Barbara De Lucca currently serves as President of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Hawaii, a role she has held since 2020. A passionate advocate for economic development and community empowerment, Barbara brings over a decade of experience in real estate, business leadership, and strategic relationship-building.

In her role as Account Manager with the Better Business Bureau Great West + Pacific, Barbara focuses on cultivating partnerships with accredited businesses across Hawaii and Alaska, while also building meaningful relationships with community organizations throughout the Hawaiian Islands. Her work aligns seamlessly with her mission at the Chamber—supporting minority-owned businesses, fostering inclusive economic growth, and serving as a bridge between communities and opportunity.

A 5th Generation Mexican-American native of Phoenix, Arizona, Barbara has called Hawaii home since 1999. She began her real estate career in 2006 and is currently a Broker-In-Charge at Soldier to Soldier Hawaii Realty, where she continues to practice real estate with a purpose. Her commitment to service, collaboration, and community advancement is the foundation of both her professional and civic leadership.

Dr. Ruben Juarez is the HMSA Distinguished Professor in Health Economics at the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization (UHERO) and a leading voice in advancing health equity through innovative, data-driven approaches. He is also the CEO of Hawaii Integrated Analytics, a biotech company dedicated to proving that impactful healthcare extends beyond the walls of clinical settings.

Dr. Juarez co-leads a pioneering group of community scientists at the University of Hawaii (MauiWES) and other interdisciplinary researchers from the College of Social Sciences, UHERO, UH Cancer Center, and the John A. Burns School of Medicine.

Dr. Juarez earned his Ph.D. in Economics from Rice University and has served as a Professor of Economics and UHERO member since 2008. His research spans network economics, behavioral economics, and health economics, with numerous publications in leading Economics, Health, and Policy journals. He has been the recipient of prestigious research grants and awards from the National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation, Air Force Office of Scientific Research, Hawaii Community Foundation, Hawaii Medical Service Association, and Kamehameha Schools.

A trusted advisor to both public and private sector organizations, Dr. Juarez is committed to leveraging economics and data science to build healthier, more resilient communities across Hawaii and beyond.

Monica Núñez, a proud first-generation Mexican-American born and raised in Los Angeles, California, brings a rich cultural heritage to her work and community. With family roots in Oaxaca and Jalisco, México, she has carried her values of dedication, resilience, and service throughout her personal and professional journey.

Monica earned her Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts and a Bachelor of Arts in Social Studies from Chaminade University of Honolulu. Since 2012, she has built a strong career in the real estate industry on Oʻahu, specializing in the Escrow and Title sector. She currently serves as an Escrow Officer at Old Republic Title & Escrow of Hawaii, where she is known for her precision, professionalism, and commitment to her clients.

Before transitioning to real estate title and escrow, Mónica served 14 distinguished years in the U.S. Navy as an Intelligence Specialist (Analyst). Her service included three deployments to the Persian Gulf in support of wartime operations, counter-terrorism missions throughout Southeast Asia, and assignments aboard four U.S. Naval warships. Her military experience instilled in her a sharp analytical mindset, a deep sense of duty, and the ability to thrive in high-pressure environments—all qualities that continue to define her career today.

Mónica now channels her expertise and passion into serving the people of Hawaiʻi, helping guide real estate transactions with integrity and insight.

Dr. Lisa Sanchez-Johnsen serves as the Chief Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging Officer and Head of Health and Research for the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Hawaii (HCCH). A nationally recognized academic leader, Dr. Sanchez-Johnsen specializes in health equity, multicultural health, and Latinx health, with a career spanning three decades in culturally competent health behavior research and clinical interventions.

Born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, Dr. Sanchez-Johnsen began her academic journey at Kapiʻolani Community College and earned her B.A. in Psychology from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. She went on to receive both her M.S. and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science in North Chicago, Illinois.

Her work has focused on improving health outcomes among Latinx, Black, and other underserved communities through evidence-based, culturally tailored research and clinical practice. She is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in Hawaii, Illinois, and Wisconsin, a Board-Certified Telehealth Professional-Level II, and the Founder of Multicultural Health and Wellness, PLLC—a clinical psychology and consulting practice through which she will soon begin offering telehealth services to patients in Hawaii.

Dr. Sanchez-Johnsen is deeply committed to promoting health equity, advancing culturally inclusive care, and empowering communities through education, advocacy, and accessible mental health services.

Giancarlo Villafaña is a first-generation Mexican-American, U.S. Air Force veteran, and airline pilot whose multifaceted career reflects a deep commitment to service, leadership, and community empowerment.

At 18, Giancarlo joined the military, serving six years in the U.S. Air Force as a Signals Intelligence Operator. His military career provided global experience and honed his leadership and team management skills. Following his service, he transitioned into civilian leadership roles, successfully managing teams of up to 30 and building a strong foundation in project management over the course of a decade.

Growing up in the historic San Francisco neighborhood of Hunter’s Point. "Dreaming big was how I was raised, the son of entrepreneurs.  I learned that if I was going to obtain my dreams I had to be determined to work hard."  With over 20 years of graphic design experience, Mario Patino has dedicated 14 years to building Patino Graphic Design in Hawaii. His commitment to excellence has earned his company prestigious accolades, including a Pele Award for logo design and the 2024 Latino Business Awards Small Business of the Year. Mario's mission is to continue delivering high-level design and top-tier customer service to every client.  

Deanna Santiago is a proud Afro-Latina, born and raised in New York, with Puerto Rican and African American roots that shape her values of resilience, connection, and community empowerment. Deanna brings a deep passion for relationship-building and a strong commitment to supporting the success of local Hispanic businesses.

Deanna holds a background in Sociology and a Master’s degree in Business Leadership. Her professional journey is guided by a desire to uplift others and make a meaningful impact. In her current role as a Business Development Representative at ProService Hawaii, she partners with local business owners to help them build strong, sustainable foundations for long-term success.

Drawn to Hawai‘i’s deep sense of community and culture of collaboration, Deanna is dedicated to expanding her impact through the Chamber. She is excited to strengthen connections within the Hispanic community, foster inclusive growth, and help create opportunities that empower entrepreneurs and small businesses across the islands.

Ellis Natalia Garcia is a seasoned marketing strategist, entrepreneur, and Founder of Marketing Coco, a Honolulu-based agency specializing in building results-driven marketing ecosystems. With over 18 years of experience in traditional, digital, and event marketing, Ellis helps businesses craft intentional strategies that fuel sustainable growth and brand impact.

Originally from Mexico and raised in South Texas, Ellis has spent the past eight years immersed in Hawai‘i’s diverse and vibrant business community. Her passion for community engagement is reflected in her service on the board of the Waikiki Swim Club and her work as a certified lifeguard—demonstrating her commitment to both personal wellness and public service.

Ellis is known for her collaborative approach, focus on education and equity, and ability to translate complex marketing goals into actionable strategies. She is dedicated to empowering Hispanic-owned businesses through strategic communication, mentorship, and community partnerships.