Founder/President
CYNTHIA GONZALEZ
Cynthia Gonzalez, founder/president
Cynthia Gonzalez is a writer, poet, activist, and community leader born in El Salvador and raised in South Los Angeles. She is deeply committed to uplifting and empowering her community, having served as an executive board member for several nonprofits in Los Angeles and Long Beach. Cynthia has also held key roles as a Cultural Advisor and Entertainment Director at the Los Angeles LGBT Center.
Her passion for positive representation of the Salvadoran community led her to create Salvies Who Lunch, a nonprofit that connects and uplifts Salvadorans from all backgrounds through empowering events. Her advocacy and leadership earned her the title of 2023 Honoree of Women’s International Day by the Salvadoran Consulate Ambassador in Washington, D.C.
Cynthia's writing includes articles for the Long Beach Press-Telegram, and her work has been featured in the Los Angeles Times. She is the author of "The Life of / La vida de Llort", a children’s book that won the America’s Awards Commended Title 2023 for its cultural authenticity. It also received the Gold Award for Best Board Book at the Latino International Book Awards. Additionally, Cynthia has translated more than ten books for the Lil' Libros VÁMONOS travel series.
When she’s not working, Cynthia enjoys watching sci-fi films and indulging in her favorite treat— ice cream.
Board of Directors
Treasurer - Jasmine Arellano has dedicated the past 18 + years to growing a community where children are provided a space to gain strength, enhance self-esteem, and achieve success. She believes this to be true for all who walk through the doors of The Klub Gymnastics. Jasmine has extensive experience in payroll and general business management. She has a true love for HR and is constantly seeking new ways to solve old problems. She is passionate about creating the right culture within a business and being present for her staff.
Secretary - Jose R. Cardona is passionate about healthcare and an advocate for racial and gender equity in our communities. With more than 16 years of leadership experience in healthcare administration, Jose's work has spanned patient care coordination, population health management, and improving drug pricing and access through pharmaceutical benefit management. A first-generation American from Salvadorian parents, Jose is the first in his family to graduate college and passionate about advancing health equity for non-English speakers.
Team
Graphic Designer - Ana Godinez's love of art started at a young age and followed her to USC where she graduated with a degree in English Literature and Studio Arts. Ana has worked behind the scenes as a graphic designer for several companies and mission-driven organizations. Today, Ana works as Creative Director of Akash Winery & Vineyards and Lead Graphic Designer and Illustrator at Lil' Libros. Her newest and most challenging project is tackling the illustrations of Vámonos, a new travel series by Lil' Libros, that takes readers on a ride to the sights and sounds of Latin America. When Ana is not glued to her computer, she's out looking for inspiration by traveling.
Editor/Copywriter - Emma Garcia is a writer and artist, born and raised in the San Fernando Valley. It was after winning her first art contest at the age of five that she discovered her passion for the enchanting world of storytelling. She later graduated from Woodbury University with a bachelor's degree in Animation. Today she serves as the Editorial Assistant at Lil' Libros and the Editor and Copywriter for the non-profit organization, Salvies Who Lunch. When she is not creating, she's hunting for the yummiest food in the valley with her miniature schnauzer by her side.