Event Registration

Join members of the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District’s Latino Professionals Network Employee Resource Group for a special networking event, presented in partnership with our Business Opportunity Program. Enjoy Latino cuisine and music, participate in a unique panel discussion, and more. All are welcome!

Meet the panelists!

James Santiago Plant Maintenance Manager, Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District

James is a 28-year employee of the Regional Sewer District. He began as a messenger and advanced to become a laborer and a mechanic before becoming a maintenance supervisor at the Southerly Wastewater Treatment Plant Renewable Energy Facility. He was born in Cleveland of Puerto Rican parents. He recalls spending summers working on his grandparents’ farm learning the importance of hard work and the value of a strong work ethic he is proud to pass on to his own children.

Joshua Fragoso Vice President, oswald

Joshua has over a decade of experience developing superior insurance and risk management solutions for privately held corporations and recognized as a leader in relationship management. Operationally, Joshua leads the sales efforts and service vision for Oswald’s Manufacturing Practice. Joshua obtained his BAA in communications at John Carroll University with a Spanish minor. Additionally, Joshua successfully completed and maintains a Certified Insurance Councilor designation, which is the industry’s premier mark of distinction.

Jenice Contreras, MBA Executive Director, Hispanic Business Center

Jenice is responsible for establishing and/or strengthening relationships through multiple business development agencies by establishing strategic partnership and ensuring high quality programs necessary to carry out the mission of the organization. Ms. Contreras is bilingual and bicultural, and is extensively involved in minority leadership efforts in her community. Jenice earned her Bachelors of Arts degree from Capital University an Executive Master of Business Administration from The Ohio State University.

Germaine Pena Fermin Manager of Post-Secondary Initiatives, Esperanza, Inc.

Germaine will serve as the moderator of the Latino Connections panel. Germaine oversees the scholarships program and the Líderes Avanzando program, programs to motivate and incentivize Latino students to graduate college. Germaine was born in Venezuela, her father is also from Venezuela and her mother is from the Dominican Republic. She grew up in Puerto Rico where she attended the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras campus. She later moved to Cleveland, Ohio where she also attended Cleveland State University.