Bolívar Network Leadership

Claudia Castañeda graduated in 2017 from the University of Virginia with a double major in Foreign Affairs and Spanish Literature and Culture. At UVA, she participated in the Latinx Student Alliance as a Community Outreach Chair, as a mentor in the Peer Mentoring Program, as a volunteer for Southwood and Sin Barreras, and lived at La Casa Bolívar. After her time at UVA, she volunteered with AmeriCorps and Peace Corps and in 2023, she finished a master’s in International Economics and Latin American Studies at Johns Hopkins SAIS. Currently, she works at an EdTech Nonprofit in New York.

Claudia Bonilla graduated from the University of Virginia in 2017 and double majored in American Politics and Spanish Literature and Culture. At UVA, she was part of the Latinx Student Alliance, the Peer Mentoring Program, and La Casa Bolívar. After UVA, Claudia worked in nonprofits focused on higher education policy and workforce development through a lens of economic mobility. Most recently, Claudia works at a nonprofit focused on advocating for older adults where she conducts policy research and analysis to support the development of the organization’s public policy priorities and positions.

Karly Fuentes-Paredes is a Class of 2024 graduate from the University of Virginia’s McIntire School of Commerce, where she earned her B.S. in Commerce with concentrations in Marketing, Information Technology, and Strategic Brand Consulting. As a first-generation student, Karly was highly engaged on Grounds through CIO involvement inclusive of PMP, PLUMAS, and COLA. She also supported UndocUVA’s mission as Social Media Chair, engaged with prospective Latino students through the Outreach Student Admissions Committee, helped establish the chapter of ALPFA at UVA, and fostered the community of Latinos in business as President of the Latinx Student Network at McIntire. Some key highlights of Karly’s time at UVA were studying abroad in Milan, Italy, reaching NSAC Nationals through the Promotions class, and becoming an Hermana of Sigma Lambda Upsilon/Señoritas Latinas Unidas Sorority, Inc.

Originally from Northern Virginia, Karly now resides in New York City where she begins her career as a Marketing Analyst at a financial services institution. She is excited to join the Board as a new graduate and supporting Bolivar’s growing alumni network!

Abril Sanchez Quiero is a Class of 2024 graduate from the University of Virginia’s College of Arts and Sciences, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Biology.

During her time at UVA, she was actively involved with Hoos First Look and the LADYS Program, mentoring and supporting students in their pursuit of higher education. She also volunteered with Madison House as a Spanish Patient Ambassador and gained valuable patient care experience working at the UVA Hospital as a phlebotomist. In addition, Abril helped revive and became an Hermana of Sigma Lambda Upsilon/Señoritas Latinas Unidas Sorority, Inc.

Currently, Abril is working in healthcare and looks forward to advancing her career through continued education and training in the medical field.

Flavia Bernedo graduated from the University of Virginia in 2024 with a B.S.Ed. in Kinesiology from the School of Education and Human Development. During her time on Grounds, she was actively involved as an Hermana of the Revival Line of Sigma Lambda Upsilon/Señoritas Latinas Unidas Sorority, Inc., where she developed a deep passion for leadership, mentorship, and service within the Latinx community.

She also participated in UndocUVA, the Coalition of Latinx Organizations (COLA), the Future Physician Assistant Society (FPAS), the Peer Mentoring Program (PMP), volunteered with Sin Barreras, and contributed to kinesiology research.

Originally from Lima, Peru and raised in Northern Virginia, Flavia currently works as an Ophthalmic Surgical Medical Assistant and volunteers in clinical settings that support immigrant and underserved populations. She will begin her next chapter as a Physician Assistant student at The George Washington University, Class of 2028, continuing her commitment to advancing diversity and compassion in healthcare.

Flavia is honored to serve on the Bolívar Board and looks forward to continuing to uplift, connect, and empower the Latinx alumni community.

I’m a UVA alum who now works in Student Affairs at the University of Virginia, with a background in Computer Science and Anthropology and a constant curiosity about how humans and technology help us make meaning. I’m a Venezuelan native who loves good coffee, making obscure playlists, and endlessly perfecting my chocolate chip cookie recipe.

Leon Arceo is a Class of 2025 graduate from the McIntire School of Commerce at UVA, where he concentrated in Marketing and Accounting. During his time on Grounds, he was highly involved in various organizations covering the arts, professional development, and cultural unity, including Fashion For a Cause, CRAVE, VA Advertising/Promotions, Commerce Cohort, Madison House C.A.S.H, Photo Editor of The Cavalier Daily, President of the Latinx Student Network, and Chapter President of La Unidad Latina, Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity, Inc. Originally from Alexandria, VA, Leon now resides in New York City, as an Account Executive for The Sasha Group.

Cinthia is an experienced manager, investment banker and entrepreneur, with particular expertise in corporate development, strategy, finance and planning. She currently works in the Hispanic Society Museum & Library, where she leads Development. She has previously worked at Lehman Brothers, Citigroup, Deloitte & Touche and Goldman Sachs. Cinthia has a broad international exposure working in the United States, Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Latin America. She founded, grew and sold a children’s clothing company. She also sits on the board of ProMujer International and For a Brighter Venezuela. Cinthia is a native of Bolivia. She holds a BS from University of Virginia and received her Harvard MBA in 2002.

Aslan Azar is a McIntire ’23 graduate who is half Mexican and Iranian and lives in the DMV area. In between his work as an Account Executive for Amazon Web Services (AWS), Aslan is an avid runner who’s passionate about community engagement and helping uplift the Hispanic and Latino community.