President, University of Southern California DINNER
SPECIAL PERFORMANCE
LOS LICENCIADOS
Alumni, USC Thornton School of Music
USC LEGACY AWARD PRESENTER
ALMA BURKE ML ’15, EDD ’25
Member, USC LAA Board of Directors
USC LAA LEGACY AWARD HONOREE
GINA M. ZAPANTA ’03
Co-Founder, Z.A. Lawyers
Founder, Empowered with Gina
Member, USC LAA Corporate Advisory Council
DR. JOHN R. HUBBARD AWARD PRESENTER
MAURO MARTINEZ
Chair, USC LAA Hubbard Committee
Member, USC LAA Board of Directors
CLOSING
LUIS CAMPA ’02
Interim Chair, Board of Directors, USC Latino Alumni Association
DANCING IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING
Christina Gonzalez EdD ’19
Gala Chair, USC LAA Scholarship Gala
Member, USC LAA Corporate Advisory Council
WELCOME FROM THE GALA CHAIR
Dear Friends,
Welcome to the USC Latino Alumni Association Scholarship Gala.
It is a true honor to gather with you this evening to celebrate the strength, legacy and future of those we serve. For more than five decades, the Latino Alumni Association has worked to expand opportunities for students at USC through scholarships, mentorship and leadership development. Tonight, we come together to continue that legacy and invest in the next generation of Trojan leaders.
We are proud to recognize the extraordinary achievements of our USC LAA Scholars, whose talent, determination and vision repr esent the bright future ahead. We also celebrate the remarkable leadership of this year’s honorees, Randall Martinez ’89 and Gina Zapanta ’03, whose contributions to community, service and excellence embody the spirit of the Trojan Family.
We are deeply grateful to our sponsors, including KXLA & The Ulloa Family, whose partnership makes this evening and the opportunities it creates for students possible. Your generosity helps ensure that students continue to thrive at USC and beyond.
Finally, my heartfelt thanks to the Gala Committee, the LAA Board of Directors, our dedicated staff and the many volunteers whose time and care made this celebration possible.
Thank you for being part of this community and for supporting the students whose dreams we help make possible.
¡Muchísimas gracias!
Christina Gonzalez EdD ’19 Gala Chair
USC Latino Alumni Association
Legacy Award Honoree
Gina
M. Zapanta ’03
Co-Founder, Z.A. Lawyers
Founder, Empowered with Gina Member, USC LAA Corporate Advisory Council
Gina Zapanta is a Los Angeles–based attorney, entrepreneur and community leader building mission-driven brands at the intersection of justice, empowerment and lived experience. As co-founder of Z.A. Lawyers, Gina advocates for injured workers and employment rights, plus personal injury clients across California with a focus on access, dignity and education for communities too often overlooked by the legal system.
This Legacy Award represents a full-circle moment. Gina’s father, Dr. Richard Zapanta, and founding member of USC LAA, helped unlock access and opportunity for his family. Gina is a proud product of that foundation building on the education and belief in possibility that USC helped create, and extending that legacy outward by building institutions, platforms and spaces for others to rise.
Beyond the courtroom, Gina is the Founder of Empowered with Gina, a lifestyle and leadership platform and membership community designed to help women live boldly, intentionally and multidimensionally through curated experiences, advocacy and personal growth. She is also the visionary behind Z.A. Ranch a private retreat in Louisiana created for restoration, leadership development and transformative community-building.
Together with her husband and law partner, Mike Alder, and children Sofia, Valentina, Elias and Augustine, Gina is building an integrated ecosystem of legal services, leadership platforms and experiential spaces rooted in values, courage and service. Her work reflects a belief that true legacy is not just what we achieve but what we create access to for the next generation.
Alumni Visionary Award Honoree
Randall Martinez ’89
Executive Vice President, Cordoba Corporation
Randall Martinez is an Architectural/Engineering/Construction executive with over 35 years of industry experience. He is a responsible civic leader with board-level environmental conservation, social justice and governance experience. He is a proven executive manager who has worked closely with developers, contractors and professional consultants with an emphasis in Federal, State and local government.
