Connecting culture, strengthening community, transforming lives

Yanira Shaul Paulette

Founder and Executive Director

A Guatemalan community leader, in Morganton since 2001. She founded Raíces Center on one conviction: our roots should not limit our future; they should be the strength from which we grow.

“We must never forget our roots, because they tell our story. But we also have a responsibility to plant something that can grow for those who come after us.”

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Yanira Shaul Paulette

Founder and Executive Director

Yanira Shaul Paulette is a Guatemalan-born community leader, business administration professional and advocate for the growth and strengthening of Latino communities in North Carolina.

Originally from Guatemala, she moved to Morganton, North Carolina, in November 2001, and the city has been her home for the last 25 years. She is deeply proud of being Guatemalan, of her culture and her roots, an identity that has shaped her calling to serve and her commitment to building bridges between communities.

She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration and a Community Leader diploma from the Antonio José de Irisarri Diplomatic Academy. She serves on the Board of Directors of the Burke County Chamber of Commerce and as Chair of Centro Unido Latinoamericano. For about 10 years she has served as a liaison between the Guatemalan community and the Consulate General of Guatemala in Raleigh.

She is the founder and Executive Director of Raíces Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit born from a deeply personal conviction: our roots should not limit our future; they should become the strength from which we grow. Through Raíces Center she leads programs in education, food assistance, child and youth development, support for women, community services and guidance.

One of her most meaningful projects is the Janice McMahon Academy, created in honor of Janice McMahon, an educator and community leader who believed in Yanira's potential and encouraged her to continue her education. Through the Academy, Yanira wants to multiply that opportunity, so that others, regardless of age, language or circumstances, find education, tools and someone willing to believe in them.

Her vision is for Raíces Center to outgrow its founders and become a strong, transparent and sustainable institution that keeps serving future generations.

“We must never forget our roots, because they tell our story. But we also have a responsibility to plant something that can grow for those who come after us.”

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  Jorge Minera

  Digital & Communications Director

  Sound engineer and audiovisual producer with a degree from Middlesex University in London. He designed and built Raíces Center's website and now leads its digital presence, content and Google visibility.

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  Jorge Minera

  Digital & Communications Director

  Jorge Minera is Raíces Center's Digital & Communications Director. He is a sound engineer, holds a Bachelor of Arts from Middlesex University in London and runs his own post-production studio in Madrid, Spain.

  For Raíces he designed and developed the website, with forms to request help, sign up for programs, volunteer and donate.

  His work brings technology, image and sound together. He manages Raíces' visibility on Google, including the Google Ad Grants program for nonprofits, along with social media, video and the volunteer and giving campaigns. He also supports fundraising: he prepared the organization's grants plan and helps with applications to foundations and companies across the region.

  He works remotely from Madrid, hand in hand with the team in North Carolina. He believes good communication opens doors: when a family finds the right information at the right time, they can take the next step.

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  Margarita Yanes

  Board Chair and Mentor

  Executive Director of Centro Unido Latino Americano (CULA). A first-generation Latina born in Mexico and a recognized leader in Western North Carolina.

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  Margarita Yanes

  Board Chair and Mentor

  As the current Executive Director of Centro Unido Latino Americano (CULA), Margarita Yanes understands that community voices, cultural strengths, values and lived experiences are at the heart of the organization's mission and vision.

  A proud first-generation Latina, Margarita migrated from Mexico and grew up in the United States, experiencing firsthand the challenges of accessing resources and navigating complex systems. These lived experiences deeply inform her approach to community work. She embodies Glenn Martin's words: "People who are closest to the problem are closest to the solution," and firmly believes that lasting impact comes from working alongside the community.

  In just six years, Margarita led a remarkable transformation, growing CULA from a small rural nonprofit with two part-time staff and an $88,000 budget into a nationally recognized organization with twelve full-time employees, six seasonal contractors and an annual operating budget of over $1.8 million. Her leadership has significantly expanded access to education, mental health services and social support for the rural Latino community in Western North Carolina.

  Beyond direct services, Margarita is a social entrepreneur committed to strengthening self-advocacy and building long-term community power. She recognizes that no single organization can do this alone and that partnerships are essential to transforming systems. She rejects deficit-based narratives and focuses on uplifting cultural strengths and awakening the leadership within communities.

  Recognition

  • Community Leadership Award, McDowell Chamber of Commerce (2023)
  • Diamante Latino State Award (2022)
  • City of Marion Mayor Honor Award (2024)
  • NC Rural Center Rural Leader of the Year (2024)
  • Outstanding Nonprofit, AFE WNC (2025)
  • Distinguished Partner in Excellence Award, NC Community College System (2023)
  • Mujica Community Service Award, UNC Chapel Hill (2025)
  • American Red Cross Salute to WNC Heroes (2023)
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  Georgina Cisneros-Rivera

  Board Vice Chair

  A bilingual emerging professional from Morganton with experience in healthcare, legal services and customer service.

