Dr Johnny Garcia
President and CEO
Inspired by his parents and grandparents and dedicated to a life of service for family, community, and the technology industry, Dr. Garcia is the Founder and CEO of numerous businesses.
He has become an innovation leader in modeling, simulation, and healthcare industries. He serves area youth through his robust internship programs. His philosophy of making a difference permeates his many service activities; numerous board memberships, STEM program development, volunteering service to local, state, and international organizations, and mentoring newly started small businesses and nonprofits.
He serves on numerous boards President of the Hispanic Chamber, Portsmouth Partnership, Begin Again Foundation, Chair of Hampton Roads workforce council, Chair ODU College of Engineering, Chair ODU VMASC, Chair Communities in Schools, and many others.
Dr. Garcia served 5 years in the U.S. Navy and worked in industry before founding his first business SimIS Inc.
Dr. Garcia is a known leader in the community and his service is his compass.
He is the proud father of a wonderful set of twin daughters – Hope and Faith – and married to Lorena, his lovely wife of 35 years.
Julian Baena Vice President
Julian Baena is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Sabio Technical Solutions. A Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned and Hispanic-owned business forged from his experience as a Human Intelligence, Counterintelligence, Interrogator, and strategic planner within the United States Marine Corps Special Operations Community. Mr. Baena has accumulated over 25 years of Business, Intelligence, and Government experience that includes Business Management, Business Development, Intelligence Collection, Human Intelligence Training, Counter-Intelligence Training, Management, Leadership, Unmanned Autonomous Systems, and emergent technology commercialization strategies for various government and private sector organizations. Mr. Baena received a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Business Administration from Saint Leo University. Mr. Baena is a retired United States Marine Corps Marine Raider.
Francesca Garcia Moncion
Francesca Garcia Moncion served in the Navy from 1991 to 2020, transitioning from Surface Warfare Officer to Human Resources. With over 24 years of service, she worked with various branches and units, including Joint Task Force Civil Support and SEAL Team 18. After retiring, she joined civil service as a Program Manager and now serves as a counselor for Mobilization Deployment Support Command. Francesca's civilian experience includes roles in translation, administration, counseling, and security. She also owned 'Fantastic Creations Bakery and Catering' in Virginia Beach. Passionate about dance since childhood, she has performed Folklorico dances across several states and continues to promote dance through clinics and performances. Francesca is a proud mother of 5 and grandmother to one, residing in Virginia Beach, where she actively contributes to the community and has received multiple awards for her service.
Board Member
Vianey E Bueno-Becknell
Director of Events
Born in Mexico City at the Central Military Hospital. Though she once believed her birth there was due to her father’s connections, she recently discovered it was actually because her maternal grandfather was a veteran of the Mexican Revolution—an important and meaningful piece of her heritage.
Her passion for community service began early, as a proud member of Club Leoin Mexico—the youth division of the International Lions Club—where she dedicated time to helping people in need and supporting local initiatives. This spirit of service has guided her throughout her life.
Professionally, Vianey worked at the renowned University of El Claustro de Sor Juana with Carmen Beatriz Lopez-Portillo and later served as a publicity assistant for the prestigious Festival Internacional Cervantino, one of Latin America’s most celebrated cultural festivals. These experiences deepened her love for culture, communication, and community building.
Since moving to Virginia in 2000, Vianey has continued to uplift others and serve her community. As the Director of Events for the Hispanic Chamber of Coastal Virginia, she brings people together with heart and purpose, championing heritage, service, and connection through inclusive and vibrant programming.
Board Member
Natalia Watkins
Payroll Analyst at Old Dominion University focusing on compliance, taxation and supporting foreign students and faculty.
Prior to immigrating to the United States in 2012 she worked as a federal prosecutor in her native Colombia, specializing in cases related to intellectual property and human rights.
She currently lives in Norfolk, Virginia with her husband 2 dogs and 2 cats. In her free time, she enjoys going to the beach, working out at the gym, long walks with her dogs and traveling. Natalia loves exploring new cultures and trying different types of food.
Board Member
Jose Emenaker
AVP, Treasury Management Officer at Dollar Bank
Board Member
Jose Paulino
Bringing life to your events & ensuring artists flourish! 🌟 With a passion for music & event management, I am the proud owner of TB Music LLC & Shotz "N" Giggles. Dive deeper to see how I create lasting memories & champion talent!
With over two decades of operational management experience thanks to a storied career with the US Navy, I leverage these skills to manage two thriving businesses. TB Music LLC focuses on artist development and music distribution. I ensure artists receive their royalties and gain the recognition they deserve. Meanwhile, Shotz "N" Giggles enhances any event with our unique photo booth and DJ services, aiming to make every celebration memorable.
In addition, my current internship at Aster Media Group offers me hands-on knowledge in the music business, compiling financial reports, and mastering the intricacies of royalty accounting and project documentation. My previous roles have honed my abilities in event planning, artist booking, and customer service, making me a versatile asset in multiple industries.
Board Member
Karla Alvarado SHRM-CP
Karla Alvarado is a dedicated Human Resources professional with over 6 years of experience in talent acquisition, compensation analysis, employee relations, and organizational development. Currently serving as an HR Generalist at Clark Nexsen, she leads data-driven efforts to attract top talent and ensure market-aligned compensation across engineering, architecture, and corporate teams.
Proud of her Mexican roots, Karla is deeply committed to advancing equity, inclusion, and opportunity for underrepresented communities. She actively contributes to cultural initiatives, professional development programs, and community outreach events—building bridges between organizations and diverse talent pipelines, especially within Coastal Virginia’s Hispanic and Latinx communities.
Board Member
Abril Méndez
Venezuelan actress and producer. She has acted in Venezuelan telenovelas, including Inmensamente, Alba Marina, Niña Bonita, La Revancha and La Mujer Prohibída. She has been in Venezuelan and Latin American films, including A La salida nos vemos, Río Negro, Profundo, Un Domingo Feliz and Música.
Board Member