Ariel Safdie

Director of Development and Strategic Growth

Ariel serves as our Director of Development and Strategic Growth after three years of overseeing Conexión Américas’ Migrant Education Program. Ariel is responsible for leading the areas of fundraising, culture development, and people development internally and externally at Conexión Américas. 

Ariel treasures and brings to this work her family heritage as the granddaughter of Syrian-Argentine immigrants on one side of her family, and the great-granddaughter of Italian immigrants on the other. Ariel grew up in Crossville, Tennessee. For over twelve years Ariel has worked in the non-profit sector around issues related to education and citizenship participation in partnership with immigrant, refugee and migrant populations in Colombia, the UK and the US.

Maria Paula Zapata

Director of Programs

Starting out as an intern 6 years ago, Maria Paula Zapata is now Director of Programs, supporting our direct service teams across economic prosperity, education, and rural services to ensure that our programs remain high-quality, effective, and responsive to the families and students we serve. Her goal is to make sure all teams are collaborating effectively for the good of the community and the organization

Maria Paula considers her work a way of honoring her parents’ stories and likes that her job allows her to live into her two guiding values as a person: empathy and equity. She loves being in a workplace that is culturally affirming, being on a team that is committed and mission driven, and receiving the gift of hearing program participants’ stories. 

Sandra Sepulveda

Development and Community Engagement Manager

One of Conexión Américas’ newest staff members, Sandra Sepúlveda serves as the Development and Community Engagement Manager. As the Development and Community Engagement Manager, her job consists of supporting and recruiting volunteers, leading our young professional development network Conexión Next, and leading community events. Sandra joined Conexión Américas wanting to be a part of an organization with a mission centered around helping Latinx families prosper. 

With Mexican-American heritage, Sandra was born in California, but has been a Nashville resident since the age of five. Sandra currently represents district 30 of Metro Nashville and Davidson County as council member. A major soccer fan, Sandra makes sure to attend every home game of the Nashville Soccer Club.

Valentina Harper

Adult Education Program Coordinator

A new member of our staff team, Valentina is no stranger to Conexión Américas. An accomplished artist, Valentina is the author of several pieces of art around Casa Azafrán, including the Flight mural at Azafrán Park. 

A long-time participant in Conexión Américas’ entrepreneurship programs, Valentina will now coordinate our adult education programs with students and teachers. 

Valentina is originally from Venezuela, but has lived in Nashville for 8 years. For the past 12 years, she has worked in her own business. She believes her new position at Conexión Américas will be a great opportunity to share her experience and help Latino families.

Keila Restrepo

Tax Preparer

Originally from Venezuela, Keila first met Conexión Américas as a participant in our free tax-preparation program. While our staff assisted Keila in preparing her taxes, she mentioned she was a tax expert in her home country and wanted to learn more about the tax system here. Soon after, she began the training program to volunteer with Conexión Américas and help Spanish-speaking families prepare their taxes. 

Now a full-time employee, Keila guides families through the tax preparation process herself. Keila is happy to be working in her area of expertise despite being in a different country.