NAHCC Board of Directors 2016-2017
Luis Parodi
Luis Parodi, Chairman,
Fifth Third Bank
Luis is Vice President, Business Banking Relationship Manager, responsible for business development, relationship management and client experience of companies with annual gross sales up to $20 million. He provides services that include loans, deposits, treasury management, and all other applicable banking services. Luis has a strong history of success in delivering key strategic initiatives around the world and multi-million results while building strong relationships. Luis Parodi received his undergraduate degree from Indiana University and his MBA in Finance from Butler University.
Luis has received many recognitions and awards including Distinguished Citizen of the City of Indianapolis by the Mayor of Indianapolis Bart Peterson in 2005. Luis was appointed Co-Chair by Mayor Peterson to the Commission on Latino Affairs, created to increase Latino involvement in city government and make city services more accessible to residents. In addition, Luis received The Fifth Third CRA Legacy Award, and the Outstanding Professional Leadership Award from the Nashville Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Luis has served on the City of Nashville Workforce Investment Board and the Housing Resource Team for NashvilleNext, a Growth Plan for the future of Nashville and Davidson County over the next 25 years.
Luis graduated from Leadership Middle Tennessee in 2014. And in addition to his role as Chairman of the Board for the Nashville Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, he sits on the board of the Urban League of Middle Tennessee, New Level Community Development Corporation, Mid-Cumberland Area Development Corporation, and Board Trustee of the Catholic Community Investment and Loan.
Fifth Third Bank
Luis is Vice President, Business Banking Relationship Manager, responsible for business development, relationship management and client experience of companies with annual gross sales up to $20 million. He provides services that include loans, deposits, treasury management, and all other applicable banking services. Luis has a strong history of success in delivering key strategic initiatives around the world and multi-million results while building strong relationships. Luis Parodi received his undergraduate degree from Indiana University and his MBA in Finance from Butler University.
Luis has received many recognitions and awards including Distinguished Citizen of the City of Indianapolis by the Mayor of Indianapolis Bart Peterson in 2005. Luis was appointed Co-Chair by Mayor Peterson to the Commission on Latino Affairs, created to increase Latino involvement in city government and make city services more accessible to residents. In addition, Luis received The Fifth Third CRA Legacy Award, and the Outstanding Professional Leadership Award from the Nashville Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Luis has served on the City of Nashville Workforce Investment Board and the Housing Resource Team for NashvilleNext, a Growth Plan for the future of Nashville and Davidson County over the next 25 years.
Luis graduated from Leadership Middle Tennessee in 2014. And in addition to his role as Chairman of the Board for the Nashville Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, he sits on the board of the Urban League of Middle Tennessee, New Level Community Development Corporation, Mid-Cumberland Area Development Corporation, and Board Trustee of the Catholic Community Investment and Loan.
Loraine Segovia-Paz
Loraine Segovia-Paz, Vice-Chair
CASA Segovia-Paz Foods, Owner
Loraine studied towards her bachelor degree in accounting at the University of Mayor de San Simón of Cochabamba in Bolivia and is co-founder of La Noticia Newspaper in Nashville. Her work has allowed her to get involved in a variety of Hispanic outreach efforts including business projects and community events.
As part of her volunteer involvement, she is past board member of the American Red Cross and has served on the ALIAS Music Ensemble, and Comprehensive Care Center Board of Directors.
Loraine received the SBA Business Advocate Recognition in 2007 and the NAHCC Outstanding Leadership and Service Award in 2008.
Loraine completed a Mini-MBA (TM) program at Belmont University in 2012. She served on the Economic and Workforce Development Resource Team for NashvilleNext, a Growth Plan for the future of Nashville and Davidson County over the next 25 years.
Loraine launched Casa Segovia-Paz a gourmet food service/catering business venture in 2012, and served in Metro Nashville Human Relations Commission as a Commissioner appointed by Nashville Mayor Karl Dean.
CASA Segovia-Paz Foods, Owner
Loraine studied towards her bachelor degree in accounting at the University of Mayor de San Simón of Cochabamba in Bolivia and is co-founder of La Noticia Newspaper in Nashville. Her work has allowed her to get involved in a variety of Hispanic outreach efforts including business projects and community events.
As part of her volunteer involvement, she is past board member of the American Red Cross and has served on the ALIAS Music Ensemble, and Comprehensive Care Center Board of Directors.
Loraine received the SBA Business Advocate Recognition in 2007 and the NAHCC Outstanding Leadership and Service Award in 2008.
