Honoring Our Star Volunteer Leaders
At Familias Empoderadas, we extend our deepest respect and gratitude to our star volunteer leaders, whose action reflect the true spirit of community service.
These exceptional women have generously shared their time and skills —such as interpreting in indigenous languages like Mixtec, Zapotec, and Hindi, and building strong connections in rural communities— to help our mission grow and transform lives.
Thank you for your leadership, commitment, and heart! Every step we take is made possible because of you.
Our Executive Director; Alicia Cervantes
Alicia Cervantes is a proud Latina, mother, civil rights activist, and humanitarian.
Originally from Mexico and now based in Fresno County, she has dedicated her life to advancing social justice and educational equity for immigrant communities in California’s Central Valley.
Her work spans roles such as program manager, interpreter, education advocate, and community liaison with organizations including Faith in the Valley, PIQE, National Parents Union, and Fresno Barrios Unidos.
Alicia is the founder and current Executive Director of Familias Empoderadas del Valle Central.
She holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Guanajuato and has specialized training in social media and network marketing from Onetwork Co. in San Diego, CA.
Dra. Cristina Laster. President
Cristina is a tireless leader and a well-known advocate for educational justice. With a long history in civil rights and community leadership, she has empowered families in underserved communities. Today, she amplifies parent voices through articles, podcasts, and hands-on work—fighting for quality schools and racial equity.
Reyna Rodríguez. Vicepresident
Raised by farmworkers and grounded in cultural pride, she learned English through a bilingual dictionary and the kindness of mentors who bridged gaps beyond language. Now, as an interpreter, she ensures every voice is heard, serving her community with respect and appreciation through her work with Linguistica and Proteus Inc.
Dr. Daniel Gutiérrez. Treasurer
With over 23 years of experience, Dr. Gutierrez is a passionate leader in language education. He has developed student-centered curricula that improved academic outcomes and actively contributed to professional teaching associations. His work continues to transform language learning and empower individuals through knowledge.
Yessica de González. Secretary
Born in El Salvador, Yesica migrated to the U.S. seeking a better life for her daughters. After facing the harsh realities of motherhood and inequity as an immigrant woman, she found community support that changed her path. Today, she is the founder of Yesica Gonzalez Services, LLC, leading initiatives in immigrant women’s leadership, disability inclusion, and community-driven social change.
Our Mission
Our mission is to empower families and equip them with the tools they need to strengthen control over their lives and their children's education.
We believe in promoting equitable opportunities, autonomy, high-quality education for all students, and ensuring culturally appropriate and fair experiences at all times. We are dedicated to helping parents and their families reach their full potential so they can empower their children and make the world a better place.
Our Vission
Our vision at FEVC is to empower families of color by supporting the recovery of their dreams and ambitions, ensuring that future generations can achieve their goals with confidence and success.
We are committed to creating a brighter future where all Californians, regardless of background, can thrive and achieve success. With our unwavering dedication to this vision, we believe that in the next decade, California will become a model of prosperity and freedom, setting the standard for equity and opportunity across the nation.
Our Team
Core Values
Equity
We promote equal opportunities for every family, regardless of background.
Empowerment
We believe every family can transform its community.
Cultural Inclusion & Fairness
We ensure culturally relevant and fair experiences at all times.