EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Jessie Garcia Knowles is TLACC’s first-ever Executive Director, returning to Nashville in 2019 after six years in California where she worked in leadership development with area non-profits and higher education institutions. She had previously served as an Assistant Dean of students at Lipscomb University and as Director of Latino Achievers with the YMCA of Middle Tennessee.

Garcia Knowles has served on boards and committees of several civic institutions, including TLACC, the Nashville Public Library and Metro Nashville Public Schools. She currently is the Board Chair for Aventura Community school and a Board Member for PENCIL Foundation and Salama Ministries.

She is fully bilingual and enjoys building community engagement around effective storytelling and authentic relationships.

MEMBERSHIP & PROGRAM DIRECTOR

Sofia Guerrero is a graduate of Trevecca Nazarene University with B.S. in Education. She started her work with TLACC in June 2022 and has since ramped up the Avanzando Program, which has helped close to 100 entrepreneurs in the Middle Tennessee area since its inception.

COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR

Tracy Lopez is a graduate of MTSU with a B.A. in Business Administration. She began her work with TLACC shortly after graduating as Intern and has now returned to the position of Communications Director. She is passionate in building bridges for the BIPOC community to access all opportunities available.

ELLA PROGRAM COORDINATOR

Rosa Rodriguez is a Singer and Songwriter who after going through the ELLA Program herself, began working with the organization to serve other women entrepreneurs in the Middle Tennessee area. Her belief in representation, diversity, and love has guided her in her role with ELLA and in her artistic work.