Meet Our Board

IVHRA is seeking interested members to join our Board. For more information and/or to submit your interest, please email ivhrainfo@gmail.com.

IVHRA Board

President
Melissa Leal

HR Director & Training Coordinator, Ace Hardware

Melissa Leal is an experienced Human Resources Director and Training Coordinator with over
five years of leadership experience supporting multiple Ace Hardware locations across El
Centro, Holtville, Brawley, and Blythe. She specializes in workforce planning, performance
management, leadership development, employee engagement, and organizational development.
Melissa is passionate about strengthening company culture and improving employee retention
through strategic HR initiatives and continuous development programs. She oversees insurance
enrollment, conducts OSHA safety walks, manages employee training platforms, and delivers
quarterly compliance and leadership training sessions. Her hands-on leadership style and
commitment to people development foster productive, engaged, and high-performing workplace
environments.

President-Elect
Luis Castro, MBA, SHRM-CP

CHRO, El Centro Regional Medical Center

Luis Castro is an Imperial Valley native and a graduate of Brawley Union High School. He holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA), a Bachelor of Science degree in business with a concentration in human resources management, and is a Society of Human Resources Management – Certified Professional (SHRM-CP). He is a member of the Imperial Valley Human Resources Association, Society for Human Resources Management, National Association of Latino Healthcare Executives, and the Professionals in Human Resources Association.

Luis started his career in human resources and management in the private sector and joined El Centro Regional Medical Center (ECRMC) in 2005. Luis currently serves as the organization’s Chief Human Resources Officer, responsible for providing human resources services for over 900 team members.  He manages talent acquisition, employee advocacy and labor relations, human capital planning, and HR operations.

Past-President
Laura E. Flores, SHRM-SCP, SPHR

Director of Human Resources, Imperial County Superior Court

Laura Flores is the Director of Human Resources for the Superior Court of California, County of Imperial.  She discovered her passion for Human Resources as a student at San Diego State University where she completed her internship in HR and obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Management.  Since then, Ms. Flores has grown with her passion and has been dedicated to serving in the public sector, primarily with the trial courts.  As a recent graduate, Ms. Flores returned to the Imperial Valley to work for the Superior Court and helped establish the Court’s newly created HR department alongside her boss.  A few years later, Ms. Flores took a promotion with Riverside Superior Court where she spent most of her career.  During her time in Riverside, Ms. Flores took both the SPHR test and SHRM-SCP test and earned both designations.  After over a decade with Riverside Superior Court and her newly acquired designations, she promoted to Human Resources Manager at a municipality.  In 2018, Ms. Flores’ career went full circle when she returned to her native town of Brawley, as the head of HR for the Superior Court of California, County of Imperial.  Aside from the wonderful career opportunity, she feels very blessed and happy to be back where she can assist her elderly mom and along with her husband, provide their two young children a similar upbringing.

Secretary
Lorena Lozano

HR Analyst, Imperial County Superior Court

Lorena Lozano, born in Los Angeles and raised in Imperial Valley. She earned her associate's degree as a Legal Assistant and began her professional journey working for four years alongside a civil attorney. During that time, she developed a strong appreciation for the legal field and gained valuable experience navigating civil matters.

Although she truly enjoyed the legal aspect of her work, she was motivated to expand her opportunities. She went on to complete her Bachelor of Science in Business Management, a decision that opened the door to new possibilities and ultimately led her to transition into Human Resources.

She spent three years working in private-sector HR before moving into the public sector, where she has now worked for four years. She currently serves as a Human Resources Analyst at the Superior Courthouse, County of Imperial, working within a small department that gives her the opportunity to be hands-on with a wide range of HR matters. 

Her combined background in law and human resources allows her to approach her work with both analytical precision and empathy.

Treasurer
Alicia Magallanes

Senior HR Analyst, Imperial County Superior Court

Alicia Magallanes is employed at the Superior Court of California, County of Imperial with a lifelong commitment of service. As a veteran of the United States Coast Guard, she has developed a deep-rooted foundation in Honor, Respect, and Devotion to Duty- values that continue to guide her professional and personal approach.  Throughout her career, she has supported public organizations through strategic recruitment, employee and labor relations, risk management, training and development, and policy management.

Monthly Meeting Chair
Luis Plancarte

Director of Community Relations & Social Responsibility, Eqinox Gold

Luis Plancarte is employed by Equinox Gold, Inc. With a strong background in community and public relations, government, business management, workforce and human development, he is experienced in employee recruitment, selection, development and training. During his tenure at Equinox Gold, he has overseen human resources, staff development, safety, and security. Luis currently manages Community Relations and Social Responsibility efforts for US Operations.

Web Administrator Chair
Diana S. Alvarez, DBA-HRM, SHRM-CP

HR Director, Imperial Valley Family Care Medical Group

Dr. Diana S. Alvarez is a native of the Imperial Valley. She graduated from Brawley Union High School and proudly still holds her Wildcat spirit close to her heart. Deeply rooted in her community, she has dedicated her career to supporting local organizations and strengthening workplaces across the region.

With more than 18 years of experience in Human Resources leadership, Dr. Alvarez currently serves as Human Resources Director for a large multi-site healthcare organization in Imperial Valley. She specializes in employee relations, compliance, workforce development, and building positive organizational culture. In addition to her leadership role, she provides HR consulting services to local businesses, helping them navigate complex employment regulations and develop effective people-centered practices. In recent consulting engagements, she has expanded her expertise to organizations in Orange County.

Dr. Alvarez earned her Doctor of Business Administration in Human Resources Management and holds multiple professional certifications, including SHRM-CP and PHRca. She remains actively involved in professional associations and community initiatives, reflecting her commitment to giving back to the place she proudly calls home.

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