Meet the Team | Administrative & Management

   Christine was born and raised in Arizona and is a native of the Navajo Indian Reservation in northern Arizona.  She joined PPEP, Inc. in 2020 working in the Human Services department as a Grant Compliance Manager.  She then transferred to her current position as an NFJP Regional Coordinator overseeing Pinal, Pima, Cochise, and Santa Cruz Counties.  She has an undergraduate degree in Business and American Indian Studies from ASU and earned her MBA from the University of Phoenix.  Christine conveys job dedication and perseverance to achieve her goals and aims to help individuals advance their skills, education and career goals. Outside of work, Christine enjoys making jewelry and traveling to art shows with her artistic family. Christine volunteers and has served on the Amphi School District Native American Parent Committee for the last 19 years.  She conducts fundraising events and currently serves as the secretary/treasurer.    

Soraya Ayala, a dedicated Regional Coordinator and mother of three wonderful children. She is passionate about helping people and actively supporting her community. Working with her staff, her goal is to identify solutions for individuals and families in need and offer sustainable outcomes.  Her Role as a Regional Coordinator allows her to leverage her experiences in management, business operations, outreach, community service, and case management to create meaningful, positive impacts for those entering the NFJP program.

With a background in management, she has a strong foundation in organizational efficiency, strategic planning, and team leadership, enabling her to guide and support her team and clients effectively. Her experience in outreach has helped build valuable relationships and connections within the community, empowering people by providing them with essential resources and options that cater to their unique situations. Her focus is to optimize service delivery and advocate for those in need to ensure resources are accessible to those facing challenges.

Living in the culturally vibrant and close-knit community of San Luis inspires her daily.  She is grateful to work in an environment that aligns with her passion for service, allowing her to utilize her experiences and contribute to the well-being of others.

Ms. Mendez is an Illinois native. Early in her career, she worked with organizations, such as the Child Abuse Council, Project Now Head Start, and Community Action Agencies. In 2000, she joined the Illinois Migrant Council, where she discovered her passion for serving farmworker communities with the National Farmworker Jobs Program.  She established coalitions to provide food, shelter, and advocate for human rights, connecting deeply with this population due to her own childhood memories living and working on a farm.

In 2009, Ms. Mendez attended an Association of Farmworker Opportunity Programs (AFOP) conference in Carefree, Arizona, where she was very inspired by CEO Dr. John Arnold and the mission of PPEP Inc. She expressed her desire to work there one day. In 2017, Ms. Mendez came to work for PPEP NFJP and is now the Regional Coordinator for Mohave, La Paz, Maricopa and Yavapai Counties NFJP program.

Since then, she has been actively involved in building community partnerships and providing comprehensive outreach across Arizona, focusing on housing, health services, and migrant education. Words can’t express the joy she feels when making a difference in the lives of our farmworker families.

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. Samano,Ms. Samano was born and raised in the small town of Delano, California. An interesting fact about her hometown is, Cesar Chavez moved to Delano, in April 1962 with his family. The Chavez family rented a two-bedroom house on Kensington Street, which also served as the first office of the National Farm Workers Association (NFWA). Chavez organized the successful Delano Grape Strike from 1965–1970. The strike brought together Filipino and Mexican farmworkers and was a pivotal moment in California's history. Cesar Chavez also held his headquarters in Delano, Ca.

Ms. Samano moved to Phoenix, Arizona in 2003 and enjoyed the city life, minus the traffic! Her experience started in Human Resources, working for the Department of Economic Security with the State of Arizona. She then had the opportunity to work for Goodwill as a Senior Career Advisor under Workforce Development. While at Goodwill, Ms. Samano was able to work with various organizations such as, The Fresh Start Womans Center, Maricopa Skill Center and facilitated workshops such as Job Readiness, Resume Writing and Basic computer skills. Then Goodwill was granted a contract with the City of Phoenix - Arizona@Work to coordinator the welcome Centers at the One Stop locations. This experience led her to join PPEP in October 2024 as the Workforce Development Specialist. Her enthusiasm, experience, and drive has motivated her passion in serving not only the community but the farmworker demographic.  

Ms. Rosas is a champion for change. Just joining the PPEP NFJP program in August of 2024 as a Workforce Development Specialist, she has dedicated herself to helping clients tackle their challenges head-on.

Things she feels makes her stand out as a case manager is the ability to utilize a client-centered approach and empower those she is working with through planning and advocacy. Ms. Rosas enjoys providing tailored support and guidance to all her clients. Her goals revolve around fostering successful outcomes for everyone she works with to ensure a smooth transition into their new endeavors, and her clients have stability and the means for sustainability in life to obtain their goals and make their dreams a reality.

Mr. Negrin grew up in Elizabeth, New Jersey, the son of Cuban immigrants who arrived in the U.S. in the late 1960s with dreams of building a better future for their family. Their determination shaped Rey’s values of hard work and perseverance.

With a background in customer service and the utilities industry, Mr. Negrin eventually made his way to Southern Arizona, where his focus shifted to community work.

Now, as a Workforce Development Specialist for PPEP and the National Farmworker Jobs Program, he helps connect individuals to vital resources, training, and opportunities for assistance in career development.

He serves Santa Cruz and Pima Counties, and works out of Nogales, Arizona.

 Mr. Cruz is a Workforce Development Specialist with a professional background in communication, advertising, photography, health, and nutrition. His diverse expertise allows him to advocate for his participants enrolling in the NFJP program and effectively, addressing both their immediate needs and supporting their long-term well-being. He is passionate about helping others thrive through a creative and holistic approach. Outside of work, Mr. Cruz enjoys traveling and music, which inspire him and bring fresh perspectives to his work. He is dedicated to making a positive impact and helping people lead more fulfilling lives 

 Mr. Gonzelez 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.

With over 15 years of experience in case management, Ms. Ochoa brings a deep understanding of social services and a passion for helping others improve their lives to life. Coming from a family rooted in agriculture, she was raised with strong values of education and hard work. This foundation enabled her to pursue her education in Social Services and Education, with the unwavering support of her family. Ms. Ochoa's professional background has allowed her to develop a keen awareness of the needs of those seeking better opportunities and the tools to empower them toward personal growth and self-sufficiency.

As a mother of two and part of a military family, she balances her commitments to her career with her dedication to family life, knowing firsthand the importance of resilience and adaptability. The lessons learned from her upbringing, coupled with her experiences in case management, have shaped her belief that it’s never too late to learn something new or to make significant changes in life.

Ms. Ochoa is driven by the idea that everyone deserves the chance to achieve something better for themselves, and she is committed to guiding them on that journey with compassion and expertise.

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.