The San Francisco 49ers are a storied NFL franchise with a strong commitment to community impact, particularly within Latino communities in the United States and Mexico. Through youth football development, education initiatives, and culturally responsive outreach, the organization has consistently invested in creating access and opportunity for Latino youth. The 49ers have also played a leading role in the NFL’s international growth in Mexico, engaging fans through grassroots programs, community partnerships, and cross-border activations that strengthen cultural connection and deepen the league’s presence throughout the region.

Aida Rodriguez is a comedian, writer, actor, and author—a favorite of critics and fans alike. Esquire Magazine declared of her, This is Rodriguez's genius—using comedy to turn pain into progress. Aida's comedy special Fighting Words is streaming on Max, and she was a standout on the Netflix, Tiffany Haddish-produced hit series They Ready. She is a key collaborator on the platform’s The Max Entre Nos franchise, which features the brightest up-and-coming comedy talent. Aida was not only a breakout star of the series, but she also recently stepped behind the camera to direct and produce its current batch of specials. She is a guest writer for Pop Sugar, The LA Times, Buzzfeed, and Oprah Daily, as well as a regular commentator on The Young Turks. Her Harper Collins memoir Legitimate Kid is award-winning and is making its rounds with critics and the everyday people she wrote it for. She is the host of Say What You Mean with Aida Rodriguez on the Forward Network, a comedy-driven podcast featuring some of the most recognizable names in pop culture.

Victor Cruz is a former NFL Super Bowl champion wide receiver, famous for his breakout with the New York Giants after going undrafted, setting records, and his signature salsa touchdown dance. Born in Paterson, NJ, he starred at UMass, then the Giants, earning Pro Bowl honors and a Super Bowl XLVI win, while also becoming a fashion icon and author of Out of the Blue. An active philanthropist, Cruz established the Victor Cruz Foundation to promote positive change in the lives of youth by providing innovative educational programs that equip students with skill sets to prepare them for a successful future. The foundation is especially committed to continued research and partnerships with STEM programs.

Kati Fernandez is a dynamic media executive and cultural architect whose work is redefining how stories are told at the intersection of sports, culture, and equity. As Chief of Content at Togethxr, Kati leads bold, purpose-driven storytelling that centers women athletes and creators—challenging traditional power structures and reshaping who gets visibility, voice, and influence in sports media.

A former executive at ESPN, Kati played a pivotal role in shaping innovative content strategies on one of the world’s largest sports platforms. There, she helped elevate athlete voices and expand narrative boundaries, proving that inclusive storytelling is not only necessary—but transformative for culture at large.

For Afro-Latinas, Kati Fernandez represents visibility, leadership, and possibility. In industries where Afro-Latina voices have too often been overlooked or erased, her presence at the highest levels of media leadership is profoundly impactful. She embodies the power of representation—showing that Afro-Latinas belong not only in the stories being told, but in the rooms where decisions are made and narratives are shaped.

Throughout her career, Kati has leveraged media as a tool for cultural change—amplifying underrepresented communities, honoring intersectional identities, and pushing the industry toward greater authenticity and equity. Her work is about more than content; it is about legacy. By opening doors and shifting narratives, Kati Fernandez is helping build a media landscape where Afro-Latina excellence is seen, celebrated, and sustained for generations to come.

Axel Caballero is a visionary cultural leader and the CEO of the Latino Film Institute, whose work is reshaping how Latino stories are told, seen, and valued in American film and entertainment. Through his leadership, the Institute has become a national force—elevating Latino voices, developing bold creative talent, and challenging outdated narratives that have long defined Latino representation on screen.

Axel understands that storytelling is power. Under his guidance, the Latino Film Institute does more than produce films or host festivals—it builds pathways. By investing in Latino creators, cultivating authentic narratives, and creating access to industry networks, Axel is ensuring that Latino communities are reflected with dignity, complexity, and truth across film, television, and media.

His impact is especially profound for Latino youth. Through mentorship, education, and creative opportunity, Axel empowers young people to see themselves not just as characters in someone else’s story, but as authors of their own. He is helping the next generation recognize that their lived experiences, cultures, and identities are not barriers—but assets with the power to shape culture and influence the national imagination.

At a moment when representation matters more than ever, Axel Caballero’s work is essential. By stewarding Latino narratives and expanding who gets to tell them, he is redefining the cultural landscape—ensuring that Latino stories are not marginalized, but centered as a vital part of the American story.

Sandy Nuñez is a trailblazing sports executive whose career has helped shape the modern landscape of American football. With decades of leadership within the National Football League, Sandy has been a steady force behind the scenes—driving progress, excellence, and inclusion in one of the most influential sports institutions in the world.

As a board member of the Hispanic Football Hall of Fame, Sandy plays a pivotal role in preserving, honoring, and elevating Latino contributions to the game. Her leadership ensures that the stories, achievements, and impact of Hispanic athletes, executives, and pioneers are not only remembered—but permanently woven into the legacy of American football.

For Latina women in sports, Sandy Nuñez represents visibility, possibility, and power. In an industry where Latinas have historically been underrepresented—especially at the executive and governance levels—her career stands as proof that leadership belongs to those bold enough to claim it. She is not only opening doors; she is redefining who gets to walk through them.

Sandy’s work is about more than accolades or titles—it is about legacy. Through her service, mentorship, and stewardship of history, she is ensuring that Latino excellence in football is recognized across generations. Her impact reaches far beyond the field, inspiring Latina leaders to see themselves as architects of the sport’s future and guardians of its past.

Bayron Matos is a Dominican-born professional American football offensive tackle for the Indianapolis Colts, whose journey embodies the expanding global promise of the NFL. Raised in the Dominican Republic, Bayron moved to the United States as a teenager, where he discovered American football after initially pursuing basketball—an unconventional path that speaks to his adaptability, resilience, and belief in possibility.

As a member of the NFL International Pathways Program Class of 2024, Bayron made history as the first Dominican-born player to enter the program and earn a roster spot on a National Football League team. His achievement represents far more than personal success—it signals what is possible for young athletes across the Caribbean and Latin America who are just beginning to discover and fall in love with American football.

As the NFL continues to expand its international footprint, Bayron stands as a powerful symbol of representation, perseverance, and access. He is helping grow international fan bases, deepen cultural connections to the game, and inspire a new generation of Latino and Caribbean youth to see themselves in a sport that once felt distant. Through his presence on the field, Bayron Matos is not only building his own legacy—he is opening doors, changing perceptions, and helping shape the future of American football worldwide.