Commission Leadership & Staff Directory

Public Members

Ivan Castillo-Terán

Board Chair

A native of Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico, Ivan has called Idaho his home for 22 years. As a custom builder and real estate investor, Ivan has represented Keller Williams for the last 13 years. Ivan continues to advocate for Hispanic affairs and serves as Board Chairman for the Idaho Hispanic Chamber, a VP on the CWI Foundation and is on the Board of Trustees of the Idaho Hispanic Foundation. His passion is education, training and development for the Hispanic residents of Idaho. He has been married to Angie Castillo for 22 years and has 4 aspiring children: they are his greatest accomplishment.

Phone: (208) 283-3311
Email: grandcastle33@gmail.com

Erika L. Allen

Board Vice Chair

Currently, the College of Southern Idaho Foundation Executive Director and Resource Development, Erika L. Allen, leads fundraising efforts, alumni relations, and grants for the institution. Allen holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Los Angeles, a master’s degree from the University of La Verne, and is pursuing a doctorate in higher education administration from Idaho State University. Allen is passionate about serving the Hispanic community and is a board member for the South-Central Idaho Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Hispanic Liaison for the Idaho Behavioral Health Planning Council.

Phone: (208) 732-6245
Email: elallen@csi.edu

Mauricio Cardona

Commissioner

Mauricio Cardona is a Partner at the Davillier Law Group, managing the Sandpoint, Idaho office. Born in Colombia, he has lived in the U.S. since 1999 and has three children with his wife, Shekina. He holds degrees in international business, an MBA, and a law degree. Licensed in Idaho, he practices in federal and state courts, focusing on civil and commercial litigation, FCPA compliance, and business law. Mauricio has helped clients raise millions, managed complex transactions, and established governance protocols for businesses.

Phone: (208) 920-6140
Email: mcardona@davillierlawgroup.com

Cesar Pérez García

Commissioner

César Pérez García is part of the Sawtooth National Forest leadership team and has lived in the Magic Valley for more than 20 years. César is instrumental in serving and working closely with Hispanic families and communities, and as such, co-founded the first Latinos in Action Concurrent Enrollment national program. César and his family enjoy sharing their passion for multicultural initiatives and inclusion throughout the state.

Phone: (208) 316-1838
Email: cperez208@gmail.com

Luis Carrillo Rodríguez

Commissioner

Luis Antonio Carrillo Rodriguez is a creative and resourceful leader dedicated to supporting his community. With over a decade of experience, he has focused on expanding educational access and addressing inequities. His journey began as an intern at the Idaho Commission on Hispanic Affairs, where he helped organize one of the first education summits, igniting his passion for uplifting the Latino community. This led him to earn a master’s in public administration. Now, as a University Recruiter for the Idaho National Laboratory, Luis strives to connect higher education with opportunities for his community.

Phone: (886) 495-7440
Email: luis.carrillorodriguez@inl.gov

(D) Senator Janie Ward-Engelking

Legislative Services Office – District 18

Representing District 18, State Senator Janie Ward-Engelking is a dedicated advocate for children and families, drawing on her experience as a teacher and community volunteer. She champions quality education as vital for both students and Idaho’s economic growth, offering experienced and common-sense leadership to address current challenges.

Phone: (208) 385-9564
Email: jwardengelking@senate.idaho.gov

(R) Senator Camille Blaylock

Legislative Services Office – District 11

Born and raised in Canyon County; graduate of Idaho State University with a degree in communications; entrepreneur with a background in healthcare technology and corporate event management; worked alongside government agencies nationwide; two children.

Phone: (208) 484-3183
Email: CBlaylock@senate.idaho.gov

(R) Representative Rod Furniss

Legislative Services Office – Seat B District 31

A Rigby High School graduate with business degrees from BYU-Idaho and Idaho State University, and certifications from American College, this commercial and residential real estate developer has actively served on numerous legislative committees and boards, including EORAC and the Health Insurance Exchange Board. A Jefferson County Precinct Committeeman and past president of multiple financial and insurance associations, he is a decorated industry professional and a past president of the Education Foundation School Dist. #251. He is the father of five and grandfather to eight.

