Officials

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Marcos Wanless

President and Founder

marcos@seattlelatino.org Achievements and Experience 2016 –    Founder and President of the Seattle Latino Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce.

• Envisioned to serve its membership with special focus on Latin business owners. In its first year, the Latino Chamber accomplished to enroll blue-chip corporations such as: Amazon, Comcast, DoorDash, Coca-Cola Co, Google, US Bank, Delta–Aeromexico, Facebook and Boeing.
• The Latino Chamber has attained partnerships with the most important economic organizations in Seattle, including a reciprocal agreement with the Seattle Chamber of Commerce and partnerships with: GSBA, SBA, Google Partners, Washington Retail Association and other key organizations.
• With a business community network of more than 1,600 businesses and executives, the chamber activities have been recognized with two proclamations from the City of Seattle in 2017 and 2018 presented by Mayor’s Murray and Durkan.

2005 – 2016 Consultant & Yoga Master.

• Developed the first Spanish translation plus content for Safeco and Liberty Mutual’s company websites.
• Volunteer as Communications Director for the US-Mexico Chamber of Commerce Northwest Chapter. Successfully developed public relations, outreach and communications programs significantly growing membership and awareness of the organization in the region.
• Provided social media strategy for Los Angeles Mayor, Eric Garcetti to gain Latin support, helping him attain a smashing mayoral victory in 2013.
• Imparted more than 3,000 hours of multi-level Vinyasa Krama Yoga classes at recognized venues in Los Angeles, California and Washington State.

  2002-2005 Editor-in-Chief of the President of Mexico’s News Wire Service, Office of the President of Mexico.

• Developed and managed the first online newswire service for Mexico’s President, Vicente Fox. Obtained 98% registration of the world’s top news organizations including: CNN, AP, UPI, CBS, ABC, New York Times, Washington Post, BBC and China News Agency.

  Recognitions and education

• 2021 Elected board member at Seattle Rep the largest nonprofit resident theatre in the Pacific Northwest
• 2018 First prize winner of the International Spanish Short Story Literary Contest, Seattle Escribe, WA.
• Coauthor of best-seller “Mitos Geniales de la Modernización” an essay on the effects of NAFTA and neo-liberal economic policy on Mexico’s economy. ISBN 968-406-595-7.
• Loyola Marymount University, CA, USA. Master of Vinyasa Krama Yoga.
• Harvard Business School, Boston Massachusetts, USA. Negotiation – Executive Training Program.
• Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de Monterrey ITSEM, México City. Diplomat e–Government.
• Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México ITAM, México City, BA Business.
• Bilingual, multicultural background fluent in: English and Spanish. Speaks basic French and Italian.

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Jason Ortega Kalami

Treasurer

“Jason Ortega Kalami is currently a Branch Manager in the Downtown Seattle area for U.S. Bank. Jason focuses on developing long-term and tailored business banking solutions for his customers, with his extensive knowledge in commercial and business lending to help business owners reach their desired financial goals. He has joined the SLMCC to help bridge the gap and strengthen minority owned businesses, providing his helpful expertise allowing him to be a strategic business partner. Jason’s background includes a Bachelor’s Degree from Washington State University, as well as 7+ years in the financial industry. Jason is involved not only helping small and large businesses, but also an advocate for the Latino Community. He is currently a Community Liaison for U.S. Banks Nosotros Latinos Business Resource Group, where he helps build and strengthen relationships within the Latino Community partnering with non-profits and cultural events”.

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Board of Directors

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Adriana Perezchica

Board of Directors Chair

Real Estate Professional in Redmond, Washington United States. Adriana Perezchica has been working in real estate since 2005, and has brings with her a proven sales and closing track record. Clients and real estate professionals alike seek out Adriana because of her commitment to excellence and knowledge of the real estate industry. Her depth of understanding around market trends and impressive negotiation skills quickly propelled her to the status as one of the top producing brokers in the greater Seattle area. Adriana sees every transaction as an opportunity to create a new future for her clients, while protecting their interests above all. Adriana’s integrity, hard work and positive energy provide a seamless support to every purchase or sale. When she’s not negotiating the next transaction, Adriana is at the gym or surrounding herself with family and friends. She loves to dive into the kitchen for a new culinary adventure and host dinner parties for her loved ones.

