our story
The relationship between many Southwestern States in the US and Mexico is not only rooted in geographic proximity but also in deep political, cultural, and economic ties. The Mexican-American Policy Alliance (MAPA), is a collaboration to strengthen cross-border ties between the US Southwest, in particular California, and Mexico.
As corrosive forces elevate narratives of division, anti-immigrant sentiment, and polarization attempting to drive a wedge between Mexico and the United States, Southwestern states must lead the way towards a bold 21st century vision of collective prosperity, and cultural and economic integration with our neighbor to the south.
MAPA recognizes the critical importance of strengthening this partnership and working with Mexico's executive branch, strategic ministries, the Senate, and federal and local legislative bodies to enhance cross-border dialogue, build trust, and foster joint solutions to shared challenges.
our advisors
Our Advisory Board draws its members from diverse backgrounds to contribute insights on binational issues, facilitate partnerships, and help us shape policies that enhance collaboration and understanding between the Southwest US and Mexico.
Asm. David Alvarez,
Asm. David Alvarez,
Chair of California-Mexico Affairs Select Committee
Sen. Edgar Flores
Sen. Edgar Flores
State Senator, Nevada
Angelica Salas
Angelica Salas
Executive Director, CHIRLA
Jeff Penichet
Jeff Penichet
Board Member, Mexican American Opportunity Foundation
Sen. Richard Polanco
Sen. Richard Polanco
Former State Senator, California
Rep. Mariana Sandoval
Rep. Mariana Sandoval
State Representative, Arizona
Sen. Catherine Miranda
Sen. Catherine Miranda
State Senator, Arizona
Efrain Escobedo
Efrain Escobedo
CEO, Center for Nonprofit Management
rep. Ramón Romero Jr.
rep. Ramón Romero Jr.
Texas State Representative, Chair of the Mexican American Legislative Caucus
Eduardo Garcia
Eduardo Garcia
Former State Assemblymember, California
Victor Manuel Perez
Victor Manuel Perez
Supervisor, Riverside County 4th District
Diana Alarcón
Diana Alarcón
Alternate Executive Director, World Bank
Javier Martinez
Javier Martinez
Speaker of the House, New Mexico House of Representatives
Martin Cabrera Jr.
Martin Cabrera Jr.
CEO & Founder, Cabrera Capital Markets
Cástulo de la Rocha
Cástulo de la Rocha
President and CEO, Altamed
Francisco J. Silva
Francisco J. Silva
President & Chief Executive Officer, California Primary Care Association (CPCA) Esq.
Sen. Celina Villanueva
Sen. Celina Villanueva
State Senator, Illinois
Sen. Omar Aquino
Sen. Omar Aquino
State Senator, Illinois
Affiliation provided for identification
purposes only.
our team
Arturo Carmona
Arturo Carmona
President
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Arturo Carmona
📧 Arturo@tzunu.com | LinkedInArturo Carmona is Co-Founder of MAPA and is a nationally recognized communications and public affairs leader with nearly two decades of experience uniting communities around critical social and political issues. As CEO of Tzunu Strategies and head of the Latino Media Collaborative, Arturo brings deep expertise in policy, strategy, and coalition building across the U.S. and Latin America. He has served as a senior advisor to major campaigns—including Bernie Sanders and Andrés Manuel López Obrador—and worked with leading media and advocacy organizations like ImpreMedia and MALDEF. Widely recognized as a powerful spokesperson for the Latino community, his work has been featured in CNN, MSNBC, The New York Times, Univision, and more. Arturo lives in California and enjoys traveling and spending time with his children.
Tayrin Riojas
Tayrin Riojas
Co-Executive Director
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Tayrin Riojas
📧 tayrin.selina@lazosinternational.org | LinkedInTayrin S. Riojas is Co-Founder of MAPA and is the CEO and Founder of Lazos International, an influential binational government relation firm focused on U.S.–Mexico cross-border policy and diplomacy. She has led high-level delegations for federal and state officials, served as Chief Advisor to the Select Committee on California-Mexico Cooperation, and is Vice President of the Texas-Mexico Binational Commission. Her work builds binational bridges of leadership, advances cooperation in shared solutions, supports sustainable energy growth, and drives meaningful change. With a proven record of aligning U.S. and Mexican public and private leaders, she brings rare expertise and critical access to complex negotiations.
A former Google Policy Campaign Brand Manager, Tayrin also serves as President of Fuerza y Unidad Hispana, a nonprofit promoting civic engagement among diverse Latino communities.
She holds a B.A. in Political Science, a B.A. in International Relations, and minors in Italian and French from Pepperdine University, as well as a Master’s in Applied Economics from the University of Maryland.
Nora Preciado
Nora Preciado
Co-Executive Director
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Nora Preciado
Nora@tzunu.com | LinkedIn
Nora Preciado is Co-Founder of MAPA and is a seasoned social justice leader with more than 20 years of experience advancing immigrant rights.
Nora Preciado is a seasoned social justice leader with nearly 20 years of experience advancing immigrant rights. She currently serves as Chief Operating Officer at Tzunu. Previously, she directed Mayor Eric Garcetti’s Office of Immigrant Affairs, advising on policies impacting Los Angeles’ immigrant communities. Her legal career includes over a decade at the National Immigration Law Center, as well as roles at the ACLU of Southern California and as an adjunct professor at Loyola Law School. Nora serves on advisory committees for national immigration organizations and holds a law degree from UC Berkeley and a BA from UC Davis.
Juan Torres
Juan Torres
Vice President of Policy
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Juan Torres
jtorres@tzunu.comJuan Carlos Torres is Co-Founder of MAPA and brings over 20 years of legislative expertise, having served in both chambers of the California State Legislature including leadership roles such as Deputy Chief of Staff to Speaker Anthony Rendon. He has played a pivotal role in advancing landmark policies on envir onmental justice, education access for undocumented students, climate change, housing, and labor rights. Juan has also led efforts to promote Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion within the Assembly, including the hiring of its first Equity Advisor. A former Chief of Staff to key legislators and a trusted advisor on board appointments and delegation diplomacy, he continues to champion policies that uplift disadvantaged communities. Juan holds a BA in Political Science and Chicano Studies from Loyola Marymount University, and lives in Sacramento with his wife and two daughters.
Katia Lopez
Katia Lopez
Program Manager
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Katia Lopez
Katia@tzunu.comKatia Lopez is a first-generation Chicana and lifelong resident of the Coachella Valley, driven by a passion to uplift communities facing systemic health and education challenges. A graduate of UC Irvine with degrees in Anthropology and Political Science, she also completed the UC Center Sacramento program focused on politics and policymaking. Katia has served her community in multiple roles—from interning for Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia to working as a Health Navigator and COVID-19 Contact Tracer. She is an active Delegate for California’s 56th Assembly District and a member of the Coachella Valley Young Professionals Network. Outside of work, she enjoys live music, Disney parks, and exploring new restaurants.
Contact us
360 E. 2nd Street
Suite 800
Los Angeles CA 90012
Info@mexampolicy.org