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Meet The Team
Blanca Huijon
Executive Director
Blanca Huijon is an independent woman, daughter, sister, visionary, community organizer, and experienced advocate for the Latino Community.
Blanca was born in Guanajuato, Mexico and emigrated to the United States when she was fourteen years old. Her father was a farmworker. She attended Napa Community College after graduating from Napa High School, where she obtained four A.A degrees in; Social & Behavioral Science, General Education, Fine Art, and Math. Later she obtained a B. A. in Chicano Latino Studies; and Minor in Psychology from Sonoma State University. In 2013, she obtained a grant writing certificate from Sonoma State University.
Blanca joined Puertas Abiertas in 2010 as Senior Case Mentor.
Alejandra Quintana
Case Mentor
Alejandra was born and raised in Napa Valley, where she attended Napa Valley College and received her AA in Social Behavioral Science. She graduated from Sacramento State University with a Bachelor's degree in Social Work. Being a daughter of Mexican immigrants sparked her passion for helping others. Her experience working with elderly with Alzheimer's/dementia, at-risk children/youth programs, and now Puertas Abiertas, constantly reminds her of her passion for advocacy and service for the diverse and underserved populations.
Esmeralda Gil
Development Administrator
Esmeralda Gil was born and raised in Napa Valley. She received a BA in Psychology and a minor in Spanish from UC Davis. Her involvement with Puertas Abiertas began in 2015 when she started volunteering as a teacher for the ESL, Conversational English, and Civics classes.
Her dedication to working for un(der)-served communities stems from being raised by hard-working immigrant parents who instill the value in helping others. Esmeralda is driven to create equitable opportunities, positive impact, and lasting change in her community.
Luis Ochoa-Martinez
Program Associate
Luis Ochoa Martinez was born and raised in Napa Valley. He is the son of two Mexican immigrants who believed and proved that education was the path to a better life. After graduating from Vintage High School, he continued his studies at Napa Valley College and then transferred to the UC Davis where received a BA in Sociology and a minor Degree in Chicana/o Studies. After he graduated, he returned to Napa to give back to his community. Luis is a passionate, knowledgeable, and dedicated individual who joined Puertas Abiertas to make a positive impact in the lives of many.
Elena Ingram
Family Advocate
Elena Ingram was born and raised in the Napa Valley. After graduating from Napa High School, she attended UC Irvine where she received her B.A. in Psychology and her B.A. in Spanish.
Elena is passionate about advocating for underserved communities. Through her experience helping disadvantaged youth and undocumented Latinx immigrants, Elena has become determined to provide equitable access, resources, and opportunities to families. Elena wishes to bridge the equity and opportunity gaps that exist within the local community.
Diana Zendejas
Outreach Ambassador
Diana Ramirez De Zendejas has been a dedicated volunteer in Napa Valley and with Puertas Abiertas for many years. She has extensive experience volunteering with and participating in Preparados, Vision y Compromiso, and Ole Health among other organizations. She is using her skills to help reach our Latinx community.