AVANCE Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

AVANCE has 6 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, communications, and program leadership.

Driven by a commitment to empowering families, AVANCE provides essential early childhood education and parenting programs, fostering stronger communities across the United States.

Leadership Roles at AVANCE

  • Chief Executive Officer - Viridiana Soto
  • Principal Chief Executive Officer - Avance Colombia
  • Chief Financial Officer - Elida Gonzales
  • President - Sonia Dominguez
  • President - Dignita Gomez
  • Chief Communications Officer - Alex Chandler
  • Viridiana Soto - Chief Executive Officer

    Viridiana Soto, the Chief Executive Officer at AVANCE, directs the organization's overarching strategy and operational execution. Soto guides the non-profit's mission to deliver free parenting and early childhood education programs to low-income families, primarily serving Hispanic communities with children up to three years of age. This leadership role involves ensuring program efficacy and expansion across AVANCE's numerous locations throughout the United States. Soto's strategic vision drives the organization's impact, focusing on sustainable growth and enhanced service delivery. The Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment with the founding principles established in 1973, maintaining a steadfast commitment to community empowerment and early childhood development. Viridiana Soto's executive oversight is critical to achieving AVANCE's goals of fostering stronger family units and improving developmental outcomes for young children.

    Avance Colombia - Principal Chief Executive Officer

    Avance Colombia, the Principal Chief Executive Officer at AVANCE, spearheads strategic initiatives and operational frameworks. This executive guides the expansion and refinement of AVANCE's core mission: providing vital parenting and early childhood education programs to underserved populations. Avance Colombia's leadership focuses on enhancing program accessibility and impact, particularly for low-income, predominantly Hispanic families with young children. The Principal Chief Executive Officer ensures that AVANCE's services remain at the forefront of early intervention and family support, adhering to the organization's long-standing commitment to community upliftment. This role involves fostering robust partnerships and driving innovation in educational methodologies. Avance Colombia's executive direction is integral to maintaining the organization's high standards and extending its reach across the United States, reinforcing its position as a leader in early childhood development.

    Elida Gonzales - Chief Financial Officer

    Elida Gonzales, the Chief Financial Officer at AVANCE, manages all financial operations and fiscal strategy. Gonzales oversees budgeting, financial planning, and resource allocation to support AVANCE's mission of providing free parenting and early childhood education programs. This critical role ensures the financial sustainability and efficient operation of the organization across its various locations in the United States. The Chief Financial Officer's expertise is vital for maintaining compliance and optimizing financial performance, enabling the continued delivery of services to low-income, predominantly Hispanic families. Elida Gonzales's stewardship of financial resources directly impacts the organization's capacity to serve families with children up to three years of age. Gonzales's strategic financial management underpins AVANCE's ability to expand its reach and deepen its impact in early childhood development.

    Sonia Dominguez - President

    Sonia Dominguez, the President at AVANCE, leads key programmatic initiatives and strategic partnerships. Dominguez focuses on enhancing the delivery and effectiveness of AVANCE's free parenting and early childhood education programs, particularly for low-income, predominantly Hispanic families. This leadership position involves overseeing the operational aspects of program implementation across the United States, ensuring high-quality services for children up to three years of age. The President's role is instrumental in fostering community engagement and strengthening the organization's network of support. Sonia Dominguez's dedication drives the expansion of services and the continuous improvement of educational methodologies. Dominguez's executive guidance ensures that AVANCE remains a cornerstone of early childhood development support, upholding its mission to empower families and build stronger communities.

    Dignita Gomez - President

    Dignita Gomez, the President at AVANCE, drives strategic growth and operational excellence across key program areas. Gomez concentrates on expanding the reach and impact of AVANCE's essential parenting and early childhood education services, specifically targeting low-income, predominantly Hispanic families nationwide. This executive role involves overseeing the implementation of innovative program models and ensuring adherence to the highest standards of care and education for children up to three years of age. The President's focus is on strengthening the organization's infrastructure and fostering collaborative relationships within the communities served. Dignita Gomez's leadership ensures that AVANCE effectively meets the evolving needs of families, reinforcing its commitment to early childhood development and family empowerment across the United States. Gomez's strategic vision is crucial for sustained organizational success.

    Alex Chandler - Chief Communications Officer

    Alex Chandler, the Chief Communications Officer at AVANCE, directs all external and internal communication strategies. Chandler is responsible for shaping and disseminating the organization's message, highlighting its impact on low-income, predominantly Hispanic families and their children. This role involves managing public relations, media outreach, and brand messaging to enhance AVANCE's visibility and support its fundraising efforts. The Chief Communications Officer ensures consistent and compelling communication about the organization's free parenting and early childhood education programs. Alex Chandler's leadership in communications is essential for building strong relationships with stakeholders, partners, and the communities AVANCE serves across the United States. Chandler's efforts amplify the organization's commitment to early childhood development and family empowerment, reinforcing AVANCE's vital role since its formation in 1973.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding AVANCE Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads AVANCE?
    AVANCE is led by Viridiana Soto (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 Viridiana Soto (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 6 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, President, President.