Meet Our Team

Abraham moved to Florida in 2018 and joined Catalyst Miami in 2019 as Community Prosperity Coordinator. While getting his Bachelor’s in Public Health at Brigham Young University - Idaho, he was a Hispanic advocate who helped domestic violence victims and later coordinated care for patients in need of services they couldn't afford. His desire to help others comes from different angles; for example, he would like to help the community by making sure public funds are not poorly administered. For this reason, he is currently working toward a Master’s in Public Administration.

Aidil joined Catalyst Miami in 2016. She develops strategies and programming to support the organization’s coalition building and advocacy efforts. She previously served as Vice President of Policy and Advocacy. 

She provides support to various other organizations to further social justice in Miami, as well as across the state. Towards this goal, she also serves on several boards including the Miami Workers Center, the Anthropocene Alliance, Miami-Dade County’s Commission on Human Rights, and is the President of the South Florida Chapter of the National Lawyers Guild. 

Previously, Aidil was an attorney and pro bono coordinator for Americans for Immigrant Justice, where she represented and advocated on behalf of immigrants, including unaccompanied children, and oversaw the pro bono program.  She has also worked for various other nonprofits and served as a consultant to various community organizations and groups to empower and improve the lives of vulnerable and underserved populations. In 2009, her research was published in Churches and Charity in the Immigrant City: Religion, Immigration, and Civic Engagement in Miami. 

Aidil holds a Master’s degree in Comparative Sociology from Florida International University and a JD from Fordham University. She is passionate about protecting our planet and making the world a more just, mindful, joyful, and equitable home for us all.

Alyssa officially joined Catalyst Miami in May 2019 after working with the Public Allies Miami program as a graduate-level intern. She comes from a mental health background, having received a B.A. in Psychology and a master’s degree in Social Work from Florida International University, and is currently licensed as a clinical therapist in the state of Florida. As Operations Manager, she is involved in every department in some capacity, using her skills to assist in maintaining procedures and protocols for the organization. Not only does she have experience with Catalyst Miami’s direct services and community engagement teams, but she is a strong advocate for policy reform and seeks out opportunities to participate in problem-solving collaborations related to health equity, wealth-building and human rights. She will be going to law school in the near future to specialize in Appellate Law, where she hopes to eventually become a federal judge for the U.S. Circuit Courts of Appeals.

Anaruth currently serves as the Policy & Advocacy Manager for Catalyst Miami. Previously she acted as Community Engagement Coordinator for South Dade, which gave her the chance to work alongside residents getting more involved in their neighborhoods. As the Policy & Advocacy Manager, she is dedicated to promoting more democratic, just, and equitable forms of policy across Miami-Dade County, bringing that same passion for change from her previous role. Anaruth graduated from Florida International University with a Bachelor's in Political Science. In December 2021 she obtained her Master's in Public Administration & Nonprofit Management from Barry University.

Camilo Mejia’s background as a peace and immigrant rights activist is what originally led him to Catalyst Miami, where he currently serves as Director of Policy and Advocacy, and where his work revolves around community-led policy and engagement initiatives designed to build collective power and achieve collective gains, with a special focus on housing, climate, financial and health equity. Camilo has a bachelor's degree in Psychology and a master's in conflict resolution. He lives in Coconut Grove with his daughter.

As Catalyst Miami's communications director, Carolina defines, develops, and carries out the organization's internal and external communications. She is responsible for leading org-wide, as well as programming-specific, communications strategy; upholding the organization's mission and community-identified priorities in all messaging and materials; planning targeted outreach campaigns; overseeing day-to-day project management; and supporting her staff with the tools they need to ensure their programs achieve and exceed their desired reach. Passionate about problem-solving, passing the microphone, and pushing forward systems change, Carolina views her role as an opportunity to help amplify the wisdom of Miami's frontline communities. 

Carolina began her professional career in 2012 as the first bilingual creative writer for Hallmark Cards, Inc. During her almost six years there, she created a multitude of products -- from children's books to greeting cards, jingles to various 3D products -- in English and Spanish. She kickstarted important conversations and launched innovative projects that increased diversity, inclusion and empathy across the organization, leading her team to win the "Walk the Talk" award from Hallmark's CEO. Upon moving back to Miami, she was the lead copywriter and creative strategist for a full-scale local marketing agency. Carolina brings both breadth and depth of expertise as a result of her years working at global and local enterprises.

