Leadership

Mylene Mayuly Marrone Miranda

President

With 27 years of experience as a realtor, Mylene has dedicated her career to navigating complex real estate markets. She also previously served as the Consul of Panama in Washington, D.C., where she applied her diplomatic expertise on an international level.

Her commitment to service extends to several philanthropic initiatives in Panama. She served as President of Fundación Panama from 2002 to 2003 and was a longtime member of Marcelino Pan y Vino (MAPAVI), an organization dedicated to supporting children in need of bone marrow transplants.

We can’t help everyone, but everyone can help someone. – Ronald Reagan

Luis Alberto Ortiz

Co Vice President

Luis A. Ortiz serves as Vice President of Fundacion Panama, a position he assumed in January 2026. Born and raised in Panama, Luis has lived in the United States for 27 years while maintaining strong ties to his homeland and serving as a passionate advocate for Panamanian culture.

He has a strong background in finance and extensive hospitality and management experience and is committed to supporting individuals and communities in need, in DC area as well as in Panama.  His leadership and love of life is guided by his admiration of nature, animals, and bringing joy to others.

Ana-Maria Gutierrez

Co Vice President

Ana-Maria Gutierrez is a communications and digital marketing professional with over 25 years of experience helping mission-driven organizations expand their reach and impact. Her expertise spans digital strategy, content development, social media, and multi-channel marketing campaigns that engage educators, members, and community audiences.

She currently serves as an Education Marketing & Outreach Manager, leading national marketing initiatives for K–12 curriculum resources, educator workshops, graduate courses, and an international student video contest. Her work focuses on strengthening brand storytelling, growing educator engagement, and using data-driven strategies to increase participation.

Aixa Fraser

Treasurer

Aixa Fraser was born in Panama City, Republic of Panama. She earned a degree in Computer Systems Engineering from the Technological University of Panama (UTP) and later completed a Master’s degree in Computer Science Management from the University of Maryland University College.

She is an entrepreneur and currently works in the IT field for an insurance company. She resides in College Park, Maryland.

Edgardo Brathwaite

Assistant Treasurer

Edgardo was born in Panama City, Panama, on December 25. He grew up in the townships of Parque Lefevre and later Juan Díaz, where he lived in the neighborhood of Villa Venus near the Los Pueblos town center.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in Electricity from Colegio Artes y Oficios Melchor Lasso de la Vega and later completed a degree in Graphic Design from the University of Panama.

Edgardo later moved to New York City, where he lived for two years with his mother, before relocating to Maryland to live with his cousins. He currently resides in Virginia and works as an independent electrical contractor.

In his free time, he enjoys practicing and performing traditional Panamanian folk music.

Belinda Vallarino Cermolla

Secretary

Belinda Vallarino Cermolla serves on the Board of Directors. Bio coming soon.

Yaiza Garabito Burrel

Assistant Secretary

Yaiza Garabito Burrel serves on the Board of Directors. Bio coming soon.

Ariel Marie Coburn

Board Member

Ariel Coburn is a lifelong resident of the Washington, D.C. area. Born and raised in Alexandria, VA, Ariel is a local upcoming artist who illustrated a book called, “Something to Crow About by Richard A. Klein.” Her work has been exhibited in several local galleries.

In addition to an artist, Ariel is a lifelong educator. She has worked in the public school system for a decade and counting.

She holds a Bachelor of Individualized Study (2024) and is expected to receive her Master of Inclusive Early Childhood Education this summer (2026). Both degrees are conferred from George Mason University, where she is proud alumnus.

Ariel is first generation Panamanian American from her mother’s side and proud of her Latin roots.

Leticia Evans

Board Member

Leticia Evans was born and raised in Panama City, Panama, where she completed her early education. She graduated from Instituto Fermín Naudeau in 1979 and earned her Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from the University of Panama in 1984.

In 1989, she relocated to New York City and began her career at Downstate Medical Center, where she became a Critical Care Nurse. She later moved to the DMV area in 1998 and served as a nurse in several Washington, D.C. hospitals. She also earned a Master’s degree in Nursing Education from George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia.

Leticia has held several roles in the DMV area helping nursing students learn the foundations of the profession. She currently works for the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) as a Program Manager serving our nation’s veterans.

She is the proud wife of Ernesto Evans and mother of four. In her free time, she enjoys biking, swimming, traveling to Panama, and participating in missionary work around the world.

Maritza Gutierrez

Advisor

Maritza Gutierrez was born in Coco Solo, Canal Zone, Republic of Panama. She attended Saint Mary’s Academy High School in the city of Colón and continued her studies at the University of Miami in Florida, the University of Panama, and American University in Washington, D.C.

During her career at the Inter-American Development Bank, she broadened her knowledge of French and learned Portuguese. She retired from the organization after 30 years to spend more time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandson.

Maritza has been a member of Fundación Panamá since its early beginnings and greatly enjoys working with the Board of Directors. She is especially passionate about her pet projects, including initiatives that benefit newborns and the annual Christmas toy collection drive for children in need in the Washington metropolitan area.

Alberto Wilson

Advisor

Alberto joined the board in 2019. He is a Network Engineer working for the federal government and an avid martial arts practitioner.

Alberto holds a degree in Electronic Engineering from the Catholic University Santa María La Antigua. He currently holds a 4th-degree black belt in Shotokan Karate and has won several medals in international competitions held in Prague, Serbia, Romania, and Germany.

He currently resides in Arlington, Virginia.

Anamara Robinson

Advisor

Anamara is a Technical Project Lead supporting healthcare IT government contracts and holds certifications as a Scrum Master and SAFe Agilist. She has served in several roles on the board, including two terms as President of the organization.

Born in Panama City, Panama, Anamara began her college studies there before completing her Bachelor of Science in Finance at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois. She has lived in Maryland for more than 20 years and earned her MBA in Management from Johns Hopkins University.

She currently resides in Elkridge, Maryland.