Marta Brito Perez is a dynamic and creative business leader with strong ties to the Hispanic community in Montgomery County and a personal commitment to the Foundation that carries her mother’s name. Currently Senior VP for Human Resources and Worklife Strategies at Adventist HealthCare, she has been recognized for her achievements in local government, federal government, not-for-profits and in the pharmaceutical industry. As Chief Human Capital Officer for the US Department of Homeland Security, she was the architect of the federal human capital management standards. Ms. Perez, a Cuban immigrant has contributed her talents to many not-for-profit boards, including the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Advisory Council, the Adventist HealthCare Board of Directors, Montgomery Hospice Board of Directors, the United Way of Montgomery County and the Human Resources People and Strategy.

Derek Harps has a long and significant history of marrying his professional expertise in the areas of banking and lending with his personal commitment and dedication to the successful management of not-for-profit efforts in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Currently VP and Team Lead for M&T Bank’s Greater Washington Not-for-Profit Banking Group, Mr. Harp’s 41 years of banking experience has served to guide numerous non-profit boards, including his tenures as Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Healthy Babies Project, and President of the Board of Directors for the Center for Non-profit Advancement. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Montgomery College Life Sciences Park Foundation and as Chairperson of the Administrative Council of the Epworth United Methodist Church.

Elizabeth (Lisa) Brito-Austin has strong ties to the Montgomery County community and a very personal investment in the mission and services of the Ana A. Brito Foundation. Lisa was born in Camaguey, Cuba and together with her parents and sisters, immigrated to the US in 1968 on the last of what was then referred to as the “Freedom Flights.” Her family was sponsored by a local United Methodist church and relocated to Montgomery County, allowing them to acclimate, integrate and finally flourish as productive and successful members of the local community. Together with her considerable experience in the areas of legal practices, local government and project management, Lisa brings her unique perspective – and personal narrative – to the important work of the AABFI.

The Reverend Jennifer Fenner – “Pastor Jenn” – is a native of Fremont, Michigan and a long-time resident of Howard County, Maryland. Currently serving as the Senior Pastor of the Epworth United Methodist Church in Gaithersburg, MD. Reverend Fenner has also served in Nicaragua, Central America, she also served as a liaision with the United Nations while working for the Church Center  (part of the United Methodist Church) in New York City, and for two years as a Young Adult Missionary in Residence for the General Board of Global Ministries. Her dedication to diversity and inclusiveness was recognized very early in her vocation, when upon graduating Summa Cum Laud from the Drew University Theological School, Reverend Fenner was honored with the Hebrew Bible Award. Fully bilingual English/Spanish, she is committed to promoting justice and equality for all races and ethnicities.

Rev. Yolanda Pupo-Ortiz is an experienced and highly respected member of the Montgomery County faith community and well-known for her achievements in the area of diversity, inclusiveness and multi-cultural empowerment. She is a United Methodist Retired Elder and Pastor Emerita of the Epworth United Methodist Church. She has more than thirty years experience in developing strong inter-ethnic relationships in the local community and has represented the Hispanic community’s interests on the Montgomery County Inter-Ethnic ComRev. Rev. Yolanda is currently serving as  Director of the AABFI programs leading the Foundation on a day to day basis.

Christina Bruce brings to the AABFI a forty-year tenure in minority affairs, Hispanic community activism, civil rights and training and development that spans careers in local, state and federal government as well as the private and university sectors. Most recently the Director of the National Cancer Institute’s Office of Workforce Management and Development, Ms. Bruce was tasked with minority recruitment outreach, workforce development and workforce planning. She is a coach and mediator, and is passionate about creating opportunities for growth and empowerment for those who do not have a voice in the majority.