Commission on Minority Affairs

Members

Commissioner Gabriela Wyett

Chair

Gabriela Wyett is a seasoned banking professional with over two decades of experience in the industry. She has dedicated her career to supporting businesses and fostering inclusive growth. Possessing a vast wealth of knowledge, particularly in the realm of securing access to capital, her primary focus lies in providing essential resources to underserved business communities.

By synergizing efforts and collaborating with a diverse range of community partners, she endeavors to enhance financial education and proficiency while presenting viable options to the business community. She actively seeks market-driven solutions that address the specific needs of Nevada.

Building critical alliances with community leaders and stakeholders, she has become a powerful advocate for the voiceless. Her bilingual skills enable her to connect with and serve a broader audience, demonstrating her cultural sensitivity and awareness of their unique needs. Her strong presence in the community reflects her unwavering dedication to making a difference, both through grassroots efforts and scalable initiatives.

Gabriela consistently strives and leads others to create equitable and dignified opportunities for communities of color. Recognizing her adeptness in navigating the multifaceted challenges faced by these communities, she has earned unanimous approval for her appointment to the board of Neighborhood Housing Services of Southern Nevada (NHSSN), an organization committed to promoting affordable housing.

Her success is a testament to her unwavering passion for seeking assistance through outreach, advocacy, and service. Collaborating with a wide array of organizations and platforms, such as the Urban Chamber of Commerce, Small Business Administration, Nevada District Office (SBA), Nevada Small Business Development Network (NVSBDC), and Latin Chamber of Commerce, she continuously seeks to learn, strategize, and deliver innovative solutions that bridge the gap between the community and businesses. Her drive to effect positive change propels her forward, always striving to create a better tomorrow.

Commissioner Demetrius Ware

Vice-Chair

Commissioner Demetrius Ware has proudly called Nevada home for over two decades, building a 20-year career that spans across finance, banking, and real estate sectors, with an emphasis on scaling emerging companies in multi-family housing, healthcare, and commercial real estate development.

In 2020, Demetrius founded V.E.W Emerging & Corporate Advisory, providing comprehensive c-suite business and legal advisory services, focusing on business optimization, scalability, and market sustainability.

Beyond his professional achievements, Demetrius is dedicated to championing minority and underserved communities. Raised by a single parent in public housing, he understands the importance of stable, affordable housing and its impact on families. Demetrius uses his personal and professional insights to work alongside developers on single and multi-family housing projects, addressing the issue of affordable housing in Southern Nevada. So far, he has successfully transacted over 240 affordable units.

Demetrius is also passionate about empowering individuals to achieve their goals and aspirations. He is committed to fostering relationships and mentoring through faith-based groups.

Noteworthy moments in Demetrius' career include orchestrating the development banking for a $1B internationally branded mix-use residential development.

He was also the sole African American representative from the US to speak alongside global banking and political leaders at one of the world's largest international banking conferences in Dubai, UAE. His focus was on global financial literacy, demonstrating his commitment to the advancement of underserved communities.

Additionally, Demetrius serves as an Executive Board Member to the IChuks Foundation, overseeing the development and operations of low-cost clinics and housing in rural West Africa.

As a grateful Commissioner on Minority Affairs, Commissioner Ware strives to create a better future for the diverse citizens of Nevada. With his unwavering dedication to advocacy, he stands as a pillar of inspiration for those he represents.

When away from work, Demetrius enjoys learning new cultures by traveling with his wife and two adult children, reading, mental health development, and engaging in physical fitness.

Commissioner Nic Steele

Workforce Development

Nic Steele is the executive director of Access Community Capital Inc., a community loan fund providing affordable capital to small businesses located in Nevada. Access Community Capital is a minority led mission driven organization directed by entrepreneurs who understand the plight of business ownership. Since inception, Access Community Capital has advised, guided, and supported businesses, contributing to the creation or retention of over 2,000 jobs.

As an entrepreneur, Mr. Steele, knows firsthand how lack of access to affordable capital can adversely affect the trajectory of a business, stifling its growth potential. While also investing in other entrepreneurs, Mr. Steele is focused on changing the landscape of opportunity for underserved populations by operating Access Community Capital as a Community Development Financial Institution, compelled to address the inequities present in the lending landscape.

Nic Steele is most excited about his current role as both a lender and business advisor to entrepreneurs developing their own ideas into successful companies.

