Trailblazers
The 2026 Latino Trailblazers
New York’s Hispanic leaders who are turning heads.
City & State presents the 2026 Latino Trailblazers. HITN; Related Companies; Ramona Hernandez
For New York Latinos, the battle for representation has not been fully won. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani swept into office in part thanks to Hispanic voters, but some Latino leaders have said they’re being taken for granted. The mayor’s disputes with Reps. Nydia Velázquez and Adriano Espaillat, even after both supported his candidacy, didn’t help. And it’s not much better outside of the city, with only Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado in statewide elected office.
Yet Latinos have been building a strong bench, in politics and elsewhere in the public sphere. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is eyeing a run for the White House. Darializa Avila Chevalier and Claire Valdez are set to bring fresh ideas to Washington, D.C. State legislative candidates like Brian Romero and Jonathan Rivera are on the rise. And many more Hispanic New Yorkers are making their mark, as governmental appointees, business and nonprofit executives, and leaders of labor unions and institutions of higher education.
The Latino Trailblazers list, researched and written by City & State’s Amanda Salazar, puts a spotlight on dozens of outstanding Hispanic leaders across the state.
Bettina Alonso
Understanding how to increase and utilize philanthropic fundraising is what sets Bettina Alonso apart in the nonprofit sector. At Maimonides Health in Brooklyn, she has boosted philanthropic giving over three years while establishing the Grateful Patients Program and developing a fundraising plan for an expanded labor and delivery unit. Alonso is also executive sponsor and co-chair of Maimonides’ Hispanic Business Employee Resource Group. She came to the hospital from the Archdiocese of New York and the environmental nonprofit Oceana, where she led development and fundraising.
Estibaliz Alonso
Estibaliz Alonso is a leader in healthcare policy in New York state, with more than 20 years of legislative and consulting experience in the sector. She leverages that expertise for her clients at law and government relations firm Hinman Straub, helping with strategy, advocacy and regulatory issues. Alonso started her career as a senior legislative analyst for the Assembly Health Committee, where she drafted health legislation and developed budget initiatives. After that, she was the assistant commissioner for governmental and external affairs at the state Department of Health for six years.
Alicia Alvero
Alicia Alvero made history this year as the first Latina appointed executive vice chancellor and university provost of CUNY, the country’s largest urban public university system. The daughter of Cuban immigrants, Alvero is a first-generation college graduate who started her CUNY career as a professor at Queens College. Alvero was instrumental in a number of initiatives, including supporting the CUNY Reconnect grant program for older students at community colleges and increasing first-year retention rates. A highlight of her tenure is developing the Transfer Initiative, which streamlines the transfer process for students from community colleges to enter four-year colleges.
Omayra Andino
Once the first Latina mayor of the village of Tuckahoe in Westchester County, Omayra Andino is now the CEO of The Institutes of Applied Human Dynamics, a nonprofit dedicated to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The organization offers community supported housing and day habilitation services in Tarrytown. As mayor, Andino focused on education and cultural preservation, helping to preserve Tuckahoe’s historic Ward House and transform it into the Lenape Center to honor the area’s Indigenous history. Earlier in her career, Andino worked at The Center for Family Support.
Rafael Arboleda
Rafael Arboleda founded Compulink Technologies in 1986 as a cable wiring company. Four decades later, Arboleda is still leading the business he founded – and he’s grown it into one of the most trusted full-service information technology companies in New York City, providing cloud, cybersecurity and managed services to the public sector. Arboleda uses his position to advocate for equitable access in government procurement for minority- and women-owned businesses like his own, creating pathways for young entrepreneurs. He also has the ear of public sector leaders when it comes to technology modernization and cybersecurity.
Martha Ayon
In May, Martha Ayon joined lobbying firm McBride Consulting & Business Development Group as its New York City vice president of government affairs and labor relations. She comes to the firm with more than 15 years of experience in political strategy and community advocacy, having held roles with various campaigns, nonprofits and labor unions. Ayon, the daughter of Cuban immigrants, did behind-the-scenes work that helped elect Adrienne Adams as New York City Council speaker, raise the minimum wage and build a green jobs pipeline. Ayon is a member of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce’s energy committee.
Pedro Azagra
Pedro Azagra is an innovative energy industry leader. A native of Madrid, he runs Iberdrola, an energy company that serves countries across Europe, North America, South America and beyond. Azagra has been with the company for nearly three decades, holding the titles of the director of strategy and deputy chief financial officer. For three years, he led Avangrid, Iberdrola’s U.S. subsidiary, including its New York electric and gas utilities, New York State Electric and Gas and Rochester Gas and Electric. He has overseen transactions worth more than $120 billion and helped expand the Spanish company’s footprint into new regions.
