Vice President of Program Innovation at Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley - BGCArizona

Community Development Specialist, Realtor, & Educator

Tomás is dedicated to building communities capacity to learn, activate and build financial literacy, leading to generational wealth development.

Born & raised in downtown Phoenix, Tomás has a relentless passion for preserving the authentic culture of working class communities in the Garfield neighborhood, which he still calls home. 

Tania Engel immigrated to the United States from South Africa with her parents and four siblings at the age of six. Her family settled in North Carolina and became U.S. citizens in 1986. Her love for nature and our planet drove her to earn a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and Policy from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Her math and computer skills led her to become a Software Engineer and gain a second Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from North Carolina State University.

Tania enjoyed a successful 26-year career as a Software Engineer before retiring. Throughout her professional journey, she developed a strong commitment to problem-solving, continuous learning, and helping others navigate an ever-changing world. She is also the proud mother of two children.

As Vice Chair of the Casa Executive Board, Tania is dedicated to supporting the Casa team in anyway necessary to deliver on our mission supporting individuals and families through financial education, opportunity, and community connection. She is passionate about empowering others with knowledge and resources that help them achieve stability and long-term success.

Diana is a poet and self-published author whose work centers on self-expression, healing, and community. As a dedicated teaching artist with Lit Ink, she helps young people discover their voices through creative writing and storytelling. Diana is also the proud owner of AquaMoon Candles, an organic and handmade candle business that reflects her love for creativity and mindfulness. In addition to running her candle business, she uses her digital skills as a social media manager to support various projects and organizations through her business, Feels Write Media. She is the co-founder of The MG Dream Foundation, a scholarship created in memory of her dear friend who passed away from cancer. The scholarship honors Maria’s legacy by empowering young people to pursue their dreams and higher education. 

Doris Gilles has a strong background in business, nonprofit leadership, and community service. Her professional background includes roles with Chrysler and Procter & Gamble, and she holds an MBA from Emory University’s Goizueta Business School and a BBA from the University of Michigan. Doris is a Luxury Travel Advisor with High Access Travel, where she creates thoughtfully designed, personalized journeys for her clients.

Prior to relocating to Arizona, Doris founded and led Project Beautiful – Inside and Out, a Metro Detroit nonprofit focused on building confidence and inspiring hope for individuals and families rebuilding their lives, particularly women in shelters and other challenging circumstances. During its eight years of operation, Project Beautiful contributed over $590,000 to the community and partnered with nearly 90 local organizations.

Doris also served for six years on the Board of Directors of Detroit-based Design Connect. The organization provides career pathways in creative design for underrepresented middle and high school students through exposure, mentoring, and financial assistance.

Doris has been part of the Phoenix community since 2021 and became a full-time resident in 2024.