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  Georgina Cisneros-Rivera

  Board Vice Chair

  Georgina Cisneros-Rivera is a bilingual emerging professional from Morganton, North Carolina. In May 2026 she earned her Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree from Western Piedmont Community College while also graduating from Burke Middle College High School.

  She completed an internship at Broughton Hospital, shadowing healthcare professionals in clinical settings, and a legal internship with The Law Office of Brian Jones, LLC, supporting administrative work and confidential legal documentation. Her customer service experience has built adaptability, responsibility and a strong work ethic.

  She is bilingual in English and Spanish and is CPR and CPI certified. She is committed to growing as a leader and making a meaningful, positive impact in her community.

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  Yamilet Batz Luna

  Co-founder and Treasurer

  A community leader with Costa Rican roots. She co-founded Raíces Center so that no one in our community has to feel alone.

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  Yamilet Batz Luna

  Co-founder and Treasurer

  Yamilet Batz Luna is a community leader with Costa Rican roots whose story reflects perseverance, faith and a deep calling to serve.

  Since arriving in the United States in 1999, she has built a new chapter of her life through effort and determination. Here she continued her education and completed her studies, while learning firsthand the challenges many families face when starting over.

  Her Christian faith is one of the pillars of her life. As a member of Iglesia Nueva Vida in Morganton, she draws on her faith to serve with humility, compassion and respect, making sure every person is treated with the dignity they deserve.

  Her path of service brought her together with Yanira Shaul Paulette, with whom she shared the dream of creating an organization that responds to the community's real needs. From that vision, Raíces Center was born. For Yamilet, helping means listening, walking alongside people and creating opportunities that let them regain hope. Her values: faith, perseverance, service, solidarity and love for the community.

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  Ruth Martinez

  Secretary

  More than 16 years of experience in accounting, human resources, logistics and operations.

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  Ruth Martinez

  Secretary

  Ruth Martinez is an accounting, human resources, logistics and operations professional with more than 16 years of experience, including payroll administration, financial transactions, employee benefits, recruitment, regulatory compliance and facility management.

  She currently works with Case Farms in Morganton, North Carolina, where she has held responsibilities across logistics, accounting, benefits, training, recruiting, payroll and human resources. Before moving to North Carolina, she built an extensive career in Houston, Texas, in operations, facilities management, maintenance coordination and human resources.

  Ruth has pursued studies in Applied Science and Accounting, and brings to Raíces Center strong organizational skills, attention to detail, financial responsibility and a collaborative approach committed to transparency and service to the community.

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  Mateo Francisco

  Assistant Treasurer

  A young Guatemalan entrepreneur, proud of his Maya roots. He speaks Spanish, English and Akateko.

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  Mateo Francisco

  Assistant Treasurer

  Mateo Francisco is a young Guatemalan entrepreneur, proud of his Maya roots. He arrived in Morganton, North Carolina, at age 15 and has worked ever since to build new opportunities while staying connected to his home country.

  He is trilingual, speaking Spanish, English and Akateko, a Maya language from Guatemala. He works for a company that manufactures paints and coatings for boats, furniture and pools, and he owns Trajes Típicos Kataleya, a business that brings traditional Maya clothing directly from Guatemala, helping preserve and share the beauty of its weaving and traditions.

  At Raíces Center he contributes his time, responsibility and perspective as a young entrepreneur. His story represents a new generation showing that moving forward does not mean leaving our roots behind.

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  Irma Sepez

  Board Member

  Originally from Santiago Sacatepéquez, Guatemala. An interpreter at a county Health Department.

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  Irma Sepez

  Board Member

  Irma Sepez is originally from Santiago Sacatepéquez, Guatemala. In 1997 she immigrated to the United States with her parents and siblings, beginning a new chapter marked by effort, perseverance and commitment to her community.

  She currently works as an interpreter at a county Health Department, helping many families communicate and access essential services. She also serves as an interpreter at her church.

  Convinced that serving is a way to transform lives, Irma takes part in every opportunity to make a positive difference in her community.

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  Daniela Zulick

  Executive Director Assistant

  Originally from Lima, Peru. HR and Recruiting Assistant, North Carolina Notary Public and community servant.

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  Daniela Zulick

  Executive Director Assistant

  Daniela Zulick serves as an HR and Recruiting Assistant at Case Farms, where she has spent more than three years supporting recruitment efforts and overseeing the onboarding process to ensure a smooth and welcoming transition for new hires.

  Originally from Lima, Peru, Daniela holds degrees in Fashion and Design and in Bilingual Computerized Executive Secretarial Skills. She brings a detail-oriented and organized approach to process management, administrative coordination and event planning.

  She is a North Carolina Commissioned Notary Public, an active member of her local church's Praise Team and a dedicated community servant. Her commitment to helping others extends beyond the Hispanic community: she willingly supports individuals and families from all backgrounds who are in need.

  Driven by a genuine passion for serving others and fostering clear, effective communication, Daniela is committed to operational excellence, creating positive experiences and contributing to the organization's continued growth and long-term success.