Jackie Benavides
Jackie Benavides keeps a busy schedule. As the director of immigration and community affairs for U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer, she deals with immigration, passports and visas for New Yorkers, while also driving community outreach. When New Yorkers need emergency passport appointments; or are detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement; or hospitals, schools, cultural institutions and sports teams need visas, Benavides is the one to call. She has also helped secure funding for an impact study on capping the Cross Bronx Expressway.
Venus Bermudez-Oviedo
From a young age, Venus Bermudez-Oviedo was instilled with the importance of community, family and service, values that she brings with her into her role at New York City social services nonprofit HANAC. Bermudez-Oviedo, who is of Puerto Rican heritage, oversees youth programs for the organization, which include Beacon and Compass programs for kids and teenagers. Her programs, which take place after school and during evenings, weekends and summers, reach more than 5,000 families and promote academics, social-emotional well-being and family engagement.
Arnaldo Bernabe
For nearly three decades, Arnaldo Bernabe has driven public safety at CUNY’s Hostos Community College in the Bronx, where he’s tasked with keeping thousands of students and staff safe. A graduate of the FBI National Academy and a three-time CUNY alum, he oversees the team of campus security and peace officers that enforces campus policies at the primarily Latino school. Before entering the realm of higher education safety, Bernabe was a school safety officer in the New York City Police Department’s Division of School Safety and was a member of the Dinkins administration’s Safe Streets, Safe City program.
Francisco Javier Blanco
At the top New York City lobbying firm Kasirer, Francisco Javier Blanco advises nonprofit clients on budgetary, legislative and advocacy needs. Recently, he helped the Workers Justice Project and the New York Legal Assistance Group maintain city funding for immigration case management and secured funding for the “I Have a Dream” Foundation’s youth mentorship programming. Blanco was previously a legislative fellow for former New York City Council Deputy Speaker Diana Ayala, a role in which he handled external communications, supported community engagement, and partnered with nonprofits and stakeholders to help pass legislation.
Grace Bonilla
Grace Bonilla became the first Latina president and CEO of the United Way of New York City in 2022, using her role to champion economic mobility and equity. One of her recent accomplishments was launching the United for Benefits Access initiative to help people maintain their food and health benefits under new federal requirements. The first-generation Ecuadorian American serves on the New York City Workforce Development Board and the state Not-For-Profit Contracting Advisory Committee. She also co-chairs the New York City Commission on Universal After-School and was a co-chair of Zohran Mamdani’s mayoral transition team.
Taína Borrero
Native New Yorker Taína Borrero leverages her nearly two decades of communications and government relations experience to advise her clients at public affairs firm The Hayes Initiative. Borrero has helped the firm in its representation of clients such as the New York City Football Club, the state Department of Labor and the New York City Economic Development Corp. Borrero, a Princeton University graduate who’s of Puerto Rican descent, is also active in her Upper East Side community, serving on Manhattan Community Board 8 and in the Lexington Democratic Club.
Tonio Burgos
Tonio Burgos has had a long career in government and public service. A successful lobbyist since 1988, Burgos started his career as a staffer for Mario Cuomo before he became governor. He also was a commissioner of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and he has also served on the boards of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute and the Latino Commission on AIDS and as governmental appointee and adviser in New York and New Jersey. Burgos’ firm helps clients with government affairs, strategic planning and more across the tristate area.
Melody Capote
Melody Capote knows that the arts have always been a critical tool in fighting unjust systems and has advocated for cultural equity and social justice for more than 40 years at the Caribbean Cultural Center African Diaspora Institute. CCCADI is a cultural activism organization that deploys arts and culture to champion equity and justice for African descendants. Capote has been instrumental in its growth, having spearheaded the conversion of an East Harlem landmark into its headquarters while forging connections with arts organizations, such as the Apollo Theater and Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts.
Jessica Castillo
Jessica Castillo’s life and career have come full circle. Her connection to the Bigs & Littles NYC Mentoring program began as a participant during her youth. Now, she’s working for the organization, where she was promoted to chief of staff in July after a decade on staff. Castillo, who is first-generation Mexican American, oversees donor cultivation, communications, strategy and board engagement for the nonprofit, which pairs children from struggling families with role models and mentors. The Fordham University graduate recently became an artificial intelligence leadership fellow through the Fund for the City of New York’s AI for Nonprofits Sprint.
