Miguel spent his early career within large research organizations. Through this experience, he recognized an opportunity to build a different kind of research consultancy — one centered on genuine client partnership, a true sense of passion, curiosity and connection, along with a family-like work culture.

He brought this vision to life with co-founder Johana, establishing Ahzul and creating an insights agency that would not only deliver data but also provoke thought and inspire action.

Though Miguel's passing in early 2024 was a profound loss, his spirit remains the guiding force behind Ahzul. He was an inspirational leader, a valued mentor, and a cherished friend. His inherent curiosity, deep empathy, and steadfast commitment to helping brands better understand and serve consumers laid the foundation for the impactful work Ahzul continues to deliver today_

Already a successful lawyer, Johana Mantilla Gomez saw a unique opportunity to infuse the research industry with the strategic thinking, critical analysis, and nuanced narrative building inherent to her legal background. Driven by the conviction that exceptional, high-quality work could thrive without the constraints of timesheets and unsustainable 80-hour work weeks, this belief fueled Johana, alongside her co-founder Miguel, to build Ahzul, envisioning a research consultancy that prioritizes impactful insights and genuine client collaboration — all within a supportive and balanced work environment that fosters creativity and passion for the work we so proudly take on.

Under her leadership, Ahzul has grown from a two-person startup to a global team of over 30 experts, partnering with clients and agencies across numerous industries. Johana’s strategic direction has been key in Ahzul's evolution, expanding its expertise from a Hispanic-focused consultancy to one that serves both the general population and multicultural audiences — a strength amplified by its diverse team.

Today, as Principal, Johana leads Ahzul forward, carrying the company's foundational vision and values into the future. With a deep respect for the legacy she co-created with Miguel, Johana ensures that Ahzul continues to inform, provoke, and inspire... in everything we do_

Patricia Cardenas

SVP Qual Studio

After graduating from Wharton, Patricia got the research bug. As our VP of Qual, she now applies her business background to exploring the ties between consumers, brands & culture_

Shannon Saunders

SVP Quant Studio

Shannon is a consultant at heart. As a career-long quantitative researcher, she enjoys building programs that deliver the insights clients need to make meaningful decisions_

Holly Mourgues

SVP Strategy Studio

Holly's mission is to unearth powerful cultural, brand, and human insights that drive attention and business results for clients, which she did for years in advertising agencies, then as a consultant, and now at Ahzul_

Tommy Stinson

EVP Insights

Tommy is an anthropologist who left academia over 20 years ago to dive head-first into consumer culture. He's been an insights addict ever since, studying people and culture all over the world, from dentists in the US to coffee fanatics in Mexico to mid-day snackers in India_

Roben Allong

Strategic Marketing | Research Consulting

Roben Allong is a market research consultant with over a decade of marketing, consumer trend analysis, and moderating experience. Lightspeed Research_

Maitreyee Angelo

Asian Indian Lead & Moderator

26 years in consumer research comprise in-depth experience in project implementation, moderating, analysis and reporting. Angelo Associates_

Lynn Gutstein

Field Director

Lynn is the type of person you want on your team – creative, responsive & an expert in fielding even the toughest projects_

Nicolas Trillos

VP Qual Studio

Nicolás or “Nick” as he’s known to some of our clients, recently emerged from Millward Brown to do what he does best - Qual_

Ingrid Riley

VP of Qualitative

Ingrid's specialization lies in ethnographic, qualitative and trend research, where she is on a constant search to challenge research techniques, never settling in the hunt for consumer truths. She is thrilled to be part of the Ahzul team_

Danielle Ramirez

VP Qual Studio

Danielle joins Ahzul with many years of experience in market research and advertising, with specific expertise in the Hispanic Market. She also has undergraduate and graduate degrees in economics from the University of Southern California_

Sebastian Angarita

SVP Design Studio

Sebas is Ahzul’s Lead Designer and brings unparalleled passion and inspiration to information design and visualization_

Maria Londoño

VP Quant Studio

A wide experience in market research together with a deep analytical mindset give Mari a perfect approach to her responsability in the Quant Studio. Her multicultural outlook is an added value evaluating projects from different perspectives_

Lyle Personette

Senior Quantitative Analyst

Lyle is our data whisperer… solving the puzzles in our datasets provide clients with deeper insights. His passion for analytics, GIS mapping, and demographics is only exceeded by his love of music, food, and family_

Alini Walker

Senior Research Strategist

Alini is an avid research strategist with a passion for media and pop culture. Her love for understanding "Why?" led her to consumer insights research. In her free time, she's at her local roller rink skating the night away_

Leonardo Moreno

Senior Quantitative Analyst

Leonardo is passionate about market research. He is an Industrial Engineer with more than 20 years of experience in marketing. He is a born quantitative analyst who delves into every figure to generate the best strategies for each project. He defines himself as a happy person and willing to help others_

Natalia Romero

VP Design Studio

Natalia is passionate about making design a core capability. Her commitment and resilience, harness the power of design to create positive impact and inspire_

Joann Triana

Art Director

Creator of new and different graphic mixtures that arouse reactions of visual pleasure. ‘Life taster’, ninja enthusiast and lover of La Vie en Rose and any other french cliché_

Oskar Martinez

Motion Graphics Designer

Oskar with k seeks to convey concepts and ideas through his design work, known for the outstanding use of typography, colors and shapes - without letting down his main source of inspiration: Movies and a couple of good old classics_

Vanessa Estrada

Information Designer

Vanessa is a talented visual designer driven by a passion for creating visually striking images. She specializes in transforming ideas into captivating visuals that leave a lasting impression on the digital landscape_

Juan Felipe Villegas

Director Operations Studio

Juanfe is Ahzul's Operations Director - he has a passion for systems and thinking how things should be done. In his free time he enjoys running, mountain biking and travelling_

Ana María Rodríguez

Senior Market Research Analyst

Ana joined the team as an intern and is now with Ahzul full-time. She has an innovative mindset, and finds motivation in being able to have a positive impact with her work. She loves new experiences and traveling_

Aneske van Eeden

Junior Market Research Analyst

Aneske has a postgrad in Economics & International Trade. She has a passion for cross-cultural understanding and thrives on new challenges - she also loves a good Springboks rugby game!_

Karla Espinoza

Quantitative Analyst

Karla is an enthusiastic economist who enjoys working with data analysis and visualization - which makes her a powerful aid for the Quant Team. She's also passionate about intercultural exchange and visiting new places_

Juliana Rojas

Operations Analyst

Juliana brings optimism and enthusiasm to the Ahzul Team! She studied International Marketing and Logistics Management and has an analytical, creative and insightful mind -- as well as a passion for learning, languages, art, and design_

Gregorio Duque

Junior Research Analyst

Gregorio's background as a Music Producer and Engineer working with top Latin artists in Miami provided him with valuable insights into the dynamic intersection of consumer and cultural landscapes. Seeking new opportunities to contribute to real-world challenges, he transitioned to market research. His passion for learning and creativity enable him to offer fresh and unique perspectives within the rapidly evolving consumer landscape_

Alfonso Moyano

Accounting & Operations

Alfonso, affectionately known as "Alf," handles many of the logistics and supplies at Ahzul_

Rosie Rivera

Executive Assistant

Rosie is our right-hand when it comes to admin & coordination. She is in charge of Ahzul’s "air traffic control" and "concierge" services_