Loraine completed a Mini-MBA (TM) program at Belmont University in 2012. She served on the Economic and Workforce Development Resource Team for NashvilleNext, a Growth Plan for the future of Nashville and Davidson County over the next 25 years.
Loraine launched Casa Segovia-Paz a gourmet food service/catering business venture in 2012, and served in Metro Nashville Human Relations Commission as a Commissioner appointed by Nashville Mayor Karl Dean.
Mario Ramos
Mario Ramos, 2nd Vice-Chair
Attorney, Law Office of Mario Ramos
Member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), Mario received the Juris Doctor degree from California Western School of Law, and his LL.M.from The London School of Economics and Political Science. He received a Scholarship and Diploma from Hague Academy of International Law and earned a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Mario is former Chairman of the Nashville Bar Immigration Committee and served as past chairman of the Hispanic Achievers Program of the YMCA of Middle Tennessee. He is a member of Leadership Nashville, Class of 1995-1996. Mario is AILA Advocacy Director for the Mid-South serving on the Grassroots Campaigns / Immigration Works Committee and on the US-Mexico Plus/Essential Workers Committee and the Hispanic Interest Committee. Mario Ramos is the recipient of the NAHCC 2008 Hispanic Entrepreneur Achievement Award. Mario was elected to the board of directors of the NAHCC in the 2011 election and has served one term as Chairman of the board of directors.
Attorney, Law Office of Mario Ramos
Member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), Mario received the Juris Doctor degree from California Western School of Law, and his LL.M.from The London School of Economics and Political Science. He received a Scholarship and Diploma from Hague Academy of International Law and earned a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Mario is former Chairman of the Nashville Bar Immigration Committee and served as past chairman of the Hispanic Achievers Program of the YMCA of Middle Tennessee. He is a member of Leadership Nashville, Class of 1995-1996. Mario is AILA Advocacy Director for the Mid-South serving on the Grassroots Campaigns / Immigration Works Committee and on the US-Mexico Plus/Essential Workers Committee and the Hispanic Interest Committee. Mario Ramos is the recipient of the NAHCC 2008 Hispanic Entrepreneur Achievement Award. Mario was elected to the board of directors of the NAHCC in the 2011 election and has served one term as Chairman of the board of directors.
Shawnta Lang-Idoko
Shawnta Lang-Idoko, Treasurer/Secretary
Shawnta is a Retail management/Creative Development/Strategic Planning professional. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree, Organizational Management, Langston University, Oklahoma 1997 - 2001, a Master of Business Administration Degree, University of Phoenix Online 2005 - 2008 and a Doctorate of Management in Organizational Leadership, University of Phoenix May 2009.
Shawnta's past experience include serving in the management team of Walmart stores in Nashville, TN, Wichita KS and Gainsville, FL.
Shawnta is a Retail management/Creative Development/Strategic Planning professional. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree, Organizational Management, Langston University, Oklahoma 1997 - 2001, a Master of Business Administration Degree, University of Phoenix Online 2005 - 2008 and a Doctorate of Management in Organizational Leadership, University of Phoenix May 2009.
Shawnta's past experience include serving in the management team of Walmart stores in Nashville, TN, Wichita KS and Gainsville, FL.
George Uribe
George Uribe, Guestbooker.com, Owner
Uribe has served as a Judge for the prestigious Emmy Awards in television news and the New York Festivals. Co-founder of Newsmakers, a regular social of Journalists, Producers, Bookers and Public Relations professionals in New York City; Co-founder of the Miami Media Mixer and the Music City Media Mixer, a monthly lunch with journalists, publishers, musicians and public relations professionals in Nashville. M.A. The George Washington University, B.A. North Carolina State University.
Former Booker for Fox News Channel; Producer, MSNBC; Editorial Producer, CNN. Former General Manager, Executive Vice-President and Executive Producer. Board of Governors, National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, Mid South Chapter. Named as one of the most admired CEO's by the Nashville Business Journal in 2014.
Uribe has served as a Judge for the prestigious Emmy Awards in television news and the New York Festivals. Co-founder of Newsmakers, a regular social of Journalists, Producers, Bookers and Public Relations professionals in New York City; Co-founder of the Miami Media Mixer and the Music City Media Mixer, a monthly lunch with journalists, publishers, musicians and public relations professionals in Nashville. M.A. The George Washington University, B.A. North Carolina State University.
Former Booker for Fox News Channel; Producer, MSNBC; Editorial Producer, CNN. Former General Manager, Executive Vice-President and Executive Producer. Board of Governors, National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, Mid South Chapter. Named as one of the most admired CEO's by the Nashville Business Journal in 2014.
