AVANCE Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

AVANCE has 7 executives leading key functions including strategy, operational scaling, financial oversight, communications, and organizational leadership.

Dedicated to empowering families through education, AVANCE delivers essential parenting and early childhood programs to low-income communities across the United States to foster long-term generational success.

Leadership Roles at AVANCE

  • Chief Executive Officer - Maier Ahmed
  • Principal Chief Executive Officer - Avance Colombia
  • Chief Financial Officer - Elida Gonzales
  • Chief Operating Officer - Carla Danbury
  • President - Dignita Gomez
  • President - Sonia Dominguez
  • Chief Communications Officer - Alex Chandler
  • Maier Ahmed - Chief Executive Officer

    Maier Ahmed, the Chief Executive Officer at AVANCE, directs the overarching strategic vision for early childhood education initiatives across the United States. By aligning organizational goals with the mission of supporting low-income Hispanic families, the Chief Executive Officer ensures consistent program delivery and high-impact community engagement. Maier Ahmed oversees the expansion of parenting education models, driving growth through partnerships with regional stakeholders and national educational bodies. This leadership role involves constant evaluation of program efficacy to maintain the non-profit status and social impact goals. By fostering a culture of excellence, the Chief Executive Officer secures the resources necessary for long-term sustainability. The Chief Executive Officer maintains rigorous standards for all educational services, ensuring that every family receives high-quality support. Through strategic planning and board collaboration, the Chief Executive Officer advances the mission of breaking cycles of poverty through early intervention and parent-child development programs.

    Avance Colombia - Principal Chief Executive Officer

    Avance Colombia, the Principal Chief Executive Officer at AVANCE, manages international outreach and cross-border educational frameworks. While the domestic team focuses on local programs, the Principal Chief Executive Officer architects global partnerships to adapt the proven parenting curriculum for diverse cultural contexts. Avance Colombia drives the integration of early childhood development metrics into broader international social welfare projects. This role requires constant coordination with global health organizations to standardize training modules for low-income families. By optimizing resource allocation across international borders, the Principal Chief Executive Officer ensures that the core mission remains scalable and effective. The Principal Chief Executive Officer monitors global trends in early education to refine the organizational approach to child development. Through meticulous oversight of international operations, the Principal Chief Executive Officer strengthens the reputation of the organization as a leader in global family support services and educational equity.

    Elida Gonzales - Chief Financial Officer

    Elida Gonzales, the Chief Financial Officer at AVANCE, directs the fiscal strategy and long-term financial health of the organization. Overseeing the budget for early childhood education programs, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that all funding sources align with the non-profit mission of supporting low-income families. Elida Gonzales manages the allocation of grants and donations, providing the necessary capital for program expansion and facility maintenance. This leadership role involves constant reporting to the board regarding financial performance and risk management. By implementing robust accounting practices, the Chief Financial Officer maintains transparency and accountability across all regional operations. The Chief Financial Officer evaluates the financial viability of new educational initiatives, ensuring that every dollar spent contributes directly to the development of children up to three years of age. Through precise financial planning, the Chief Financial Officer secures the stability required to sustain long-term community impact and organizational growth.

    Carla Danbury - Chief Operating Officer

    Carla Danbury, the Chief Operating Officer at AVANCE, manages the daily execution of parenting and early childhood education programs across all domestic locations. Overseeing the logistical infrastructure, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that every site maintains compliance with educational standards and safety protocols. Carla Danbury directs the internal teams responsible for curriculum distribution and staff training, optimizing operational efficiency to maximize the number of families served. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with regional directors to address site-specific challenges and resource needs. By streamlining administrative workflows, the Chief Operating Officer supports the organization in delivering consistent, high-quality services to low-income populations. The Chief Operating Officer monitors performance metrics to identify areas for process improvement and service expansion. Through disciplined management of daily operations, the Chief Operating Officer guarantees that the organizational mission translates into tangible, measurable outcomes for children and parents throughout the United States.

    Dignita Gomez - President

    Dignita Gomez, the President at AVANCE, leads the strategic development of community-based educational programs. Focusing on the expansion of parenting services, the President architects partnerships with local school districts and social service agencies to broaden the reach of the organization. Dignita Gomez oversees the implementation of specialized training for staff members, ensuring that all educators possess the skills to support low-income families effectively. This leadership role involves constant interaction with community leaders to identify emerging needs in early childhood education. By fostering collaborative environments, the President drives the adoption of innovative teaching methods that improve outcomes for children under three. The President monitors the success of regional programs, providing guidance to ensure that every location meets the high standards of the organization. Through dedicated leadership, the President advances the mission of providing accessible, high-quality education to families in need across the country.

    Sonia Dominguez - President

    Sonia Dominguez, the President at AVANCE, directs the policy advocacy and government relations efforts for the organization. Focusing on the legislative landscape, the President architects strategies to secure public funding and support for early childhood education initiatives. Sonia Dominguez oversees the research and data analysis teams, ensuring that the organization utilizes evidence-based findings to influence public policy regarding low-income family support. This leadership role involves constant engagement with policymakers to highlight the long-term benefits of early intervention programs. By advocating for systemic change, the President drives the expansion of resources available to Hispanic families and other underserved populations. The President collaborates with other executives to align advocacy goals with the overall mission of the organization. Through persistent and strategic policy work, the President ensures that the needs of the families served remain a priority at the local, state, and national levels of government.

    Alex Chandler - Chief Communications Officer

    Alex Chandler, the Chief Communications Officer at AVANCE, directs the public relations and brand strategy for the organization. Overseeing the messaging for early childhood education programs, the Chief Communications Officer ensures that the mission reaches low-income families and potential donors effectively. Alex Chandler manages all external communications, including digital campaigns and community outreach efforts that highlight the success of parenting programs. This leadership role involves constant engagement with media outlets and stakeholders to build awareness of the organization's impact on Hispanic families. By crafting compelling narratives, the Chief Communications Officer drives public support and increases participation in educational services. The Chief Communications Officer coordinates with internal teams to ensure that all messaging remains consistent with the core values of the organization. Through strategic communication, the Chief Communications Officer strengthens the brand presence and fosters a deeper understanding of the importance of early childhood development in the broader community.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding AVANCE Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads AVANCE?
    AVANCE is led by Maier Ahmed (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Avance Colombia (Principal Chief Executive Officer) and Elida Gonzales (Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of AVANCE’s executive team?
    The executive team of AVANCE includes leaders such as Maier Ahmed (Chief Executive Officer), Avance Colombia (Principal Chief Executive Officer), Elida Gonzales (Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does AVANCE have?
    AVANCE has 7 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in AVANCE’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of AVANCE includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Principal Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, President.