Commissioner Anabel Navarro

Business & Economic Development

Anabel Navarro, a dedicated entrepreneur, and business professional has proudly called Las Vegas home for 28 years. With an impressive 32 years of entrepreneurial experience across various industries, she has established herself as a senior figure in the business community. Currently, Anabel serves as a Senior Business Advisor and Southern NV Regional Manager at the Nevada Small Business Development Center (NevadaSBDC), where she has been an invaluable member since 2014.

Mrs. Navarro enjoys working with minority-owned small businesses, empowering entrepreneurship through training and speaking engagement to aspiring entrepreneurs to overcome challenges and succeed.

Anabel collaborates with different organizations such as United Way, The SBA, The Mexican Consulate and other North American Consulates, different Chambers of Commerce and Municipalities, in the Las Vegas area. This broad network enables her to create valuable connections and facilitate community growth. Anabel's extensive experience has garnered her respect among her peers, leading to numerous acknowledgments at the local, state, and national levels.

Anabel’s passion for serving the community goes beyond her scope of work, by volunteer work in different committees and organizations. Anabel has been part of the American Cancer Association committee; 13 years as coordinator, along with her husband, of the Christian Family Movement group; 4 years as a volunteer-educator at the church of St Thomas more, supporting the educational growth of children. Recognizing the importance of the well-being of seniors, Anabel has taken the initiative to organize a free Thanksgiving Party at the Arthur McCants Minor in Las Vegas for 13 years. Collaborating with numerous volunteers, she has created a heartwarming tradition that brings joy to the elderly in need.

Anabel gratefully serves as the Commissioner of Minority Affairs in Nevada. In this role, she advocates for minorities and works collaboratively towards creating a better tomorrow.

Commissioner Nina Gallagher

Healthcare

Nina Gallagher is currently holding the position of Development Director at Helping Hands of Vegas Valley. In this role, she is a key component of the organization's fundraising efforts and overall development strategy. With her extensive experience and expertise in the nonprofit sector, Nina is responsible for creating and implementing fundraising campaigns, cultivating relationships with donors, and overseeing funding proposals.

Nina's dedication and passion for the nonprofit sector are evident in her work. She is committed to making a positive impact on the community and utilizing her skills to advance the organization's mission. With her strong communication and interpersonal skills, she can effectively engage and inspire donors, volunteers, and staff members alike.

In addition to her professional responsibilities, Nina is actively involved in the nonprofit community. She serves as an Advisor for Foster Change. Foster Change allows her the opportunity to provide guidance, support, and expertise to the Board of Directors. She is a frequent speaker at workshops on nonprofit development and collaboration practices among potential community partners.

Nina Gallagher's role as the Development Director for a nonprofit organization is essential in ensuring the organization's long-term sustainability and growth. Her expertise in fundraising, strategic planning, and donor relations makes her an asset to the organization. With her passion for making a difference and her ability to inspire others, Nina continues to drive the organization's success in fulfilling its mission and making a positive impact on the community it serves.

She fundamentally believes that we can be a stronger community by working together while encouraging healthy partnerships that work to improve the outcomes for all families in Nevada. With great appreciation for the opportunity to serve, Nina looks forward to disseminating crucial information and resources that will help to improve the lives of those we serve.

Commissioner Julio Jimenez

Housing

Julio Jimenez-Wenz was born in Brooklyn and raised in Philadelphia. He has had the honor and privilege to call Nevada home for nearly three decades. Mr. Jimenez-Wenz has had a lifelong commitment to helping the community with an emphasis on providing education and services to minority groups. His areas of professional experience and expertise include affordable housing, social services, communications, banking, as well as sales and marketing.

Mr. Jimenez-Wenz currently works for Rize Credit Union as the Community Development Executive for the Las Vegas area. He dedicates his time to working with non-profit organizations, municipalities, and connecting with legislators on the needs of the underserved and underbanked community. He provides bilingual financial literacy workshops and one-on-one consultation to individuals and families, so they are able to recognize their full potential.

Mr. Jimenez-Wenz has always had a strong passion in the area of affordable housing. One professional testament of this passion was his ability to develop the Housing Division at Nevada Partners by collaborating with community leaders and building several housing programs to offer services to the underserved and minority groups. Mr. Jimenez-Wenz has also had the opportunity to effectuate change by serving on various boards and committees for different organizations and groups. He is currently serving as a board member and Treasurer for the Southern Nevada Credit Union Network and is a committee member on the Clark County Criminal Justice Coordinating Council.

