Team

Adriann Barboa (she/her)
Director of Strategic Partnerships

Adriann Barboa is a community organizer, mom of two, a grandma, and currently serves as Director of Strategic Partnerships for Strong Families. Her commitment to organizing, base building and community driven strategies and solutions continues to be the successful ingredient to building power for Strong Families in her home state of New Mexico.

Jessica Lopez Collins (she/her)
Executive Director

Jessica leads the organizational development, planning, and evaluation work at Strong Families. She believes in work that places communities at the center of change and enjoys collaborating on leadership development and projects that help us grow and learn together. Jessica brings over 20 years of leadership experience in nonprofits. Prior to joining Strong Families, Jessica spent twelve years at Media Literacy Project where she led a program for young women of color that centered on reproductive justice and video production, taught classes with middle and high school students, and delivered trainings across the country. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family, time in nature, and reading nonfiction.

Juliana Hernandez (she/her)
Field Organizer

Juliana is the Field Organizer for Strong Families, she builds community connections, collaborates with partner organizations, and ensures Strong Families leaders stay informed and united in year-round efforts. With a strong focus on rural communities, she also champions language justice and supports the technological needs of engaged community leaders. Juliana’s background spans domestic violence advocacy, elder home care services, food security, end-of-life care, and work with LGBTQ+ and systems-impacted communities. Her diverse experience shapes her approach to organizing, fostering inclusivity and empowerment in rural communities.

Cecy Velasco
Cecy Velasco (she/her)
Field and Operations Director

Cecy Velasco is a proud daughter of immigrants, a Tía to many nieces and nephews, a roller coaster enthusiast, and a community organizer. She first joined Strong Families in 2013 as a volunteer and now serves as the Field and Operations Director. She leads the organizing and base building efforts and believes that building relationships centered on care and trust is critical to building power and creating change. Outside of work, she enjoys reading romance novels, drinking boba tea, and exploring new places, cultures, and food with her partner and parents.

Tracey Ware (she/her)
Administrative Assistant

Tracey is an experienced Administrative Assistant supporting Strong Families with smooth and efficient workflows. Her role includes coordinating virtual and in-person meetings and events, managing logistics and planning, processing invoices and other accounting tasks, maintaining calendars, handling office supply inventory, and mailing communications. With over 20 years of experience in credit union banking and office management, Tracey brings a deep understanding of both financial processes and administrative systems. Outside of work, Tracey is a proud mom to two wonderful kids. She enjoys hiking, reading, and spending quality time with her family.