Joyce Searcy
Joyce Searcy, Belmont University., Director of Community Relations
A graduate of both Fisk and Vanderbilt Universities, Joyce is the recipient of the prestigious Athena Award for 2008. In Nashville, the Athena Award is considered the highest award recognizing the achievements of business women. During the summer of 2008, Joyce attended Harvard Business School’s “Strategic Perspectives in Nonprofit Management” on a full scholarship. Joyce is the current secretary of the Board of Trustees for Leadership Nashville, immediate past president of the New Level Community Development Corporation, and co-chaired the 2008-09 Nashville Chamber Education Report Card committee. Joyce is currently serving as vice president of Full Circle and is a member of the Metro Nashville Library Board of Directors.
Joyce has been the Vice President for Mid-States for the YWCA of the USA and recently completed a term on the National Board for Girl Scouts of the USA. She has received numerous other community recognitions from the Women’s Fund of the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, ACLU, Nashville Conference of Christian and Jews, Alpha Kappa Alpha Regional “Member of the Year”, Tennessee State University’s Women of Legend and Merit, Vanderbilt University’s Scholar “Prophetarium” (Community Leader of the Year), and Nashville Scene has named her a “Nashville Saint”. Joyce received our NAHCC Amiga of the Year Award in 2014.
A graduate of both Fisk and Vanderbilt Universities, Joyce is the recipient of the prestigious Athena Award for 2008. In Nashville, the Athena Award is considered the highest award recognizing the achievements of business women. During the summer of 2008, Joyce attended Harvard Business School’s “Strategic Perspectives in Nonprofit Management” on a full scholarship. Joyce is the current secretary of the Board of Trustees for Leadership Nashville, immediate past president of the New Level Community Development Corporation, and co-chaired the 2008-09 Nashville Chamber Education Report Card committee. Joyce is currently serving as vice president of Full Circle and is a member of the Metro Nashville Library Board of Directors.
Joyce has been the Vice President for Mid-States for the YWCA of the USA and recently completed a term on the National Board for Girl Scouts of the USA. She has received numerous other community recognitions from the Women’s Fund of the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, ACLU, Nashville Conference of Christian and Jews, Alpha Kappa Alpha Regional “Member of the Year”, Tennessee State University’s Women of Legend and Merit, Vanderbilt University’s Scholar “Prophetarium” (Community Leader of the Year), and Nashville Scene has named her a “Nashville Saint”. Joyce received our NAHCC Amiga of the Year Award in 2014.
Matt Burnstein
Matt Burnstein, Chairman of Waller’s Board of Directors
In representing large healthcare companies growing through acquisitions or emerging companies seeking venture capital funding, Matt focuses on facilitating the deal. Clients benefit from Matt's instincts and experience and his understanding of their priorities and strategic objectives. Matt has deep experience with transactions that have transformed small companies and helped large companies maintain and expand their operational footprints and competitive advantages.
Chambers USA recognizes Matt as a leader in Corporate/M&A work, and Best Lawyers lists him in the category of Corporate Law. Matt received an AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating from Martindale-Hubbell.
In representing large healthcare companies growing through acquisitions or emerging companies seeking venture capital funding, Matt focuses on facilitating the deal. Clients benefit from Matt's instincts and experience and his understanding of their priorities and strategic objectives. Matt has deep experience with transactions that have transformed small companies and helped large companies maintain and expand their operational footprints and competitive advantages.
Chambers USA recognizes Matt as a leader in Corporate/M&A work, and Best Lawyers lists him in the category of Corporate Law. Matt received an AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating from Martindale-Hubbell.
Nada Latto
Nada Latto, BMI, VP Human Resources
Nada Latto is BMI’s Nashville office Vice President, Human Resources, where she is responsible for leading all aspects of human resources for the company. She reports directly to Bruce Esworthy, BMI Sr. VP of Finance/Administration and CEO. “Nada is a veteran HR executive with over 20 years of well-rounded leadership experience in a number of broad and progressive HR environments,” says Esworthy. “Her valuable experience, insight and leadership will help us guide the human resource element of BMI to higher levels of achievement.” Latto was previously employed with the Oreck Corporation, where she was involved with all HR functions. Prior to Oreck, Latto was Sr. VP of HR at Ozburn-Hessey Logistics in Brentwood. She holds a BS in Consumer Services from Middle Tennesse State University and is certified as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR).
