What is a
GURU?
A trusted, pre-vetted expert who partners with Be Better Together to offer specialized or fractional support in areas like IT, branding, human resources, finance, and more.
They work on a project basis under the BBT umbrella, delivering mission-aligned, high-quality services to an organization when it’s needed most.
Meet Our Gurus
Dedicated professionals driving our success
Chontay Woodson
International Tax Attorney
Chontay is a financial educator with experience advising domestic and foreign nonprofits, corporations, and creative professionals. She is also a licensed cosmetologist and founder of a financial education company that empowers beauty and wellness entrepreneurs to build wealth and thrive. Chontay blends legal expertise and a passion for community impact to help underserved communities access financial wellness tools. She brings a dynamic, interdisciplinary approach to the GURU Board, combining strategy and heart to support •be better together•’s mission.
Jessy Allain
Donor Relations for Kids In Distress (KID) and Family Central Inc.
Jessy is a dynamic philanthropic leader and social impact strategist with over 25 years of experience across corporate, nonprofit, and multicultural sectors. She has raised millions through strategic partnerships that strengthen families and uplift vulnerable communities. Jessy’s expertise in relationship-driven fundraising, cross-sector collaboration, and equitable community development makes her a powerful connector across industries. A proud Peruvian-American, she also chairs the Government Affairs Committee at the Hispanic Heritage Chamber of Commerce and brings a deep commitment to Latina leadership, joy, and purpose.
Cameron Jewell
Founder of Community Nourishment
Cameron is dedicated to empowering individuals and communities to take control of their health and well-being. With over a decade of education and experience, she shares her expertise both online and in person, equipping people with practical tools and resources to build healthier, more vibrant lives. Cameron’s mission is rooted in a belief that true wellness begins when individuals have access to nourishing, sustainable solutions that meet their unique needs. Her work reflects a deep commitment to fostering holistic health and meaningful connection.
Cat Suplicy
Founder and CEO of RavenOps
Cat helps purpose-driven organizations scale sustainably and operate smarter. With 15+ years of cross-sector experience in nonprofit management, economic development, and community building, Cat blends operational excellence with emotional intelligence. Her expertise spans fractional COO services, fundraising strategy, CRM and AI integration, and culture building. A Brazilian-born, South Florida-based leader, Cat brings structure, clarity, and soul to every mission she supports.
Cristina Latorre Darquea
Co-Founder and Director of CAEMBA
Cristina leads CAEMBA (Casas Emergentes de Bambú), a project of Fundación Raíz Ecuador since 2016. She leads the construction of bamboo homes and community centers for families affected by poverty and natural disasters, with a focus on empowering single mothers through vocational training and entrepreneurship. Cristina’s work bridges housing, education, and economic opportunity to build sustainable, dignified futures for Ecuador’s most vulnerable communities.
Daniela Espinoza
Executive Director of Fundación Camina Conmigo
Daniela has over 14 years of experience in entrepreneurship, innovation, and law, she has led economic recovery strategies as Quito’s Secretary of Productive Development and Competitiveness and managed key policy reforms at AEI. Daniela holds a law degree and has specialized in negotiations, social rights, and fundraising. Her passion for bridging public-private dynamics drives her mission to create meaningful impact.
Dion Ward
Director of Emergent Forest Finance Accelerator
Dion is a strategy and fund management professional with over 20 years of experience designing and managing innovative nonprofit programs focused on sustainable economic development and climate change mitigation. He currently helps forest governments sell carbon credits and reinvest proceeds into sustainable development. Dion previously led a major Amazon indigenous rights project and served at WWF-Brazil, where he fundraised and managed multi-stakeholder conservation initiatives. Fluent in English, Portuguese, and Spanish, Dion brings a global perspective and deep expertise in ESG, philanthropic giving, and social impact.
Gerri Sapinoso Hudson
Founder, Vision Bridge Leadership
Gerri is an executive life coach and certified mindfulness-based emotional intelligence facilitator with over 20 years of experience at global companies like L’Oréal, Citi, and Mastercard. As founder of Vision Bridge Leadership, she combines mindfulness, leadership development, and cross-cultural communication to help overwhelmed leaders thrive. Gerri’s work promotes collaboration, resilience, and inclusion, empowering clients to integrate self-care into their daily lives through her signature B.L.I.S.S. Framework™. Fluent in English, Spanish, and French, she brings a global perspective to her mission of creating workplaces that balance high performance with personal well-being.
Manuel Pallares
Executive Director of Fundación Raíz Ecuador and Co-founder of CAEMBA
Manuel is a biologist with a master’s degree in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), he leads the design and construction methodologies for CAEMBA’s bamboo-based housing solutions. CAEMBA, a social housing initiative launched after the 2016 earthquake in Ecuador. Manuel has been instrumental in advancing sustainable housing, indigenous rights, and community development across Ecuador. His work emphasizes environmental sustainability and social equity, particularly in underserved regions like Esmeraldas and the Amazon.
