Meet the WINTER Team
Carlos Torres, Executive Director
Carlos Torres serves as new Executive Director of Women In Non Traditional Employment Roles. Mr. Carlos Torres is native of Puerto Rico, and a US Army veteran. He has over 20 years of professional experience working in the nonprofit sector. After his military service, he moved to Tucson, Arizona where he completed an undergraduate degree in History from the University of Arizona. Shortly thereafter he began his nonprofit career. His roles include advocacy, case management, program design, implementation and evaluation, and capacity building. He has worked with under-resourced communities to connect individuals with the services/programs they need. Over the years Mr. Torres has worked with the formerly incarcerated, survivors of domestic violence, persons living with HIV/AIDS, substance users, persons with mental illness, and the unhoused. Additionally, he holds a graduate degree in Public Administration from the University of Arizona. To contact Mr. Torres, send an email to ctorres@winterwomen.org
Chris Vargas, Apprenticeship Readiness Instructor & Program Coordinator
Chris Vargas is an experienced instructor and trainer. He facilitates pre-apprenticeship curriculum, mental toughness, construction industry work skills & culture and physical training. He connects with apprenticeships and employers to establish collaborations that helps WINTER attract new employers and supporters. He is a shameless advocate for low–income communities and works to increase valuable skills to ready them for the construction industry. He is a photographer, writer and a cinema enthusiast. To contact Mr. Vargas, send an email to cvargas@winterwomen.org.
Andrea Guzman, Resource Navigator
Andrea Guzman, who also goes by the name Ms. AC, has been serving as a Resource Navigator at WINTER since July 2023. She hails from Los Angeles County, where she was born and raised. Ms. AC holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Nutritional Science from CSULA and an MPH from California Baptist University. With numerous years of experience in non-profit organizations, Ms. AC is deeply committed to offering assistance and resources to those in need, aiming to improve not only their lives but also the lives of their families. She is a passionate advocate for raising awareness about mental health and brings this dedication into her work, consistently reminding others about the importance of self-care and mental health awareness. You can get in touch with her via email at acguzman@winterwomen.org.
John Walsh, Job Placement Coordinator
John is a seasoned professional with an unwavering commitment to empowering others. With a diverse background in recruitment across various industries, his academic knowledge of working-class issues, and history in grassroots organizing, John brings a unique blend of skills and passion to his role. Driven by a belief in the transformative power of service, John has consistently exceeded expectations in his career. His leadership in recruitment teams and grassroots campaigns reflects his dedication to driving positive change and fostering meaningful connections. Now serving as a Job Placement Coordinator at WINTER, John's mission-driven approach shines through. He is deeply committed to empowering women in the construction industry, recognizing the vital role of personalized support and mentorship in fostering professional growth and success. John’s philosophy centers on the idea that by helping individuals thrive, we build stronger, more resilient communities for all. To reach Mr. Walsh, please send an email to jwalsh@winterwomen.org.
Luz Flores, Director of Operations
Luz Flores serves as the Director of Operations of Women In Non Traditional Employment Roles (W.I.N.T.E.R) since 2014. Luz has been working in nonprofit agencies since 1995, prior she worked as a school teacher for Los Angeles Unified School District. Luz is an experienced non-profit program manager and is responsible for grant and program management, program daily operations, staff, mentors & volunteer management, recruitment and public relations. Luz was driven to work with low income families, women and youth to assist them with acquiring the necessary tools to become self sufficient after attending college. She is a graduate of CSU Dominguez Hills and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology. Mrs. Flores is also a Certified Trainer in First Aid/CPR/AED and Conflict Resolution/Anger Management. She is an avid reader and enjoys the outdoors. To contact Mrs. Flores, send an email to lflores@winterwomen.org.
Jennyfer Ibarra-McMahon, Outreach Coordinator
Jennyfer Ibarra-McMahon serves as the Outreach Coordinator for WINTER and has a passion for connecting people and building meaningful relationships. Her educational background in Psychology and Chicano Studies has provided her with a deep understanding of the human psyche and the importance of cultural awareness and diversity. She is a passionate advocate for women and opening opportunities for women to access family sustaining wages in the construction and building trades industry. She enjoys theater, polaroid photography, exploring the outdoors, and cooking. To contact Ms. Ibarra-McMahon, send an email to jibarra@winterwomen.org.
