Leadership

President

Rafael Rivadeneira
rafael.rivadeneira@ilrnha.org

Rafael has been called a "fresh, diverse face and strong Conservative voice” as well as, the “ZAP the IL GOP’s cardio system needs” (Illinois Review ). While the “zap” may be his own doing, Rafael credits his Cuban-born mother and father for his face and his voice. When his parents fled Castro’s Communist Cuba in the late 1960s, they escaped with no money, no jobs and no certainty. They left poverty, tyranny and oppression of Communist Cuba for the hope of freedom and opportunity in America. When their son was born a few years after they arrived, they instilled in him a deep gratitude and admiration for that same freedom and opportunity afforded in this country.

Rafael grew up in Chicago’s Rogers Park neighborhood. He attended St. Ignatius Grammar School in Rogers Park and went onto Loyola Academy in Wilmette. He graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a degree in Finance.

At age 23, Rafael and a friend founded a money management firm. They ran the highly successful company together for over 10 years. Today, Rafael is president of Epiphany Portfolios, an off-shoot of that firm. Epiphany Portfolios specializes in low, flat-fee based passive money management for individuals, not-for-profits, foundations and other organizations seeking sound, prudent investments.

A lifelong Republican, Rafael has been active in politics since 2000, Rafael is president of the Republican National Hispanic Assembly of Illinois (RNHA), as well as the immediate past president of the DuPage County chapter of the RNHA. An elected precinct committeeman in York Township, he is actively involved in the York Township Republican Committeemen’s Organization, the DuPage Young Republicans and the Illinois Republican Party.

Rafael is an official surrogate speaker for the Republican Party and reaches large segments of various communities as a regular contributor on Telemundo, several appearances on Univision, and on such shows as PBS’ “The Professors.” Rafael also takes place in various debates and panels across Illinois.

Vice President

Gabriela Wyatt
gabriela.wyatt@ilrnha.org

2nd Vice President

Rene Hernandez Jr
rene.hernandez@ilrnha.org

I was originally born in Oaxaca, Mexico and at 6 months my parents brought me to the United States of America, which has since been my homeland. I became a U.S. citizen on April 2, 2002 and since then I have voted in every Presidential primary and general election.

At age 27 I ran unsuccessfully for Round Lake Beach, IL Village board trustee.  I was the first Hispanic to run for trustee in the history of the Village of Round Lake Beach, IL.  Not long after that election I was appointed to the Round Lake Area Library Trustee Board.  Since being appointed I have been elected by the voters and residents of the Round Lake Area to serve another term in 2006-2009.  The experience I have acquired from serving in my first elected office has taught me the significance and importance of serving the fine people of my community.

I have volunteered countless hours to GOP congressional, governortorial, and Presidential races.  I was a Lake County, IL delegate for the Illinois Republican State Convention in June of 2008.  I have been featured in Telemundo Chicago and numerous local newspapers including the Chicago Tribune.  I have also been an active member of the RNHA of Cook County, IL since 2005.  I am  participant and graduate of the Metropolitan leadership Institute program class of 2009 in Chicago, IL.  I also have volunteered and taugh U.S. citizenship classes in Round Lake, IL for non-profit group called Childserve.  My most recent accomplishment has been starting the ILRNHA of Lake County chapter.  I have also been a part of the revival of the Lake County Young Republicans, which has made an immediate impact in Lake County, Illinois.

Treasurer

Jose Jorge
jose.jorge@ilrnha.org

Secretary

Olga Pereira
olga.pereira@ilrnha.org

National Committeeman

Mark Aguilera
mark.aguilera@ilrnha.org

National Committeewoman

Gloria Campos
gloria.campos@ilrnha.org