Dylan Rivera currently serves as the City of Chattanooga’s Director of Policy Planning and Implementation in Mayor Tim Kelly’s administration, marking the first-ever Latino appointed to a Mayor’s Office position in the City of Chattanooga’s history. His work directly impacts closing generational health, safety, and prosperity gaps in Chattanooga’s minority communities. 

A first-generation graduate of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, he studied public policy with a minor in criminal justice.

Fabian became involved in politics and Fuerza because he saw that Latinos in Tennessee were often invisible, and without political power, policies wouldn’t reflect their needs.

As Nashville’s first Latino Metro Council member, he pushed for changes in how attainable housing was built, after seeing Latinos face evictions from gentrifying neighborhoods. He successfully passed legislation that, though later preempted by the state, set a new standard for advocacy.

Outside of politics, he has officiated over 2,000 weddings, making him the city’s third top officiant, after the last two county clerks.  

Elizabeth got involved in politics and Fuerza because she believes in empowering underrepresented voices and ensuring all communities hold a seat at the table where decisions are made.

Her passion for advocacy comes from seeing firsthand how policy impacts opportunity and quality of life. As Treasurer of Fuerza, she’s worked to strengthen its financial transparency and secure funding for initiatives.

Elizabeth resides in Memphis with her adopted cat, Clementine who has more personality than most people she knows.

Robert’s involvement with politics and advocacy for Latino issues began during his first year at the University of Florida. Whether it was assisting primary Spanish speakers in accessing campus resources or speaking with families in the community about their needs, Robert recognized the need for our people to have advocates at various levels of local government that looked like them and reflected their values.

As the Director of Data & Technology for Tennessee’s c3 and c4 coalitions, Robert has administered the tools that drive civic and political impact in our state for over 45 partner organizations, using data analysis to make their programs more impactful and create better outcomes. Beyond his work, Robert is an avid outdoorsman. This attracted him to Chattanooga, where he resides with his Australian Shepherd, Ember. 

Yuleiny Escobar became involved in politics and Fuerza to ensure immigrant and working-class families have a real voice in the decisions that affect their lives. She leads community initiatives that expand access to voting, support children’s education and nutrition, and promote environmental and social justice.

Yuleiny loves reconnecting with her Indigenous roots through danza ceremonies.