Paula Grabill
I’m a Chilean professional interpreter and my passion is to connect with others and bring people together. Through my work as a Spanish interpreter- role I’ve played in the US and in Chile- I’ve developed strong bilingual, bicultural and communication skills that I then use to serve people around me and to create a safe environment where everyone can be heard, where everyone is important and where advocating for others is a priority, not just a call.
Francisco Guzman
My name is Francisco Guzman, originally from Mexico, and living as an immigrant in USA for more than 15 years. As part of my career, I have been working in different states of USA, meeting communities from different backgrounds, and hearing different situations doing a vulnerable path in life. My passion is corroborating that my voice and other voices are heard. Additionally, I am open to interact with those community members who need guidance. I am part of the board because I believe that Connecting Community is arriving for those underserved members of this world no matter nationality, immigration status, language you speak. I love the way that Connecting Community touches base with families with disabilities, and other families, and bring them to its programs. Please always work for yourself and others using your heart and mind. If you fall, lets rise together.
Walking together, supporting each other to always serve is my way.
Beatrice Siaw
Beatrice provides a diverse perspective of building community and social impact. As a 1 st generation American, born and raised in the Chicagoland area; she recognizes that in the United States, diversity is our strength. It is in this duality that has allowed her to interact, befriend and build bridges with people of many different ethnicities, races,
cultures, religions and other differences.
Having over 10 years + of clinical research experience, Beatrice currently works as a Senior Clinical Research Associate in Oncology, where she provides and oversees domestic and global clinical trials design and monitoring to ensure regulatory compliance and evidence-based product approval by the US FDA guidelines.
Beatrice lends her expertise in community engagement, promoting public health practices and implementing programs She is committed to building community while creating spaces that improve the overall health and wellbeing of others.
Beatrice holds a graduate degree in Master of Public Health at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill as well as a bachelor’s degree in psychology at Calvin College.
In her spare time, Beatrice enjoys traveling, watching movies, spending time with family and friends and coffee!
Mayra Marquez
I serve as the Treasurer for Connecting Community, where I oversee finances and strategic growth. Originally from Puerto Rico, my upbringing in a humble family taught me the challenges of living as a minority in scarcity. These obstacles, overcome through mentorship and resilience, fueled my passion for diversity and inclusion. With a background as an Industrial Engineer and an MBA in Accounting and Finance, I combine technical expertise with a dedication to service. Before moving to North Carolina in 2016, I spent over a decade volunteering at a home for protected children in PR. Today, I leverage my professional skills to manage resources effectively and close the accessibility gap for underserved families. I am committed to fostering a trusting environment where every individual feels empowered to thrive. I am grateful to use my professional journey and lived experience to help Connecting Community build a more equitable and connected future for all.
Alfredo Rivera Maita
I was born and raised in the north of Chile. 10 years ago, we moved from Chile to Pennsylvania with my wife to start a new life. I lived “in process” for legal residency for the first four years, on these first years in the US I worked shoulder to shoulder with other immigrants, this helped me understand and appreciate the real hard work life of immigrants in the US. I am now a Financial Institution Branch Manager at my job I have the opportunity to serve our community on a daily basis, either working at my branch or by partnering up with different organizations working towards equity. In June of 2024, with my family, we relocated to North Carolina. While getting established in our new home state, we met Ivania and the Connecting Community Organization. As soon as I got to know the organization, I loved the purpose that Connecting Community has and I felt the need find ways in which I can support the noble mission that we have. My goal is to be involved, learn and work along with our community as much as possible.
Vi Chuong
I have lived in North Carolina since 1997 and have over 15 years of experience in leadership, accounting, and technical roles. Currently, as Director of Accounting and Purchasing at the NC Biotechnology Center, I lead financial operations and long-term planning. My career in public accounting, focused on external audits for commercial and nonprofit organizations, has given me a deep understanding of fiscal stewardship and operations. I am equally dedicated to education and community, serving on the SIT Committee at Nash Everywhere Digital Academy and the NCPS Parent Advisory Committee. As a Board member for Connecting Community, I combine my analytical problem-solving skills with a heart-centered commitment to inclusion and empowerment. I am proud to apply my financial expertise to help build a stronger, more connected future for the families and underserved communities we serve.