Board of Directors

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My name is Angelo Solera, I was born in Madrid, Spain. 

Immigrated to the U.S. from Salamanca, Spain at the age of 17yrs old. I have been living and working in Baltimore since then. 

A long-time Latino community advocate, activist and healthcare professional, over 30-years of experience working in the Hispanic/Latino community in the areas of health care, social services, government, business, nonprofit, social media, marketing & documentary/film. 

Director & Producer

Documentary/Film " We Are Baltimore " 2024

Founder & Executive Director: 2022

Casa de la Cultura " House of Culture" 

Founder & Executive Director: 2019

Nuestras Raices Inc. "Our Roots"

Executive Director: 2010-2015

Latino Providers Network Inc. 

State Certified  Bilingual Navigator: 2013 -2016 

Maryland Health Connection, Department of Health.

Hispanic Community Liaison: 2000 - 2002

Baltimore City Health Depart, Commissioners Office.

Vice-Chairman : 2002-2004

Mayor's Committee on Hispanic Affairs. 

Political Candidate : 2003

Baltimore City Council, First District.

Also, a self-published author and publisher of two books, Spanish version title " El Camino "  

English version title " The Journey " 

My name is Romel Marmolejos, and I am from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. I immigrated to the US when I was 17 years old; I have lived and worked in Baltimore since then. 

I attended Towson University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science and Business Administration. 

I am a licensed insurance producer, project management professional and business owner.

My name is Alejandra Martinez, I am originally from Ciudad de Mexico, Baltimore has been my home for the last 22 years.

I love my Mexican culture, heritage, art and traditions.

A member of Artisans at Creatice Alliance for 7 years, where I learned and grow from an apprentice to a master in folkloric arts and projects, when I graduated, I left behind important contributions, that are still part of the group today.

I am the Arts & Culture coordinator at Casa de la Cultura including youth cultural winter and summer workshops.

Also, I am an entrepreneur artist and business owner, I started a journey in teaching cultural workshops and  small business pop-ups at cultural events and festivals giving me the opportunity to learn about organization and logistics of markets and festivals.

My name is Yoryina Lizcano.

I am originally from Tachira Venezuela, I have been living in Baltimore since 2023. I love my Venezuelan culture, heritage, art and traditions.

Since I arrive in Baltimore, I have been a community volunteer at Salem United Methodist Church.

Also, I am the assistant Coordinator of Nuestras Raices Inc, Casa de la Cultura youth cultural summer and winter camps.

At my young age of 20 yrs old, I love music and enjoy learning classical guitar and playing keyboard, I am also a folkloric dancer at Danza Folklorica Latina, a local Latino Folkloric group that educates and promotes Central and South American culture, music, and folklore.  

Alfredo Santiago, LCSW-C 

Pronouns: He/Him/El

My name is Alfredo Santiago a licensed certified social worker and is currently employed at Chase Brexton Health Services, Behavioral Health Department, where there is compassionate, quality health care that honors diversity, inspires wellness and improves our communities, mission values that are in line with Alfredo’s personal values. 

Peace and Strength Counseling, LLC, (Paz y Fuerza), a private counseling practice in the heart of Highlandtown, focusing on the mental health needs of the Latino/a community and neighbors.

At both places of employment Alfredo offers behavioral clinical therapy for a diverse population with a special focus on LGBTQ, POC, Latinx immigrants, refugees and at-risk youth, and grief counseling.

Alfredo was employed at Baltimore City Department of Social Services and worked with youth that experienced physical and sexual abuse and neglect. Alfredo enjoys working with marginalized and/or stigmatized populations.

Alfredo graduated with a Masters in Social Work with a concentration in Mental Health from the University of Maryland School of Social Work and received a Bachelors Degree in Social Work from the University of Maryland – Baltimore County with a focus on child welfare. 

Alfredo volunteers with the Latino Racial Justice Circle, the Baltimore Metro United Methodist Church Immigration Task Force, and Peace With Justice, a United Methodist Church Social Justice Advocacy team. 

