Board of Advisors

Maria Virginia Velazquez

With nearly 20 years of experience and close to $1 billion in closed transactions, Maria Velazquez is a leader in the real estate industry, specializing in luxury properties in New York City and Florida. A native of Colombia, Maria is known for serving a diverse client base of local and international buyers, sellers, and investors. Her commitment to integrity, patience, and honesty has earned her a sterling reputation, while her passion for helping others shines through in every transaction she handles.

Maria’s natural charisma and extensive network of high-net-worth individuals, industry leaders, and influential figures make her a powerful connector, able to mobilize resources and drive initiatives that have a lasting impact. Her success in real estate stems not just from her professional acumen but from her ability to build relationships rooted in trust, empathy, and mutual respect—qualities that align perfectly with the values of philanthropic work.

Deeply committed to giving back, Maria is actively involved in her community, contributing her time and expertise to various causes and charitable organizations. She understands that true success is measured not just by financial achievement but by how much we give back to those in need. Maria is dedicated to creating opportunities for others, particularly in underserved communities, where her leadership and vision can make the greatest difference.

Her philanthropic spirit extends beyond her professional life. Maria is a firm believer in the power of education and empowerment, often organizing or participating in fundraising events, mentorship programs, and community outreach. Her involvement in charitable work reflects her belief in lifting up others and creating long-term, positive change.

As a well-connected and highly motivated individual, Maria is uniquely positioned to contribute to a charity board. She combines her real estate expertise with a compassionate approach to leadership, offering strategic insights while remaining client- and community-focused. Her ability to balance business with a heartfelt commitment to social responsibility makes her a valuable asset in any philanthropic endeavor. Fluent in both English and Spanish, Maria brings cultural diversity and international perspective to her work, enhancing her ability to engage with a broad range of communities.

When she’s not helping others or closing deals, Maria enjoys exploring New York with her young son and sharing her love of culinary arts and yoga. These personal passions, coupled with her deep professional experience and community involvement, make Maria not just a distinguished real estate leader but also an inspiring advocate for meaningful change.

Camilo Rojas
Founder of CR_eate

Camilo Rojas is a Colombian-born, Miami/Paris-based graphic designer who graduated from New World School of the Arts (University of Florida). His work is mainly based on typography and experimenting with it as an Art form, regularly using words & letters as a visual ‘medium’. His materials & subjects can be diverse, seeking to connect with the viewers to communicate a certain message and to make them think, to let you arrive at your interpretation, analyze, and build a link with the work.

Valerie Lopez
Cofounder of ANGLE PLATFORM

Valerie is the 61st Latina to raise over a million dollars in venture capital in the USA. She was named the first woman entrepreneur ambassador for her home country of Colombia and one of Avianca's 100 most influential Latinos. Her mission is to continue leading her team in meeting all her clients' photographic needs while fostering a community of worldwide photographers.

Juliana Espinal
Director Fundraiser Initiatives

Brings to the organization a rich family legacy of public service. Her late grandfather, Belisario Betancur, served as the President of Colombia in the late 1980s and has been a source of inspiration for the family. Although Juliana graduated with a degree in Business Administration from Eafit, her passion for community service has always been at the forefront of her life.

I recall 11 years ago when Sandra reached out to me about starting a foundation, which eventually became Mission of the Heart. I could never have anticipated the incredible success it would achieve. Words cannot express how proud I am of her and the remarkable work the foundation has accomplished.🤍

Alejandra Borge
Co-Director Fundraiser Initiatives

Alejandra Borge has over a decade of experience in wealth management and trading for ultra-high-net-worth clients. Her career spans advisory services at Morgan Stanley and the trading desk at Citi Private Bank, where she developed her communication and teamwork skills while working with U.S. and international clients. A firm believer in cash flow since her piggy bank days, Alejandra has always been passionate about personal finance.

Now an entrepreneur, Alejandra brings a fresh, engaging approach to finance via her social media page @miss.millones and her advisory practice at Measured Wealth. Her mission is to make financial literacy accessible to everyone. 

With a double major in Finance and International Business from Bentley University, her expertise covers advisory, investment analysis, and trading. Her problem-solving abilities and adaptability have been key to her success, empowering clients to achieve their goals with confidence and clarity.  Alejandra's collaboration with Mission of the Heart aligns with her passion for service and making a tangible impact on communities, reinforcing her commitment to giving back, empowering and promote education to the world.

Communications and Public Affairs

Maria Claudia Llamas is a lawyer and seasoned professional in corporate strategic communication and business development. With a strong background in media strategy, branding, and public affairs, she has successfully guided organizations in strengthening their reputation and achieving sustainable growth. Her experience includes overseeing cross-functional teams to deliver innovative communication campaigns, and combining creative insight with strategic thinking to drive results across various industries.