Martinez serves as executive vice president for Cordoba Corporation, a prominent California-based engineering and construction services company that is active in municipal public infrastructure. His responsibilities include driving revenue growth, monetizing strategic initiatives, assisting in the development of revenue/profit targets, developing models for market penetration and maximizing customer lifetime value. He serves as chair for the company's Board of Councilors, an independent panel of industry executives and experts that provides advisory support and guidance to the senior management team. He also serves as Principal-in-Charge and is responsible for the company's participation as the majority partner in a formal joint venture organized for the successful delivery of conceptual design to preliminary engineering services of the $7.9B Eastside Light Rail Extension of the Los Angeles Metro Gold (or "E") Line.
Martinez served as board member for the Smithsonian National Museum of American History in Washington D.C. He serves as Chair of the Audit Committee for the Resources Legacy Fund. From 2014 to 2022, he served as Vice Chair for the California Energy Commission's $4B Clean Energy Jobs Act (Proposition 39) Citizens Oversight Board. From 2020 to 2023, he served as Scoutmaster for the Troop 5 Boy Scout Troop in Pasadena, CA. In 2004 he published his first book "Ten Days To Get To London – a European Backpacking Adventure."
In 1989 he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration/Finance from the University of Southern California. He is a USC MAAA Scholar the proud father of a USC freshman.
Dr. John R. Hubbard Award Finalist
Daniela Rocha Acosta
Bachelor of Arts, Law, History and Culture
Daniela Rocha Acosta is a first-generation college student from Riverside, California. Supported by Mexican and Salvadoran immigrant parents, Daniela studies the intersection of law and research within her studies of Latinx immigration, entrepreneurship and community solidarity during political unrest. As a research assistant in the USC American Studies & Ethnicity Department and Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellow, Daniela has also conducted independent and collaborative research at the University of Chicago and Emory University. In 2024 she was named a Future Latina History Maker by the political organization Hispanas Organized for Political Equality (HOPE). Her career aspirations are to obtain a PhD in American Studies and become a professor in Latinx Studies to help students realize their own cultural and community histories and further support first-generation students.
Aside from her academic endeavors, Daniela is motivated to constantly mentor and advance first-generation students on campus. Her positive experience at USC is a product of the mentors, Latinx and first-generation spaces and communities present on campus. Her mission is to have students not only “survive college but to thrive.” As the first-generation+ living learning community residential assistant/advisor (RA) at Birnkrant Residential College, the director of student success for the First Generation Student Assembly and the codirector of the Latino Students in Law Mentorship Program, she supports students navigating college academically, financially and emotionally. As the vice president and part of the founding board of USC’s collegiate chapter of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), she has connected USC students to serve and become civically and politically involved at USC and within the South Central and broader Los Angeles communities.
Dr. John R. Hubbard Award Finalist
Nathan Castillo
Bachelor
of
Science, Legal Studies
Nathan Castillo is a first-generation USC student and transfer scholar from Los Angeles, California, currently pursuing a BS in Legal Studies at the USC Gould School of Law. His path to USC reflects both perseverance and purpose shaped by his family’s immigrant story, his early confrontation with childhood cancer and his deep belief in service, justice and community empowerment. Nathan is a proud recipient of the USC Spirit of Troy Scholarship, an award that recognizes students who demonstrate leadership, discipline and dedication to representing the Trojan spirit at the highest level.
At USC, Nathan is actively involved in advancing equity and representation within the legal field. He serves as director of internal outreach for USC Latino Students in Law (LSL), where he strengthens alumni-student pipelines, coordinates campus collaborations and supports pre-law students from historically underrepresented backgrounds.