Phone: (208) 589-1100 | LSO 332-1056
Email: RFurniss@house.idaho.gov

(R) Representative Lucas B. Cayler

Legislative Services Office – Seat B District 11

Born in Nampa; home educated K-12; joined the U.S. Navy in 1999, spent ten years on active duty, trained in electronic and radar system maintenance and operation; deployed twice in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom; awarded two Navy and Marine Corps achievement medals; honorably discharged in 2009; worked for BAE Systems as Army civilian contractor (2009-2012) at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii; employed at Cobalt Truck Equipment (2012-present), held several positions in company as a big rig service technician, sales associate, and purchasing agent; elected precinct committeeman for District 11, Precinct 23 in May 2024.

Phone: (208) 332-1044
Email: LCayler@house.idaho.gov

ICHA Staff

Annette V. Tipton

Executive Director

Annette Valenzuela Tipton grew up in Rupert, ID. As the granddaughter of Mexican immigrants and the daughter of a migrant seasonal farmworker, her family’s entrepreneurial spirit, work ethic, and commitment to service inspired Annette to excellence from an early age. She’s a graduate of Nampa Senior High School and earned a degree in community health from Brigham Young University – Provo. Annette interned for U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-ID) in Washington, D.C. This experience launched her career in government relations, where she represented major financial institutions before Congress and the White House. She holds a master’s degree in international commerce and policy from George Mason University.

Following her time on the east coast, she worked in business management for west government banking at JPMorgan, focusing on corporate finance and data analytics. Dedicated to serving Idaho’s Hispanic community, she has volunteered for Terry Reilly Health Services, the Idaho Latino Scholarship Foundation, and the BSU College Assistance Migrant Program.

Annette worked in public service beginning in 2020 for the State of Idaho Controller’s Office where she led Insight Idaho, a statewide integrated data system initiative. She is also member of the Idaho Department of Finance Emerging Technology Advisory Committee.

Annette resides in West Boise with her husband and their daughter.

Phone: (208) 334-3776
Mobile: (208) 948-2144
Email: annette.v.tipton@icha.idaho.gov

Lymaris Ortiz Pérez

Administrative Assistant

Lymaris Ortiz Perez is originally from San Juan, Puerto Rico. She moved to Idaho in 1994, initially settling in Nampa before relocating to Boise. Despite facing language barriers, she entered the workforce, starting at McDonald’s, where she became a crew trainer and later worked at Delsa’s Ice Cream Parlor before joining the first Walmart in Boise. After seven years at Walmart, she was promoted to manager in the photo department. For the past 21 years, Lymaris has served as the Administrative Assistant for the Idaho Commission on Hispanic Affairs. Her work has been instrumental in supporting the mission and vision of the agency. Lymaris is dedicated to communities across Idaho, sharing vital resources, and supporting their access to opportunity. She lives in Boise with her teenage son, mother, and youngest brother.

Phone: (208) 334-3776
Mobile: 208-501-3727
Email: lymaris.ortizperez@icha.idaho.gov

Alma R. Navarrete

Program Specialist

Alma R. Navarrete is originally from Michoacán, Mexico. She moved to the U.S. at age seven. Growing up, she spent her summers working in the fields with her family in the Burley-Rupert area. A pivotal moment in her life came when she received a scholarship from the College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP), which reinforced her conviction in the transformative power of education. Inspired to ensure that others have access to similar opportunities, she spent 13 years as a Student Service Coordinator at Boise State University. Her work supported students facing challenges in completing their high school diplomas and directing their path to higher education. Alma holds dual degrees in Criminal Justice and Spanish. She lives in Caldwell with her family.

Phone: (208) 334-3776
Mobile: 208-409-2165
Email: alma.navarrete@icha.idaho.gov