Leadership
Maria Parra
Founder & Executive Director
Maria Parra is a dedicated community builder, advocate, and founder of Hope Plaza Plaza Esperanza, a nonprofit community hub that connects families with essential resources while breaking down cultural and language barriers. Through multilingual services, the organization provides food assistance, mental health support, skills workshops, and community events that strengthen individuals and families.
Maria believes that lasting change comes from meeting immediate needs while creating opportunities for long-term growth. She is especially passionate about mentoring young people and developing future community leaders through youth leadership programs.
Whether coordinating regional partnerships, expanding community services, or advocating for social justice, Maria is committed to building stronger, more inclusive communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Josefina "Jossie" Duran
Treasurer
Josefina Duran brings resilience, business experience, and financial expertise to her role as Treasurer of Hope Plaza Plaza Esperanza. Born in Tijuana, Baja California, she moved to Los Angeles, where she raised three children while pursuing her education through ESL classes and earning an Office Assistant certificate.
After beginning her career with the U.S. Postal Service in 1999, Josefina studied accounting while helping build her family business. In 2007, she assumed leadership of the company, successfully managing its finances and operations for 13 years.
Now living in Washington, Josefina enjoys gardening, caring for her animals, and giving back to her community. As Treasurer, she applies her extensive accounting and business experience to ensure Hope Plaza Plaza Esperanza remains financially strong, transparent, and sustainable.
Cathy Naegeli
Secretary
With more than 35 years of public service and leadership experience, Cathy Naegeli has dedicated her career to helping organizations strengthen operations, improve accountability, and better serve their communities. Her expertise includes strategic planning, budgeting, financial oversight, policy development, process improvement, and operational management.
Known for fostering collaborative workplace cultures and mentoring others, Cathy has also led investigations, supported emergency services, and built strong interagency partnerships to solve complex challenges.
Cathy is inspired by Hope Plaza Esperanza's mission to connect individuals and families with essential multilingual resources and remove barriers to opportunity. As a board member, she is committed to providing strategic leadership and sound financial stewardship while helping build a stronger, more inclusive community.