President

Jazline Gomez serves as the President of the Dayton Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and is the proud owner of Pepe’s Mexican Flavors. A first-generation Mexican American, Jazline was born in Chicago, IL, and spent part of her childhood in Mexico before settling in Dayton, OH. Growing up in an entrepreneurial family, she gained early exposure to accounting, finance, and business administration by working alongside her father in the family’s La Michoacana Mexican Market franchise. Her skills and dedication led her to become a Communications Liaison for the Dayton regional area, playing a critical role in the family business.

In 2018, at just 20 years old, Jazline took a bold step and founded her own restaurant, Pepe’s Mexican Flavors, in Huber Heights, OH. Combining her business acumen with her passion for authentic Mexican cuisine, her restaurant quickly became a community favorite, known for its vibrant flavors and cultural authenticity.

Jazline’s academic achievements are equally impressive. She earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Wright State University, where she developed a deep interest in neuropsychology and counseling. While working as a neurofeedback technician and intake specialist for CBT-I therapy, she continued her educational journey. Currently, Jazline is pursuing a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at WSU, demonstrating her commitment to personal growth and helping others.

Inspired by her parents’ unwavering dedication and hard work, Jazline has become a pillar in Dayton’s Hispanic community. She passionately advocates for resources in education, health care, and career development, striving to empower individuals and families. Her leadership extends beyond the Chamber, as she serves on the boards of several nonprofit organizations, working to connect community leaders and foster meaningful collaborations. Jazline’s vision, compassion, and drive continue to inspire and uplift the Hispanic community in Dayton and beyond.

Vice President

Claudia Williams has been a business owner and entrepreneur since 1999. She is theowner/operator of Orchard Lane Events in Xenia, OH. She was owner/operator of a janitorial company in Southern California named Jani-Trol. She was able to grow Jani-Trol, Inc. as a (MBE/WBE) Minority Business Enterprise/Women Business Enterprise,SBA 8a-certified company creating over 30 jobs in her area.

After moving to Ohio,Claudia’s entrepreneurial spirit prompted her to learn new industry skills in the hospitality field as an AGM and General Manager of several hotels. In learning to manage a hotel with over 250 guest rooms, a restaurant and banquet facilities, she fostered her love of hospitality and purchased a property in 2020 that has encompassed all the skills that she has acquired throughout the years.

As owner/operator of Orchard Lane Events, she plans and hosts many weddings, bridal and baby showers, birthday parties, quinceañeras, sweet sixteens, school and military reunions, corporate trainings and special events. She is renovating a rustic barn for an additional event venue, café/country store, bed and breakfast and eventually a farm-to-table restaurant on a 52-acre farm. Finally, she holds weekly, seasonal farmer’s market, promoting community, supporting local farmers and creating jobs in Xenia, Ohio.

(937) 736-0655

Executive Director

Christina Méndez is the Executive Director of the Dayton Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the visionary founder of Irene-Marie Co., a full-service marketing agency dedicated to empowering nonprofits and B2B businesses with strategic branding solutions. Since its launch in 2018, Irene-Marie Co. has evolved from providing business consulting to specializing in tailored marketing strategies for nonprofit organizations and B2B enterprises. Christina’s expertise has helped countless organizations and businesses increase brand loyalty, drive revenue, and create lasting impact.

In addition to leading her agency, Christina is a Certified Life Coach, Business and Entrepreneurship Coach, and a credentialed Women’s Entrepreneurship professional through Cornell University. She is also a sought-after Fractional CMO, leveraging her skills to help businesses and organizations achieve authentic, results-driven marketing goals.

A proud first-generation Puerto Rican, Christina comes from a strong entrepreneurial background inspired by her father. From a young age, she was immersed in the world of media, marketing, advertising, and journalism, gaining firsthand experience that shaped her passion for storytelling and strategic thinking. This foundation has been instrumental in her career and fuels her drive to help others succeed.

As Executive Director of the Dayton Hispanic Chamber, Christina combines her professional expertise with her cultural pride to advocate for Hispanic entrepreneurs, connect leaders, and foster economic growth within the community.

Christina’s work is a testament to her belief in the power of marketing to not only transform businesses but also uplift communities and inspire meaningful change.

Secretary

Augustina is a seasoned professional with a diverse background in media, events, and entrepreneurship. She has a strong history in broadcast media and event marketing, coupled with a decade of experience as a small business owner of Frios Gourmet Pops Dayton and Event Logistics.

A dedicated community member, Augustina actively serves on multiple chambers of commerce. Starting with she is Dayton Food Truck Alliance President, Beavercreek, Fairborn, Huber Heights, Vandalia, and Dayton Hispanic Chamber, where she holds the Secretary position). She is involved in various associations, including Heart of Centerville & Washington Twp (Food Vendor Coordinator), Dayton Food Truck Association (Secretary), Miami Valley Restaurant Association, and WiBN Women in Business Network.