Prior to entering the professional world, Carolina did three internships in media -- news radio station WIOD, top-40 radio station Y-100, and local newspaper Miami New Times -- in addition to working as an editor at her university newspaper. 

Carolina served as a volunteer medical interpreter at a free clinic for five years and helped launch a literacy program in Kansas City's inner-city schools. Whenever she gets the chance, she volunteers with humanitarian organizations in her father's hometown of Cartagena, Colombia. 

Charlene Francois serves as the Worker-Owned Enterprises Manager at Catalyst Miami. She brings experience in workshop facilitation, food justice and youth development. Prior to joining Catalyst, Charlene worked with Care Resource Community Health Centers, Inc. Charlene believes in the transformative power of democratic workplaces and cooperative economics. She has the heart of a visionary and is committed to advocating on behalf of love, justice, and equity. Charlene holds a BA from Columbia University.

Chelsea serves as the Development Director for Catalyst Miami, overseeing and supporting fundraising activities. She joined the organization in 2022. In this role, she brings experience from the philanthropic sector to support the organization’s annual operations and program development. Previously, Chelsea served various roles at The Miami Foundation, managing competitive grant programs, in addition to leading nonprofit engagement for Give Miami Day, an annual giving event aimed at growing support for Miami-Dade County nonprofits. Originally from the Pacific Northwest, Chelsea graduated from Western Washington University with a Bachelor of Arts in Cultural Anthropology, Spanish, and Latin American Studies. Since then, she has worked with nonprofits in the US and in South America in areas related to education reform and social justice.

Chris serves as Financial Capability Director where he oversees all asset building initiatives that Catalyst Miami offers. In his previous role, he helped create Future Bound Miami, Florida’s first Children’s Savings Account (CSA) program. He is dedicated to enhancing economic stability for all through financial coaching, education, and asset building. Previously, Chris was Director of Social Impact at WorkSquare. He has held several roles within organizations such as Miami Dade College, Branches, and the United Way Center for Financial Stability. He graduated from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro with a Bachelor of Arts and the University of South Florida with a Master of Education.

Chris serves as Senior Director of Community Ownership at Catalyst Miami, supporting the development of real estate cooperatives. Leveraging an extensive background in real estate development, he most recently served as Head of Development and Investor Relations as well as General Counsel with Florida Value Partners. Earlier, Chris served as Development Associate for Related Urban Development Group where he facilitated multiple public-private, master-plan community projects. Before Related, Chris managed strategic initiatives, business development, and legal projects for the executive team at Lennar Corporation / Lennar International. He earned his JD from Florida International University and an MBA from the University of Miami.

Chris joined the Catalyst Miami team due to his long-held interest in and commitment to building a more just and inclusive economy that reduces systemic marginalization and expands wealth-building opportunities both within/across the local communities in Miami and beyond. He serves as a board member of Women with Broken Heals and of SMASH: Struggle for Miami’s Affordable & Sustainable Housing. Chris provides pro-bono legal services and supports those in need from or in Cuba and many others who are referred to him.

Cristina has over fourteen years of experience as an office administrator and worked for local businesses, police departments, and city governments before her position at Catalyst Miami. She has her Bachelor of Science Degree in Office Systems Technology and is currently finishing a second degree in Translation and Interpretation Studies at Miami Dade College. Cristina has two boys and is a passionate advocate for the city, having worked with the Miami Workers Center and other local organizations on issues of housing justice. She is active in the Catalyst community and has participated in many in-house offerings, bringing personal expertise to her role as the Intake Coordinator.

Destini Smith serves as the Leadership Program Manger with the Policy and Advocacy department. Prior to joining Catalyst in July 2021, Destini worked with Urban Strategies Inc. as a Family Support Specialist II where she assisted families in navigating various systems to reach the goal of a stable and thriving household. She also served as founding staff and fitness coach for the Atlanta non-profit, Noble Clay Fitness, providing access to quality fitness and health coaching to low-wealth communities. She has also done affordable housing and equity work as a Community Building Fellow with Emory University and the Center for Pan Asian Community Services. Destini has a passion for empowering youth leaders and igniting Christians to pursue equity and justice. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Community Building and Social Change from Emory University; and she is excited to practice all that she is learning in her Community Building and Social Change Masters of Education program at the University of Miami.

