Board Members
Founder, President & CEO
Marcos Vilar
Founder, President & CEO
Marcos is a visionary strategist and influential figure within the Puerto Rican Diaspora, renowned for his transformative initiatives across various sectors. With extensive experience spanning Chicago, Washington, D.C., Florida, and Puerto Rico, he has spearheaded pioneering programs and campaigns in government, labor, and non-profit sectors. Since 2002, Marcos has been a driving force behind impactful civic engagement efforts in Florida, particularly within the Puerto Rican and Hispanic communities of Central Florida, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of advocacy and community empowerment.
You just can’t beat the person who never gives up
— Babe Ruth
Vice President
Nancy Rosado
Vice President
Rosado has an extensive history in law enforcement, including being among the first police officers to respond to the attack on 9/11. After relocating to Orlando, Rosado has served as an advocate for many underrepresented populations, including the Latino, LGBTQ+, and first responder communities. After the Pulse tragedy, she provided culturally competent and bilingual mental health services and support to survivors and victims’ families, as well as training to local officials. In addition, she assisted with the transitioning of Puerto Rican refugees to Central Florida after Hurricane Maria. Nancy holds a Master’s in Social Work from Fordham University with a specialization in suicide prevention and traumatic stress and worked as a professor at Florida Technical College, where she taught Criminal Justice, and as a social worker at the Children’s Arts and Science Workshops in New York.
Treasurer
Sonia Ledger
Treasurer
Sonia Ledger is a passionate advocate and educator devoted to uplifting society’s most vulnerable populations. Born in Puerto Rico and raised in Orange County, she graduated from Orange County Public Schools. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences from Florida State University and a Master’s in Secondary Education. Since 2004, Sonia has been a dedicated teacher in Orange County Public Schools, where she has worked tirelessly to foster a nurturing and inclusive environment for her students, especially those facing unique challenges within the education system.
Sonia’s commitment to social change extends beyond the classroom, as she has volunteered extensively with organizations such as Give Kids the World and One Heart for Women and Children. Her advocacy for at-risk youth intensified after serving as a Guardian Ad Litem, which inspired her to join Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America following the Parkland school shooting. She founded the Osceola County Moms Demand group and currently leads the Orange/Osceola County chapter, organizing events to raise awareness about gun violence and promote safe storage practices. Sonia’s journey reflects her unwavering dedication to creating a safer and more equitable future for all.
Secretary
Sheyla Asencios
Secretary
heyla Asencios (she/her) is a veteran political operative, organizer, and communications strategist from Lima, Peru. For over a decade, she has connected issues to elections, advanced progressive policies, and helped elect candidates at all levels. As Program Director, she designs and oversees organizing programs that mobilize progressive voters. Her political journey began in Kissimmee, Florida, supporting Darren Soto’s State Senate campaign, later serving as his District Director and Health Policy Staffer during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sheyla has held key roles in the Florida Democratic Party, SEIU 32BJ, and multiple campaigns. A messaging expert, she has appeared on major media networks and contributed as a writer and editor. She holds a B.A. in Sociology from the University of Florida and an M.A. in Global Strategic Communications from Florida International University. In her free time, she enjoys OrangeTheory workouts and spoiling her nephews, Aaron and Mateo.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
— Romans 8:28
Director
Diana Perez-Curry
Director
Diana Perez-Curry is a bilingual social work professional with over 22 years of experience, holding a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Central Florida. She has successfully served a diverse clientele, including individuals, children, families, and couples, addressing critical issues such as domestic violence, physical and sexual trauma, human trafficking, neglect, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Utilizing a range of therapeutic techniques, including cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, client-centered therapy, and motivational interviewing, Diana is adept at helping clients overcome challenges related to depression, anxiety, negative self-talk, low self-esteem, mood instability, irrational beliefs, trauma histories, and identity development.