Jessica Raderstorf
Director at Citrin Cooperman
Jessica leads with over 20 years of experience in public and private accounting. She provides accounting, audit, and consulting services to nonprofits and other organizations, combining meticulous financial oversight with a collaborative spirit that empowers clients to thrive. Jessica has served as VP of Finance for Junior Achievement of South Florida, where she led financial operations for one of the region’s most respected nonprofits. Her commitment to financial stewardship and community impact makes her an invaluable partner to mission-driven initiatives.
Martha Rios
Director of Strategic Partnerships at Broward College
Martha is a dynamic leader with over 15 years of experience in workforce and entrepreneurship development, known for her "All In" attitude and collaborative approach. She excels at forging cross-sector partnerships and driving strategic initiatives that advance equity, innovation, and operational excellence. Martha’s expertise spans project management, CRM strategy, and business process improvement, always focused on creating measurable outcomes and meaningful stakeholder engagement. Her leadership is rooted in a future-focused vision and a passion for connecting people and ideas to create lasting impact.
Nicole Smith
Executive Director A.L.I.V.E.
Nicole is a dynamic leader in volunteer and community engagement with over two decades of experience across nonprofit and for-profit sectors, including the arts, social services, sports, and media. As a Certified Volunteer Administrator (CVA), she creates scalable and inclusive volunteer programs that emphasize recruitment, engagement, and retention. Nicole is a published author, international speaker, and recognized thought leader known for her creative and innovative approach to volunteer management. A proud Afro-Latina of Panamanian descent, Nicole brings a deep commitment to empowering leaders, fostering community, and amplifying diverse voices.
Diana Valenzuela-Hidalgo
Founder of DVHR Solutions
Diana is an accomplished HR leader with over 20 years of experience across diverse industries and global enterprises. She specializes in creating innovative HR strategies that enhance organizational effectiveness, performance, and culture transformation. Diana’s leadership has supported Fortune 500 companies and small businesses alike, fostering inclusive, high-performing teams. Her expertise in HR consulting, leadership development, and organizational design makes her an invaluable partner in driving people-centered success.
Carolina Tizon
Founder and Acupuncture Physician at Atma Acupuncture & Wellness
Carolina helps people find balance and healing through Eastern medicine. With a Bachelor’s in Alternative Medicine and a Master’s in Oriental Medicine, she blends Chinese and Japanese traditions to treat the whole person—body, mind, and spirit. Carolina’s practice is inspired by the concept of Ātmā, the soul, believing that true transformation begins when we reconnect with our deepest selves. Her passion for holistic wellness fuels her mission to create vibrant, balanced communities.
Aliette Penton
Director of New Business Development at Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours and Emerald Cruises
Aliette is a charter luxury sales expert with over 20 years in the cruise industry. She specializes in high-value charter experiences for corporate events, fundraising, and luxury travel across global destinations. With a background at MSC Cruises and Carnival Cruise Lines, Aliette blends creative vision with strategic partnership development. A proud mom and Miami native, she brings warmth, emotional intelligence, and exceptional service to every collaboration.
Gary Diaz
Enterprise IT Advisor
Gary is a Senior Systems Engineer with over 20 years of IT support experience, currently serving executive leadership at Walgreens Boots Alliance. He specializes in enterprise-level technical assistance, cross-functional collaboration, and streamlining IT operations. Gary brings a calm, solutions-focused approach to every challenge, ensuring seamless tech support in high-demand environments.
Melinda Pollard
Founder of Twillie Bryant Creative
Melinda is a creative strategist and relationship builder with nearly two decades of experience across nonprofit leadership, branding, and community engagement. She brings bold ideas to life through storytelling, relationship-centered branding, and experiential events. From launching initiatives like PAINT THE PARK to leading literacy efforts as President of the Friends of the Library, Melinda uses creativity to heal, connect, and elevate purpose. Her mission is to bring value and make a lasting difference in the lives of others.
Carolina Veira
CEO of Latinas in Business
Carolina is a visionary leader and financial strategist with over 20 years of experience in nonprofit and for-profit sectors, championing financial inclusion, economic empowerment, and health equity. As former VP of Development at Habitat for Humanity of Broward, she has led impactful fundraising and partnership initiatives that have raised millions and transformed communities. Carolina’s expertise in strategic planning, DEI, and ESG frameworks makes her a trusted voice in driving sustainable growth and social change. Her community leadership and dedication to fostering equitable access underscore her commitment to helping others rise together.
Paola Martinez
Human Resources Executive
Paola has over 15 years of experience leading talent management and culture transformation across global companies like General Motors, Kraft Foods, and Telefonica Movistar. She brings expertise in strategic leadership, DEI, and organizational development, backed by a Master’s in Human Resources and certifications in MBTI, Lominger, and Mercer systems. Fluent in English and Spanish, Paola applies a data-informed, people-centered approach to building inclusive, high-performing workplaces.
Sheren Valdez
Founder
Sheren is a multifaceted creative and founder of a social media agency and coffee cart that blends connection with craft. With expertise in photography, content creation, and social media strategy, she helps brands grow through authentic storytelling and community-first engagement. Her work reflects a deep belief in purpose-driven creativity—where every post and project uplifts, informs, and inspires.