Nathan’s commitment to service is reflected in his extensive experience with public-facing legal and civic organizations. He has served with the Glendale District Attorney’s Office and the Glendale Community College Food Insecurity Initiative College Corps, directly supporting community members navigating court procedures, basic-needs assistance and government services. These roles strengthened his ability to communicate with vulnerable populations, analyze complex administrative processes and provide compassionate, accessible support.
Academically, Nathan has excelled in law-focused coursework including Law 300 (Concepts in American Law), Law 201 (Law and Politics), Law 200 (Law & Society) and WRIT340 (Advanced Writing). His interest in both public-interest law and criminal law has led him to research topics ranging from immigration enforcement impacts to intellectual property in creative industries. He aims to build a career that connects advocacy, legal analysis and storytelling in service of underserved communities.
Inspired by the sacrifices of his grandparents and motivated by the belief that opportunity carries responsibility, Nathan is dedicated to uplifting others as he advances in the legal profession. Following graduation, he intends to pursue a JD and work in areas such as immigration, public-interest litigation or sports law to represent his favorite sports teams, continuing his commitment to service and expanding access to justice for communities that shaped his journey.
Dr. John R. Hubbard Award Finalist
Olivia Diaz
Bachelor of Science, Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
Master of Science, Integrative Anatomical Sciences
Olivia Diaz is a senior from Azusa, California, graduating this May with a Bachelor of Science in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention and a Masters of Science in Integrative Anatomical Sciences on the pre-medical track. She aspires to become a pediatric critical care physician and is deeply committed to serving underserved communities.
During her time at USC, Olivia has been recognized as both a Rising STARS Scholar and a Latina Excelling in Doctoral Degrees Scholar. Since her sophomore year, she has worked with the USC Mann School of Pharmacy’s Regulatory Research Team, where her research focused on highlighting inequities in medical treatment options for individuals affected by preeclampsia. Her work has been selected for poster presentations at the Association for Clinical and Translational Science Conference and the Latino Medical Student Association West Regional Conference.
Olivia has remained highly engaged in campus leadership and service. As the mentor–mentee chair for the Keck Student Ambassadors and director of membership for the Health Science Education Program, she supported younger pre-medical students by facilitating mentorship initiatives and organizing social and professional development events. Additionally, as co-philanthropy chair for Alpha Epsilon Delta, the premier pre-medical honors society at USC, she led community service efforts for over 80 members throughout the greater South Central Los Angeles area and helped develop a cultural competency training program focused on the racial and historical context of the community. Olivia also served as director of athletics for the USC Helenes, one of the oldest service organizations at USC, acting as a “Host of the University” and supporting athletic events across campus.
Community service is central to Olivia’s values. Throughout her four years at USC, she has volunteered with organizations such as Union Rescue Mission and St. Francis Center on Skid Row, assisting with breakfast services. Through her work with Alpha Epsilon Delta, she helped donate over 250 sandwiches and hygiene kits to Union Rescue Mission. She currently volunteers as an Education Presenter at the California Science Center and serves as a coach with Girls on the Run Los Angeles, mentoring a group of young girls preparing to participate in a 5K this May.
