Founding President & CEO
Orson Aguilar
Orson Aguilar is a nationally recognized leader in economic justice and wealth-building for communities of color. Driven by a deep commitment to social justice, Orson brings extensive experience in public affairs, policy development, advocacy, and community engagement. He has held significant roles throughout his career, including President of the Greenlining Institute, Executive Director at UnidosUS Action Fund, and Senior Director at Oportun. In these positions, Orson has consistently demonstrated effective leadership in crafting strategies, engaging stakeholders, and building coalitions to advance equitable policies and create opportunities for underserved communities.
Orson has actively contributed to various corporate advisory boards and the boards of leading nonprofit organizations. He currently serves on several governing boards, including The East Los Angeles Community Corporation, GreenLatinos, Innovate Public Schools, and Communities United for Restorative Youth Justice.
Orson has received numerous leadership appointments, including serving on the Federal Reserve of San Francisco’s Community Advisory Council, Bank of America’s National Community Advisory Council, BBVA’s Community Advisory Council, JPMorgan Chase & Co.'s Community Advisory Board, and PG&E’s Community Advisory Council. In 2018, Assemblymember Rob Bonta honored Orson with The Equity Champion Award. In 2019, Congresswoman Barbara Lee recognized him with a Congressional Record Award, and Oakland’s Mayor proclaimed April 26, 2019, as Orson Aguilar Day. Orson has testified before Congress and has been quoted in various news outlets, including The Los Angeles Times, CNBC News, Our Weekly, Univision, Telemundo, The Wall Street Journal, and USA Today.
Throughout Orson's professional career and leadership development, his advocacy for equitable policy practices has been deeply informed by his experience of being born and raised in the low-income neighborhood of Boyle Heights in Los Angeles. This background has given him a unique understanding of the challenges faced by underserved populations and the success that can be achieved when equitable opportunities and resources are accessible.
Orson lives in Southern California with his wife and their three children. He loves the outdoors and serves as an Adult Leader for his children’s Scouting America troops.
Board of Directors
Orson Aguilar
Oscar de la Torre
Marla Bilonick
Founding President & CEO, LatinoProsperity
Marla Bilonick
Oscar de la Torre
Marla Bilonick
President & CEO,
National Association for Latino Community Asset Builders
Oscar de la Torre
Oscar de la Torre
Oscar de la Torre
City of Santa Monica Council-member
Kathy Dominguez
Oscar de la Torre
Oscar de la Torre
President, Educational Facilities Group
Allen Fernandez Smith
Allen Fernandez Smith
Allen Fernandez Smith
Head of Philanthropy, West Region, JPMorgan Chase & Co.
Jenny Flores
Allen Fernandez Smith
Allen Fernandez Smith
Entrepreneur & Community Leader
Mark Magaña
Allen Fernandez Smith
Eric Rodriguez
Founding President & CEO, GreenLatinos
Eric Rodriguez
Allen Fernandez Smith
Eric Rodriguez
Senior Vice President, Policy and Advocacy, UnidosUS
Michelle Romero
Michelle Romero
Michelle Romero
Founder/CEO,
We Create the Future & Chief Strategy Officer, Dream.Org
Beatriz Stotzer
Michelle Romero
Michelle Romero
Cheif Executive Officer,
NEW Capital, LLC
Sabrina Terry
Michelle Romero
Sabrina Terry
Chief of Programs and Strategic Development, National Community Reinvestment Coalition
Our Team
Orson Aguilar
Marlene Orozco Ph.D.
Marlene Orozco Ph.D.
Founding President & CEO
Marlene Orozco Ph.D.
Marlene Orozco Ph.D.
Marlene Orozco Ph.D.
Senior Research Advisor
Carolina Canizales
Marlene Orozco Ph.D.
Carolina Canizales
Communications Intern
Melina Duarte
George Gonzalez
Carolina Canizales
Community Engagement Advisor
George Gonzalez
George Gonzalez
George Gonzalez
Strategic Communications Advisor