Rooted in Community. Driven by Purpose.

Meet the Team Behind the Mission

Leadership

  • A man standing outdoors in front of greenery and a building, wearing a light blue dress shirt and dark blue pants, with a watch on his left wrist. Jose Esparza, Executive Director at BuCu West

    Jose Esparza

    Executive Director

    Jose studied architecture and urban planning and found his passion in working with community organizers to make authentic and equitable communities. Leading BuCu West’s growth for over a decade, Jose has built an organization that develops talented people from within the communities the organization serves. He’s committed to disrupting economic structures that increase inequity and is a leader in the creation of affordable commercial real estate as a strategy to improve economic prosperity.

  • A woman with wavy, shoulder-length hair smiling while standing against a red brick wall, wearing a gray blazer and black shirt. Julie Casault, Director of Operations at BuCu West.

    Julie Casault

    Director of Operations

    Julie is a trained landscape architect who became a core part of BuCu West by bringing dedication, curiosity, and a strong sense of purpose to her work. With a natural talent for organizing complex projects and a deep investment in community, she helps turn ideas into action. Julie leads organizational operations and strengthens internal systems that keep teams aligned and focused. Her work reflects a long-term investment in helping the organization grow thoughtfully, sustainably, and always with the community at the center.

  • A young man with dark, curly hair and a goatee, wearing a brown jacket, looking to the side outdoors with a blurred background.

    Erick Garcia

    Director of Real Estate

    Erick first started working with BuCu West as a systems engineer and quickly became an expert in facilities management. His constant efforts to learn and improve in a wide range of skills have helped BuCu West go from managing one stand alone industrial building to maintaining large university sized buildings and managing over 75,000 square feet of commercial space. Erick has spent the last 8 years protecting the organization’s investments and passing that knowledge on to the small businesses BuCu West serves.

  • Headshot of a middle-aged man with short gray hair, wearing a dark suit, light blue shirt, striped tie, and a lapel pin, smiling slightly against a gray background.

    Antonio Soto

    Director of Finance

    Antonio joined BuCu West in the fall of 2023 to establish and lead the organization’s Finance Department. He brings deep expertise in supporting minority-owned businesses through practical, hands-on guidance. Antonio is focused on strengthening financial systems both internally and for the small businesses the organization serves. He is especially passionate about helping entrepreneurs overcome back-end administrative challenges—ensuring that business operations don’t become barriers to growth, opportunity, or long-term success.

Core Values

  • We are deeply rooted in community. Driven by service and a genuine desire to make a difference. We take pride in our work and in the people, we serve, because we care.

  • We treat everyone—teammates, partners, and community members—with respect and kindness. We believe in resolving challenges with solutions, and lead with politeness and professionalism.

  • We know our worth and our expertise, but we leave ego at the front door. We’re confident enough to say, “I don’t know,” and curious enough to go find the answer.

  • We reflect the grit and tenacity of the entrepreneurs we serve. We hustle with heart, always finding a way forward. We get things done—no excuses, just solutions.

  • We show up as our true selves without hidden agendas. Authenticity builds trust, and we embrace vulnerability as a strength. Being real is not just encouraged—it’s expected.

BuCu West Staff, some wearing blue Westwood T-shirts with the event date April 23, 2022, posing in front of a brick building with glass doors.

Board of Directors

  • Aaron Elinoff - Board President

    Aaron Elinoff - Partner & CEO Novo Legal

    Board President

  • Nicole Martinez - Board Secretary - Business owner -Resident

    Nicole Martinez - Business Owner at New Motion Wellness

    Board Secretary

  • Jonathon Steiner

    Jonathon Steiner - Director of Strategic Financial Innovation at E-470 Public Highway Authority

    Treasurer

  • Hiram Licea - Board Member At-Large - Business and Property Owner

    Hiram Licea - Business & Property Owner at State Farm Insurance

    Member at-large, Past Board President

  • Nestor Castillo - Board Member At-Large - Business Owner

    Nestor Castillo - Business Owner of El Alamo Restaurant

    Member at-large

  • Fermin Avila

    Fermin Avila - VP of IT & Data at Rocky Mountain Crisis Partners

    Member at-large

  • Steph Frances

    Steph Frances - Founder & Principal at Little Square Studio

    Member at-large

  • Erin Laetz

    Erin Laetz - Assistand VP S.B. Clark Companies

    Member at-large