PAST LEGACY AWARD HONOREES
2007 | Carmen Nava ’84
2008 | George Pla MPA ’74
2009 | Frank Cruz ’66, MS ’69
2010 | Pablo Prietto ’55
2011 | Karime Sanchez Bradvica ’80
2012 | Richard Zapanta ’68, MD ’73
2013 | David Lizárraga
2013 | Yvonne Priscilla Lizárraga
2013 | Michael Lizárraga ’85
2014 | Walter Ulloa ’70
2014 | Roland Ulloa ’73
2014 | Ronald Ulloa ’76
2015 | Manuel Anguiano ’88
2016 | Ruben Smith ’79, MPA ’82
2017 | Susan Sifuentes Trigueros ’82
2018 | Domenika Lynch ’97, MFTH ’15
2019 | Rigo Diaz III ’89
2020/2021 | Michael Felix ’83
2022 | Laura Peralta MPA ’10
2023 | Carmen Herrera ’89
2024 | Martha Escutia ’79
2025 | The Honorable Major General Albert C. Zapanta ’66, MPA ’73
PAST ALUMNI VISIONARY AWARD HONOREES
2024 | Oscar Munoz ’82
2025 | Juan Perez ’88, MS ’90
DR. JOHN R. HUBBARD AWARD HONOREES
1977 | Ines Hernandez
1978 | Robert Morales
1979 | Martha M. Escutia
1980 | Eduardo Magdaleno
1981 | Mercedes Marquez
1982 | Martha Tapias
1983 | George Aguilar
1984 | Lydia Castañon
1985 | Luis Perez
1986 | Tom Calderon
1987 | Diana Perez
1988 | Elvira Garcia
1989 | William Garnica
1990 | Richard Alcocer
1991 | Esteban Cruz
1992 | Nayeli Garci-Crespo
1993 | Samuel Perez
1994 | John Najera
1995 | Susan Villa
1996 | Fabiola Pereyra
1997 | Edgar B. del Rio
1998 | Angela Martinez
1999 | Emily Mark
2000 | Maricela Rodriguez
2001 | Patricia Salazar
2002 | Angel Gomez
2003 | Cindy Panuco
2004 | Damaris Diaz
2005 | Maria G. Gutierrez
2006 | Juan A. Alvarez
2007 | Lucy Flores
2008 | Valerie A. Flores
2009 | Eric Zuniga
2010 | Lauren Alderette
2011 | Silvia Merlos Green
2012 | Erica Silva
2013 | John M. Sandoval
2014 | Rigoberto Bejarano
2015 | Enrique Olivas
2016 | Stephanie Brito
2017 | Felicitas L. Reyes
2018 | Diana Valenzuela
2019 | Carlos Marin
2020 | Maria Del Pilar Morales
2021 | Jorge Campos Franco
2022 | Alejandra Barreto
2023 | Luis Wualdemar Tun Orozco
2024 | Karla Padilla Leon
2025 | Daisy Segundo-Parra
Presenting Sponsor
Text to Donate Sponsor
Carmen Nava ’84 & Family
Signature Sponsors
Michael ’83 & Debbie Felix
Veronica ’94 Raul Rodriguez ’94
Trustee Sponsors
The Gilbert and Jackie Cisneros Foundation Return to Work Partners
Ted ’74, MBA ’77 and Marian Craver TELACU Education Foundation
Heather Cruz ’89 Verizon
Ellen Chen & Mario Del Pero Victor Quiroz ’94
Erick ’95 & Candela Diaz
Trojan Sponsors
1st Century Bank
Saul ’00 and Glenda K. Alvarado
JP Morgan Chase
The National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals
BMO Red Hot Chilis
Burke Consulting Group, LLC
Luis ’03 and Parmis Campa
Chubb Group Insurance
Cordoba Corporation
Ernst and Young
Lupe Simpson EdD ’21
Yolanda Salazar ’89
Doug Solorzano ’92
Southern California Gas Company
Statewide Services Inc.
Easy Waste Management Stifel
FMR Enterprises
Christina EdD ’19 & Alberto MA ’08 Gonzalez
James Lopez ML ’21
Los Angeles Distributing
Mauro & Gisela Martinez
USC Alumni Association
USC Latino Veterans
Vaco by Highspring
Rebecca Zapanta
Z.A. Lawyers | Empowered with Gina
Friend of the LAA Sponsors California Leaders
USC Credit Union
2026 SCHOLARSHIP GALA COMMITTEE
Saul Alvarado ’00
E & I Cooperative
Isabel Aranda ’00
USC Latino Alumni Association
Claudia Bodan ’01 BMO
Rosa Bravo Aequitas LLC.