Awards include The Mayor’s Hispanic Heritage Award, 2018. 

Lastly, Alfredo Santiago is a proud parent to Marvin, a young man from El Salvador and Chuck, a boxer dog. 

My name is Andres Felipe Palacios, I am originally from Pereira, capital of Risaralda, Colombia.

Andres obtained a Master of Music in Guitar/Pedagogy at Peabody Institute while being recipient of the Excellence in Music Leadership Fellow and the Tuition Assistance Scholarship of the LGCF. 

He obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Guitar with Cum Laude distinction at the University of Antioquia in Medellín, Colombia.

Currently, Andres is the Artist in Residence of the Baltimore Classical Guitar Society and scholarship ambassador of the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation while pursuing a Graduate.

Performance Diploma at Peabody Institute of The Johns Hopkins University with Manuel Barrueco and Franco Platino. 

Andres is part of the InterPlay fellowship in which he provides guidance, mentorship, and instruction to undergraduate music students at the University of Maryland Baltimore County.

Andres also teaches classical guitar music classes to Latino youth & adults at Nuestras Raices Inc Casa de la Cultura.

Classical guitarist Andres Felipe Palacios has been acknowledged in several music competitions

in his native Colombia and, more recently, the ExAequo Emerging Artists Initiative international

competition in Austin, Texas.

Honorary Members

My  name is Maria Flores. I am a mother of 4 beautiful children and originally from Zacatecas, Mexico. 

I have lived in the United States  for more than 20 years.  

My career responsibilities have helped me become a professional,  enthusiastic bilingual manager with more than two decades of financial  services and sales experience. 

I  have strong business administration, bookkeeping, and outstanding  customer service skills. As a mother, I know the importance of educating of our  youth and the challenges that an immigrant parent must overcome in this  country. 

Over the years, I faced the difficulty of  learning the language and the culture. I  have found that education, hard work, and a tireless pursuit of our  dreams open the doors to the promises that this country offers.

I’m  currently working at the Helping Up Mission as a Human Resource  Specialist. Helping Up Mission is a faith-based, non-denomination,  Christian organization  offering permanent solutions to those experiencing homelessness,  poverty, and addiction.

Honorary member

My name is Ramon Antonio Croussett Jr. I am from the Dominican Republic. I moved to the Texas when I was 6 years old, where I grew up. I have lived in Maryland for the past 10 years.

I am a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist and currently I am the Hispanic Outreach & Treatment Coordinator at the Helping Up Mission.

My role focuses on leading outreach efforts in the Hispanic community to increase access for individuals in need of long-term residential recovery.

My passion is serving the community and spreading God’s message of love, peace, and equality.

Creative Content and Publicity Manager 

Christian Arias, a talented young filmmaker, photographer, and community storyteller whose creative journey is deeply connected to the mission of Nuestras Raíces Inc.

Christian is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies at Towson University (Class of 2027). A self-taught videographer and photographer since 2019, Christian’s work beautifully captures cultural narratives through a documentary lens. His projects reflect his deep commitment to uplifting Latin American heritage and bringing often-overlooked voices to the forefront.

Among his notable works are:

🎥 "This is the Dominican Republic" (2023) – A visually stunning short film showcasing Dominican culture through his travel experiences.
🎥 "Brazil [2023]" – A vibrant documentary-style piece celebrating the colors, people, and culture of Brazil.
🎥 "We Are Baltimore" – A powerful bilingual documentary created in partnership with Nuestras Raíces Inc., giving voice to Baltimore’s Latino community, countering harmful narratives, and promoting visibility and inclusion.

Christian’s work demonstrates the power of storytelling to create connection, understanding, and cultural pride. His films have inspired viewers across communities and continue to serve as a meaningful archive of the experiences, struggles, and beauty of Latino life in Baltimore and beyond.

We are honored to have Christian as a part of our extended creative family at Nuestras Raíces Inc. and look forward to witnessing his continued impact in the arts and beyond.