Member Spotlight

Glenton “Glen” Gilzean, Jr. recently served as Regional Field Director for the Florida Department of Education. He has an extensive background and expertise in education policy, economic development, legislative and political affairs.

Valerie Garcia, Ph.D., M.P.A. represents the diverse “Hispanic experience” that many of our HYPE members have had. Valerie was born in Mexico while her Ecuadorian parents were in school. Her teenage years were spent in Miami, FL and has been in Florida ever since.

She decided to attend the University of South Florida (USF) for her Bachelor’s of Science in Special Education and moved further north to Florida State (FSU) for her Master’s in Public Administration.

Emeline is our newest Board Member, already actively participating and organizing our busy Hype Events. Originally from Puerto Rico, she works as an Account Executive for Univision and Telefutura in Tampa. She is leading the PR and Membership Committe where she joins Hype's efforts in attracting and retaining Tampa Bay's most talented emerging candidates, in an effort to promote awareness of Latin American Professionals, Entrepeneurs and Culture. In her words:

With three young children, operating several family-owned businesses, volunteering for different organizations & heavily involved in politics Angelette Aviles is always asked, “How do you do it all?” Her answer is, “When you love what you do time flies quickly & you still have lots of energy. It also helps when you have a supportive husband!” Well put Angelette.

CEO of the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit HART

The Hispanic community is a vital segment of
HART’s customer base, and joining HYPE has
helped provide an important platform for
developing our business and outreach efforts.
I've also found the networking aspect to be both
professionally and personally beneficial, and look
forward to becoming more involved in HYPE.

In the four years since her 2002 graduation from USF, Evelyn Hale already has accomplished something it often takes others many years to achieve. “I really love my job,” says the 27-year-old, who works as a congressional assistant for Rep. Jim Davis of the 11th Congressional District.