Board of directors

Our Board is composed of BIPOC immigrant residents of Summit County who are actively involved in the community. With lived experience and a strong background in advocacy, they provide essential guidance and leadership to help shape the vision and direction of Mountain Dreamers.

  • Pam Ness Monteverde

    Board President

    Pam Ness Monteverde was born and raised in Mexico City and is a Summit County resident for 11 years, Pamela has a deep connection to Breckenridge, having spent summers and winters there from 1986 to 1999. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Hospitality Finance from the Glion Institute of Higher Education in Switzerland and certifications in hospitality management from the Universidad del Valle de México. She currently is the Revenue Manager for the Town of Breckenridge, where she oversees taxation codes and revenue programs to support sustainable community growth. With over a decade of experience in finance, hospitality, and municipal operations, she combines strategic vision with hands-on problem-solving. Fluent in English and Spanish, with intermediate French, she brings a global perspective to her work and advocacy.

  • Yanitza Aparicio

    Board Treasurer

    In 2001, Yanitza Rivera moved to Silverthorne from Puerto Rico after finishing her bachelor’s degree of Science in Biology from the University of Puerto Rico.  Yanitza moved to Summit County to be with her current husband, who introduced her to the county and the outdoors.  She immediately started her 24-year career with First Bank, where she has served in various roles, currently as a Senior Sales Consultant in Treasury Management for Summit and Eagle counties.  She uses her banking experience to help educate others about Financial Literacy.

    Yanitza is a huge advocate for fitness, with a focus on the Hispanic community.  Yanitza believes strongly that exercise and spending time outdoors have a deep impact on physical and mental health.  She enjoys teaching group fitness classes and coaches for a bilingual women’s program, with The Cycle Effect allowing her to share her passion with other women in the community.

  • Carol Saade

    Board Member

    Carol Saade is the daughter of Lebanese immigrants. She grew up in the DC area and moved to Summit County in 2010. In 2016, she joined a public affairs firm based in Frisco, CO, managing various public and government relations accounts, including working on state and federal immigration reform. She has been serving on the Breckenridge Town Council since 2020 and also serves on the boards of several local and statewide organizations. Her past international experience includes working at the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development in Geneva, Switzerland, and also working for a small public health organization in Dakar, Senegal. She earned a BBA in Economics from James Madison University.

  • Nico Cruz

    Board Member

    Nico Cruz grew up in Santiago, Chile, and has made Summit County his home. His experience building a life in a new country has shaped his commitment to creating a community where immigrant families feel welcomed, supported, and able to thrive.

    Nico works as the Sustainability Coordinator for the Town of Frisco, where he leads local sustainability programs and community initiatives. Before joining the Town, he worked at the Family and Intercultural Resource Center, supporting families with financial, housing, and other community needs. He also serves as Co-Chair of the Summit County Outdoor Coalition.

    Outside of work, Nico enjoys playing soccer, skiing, cycling, and spending time in the mountains. His connection to Mountain Dreamers has also included participating in OSO Outdoors. He joined the board to support community-led efforts that help immigrant families feel welcomed, represented, and connected in Summit County.

  • Yess Vinueza

    Board Member

    Originally from Ecuador, Yess is a dedicated advocate for community well-being. She brings expertise in youth engagement, equity-focused initiatives, and public policy. Yess leads the Communities That Care coalition, working to enhance opportunities for Summit County residents. She finds joy in outdoor activities like biking, hiking, snowboarding, etc., and fostering meaningful connections within her community.

  • Meg Masten

    Board Member

    Meg Masten joined the Mountain Dreamers Board of Directors in July 2026. A Breckenridge resident for the past five years, she brings extensive experience in community organizing, event planning, fundraising, and advocacy.

    Meg is passionate about expanding equitable opportunities and advancing equal rights for all, with a particular commitment to supporting Summit County's immigrant community. She is dedicated to furthering Mountain Dreamers' mission through collaborative leadership, strategic relationship-building, and grassroots engagement.

    In her free time, Meg enjoys snowboarding during the winter and hiking and golfing throughout the summer. She and her husband, Jason, have been married for more than 30 years and are enjoying retirement together with their senior golden retriever, Louie.