Executive Team
Margarita is responsible for setting corporate direction, corporate planning, fundraising and management of Cabrillo projects and operations. She has more than 30 years of experience in community development, housing and redeveloping communities. Margarita's career has had a strong focus on largely underserved urban and rural communities in Southern California. Prior to joining Cabrillo, Margarita was the Regional Administrator for the East Valley Region of CRA/LA, a Designated Local Authority and successor of the Community Redevelopment Agency of the City of Los Angeles, where she managed the development of numerous affordable housing and commercial projects. Margarita received both undergraduate and graduate degrees from UC Riverside, and has a Masters of Arts in Public Administration from CSU Northridge.
Victoria is responsible for oversight of accounting, information technology, risk management and asset management functions. She manages preparation and monitoring of the annual budget and oversees third-party preparation ofcorporate and limited partner audited financials. Victoria has been in the affordable housing industry for over 15 years and with Cabrillo for over 10 years. She brings a wealth of experience in development, construction, and property management accounting, as well as nonprofit experience. Prior to Cabrillo, Victoria worked with a for-profit, national developer providing affordable and market rate housing. Victoria holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting. She is also certified as Consortium for Housing and Asset Management Specialist by NeighborWorks of America.
Denise works closely with the CEO to support the development of new business opportunities, improve internal systems to promote communication and efficient functioning, and develop key partnerships with local and regional nonprofits, businesses and government agencies. Denise collaborates with the operational divisions of CEDC to support the expansion of business programs and services, and the development of strategies to improve financial capacity and operational efficiency. Prior to joining CEDC, Denise was a principal at Keyser Marston Associates, Inc. advising agencies throughout California and Nevada on redevelopment programs. Denise was also a Housing Analyst for the Economic Development Agency for the County of San Bernardino where she developed and implemented a marketing program for foreclosure prevention programs. Denise has a master’s degree in business administration, with an emphasis in strategic management, from Claremont Graduate University and has a Bachelor of Science degree in Architecture from the University of Southern California.
Luz Soto is responsible for the oversight of Cabrillo’s residential portfolio, which includes 26 affordable communities that serve nearly 1,200 low-income families. With more than 20 years of property management experience, Luz’ strong leadership skills ensure the successful operations and management of Cabrillo's rental portfolio. Overall, she is responsible for the oversight of property budgets; the timely turnover of vacancies and delinquencies; and oversees all legal matters related to tenant-landlord laws and fair housing issues. Luz returns to Cabrillo after serving as Senior Vice President of Property Management and Resident Services with Abode Communities, where she managed 38 affordable housing developments with 2,319 homes that served 6,300 low-income people. From 2005 to 2013, Luz served as Cabrillo's Property and Asset Management Director. Prior to this, she worked as the District Property Manager for the Brackenhoff Management Group, where she managed a 1,300-unit tax credit portfolio throughout California. She also worked with Goldrich & Kest Management, Inc., where she oversaw a residential portfolio consisting of 8,000 units, including HUD project-based Section 8, tenant-based Section 8, and Sections 202, 811 and 236. Luz is a certified housing asset manager by the Consortium for Housing and Asset Management; has a nonprofit affordable housing specialist certification from the NeighborWorks America Training Institute; is certified as a professional of occupancy from National Association for Housing & Redevelopment Organization; a national assisted housing professional by the National Affordable Housing Management Association; and holds a variety of low Income housing tax credit, fair housing and USDA 504 program certifications.
Nidia Rodriguez, PHR, SHRM-CP, is a Human Resources professional with 20 years’ experience. Nidia is responsible for administering all Human Resources policies and programs while acting as strategic partner to senior management. She also serves as change agent and champion for the Organizations Strategic Plan affecting culture, values, and its mission. Prior to joining the team at Cabrillo, Nidia worked with New Level Resources as a Senior Human Resources Consultant to various industries, including non-profit, manufacturing, agricultural and software for eight years. Prior to NLR, Nidia was the Senior Human Resources Manager at OSI Systems overseeing seven locations, including two international sites for 10 years. Nidia holds Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology and Spanish Literature from UC Santa Barbara, She is also certified as a Professional in Human Resources (PHR) from the HR Certification Institute and is a Society for Human Resources Management – Certified Professional (SHRM-CP).
Gustavo is responsible for completing the acquisition, entitlements, finance, and pre-construction stages of CEDC’s affordable housing developments. Gustavo’s experience in real estate development is rooted in his passion for community building through housing and innovative design. Gustavo has a wide range of experience leading teams and developing affordable housing throughout Southern California. His previous development work has provided housing for various populations including, seniors, large families, Veterans, homeless Veterans, and formerly homeless individuals in downtown Los Angeles. His development work to date has led to the creation of over 600 units of affordable housing with an amassed value of over $250 million in multi-family real estate creation. Gustavo holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from UCLA and a Master's degree in Urban and Regional Planning with a concentration in Community and Economic Development from UCLA.