Executive Director / President, Bridget B. Espinosa
Bridget B. Espinosa is a consultant, speaker, and writer with over 30 years of expertise in education and business. As the CEO and Founder of a diverse portfolio of brands—including Puente Cultural Integration, Puente de Conexión, Lazos Global, and Experience Puerto Morelos—she leads a powerful network of bilingual consulting, global lifestyle, and community-driven ventures. Over the last decade, Bridget has undergone a radical life transformation, evolving from a traditional classroom teacher into a bold, risk-taking international entrepreneur who lives her dream of working virtually near the beach.
A champion for equity, Bridget has coached over 500 small businesses, specializing in bilingual program development and digital strategy for immigrant and women entrepreneurs. Guided by her core values of authenticity, integrity, and growth, she inspires others to “Paint Their Life” by aligning their daily mission with their future vision. Whether through business coaching or community advocacy, Bridget is dedicated to helping individuals stand in their truth and manifest their dreams—sooner, rather than later!
Creative Director / Vice-President, Maria Elena Blanco
A Cuban-born educator with a lifelong passion for learning, Maria is a vital asset to our mission. With a Master’s degree in Reading and 30 years of teaching experience, Maria’s career has touched everything from Spanish and Art to specialized programs for Newcomers. Her deep understanding of literacy and creative expression informs her work on the board, ensuring our programs remain both educational and inspiring. A resident of Farmington, Michigan, Maria balances her professional expertise with a vibrant personal life centered on her two sons and her beloved twin granddaughters. An artist at heart, she believes in the power of community, family, and the arts to transform lives.
Treasurer, Maki Colombo
Co-Secretary, Robert Dewaelsche
Robert is responsible for the operations of EL CENTRAL Hispanic News and focuses on the primary goal of including as much local, original content in each weekly issue as possible to be a voice for Hispanics in Southwest Detroit and throughout Metro Detroit. Robert served in the U.S. Peace Corps in Nicaragua and Ecuador where he polished his Spanish (which is now quite rusty.) He has worked at LA SED, SER Metro-Detroit, Comerica, Habitat for Humanity and at the Southwest Detroit Business Association. Throughout his career, his responsibilities almost always involved work in Southwest Detroit. His experience in the publishing sector has included writing and editing for corporate newsletters; overseeing the Michigan Chronicle’s community tabloid section called “Homefront” and as a community development beat columnist for “The HUB Detroit”.
Co-Secretary, Laura Perez
Frank Pucci
Frank was born in Southwest Detroit. He studied Chemistry at MSU which was interrupted by the draft. After going to Vietnam, he returned to his beautiful bride then studied Physics at Lawrence Tech. His next endeavor was to form a building company, from which he retired in 2008.