Board Members

Marcos Vilar

President, Executive Director

Marcos is a political strategist and national leader of the Puerto Rican Diaspora. Marcos has worked in Chicago, Washington, D.C. and several cities in Florida as well as in Puerto Rico, where he has designed and implemented innovative and groundbreaking programs and campaigns in government, labor and non-profit settings. He has worked on civic engagement campaigns in Florida since 2002, focusing on the Puerto Rican and Hispanic communities.

Samuel Vilchez Santiago

Samuel Vilchez Santiago is a civil and equal rights advocate focusing on immigration reform, voting rights, and equal access to education. His recent work experience includes being the national Human and Civil Rights Manager at ActBlue, a non-profit digital platform that helps candidates and organizations raise funds through small-dollar donations, as well as the Florida Campaign Manager at The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, an umbrella coalition of national civil rights organizations. Samuel is a graduate of Princeton University, where he majored in Politics with concentrations in Latin American Studies, American Studies and Spanish. Samuel is currently seeking a Master of Public Policy at Oxford University’s Blavatnik School of Government. He is a recipient of President Obama’s Volunteer Service Award, the US Congressional Youth Award, and an Eisenhower Fellowship Global Scholar.

Sonia Ledger

Sonia Ledger is a dedicated advocate and educator who has made it her life’s mission to uplift and support the most vulnerable in our society. Born in Puerto Rico and raised in Orange County, Sonia proudly graduated from Orange County Public Schools, laying the foundation for her lifelong commitment to education and community service.

Sonia’s educational journey led her to Florida State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences, equipping her with valuable insights into family dynamics and human development. With a deep desire to make a difference in the lives of young people, she pursued a Master’s in Secondary Education, further honing her expertise in teaching and mentorship.

Sonia’s path took a profound turn when she discovered her calling to work with at-risk youth while serving as a Guardian Ad Litem within the Child Services Department in Florida. This experience opened her eyes to the challenges faced by vulnerable children and fueled her passion to be a steadfast advocate for their rights and well-being.

Since 2004, Sonia has been a dedicated teacher within Orange County Public Schools, where she has tirelessly worked to create a nurturing and inclusive environment for her students. Recognizing the unique challenges faced by disenfranchised students within the education system, Sonia knew that she could make an even greater impact as an educator who goes above and beyond to ensure that no child is left behind.

Beyond the classroom, Sonia Ledger has dedicated countless hours to volunteer work with various organizations, including Give Kids the World, One Heart for Women and Children, and the Democratic Women’s Club of South Orlando. These experiences have deepened her understanding of community needs and strengthened her resolve to effect positive change.

Sonia’s commitment to addressing the pressing issue of gun violence in America emerged from her firsthand encounters with students dealing with the trauma of gun violence. Following the tragic events of the Parkland school shooting, Sonia joined Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America. Recognizing the urgent need for advocacy and awareness around gun violence prevention, she decided to amplify her voice on behalf of her students.

In her pursuit of change, Sonia founded the Osceola County Moms Demand group and joined forces with Orange County’s group. Together, they have organized and participated in various events aimed at raising awareness about gun violence and promoting safe storage practices. In recent times, Sonia has taken on the role of leading the Orange/Osceola County local group, eager to mobilize mothers and others in the community to work collaboratively with other gun violence prevention groups.

Sonia Ledger’s journey as an educator, advocate, and community leader is a testament to her unwavering commitment to creating a safer and more equitable future for at-risk youth and all members of her community.

Sheyla Asencios

Sheyla Asencios (she/her) is a veteran political operative, organizer and communications strategist hailing from Lima, Peru. She has dedicated the past ten years of her career connecting issues to elections, advancing progressive policies, and helping elect candidates up and down the ballot.
As Program Director, Sheyla is responsible for designing and overseeing the implementation of organizing programs that focus on empowering, engaging and mobilizing progressive voters. She first stepped foot in the world of politics while working at a county bar association and devoting her spare time helping to get then State Representative Darren Soto, elected to his State Senate seat in her hometown of Kissimmee, Florida. His victorious campaign sparked her interest in politics. Years later, she would serve as his District Director and Health Policy Staffer in Florida’s 9 Congressional District during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sheyla has climbed the political ladder one rung at a time, becoming intimately familiar with each and every facet of the political process. She brings an extensive organizing, policy, lobbying and coalition-building background to Scale for Change, having held key political and leadership positions in the Florida Democratic Party, For Our Future Action Fund, Service Employees International Union (SEIU) 32BJ, as well as several gubernatorial and presidential campaigns. A messaging pundit, she has appeared on numerous media networks, in addition to making contributions as a reporter, editor and guest writer, and received several awards and recognitions for her contributions.
Sheyla holds a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of Florida and a master’s degree in Global Strategic Communications from Florida International University. When she isn’t busy crafting campaigns that drive change and build capacity, she can usually be found working out at OrangeTheory or spoiling her nephews — Aaron and Mateo.

Nancy Rosado