Profile

Born in Chihuahua, Mexico, Mendoza’s family moved to the United States when she was 11 months old. Mendoza was raised with three other siblings first in rural Wyoming, then the family moved to Brighton. After high school, Mendoza attended Drake University on a full scholarship acquiring a B.S. in business in 1997. She moved to Dallas and began working for In Roads as an intern advisor for the organization. Two years later, Mendoza transferred to Denver’s In Roads corporate in the area of recruiting. Mendoza then became the Branch Manager in Northern Colorado, serving minority students in Boulder, Greeley, and Fort Collins holding that position for the next four years. In 2003 she joined Arrupe Jesuit High School as Assistant Director of the Corporate Work Study Program. Later, Mendoza joined Wells Fargo as a staffing specialist for about a year. Mendoza married Bert Myers, III in 2005 and continued her career. She joined the Latin American Educational Foundation as development director in 2007. In 2009 Mendoza completed a Master’s in public administration from the University of Colorado at Denver. Mendoza is the new executive director of CLLARO, the recent merge of Colorado Latino Forum Leadership Center/LARASA. Mendoza has two children, Bert Myers IV, 4, and Amelia Raksaya, 1 year, 3 months. Mendoza was selected to the prestigious National Hispania Leadership Institute in 2011. Mendoza enjoys spending time with her family.

About CLLARO

Mendoza heads the newly merged organization (LARASA and Colorado Latino Forum). Mendoza adds, “Cllaro is an evolution of LARASA and is an effort to preserve the legacy and honor that is LARASA providing directive vision, leadership training, public policy, research and civic engagement.”

High School Experience

High school was a positive experience and Mendoza recalls being a good student. She adds, “Education was expected, as was respect for teachers and commitment to homework.” She enjoyed the lunch hour at Brighton High where friendships were made.

Message to Youth

“Trust who you think you are and let yourself be the one who defines who you are. Focus on the future not on negativity and strive toward who you want to be.”

Last Word

“My family is my foundation, without my husband and children I would not be where I am. I am honored to be working on behalf of the community.”