Judith Castillo
As chief financial officer at Encore Community Services, Judith Castillo makes sure that the older adult services nonprofit has the fiscal strategies and stability to effectively support its clients and make good on its mission. Encore’s offerings include senior centers, meal delivery, case management and more, serving seniors in midtown Manhattan. Castillo does more than just crunch numbers and ensure contract compliance; she helped increase the organization’s budget from $7 million to $18 million and nearly doubled its staff to more than 100 people. She joined Encore in 2019 as chief operating officer.
Ariana Collado
Lifelong Bronxite Ariana Collado is committed to expanding opportunities and representation for Latinos in New York. As a senior adviser at growing political strategy firm London House, the first-generation Dominican American supports nonprofits and companies in their New York City and state legislative and funding goals. Collado is also the executive director and counsel for the Bronx Democratic Party, where she has improved its organizational strategy and boosted civic participation. During her tenure, the Bronx Democrats have enjoyed successful election cycles and advanced a more diverse array of nominees.
Rosanna Cruz
Empowering survivors of violence to recover and heal is what inspires Rosanna Cruz every day. She works on the Crime Victim Assistance Program, run by victim services nonprofit Safe Horizon. The organization supports survivors of all forms of violence, including domestic, partner and emotional abuse. Cruz, a native of the Dominican Republic, supports clients with safety planning, counseling and legal services. Her work is so impactful that one of her former clients is now a public speaker and life coach.
Melissa DeLeon
Company culture is highly valued at Ponce Bank, a community-based financial institution, and Melissa DeLeon has a hand in setting the tone for the entire team. DeLeon is the head of human resources for the bank, which includes talent management, organizational development, compensation, employee engagement and culture initiatives. She has been with Ponce Bank for a decade, advancing through multiple roles within the HR department. Over the years, DeLeon has successfully worked to strengthen leadership, increase employee performance and champion collaboration.
Elaine Delgado
Elaine Delgado joined the Manhattan Neighborhood Network in May to drive growth in revenue, partnerships and audience for the nonprofit media learning, production and distribution hub. Originally established as the borough’s public access television network, MNN now offers workforce development, training, performances and other programs that make media tools accessible to the public. Delgado came to MNN from the Episcopal Diocese of New York, where she was the director of advancement and community connections, and Ballet Hispánico, where she was chief development and marketing officer.
Marianela Diaz
At the Human Services Council, Marianela Diaz directs policy and advocacy on behalf of the human services sector, which is made up of nonprofits spanning housing, food insecurity, mental health and more. Diaz manages HSC’s high-profile #JustPay Campaign, which fights to increase pay for social services workers. Over her four years with the organization, Diaz has helped to secure cost-of-living adjustments for the sector and led large rallies with thousands of participants. Earlier in her career, she held roles in the state Senate and Assembly.
Sandra Escamilla-Davies
Summer break just ended for New York City’s public schools, along with the Department of Youth and Community Development’ summer programs, like the Summer Youth Employment Program and Ladders for Leaders. Since January, New York City Department of Youth and Community Development Commissioner Sandra Escamilla-Davies has been tasked with bolstering the city’s services for children and teens, including summer programs as well as runaway and homeless youth services, after-school programs and school retention initiatives. Prior to taking the helm, Escamilla-Davies was executive vice president at Children’s Aid and executive director at the Youth Development Institute.
Carlos Espinoza
As the senior paralegal in the Law Office of Ali Najmi, Carlos Espinoza provides support on a range of cases spanning civil rights, election law and personal injury. Espinoza, who is of Ecuadorian and Salvadorian descent, has been with the office since 2021. The Queens resident has worked on notable election law matters, such as overseeing the review, preparation and submission of petition volumes for political candidates represented by attorney Ali Najmi – including his longtime ally, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani. Espinoza also utilizes his Spanish-speaking skills to support construction workers with personal injury cases.
Vanessa Fernandez
A champion for making healthcare more accessible and culturally responsive, Vanessa Fernandez leads business operations and strategic initiatives for VillageCare, which offers care plans for older adults and people with chronic illnesses. She’s known for her ability to streamline operations and enhance efficiency while still improving client satisfaction. Accessibility is a priority for Fernandez, which is why she created New York City’s first Spanish bilingual home health aide training program, which increases linguistic and cultural competency in care and removes communication barriers for many New Yorkers.
