ABOUT US
YHPAA's mission:
DAR. GOZAR. AVANZAR.
The Young Hispanic Professional Association of Austin (YHPAA) aims to provide leadership and professional development opportunities for young Latino professionals to empower and connect with the Greater Austin community since 2006. We strive to be the premier Latino organization positively shaping the landscape of our communities. YHPAA supports and encourages higher education through scholarships and mentorship programs while providing resources to members for professional, community, and personal development.
ABOUT OUR FOUNDER
"Always keep learning and growing. The only way to go is up!" — Linda Medina-Lopez
After relocating from El Paso to Austin in 2002, Linda found herself in a new city with the potential for new opportunities. Austin quickly rose to the top being named the #1 city for Hispanics and Best City for Young Professionals, yet it was a challenging time to find other like minded individuals. She wanted to connect, grow professionally and give back to the community. In 2006, after 6 months of brewing and brainstorming she founded the Young Hispanic Professional Association of Austin (YHPAA). YHPAA was born to provide young professionals with a strong foundation for professional, community, and personal development.
Today, Linda proudly serves as the Executive Director of Con Mi MADRE, a dual-generation nonprofit that walks alongside Latina students and their mothers through educational support, leadership development, and college success programs from 6th grade through college graduation. Connect with her here.
MEET THE BOARD
Meet the 2026 YHPAA Board of Directors
President
Samira López
Vice President
Jess Chacón
Treasurer
Allison Moujaes
Development Co-Chair
Roxanna Padilla
Development Co-Chair
Militza Rosendo
Communication Co-Chair
Cassandra Galindo-Mesa
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Communication Co-Chair
Berenice lopez
Communication Co-Chair
Narda Pérez
Programming Co-Chair
Dalia Esparza
Programming Co-Chair
Ibi Sofia Aguilar
Social / Membership Co-Chair
Perla Ortiz
Social / Membership Co-Chair
Camila Ugaz Powell
Social / Membership Co-Chair
Jaimie Martinez
Gala Co-Chair
Vanessa Licona
Gala Co-Chair
David Fuentes
Gala Co-Chair
Jessica Vences
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Immediate Past President
Lawrence trevino
PAST presidents
2025–2026 – Lawrence Trevino
2024–2025 – Licelda Briones
2022–2023 – Vanessa Meza
2021–2022 – Karlie Ramirez
2020–2021 – Angela Navarro
2019–2020 – Shelly Cruz
2018–2019 – Pamela Guerra-Garcia
2017–2018 – Enrique Legarreta
2016–2017 – Chris Cordova
2015–2016 – Melissa Ayala
2014–2015 – Felicia Pena
2013–2014 – Ramiro Diaz
2012–2013 – Roger De Leon
2010–2012 – Matthew Danner
2009–2010 – Javier Valdez
2006–2009 – Linda Medina-Lopez