Pocatello

Yvonne Perez, Chair, grew up in American Falls, Idaho. She attended Idaho State University and graduated as a Bachelor of Science in Political Science in 2007 and Master of Public Administration in 2009. Yvonne Perez is currently an AmeriCorps*VISTA volunteer, serving with the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. After completing her service Yvonne plans to pursue a degree in law with an emphasis in immigration.  Yvonne is passionate about serving her community and hopes to use her education and skills to make a difference for low-income families and Latinos everywhere.

Blackfoot

Laura Maciel, Treasurer, attended schools in Grace Idaho and graduated from Idaho State University College of Technology.  A proponent of education, she has several professional certifications.  She is employed as an Employment and Training Specialist by the Community Council of Idaho (formerly Idaho Migrant Council).  Since a large percentage of the Latino population is employed in agriculture, Laura is instrumental in managing programs that assist participants in learning the skills they need for job transition to other sectors of the economy.  An advocate at heart, she donates her time for the betterment of the community.  She co-chaired the eastern Idaho Cinco de Mayo fiesta for many years and was extremely successful in providing academic scholarships to Hispanic young women.

Pocatello

Hank Gonzalez has produced Voz Latina for the past 20 years on Public Access Television, Chanel 12 in Pocatello and Inkom. His viewership includes over 10,000 every weekend. He has served on serveral boards including the Idaho Commission on Hispanic Affairs. He has a bachelors degree in Anthropology with an emphasis on Mesoamerica. Hank has studied the ancient Mayan calendar for many years and has lectured on his findings at several conferences. He is currently writing a book on the Mesoamerican people. Hank loves the arts and has studied under various prestigious dance instructors throughout Mexico. He has taught several children from the local community how to dance traditional Mexican dance and several of these children have become adult instructors throughout Idaho.

OUR TEAM

Jayson Meline, Director of the Latino Economic and Development (LEAD) Center, is a native of Pocatello where he graduated from Pocatello High School in 1985. He pursued a degree in Finance and International Relations from Brigham Young University as well as a Master's Degree in Public Administration from Arizona State University. Additionally, he studied court interpretation and translation at the Monterey Institute of International Studies and law, at Arizona State University as well as at the Universidad Nacional Autónima de México. Jayson recently relocated to eastern Idaho with his family to join the efforts of P4P to promote economic development within the Hispanic community and develop resources to empower opportunity and success for Hispanic entrepreneurs.

He has experience as an author, consultant, lecturer, and presenter regarding immigration, assistance for the disabled and mentally ill, health care, issues related to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act as it pertains to linguistic minorities, as well as economic development of communities. He has provided technical assistance and has served as a consultant and advisor to public officials and community groups in these areas. Prior to joining Partners for Prosperity, he was a certified court interpreter as well as a lead trainer and manager for the Office of Court Interpreter for the Superior Court of Arizona in Maricopa County (Phoenix). Jayson has more than ten years experience as a court interpreter for the US District, Immigration, and state courts. He has served on committees with the Idaho and Arizona Supreme Courts to ensure access to the judicial process, improve the quality of interpretation for non-English speaking litigants and improve access to due process. Before his work as a court interpreter and consultant, Jayson worked in the field of international business for RR Donnelly & Sons as a regional account representative and manager for Latin America. His experience in international business is something he desires to share and apply with the Hispanics who live in his native Idaho to assist them in a successful integration into the marketplace and their communities as self-sufficient and active members of their business community.

Steven Drake, LEAD Instructor, was born in Teton Valley, Idaho, just over the mountain from Jackson Hole, Wyoming. He grew up on a small dairy farm on the beautiful Teton River. Like his father, Steven would troubleshoot and problem solve constantly in his early years which was particularly helpful through college, 10 years in the Army Reserves, Idaho National Guard, and other academic experiences. In 1990, Steven served a two-year mission for his church in Veracruz, Mexico. While there he learned to love the culture, the food, and Mexico’s rich history. It was during this two year period that Steven realized how much he wanted to play a part in improving economic conditions between Mexico and the United States. After graduating with his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a minor in International Commerce, Steven was selected to represent the State of Idaho in Guadalajara, Mexico as a trade intern on exports at the Idaho-Mexico Trade Offices. While there, his bilingual services were used to compile research on bean seed import requirements and assist the law firm Malacara and Guzmán in the preparation of applications to the U.S. Patents and Trademark Office. At the conclusion of the trade internship, Steven returned to Pocatello, Idaho, and finished his Masters of Business Administration with an emphasis in Computer Information Systems at Idaho State University. He is employed at TetriDyn Solutions headquartered in Pocatello. TetriDyn builds integrative software for the medical industry and bio referencing systems for the livestock industry. Steven works with their clientele all over the country in the implementation, support, and consultation of their company’s products. Steven is also Scoutmaster of Troop 212 and the District Chair for the Boy Scouts in the Blackfoot District. Whether it is at home, at work, or scouting, Steven loves sharing ideas, meeting new people and the chance to learn from others and teach skills that will help others succeed. Steven and his wife Merri Ann, have three children: Gregory, Olivia, and Annie Rebecca.