n Nov. 9, Latino Leaders hosted the first Club Leaders of the Future of Houston. There among some of the state of Texas' most inspiring leaders, Latino Leaders met some all stars — entrepreneurs, community leaders and activists, media, etc. Houston proved to be no talk and all walk.
The 2011 Club Leaders of the Future: Houston
Jaime L. Alvarado
Chairman
NHPO
As the chairman of the National Hispanic Professionals Organization, Jaime helps oversee one of the most important groups in the country. Providing a tangible network for college students and professionals, the NHPO routinely offers developmental opportunities to better prepare the Hispanic professional for the myriad challenges that he or she might face.
He is a leader in the private sector as well, and has held many leadership titles, specifically with regards to contracting and development.
Francisco Alvarez
Founder, Chief Operating Officer
Green Technologies
An international soccer career has turned into an international business venture for Francisco. After a stint playing soccer in Italy, Francisco played Division I soccer at Southern Methodist University and the University of Illinois-Chicago, where he earned his degree in Finance.
Now, he uses the education and world experience to oversee an international company, Green Technologies, which focuses on innovation through conservation of scarce resources like water. As the COO, he oversees the import and export of raw materials, a production plant, market and industry research, intellectual property, product development and sales networking in strategic regions.
Alex Banegas
Producer, Host
ESPN Deportes
For several years, Alex has been giving voice to the Central American soccer scene in the United States. As a host of Accion Centroamerica, Alex’s commentary is heard on the east and west coast — and Houston — five days a week on ESPN Deportes Radio. What began as a local, three-day-a-week program has grown in popularity and reach.
His career already boasts some impressive milestones — first Hispanic announcer at Reliant Stadium when Mexico played USA; he was the first play-by-play announcer and voice of the Houston Dynamos. More recently, he reported on-site, live segments for the World Cup in Germany for both TV and radio.
Angela Canales
Central Market Area Parts & Service Marketing Specialist
Ford Motor Company
A Monterrey, Mexico native, Angela’s career has been skyrocketing since her graduation from University of Texas-Pan American, where, in 2004, she graduated with a degree in Communication/ Journalism with emphasis on advertising and public relations.
She’s been using her skills and talents at Ford Motor Company, which was quick to hire Angela following an internship at college. After some time in Detroit, Angela moved back to Texas, where she is now the Central Market Area Parts & Service Marketing Specialist, overseeing teams in Dallas, Houston, Memphis and Kansas City.
Cristina Castro-Clark
Founder/Owner
The Clark Designs & Pinky Promise Photography
Barely passed 25 years old, Cristina has already demonstrated her entrepreneurial drive and spirit.
She is the owner of a marketing and web design firm, The Clark Designs, as well as a photography business, Pinky Promise Photography.
Since graduating from the University of Texas in 2008, Cristina has been an active volunteer in the Houston community.
Cristina was awarded the Hispanic Women’s Network of Texas Houston Chapter’s Estrella Award, an honor given to women who have made significant contributions to their community and are role models for their fellow members.
Marcus Ceniceros
Dean, Culture and Community Engagement
KIPP DREAM Prep
A teacher-turned-administrator, Marcus has been involved in improving the educational system since attending the University of Texas, where he was student body vice president and was an active advocate for higher education to the state’s elected leadership. He was also president of the University Democrats and participated as a consultant in several local, regional and national campaigns.
As an administrator at KIPP, Marcus helps lead a Pre K-fourth grade preparatory program — free, open-enrollment — that has a solid track record of providing opportunities and education for underserved communities.
Cesar Espinosa
Executive Director
Immigrant Families and Students in the Struggle
For the last 11 years, Cesar has been involved in the immigrant movement and has worked closely with several organizations on human rights campaigns.
Cesar became the youngest elected board member of the National Alliance of Latin American and Caribbean Communities. To better serve the community, Cesar is currently obtaining his pre-law and political science graduate degree from the University of Houston.
In 2008, he was named the Mayor’s Hispanic Heritage Award recipient for his activism, and in 2009, he was given the local Peacemaker Award by the Houston Peace and Justice Center.