Diego A. Lazcano, MPA has over eight years of experience in grassroots organizing, public advocacy, legislative, and campaign work in over six different states. Born and raised in Miami with experience working all over the county and state, Diego has unique insight into the issues that our community faces, and the ways by which we could address them. He has studied at Villanova, Georgetown, and Syracuse, most recently graduating from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse with his MPA. Diego’s experience and education have allowed him to develop a skill set that reflects his ability to effectively research, analyze, and engage various constituencies/communities/stakeholders in a strategic and coordinated manner.

Fatou has 10+ years of experience working in the nonprofit sector and has interests in applied epidemiology and program development. She became interested in the public health field by observing inequities in underserved communities along with low levels of health literacy and its effects on a population’s disease conditions, living situations and overall health. Her interest in supporting low-wealth communities is rooted in her lived experiences as a Senegalese-American. She's been involved in founding and consulting a non-profit foundation, supporting community-based programs, and using research data to plan and execute community interventions in underserved populations. She obtained her Bachelor of Science in Public Health from the University of South Florida and is pursuing a Master of Public Health from the University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine. 

Gustavo relocated to Miami in 2014 from Venezuela, where he obtained his specializations in criminal justice and administrative law. His passion for financial education and community service drove him to volunteer for the Economic Mobility Corp program and pursue studies as a financial coach. Outside of work, Gustavo is a culture and gastronomy enthusiast. He loves pets and his favorite hobbies are traveling, and spending quality time with his family.

Manuel joined Catalyst as a contractor in August 2019 and has since taken the role of Data & Evaluation Manager, where he manages data and operating procedures to improve processes and data reporting that the staff and clients depend on.

Maria Claudia currently serves as the Climate Justice Policy Manager at Catalyst Miami. Within this role she is able to connect with community members throughout Miami-Dade County, engaging them in equitable climate policy at the local, state, and federal levels. Maria Claudia began her career as a place-based climate educator designing experiential courses for high school students. She later worked with educators and youth supporting the implementation of climate education in classrooms throughout the East Coast of the United States. Outside of work, Maria Claudia engages in activities that foster joy and nurture community.

Monica moved to Miami in 2003 from Guatemala, where she volunteered for five years in a literacy program helping children and adults. While attending college at FIU, she was a part of the FIU Finance and Management Association where she created and promoted free of charge programs that helped develop and enhance the basic financial practices for its members and non-members. She is happy to continue to serve the community.

Nathalie Setoute serves as the Small Business Support Manager for Catalyst Miami. She brings to the team her background in community organizing and empowerment. Nathalie has a heart for underserved communities and hopes to empower impacted people and connect them to the resources they need to thrive. Prior to Catalyst Miami, Nathalie worked as an educator and has extensive experience in nonprofits. Her goal is to bridge programming and community work together to accomplish and implement initiatives that are practical, effective, and sustainable for everyone. She earned her B.S. and M.S. Degrees in Public Administration from Florida International University.

A graduate of SUNY Albany with a B.A. in Africana Studies, Nicole is currently the Overtown Community Engagement Manager, a community where she lives and serves. With a strong commitment to eliminating wealth, education and health disparities in marginalized communities of color, Nicole’s passion has been that of bridging the gaps affecting Black women's overall well-being. This, she attributes to her belief that educating and helping to empower a woman liberates an entire community. The legacy that Nicole endeavors to leave is one of love, faith, peace, joy and hope.

Staycie is the Senior Children’s Savings Manager with the Future Bound Miami Program. Experienced in working in the nonprofit realm, Staycie worked at The Miami Foundation and Barry University — with students and parents as a Student Advisor and later on with Faculty Members as a Senior Grants Specialist. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice and an MBA from Nova Southeastern University. Staycie is passionate about financial literacy and is dedicated to helping create a better future for the next generation. A foodie at heart, in her free time, Staycie will be found either cooking or enjoying delicious meals.