Our Team

Our team of technicians, community organizers, asset managers— People who care about good jobs and safe housing.

Leadership Team

  • Maria Elena Guerra, Executive Director

    Meg is originally from Guayaquil, Ecuador. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Espiritu Santo University in Guayaquil, Ecuador, and a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Portland State University. Meg’s experience in housing spans over 15 years of working in property and asset management with funders & communities from a variety of backgrounds.

    Meg also is the E.D. of FHDC and previously served as the Asset and Property Manager for FHDC, the Portfolio Manager for REACH CDC, and as the Asset Manager with Hacienda CDC.

    In 2022, Meg was recognized as Enterprise’s 40 most influential leaders.

  • Ana Gomez, Operations Manager

    With nearly two decades of property management experience, Ana has managed RD, LIHTC and HOME funding properties, has strong administrative skills, a deep knowledge of contracts and property accounting, and excellent communication skills. She is responsible for overseeing our entire portfolio, on the job training and support for community managers, reparing property budgets, and overseeing tenant relations. One of the things she enjoys about working at Evolve Management is the opportunity to take on new projects. She is motivated by being assigned new assets and finding ways to improve their performance.

  • Tonya Kenyon, Office Manager & Bookkeeper

    Tonya grew up in Detroit, Oregon, and currently lives in Happy Valley. She received an Associate’s Degree in Accounting at Watterson College directly after high school and has held positions in many industries including H.V.A.C., engineering, food, and retail. A mother of two children, she enjoys the outdoors, sewing, and craft projects. She is happy to be involved in the affordable housing and real estate development industry and working for an organization that empowers community members to make better lives for themselves. She works to oversee financial compliance and the overall fiscal health of the organization.

  • Sheri Stanley, Property Accountant

    Sheri Stanley joined the team as the Property Accountant for Evolve in 2020. She came to Evolve with 25 years of experience in Accounting with expertise in the manufacturing and property management industries. Sheri is a proud step-daughter of a family of immigrant farmworkers who immigrated from Mexico to California. Sheri grew up in California, joined the USN where she was a plane captain for SH-60F helicopters, and graduated from Oakland International Airport’s Sierra Academy of Aeronautics with her A&P certification.

  • Ramon Martinez

    Ramon Martinez, Communications & Advocacy Coordinator

    Being the son of a farmworker has greatly influenced Ramon’s path. He understands the challenges of this demanding job, which adds to his motivation to help families get on a prosperous track through Evolve Workforce & Multifamily Housing Services.

    The path to his current role included experiences in the nonprofit sector. In AmeriCorps, he served as a unit leader covering a 10-state service region specializing in providing aid after natural disasters. Through AmeriCorps, he learned about Bike & Build. This organization focuses on raising awareness of affordable housing by biking across the country and building with affordable housing agencies such as Habitat for Humanity.

    In his free time, Ramon enjoys biking, running, and camping with friends. He also serves on the Board of Directors for Salem-based organization The Northwest Hub.

Workforce Team

  • Magdalena Ruiz, Workforce Development Manager

    In 2002, seeking “The American Dream,” Magdalena relocated to Portland, OR, where she began her 17-year career working for a non-profit organization. In this role, she had one-on-one meetings addressing early childhood education and parenting education for a diverse community formed by people for whom English is their second language. In this organization, she grew professionally from a teacher to a program manager.

    In 2021, Magdalena began her chapter with Evolve Workforce and Multifamily Housing Services as the Workforce Manager. This involved restructuring the fundamental T.E.A.C.H. curriculum to serve newcomers to the affordable housing management industry and to support job seekers as they sought new life and career path.. In this role, she has increased opportunities for community members and their families, and has helped expand the program to offer one-on-one coaching sessions.

    Ruiz is a Mexican woman with a passion for learning and self-education. Ruiz attended college at UNAM (National Autonomous University of Mexico), earning a Bachelors in Sociology of Education.

    In her spare time, Magdalena enjoys the company of her family, a good book, music, yoga, or just going for a walk.

  • Fernando Velazquez, Workforce Development Specialist & Career Coach

    Fernando is excited to be part of the Evolve Team and continue to actively support BIPOC communities by providing them with career development services focusing on 1-on-1 career coaching, job search, resume development, education referrals, and community support.

    Fernando’s experiences as an immigrant, working in the fields in Michoacan, working as a landscaper and as a manual laborer during his teenage and college years, and living abroad are what shaped his passion for creating spaces and serving those around him. In 2015, Fernando moved to Oregon to pursue higher education at George Fox University, earning degrees in Politics and Spanish. During his time at George Fox University, he was involved in intermural sports, volunteering with local non-profits, and spent a semester abroad in Seville, Spain.

    In his spare time, Fernando can be found at Timbers and Thorns games, refereeing youth soccer, volunteering with Young Life, exploring Oregon’s coast, or spending time with his loved ones.

  • Martha Aguilar, Workforce Development Associate

    Martha’s passion for learning and professional growth led her to discover Evolve Workforce & Multifamily Housing Services in 2023. She participated in free programs offered by the organization: the T.E.A.C.H. program, Promotoras, and the Good Neighbor training, allowing her to further understand the organization's mission. This inspired her to apply for an open position and join the Evolve family later that year.

    Martha comes from a hardworking family with strong values. Her parents are dedicated to agricultural work in Mexico; their wisdom and example have guided her in life, inspiring her to grow personally and face challenges with courage. Martha believes that by working together, we can achieve great things and move towards a brighter future for all.

Community Affordable Housing Management Team

  • Mario R. Carbajal, Property Manager [Colonia Paz II]

  • Raquel Luna, Assistant Property Manager [Colonia Paz I]

  • Elizabeth Espinoza, Property Manager [RD Nuevo Amanecer]

  • Jennifer Gonzalez, Property Manager [Colonia Jardines, Summerset Village, Westside Apartments]

  • Miriam Velez, Property Manager [Nuevo Amanecre I]

  • Yannelle Estrada, Property Manager [Nuevo Amanecer IV]

  • Maria Ortega, Assistant Manager [Colonia Unidad]

  • Cesilia Torres, Property Manager [Colonia Libertad]

  • Alejandra Rodriguez, Floater & Assistant Manager

  • Janet Díaz, Lease Up Specialist

Maintenance Technician Team

  • Maria Maciel, Property Manager & Logistic Maintenance Coordinator

  • Enrique Fuentes, Maintenance Technician

  • Woody Koenig, Maintenance Technician

  • Joel Serrano, Maintenance Technician

  • Jose Alvarez, Maintenance Technician

  • Armando Gomez, Maintenance Technician

  • Reyes Alfonso Zazueta Moreno, Maintenance Tecnician

  • Jose Escobar, Maintenance Technician

  • Luis Turcio, Maintenance Technician