Our Team
We hope to inspire the next Latinx generations to grow, thrive and embrace their roots here and be proud to be part of the Midwest.
Our Team Members:
Ivonne Simmonds-Fals
President · Dubuque Unidos
Ivonne Simmonds-Fals is a Senior Designer at Gigantic Design, artist, and community advocate who loves bringing people together. Through Dubuque Unidos, she enjoys building partnerships, using marketing and creativity to connect with the community, and most importantly, building friendships along the way.
Nathalia Bernal
Vice President · Dubuque Unidos
Nathalia enjoys being part of Dubuque Unidos because of the community it has created. Through events, music, and art, the group provides spaces where people can connect, celebrate their cultural heritage, and find a piece of home. She especially values the friendships she has built through the organization.
Arantxa Martinez Resendiz
Marketing Director · Dubuque Unidos
Arantxa finds joy in creating spaces where people feel seen, heard, and welcomed. Through Dubuque Unidos, she helps families celebrate traditions, share stories, and reconnect with their roots. She hopes her son can grow up proud of his heritage, confident in his identity, and surrounded by community.
Yara Lopez
Advisor · Dubuque Unidos
Yara enjoys being part of Dubuque Unidos because the organization fosters a strong sense of belonging for its members and the broader community. Through welcoming spaces and shared experiences, she helps create opportunities for people to feel included, connected, supported, and genuinely valued.
Shaniece Ruiz
Volunteer Coordinator · Dubuque Unidos
Dubuque Unidos has brought Shaniece community, love, and a sense of family. She is grateful to be part of an organization that celebrates culture and authenticity while helping people build meaningful connections. Through the group, she has felt more connected to her Puerto Rican roots and the Dubuque community.
Nicky Vedia
Community Outreach Director · Dubuque Unidos
Nicky believes that feeling genuinely seen, welcomed, and connected can change lives. As a Latina, she finds purpose in bringing people together and helping others feel valued. For her, Dubuque Unidos represents belonging, culture, and the strength that grows from diverse people sharing their stories.
Juan Monjarrez
Member · Dubuque Unidos
Born in Granada, Nicaragua, Juan studied business and marketing in both Naples, Florida, and Nicaragua. He enjoys being part of Dubuque Unidos because it gives him a platform to share and represent his Nicaraguan roots, celebrate his heritage, and help create meaningful connections within the Dubuque community.
Enoc Sanchez
Member · Dubuque Unidos
After moving to Iowa from New York City, Enoc made finding community a priority. When the opportunity came to join Dubuque Unidos and help bring people together, he knew it was meant to be. He is proud to work for, celebrate, and stay connected to his community.
Cami Saenz
Member · Dubuque Unidos
Cami graduated from Loras College in 2020 with a degree in elementary education and now teaches kindergarten in Spanish. Joining Dubuque Unidos helped her meet new people and feel more connected to the local Latino community. Being part of the organization has made Dubuque feel a little more like home.
JP Sorondo
Member · Dubuque Unidos
JP is an engineer at John Deere who proudly represents Cuba. He enjoys being part of Dubuque Unidos because it provides opportunities to celebrate Hispanic culture, connect with the community, and help create welcoming spaces where people can share their heritage and traditions.
Alexis Bravo
Member · Dubuque Unidos
Alexis enjoys being part of Dubuque Unidos because it brings people together and creates a welcoming community. The organization allows her to celebrate culture and diversity, learn from others, and support people through shared experiences. She values helping create a positive space where everyone feels included and respected.
Luzelena Bravo
Member · Dubuque Unidos
Luzelena is a public health student passionate about community outreach, equity, and advocacy. Through Dubuque Unidos, she helps create spaces where culture, connection, and support come together for local families and youth. She values uplifting Latino voices, building meaningful relationships, and giving back to the Dubuque community.
Ana Karina Cuellar Montes
Member · Dubuque Unidos
Ana Karina is a bilingual social worker and psychotherapist who has been part of Dubuque Unidos since the festival began. She values the organization's celebration of culture, community, and connection. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, hiking, dancing, volunteering, and spending time outdoors with family and friends.
Jay Foust
Member · Dubuque Unidos
Jay Foust is the Director of Digital Experience at Gigantic Design Co. in Dubuque, and has volunteered for many art and community-forward organizations. Through his work with Dubuque Unidos’ marketing and volunteer teams, promoting community events and providing event support, Jay has built meaningful connections within Dubuque’s Latino community and helped bring the broader community together to celebrate and support Latino culture.
Melissa Mendez-Madrid
Member · Dubuque Unidos
Melissa has been part of Dubuque Unidos for three years and enjoys engaging with Dubuque's Latinx community. She values working alongside a dedicated group that listens to the community and creates events responsive to its needs and interests, bringing people together through meaningful experiences and shared celebration.
Dubuque Unidos Supporters & Ongoing Volunteers
We’re grateful for the community members who continue to support Dubuque Unidos and volunteer whenever opportunities arise.
- Laura Briñez
- Asia Baci
- Matt Kline
- Antonio Mouzon
- Jackie Gutierrez
