Hispanic Lifestyle spoke with Nelly Cuenca, the founder of MaaPaa, a nonprofit organization catered towards single mothers raising their sons to their highest potential. During our conversation with Nelly, she spoke about why the organization exists and its mission.
After more than 25 years of leadership experience in the utility industry, Yvette M. Seymour, Ed.D., is proud to announce the launch of YMS Consulting, Inc., a firm dedicated to helping utilities and infrastructure companies deliver on their strategic, operational, and organizational goals.
Dr. Seymour brings extensive expertise in project and program management, construction management, strategic planning, and organizational change leadership. She has successfully managed multi-million-dollar capital portfolios, led enterprise-wide change initiatives, and built strong cross-functional collaborations that drive results. Her leadership experience spans key areas such as Transmission, Distribution, Substations, IT, Grid Systems, and Security.
“Launching YMS Consulting, Inc. is both a professional milestone and a personal honor,” said Seymour. “Having spent 25 years working alongside talented teams in the utility sector, I’m excited to reconnect with colleagues and partner with organizations to find new opportunities to create value and achieve meaningful outcomes.”
A recognized leader and role model, Seymour has been honored as a Latina of Influence and is a recipient of the Choose to Challenge Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award. As a Latina business owner, she is committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of her work and serving as an example for future leaders.
YMS Consulting, Inc. will focus on providing professional services in program and project management, business development, organizational change management, and supplier diversity strategies.
The firm will leverage Seymour’s deep industry knowledge, proven leadership, and passion for collaboration to support clients across the utility and infrastructure sectors.
Yvette M. Seymour, Ed.D.
Founder & Principal Consultant
YMS Consulting, Inc.
(714) 318-5459
YSeymour@socal.rr.com
Faith, Finance & Homeownership is a two-part convening focused on equipping our Inland Empire communities with tools to build and retain generational wealth. Through faith-based partnerships, financial coaching, and practical resources, the event connects families to pathways for stability and prosperity.
Presented by the Inland SoCal Housing Collective in partnership with Credit.org, BankOn Inland SoCal, Hispanic Lifestyle, and the National Foundation for Credit Counseling.
Morning Session (9AM–1PM)
Faith leaders, community organizations, and financial experts gather to explore:
Why financial education, homeownership, and estate planning are vital.
The role of faith partners in supporting families.
How to get started with financial coaching, safe banking, and debt management.
Building resilience through business ownership, housing stability, and church-led initiatives.
Strategies for homeownership and estate planning to retain generational wealth.
The session concludes with next steps, a resource fair, and a call to action for faith and community leaders.
Afternoon Session (1:30PM–4PM)
A broader regional convening highlighting solutions, collaboration, and action:
Why financial education and generational wealth matter for families and communities.
Access to safe banking and the support of faith coalitions.
Spotlight on organizations driving financial resilience, including housing counseling, small business development, and estate planning.
Closing discussion and survey to shape future work.
A peer to peer event, Faith, Finance & Homeownership is designed for faith leaders, community advocates, nonprofit partners, educators, housing professionals, small business owners, and residents of the Inland Empire who are passionate about building stronger, financially resilient families. This convening is ideal for anyone seeking practical tools to support their congregation or community in achieving financial stability, homeownership, estate planning, and generational wealth.
LOCATION
California Museum of Photography
(located historic downtown Riverside)
3824 Main Street • Riverside, CA 92501
PARKING
City of Riverside parking garages 2 and 6 are closest to the museum.
BE OUR GUEST
Please register today, space is limited.
Goal: Discuss the initial steps A). Faith leaders know what the steps are B). What resources exist in the community, C). How to refer community members
Claudio Espino, Credit.org
Jay Miller, BankOn Coalition Lead at ISCHC
Goal: Amplify regional organizations who are helping build the financial resilience of their community.
Goal: What is the impact of homeownership on a family and generations? How is this wealth retained?
Goal: What is the impact of homeownership on a family and generations? How is this wealth retained?
Goal: Provide an overview of regional challenges and opportunities around financial access and community resources.
Welcome to the debut episode of The Business of Surviving to Thrive, a new original series produced by ReWork Media Group for Hispanic Lifestyle.
🎙️ Episode 1: Latinas in Tech highlights the voices of changemakers, professionals, and entrepreneurs from the Latinas in Tech Summit in San Francisco, California.
✨ Featuring insights from Chairwoman Rachel ten Brink and inspiring stories from attendees, this episode captures the spirit of innovation, ambition, and cultural pride. 🔍 Culture. Passion. Influence. That’s what drives this series and our community.
👩💻 Did You Know? Latinas make up only 3% of the computing workforce. In Silicon Valley, Latinas earn a median income of $34,400 compared to $102,000 for white men. Salaries for Latinas in tech range from $43K–$150K.
📌 Watch. Share. Amplify. #LatinasInTech #HispanicLifestyle #CulturePassionInfluence #SurvivingToThrive #DiversityInTech
At just 31 years old, Andres Chavez has established himself as a respected nonprofit and civic leader, earning recognition as a strategic thinker, natural organizer, and trusted mobilizer. As Executive Director of the National Chavez Center, he oversees the arm of the Cesar Chavez Foundation dedicated to sharing his grandfather’s legacy and values across the nation.
University president Lynnette Zelezny described him as “a very strategic and brilliant thinker [and] a magnet [who] has that ability to bring people together.” Los Angeles Times columnist Gustavo Arellano noted that Chavez has “already made a name for himself in the Central Valley beyond his pedigree.”
Andres Chavez will be a featured speaker at the Rialto Unified School District’s 18th Annual Family Summit, taking place on Saturday, October 25, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at W.A. Carter High School. The event will include community organizations, a College and Career Fair, and a series of family workshops.
Chavez directs the Center’s strategic vision, daily operations, and partnerships while managing a staff of 30 and $25 million in assets. Under his leadership, the organization is advancing major initiatives, including:
As a partner with the National Park Service at the Cesar E. Chavez National Monument, Chavez has coordinated cultural events, community observances, and exhibits. His leadership has helped secure over $20 million in gifts and launched innovative collaborations with universities, nonprofits, businesses, and civic organizations nationwide.
Chavez is frequently sought out for his insight and leadership on projects of national importance. He organized California’s largest mass COVID-19 vaccination clinic for farm workers, coordinated a visit there by First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, and worked closely with the White House. He also managed complex logistics for the United Farm Workers’ 2022 and 2025 marches, which together drew more than 15,000 participants.
A Kern County native, Chavez graduated magna cum laude from California State University, Bakersfield. Deeply engaged in civic, educational, and political affairs, he serves on prestigious boards and is an outspoken advocate for Latino causes, especially in spaces where Latinos continue to face systemic challenges.
Recently married, Chavez lives in Bakersfield with his wife, Elizabeth Chavez, a school psychologist.