Meet The
Board Members

Jesús is the founder and president of La Promesa Foundation. He is an audit manager for PNC Bank. In September 2023 Jesús finalized filming for a reality TV Show called Local Love. Jesús was raised in San Juan, PR and a graduate of Penn State University majoring in Accounting with a minor in Business Law, and a concentration in Finance. He had the opportunity to travel with a professional basketball team from Arecibo, Puerto Rico. Jesús also played at Penn State Greater Allegheny before transitioning to University Park.

Laura is a Content Operations Strategist at Indeed. Before joining Indeed, Laura spent six years at Penn State Greater Allegheny. During her time at Penn State, she was the Director of Alumni Relations and Stewardship and previously, served as the Director of Campus Development. Prior to Penn State, Laura was the Director of Alumni Relations and the Annual fund at the Clarion University Foundation, Inc. Laura has an extensive background in board development,  people management, process & strategy, project & event management, and donor & foundation relations. 

Nationally recognized philanthropic and civic leader advancing systems-level change at the intersection of community, research, and social impact. With more than 15 years of executive leadership across nonprofit, healthcare, higher education, and industry sectors, I have mobilized philanthropic capital, institutional partnerships, and data-driven strategy to address complex societal challenges and strengthen community resilience.

As a Latina leader shaped by the immigrant experience, I bring both lived and professional insight into the economic, entrepreneurial, and civic contributions of Latino communities. This perspective informs my commitment to ensuring philanthropy and institutional investment reflect the strengths, needs, and leadership of communities historically excluded from decision-making—unlocking opportunity, accelerating economic mobility, and strengthening civic participation.

I am known for building high-trust, cross-sector coalitions that translate research and evidence into actionable strategy, aligning funders, policymakers, academic institutions, and community leaders to drive measurable, sustainable impact. My leadership integrates the rigor of data science and AI-enabled insights with deep community engagement to ensure solutions are both innovative and grounded in lived reality.

My governance experience spans national, state, and local organizations, including my appointment as Commissioner on the Pennsylvania Governor’s Commission on Latino Affairs, where I advise on policies and strategies to strengthen economic opportunity and civic engagement for Latino communities statewide. I currently serve on the boards of the Women’s Center & Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh, La Promesa Foundation, Ayudate, Giving It Forward Together, Association of Latino Professionals of America Pittsburgh chapter, and Instituto Cimarron, with past roles including Casa San Jose, Manhattan Community Board, Pittsburgh Women’s Alliance, the National Healthcare Diversity Council, and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Family Caregiver Council. These roles reflect my longstanding commitment to strengthening civic infrastructure, advancing equity, and shaping institutions that drive inclusive and lasting social change.

I am particularly drawn to leadership opportunities where philanthropy serves as a catalyst for innovation, equity, and cross-sector transformation at scale.

I hold a Bachelor of Arts from Emory University, completed executive leadership training at Vassar College. I have three teenage children, Avery (17), and Cameron and Julian (twins age 14).

Bill Flanagan, an experienced broadcast journalist, has told the story of the transformation of the economy in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania for more than 40-years, originally for KDKA-TV. He serves as host and producer of “Our Region’s Business,” a weekly business public affairs program now in its 19th year on WPXI-TV in Pittsburgh, PA, WPXI.com/ORB, the Pittsburgh Cable News Channel (PCNC), and YouTube.

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The program is produced in partnership with the Allegheny Conference on Community Development, where Bill works as Chief Corporate Relations Officer, where Bill works as a special advisor after 21 years as Chief Corporate Relations Officer. The non-profit civic leadership organization has brought together public and private sector partners for more than 75 years to improve the economy and quality of place across the Pittsburgh region.

William is a Wealth Management Consultant for Capital Group Companies, home of the American Funds. He graduated from Monmouth University with a finance degree and has worked for several top-tier asset management firms, including J.P Morgan Asset Management, Wells Fargo and UBS. With over 20 years of experience in the field, William has experience covering a wide range of financial services roles, including working as a financial advisor for individuals and families. He obtained his Chartered Financial Analyst designation, CFA®, in 2019. 

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​When he's not working alongside financial advisors, helping produce better investor outcomes, Willian enjoys traveling, fishing, and spending time with his family. He currently lives in Canonsburg with his wife Christina and two sons, William IV and Gavin.

Tony Gomez is a first-generation college graduate with a bachelor's degree in Spanish from Westminster College, a masters of education in higher education from Penn State University, and he is currently pursuing a doctor of education in higher education administration from the University of Pittsburgh. He currently serves as an associate director of masters admissions at Carnegie Mellon University’s Tepper School of Business and works to provide great access to historically underrepresented populations to graduate business programs. He also volunteers with the Latino Community Center.

Lee Intachai was born and raised on the beautiful island of Kaua‘i, Hawai‘i, and brings with her the island spirit of community, family values, and aloha to everything she does. As the Director of Community Relations at Pheple Credit Union, Lee is dedicated to building meaningful relationships and strengthening connections between the credit union and the communities it serves. Pheple Credit Union is committed to helping our communities live financially sound, offering a wide range of personal assistance and financial options to help enhance and grow your financial well-being.