Mr. Jimenez-Wenz is also very proud to be an organ donor. In 2005 he donated a kidney and takes great pride in informing others on the importance of the gift of life. During his time away from work, he enjoys being with his husband as they enjoy shows on the Las Vegas strip, the arts, traveling, and everything else that the wonderful state of Nevada has to offer.

Commissioner Juanny Romero

Legislation

Juanny Romero is an exceptional CEO, renowned for her unwavering determination, remarkable leadership skills, and profound responsibilities in driving her organization's success. As a formidable woman-of-color, Juanny embraces her role as a fierce mama bear, tirelessly breaking barriers and carving a path of excellence.

In her capacity as CEO, Juanny assumes diverse crucial responsibilities. She navigates strategic planning, decision-making, and long-term vision, positioning her organization as an industry leader. Juanny fosters empowerment, inclusivity, and a dynamic work environment, mentoring her team to reach their full potential.

Championing ethical practices, Juanny supports fair trade and sustainable sourcing. Partnering with female farmers, she actively promotes transparency and responsible business practices, positively impacting communities.

Juanny also serves as a spokesperson and advocate for social change. She amplifies underrepresented voices, addresses systemic inequalities, and drives diversity, equity, and inclusion conversations within and beyond her industry. Her work includes working alongside state commissioners, nonprofits and other local community members to drive change in Nevada.

Her achievements have earned recognition, including VEGAS Inc's 40 Under 40, Entrepreneur of the Year, Leadership Las Vegas Alumni, and SBA Small Business Person of the Year National Runner Up.

Fueling Juanny's dedication is her unwavering devotion to investing in her community. She makes a positive impact through her family, staff, and adoring customers. Juanny crafts connections with every cup, inviting others to embrace strength and determination.

So, raise your mug in celebration of Juanny Romero, the exceptional CEO leading with passion and purpose.

Commissioner Gina Jackson

K-12 Education

Gina Jackson, MSW is Te-Moak Western Shoshone and Oglala Lakota. She is the CEO and Co-Founder of the Return to the Heart Foundation. Ms. Jackson’s philanthropic experience includes serving as the Program Director for Native Americans in Philanthropy, serving as an IPA for Casey Family Foundation at the Assistant Secretary’s Office of the Interior before joining the White House Community Solutions Team under the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) serving as a Senior Tribal Advisor. She has more than 20 years experience encompassing state/tribal justice (Judicial Education), collaboration, policy, and philanthropy.

As an philanthropist and intermediary funder, she has created funds with an urgency focused on Native communities across the nation supporting grassroots organizations and

advocates. The newest fund launched to disrupt violence against Native Women and girls and Two-Spirit relatives.

She’s a Master’s level Social Worker who has focused on systems change and making the invisible visible. She has been working to educate the philanthropic sector while lifting up Native communities and specifically Native Womxn and Girls. She carries expertise in teaching and reaching those with reach to impact so many. She has served as a trusted advisor to many and does so with grace and love.

Ms. Jackson serves as a Board Member of the Women’s Funding Network, Protect the Sacred, and as National Expert Advisory Committee Member for the National Native Children’s Trauma Center.

She lives in rural Northern Nevada and is raising her teenage niece and nephew. She loves to travel, cook for family and friends, spend time at our beautiful desert lakes, and rockhounding. She has visited nearly all 50 states but home will always be Nevada and her heart is for the people in Nevada especially the underserved populations.

She is a connector, igniter, innovator, and equity builder with a vision to bring healing for our nation and beyond.

Commissioner Kim Ngan Le

Higher Education

Born and raised in Vietnam, Kim Ngan Le migrated to the US in 1983 and has called Las Vegas home ever since. Kim’s shared passion for serving her community has prompted her to begin volunteering at her local Vietnamese church over 20 years ago. She served as a Youth Group leader from 2000 to 2006; now, she helps organize several charity events each year, and administers all secretarial work for Our Lady of La Vang Vietnamese Catholic Community. Her passion to serve does not just stop at church, though, she was nominated and elected to be the President of the Vietnamese American Community of Las Vegas (VACLV) for the term 2021-2024. Being the President of the Vietnamese American Community of Las Vegas (VACLV), her work is to build a strong, unified community where everyone has access to resources, support, mentorship, and education. Our mission is to connect and bring the communities together, promote cultural preservation, and engage in activities that enhance its members social and economic well-being while encouraging civic engagement. In addition, she serves as a member of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Asian American Pacific Islander Coalition. She also serves as a board member of the Nevada Community Health Center.