Fred Mendoza currently owns a business marketing and management company. He is retired after over two decades in the Artist Management business in Country Music in Nashville and Dallas. During his career in the music industry, he worked with Rock n Roll and Country singer/songwriter icons such as LeAnn Rimes, Waylon Jennings, Carl Perkins, Chuck Berry, Bobby Vee, B.J. Thomas, Michael Clark of The Byrds, Mark Lindsay of Paul Revere and the Raiders, Chris Isaak, in production with numerous other artists. He started his career in the Music Industry as Marketing and Promotions Manager at the Norman Petty Studios, where Music icons Buddy Holly, Roy Orbison, Waylon Jennings, and other early Rock n Roll legends were first recorded. He later produced music videos and concerts in Miami, Los Angeles, Houston, Washington, D.C., New York City at Times Square New Years Eve, Rockefeller Center, Hard Rock Café, Grand Central Station and at numerous 9-11 Ground Zero Fire Stations in Manhattan. He produced numerous stage shows for U.S. Wounded Warriors during the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars at Walter Reed Army Hospital in Washington, D.C., the Vietnam Wall Memorial and the Lincoln Memorial.
In Oklahoma, he produced several fundraising concerts including: In 1995, with KOMA Radio for the victims of the Murrah Bombing, raising over $50,000. In 2002 as a member of the Spirit of Oklahoma Committee, raising over $500,000 to purchase and deliver a new Fire Truck to the New York City Fire Department; and he produced a fundraising concert at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum for victims of the devastating 2013 Moore, Oklahoma Tornado.
Miguel Garcia is a criminal defense and family based immigration attorney who specializes in complex federal and state matters some of which can lead to immigration consequences. Miguel received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Spanish, and a Masters of Arts in Modern Languages from the University of Texas A&M. Miguel then received his Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Oklahoma.
Miguel is happily married to his wife, Ana, and is a proud father of two beautiful children, Lucas and Emma. Lucas currently attends Rosary Catholic School with Emma soon joining him. They are proud members of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church and is part of the Association of Catholic Professionals. In his downtime Miguel enjoys college football teams and spending time with his family.
Originally from Mexico City and now a citizen of the United States, Carla is a high-energy public relations professional with communication skills in both English and Spanish. Carla is currently part of the marketing team at Supermercados Morelos, the largest Hispanic supermarket in Oklahoma. Graduated from the Universidad Univer in Mexico City with a degree in public relations and broadcasting, her passion for communication is present in everything she does, from her personal treatment to her professional skills. Carla moved to the United States after graduating from university in 2004. Here she developed in the field of radio and television broadcasting both in production and as a host. She has also served as voice talent in countless commercials and productions, standing out for her great vocal capacity and nuance. In addition, Carla has experience as a model for different campaigns and companies in Orlando, Florida and Mexico City. Professionally, Carla has also worked as a Spanish teacher and ESL (English Second Language) teacher since 2015, mainly supporting immigrant students in their learning of the American language and culture. Her ability to connect has helped her create bonds of trust with people of all cultures and ages.
Today, and given her tremendous energy, presence and desire to excel, apart from working as a marketing professional at Supermercados Morelos, Carla is also a licensed real estate agent. Carla recently closed the $3M sale of an unlisted property representing both the buyer and seller of for the property. Carla dedicates her free time to pampering her family, made up of her husband and two teenage children. Her determination and desire to help those most in need shows character and commitment to her community.
Wendy Hampton, CEO of Equipped Marketing, has been strategically helping businesses development marketing strategies for 20+ years. In January of 2019, Wendy left her 16 year career locally at OKC’s FOX 25, on top as the #8 New Business Developer for their parent company, Sinclair Broadcast Group’s 193 TV stations. While at Sinclair she skillfully, managed 50+ accounts in an ever-changing media landscape which helped developed her entrepreneurial spirit. Her next step took her to Arrow Marketing Media and Consulting where she coordinated media for clients such as 605-Loan, Credit Jewelry, Suntech Heat and Air, Legacy Cleaners and more! Suntech Heat and Air Conditioning became Oklahoma’s Fastest Growing HVAC company on her watch. Along with managing and launching several other local brands Hampton has extensive experience developing local events and raising capital for profit and non-profit ventures. Hampton graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelors of Arts and Sciences in Advertising Spring 2003 from the University of Oklahoma and has been a member of the Edmond community since 1992 graduating from Edmond North High School in 1998. Wendy enjoys traveling, spending time with her husband, two young sons, friends and family.
As a business owner, parent, and community volunteer, Deanna Cardenas is deeply invested in making Oklahoma City a great place to live. Her real estate team is a community-driven team dedicated to making a positive impact. Committed to service and volunteering, they believe in creating neighborhoods where home buyers and sellers thrive. Her bilingual team proudly serves a large, growing Hispanic population. They believe that sharing a cultural and linguistic background establishes the trust necessary for a great home-buying and selling partnership.
Cardenas is an experienced professional with a robust background as a community volunteer and a track record of successful ventures. She is proficient in fundraising, marketing, business development, and more, adding valuable dimensions to her expertise. Cardenas is active in local business and government affairs and passionate about working with non-profit organizations. Cardenas serves on the governing board of the Oklahoma Arts Council and was recently re-appointed to serve a 2nd 3-year term by Governor Stitt. She also serves on the board of directors for Girl Scouts Western Oklahoma, Catholic Charities, Scissortail Community Development, and the Governor’s Hispanic Initiatives Council.
As a South Texas native, Cardenas grew up in a beautiful blend of cultures. There, she explored the vibrant world of folkloric dance, learned how to play the guitar, and participated in youth mariachi groups. These experiences not only shaped her understanding and appreciation of her Tejano roots but also provided insight into unique aspects of how she would help further the mission of the Oklahoma State Arts Council.
Currently, Cardenas is the owner/founder of the Deanna Cardenas Real Estate Group with Engel & Voelkers in Oklahoma City. Her team has been recognized as a top 500 OKC Real estate Producer in 2021 and 2023. Cardenas attended Texas A&M University in Kingsville, Texas, where she met her college sweetheart, Joe. They have been married for thirty years and love traveling and spending time with their two beautiful children, Kacie and Joseph.
Chris Fusselman is the Vice President of Sales for Tyler Media. He is a 4th generation Oklahoman of Mexican and German descent. As the Vice President of Sales for Tyler Media, Chris oversees 7 Spanish TV stations, 4 Spanish Radio stations, and a Spanish Social Media Management Division in Oklahoma City and Tulsa.
Chris is a wealth of knowledge about the Hispanic market and has been a resource to some of largest brand names across Oklahoma. He is a champion of grassroots business startups and community events.
Chris has served on the LCDA Board since 2015, and was recognized as the Board member of the year in 2021. He was recognized with the 40 Under 40 award from Oklahoma Magazine, was in Leadership Oklahoma City Signature Class 27. In his Chris’ 19-year Media career, Chris has had the opportunity to work and volunteer with dozens upon dozens of community organizations and events, particularly in the Hispanic community. He is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma’s Michael F. Price School of Business, and naturally, a huge OU fan! Chris is married to the love of his life Lucy Fusselman, and together they have two daughters!