A Community for Growth

Karina Izaguirre

Karina is a people‑first HR leader with 25+ years of experience developing talent and strengthening organizational culture. She is the  Vice President of People for Preferred Technologies, a leading security integrator based in Houston. She founded Lean In Houston Latinas in 2017 as a community dedicated to elevating Latina leaders. Karina holds a B.S. in Business Management and multiple HR certifications, with experience across public and private sectors. Karina is married and a mother of three who enjoys photography, singing, and spending time in nature and her walk with Christ.

Erika Rojas

Erika is a Senior Commercial & Marketing Specialist at Enbridge, focused on revenue optimization and customer relationships across GTM assets. Since joining in 2014, she has contributed to major engineering and project development initiatives, including green energy efforts. She also champions women in STEM through her leadership in FEMINEN and service on a youth‑focused nonprofit board. Originally from Mexico, she lives in Humble, Texas with her husband and two children.

Mayra Salinas

Mayra Salinas is a licensed Professional Engineer and Project Management Professional from South Texas. She holds a B.S. in Civil Engineering from UT Austin and an MBA from the University of Houston. At Enbridge, she leads Zero Base Design initiatives as Manager in GTM Specs Optimization, following 12 years of progressive leadership roles. A DEI advocate and Top 40 Under 40 honoree, she volunteers to inspire girls in STEM and uplift the Latino community. Mayra lives in Richmond, Texas with her family and enjoys baking, traveling, book club, and Zumba.

Dr. Johana Lopez

Dr. Johana Lopez is a Learning and Development Consultant, Leadership Coach, and Educator with over a decade of experience designing leadership programs across multiple industries. She empowers women leaders by strengthening personal power, executive presence, and strategic visibility, and partners with organizations to advance DEI and challenge self‑limiting narratives. She also teaches leadership at the University of Houston and supports initiatives that advance Hispanic women. Dr. Lopez holds a Ph.D. from Purdue University, with additional studies at Harvard and MIT.

Lorely DeLeon

Lorely is an award‑winning Strategic Communications and Public Affairs leader with 18+ years of experience advancing mission‑driven organizations through storytelling, media relations, and community engagement. A first‑generation college graduate, she holds a B.A. from the University of Houston and an MBA from Lamar University. She now leads communications, public relations, and fund development at AVANCE Houston and serves in key community leadership roles. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, volunteering, reading, and spending time with her family.

Kayla Izaguirre

Kayla is a native Houstonian who played Division I soccer while earning her B.S. in Kinesiology from the University of Houston. She works in clinical research, collaborating with patients, physicians, and healthcare professionals to improve health outcomes for patients with cardiovascular and vascular diseases. Kayla also serves her local community by encouraging exercise, healthy habits, and confidence in kids through coaching for the Houston Dynamo Youth FC.