Dr. Alma Burke ML ’15, EdD ’25 Burke Consulting
Luis Campa ’02 M Chemical Company
Yimi Casasola ’02
Community Development & Financial Strategy Consultant
Christina Gonzalez EdD ’19 (Chair) Verizon
David Flores ’14
RSM US LLP
Janneth Leones ’96 USC
Ray López-Chang MUP ’21
USC Latino Alumni Association
Steve Monjaras ’98
Return to Work Partners
Mauro Martinez Jr. Entrepreneur
David Mora ’97 US Bank
Victor Quiroz ’94 McDonalds
Eddie Reyes ’00 US Bank
Charlene Riofrio ’06, MCG ’20
Fox Deportes
Raul Rodriguez ’94 Entravision
Susan Sifuentes-Trigueros ’82
Retired – SoCalGas
Doug Solorzano ’92
DAS Wealth Management Group
Dolores Sotelo
USC Latino Alumni Association
Saul Alvarado ’00
E & I Cooperative
Gustavo Amaral ’14
UBS Private Wealth Management
Rosa Bravo
Aequitas LLC.
Alma R. Burke ML ’15, EdD ’25
Aequitas LLC.
Robert Campos ’91
Liberty Paper
LAA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Luis Campa ’02
M Chemical Company
Interim Chair
Laura Peralta MPA ’10
JP Morgan Chase
Interim Vice Chair & Secretary
Yimi Casasola ’02
Community Development & Financial Strategy
Consultant
Sonia Endler ’97
Paramount
James Lopez ML ’21
Paramount
Ray López-Chang MUP ’21
USC Latino Alumni Association
Mauro Martinez Jr. Entrepreneur
Horacio Medal LLM ’05
Paramount
Linda Mirdamadi MD ’94
Keck School of Medicine at USC
Lorena C. Ramos ’03
Tricia Sanchez ’91 C3 Tech
Chris Stidman ’91
Optum Pharmacies
LAA CORPORATE ADVISORY COUNCIL
Raul Rodriguez ’94
Entravision
Interim Chair
Ismael Bautista Jr. ’94
Southern California Gas Company
Claudia Bodan ’01
BMO
Frank H. Cruz ’66, MS ’69
USC Life Trustee
Mario P. Del Pero
DOM Food Group
Michael A. Felix ’83
USC Trustee
Christina M. Gonzalez EdD ’19
Verizon
David C. Lizárraga
TELACU Education Foundation
Steve P. Monjaras ’98
Return to Work Partners
Carmen P. Nava ’84
USC Trustee
R. Joseph Plascencia ’95
Plascencia Universal, S. de R.L. de C.V.
Victor D. Quiroz ’94 McDonald’s
Ray López-Chang
USC Latino Alumni Association
Gina M. Zapanta ’94
Z.A. Lawyers
Empowered with Gina
Everado (Evy) Zavala ’99
Zavala Law Firm PC
A SPECIAL THANK YOU
Isabel Aranda
Joycelyn Blizzard
Rachel Cervantes
Michelle Chavez
Jeff Collins
Judith Cummings
Tara Curtis
Zachary Dennert
Haven Dragomer
Paulina Flores
Anna Fung
Bryan Fernandez Gonzalez
Natalie Goss
Alissa Hussey
Erika Jordan ML ’18
Tim Knight
Eunice Velarde-Flores
Father Matthew Wheeler
Challenge Graphics
DJ Pollo – Alejandro Hipolito
Kak Lee Los Licenciados
Edgar Pablos
Carla Quiroz
Mariachi Los Troyanos de USC
The Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites Staff
Rob Ritter Tribesmen Pictures
Adam Rosen
Juvi Segura
Dolores Sotelo
Sean Uray
USC Caruso Catholic Center
USC Latino Alumni Association Scholars
USC Office of Cultural Relations and University Events
USC Trojan Marching Band
A Proud Tradition of Supporting USC Students
$25.6M awarded in scholarships since 1975
Proceeds benefit USC students
Silent Auction Closes at 8:45 p.m. on Saturday, March 7
