Caminos Advisory Committee Announces New Leadership

Phoenix, AZ | August 5, 2026

New Pathways for Youth is proud to announce the new leadership of the Caminos Advisory Committee, a dedicated group of Latino professionals and community leaders helping expand culturally connected mentorship for the youth we serve. Melissa Heger will serve as Chair, Christopher Bernal as Vice Chair, and Trisha Schultz as Secretary. 

Caminos was created to strengthen connection, representation, and opportunity for Latino youth through mentorship. At New Pathways for Youth, nearly 80% of the youth we serve are BIPOC, and almost 70% identify as Latino. The Caminos Advisory Committee plays a vital role in helping close the representation gap by inspiring more Latino professionals to become mentors, supporters, ambassadors, and advocates for young people who deserve to see leadership that reflects their culture, experiences, and aspirations. 

Since its launch, the committee has helped build awareness of Caminos across the community, opened doors to new professional networks, and supported mentor recruitment efforts that connect Latino adults with youth who are ready to grow, lead, and define their own path. The impact of Caminos has reached deeply into our work, strengthening not only how we recruit mentors, but how we build trust, invite community leadership, and create pathways that reflect the youth and families we serve. 

As Chair, Melissa Heger brings a strong commitment to leadership, service, and community connection. As Vice Chair, Christopher Bernal will continue helping advance equity, mentorship, and systems of support for the next generation of Latino leaders. As Secretary, Trisha Schultz brings deep experience in nonprofit service, youth development, community engagement, and leadership development. 

New Pathways for Youth is also deeply grateful to the current members of the Caminos Advisory Committee, including Roger Albarrán, Juliana Manzanares, and Samuel P.  Perez Diarte, whose time, expertise, and commitment continue to strengthen this work. Their leadership helps ensure Caminos remains rooted in community, guided by lived experience, and focused on creating meaningful pathways for youth and mentors alike. 

That impact has become so meaningful to our organization that New Pathways for Youth will share the Caminos model with the broader nonprofit community at the upcoming UNITE Conference hosted by Arizona Impact for Good. Farrah Fiegener, VP of Community Impact, who has been instrumental in shaping this initiative, will help present how Caminos has become a stronghold of our mentor recruitment efforts and a powerful example of culturally rooted engagement in action. 

Looking ahead, this new leadership will help open future opportunities for those who want to be part of the Caminos Advisory Committee and contribute their voice, experience, and passion for community service. As those opportunities become available, we look forward to welcoming professionals who understand the powerful role Latino leadership can play in shaping programs, outreach, philanthropy, and long-term opportunity for youth. 

To Melissa, Christopher, Trisha, Roger, Juliana, Sam, and every leader who has helped carry Caminos forward: thank you. Your commitment, insight, and belief in the power of Latino leadership continue to shape this work in ways that are lasting, meaningful, and deeply felt by our youth, mentors, families, and community.

If you want to learn more about Caminos, follow this link.