Vanessa Valerio, Community Organizer
Vanessa Valerio serves as the Community Organizer at Women In Non Traditional Employment Roles (W.I.N.T.E.R). Her role is to connect with union contractors to WINTER and host networking events between the union and our participants. She studied Graphic Design at Cal State Fullerton, earning her BFA degree in 2018. As she continued at Long Beach City College for a second degree, she started serving the student affairs department, from a graphic lead to mental health advocate and a CalFresh Ambassador, and finally assisting the Basic Needs Program, serving as a graphic + social media lead, pantry management, and a first point for students in crisis. Additionally, she works freelance, working with small businesses to nonprofits, building their mission and voice via branding. Her focus in her work is to give and serve to the community by assisting, inspiring, and giving others the confidence to create a brighter tomorrow. To contact Ms. Valerio, please send an email to vvalerio@winterwomen.org.
Logan Montel, Outreach Coordinator
Logan Montel, an advocate for human rights and social justice, holds degrees in Communications (BA) and International Affairs & Leadership (MA). As the Outreach Coordinator for WINTER, she is committed to dismantling systemic barriers that impede the financial stability of women and marginalized communities. Logan’s dedication extends to connecting individuals with career opportunities that not only ensure financial security but also foster empowerment within a capitalist society. She envisions a world where systemic injustices are addressed, paving the way for universal prosperity and inclusion. In her free time, she enjoys immersing herself in new cultures through travel, savoring diverse cuisines, and fostering connections with people from all walks of life. To contact Ms. Montel, please send an email to lmontel@winterwomen.org.
Larrisa Angeles, Operations Assistant
Larrisa Angeles, a proud Filipina born in Los Angeles, serves as an Operations Assistant at WINTER. She studied International Studies at Miriam College in the Philippines where she earned her BA with a major in Development Studies and a minor in Gender studies. She started volunteering for women’s and social justice organizations in college and has not stopped since then; she continually works to be an advocate for gender equality and social justice. She considers herself a “forever student”, always learning from the people around her and every opportunity given to her. She is an avid basketball fan, reader, foodie and TV show enthusiast. To contact Ms Angeles, send an email to langeles@winterwomen.org
Sergio “Moe” Muro, Apprenticeship Readiness Assistant
Sergio Muro serves as the Apprenticeship Readiness Assistant and has been a long-time volunteer with WINTER for the last 9 years. He is an experienced handyman who enjoys taking items apart and putting them back together. With this knowledge, he joined the WINTER team as an Assistant to the Apprenticeship Instructor and Construction Instructor. To contact Mr. Muro, send an email to smuro@winterwomen.org.
Sean Lira, Program Assistant
Born and raised in California, Sean moved to Long Beach in 2005. Sean graduated from LBCC in 2021 with an A.S. in Computer Security & Networking and is currently an undergraduate at CSUDH, pursuing a B.A. in Labor Studies. Sean is an advocate for worker rights and safety and is committed to supporting underserved and low-income members of the community preparing for jobs in the construction trades. To contact Mr. Lira, send an email to slira@winterwomen.org
Natalia Uscanga, Community Organizer
Natalia Uscanga currently serves as one of our Community Organizers at WINTER. She holds a B.A in Business Administration with a focus in Marketing from California State University, Los Angeles. Natalia has three years of experience working in the nonprofit sector. She has supported advocacy campaigns for Latino communities around economic prosperity opportunities, educational equity, digital inclusion, improving health access and healthy communities, and increasing civic participation and racial inequities. Her experience includes developing and implementing social media platforms and coordinating with programs to share key information with various targeted Latino/a communities (i.e., low-income, undocumented, monolingual Spanish speaking to higher educated, middle to high income, professional Latino/as) and highlight successes. Natalia strives to continue to advocate for low-income community members so they can reach economic success. To contact Ms. Uscanga, please send an email to nuscanga@winterwomen.org.