with wrap-around family and community services for 10+ years. She has earned her Bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies from UW–Madison, and is currently pursuing a PhD in Clinical Psychology with a concentration in Social Justice and Diversity at UW–Madison.
Paula Arango-Tavera is the associate principal at Badger Ridge Middle School in Verona. Prior to this role, she worked as a fourth grade math and science teacher in Florida, transitioned to being a middle school teacher in Madison, and then to a role as the dean of students before undertaking her current role as associate principal. In 2021, she earned a master’s degree at UW–Madison in education leadership and policy analysis.
Tomás Clasen is a commercial real estate attorney at Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren s.c., providing advice regarding Milwaukee development projects. He is involved in a number of organizations, including serving as Vice President for the Wisconsin Hispanic Lawyers Association, and was recognized under the Milwaukee Business Journal 40 Under 40 last year. In 2011, he earned a degree in history from the University of Wisconsin and in 2018, he earned a law degree from UW Law School.
Nancy Saiz is a community development specialist at the City of Madison, overseeing funding-related city contracts for nonprofits. She is very involved outside of work, as a member of the Community Safety Intervention team, Domestic Violence Community Coordinated Response Team, Racial Equity and Social Justice Initiative, Latino Community Engagement Team, and more. She earned both her undergraduate and graduate degree at UW-Madison in social welfare, social work, and Chicano studies.