MCAEL is delighted to welcome Raul Elias Ayala (known as Elias Dinzey) to the Board of Directors. In addition to his professional work as Founder of Dondin Capital Partners, Elias volunteers weekly as a teacher’s assistant in a MCAEL coalition program in Rockville. Grateful to serve, he supports teachers and learners with a focus on community impact and helping adult English learners build the confidence to thrive at work, at home, and in the community. “I was raised to leave places better than I found them, and that generational mindset is why MCAEL’s mission, vision, and values resonate with me. When we support teachers and surround learners with belonging and high expectations, English becomes a bridge to dignity and economic mobility. I’m grateful to help MCAEL scale what works so every adult in our community has the language, confidence, and connection to thrive.” Through Dondin Capital Partners, Elias works with founders of companies to transition ownership or grow their company while keeping people and community at the center. He also builds AMR US and QSM national building care platforms that keep schools, restaurants, gyms, and offices clean. Earlier, he co-founded and sold Synergy Reach, a digital marketing agency. Outside of work, Elias enjoys traveling to experience new cultures and exploring great dining. He also prioritizes strength training and mentors emerging leaders. 

MCAEL is excited to welcome Alina Ramirez Joyner to the Board of Directors. Alina brings extensive experience as a consultant, advising senior leaders in government, private industry, and nonprofits on corporate social responsibility, community investment, and multicultural engagement strategies in both Mexico and the United States. She serves as Chair of Community and Inclusion in an educational setting, as a financial stewardship advisor, and as a civic community engagement coordinator in Bethesda, MD, where she leads initiatives to foster connection, transparency, and financial sustainability within local communities. Her professional path has included work with domestic and international organizations such as the Embassy of Mexico, the Washington, DC Mayor’s Office on Latino Affairs, CBS Radio, the Mexican Secretariat of Communications and Transportation, Mexico’s Electoral Institute, and various civic and local organizations. She's also collaborated with clients like National Geographic and leading healthcare systems including MedStar Health, Inova, and Adventist HealthCare. “As an immigrant myself, I understand both the challenges and the possibilities of navigating new systems—a perspective that fuels my dedication to advancing language access, inclusion, and fairness as essential tools for community growth and individual success,” said Alina, who is originally from Mexico City. “I integrate global strategy, risk management, and sustainable operations to design systemic solutions that empower individuals and strengthen communities, minimizing resource inefficiencies and accelerating social progress. “Joining MCAEL’s Board is an exciting opportunity for me to help harness the transformative power of language to build connections, create a sense of belonging, and open doors for individuals and communities alike. I’m inspired by MCAEL’s mission and look forward to applying my experience in community engagement, fundraising, and cross-sector collaboration to help strengthen and sustain the organization’s impact.” Outside of work, Alina loves exploring art, history, and the outdoors, especially hiking with her family and their dog.