JESSE LEÓN
Jesse León, an award-winning author, Harvard/UC Berkeley/UPENN graduate, and renowned executive coach, draws on his unique journey and cross-sector experiences to transform resilience into results. His extraordinary path from overcoming adversity to becoming a trusted advisor to leaders and organizations globally showcases his exceptional ability to navigate complexity and drive success. Jesse specializes in helping individuals and teams thrive during transitions and challenges, offering tailored strategies that foster growth, innovation, and sustainable impact.
As a certified executive coach and president of Alliance Way, Jesse leverages his profound personal and professional experiences to create meaningful change. His strategic work in developing public-private-philanthropic partnerships, particularly in affordable housing and real estate development, demonstrates his ability to manage complicated large-scale projects and organizations. His initiatives, including the financing of the first LGBT senior housing development in Florida, highlight his commitment to advocacy and belonging.
Jesse's international background and fluency in multiple languages enhance his capacity to connect with a wide range of clients, offering insights that bridge divides. His roles as a TEDx and motivational speaker, and inspirational award-winning author amplify his message of hope and potential, making him an inspiring figure for those seeking transformative growth. Jesse León's unparalleled blend of resilience, expertise, and compassion makes him an invaluable resource for executive coaching, aiming to empower individuals and organizations to achieve their fullest potential.
RAQUEL LÓPEZ
Raquel López is a dynamic Mediator, Executive Coach, and Organizational
Consultant with over three decades of experience spanning the nonprofit,
corporate, education, and public sectors. She specializes in organizational
capacity-building, executive coaching, and conflict resolution, helping leaders
and businesses strengthen partnerships, enhance performance, and drive
transformative change.
Known for her collaborative and strengths-based approach, Raquel helps clients
leverage their unique talents to navigate complex challenges and foster
sustainable growth. She brings a strategic lens that honors inclusion, cultural
awareness, and the evolving dynamics of multigenerational and diverse
workplaces—creating environments where people and purpose thrive.
Raquel’s leadership experience includes significant roles in local government,
K-12 education, nonprofits, and corporations, where she has been a committed
advocate for youth, women, and community-led solutions. As the former
Executive Director of La Casa De La Raza in Santa Barbara, she played a pivotal
role in community-centered leadership and advocacy.
Raquel's academic foundation in Political Science from UCSB, combined with
decades of service on community boards and advisory committees, Raquel’s
work reflects a deep commitment to social impact and systems change. Beyond
her professional work, Raquel finds inspiration in nature, travel, reading, and
the arts—passions that reflect her broad perspective and dedication to fostering
engaged, welcoming and vibrant communities.
She looks forward to connecting and exploring how she can support you and
your organization.
REFUGIO “CUCO” RODRIGUEZ
Refujio “Cuco” Rodriguez is the Chief Program Officer at the Hope and Heal Fund. He has
extensive experience in philanthropy, public health, and community-based initiatives. Cuco is
also a culturally and trauma-responsive executive coach specializing in circle process and
guiding teams through difficult conversations in both English and Spanish. For over 20 years, he
has facilitated dialogues with men around masculinity, vulnerability, and personal growth.
Prior to joining the fund, Cuco served as a Program Officer at the W.K. Kellogg Foundation,
where he managed strategic grantmaking, developed leadership curriculum, and built
partnerships with foundations, businesses, and government agencies. Before entering
philanthropy, Cuco was Division Chief with the Santa Barbara County Department of Behavioral
Wellness, overseeing implementation of California’s Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) and
engaging broad community stakeholders. He also directed Family and Youth Services at the
Community Action Commission, where he led programs in youth development, violence
prevention, mental health, and fatherhood initiatives.
Cuco has taught as an adjunct faculty member in the Human Services Department at Allan
Hancock College and has held multiple leadership and board positions, including service as chair
of the National Compadres Network. He earned his bachelor’s degree in agricultural engineering
technology and a master’s degree in education with concentrations in counseling and guidance,
both from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.