Rooted in Community. Driven by Purpose.
Meet the Team Behind the Mission
Leadership
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
Board of Directors
-
Aaron Elinoff - Partner & CEO Novo Legal
Board President
-
Nicole Martinez - Business Owner at New Motion Wellness
Board Secretary
-
Jonathon Steiner - Director of Strategic Financial Innovation at E-470 Public Highway Authority
Treasurer
-
Hiram Licea - Business & Property Owner at State Farm Insurance
Member at-large, Past Board President
-
Nestor Castillo - Business Owner of El Alamo Restaurant
Member at-large
-
Fermin Avila - VP of IT & Data at Rocky Mountain Crisis Partners
Member at-large
-
Steph Frances - Founder & Principal at Little Square Studio
Member at-large
-
Erin Laetz - Assistand VP S.B. Clark Companies
Member at-large