Guadalupe currently serves as the Managing Director of Welcoming City, a social enterprise that focuses on a holistic approach to economic and workforce development integration. She is a founding member of Vibrant Ohio (VO), formerly known as the Ohio Welcoming Initiatives Network (OWIN).  

In her leadership role with Welcoming City and as Project Manager for Vibrant Ohio, Guadalupe collaborates with VO members, national partners, and the State of Ohio to create credentialing opportunities that assist skilled immigrants and refugees in navigating career pathways. On behalf of OWIN, Guadalupe initiated the process of working with Governor Kasich’s office to create the Office of Opportunities for New Americans for the State of Ohio. This office continues under the administration of Governor DeWine. She is a current member of DeWine’s Minority Health Strike Force. Guadalupe served in city government for twelve years under two administrations.  

In 2006, she was selected by Mayor Coleman to be the New Americans Initiative Coordinator and later promoted to serve as the Assistant Director of his Community Relations Commission. She was an active internal resource to city departments, regarding cultural competency and newcomer communities. She also served as an Assistant Director for the Department of Neighborhoods under Mayor Ginther’s administration. Guadalupe led in the creation of “The Impact of Refugees in Central Ohio,” a collaborative report that examines the economic, social, and cultural impact of refugees on Central Ohio.  

For nearly twenty-one years, she has provided assistance and access to city, county, and state resources to community members. She strives to monitor vital information relevant to diverse communities to create awareness and support for all. Her contributions have earned her the Governor’s Distinguished Hispanic Ohioan Award, the Government Hispanic Business Advocate of the Year Award, and the Outstanding Community Leader Award from The Ohio State University Multi-Cultural Affairs Department. Guadalupe is the first Latina woman to have served on the Board of Directors for The Women’s Fund of Central Ohio.  

She currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Columbus Council on World Affairs and as a Board Member for Friends of WOSU Public Media. She is a member of the Franklin County Leadership Innovation Council and the Franklin County New Americans Advisory Council. Guadalupe’s mission to cultivate and bring recognition to Ohio as a “Welcoming State,” is fueled by a deep devotion and commitment to serving others.