About Us
Avanza EV is dedicated to driving positive change by promoting the use of electric vehicles (EV) and empowering low-income Latino communities to make the switch from gasoline-powered cars to EV technology. Our mission is to accelerate the adoption EVs that reduce harmful emissions and improve the health and well-being of communities across our country. Through our efforts, we strive to make a more equitable and sustainable future for all.
The Team
Edwin Luevanos
Edwin is the co-founder of Citizen Energy, LLC and Avanza EV, a new national initiative to increase EV adoption in disadvantaged communities. Edwin has been an EV owner for over 5 years. Edwin is a serial entrepreneur, having started private companies in clean energy tech, finance, and project development. Prior to working in the private sector, Edwin worked at the U.S. Department of Energy in the areas of energy savings performance contracting, energy demand management, green procurement, public engagement, and workforce development. During the Recovery Act, Edwin had the unique opportunity to support The White House and Obama administration in implementing outreach strategies for over $75 billion in clean energy investments. For almost two decades, Edwin has also worked with environmental and community organizations on the expansion of social equity programs for Latino communities. Edwin obtained his undergraduate degree from California State University Fresno, and a Masters in Business from Boston University. Edwin is the proud son of immigrants from Mexico.
Steve Alfaro
Steve is a co-founder and program director and oversees the day-to-day operations of Avanza EV. Steve has 14 years of experience producing culturally relevant Latino outreach and education campaigns at the local and national levels. Steve specializes in how to use digital and traditional tactics simultaneously to connect and engage using multiple touch points. Steve started his career working at SiTV (now Fuse Media), a leading cable channel at the time for bi-cultural Latinos, where he helped develop branding campaigns for TV shows. Steve later went on to serve as the Creative and Digital Director for Voto Latino and Poder Latinx, and has consulted for organizations such as The McCourtney Institute for Democracy, International Rescue Committee, and the Hispanic Wealth Project. Steve has the unique ability to capture hearts and minds by merging art, tech, and culture. Steve obtained his undergraduate degree from the Art Institute of California Los Angeles. Steve is a native Spanish speaker and the proud son of immigrant parents from Guatemala.
Gina Tryon Patino
Gina is an associate at Avanza EV, and her role is to engage with communities while also participating in the design and application of the education campaign. Gina is a Colombian woman who has been living in the United States for five years. She is passionate about community development projects. Gina began her professional career nine years ago, graduating as an Economist in her home country and working on various social projects with different communities in Colombia. In 2017, she decided to come to the United States to study English in search of better professional opportunities. After a couple of years of hard work and dedication, she traveled to Europe to continue her studies in a Master’s program in Project Planning for Agriculture and Rural Development, successfully completing her studies in 2022. Gina has over 5 years of experience in project management, marketing, and community work; Gina believes that working with people promotes the development and equitable access to better opportunities.
Andrea Acosta
Andrea is an associate at Avanza EV, after graduating from Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania in 2022 with a BS in Environmental Geographical and Geological Sciences, Andrea Acosta continued to study the world of environmental conservation and sustainability. This led her to shadow under Citizen Energy, where she assisted in advancing electric vehicle adoption in low-income, Latino communities through a state sponsored program. She continues her outreach and project development in an effort to ensure these communities do not get left behind during the electrification transition.
