Latino Alliance NWO

About Us

Our mission is to foster a positive working relationship among Latino-focused agencies, Latino individuals, and other organizations, groups, and individuals that serve Latinos in the Northwest Ohio area. 

The mission includes but is not limited to, improving Limited English Proficiency services, organization/promotion of Latino cultural events, and advocacy for the placement of Latinos and Latinas in leadership positions throughout Northwest Ohio.

In doing so, the Latino Alliance aims to improve the social welfare of the Northwest Ohio community.

Meet the Board

Dr. Vincent Riccardi, President

Executive Director of The Believe Center

Dr. Vincent Riccardi is the Executive Director of the Believe Center, a youth and family resource center in the Old South End of Toledo. Dr. Riccardi was born and raised in Spanish Harlem, New York.

    Paul ViaFranco, Vice President

    Volunteer Manager for the National Alliance on Mental Illness Greater Toledo

    Paul Via Franco was born in San Angelo, Texas, and raised in San Antonio, Texas. He earned his Bachelor of Arts from Texas A&M-San Antonio in 2020, moved to Ohio in 2021, and earned his Master of Arts from BGSU in 2023. He has adopted Toledo as his home for the past two years. Paul serves as the Volunteer Manager for the National Alliance on Mental Illness Greater Toledo. He has served as Vice President of the Latino Alliance since 2026, is on the scholarship and health and wellness committees, and is part of the second cohort of LIDERAMOS.

      Felicia Calderon, Treasurer

      Court Appointment Special Advocate (CASA/GAL) for Lucas County and a Surrogate Parent for the Ohio Board of Education

      Felicia Calderon was born in Austin, Texas and raised in the Old South End of Toledo. She attended Owens Community College and the University of Toledo and holds a Bachelor of Arts. She works as a Paralegal at Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick in intellectual property. Felicia is a Court Appointment Special Advocate (CASA/GAL) for Lucas County, Surrogate Parent for the Ohio Board of Education and volunteers at the Pregnancy Center of Northwest Ohio. She joined the Board of the Latino Alliance in 2026 and is in the second cohort of LIDERAMOS.

        Christina Rodriguez, Esq., Secretary

        Housing Conditions & Neighborhood Reinvestment Attorney at The Fair Housing Center

        Christina Rodriguez, Esq. is the Housing Conditions and Neighborhood Reinvestment Attorney at The Fair Housing Center. Christina was born and raised on the east side of Toledo and attended The University of Toledo where she received two Bachelor’s degrees and a Juris Doctor. Christina actively works to uplift the Old South End though her work at The Fair Housing Center and as president of the Board of The Believe Center. Christina has been a member of the Latino Alliance for many years before serving as Secretary and is a graduate of the first cohort of LIDERAMOS.