Meet the Team | Administrative & Management

Ms. Franco serves as the Workforce Development Specialist, serving Cochise, Graham and Greenlee Counties.  She joined the PPEP NFJP team in September 2024 and is based out of Willcox, AZ. Ms. Franco is a mother of two children and comes to us with background work in the court system and being a stay-at-home mother. Ms. Franco learned about PPEP several years ago when he husband was enrolled in the NFJP program, went through CDL training, received his certificates, and became a truck driver in the agricultural fields before starting his own successful business. She is passionate about learning and growing with PPEP, Inc. and connecting with the very people who her husband worked with, that have similar dreams and aspirations. Outside of work, you can find her traveling and spending time with her family. 

Ms. Monica Sandoval, born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona. Growing up, she worked in the onion fields alongside her grandparents, where she learned early on that hard work is the foundation of growth. As their translator, Monica became their voice and developed a deep sense of responsibility and advocacy.

Inspired by her mother’s work with the State of Arizona and LULAC, she discovered her passion for community service at a young age. Monica spent years volunteering, connecting individuals and families to vital resources, and supporting community initiatives.

Professionally, she worked for the State of Arizona for eight years before transitioning into the private sector in patient financial services. There, she developed a prenatal program to support uninsured and underinsured women and organized community health fairs to provide screenings and access to essential services.

Monica also served as a representative for NAHAM (National Association of Healthcare Access Management) and as a HIPAA Compliance Officer for Abrazo.

Strength not only comes from within, but from those around you.

Ana Lopez is a bilingual Workforce Development Specialist with the National Farmworker Jobs Program at PPEP, Inc. She earned her Master’s degree in International Security Studies from the University of Arizona in 2025, with a focus on human security, including economic stability, food security, and job access. Her background informs her work supporting farmworkers and their families in achieving long-term self-sufficiency. Ana also brings experience as a Case Worker Intern with the International Rescue Committee and is driven by a commitment to empowering overlooked and vulnerable communities.

                 
Melissa Avila is a proud borderlands native who brings both personal experience and deep commitment to her work with farmworker communities. Born in Phoenix, Arizona and raised in San Luis, Mexico, she returned to Arizona at 18 to pursue greater opportunities and begin her college journey—while also taking on the challenge of learning English as her second language. Her first job in the United States was as a farmworker doing limpias y desahijes, an experience that shaped her understanding of the hard work and barriers many farmworkers face. Despite these challenges, she continued her education and proudly graduated from Arizona Western College in May 2025 with an associate's degree in Family Studies. Melissa is motivated by her desire to help her community access better job opportunities and essential resources so they can succeed, just as she has worked hard to do.                                                                                                                 

                                                                  Mr. Gonzalez is committed to empowering individuals by helping them acquire the skills, education, and resources they need to enhance their quality of life and achieve self-sufficiency. Originally from San Diego, CA, Mr. Gonzalez transitioned from working as a DCS caseworker to the PPEP NFJP program in February 2024. As a Workforce Development Specialist, he works closely with participants, providing guidance and support to help them navigate training programs and career development opportunities. His goal is to ensure each individual he assists has the tools necessary to secure stable employment and reach their full potential. His dedication stems from his passion for making a positive impact on the lives of those in underserved communities.  He holds a bachelor's degree in criminal justice and served in the United States Navy for 12 years, making him a proud veteran.  

                                                                                                                                 Ms. Elias and her journey from Mexico to Yuma County is one of perseverance. As an adult with two teenagers, little formal education (6th grade), and no English, she migrated to Yuma County and faced many obstacles. However, she found strength in Yuma’s community, particularly its agricultural fields, where she worked alongside dedicated individuals just as she did in Mexico, starting at age eight. Ms. Elias overcame barriers and changed career directions dedicating herself to advancing her own education. Her connection to this land and its people runs deep. She is passionate about empowering others to overcome challenges. Her experiences have fueled a lifelong commitment to helping others build a brighter future.

Ms. Elias' feels her purpose is to connect with people by listening to their life stories, sharing her own, and encouraging them to strive for career advancement, no matter the obstacles. Watching others achieve their goals and build better lives inspires her daily.

In her role with the NFJP program, she has the honor of supporting agricultural workers in accessing vital training and career resources. This program is a bridge to brighter futures, offering hard-working individuals the guidance and skills they need to secure stability and success.  Knowing that she can contribute to their journey drives her passion for this work. Every story of progress and achievement affirms her commitment to empowering these workers, strengthening not only their lives but also the heart of our community.

                                                                              Israel Valenzuela joined the San Luis, Arizona office of PPEP NFJP in November 2025 as a Workforce Development Specialist. He brings a strong background in the financial industry, where he dedicated his work to helping individuals and families navigate financial hardships and build long-term stability. Israel is deeply passionate about serving his community and is proud to be part of PPEP, an organization whose mission aligns closely with his personal values of empowerment, opportunity, and positive change. He is highly motivated to support participants in achieving their career and life goals. Israel holds a bachelor's degree in business administration from Arizona State University, which further strengthens his ability to provide effective workforce and career development support. 

Ms. Sosa has spent the majority of her life in Yuma County, where she has developed a deep connection to the community and its agricultural heritage. Passionate about staying active, she enjoys playing various sports. Ms. Sosa considers herself to be very social and finds great fulfillment in engaging with people, particularly in listening to their life stories. She is fascinated by where people come from, what journeys they’ve taken, and what aspirations they hold for the future.

Living in an agricultural region, she has developed a deep appreciation for the hard work that goes into cultivating the land. Ms. Sosa acknowledges the beauty of the fields and the tireless dedication of the workers who sustain the area's agricultural productivity.

Ms. Sosa is thrilled to be part of the NFJP PPEP program, as it gives her the opportunity to connect with agricultural workers and contribute to their personal and professional growth. It’s incredibly rewarding to support individuals who work tirelessly in the fields, helping them access valuable job and training opportunities that can improve not only their lives but also the lives of their families. Through this program, she feels privileged to play a role in empowering these hardworking individuals, offering them the resources and guidance they need to build a brighter and more secure future. Helping them achieve stability and success is something that drives her passion for this work, as she sees firsthand the positive impact it can have on their well-being and the community as a whole.