General Board Members
Yvette Martínez
Academic Committee
Yvette Martínez has been part of Nuestras Raíces for about 20 years. This includes being a former dancer, Academic Coordinator (3 years), and a Board Member. Nuestras Raíces has given Yvette Martínez a space to learn, grow, and assist dance members along the way. This has created wonderful memories and deep-rooted connections that have been her guiding force in her personal path and as a group member. Ms. Martínez believes that Nuestras Raíces helped her achieve her personal educational goals: completing a B.A. in Psychology and an M.S. in Child Development. Yvetter Martínez can’t express her gratitude enough and hopes to continue to contribute her time with Nuestras Raíces, helping to enrich and guide the younger generations to come. She considers Nuestras Raíces her family.
Darlene Andrade
Academic Committee
Financial Committee
Darlene Andrade is one of the founding members of Nuestras Raíces. She started dancing with the organization in 1996, when she was eight years old. She continued dancing for several years and in college began to serve on the Board of Directors. In 2009, Darlene graduated from UCLA with a B.A. in History and Chicana/o Studies. In 2012, she received her Master’s Degree and Teaching Credential from UCLA. Since then, Darlene has been teaching in public charter schools in Los Angeles where she strives to close the achievement gap and provide students with a high quality education. She is currently one of our dance instructors at Nuestras Raíces. Ms. Darlene practices yoga and meditation and believes that physical and mental activity and dance are fundamental to self-development.
Mariana Cervantes
Academic Committee
Mariana Cervantes has been a member of Nuestras Raíces for more than 16 years. She continued dancing through her undergraduate degree. After graduating high school, Mariana started at El Camino College pursuing her A.A in Behavioral Social Science and transferred to UCLA in 2018. During her time at UCLA, she was a strong advocate for transfer students creating a more transfer receptive space at UCLA. In 2020, Mariana graduated with her B.A in Chicana/o/x Studies with a minor in Spanish. Mariana is a Program Coordinator for a TRIO-Talent Search program at California State University, Dominguez Hills serving high school students and their families understanding and navigating the college admissions process and creating a college-going culture at home. She proudly serves the community of Watts. She strives to create a more transfer receptive space within the Academic Program. Mariana is passionate about guiding students in their higher education journeys while incorporating culture along the way.
Wendy Antonio
COVID-19 Safety Committee
Wendy Antonio and her family have been part of Nuestras Raíces for 7 years. She first joined the organization when her older daughter started dancing, a few years later her younger daughter became a dancer as well.
Wendy recently joined the group as a dancer and also as a general Board Member. She graduated from California State University of Long Beach with a B.S in Mechanical Engineering. She is currently working in Education at a local high school . She enjoys working with our youth and being able to give back to our community by supporting and helping not only her students but also their families.