Together Neighborhood Development Alliance staff holds over 110 years of combined experience in counseling and real estate development. We are cross trained and certified through multiple state and national entities.

OUR TEAM

María is a Mexican-born leader with more than 25 years of experience serving immigrant and underserved communities in the Twin Cities. As Executive Director of NeDA, she brings both lived experience and deep professional expertise in finance and business administration to her work.

María has spent her career ensuring that Spanish-speaking families have fair access to housing, financial tools, and community resources. Her leadership centers culturally rooted, bilingual outreach and strong partnerships with community leaders who reflect the neighborhoods NeDA serves.

At NeDA, María guides organizational strategy, program development, and community-centered initiatives designed to reduce stigma, expand opportunity, and empower families to seek the support they deserve. Her approach blends practical solutions with a strong belief in dignity, representation, and belonging.

Outside of work, María enjoys potlucks, gardening, bowling, and cooking shows. As a lifelong Star Trek fan, she brings the show’s values—fairness, inclusion, and community-building—into her leadership every day.

Contact Her at 651-292-0131.

Alma has been a trusted resource for families on Saint Paul’s West Side since joining NeDA in 2018. Originally from Mexico, Alma immigrated to Minnesota in 1993 and has spent more than three decades living, working, and raising her family in the very community she now serves. Her lived experience as an immigrant, longtime resident, and bilingual advisor deeply shapes her approach to supporting first‑generation and Latino homebuyers.

With a background in finance, insurance, and the homebuying industry, Alma brings both technical knowledge and cultural understanding to her work. She meets families where they are, offering patient guidance, financial coaching, and homeownership education that is accessible, practical, and grounded in real-life experience.

At NeDA’s Centro de Finanzas, Alma also supports clients through down payment assistance and Fix-Up lending, helping individuals and families move toward stability, opportunity, and long-term assets. Her clients describe her as steady and someone who walks alongside them throughout their financial journey, celebrating their progress and helping them overcome obstacles.

A proud mother of three, Alma values family above all and brings that same sense of care and commitment to her work. Outside the office, she enjoys walking in her neighborhood and tending her garden, grounding herself in the community that has shaped her life.

Alma’s dedication, empathy, and deep community roots make her a trusted guide for families working to build a secure financial future.

Email her at asanchez@nedahome.org or call 651-292-0131 x 259.

Roberto joined NeDA in 2025, bringing 20+ years of experience helping Latino families navigate the path to homeownership. Originally from Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico, Roberto has lived in Saint Paul since 2004 and is deeply connected to the neighborhoods NeDA serves. As a bilingual advisor and trusted community resource, he provides guidance that is culturally grounded, accessible, and focuses on helping families build long-term stability.

Before joining NeDA, Roberto worked as a licensed realtor serving families across the Twin Cities and greater Minnesota. His experience supporting first‑generation and immigrant homebuyers gives him a unique understanding of the barriers—and opportunities—within the homebuying process. He has helped many families secure safe, stable housing and build the kind of generational assets that strengthen communities.

Roberto also brings private‑sector experience in logistics for international companies, which strengthened his capacity to manage complex transactions and support families through every step of their homeownership journey. His approach blends professionalism with genuine care, ensuring families feel confident, informed, and supported.

Outside of work, Roberto enjoys cooking, exploring new places, riding motorcycles, watching movies, and spending time with his family. His warmth, cultural connection, and deep commitment to community make him a valued guide for families striving to achieve their homeownership goals.

Email him at rramirez@nedahome.org or call 651-292-0131 x 222.

Aurora joined NeDA in 2019 and plays a key role in supporting the financial operations that keep NeDA’s programs running smoothly. Originally from León, Guanajuato, México, Aurora brings both lived experience and strong community ties to her work. As a bilingual staff member and long-time advocate for customer-centered service, she ensures that NeDA’s financial systems reflect accuracy, transparency, and care for the families we serve.

Before joining NeDA, Aurora built a career in hospitality, management, and coaching teams in excellent customer service—experience that shaped her ability to connect with people, anticipate needs, and support community-facing work with compassion and professionalism. At NeDA, she manages databases, software systems, and day‑to‑day financial processes, including elements of the organization’s loan portfolio. Her behind‑the‑scenes contributions ensure that families and staff have the support they need to thrive.

Aurora is known for her dependability and dedication to helping others. She believes in the power of community-focused work and values the relationships she builds with clients and colleagues. Outside of the office, she enjoys crafting, creating handmade cards, designing home décor, and spending time with her family, friends, and her beloved dog, Bella.

Aurora’s commitment, cultural connection, and genuine care make her an essential part of NeDA’s work to strengthen and uplift the community.

Email her at atucker@nedahome.org or call our front desk, 651-292-0131.

Ariela joined NeDA in 2024 and is often the first friendly voice and welcoming presence that families encounter when reaching out for support. Born and raised in Minnesota to a family from Morelos, Mexico, Ariela brings bilingual communication skills, cultural understanding, and a strong commitment to serving the Latino community. Her lived experience allows her to create a space where clients feel welcomed, respected, and supported as they begin their financial or homeownership journey.

With experience in administrative support since 2021 and a multi‑year internship at ECMC Group, Ariela has developed organizational and client‑service skills. At NeDA, she helps families schedule appointments, enroll in workshops, and connect with the right advisor, ensuring that every client receives timely and compassionate assistance. Her work behind the scenes strengthens NeDA’s ability to serve the community with efficiency, warmth, and care.

Ariela is passionate about helping others and making a positive impact in people’s lives—especially within the Latino community she identifies with and proudly supports. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time in nature, gardening, and being with her family. She hopes to travel the world someday and dreams of rescuing animals along the way.

Ariela’s kindness, cultural connection, and dedication to community make her an essential part of NeDA’s client‑support team.

Email her at aperez@nedahome.org or call our front desk, 651-292-0131.

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