Moctesuma Esparza is an award-winning filmmaker, producer, entertainment executive and entrepreneur, and is well known for his contributions to the movie industry and commitment to creating opportunities for Latinos in entertainment. As a partner in the highly successful Esparza-Katz Productions with Robert Katz, he has worked with stars such as Robert Redford, Jennifer Lopez, Andy Garcia, Jimmy Smits, Martin Sheen, Robert Duvall and Halle Berry. Esparza most recently founded Maya Entertainment, a vertically integrated production, acquisition and distribution company. It is the only Latino owned and managed production/distribution/exhibition entity in the United States, dedicated to the growing U.S. Latino market. Born and raised in Los Angeles, Esparza received a Bachelor of Arts and a Master in Fine Arts in Theatre Arts, Motion Pictures and Television, from University of California, Los Angeles, and from the onset of his career dedicated himself to empowering and transforming the images of Latinos in Hollywood. Esparza has received numerous awards and honors including being named one of the 50 “Most Powerful and Influential Latinos” of 2008 by The Imagen Foundation, recipient of the 2013 EY Entrepreneur of the Year Award, an Academy Award nomination, a Golden Globe nomination, an Emmy award, a Clio award, Alma Award and a Cine Golden Eagle award.

David Defrenza serves as the treasurer for the Arts and Enterprise Foundation and Principal at our partner school, The Los Angeles Academy of Arts and Enterprise (LAAAE). Mr. Defrenza has taught science at every grade during his tenure at our school. Mr. Defrenza holds his Bachelor of Science from UCLA and his Masters of Education from National University. When he is not transforming lives at LAAAE, Mr. Defrenza enjoys hiking and the outdoors in his spare time.

In 1986, Mr. Orcí founded La Agencia de Orcí & Asociados—a 100% independent, Latino-owned and managed communications agency. Mr. Orcí is highly respected and has been recognized as a leader by members of the industry, clients and the community. He serves on the boards of the American Advertising Federation, the Association of Hispanic Advertising Agencies and the New America Alliance.

Otto is President and COO of Meruelo Media Holding. Before joining the Meruelo Media team, Otto was Senior Vice President for Univision Television Network, the leading Spanish language Network in the US. Otto is the only executive to successfully have headed programming for both major US Spanish language networks, Univision and Telemundo. His unique media background brings a rich perspective and matchless insight of the Hispanic viewer profile, content and cultural preferences to any project. As a shaping member of these powerhouse brands, Otto skillfully blended solution-based ideas with a value-oriented management style driven by bottom-line results. During his 20+ year tenure programming these competitive networks, Otto developed a keen understanding of relevant entertainment formats and has established a reputation for delivering winning results through production excellence and flawless execution.

Otto is a Lieutenant Colonel with over 30 years of service in the US Army. He’s an Infantry officer having served in some of the most demanding units in the Army from the 1st Ranger Battalion to 20th Special Forces Group Airborne. LTC Padron has been featured in the “US Army Strong” campaign and in national print publications as one of America’s top Hispanic leaders. He holds an advanced degree in Military Strategic Studies from the US Army Command and General Staff College, Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas. Additionally, Otto is a decorated and tested leader with multiple combat tours in Iraq. Otto is also a Commissioner at the City of Los Angeles Convention Center. He holds a double Bachelor of Science in Broadcast Communications and Economics from the University of Miami, Coral Gables and an MBA from Florida International University’s Chapman School of Business.