Treasurer

Sam earned his Bachelor of Science in Accountancy from Wright State University, magna cum laude, in 1992 and his Masters in Taxation from Capital University Law School in 1996, summa cum laude. Sam has over 28 years of public accounting experience, including thirteen years withErnst & Young, a Big Four Firm. In 2013, Sam formed his own firm with a focus on serving high-net worth families in the Miami Valley. He was born and raised in this area, and is well versed in the dynamic and vibrant heritage of our Ohio region.

Sam’s experience includes serving as Chief Financial Officer for high, net-worth families. In his role as family CFO, Sam has assisted with the sale of closely-held business for $120 million, inheriting and gifting assets, and retiring from active management of a closely-held company.

Sam coordinates family advisors including attorneys, insurance brokers, CPA firms, and private and public charities. Sam proactively manages cash flow planning for families to avoid last-minute tax surprises and proactively seeks to minimize income and estate tax obligations. Sam’s experience includes advising clients about the use of specialized tax planning techniques, including split-interest charitable trusts, spousal lead access trusts, private foundations, qualified personal residence trusts, and other specialized techniques for managing family wealth in a tax efficient manner.

He is a member of the Ohio Society of Certified Public Accountants (OSCPA) and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). Sam earned his Personal Financial Specialist designation from the AICPA and is a member of the Personal Financial Planning section of the AICPA. A CPA/PFS is more than a financial planner—he is a CPA with the powerful combination of extensive tax expertise and comprehensive knowledge of financial planning.

Sam served as President on the board of the Epilepsy Foundation of Western Ohio. Sam served as President of the Dayton Chapter of the Society of Financial Services Professionals. Sam currently serves as Treasurer of the Dayton Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

Sam speaks to professional service and industry groups about tax related issues, including the Estate Planning, Trust and Probate section of the Dayton Bar Association.

Sam is also a proud father of twenty-three-year-old triplets, who were born on April 21st ,graciously allowing Sam to fulfill his April 15th responsibilities!

Board Member

Jana Ramos was born and raised in Brazil but has lived in Ohio since 2004. She owns Ramos Ratliff Insurance Agency. Her primary focus is to help Seniors to understand how Medicare works and which plan is the most appropriate for them. 

She is the author of the book "The Pink of It". In this book, she tells you her journey through breast cancer treatment and how she beat it. Jana has been serving as a board member for the Dayton Hispanic Chamber of Commerce since 2016. She's also a volunteer board member of the Kettering Health Foundation and is involved in several non-profit organizations in the Dayton area.

Jana has an awesome 17-year-old son and her favorite hobby is to play tennis.

Board Member

Robert Salinas is a distinguished entrepreneur and community leader based in Dayton, Ohio. Born in General Trevino, Nuevo Leon, Mexico, he moved to the United States and became a naturalized citizen in 1963. He has resided in the Dayton area for 25 years.

In 2000, Robert founded Salinas Industries, an automotive supplier specializing in manufacturing automotive sound deadeners and janitorial paper products. Under his leadership, the company has achieved significant growth, ranking #5 on the Dayton Business Journal's list of the Top 65 Fastest-Growing Companies in the Dayton Region.

Beyond his business endeavors, Robert is deeply committed to community service. He served as the President of the Dayton Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, for over a decade, where he plays a pivotal role in advocating for Hispanic businesses and fostering economic development within the community.

Robert's dedication to both business excellence and community advancement underscores his influential role in the Dayton region.

Advisor to the Board

Jose “Rafi” Rodriguez, Colonel (Retired), USAF
President, Rodriguez Financial Strategies, LLC

Jose “Rafi” Rodriguez is the President of Rodriguez Financial Strategies, LLC, with a deep commitment to providing retirement income planning and financial guidance. He is a seasoned leader with over 70 years of combined experience in both military and financial sectors. As a Retirement Income Certified Professional®, Rafi brings a wealth of knowledge to the financial landscape, helping individuals plan for a secure future.

Current Roles:

President, Rodriguez Financial Strategies, LLC

Serving Past-President, United Way of the Greater Dayton Area

Board Member, Dayton Chamber of Commerce

Active Member, Beavercreek Chamber of Commerce

Active Member, Air Force Association Wright Memorial Chapter

Founding Member, Kiwanis Club of Beavercreek

Host, Rafi’s Amigos Golf Outing

Past Roles:

President, Dayton Hispanic Chamber

Board Member, Air Camp USA

Board Member, Antioch University Mid-West

Recognition:

Greene County Veterans Hall of Fame, 2022

Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame, 2014

Outstanding Leadership Award, Dayton Hispanic Chamber, 2011

Latino Military Service of Distinction Award, Ohio Commission on Hispanic/Latino Affairs, 2011

The President’s Bronze Volunteer Award, signed by President George W. Bush, 2007

Hispanic of the Year, Wright Patterson Air Force Base, 2003

Rafi’s dedication extends beyond his professional roles, as he remains actively involved in various community organizations and initiatives. His leadership has been recognized through multiple awards, including being inducted into the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame and receiving the Latino Military Service of Distinction Award.

Contact Information:

Rodriguez Financial Strategies, LLC
4031 Colonel Glenn Highway, Suite 107
Beavercreek, OH 45431
Phone: 937-427-4292
MyRepChat: 937-329-9139
Fax: 937-427-1242
Email: rafi@AskRafi.com