First Female Board President Appointed in OLCC History
Meet the Newly Elected Board Officers
October 15, 2026
Oakland, CA – The Oakland Latino Chamber of Commerce (OLCC) is pleased to announce the election of its new Board Officers, a milestone that coincides with Oakland’s Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations. The Chamber proudly welcomes Aliza Gallo as the newly elected President of the Board of Directors.
Gallo, Principal of Gallo Advantage Consulting, an Oakland-based community facilitation and economic development firm, has served on the OLCC Board of Directors for more than a decade. She becomes the first woman to serve as OLCC Board President in the organization’s history, marking an important milestone for representation and leadership within Oakland’s Latino business community.
I am honored to serve as President of the Oakland Latino Chamber of Commerce.I am honored to serve as President of the Oakland Latino Chamber of Commerce. Our Latino business community is one of Oakland’s strongest economic engines. The Latino community represents nearly 30% of Oakland’s population, making it the city’s largest ethnic demographic. Consistent with state and national trends, Latino entrepreneurs continue to lead in business formation and workforce contributions. I look forward to working with our Board, members, and partners to strengthen OLCC’s governance and advocacy efforts, expand member engagement, and continue building a modern, effective Chamber that reflects the vibrancy of our community.”
— Aliza Gallo, OLCC Board President
Newly Elected Board Officers
OLCC Officers are committed to guiding the chamber’s strategic priorities, strengthening organizational effectiveness, and supporting growing regional partnerships.
Aliza Gallo, President
Aliza Gallo serves as Principal of Gallo Advantage Consulting. She brings extensive experience in economic and business development, public-private partnerships, community engagement, urban planning, and real estate development. Through her certified Oakland-based business, she provides facilitation, economic development, and relationship-building services that support diverse communities and businesses. She is also a member of the League of Women Voters Oakland, the Urban Land Institute, Latina Chamber of Commerce of Alameda County, the American Indian Chamber of Commerce, and serves as a mentor to Oakland students.
Sarah Chavez Yoell, Vice President
Sarah Chavez Yoell serves as a Government Relations Representative for Pacific Gas and Electric Company’s Bay Area Division. An Oakland native, she brings strong expertise in government relations, community outreach, communications, and nonprofit leadership. Sarah currently serves as Chair of the Board of Directors of Youth Alive! She also serves on several other non-profit boards including Community Education Partnership, Peralta Community Colleges Foundation and The Unity Council.
Emiliano Sanchez, Treasurer
Emiliano Sanchez serves as Director of Career Technical Education (CTE) Trades and Apprenticeships at Oakland Unified School District. He also supports the ACE Mentor Program’s Oakland team as a mentor, team leader, and school champion, helping students explore careers in architecture, construction, engineering, and the skilled trades. He is former Principal of Fremont High School in Oakland.
Edward Vargas, Interim Secretary
Edward Vargas is President and Founder of Vargas and Associates LLC. His work focuses on building partnerships among businesses, nonprofit organizations, entrepreneurs, and government agencies to advance
community initiatives. He also hosts Champions of Change, a coaching and leadership series on expandi TV and YouTube and serves as a mentor to entrepreneurs and emerging professionals.
Sharon Fonseca, Parliamentarian
Sharon Fonseca is CEO and Real Estate Broker of SF Bay Area Realty. Raised in Oakland, she assists buyers, sellers, and investors throughout Alameda and Contra Costa counties. Her professional background includes experience as a Senior Loan Officer and expertise in negotiation, local market trends, distressed properties, foreclosures, and property management. Sharon is also involved in other Chambers and real estate and construction industry associations.
Marlene Paiz, Administrator
Marlene Paiz serves as Administrator of the Oakland Latino Chamber of Commerce, providing administrative support to the Board and assisting with member services, communications, and events. She brings valuable
experience in organizational coordination and community engagement.
About The Oakland Latino Chamber of Commerce
Oakland Latino Chamber of Commerce (OLCC) is dedicated to advancing economic opportunity, strengthening business capacity, and elevating the visibility of Latino-owned businesses throughout Oakland and the East Bay. Through advocacy, partnerships, technical assistance, and community engagement, OLCC works to ensure that Latino entrepreneurs have the resources and support necessary to thrive. The Chamber is also conducting targeted outreach and support for Oakland Latino-owned businesses through a three-year grant from Kaiser Permanente. Through this initiative, more than 700 Latino-owned businesses have been identified and engaged.