Eric Duran-Valle is the Media Communications Specialist at Vegas PBS. Eric has been in communications for 3 years, and has expertise in Social Media and Public Communications. Eric is an alumnus of Valley High School’s International Baccalaureate (IB) Program, and the LIFE (Lifelong Instruction and Focus on Exploration) Program. Eric is uniquely qualified to serve on this board because he grew up in the community we are serving, which he has chosen to serve as well through his work with Vegas PBS.

To contact the board, reach out to ✉️ info@vegasvistaacademy.org

Renee Kanani Cadaoas is a dedicated cultural leader and administrative professional with over two decades of experience supporting community engagement and cultural education. A lifelong advocate for Hawaiian traditions, she serves as a kumu hula and active volunteer in Las Vegas-based Hawaiian civic organizations. Renee’s professional background includes 24 years as a Management Assistant with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, where she excelled in budget management, scheduling, and organizational support.

To contact the board, reach out to ✉️ info@vegasvistaacademy.org

Victor Tavares is the parent of two prospective Vegas Vista students, Amelie and Michael. Victor currently works for Republic Services of Nevada. Victor is uniquely qualified to serve on the board because he lives in our target area and has two children who will attend Vegas Vista Academy. He and his family aim to represent the interests and needs of Vegas Vista families.

To contact the board, reach out to ✉️ info@vegasvistaacademy.org

Charis Garcia is a community-focused leader with a decade of executive experience across business, nonprofit, and education sectors. She has directed financial strategy and business development initiatives that achieved sustainable growth. In her consulting practice, she supports nonprofits and minority-owned businesses with strategic development, proposal management, client and vendor relations, and event coordination. As a parent and former chair of a school parent organization, Charis has led initiatives including Reading Week, fundraisers, and community events. She brings financial expertise, governance experience, and a passion for education that nurtures academic, social, and emotional well-being to her board service.

Karl Catarata is the Director of the Human Rights Campaign of Nevada and the Chair of the Nevada Commission on Mentoring. Karl has been working in Advocacy and Human Rights in Las Vegas and across the state for 10 years, and has expertise in both, as well as in local and state lobbying and politics. Karl is uniquely qualified because of his extensive work in advocacy for the families of Las Vegas.

To contact the board, reach out to ✉️ info@vegasvistaacademy.org

Layla Medina is an attorney with the Clark County Public Defender’s Office. Every year, she represents hundreds of indigent individuals charged with criminal offenses, ranging from misdemeanors to serious felonies. Prior to attending law school, she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from the University of Nevada Las Vegas. Layla is uniquely qualified to serve on the board as she has been a Las Vegas resident since 1994, and is passionate about family engagement through public education. 

To contact the board, reach out to ✉️ info@vegasvistaacademy.org

Anthony J. Ruiz is a seasoned professional in government relations, strategic communications, and marketing. He currently serves as the Government Relations Manager at NV Energy. He has held significant roles at Nevada State University and the Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance, where he secured substantial funding and led successful legislative campaigns. Anthony holds a bachelor’s degree from Lewis & Clark College with a dual degree in rhetoric & media studies and political science. He is also earned a Juris Doctor at the William S. Boyd School of Law at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

To contact the board, reach out to ✉️ info@vegasvistaacademy.org

Silvina Jover is an accomplished educator, strategist, and scholar with over a decade of experience in multilingual education and curriculum development. She teaches social studies in English and Spanish for the Clark County School District and contributes to bilingual education policy and program design. Jover has authored educational resources, led professional development, and presented at national conferences. As a bilingual education advocate and community leader, she has worked with legislators and advisory boards to promote equity and inclusion for emergent bilingual students across Nevada and beyond.

To contact the board, reach out to ✉️ info@vegasvistaacademy.org

Alejandra Rodriguez is an emerging leader passionate about building equitable and connected communities. With a background in psychology, nonprofit programming, and civic engagement, she brings experience in event coordination, youth development, and community partnerships. Currently pursuing her M.A. in Urban Leadership at UNLV, Alejandra serves as Program Manager at the Vegas Chamber and Director of Engagement for the UNLV Latino Alumni Board, where she continues to foster collaboration and meaningful impact across Las Vegas.

To contact the board, reach out to ✉️ info@vegasvistaacademy.org

Kristina Lowrey is Senior Director, People Business Partner at BridgeBio, with over 12 years of human resources experience and more than 26 years in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry. Her background spans sales and management roles, shaping her practical, business-focused approach to people and leadership. She holds a Master of Science in Management (MSM) and is an active member of the Junior League of Las Vegas, where she has served in leadership roles. Kristina is also part of the Leadership Las Vegas Class of 2026, reflecting her commitment to community impact and civic leadership

To contact the board, reach out to ✉️ info@vegasvistaacademy.org

Nadine Bentis is the Director of Executive Education at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas Lee Business School, where she oversees the administration of the Executive MBA program including marketing, recruitment, and alumni development. She also develops business workshops and certificate programs for the Las Vegas community. Nadine received a BA in English with an Education minor from the University of California, Irvine and earned her Masters of Education and Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from the University of Southern California.  

To contact the board, reach out to ✉️ info@vegasvistaacademy.org

Dawn King is currently the Special Education Instructional Facilitator at Gibson Elementary School. Dawn has been in education for 16 years, and has expertise in teaching, special education, and administration in grades K-8. She has a Masters in Urban Leadership from the University of Nevada-Las Vegas. Dawn is uniquely qualified to offer expertise in Special Education and facilitation.

To contact the board, reach out to ✉️ info@vegasvistaacademy.org