Meet the team
The Faces Behind the Movement
At Despierta, our team is made up of passionate, dedicated individuals who believe in the power of community, culture, and connection. Each team member brings unique experience, compassion, and vision to th table—working every day to uplift Latina youth and women in Charlotte.
We are proud to lead with heart and purpose.
Juliana Lozano , MSW, LCSWA
Founder & Executive
Director
Juliana Lozano
MSW, LCSWA
Founder & Executive Director
Juliana Lozano is a first generation Colombian-American bilingual social worker, therapist, and fierce advocate for mental health and community healing. She grew up in Gastonia, North Carolina, and draws from her lived experiences to lead with empathy, purpose, and cultural humility. Juliana holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from UNC Charlotte and a Master’s in Social Work from the University of South Carolina.
As the Founder and Executive Director of Despierta, Juliana is committed to providing culturally responsive mental health support for youth and women navigating trauma, transitions, and identity. She also serves as Vice President of the Umbrella Center Survivor Input Taskforce, where she uplifts survivor voices and promotes systems change.
Outside of her work, Juliana loves spending time with her two children. She enjoys reading, traveling the world, and staying rooted in the community that shaped her perspective and passion.
Melissa LeRoy
Chief Financial
Officer
Melissa Metcalf
Chief Financial Officer
A nonprofit strategist and experienced CFO, Melissa brings over 20 years of experience in organizational development, finance, and grant management. She helps ensure Despierta’s sustainability and growth.
Dr. Sadia Upright, PhD, LCMHCS, CA, BCS, CSOT
Clinical Director
Dr. Sadia Upright
PhD, LCMHCS, CA, BCS, CSOT
Clinical Director
Dr. Upright brings over a decade of experience in mental health, forensic psychology, and trauma support. She is the Clinical Director of Morning Light Wellness and supports Despierta with counseling, strategy, and expertise in culturally responsive mental health care.
Chantal Coutu, BSW
Communications & Operations Manager
Chantal Coutu
Communications & Operations Manager
Chantal is a passionate social worker who was raised in Venezuela until the age of 15, an experience that deeply shaped her dedication to advocacy and community growth. She holds a bachelor’s degree in social work, which she pursued to further her impact within the community. At Despierta, Chantal serves as the Communications and Operations Coordinator, ensuring that day-to-day operations run smoothly while fostering strong relationships through effective partnership communications. Her drive comes from a deep-rooted belief that communities thrive when they uplift and support one another. Outside of work, Chantal finds joy in making pottery, traveling, and spending quality time with her loved ones.
Jazmin Hermosillo-Aguilar
Family Program Manager
Jazmin Hermosillo-Aguilar
Family Program Manager
Jazmin Aguilar is a first-generation Mexican American, born and raised in Charlotte, North Carolina. She is a passionate advocate for women’s rights, women’s empowerment, and the de-stigmatization of mental health within the Latino community. Jazmin earned her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Spanish from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro
She currently serves as the Family Program Manager, where she oversees the Bonita Mama and Mujer Despierta programs, working to create supportive, culturally grounded and empowering spaces for women and families. Jazmin believes deeply in building a better world for our children and future generations.
Sheila Garcia-Garcia
Youth Program Manager
Sheila Garcia-Garcia
Marketing & Youth
Program Coordinator
Sheila is a first-generation Mexican American, born and raised in Charlotte, North Carolina. At Despierta, she serves as the Marketing and Youth Program Coordinator. In this role, she
facilitates the Bonita Rising program at the middle school level. Sheila also manages Despierta’s social media presence and contributes to the organization’s branding efforts.
Her passion is deeply rooted in her own life experiences.
As a graduate of Charlotte- Mecklenburg Schools and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, she is committed to ensuring that all Latinas have access to the support and education they deserve.
Sheila is also a proud sister of Chi Upsilon Sigma National Latin Sorority, Inc., founded in 1980.
Her sorority is recognized as the nation’s first independent, Latin-based sorority.
Maria F. Rodriguez
Communications & Program Support Specialist
Maria Rodriguez
Communications & Program Support Specialist
Maria was born in Mexico and moved to the U.S. at age 11, an experience that inspires her to support others navigating new cultures and communities.
As Despierta’s Communications & Program Support Specialist, she helps facilitate Bonita Rising cohorts and supports external communications through social media, newsletters, and flyers. Music is her escape, she finds joy in journaling, and being surrounded by loved ones.
The Despierta Approach
We are more than a team, we are a reflection of the community we serve. At Despierta, our lived experience, cultural pride, and dedication shape everything we do. We work with heart and humility, creating space for Latinas to grow, lead, and transform their lives.
English 
Spanish