Our Board
of Directors

Cesar Godinez was born in Guatemala City, Guatemala, raised in Los Angeles, California, and graduated from high school in Lexington, Nebraska. Cesar has many years of experience in the Construction Industry, and currently is a Senior Project Manager at CBRE Healthcare. Cesar has been an active volunteer in the community for many years, which is what led him to serve on the Latino Center of the Midlands’ Board. In his free time, Cesar and his family love swimming and boating at the lake, traveling, and playing different sports.

Yvonne Sosa is an Assistant Federal Public Defender in the District of Nebraska. She is also an Adjunct Professor of Trial Advocacy at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, College of Law. She is new to this set of Board of Directors although she has served the Latino Center of the Midlands on the Board of Directors in the past. Yvonne joined the Latino Center board again to remain active in the South Omaha community, and ensure the continued success of the organization because LCM provided services to her in the past. During her free time, she enjoys traveling, reading, and the company of her family.   

As a research scientist, Jacqueline works collaboratively to develop and evaluate interventions to address the educational and family needs of students in out of home care settings and those with disabilities. This work focuses on improving educational outcomes, parents’ involvement in school and understanding of special education, health literacy, and professional development for educators working with these students. She appreciates and values the contributions the Latino Center of the Midlands makes in the community and is honored to serve on the board. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and volunteering in the community.

Stephan Becerra is an experienced business leader who is passionate about developing, implementing and leading the execution of strategies for companies focused on the agribusiness sector. He is the principal and founder of Apex Ag Consulting and is currently working for New Zealand Trade and Enterprise as the U.S. agri-tech sector business development manager. Stephan joined the Latino Center Board to help support both current and future business leaders and entrepreneurship initiatives in the Latino community. During his free time, he enjoys traveling with his wife Virginia, gardening and spending time with family.

Gabbie is an attorney at Baird Holm LLP that practices in commercial real estate and agriculture finance. She joined the Latino Center board in order to connect with the Latinx community and to give back to the community. In her free time, Gabbie enjoys baking pastries, reading, and trying new restaurants around town.

Juan Magana is the Operations Manager at Epoca Cantina, Bomb Taco, Tita’s Cakes, and CONESTILO Barbershop, where he oversees daily operations, coordinates events, and drives sales and marketing efforts. A former Infantry veteran of the Army, Juan has also taught various grades, including Technology and Physical Education. He joined the Latino Center Board to leverage his expertise in operations and community engagement. In his free time, Juan enjoys spending time with his family, playing soccer, exploring culinary trends, enjoying the outdoors, and participating in community events.

Mark Story is the Director of Communications and Marketing at the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network.  He joined the Latino Center Board to help augment an already amazing team and help create better tomorrows for those in the Latino community in Nebraska. In his spare time, Mark enjoys spending time with his wife, two grown children, and his two dogs and two cats.

As Board Member for the Latino Center of the Midlands, Dr. Ricardo Varguez aims to positively impact the Latino community. He is currently serving as a Teaching and Learning Development Administrator at Clarkson College. Over the past decade, Dr. Varguez has played a pivotal role in the adoption and training of the institution’s learning management system. He has also been instrumental in the professional development of Clarkson College faculty, providing ongoing training and support for the integration and effective use of instructional technology and course design. Outside of his professional responsibilities, Dr. Varguez enjoys outdoor activities, learning guitar, and engaging with friends and family.

Shavonne Washington-Krauth is the Director of Culture & Inclusion for Children’s Hospital & Medical Center. She joined the Latino Center board as a way to help enact her passion of helping others be the best versions of themselves, and to give back to the community. In her free time, Shavonne enjoys reading, exercising, cooking, and spending time with her family.

Yuriko recently joined the Board at the Latino Center. She currently works as the Assistant Director of the UNO’s Office of Latino/Latin American Studies (OLLAS). For the last 16 years, she has been instrumental in developing an office that represents the Latinx community in Omaha and across Nebraska through research and engagement. Yuriko has participated in various Latino-based nonprofit organizations in Omaha as a board member. During her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and son by attending her son’s soccer games and traveling.