Our 2023 Endorsements!
Progreso is proud to announce our endorsements for the 2023 Primary Election. Each of these candidates have proven themselves to be dedicated to their communities over years of volunteering and public service. We urge everyone to support these candidates through door knocking, phone banking and donating. This year we issued primary endorsements in order to highlight Latinx candidates that are challenging incumbents or running for open seats.
We will be issuing another round of endorsements for the general elections focusing on Latinx incumbents.
Saludos,
Progreso Board of Directors
2023 Endorsements
Olgy Díaz – Tacoma City Council – Position 7
Born and raised in Pierce County, Olgy Diaz is the daughter of Guatemalan immigrants and first in her family to graduate from college holding dual bachelor’s degrees in Latin American Studies and Women’s Studies from the University of Washington. In August of 2022, Olgy was selected from 42 applicants to fill a council vacancy and became the first Latina to serve on the Tacoma City Council.
Throughout her career, Olgy has worked to foster a more reflective democracy and expand access to power through advocacy and electoral work with local non-profits like OneAmerica and Planned Parenthood, individual candidate campaigns and recruiting and training women to run for office as President of the National Women’s Political Caucus. She currently works as the Deputy Legislative Director for the Washington State Department of Natural Resources. Council Member Diaz lives in South Tacoma with her two dogs Pepita and Pancho, and a vast collection of over 100 houseplants.
Rosa Torres – Pasco School District #1 Board, at large position
Rosa Torres is a proud daughter of parents from Jalisco, Mexico and a first-time Pasco School Board candidate. Fueled by a first-hand understanding of the transformative power of education, she is a passionate advocate for quality public education that shapes lives, empowers all students, and uplifts our entire community. Her top priorities as a school board member will include active community engagement, collaboration, and effective leadership to provide all students the positive, safe, and inclusive learning environment they deserve. It is her goal to improve educational opportunities, resource allocation and access in the public education system so that it can be a tool for those that are most vulnerable and marginalized.
Professionally, she is a proven and insightful leader with deep finance expertise and experience at well-known organizations including Boeing Company, Ford Motor Company, Starbucks Coffee Company, Microsoft, and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. She earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Gonzaga University, and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Notre Dame. In addition to being appointed to the Pasco School Board, she serves on the Pasco Planning Commission and Washington State School Directors Association Resolutions Committee. She is also a past mentor and volunteer with both Junior Achievement and Communities in Schools.
Esteban Herevia – Spokane City Council - District 3
Esteban Herevia (he/him/his) served as the President and CEO of Spokane Pride - the organization that produces the Spokane Pride Parade and Festival. He co-founded Wonderfully Made Spokane, a non-profit entrusted with increasing inclusion and celebration of LGBTQ+ people in faith communities. Esteban is the Strategist for Health Justice and Belonging at the Washington State University Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine. And, he was recently recognized as a Top 21 Influencers for 2022 in Trending Northwest. When elected, Esteban would be the first Latinx Spokane City Council member.
Carlos Ruiz - Highline School District
Carlos has lived in Normandy Park since moving there from New York City in 2011 with his wife of 14 years; his experience going through the NYC public school system is what drives his passion for access to a quality education for all.
Carlos has a technology and consulting background, having worked for large companies such as NBC Universal and Google. For the past 4 years he has served as the Board Chair for Seattle Credit Union helping the financial institution achieve its mission of serving communities traditionally ignored by large banks. Carlos is passionate about volunteering with community focused organizations of varying scope. He is currently a part of the Marvista Elementary PTSA, where his two daughters attend. He also volunteers his time as a board member with Southeast Effective Development (SEED), a non-profit focused on affordable housing, supporting the arts, and economic development. In the past he has served on the board of Pioneer Human Services and was appointed by Governor Inslee as a commissioner with the Commission on Hispanic Affairs, representing the counties of King and Pierce.
Carlos is excited at the opportunity to advocate for all the families served by the Highline School District.
Vincent Guerrero - Pasco School Board District #1
Vincent Guerrero was born in Eastern Washington, raised by parents who are farmers and still are farming. Vincent knows Eastern Washington and how life in the area differs from other regions.
Vincent is married and has two children in Pasco’s public schools. Vincent earned a bachelor’s degree from Central Washington University and has a master’s degree in public administration. Vincent is also a certified public manager.
Vincent has over twenty years of experience working with local government, is a Meals on Wheels board member, serving senior citizens, and is a member of Pasco Kiwanis Club, serving children and the community.
Our Endorsement Process
Progreso's mission is to ensure that Latino communities are fairly represented in Washington State’s social, economic and political systems to improve the quality of life for all Washingtonians. We endorse statewide to support candidates running across WA State to represent our Latinx/e communities and build our community power. Our process includes:
1. Request an endorsement request to our team to receive our Candidate Questionnaire
- Lilliane Ballesteros: [email protected]
2 Complete a Candidate Questionnaire
3. Candidates interviewed by Progreso Board Members (not all candidates will be interviewed)
4. Candidate notified and endorsements announced