THE COACHING TEAM
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 across not-for-profit, corporate, education, and public sectors. Her expertise lies in building organizational capacity through a collaborative approach, fostering strong partnerships to enhance leader and business performance. Raquel's unique coaching style leverages her clients' strengths, driving transformative change and optimizing performance with a focus on executive coaching, conflict resolution, and racial/ethnic equity and inclusion.
Her diverse skill set is distinguished by her ability to navigate complex, multigenerational, and diverse workplaces, bringing an essential equity and inclusion perspective to all her projects. Raquel's background spans significant leadership roles in local government, K-12 education, nonprofits, and corporations, where she has been a passionate advocate for youth and women. Notably, she served as the Executive Director of La Casa De La Raza in Santa Barbara, marking her as a pivotal figure in community-centered leadership.
Raquel's academic foundation in Political Science from UCSB, combined with her extensive involvement in community boards and advisory committees, underscores her deep commitment to societal advancement. Known for her love of nature, travel, reading, and the arts, Raquel's personal interests reflect her broad perspective and dedication to fostering inclusive and vibrant communities.
Her diverse skill set is distinguished by her ability to navigate complex, multigenerational, and diverse workplaces, bringing an essential equity and inclusion perspective to all her projects. Raquel's background spans significant leadership roles in local government, K-12 education, nonprofits, and corporations, where she has been a passionate advocate for youth and women. Notably, she served as the Executive Director of La Casa De La Raza in Santa Barbara, marking her as a pivotal figure in community-centered leadership.
Raquel's academic foundation in Political Science from UCSB, combined with her extensive involvement in community boards and advisory committees, underscores her deep commitment to societal advancement. Known for her love of nature, travel, reading, and the arts, Raquel's personal interests reflect her broad perspective and dedication to fostering inclusive and vibrant communities.
REFUGIO “CUCO” RODRIGUEZ
Refujio “Cuco” Rodriguez, currently serving as the Chief Equity & Program Officer at the Hope and Heal Fund, possesses an extensive background in fostering racial equity and community engagement. Prior to his current role, Cuco made significant contributions as a Program Officer at the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, focusing on strategic grantmaking to promote racial equity and community engagement. He played a pivotal role in nurturing opportunities for systemic change for marginalized communities and vulnerable children. His innovative efforts to integrate racial equity principles into technology initiatives, working on new collaborative platforms, and developing a racial equity-focused grantee application highlight his forward-thinking approach to social change.
Cuco's career within the public sector as the division chief and ethnic services manager for the Santa Barbara County Department of Behavioral Wellness exemplifies his leadership in transforming mental health services through the implementation of the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA). His initiative in establishing Santa Barbara’s first Latino Mental Health Consumer and Family Advocacy Network marks a significant milestone in engaging Latino stakeholders in mental health reforms. His dedication to addressing complex community issues spans across teen pregnancy, reproductive health, youth violence, gang intervention, and mental health, demonstrating a holistic approach to community well-being. In addition to his professional endeavors, Cuco has enriched the academic community as an adjunct faculty member in the Human Services Department at Allan Hancock College, where he shared his practical experience and insights with future human services professionals.
Cuco's comprehensive experience in developing strategic partnerships across foundations, businesses, governmental agencies, and other key stakeholders, combined with his deep commitment to racial equity, mental health advocacy, and community engagement, positions him as a valuable asset to any team focused on creating meaningful and lasting social impact. His work exemplifies a profound understanding of the nuances of community needs and the strategies required to meet them effectively, making him an exemplary figure in the field of social change and equity.
Cuco's career within the public sector as the division chief and ethnic services manager for the Santa Barbara County Department of Behavioral Wellness exemplifies his leadership in transforming mental health services through the implementation of the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA). His initiative in establishing Santa Barbara’s first Latino Mental Health Consumer and Family Advocacy Network marks a significant milestone in engaging Latino stakeholders in mental health reforms. His dedication to addressing complex community issues spans across teen pregnancy, reproductive health, youth violence, gang intervention, and mental health, demonstrating a holistic approach to community well-being. In addition to his professional endeavors, Cuco has enriched the academic community as an adjunct faculty member in the Human Services Department at Allan Hancock College, where he shared his practical experience and insights with future human services professionals.
Cuco's comprehensive experience in developing strategic partnerships across foundations, businesses, governmental agencies, and other key stakeholders, combined with his deep commitment to racial equity, mental health advocacy, and community engagement, positions him as a valuable asset to any team focused on creating meaningful and lasting social impact. His work exemplifies a profound understanding of the nuances of community needs and the strategies required to meet them effectively, making him an exemplary figure in the field of social change and equity.