In her roles, Maria Claudia leads teams in developing and executing communication strategies and overseeing campaigns for globally recognized brands like Superside, Estefanía Atelier, and Sutherland. She expertly manages high-performing teams, ensuring seamless collaboration across departments to meet client objectives and business goals. Her ability to navigate the intersection of creative and corporate strategy has made her a trusted leader in managing high-stakes, fast-paced projects for some of the world’s most forward-thinking companies.

With a Master’s degree in Communications and Media from Monash University, Maria Claudia also holds certifications in Intellectual Property from WIPO, Fashion Branding and Communication from Condé Nast College of Fashion & Design, and Corporate Law from Universidad Javeriana. Her passion for giving back drives her to collaborate with nonprofits like Mission of the Heart, where she is inspired by the opportunity to make a tangible impact on communities. Maria Claudia is motivated to use her skills and experience to support meaningful causes, believing that giving back is essential to fostering positive change and empowerment for others.

Julia Soliz
Web Design

Julia Soliz is an undergraduate student at Florida State University majoring in Neuroscience and following the pre-med track. Born in Miami, she is the oldest of four siblings and is dedicated to setting an example for them. Julia is also a member of the Kappa Delta sorority and has participated in their recruitment process and several fundraising projects. She has been involved in many mission trips and community service projects throughout her years and is passionate about helping individuals and communities in need. Julia Soliz comes to Mission of the Heart excited to add to an organization that values helping others by sharing her ideas, efforts, and experience.

Luisa Fernanda Jaramillo
Graphic Designer / Editorial

Luisa Jaramillo is a Colombian graphic designer born in Medellín, Antioquia. She works with companies based in Canada and Miami, supporting them in graphic and editorial areas. She joins Mission of the Heart’s team to share her ideas, creativity, and passion for helping others. Luisa loves music, animals, being with her friends, and hanging out to meet people.

Jose M. Martinez, MD
Laparoscopic surgeon University Miami Health Systems

Born on April 19 in Puerto Rico and raised in Miami Fl until departed to Washington DC for Medical school and General Surgery Residency at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences. He completed an advanced fellowship in laparoendoscopic surgery at the University of Miami.  Currently he is an Associate Professor of Surgery in the Division of Laparoendoscopic and Bariatric Surgery in the DeWitt Daughtry Family Department of Surgery, at the University of Miami.  He is the Chief for Section of Surgical Endoscopy and serves as Co- Director of the Hernia Center at the University of Miami. He is an devoted educator serving as the director of the minimally invasive and endoscopic surgery fellowship at the University of Miami.  He is also the director of the Center of Excellence for Laparoendoscopic and Minimally invasive surgery where educational events are held daily for medical students, residents, fellows and physicians.  Dr. Martinez is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, a member of the Society of American Gastrointestinal Surgeons (SAGES) and active on the SAGES committee developing the Fundamental of Endoscopic Surgery.

Melissa Jackson, MD 
PA Board Certified Child, Adolescent & Adult Psychiatrist  

Melissa Jackson is a Psychiatrist originally from the panhandle of Florida, who is double board certified in the treatment of children, adolescents, and adults. She completed her undergraduate education with Honors at the University of Florida and medical school at the University of Florida College of Medicine with Honors in research. She went on to complete an Internship and Resi- dency in Psychiatry at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Illinois, followed by a Fellowship in Child & Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of Southern California, where she was Chief Resident. She is now in Private Practice in Midtown Miami.

Melissa comes from a background of community service. Her father is a Family Physician who has provided medical care to the Native American Indians in Arizona for the past 30 years. While working on the Apache Reservation early in his career, her father delivered both of his children exposing them to the reality of poverty within the reservation and instilling the value of service. During medical school Melissa participated in several medical mission trips, including Nicaragua, the Dominican Republic, and the Yucatan Peninsula. Now that she is established personally and professionally in Miami, she again has the opportunity to volunteer her time and expertise to an organization dedicated to helping individuals, charities and institutions in need locally and throughout the world.

Daniel Castellanos, MD
Professor and Founding Chair, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Health The Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University

Daniel Castellanos, MD is a child and adolescent psychiatrist who has spent his career in academic medicine dedicated to the teaching and training of students, residents, and fellows in Psychiatry.   He has given numerous presentations and published a book and several peer-reviewed articles on topics related to children and adolescents.  Dr Castellanos continues his research in the area of suicide and Hispanic youth and the use of “designer” drugs among adolescents and young adults.   In 2012 he published the second edition of his book, the Psychotropic Medication Reference, addressing the use of psychotropic medications in children and adolescents.  
Dr Castellanos is a Professor and Founding Chair of the Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Health at the Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine.  Over the past six years, he has led the rapid growth of his department including the hiring of several key faculty members, the development of clinical and educational programs, and the establishment of research programs.

