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
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 Metcalf
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
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor
Dr. Sadia Upright
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor
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
Communications & Operations Coordinator
Chantal Coutu
Communications & Operations Coordinator
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.
Jazmín Hermosillo
Mujer Despierta Program Coordinator
Jazmín Hermosillo
Mujer Despierta Program Coordinato
Jazmin is a first-generation Mexican American, born and raised in Charlotte, NC. At Despierta, she serves as the Mujer Despierta Manager. In this role, she provides support to new residents to Mecklenburg County and assists to guide these women in navigating public, social and mental health resources, while assisting them to build community.
Her passion is deeply rooted in her lived experiences and wanting to be the representation in
the Latinx Community that she did not have growing up. She believes in being the change you want to see in the community, so being an advocate for women empowerment, mental health normalization, social and emotional wellness is her greatest passion. On her free time Jazmin enjoys crafting, reading, dancing, and spending time on the Softball Field with her girls.
Heidy Rangel, BSW
Youth Program
Manager
Heidy Argueta
Youth Program Manager
Heidy is a proud Latina from New York with a deep passion for cultivating spaces where young people—especially girls—feel empowered, valued, and seen. As the Youth Program Manager at Despierta, she leads both Bonita Rising and Bonita Mama, supporting youth-centered programs that focus on healing, leadership, and self-discovery.
Her drive comes from her own lived experiences and a strong belief that every young person deserves to grow up grounded in their power and identity. Outside of Despierta, Heidy enjoys journaling, spending time in nature, and creating spaces that inspire reflection and joy.
Sheila Garcia
Marketing & Youth Program Coordinator
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 with 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.
Mileya Williams
President of Despierta Teen Advisory Board
Mileya Williams
President of Despierta Teen Advisory Board
Mileya is a high school junior from Denver, NC, with plans to pursue a degree in clinical social work. She brings fresh energy and compassion to Despierta’s team, supporting programs while learning how to make a difference in the lives of others.
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 huminity, creating space for Latinas to grow, lead, and transform their lives.