Julissa Ferreras-Copeland
Government relations professional Julissa Ferreras-Copeland was a driving force behind getting the Metropolitan Park casino bid in Queens approved, and she’s on board for the next big step: construction. Her skills were put to use to pass the state parkland alienation bill that allowed the bid to advance. Ferreras-Copeland, a top executive at Hollis Public Affairs, is now seeking to include community organizations and minority- and women-owned businesses in the project. Ferreras-Copeland was previously a New York City Council member and the first woman of color to chair the legislative body’s Finance Committee.
Lisa Flores
Wherever Lisa Flores goes, she drives operational excellence. She’s currently the CEO of Catholic Charities Community Services, where she oversees 600 team members and programs that serve more than 140,000 people across three boroughs and the Lower Hudson Valley. Previously, Flores served as commissioner of the New York City Mayor’s Office of Contract Services, where she endeavored to make the procurement and contracting process more fair and efficient for small businesses and nonprofits. Among her successes at the office was implementing multiyear discretionary contract reforms.
Oscar Gomez Jaramillo
To Oscar Gomez Jaramillo, food is an expression of care and belonging. This belief, rooted in his Hispanic heritage, drives him in his work at food insecurity nonprofit Rethink Food. Rethink partners with local restaurants and community organizations to provide free, nutritious and culturally relevant meals to New Yorkers in need. Gomez Jaramillo leads operations for this mission, overseeing the internal systems and external relationships that ensure food is delivered. He helped launch the organization’s Medically Tailored Meals Program that serves Medicaid clients and also expanded services in Inwood and Washington Heights in Manhattan.
Ishrael Gonzalez
It’s Ishrael Gonzalez’s job to ensure Latinos’ voices are heard in the state government. He’s the executive director of the New York State Puerto Rican/Hispanic Task Force, where he works alongside Assembly Member Karines Reyes, its chair, to promote the needs of Hispanic communities and organize the popular Somos conferences. Recently, Gonzalez organized the first meeting between the Coalition of Latin American Consuls in New York and the governor, with representatives from nine countries. Gonzalez has also worked in the offices of the Bronx borough president and former New York City Council Member Mark Gjonaj.
Marilyn Gonzalez
Marilyn Gonzalez oversees event operations for the Javits Center, the largest convention venue in the biggest city in the country. Gonzalez, who has been with the Javits Center for her entire career, is charged with the planning and execution of more than 150 events per year at the massive venue, including trade shows and special events. Her day-to-day work involves coordinating logistics and approving floor plans, with the goal of seamlessly executing events for clients. Additionally, Gonzalez acts as a mentor in the Javits Emerging Leaders Program.
Teresa Gonzalez
A lifelong Brooklynite, Teresa Gonzalez works with nonprofit, real estate and corporate clients on their lobbying and community engagement needs. Gonzalez is a partner at government relations firm Bolton-St. Johns, and a co-founder and principal of boutique lobbying firm DalyGonzalez. Having formerly served as chief of staff at the New York City Mayor’s Community Affairs Unit and as deputy press secretary at the city Department of Cultural Affairs, Gonzalez draws on her governmental knowledge to help her clients. She’s also co-chair of The New Majority NYC, which aims to elect more women candidates.
Ramona Hernandez
Sociology professor Ramona Hernandez has dedicated her career to researching the Dominican population in the United States. She’s the director of the CUNY Dominican Studies Institute, which explores the history of Dominican Americans and how their experiences compare with other Latino groups. Based at the City College of New York, the institute’s work has resulted in a number of historical discoveries, like the identification of the first Dominican immigrant to settle in New York City. Hernandez was recently appointed executive director of the Inter-University Program for Latino Research, a national network of Latino research groups.
Robinson Hernandez
At the state Office of General Services, Robinson Hernandez leads the Division of Shared Services, which includes the Media Services Center, the Business Services Center and the Procurement Services Group, the state’s centralized procurement office that manages 1,500 centralized contracts valued at $44 billion. Before coming to OGS, Hernandez was the assistant director of power generation and storage for the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, where he set the strategic vision for the research and development of clean energy. He also launched the Urban Tech Hub, a public-private partnership.
Sally Hernandez-Piñero
A respected New York civic leader, Sally Hernandez-Piñero currently serves as the board chair of MetroPlusHealth on a 10-year term that runs into 2029, following a long career in the public and private sectors. She began her career as a staff attorney at Bedford-Stuyvesant Community Legal Services, before becoming general counsel to the State of New York Mortgage Agency. She transitioned to New York City government, serving as the deputy Manhattan borough president and deputy mayor for finance and economic development. Finally, she held key roles at Fannie Mae and Related Companies.