Fabiola Zuluaga
Professional Tennis Player

Former professional tennis player, WTA Top 16 ranking. Winner of 5 professional WTA tournaments. Australia Open semifinalist in 2004 and fourth round at Roland Garros in 2004. Retired since 2005. 
Currently devoted to her family. 

Jessica Canahuati 
Minister Counselor of the Embassy of Honduras in Colombia

Canahuati comes to Mission of the Heart with almost half a decade of experience in a non-profit serving as a PR Volunteer for Beyond Boundaries Children’s Foundation where she applied her skills in forging innovative ideas to position the foundation in the U.S. Her work focused on creating a solid institution, one that is known and respected for its honorable cause which is to focus on children’s education, infusing them a culture of positive attitudes towards life, family, and society, while raising their self-esteem. Only in this way will they be able to become caretakers of their society.

A Colombian-born, Canahuati grew up in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, where she first got in touch with the strong need for children’s education, being Honduras a third-world country with so many necessities. After her college studies at La Sorbonne and Babson College, she joined the family business where she liaised between customers and the factories, developed and positioned new brands in the Central American Market, and managed distribution logistics. The latter, Jessica joined the Rio Garment Team where she performed as an Account Manager for the Aeropostale brand. Following this experience, Canahuati pursued her dreams of joining the Diplomatic World and left Honduras to come to the USA as an economic counselor for the Honduran Consulate in Miami, conducting all the necessary research to re-launch Honduras as the most attractive destination in Latin America, promoting foreign capital investment and collaborating in the process for the granting of Humanitarian Visas for Honduran families in despair.

Katherine Yasick 

Katherine is a management consultant based in Boston, MA. She has worked with public, private, and intergovernmental organizations across several industries including communications and technology, consumer products, pharmaceuticals, and education. She graduated with honors from Pepperdine University where she studied International Business and International Studies. She has experience traveling, working, and living in the U.S., Europe, and Asia.

Maria Claudida Naranjo

Maria Claudia Naranjo was born in Bogota Colombia in February 19. She is youngest of two girls, graduated in political science at the Pontifica Universidad Javeriana in Bogota, Colombia. Maria Claudia comes to Mission of the Heart open to share her ideas and knowledge on volunteer work and passion to help others. Both of her parents have been involved in charity work, therefore, she grew up with a great example and a lot of knowledge to share with the team. She currently works at Grupo Semana as a Project Director.

Adriana Castro 
Founder and Creative Director of Adriana Castro

William T. DeFanti

William T. DeFanti a senior at Babson College, the number one entrepreneurial school in the world for the past 20, is concentrated in Finance. The young talent is from Kennebunk, ME, a small town more known for their lobster and President H. W. Bush’s family summer compound on Walkers Point. Basketball has been a very influential part of William’s life as he has been apart of an AAU National Championship team leading to a one-year career at a Division II powerhouse, Assumption College. Prior to transferring to Babson he had a large role in bringing the Assumption Greyhounds to the NCAA tournament as a freshman point guard. In order for William to push his creative and entrepreneurial mindset, it was essential to take the calculated risk and transfer to Babson leaving basketball behind to focus on his career and bettering this world. His number one goal is to become a real estate developer while touching as many people’s lives along his journey. In 2014 he spend a semester studying at The Singapore Management University while working in Marina Bay at Jones Lang LaSalle. After the Southeast Asia experience studying, working, traveling and most importantly touching hearts he ventured to Los Angeles to work at CBRE’s headquarters.

A large part of William’s life is attributed to giving back as he is heavily involved in several charitable organizations including: CBRE’s Youth Rising Professional’s, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America and The Good Samaritan Hospital Mission Trip. The young professional’s train of thought is to advance him-self on a daily basis in order to reach other’s hearts. 

Stephanie Carrillo

Stephanie’s 10 years of experience  and abroad as a TV presenter, journalist, producer, Reality Star, and face of several advertising campaigns.In Colombia, Stephanie reached national and international acclaim as a TV presenter on “Noticiero del Senado”, a political television program that extended both nationally and internationally on Caracol television.Stephanie later became a TV presenter on “Tu Desayuno Alegre”, a national TV show in the United States that has aired on Univision for 15 years. Based on the positive ratings the show attained while Stephanie worked on the show, she became part of the team of “Tu Dia Alegre” on Univision’s sister channel, UniMas. On “Tu Dia Alegre”, Stephanie’s carisma, professionalism and abilities, led to her own segment on the show called “El Radar de Stephy”, a segment that she alone produced and presented. Her success led her to be contracted by Yahoo Sports, who made her the presenter of their online show “Deportes al Minuto”, which aired in the United States, Latin America, and Spain. Based on her experience with sports news, Stephanie joined MundoFox8 in Miami for their two live daily shows as their sports producer and presenter. Stephanie has been employed by Telecaribe, Caracol, Canal Uno, Señal Institucional, Yahooweb, Unimas, Univision, and MundoFox.