Our Team
Gabriela (Gaby) Escobar
Consulta Tu Compa Resource & Referral Specialist
I am originally from Guatemala City, Guatemala. I came to the United States at the age of 20, speaking little English. My first job here was as a banquet cook, which I did for many years. Over time, I taught myself to speak & read English because I didn’t want to be left behind. Since the moment I could finally understand English, if anyone asked me to accompany them to an appointment where there was a language barrier, I would. I like to help people navigate systems because I also started out the same way, not knowing anything about living in the US. Now that I have the opportunity with Consulta Tu Compa to be able to help the Latinx community, which is something I enjoy being able to do. It is very satisfying for me to help my community overcome barriers.
Ernesto A. Tocoa
Community Outreach
I am from the State of Veracruz, Mexico. My father was a teacher for over 35 years, and therefore I studied in different communities, an experience which greatly shaped the person I have become. At the age 17 I moved to the Mexican border of Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, where I worked for an automotive parts company. Currently I live in WNC where I have been for 20+ years, mostly working in construction. I formed a family with a great woman, and we have three children who we educate with values and love. As a part of the immigrant community, I’ve been organizing with CIMA for over seven years, which I truly enjoy.
Dulce Morales Mino
Community Outreach
I am originally from Mexico, in the State of Puebla. I am the youngest of 3 children – my father is a blacksmith and my mother works as a domestic worker and also is a talented craftsperson. I am proud to have such creative and hardworking parents. While in Mexico, I studied communication science – skills I am now applying with CIMA. I came to the United States at the age of 19 and have worked in different areas, including in radio as an announcer and producer. I also worked in fast food, in an office, and with a cell phone company. I have always liked reading, photography, music and above all being in contact with people. I love animals and have dogs, birds and fish. Though I always believed that I would not have children, now I have two; I hope to do my bit to give them a better world. I consider that my mission in life is to leave a positive mark on the people around me – that is why being part of CIMA is important to me.
Gabby Mendez
Consulta Tu Compa Coordinator
Gabby Mendez was born in Mexico City, moved at the age of 10 to the United States where she attended school in Henderson County. She has two children, Ximena and Diego. Her parents live in Hendersonville where she grew up and started her career in non-profit organizations. After working as a chef for 13 years, she decided it was time to take a new direction and decided to serve the community.
Almost 8 years after that decision, Gabby Mendez has worked with organizations such as True Ridge, El Centro of Henderson County, Wester Women's Business Center, Hope Coalition and supported a few others.... She has also had hours of training in different organizations and completed those trainings; Ourvoice (Humman Trafficking and Sexual Abuse) Humming Bird Institude with SEIRN, Vission Hendersonville, among others.
She also has previously served on the board of other organizations such as: Alas, Literacy Connection of Buncombe County, WWBC.
In her spare time Gabby enjoys dancing, hiking, camping, and spending time with her family and close friends.