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Raúl Pérez Calleja

Board of Directors

Editor / Owner Latino Newspaper Siete Dias and Directorio Hispano (Hispanic Yellow Pages). November 1982 – October 2019. Spread and promote the activities of the Hispanic Community in the areas of its economic, sports, cultural, entertainment and social participation. As well as News and useful information. Hispanic Directory, Promote and strengthen the Hispanic businesses that offer Products and Services, orienting hispanic consumption towards these businesses through the Hispanic Directory, considering the technological and digital advances in the media of diffusion and promotion. Both printed and digital publications. www.elsietedias.com – Facebook/El Siete Dias.com – Facebook/ Latinos en Seattle. App El Siete Dias EXPERIENCE Owner Mexican Food Restaurant ‘La Parrilla” – 1988- 1991 Ballinger Way and 19th, Lake City WA Manage, coordinate and develop the restaurant’s own functions. Mexican Government Secretary of the Treasury – Secretary of Programming and Budget and Secretary of Government in different directions with different functions. EDUCATION Faculty of Economics. Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico – 1968- 1972 ENP 5 – Jose Vasconcelos, Coapa Mexico City. Originally from Mexico City. Address-12005 NE 12 Th St # 26 Bellevue, WA 98005 Ph. 425 / 279.3483 email: raulperez@elsietedias.com – latinosenseattle@gmail.com Facebook/ Raul Perez Calleja

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Irmin Romero

Board of Directors

Mr. Romero has always had a passion for innovation and technology. Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, he was inspired by early technology leaders such as Microsoft, Expedia, and Amazon. Originally from Michoacán, Mexico – he always had a strong connection with his Latino roots and thus electing Sea Mar Community Health Centers as his first professional job. He led efforts in establishing the Renacer Youth Treatment Center in Seattle and the SEIU Training Partnership in Federal Way. Both of those non-profit organizations are still very active and currently operational in helping the community to this day. He has been a consistent advocate for Latino and Minority based businesses. He brings a strong background in project management, leadership, and entrepreneurial experience to the SLMCC. He has served on the Executive Committee since early 2019 before accepting his current Board Seat. Mr. Romero is the Founder, Chairman and CEO of Laundry Out Incorporated. The “Uber” of laundry services that launched right out of Seattle, WA in 2018. Since their inception, Laundry Out has rapidly grown to a multi-state, 25 city coverage service that has taken the community by storm. Mr. Romero is the recipient of a United States Trademark Patent for his concept, Business of the Year winner awarded by Univision and the Better Business Bureau. In his time off from a grueling executive schedule, he enjoys speaking engagements, networking, traveling and helping his fellow business community achieve the highest level of excellence.

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Executive Volunteer Committee

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Ricardo Acosta Suárez

Bachelor of Business Administration, at UNAM, Mexico. Master’s Degree in public administration and Economics; Ph.D in Public Administration, University of Southern California. Did a postdoctoral Fellowship at Cornell University, School of Agricultural Economics. He has a Diploma in Policy Science, Technology and Innovation at Harvard University, United States. Received a grant from the Ford Foundation to conduct his doctoral dissertation. He has over 35 years of professional and teaching experience at the graduate level. He has been professor at ITAM, ITESM, COLPOS, Autonomous University of Chapingo and visiting professor at the University of Technology in the Netherlands and the International Institute of Social Studies in the Netherlands and at the National University of Liberia and Cuttington University in Liberia, West Africa. He has been a columnist at the some of the most important newspapers in Mexico, including “el Financiero”, “ Uno mas Uno”, and “Milenio”. Internationally, he was Assistant Director General at the International Centre for Public Enterprises (1982-1988) based in Ljubljana, Yugoslavia. In the federal public sector, was Federal Representative at The Ministry of Trade and Industrial Development, and the of Ministry of Economy (2000-2004) and later Director of the Mexico State Council for Science and Technology, in the state of Mexico. In the last 5 years has been senior adviser to the Government of Liberia for the World Bank and United Nations, and consultant for the International Development Agency of Germany, GIZ and the International Development Agency United States, USAID. In 2013, he founded his own consulting firm, International Development Consulting (IDC). For 15 generations he has been Director and Professor of the Diploma Program in Business Process Reengineering a postgraduate program for Business offered by the University of Americas, AC Ricardo Acosta has a long career as a senior executive in high levels of decision making at the national and international levels. He also has a broad experience as consultant to international organizations as well as national levels in Government, corporate business and academia at the graduate level .