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  Tommy Lynn Paulette

  Director, March Together

  U.S. Army veteran with 10 years of service, including Germany during the fall of the Berlin Wall. More than 25 years of leadership experience.

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  Tommy Lynn Paulette

  Director, March Together

  Tommy Lynn Paulette brings a lifetime of service, leadership and commitment to his community. A proud U.S. Army veteran, he served his country for 10 years and was stationed in Germany during a historic moment in world history: the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. His military service remains an important part of his life, and decades later he still keeps close friendships with fellow members of the Berlin Brigade.

  Throughout his professional career, Tommy has accumulated more than 25 years of experience in personnel management and leadership, developing a strong understanding of teamwork, responsibility and the importance of supporting the people around him.

  His commitment to service began early in life. While living in Texas, he served for about two years as a paramedic and firefighter, responding to emergencies and helping people during some of their most difficult moments. He later worked a combined eight years as a bail bondsman, further expanding his experience with individuals and families facing challenging circumstances.

  Tommy is deeply proud of having served his country and carries the values of duty, loyalty, discipline, compassion and service into his work and community involvement.

  At Raíces Center, Tommy brings decades of leadership experience and the perspective of a veteran who understands the importance of belonging, camaraderie and a strong support system. His life of service reflects a simple principle that closely aligns with our mission: people are stronger when they know they do not have to face life's challenges alone.

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  Joseph Hildebran

  Board Member

  Educator, community leader and advocate for children and families. High school math teacher and volunteer with programs for children in foster care.

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  Joseph Hildebran

  Board Member

  Joseph Hildebran is an educator, community leader and advocate with a passion for serving children, families and individuals throughout our community.

  He has a background in child and family services, community outreach, recruitment, relationship building and nonprofit leadership. He is actively involved in nonprofit work focused on creating opportunities to serve and strengthen the local community, including Out Of The Box With Genevieve, a program dedicated to providing encouragement, support and tangible resources to children in foster care.

  Joseph currently serves as a high school mathematics teacher at a local private Christian school that serves both neurotypical and neurodivergent students. Through his work in education, he has developed an even deeper appreciation for meeting people where they are, recognizing individual strengths and helping each person reach their potential.

  Joseph believes strong communities are built through relationships, compassion, education and a willingness to serve. He is honored to serve on the board of Raíces Center and looks forward to contributing his experience, passion and commitment to strengthening individuals, families and the broader community.

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  Drew McMahon

  Director, Janice McMahon Academy

  Born and raised in Morganton, an Eagle Scout and NC State graduate with a minor in Spanish. He has run Horseshoe Bend Family Campground since 2017.

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  Drew McMahon

  Director, Janice McMahon Academy

  Born and raised in Morganton, North Carolina, Drew McMahon is a proud Freedom High School alumnus and Eagle Scout who has dedicated his career to serving the Burke County community.

  He earned his bachelor's degree in Food Science with a minor in Spanish Language Studies from North Carolina State University before returning home to begin his work with Horseshoe Bend Family Campground, which he has operated since 2017.

  Driven by a passion for education and heritage, Drew has taught at Mountain View Elementary School and actively serves on the board of the Exploring Joara Foundation, helping to preserve local history.

  Lifelong relationships and deep learning within the Hispanic community have shaped his personal and professional journey, motivating him to advocate for meaningful, community-driven solutions that amplify every voice.

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  Jacqueline Monges

  Director, Reina Legado

  Leads Reina Legado, Raíces Center's women's group.

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  Jacqueline Monges

  Director, Reina Legado

  Jacqueline Monges leads Reina Legado, Raíces Center's women's group: a space for women to support one another, grow together and leave a legacy in their families.

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  Lázaro Lezcano

  Director, Margarita's Box of Love

  Born in Havana, Cuba. A trained chef with experience in human resources, quality control and operations in the food industry.

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  Lázaro Lezcano

  Director, Margarita's Box of Love

  Born in Havana, Cuba, Lázaro Lezcano brings a diverse professional background, a strong work ethic and a genuine passion for serving others to Raíces Center.

  Throughout his career, Lázaro has gained valuable experience in Human Resources, quality control supervision and operations within the food industry. He is also a professionally trained chef and holds certifications in Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards, demonstrating his commitment to workplace safety, operational excellence and professional development.

  Beyond his professional accomplishments, Lázaro is deeply committed to family, integrity and community service. He believes that every individual deserves to be treated with respect, compassion and dignity, regardless of their background or circumstances.

  His involvement with Raíces Center reflects his desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Inspired by the organization's mission, he is dedicated to helping build a welcoming and inclusive environment where individuals and families can find support, encouragement and opportunities to thrive.

  Through his experience, dedication and compassionate approach to leadership, Lázaro hopes to contribute to Raíces Center's vision of strengthening families, empowering individuals and building a more connected community.

Our values

• Dignity
• Culture
• Unity
• Trust
• Hope