Lee is also the founder and owner of Gracefully Bloomed Creations, a heartfelt small business inspired by the memory of her grandmother. Rooted in the belief that flowers carry stories, Gracefully Bloomed helps others express their journeys with grace, beauty, and intention.

In addition to her professional roles, Lee serves as the President of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Latrobe, and actively supports the GLLV Chamber of Commerce, La Promesa Foundation, and other causes close to her heart.

Above all, Lee is a proud boy mom to two sons who are her greatest joy. She hopes to instill in them the same deep love for community and service that guides her life today.

During season 28 of CBS’s international survivor reality competition television franchise, Brice Izyah competed as a contestant on “Survivor: Cagayan – Brawn vs. Brains vs. Beauty.” Survivor is one of the longest-running reality tv shows, airing over 40 seasons. Brice Izyah also hosts his own podcast, named the “Purple Pants Podcast”. He is originally from Philadelphia, PA and works as a social worker.

Heidi holds a BS in Electrical Engineering from the University of Puerto Rico and a Masters in Information System Management from Marist College, NY. Currently, Heidi is the Software R&D Manager for the Data Science group at HP Inc. developing Data Science & AI solutions for their clients. Heidi has a big passion for innovation and always looks forward to new opportunities.  She currently has over 40 granted patents. During the last few years, Heidi got the IBM Eminence & Excellence Award, a Technology Rising Star Award and a President’s Volunteer Service Award (USA) for her community work.

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Heidi was the runner up (2nd place) contestant of the Emmy nominated reality tv show Survivor Season 44. Heidi now holds the record for the fastest fire making in the history of the show (3 minutes 2 seconds) that has been running for 45 seasons in 23 years. Heidi was a strong female character representing the LatinX community and empowering minorities to pursue STEM careers.

Benito Rivera is the Business Banking Team Leader for First Commonwealth’s Metro PA Regions, which encompasses Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, Lawrence, Washington and portions of Armstrong and Westmoreland counties.  Prior to First Commonwealth Bank, Benito was a Team Leader in Business Banking at Northwest Bank and has 25 years of experience in the Banking Industry.

Benito is responsible for leading a team of lenders who are assigned to assist clients in the manufacturing, medical, non-profit and professional industries in the Pittsburgh and surrounding areas. He also counsels’ business individuals and corporate clients regarding investment opportunities, risk analysis, monetary returns as well as SBA lending for startups, acquisitions construction and equipment purchases. Benito is currently a member of the Hispanic Heritage Connections at First Commonwealth Bank which is focused to ensure each member has access to the resources and support necessary to thrive within First Commonwealth Bank and within the community, through mentorship, cultural appreciation, professional development, and civic engagement.

Monica Ruiz-Caraballo is the Executive Director at Casa San José. Mónica has been working with Casa since 2014 when she started as an intern, then moved to service coordinator and then community organizer. Casa San Jose connects, supports, and advocates with and for the Latino community. She was born in Cleveland Ohio and has Latino roots from Guatemala and Puerto Rico, where her mom and her dad are originally from.

William Parker Pecora is a Pennsylvania-based entrepreneur, investor, and community-development advocate with more than three decades of leadership experience across business ownership, real estate, and strategic investment. After guiding Excel Glass Co., Inc. for many years and completing its successful sale in 2022, William has continued to build a diversified portfolio that includes multi-unit residential properties, industrial holdings, and international real-estate ventures.

Deeply committed to the vitality of Westmoreland County, William has been an active force behind local revitalization efforts—supporting small businesses, manufacturing partners, and community organizations. His work blends disciplined financial planning with a long-term vision for sustainable growth, aligning strongly with the mission and values of La Promessa Foundation.

William brings strengths in strategic governance, fiscal stewardship, and community engagement. He is recognized for his thoughtful decision-making, integrity, and dedication to projects that uplift families and strengthen local opportunity.

Outside of his professional endeavors, William is a devoted husband, father, and lifelong learner. He is passionate about travel, personal growth, and faith-centered service. His broad life experience, coupled with a grounded sense of purpose, enables him to contribute meaningfully to the Foundation’s mission of compassionate outreach and transformational support.

Originally, from the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago, Mr. William has over 25 years of experience in the fields of finance and accounting.  He commenced his career in the United States at PricewaterhouseCoopers’ South Florida practice, and then spent several years working for Harsco Corporation. While at Harsco, Blair held various accounting and finance roles, ultimately becoming a Division Controller, supporting operations in Africa, Europe, North America and South America. Blair joined The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (“UPMC”) in May 2009, working four years as the Controller of the International and Commercial Services Division and another 5 years as the Corporate Director, Financial Compliance. In October 2018, Blair joined AllianceRx Walgreens Pharmacy, a Walgreens subsidiary, as Vice President, Controller. Blair is currently serving his second term as a Board Member of The Neighborhood Academy. Additionally, Blair served as an Adjunct Accounting Faculty at Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania.