Empowering the Next Generation of Latina Leaders
Un Paso Mas is a mentorship nonprofit guiding outgoing high school Latinas through career readiness and personal empowerment. We believe every young Latina deserves a space to be seen, supported, and inspired to take her next bold step.
Mentorship with purpose
Career guidance for real life
Personal growth through community
Take a step with us—because one step forward changes everything.
About Us
Our Story
Founded by veteran wine executive Veronica Espeche, Un Paso Mas grew from a deep desire to give young Latina women the support and confidence to rise. After decades leading global teams and breaking barriers, Veronica turned her passion toward mentoring the next generation—and created Un Paso Mas as a space where guidance leads to growth.
Our Mission
To empower high school Latinas through mentorship, career preparation, and personal development—so they enter adulthood with clarity, courage, and conviction
Our Vision
A future where every Latina high school graduate has the resources and support necessary to thrive in the professional world.
Meet Our Team
Founder, CEO& CFO Un Paso Más
Veronica Espeche is a self-made executive and empathetic leader whose 35+ year career in the global wine industry laid the foundation for her nonprofit, Un Paso Más, which empowers young Latina women through mentorship, career readiness, and personal growth.
Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Veronica moved to Lima at 21 and later to Sonoma Valley, California, where she became a single mother of two. Facing a new language and culture, she built her career from the ground up—starting in marketing at Gloria Ferrer Winery and rising to VP of Sales for multinational wine brands. Her journey is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the transformative power of mentorship.
Now, through Un Paso Más, Veronica is guiding high school Latinas toward professional success and personal empowerment. Her story proves that with grit and empathy, one step—Un Paso Más—can change a life.
Veronica Espeche
Secretary, Un Paso Más
Edward Welch brings over 25 years of disciplined leadership and operational expertise to Un Paso Más. Born and educated in Portsmouth, United Kingdom, he earned a degree in Sports Science from the University of Portsmouth before joining the Metropolitan Police Service in London in 1995, where he served as both a uniformed patrol officer and undercover operative. In 2005, Edward emigrated to the United States and joined the Wake County Sheriff’s Office in North Carolina, advancing from courthouse operations and patrol to Detective before transitioning into specialized investigative roles. After relocating to the San Francisco Bay Area, he entered the corporate security field, designing and executing high-level protective details and critical-incident responses for high-value clients. As Secretary of Un Paso Más, Edward applies his governance acumen, meticulous record-keeping, and deep commitment to transparency to help advance the organization’s mission of empowering Latina youth.
Edward Welch
Mikaela Kalafate-Lucchetti
Assistant Secretary, Un Paso Más
Owner, Valley of the Moon Speech & Language – Sonoma, CA
Mikaela Kalafate-Lucchetti is the owner of Valley of the Moon Speech & Language in Sonoma, California, and proudly serves as Assistant Secretary for Un Paso Más. She is deeply committed to empowering Latina women and supporting their personal and professional growth within our community and beyond.
Born and raised in Sonoma, Mikaela attended Prestwood Elementary and Sonoma Valley High School. Having personally experienced the challenges and lack of support during the transition from high school to adulthood, she brings empathy and purpose to her role. As Assistant Secretary, she is passionate about giving back to the community that shaped her and ensuring that young Latinas have the guidance and resources they need to thrive.
Programs
What We Can Offer
Resume building, interview prep,
networking tips
Career
Workshops
Our programs are built to help young Latinas envision their future, discover their strengths, and move forward with confidence.
Mentorship
Circles
Small group coaching led by professionals from all circles
Leadership
Skills Labs
Communication, goal-setting, and decision-making
Get Involved
Every contribution—of time, funds, or energy—helps us guide a young Latina toward possibility.
Join the Movement. Fuel a Future.
Your gift helps fund workshops, materials, and mentorship access
Donate
Lend your experience to uplift someone’s journey
Volunteer or Mentor
Schools, companies, and youth organizations welcome!
🌟 Ready to support a future Latina leader?
Become a Partner
How You Can Help
Donations for scholarships, transportation, and training materials - Being a mentor or volunteer - Sponsoring a workshop or internship - Partnering as a collaborating company or organization
Real Voices, Real Impact
“My mom’s journey wasn’t just inspiring—it was extraordinary. Coming to a new country and raising my siblings on her own, she carried our culture like a torch, lighting the way through unfamiliar terrain. Her wisdom, ambition, and unwavering love shaped me through every step of high school and college. She showed me how to lead with heart and persevere with pride. I stand on the shoulders of a woman who turned every challenge into purpose.”
—Sofia Portello, SVHS graduate
📞 Contact / Connect
We'd love to hear from you.
Email: unpasomassonoma@gmail.com
Phone:(707) 321-0482
Location:
Sonoma County, CA