Nada Latto is BMI’s Nashville office Vice President, Human Resources, where she is responsible for leading all aspects of human resources for the company. She reports directly to Bruce Esworthy, BMI Sr. VP of Finance/Administration and CEO. “Nada is a veteran HR executive with over 20 years of well-rounded leadership experience in a number of broad and progressive HR environments,” says Esworthy. “Her valuable experience, insight and leadership will help us guide the human resource element of BMI to higher levels of achievement.” Latto was previously employed with the Oreck Corporation, where she was involved with all HR functions. Prior to Oreck, Latto was Sr. VP of HR at Ozburn-Hessey Logistics in Brentwood. She holds a BS in Consumer Services from Middle Tennesse State University and is certified as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR).
Ramón Arellano
Ramón Arellano, San José Fiesta, Entrepreneur
Ramón is owner of San Jose Fiesta Mexican restaurant at 99 Wallace Road, has opened half a dozen businesses since he immigrated to the U.S. from Mexico in 1976, starting with a Mexican store and cleaning service in Charlotte, N.C. He now operates San Jose Fiesta and is the manager of Arellano Boxing, which develops boxers.
Arellano found business success through hard work, long hours and taking chances. He said his biggest challenge in being an immigrant business owner was learning about government regulations and the U.S. tax system.
"When we came to the United States, we had nothing," he said. "I work, work, work. I own my building and I still mop, sweep and clean bathrooms."
Ramón is owner of San Jose Fiesta Mexican restaurant at 99 Wallace Road, has opened half a dozen businesses since he immigrated to the U.S. from Mexico in 1976, starting with a Mexican store and cleaning service in Charlotte, N.C. He now operates San Jose Fiesta and is the manager of Arellano Boxing, which develops boxers.
Arellano found business success through hard work, long hours and taking chances. He said his biggest challenge in being an immigrant business owner was learning about government regulations and the U.S. tax system.
"When we came to the United States, we had nothing," he said. "I work, work, work. I own my building and I still mop, sweep and clean bathrooms."
Paul Van Cotthem
Paul Van Cotthem, Poleo Publishing, Owner
Paul was born in Colombia and is a US citizen since 1995. He has a BA in Marketing Communication and has worked in advertising agencies and media in Latin America. He is fluent in English, Spanish and French. Upon his arrival to Tennessee he created BUENOS DIAS, the first publication in Spanish in Nashville. Later, he joined Vanderbilt University Library where he retired in 2005 and became an interpreter for the Tennessee Foreign Language institute. While doing interpretations, Paul saw the need to provide the refugees, asylees and new arrivals with a civic education tool to familiarized them with the rules and regulations on how this country functions in every day life, creating The Immigrant's Manual / El Manual del Inmigrante, a publication cataloged by the library of Congress.
Paul was born in Colombia and is a US citizen since 1995. He has a BA in Marketing Communication and has worked in advertising agencies and media in Latin America. He is fluent in English, Spanish and French. Upon his arrival to Tennessee he created BUENOS DIAS, the first publication in Spanish in Nashville. Later, he joined Vanderbilt University Library where he retired in 2005 and became an interpreter for the Tennessee Foreign Language institute. While doing interpretations, Paul saw the need to provide the refugees, asylees and new arrivals with a civic education tool to familiarized them with the rules and regulations on how this country functions in every day life, creating The Immigrant's Manual / El Manual del Inmigrante, a publication cataloged by the library of Congress.
Roland Yarbrough
Roland Yarbrough, FedEx
Roland is experienced in marketing, sales and media. He is a market based Executive with FedEx Office focused on business development. Early in his career he was a daily newspaper reporter, then columnist, and later was named advertising director for a daily paper. His marketing and sales experience includes working with The Ritz Carlton Hotel Group, AFLAC, AT&T, BellSouth, and Callaway Gardens Resort. Roland was awarded the prestigious FedEx Purple Promise Award, the only FedEx corporate-wide program publicly honoring outstanding performance.
Roland is a public education advocate and vice chairman of the Metro Nashville Public Schools’ Director’s Parent Advisory Council. He is the recent recipient of the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce 2014 Spirit of the Chamber Award.
Roland is experienced in marketing, sales and media. He is a market based Executive with FedEx Office focused on business development. Early in his career he was a daily newspaper reporter, then columnist, and later was named advertising director for a daily paper. His marketing and sales experience includes working with The Ritz Carlton Hotel Group, AFLAC, AT&T, BellSouth, and Callaway Gardens Resort. Roland was awarded the prestigious FedEx Purple Promise Award, the only FedEx corporate-wide program publicly honoring outstanding performance.
Roland is a public education advocate and vice chairman of the Metro Nashville Public Schools’ Director’s Parent Advisory Council. He is the recent recipient of the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce 2014 Spirit of the Chamber Award.