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Sarai Sword

Sarai is originally from New Mexico, but she began in insurance 12 years ago in Nebraska! Sarai thrives in a fast-paced, upscale environment with endless possibilities. Sarai loves spending time with her fiancé, Derek, as well as reading, painting and adventuring outdoors. Sarai is epitomizes integrity, energy, hard work and has a passion for the needs and goals of her client.

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Samuel Rodríguez

Sam was born in Venezuela and moved to Seattle in 1993. Samuel serves Diversity and Inclusion with resources and activities that represent uniqueness in the global marketplace through Bizdiversity; promoting the inclusion of local business owners from different industries and cultures to support and be supported by members in our diverse communities. His previous positions include owner of multiple AFH residential care settings, Project Management and IT security at Microsoft, Boeing and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

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Ambassador of Latino Excellence

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Tenor Jose Iñiguez – Latino Excellence Ambassador 2019 The Seattle Latino Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce (SLMCC) is pleased to grant Tenor Jose Iñiguez the distinguished appointment of Ambassador of Latin Excellence 2019 for his professional career and leadership of and for the Latino community in Washington. Biography José Iñiguez, the seventh of 11 children, grew up in the small town of Mattawa, Washington. His father, a Mexican immigrant, was the foreman at an orchard. In spite of the hard times the large family went through, traditional Mexican music was something they could all enjoy. Through the encouragement and support of his family, Iñiguez began singing at family events at the age of 12. During his teen years, he joined middle and high-school choirs. He became interested in classical music after watching an opera performance at PBS (Public Broadcasting System). During his senior year in high school, he entered his first state vocal contest and discovered his inner drive to perform. Jose’s father’s goal was to have educated, successful children and he insisted that they go to college. Not only did all 11 children obtained Bachelor’s degrees, but seven earned a Master’s degrees and one is now a resident Doctor by being the first to go to the Ivy League University of Dartmouth in New Hampshire. Even though his father insisted on a practical career, José chose to study music in college. Music proved to be difficult because he did not have the music foundation afforded by private lessons. He changed majors and obtained a degree in business. But during his four and half years at Central Washington University he studied under Vocal Professor Sydney Knesselroad Phd. Jose currently studies under Jerry Halsey from in good Voice in Seattle, WA who is retired from the Munich Opera. Jose is one of only a handful of Tenor’s in the nation to combine Opera & Mariachi bolero music in his concerts. Many have described Jose vocal range and power as spine tingling and something mesmerizing. Iñiguez was nominated for the Governor’s Individual Heritage award for 2015 and is an award-winning 2016 Latin Music artist by Univision for his music program ENCANTO which takes place at the Benaroya Hall, the mecca for classical music in the city of Seattle. Iñiguez and the artists that perform with him at the ENCANTO concert, take the audience on a cultural journey that pairs the ethereal beauty of opera aria and classical piano with the charm of mariachi bolero. In 2017 Jose was awarded the distinguished Central Washington University Leader-under-40 Award. In 2018 José was awarded an honorary Seattle Metropolitan Latino Chamber of Commerce Leader Award and in 2019 was awarded Mid-Columbia Libraries & Tri-cities Latino Community Network Latino leader award for his work in business and his support of Education, as many of his concert proceeds have went to supporting students dreams of attending a higher education. Through his work in in the community he established three Iniguez Family Scholarship Endowments to honor the memory of his parents, Santiago Iniguez & Guadalupe Rodriguez, at Columbia Basin College, Central Washington University, and Eastern Washington University. You can see his story on PBS as it is currently being shown through out the country.