Commission on Minority Affairs

Members

Commissioner Julio Jimenez

Chair

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 Jon Stevenson

Co-Chair

Jon Stevenson II is a former Assistant Fire Chief for Las Vegas Fire & Rescue and a longtime advocate for equitable community development. With nearly 30 years of public safety and public health leadership, he created programs such as the Crisis Response Team, Community Paramedic Program, and the Cashman ISO-Q shelter.

Stevenson also previously managed the UNLV Tourism Business Igniter, supporting minority- and veteran-owned businesses, and continues this work beyond the grant’s completion. A Las Vegas resident since infancy and the first second-generation Black firefighter in Nevada, he brings a lifelong commitment to unity, public health access, and inclusive economic growth.

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 Elizabeth Lopez

Business and Economic Development

Elizabeth Lopez, MBA, CEcD, is a Nevada economic development leader, community advocate, and champion for equitable access, economic mobility, and pathways to prosperity for minority-owned businesses. With nearly two decades of experience spanning residential real estate, strategic business attraction, site selection, and economic development, she has helped shape initiatives that drive job creation, strengthen industry competitiveness, and support Nevada’s evolving innovation economy.

Throughout her career, including pivotal roles with the cities of Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, and Henderson, Elizabeth has executed strategic plans tailored to the unique needs of underserved and minority-owned businesses. She has championed programs such as Henderson’s Small Business Assistance Program, in partnership with the College of Southern Nevada and NVGrow. She has supported the deployment of New Market Tax Credits to catalyze investment and job creation in historically distressed communities.

Elizabeth is known for building impactful partnerships and convening stakeholders to spotlight Nevada’s competitive assets. Her leadership has brought together investors, developers, and policymakers through major initiatives and events, including the NAIOP CRE Converge tour, Tech Alley Vegas, and Tech Alley Henderson, helping elevate Nevada’s profile as a destination for innovation, entrepreneurship, and business expansion.

A proud first-generation college graduate, she holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance and an Executive MBA from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Elizabeth is a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD), the industry’s highest professional designation awarded by the International Economic Development Council, and she completed the prestigious Oklahoma University Economic Development Institute (OU EDI) program, which recognizes excellence in economic development leadership and best practices.

Elizabeth is passionate about ensuring all communities have access to the tools that create generational wealth, mentorship, education, and representation. She brings a collaborative, strategic, and people-first approach to the Commission to support initiatives that elevate minority-owned enterprises and create inclusive economic opportunities across the state.

Elizabeth finds joy in connecting with people from all walks of life and believes some of the most transformational opportunities begin with a simple conversation. She loves cooking family dishes and spending time with her family and her dog, Bella. She profoundly believes in the power of community, storytelling, and leading with heart, values that continue to guide her service and commitment to Nevada’s future.

Commissioner Leslie L. Mujica, MPA

Leslie L. Mujica, MPA, is Executive Director and Chief Marketing Officer of the Labor Management Cooperation Committee (LMCC), where she advocates for the Electrical Union and its Union Contractors (IBEW and NECA). With more than 20 years of experience in Southern Nevada’s construction industry, Leslie has built a career spanning business development, government affairs, public relations, marketing, and contract management across the private, federal, and nonprofit sectors. Her expertise includes architectural, engineering, and construction industries, with experience supporting real estate development, construction management, general contracting, engineering firms, and federal government agencies.Throughout her career, Leslie has focused on strengthening Nevada’s construction industry by developing strategic partnerships, advancing business development initiatives, and expanding market opportunities. She plays a key role in fostering relationships across industry, government, and the community while promoting the value and competitiveness of Nevada’s union electrical industry. An active participant in Southern Nevada’s business and civic community, she is committed to building connections that support economic growth and workforce development.

Leslie’s commitment to public service is guided by integrity, intelligence, and energy. She serves on the Governor’s Workforce Development Board and the Regional Transmission Coordination Taskforce and is actively involved with the Nevada Professional Facility Managers Association, the Vegas Chamber Executive Women’s Council, and the American Planning Association Nevada Chapter. She is also proud to serve as an appointed Clark County Planning Commissioner, helping shape thoughtful growth and development throughout the region.

A proud UNLV Rebel, Leslie is a former member of the UNLV Alumni Legacy Board of Directors and currently serves on the UNLV School of Integrated Health Sciences Advisory Board, the UNLV Lied Libraries Advisory Board, and the Graduate College Dean’s Council. She brings a collaborative, relationship-driven approach to the Commission, grounded in a passion for strengthening Nevada’s workforce, supporting economic opportunity, and fostering partnerships that benefit communities across the state.

Commissioner Michelle Merced

Michelle Merced is a first-generation American who has proudly called Southern Nevada home for more than 30 years. She brings over 20 years of experience in real estate, but more importantly, a deep belief in using that work for something bigger. As CEO of Neighborhood Housing Services of Southern Nevada (NHSSN), Michelle leads with heart and purpose, focused on helping families find stability through housing.

She joined NHSSN in 2008 and has grown with the organization, helping expand its reach as a HUD-approved housing counseling agency and a community-focused developer. Along the way, her team has deployed more than $25 million in assistance, helped over 3,000 families become homeowners, and supported countless others through financial education and times of hardship.

Today, NHSSN owns and manages 247 affordable housing units across the valley and recently completed its first senior community, The Golden Rule, a 120-unit development built with care and intention.

For Michelle, this work is personal. It’s about more than real estate; it’s about real lives. She often says it’s “real estate with purpose,” and that purpose is simple: to help people have a place they can truly call home. Michelle is proud to call Southern Nevada home and is committed to helping others in our community find the same sense of home.

Commissioner Tamura Jackson

Commissioner Tamura Jackson is a proud member of the Teamsters Union, where Jackson has served as a shop steward, organizer and business agent advocating for fair treatment and protecting Nevadan's rights under the collective bargaining agreements.

Deeply rooted in community service, Commissioner Jackson actively supports initiatives to feed the unhoused and has been a powerful advocate for senior, tenant, and employees championing their rights and protections. Commissioner Jackson's commitment to justice extends beyond the workplace, dedicating time and energy to improving the lives of others. With a strong belief in fairness and equity, Commissioner Jackson works tirelessly to ensure every Nevadan is represented with integrity and respect.