Join us for an inspiring evening that brings together community leaders, innovators, and changemakers from across Massachusetts to discuss the issues shaping our collective future.
At Unidos for the Future: From Worcester to 2030, we’ll explore two critical topics — Housing and Economic Development — through powerful Dímelo Talks and a dynamic panel conversation.
This is more than an event; it’s a space to connect, share ideas, and build strategies for a stronger, more inclusive Massachusetts.
Worcester State University
Auditorium, Ghosh Science Building
Monday, October 20 · 6:00 PM
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Elizabeth Cruz – President, Latin American Business Organization (LABO)
Elizabeth Cruz leads the Latin American Business Organization, a business development center for Latinos that provides consulting, certifications, and community advocacy. She is also the founder and president of Empowering Latina Leaders Affirmation (ELLA). With over 20 years of experience in technology, consulting, and real estate, she has helped hundreds of families build generational wealth and uses her artistic side as a poet and songwriter to empower the community.
Juan R. Vega – Assistant Secretary for Communities and Programs, Massachusetts Executive Office of Economic Development
Juan Vega has served as the Assistant Secretary for Communities and Programs at the Executive Office of Economic Development since 2015. In this position, he is responsible for managing and distributing state funding to cities, towns, and community organizations. He also provides policy support on community economic development and diversity initiatives. Prior to his state role, Juan served for seventeen years as President and CEO of Centro Latino, Inc. A lifelong resident of Chelsea, he was an elected member of the Chelsea City Council from 1994 to 2001.
HOUSING
Vanessa Calderón-Rosado, Ph.D. – CEO, Inquilinos Boricuas en Acción (IBA)
Since 2003, Vanessa Calderón-Rosado has led IBA, transforming it into the largest Latino-led nonprofit organization in Boston, managing more than 667 affordable housing units. She was the first Latina to serve on the Massachusetts State Board of Education and holds a Ph.D. in Public Policy. She is also co-founder of the Greater Boston Latino Network and serves on multiple community organization boards.
Alex Corrales – CEO, Worcester Housing Authority
Born in Costa Rica and raised in Worcester’s Plumley Village housing complex, Alex Corrales rose from a temporary worker to become the Executive Director of the Worcester Housing Authority. His personal journey through public housing drives his mission to provide dignified and affordable homes. He is recognized for uniting diverse stakeholders to achieve community projects.
DISCUSSION PANEL
Gilmarie Vongphakdy – Moderator, Future Focus Program, Quinsigamond Community College
A native of Worcester and of Puerto Rican descent, Gilmarie Vongphakdy was raised in the Main South neighborhood. With over thirteen years of experience in the field of education, she has focused her career on serving underserved and underrepresented populations. She currently serves as the coordinator of the Future Focus program at Quinsigamond Community College, where she is also an adjunct professor of Communications. Her work has been recognized with awards such as the Worcester Business Journal’s “40 Under 40” in 2019 and the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) Award for Excellence in 2020.
Eric D. Batista – City Manager, City of Worcester
Eric Batista became the first Latino to serve as City Manager when appointed permanently in December 2022. Previously, he served as Chief Operating Officer, Director of the Office of Urban Innovation, and Assistant City Manager. He also helped create the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and implemented body cameras for police officers. He studied architecture, economics, and administration, and according to WGBH, he was born in Puerto Rico and raised in Worcester.
MaryJo Marion – Associate Vice President for University & Community Engagement, Worcester State University
Since September 2020, MaryJo Marion has led Worcester State University’s community engagement strategies, coordinating institutions such as the Latino Education Institute and the Binienda Center. She previously served as Executive Director of the Latino Education Institute, Special Assistant to the President at MassBay Community College, and Associate Director at UMass Boston’s Gaston Institute. She holds a master’s degree in Public Policy from the University of Chicago and is recognized as an expert in workforce development, health, and urban education.
Eladia Romero – Regional Manager, Office of U.S. Congressman James P. McGovern
Eladia Romero is the Regional Manager for Congressman Jim McGovern’s Leominster district office. She has been a public servant for the U.S. House of Representatives since 2001 and previously worked as a District Representative for Congressman John Olver. Throughout her career, Eladia has been a dedicated advocate for the residents of North Central Massachusetts, helping them resolve issues with the federal government. She also taught citizenship preparation classes for eight years. Eladia actively serves her community as a Board Member of the Spanish American Center and Making Opportunity Count.
Albie Alvarez-Cote – Director, The Financial Education Seminar
Albie Alvarez-Cote has over 20 years of experience as a financial advisor. She is the Director of The Financial Education Seminar and a financial advisor with Concord Wealth Management. In January 2021, she opened Che Empanada, a restaurant specializing in Argentine empanadas and desserts. She is an active community leader, serving as a board member for the Latin American Business Organization (LABO) and Milagros Para Niño’s at Boston Children’s Hospital. She also served on Governor Charlie Baker’s Latino Advisory Commission from 2017 to 2023.