Paloma Izquierdo-Hernandez
Paloma Izquierdo-Hernandez has been the president and CEO of Urban Health Plan since 1996, when she succeeded her father, who had founded the health center network back in 1974. She has built the organization from a single center in the Bronx to 13 sites across the city, plus 12 school-based centers and two mental health facilities. Izquierdo-Hernandez played a key role in establishing the Dr. Richard Izquierdo Health and Science Charter School, and she helped launch the Community Psychiatry Residency Program, with its first class starting a few months ago.
Jose LaSalle
Jose LaSalle is a train guy. He has worked for New York City Transit, a subsidiary agency of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, since 1993, when he started out as a train conductor. After rising through various positions – including as the superintendent of a train line, a train service supervisor and the deputy chief of service diversions – LaSalle is now the MTA’s senior vice president of transportation in the Department of Buses. Throughout his career, LaSalle has been focused on ensuring passengers have a safe and efficient commute, guided by the principle of doing what’s good for the customer.
Mayra Linares-Garcia
Mayra Linares-Garcia is helping deliver one of the country’s most recognized and beloved brands. As the vice president of public affairs and communications for Liberty Coca-Cola Beverages, Linares-Garcia connects the bottling and distribution company with communities and governments across New York, New Jersey and Philadelphia. She recently led a FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour around the tristate area, allowing fans to see the original World Cup trophy up close. Linares-Garcia is a CUNY trustee and served as the director of Latino affairs for then-Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
Luisa Lopez
Since 2020, Luisa Lopez has been managing the Latino Social Work Coalition & Scholarship Fund, which aims to increase the number of linguistically and culturally competent social workers entering the field. In order to do this, the organization seeks to reduce barriers for young professionals by offering networking, internships and scholarships. Currently, Lopez is advocating for social work licensing reform as well as for prioritizing mental health support in schools and hospitals. Lopez is also an adjunct lecturer at the Columbia School of Social Work.
Lilibeth Marchena
At the Emma L. Bowen Community Service Center, Lilibeth Marchena is the director of the Rainbow Clubhouse, a rehabilitation program that supports adults with serious mental illness. Under her leadership, the program’s membership increased by more than 50%, and her ability to speak Spanish has made the program more inclusive and welcoming. She spearheaded a move into a new facility while ensuring that services weren’t interrupted for members. Marchena, who previously worked for BronxWorks, recently guided her program through Clubhouse International accreditation, aligning it with the international model.
Fabiola Mendieta-Cuapio
Fabiola Mendieta-Cuapio has her boots on the ground for New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, hearing directly about constituents’ needs and finding collaborative solutions. The issue closest to her heart is traffic safety, after she lost her son to a reckless driver. Mendieta-Cuapio has spent years working toward safer streets. She was an advocate for Sammy’s Law, which allows the city to lower speed limits, and for the Stop Super Speeders provision, which mandates the installation of speed-limiting technology in the cars of frequent speeders.
Sylvia Montero
Sylvia Montero might be retired, but she’s not relaxing. Montero spent decades working for Pfizer and was its highest-ranking Latina staffer when she became senior vice president of human resources in 2005. Today, she remains an active board member with the social services nonprofit Grand Street Settlement, where she was once board president. She was a strong voice in the conversations that brought Robert Cordero on as CEO. Montero also established the Eligia and Cruz Montero Scholarship Fund at Barnard College in her honor of her parents, who emigrated from Puerto Rico.
Michael Nieves
Michael Nieves is devoted to lifting up and educating the Latino community. He’s the president of the Hispanic Information and Telecommunications Network, a nonprofit Spanish-language channel that creates informative and culturally relevant programs. Within Nieves’ first two years in the role, he expanded HITN’s reach by 10 million households and established a strategic partnership with Sprint. He also spearheads award-winning projects, including programs about the electoral process and cultural heritage series. Nieves, who’s also a political consultant, previously held staff positions with the New York City Council.
Hailey Nolasco
In March, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani established the Mayor’s Office of Community Safety to coordinate safety initiatives around people with mental illnesses and how the city responds in moments of crisis. Hailey Nolasco is the inaugural deputy chief of staff, serving under Deputy Mayor Renita Francois. Nolasco, who is Dominican American, advances community-centered solutions to different forms of violence. She comes from the Center for Justice Innovation, where she handled government relations, as well as various city government posts.
Ana Oliveira
For two decades, Ana Oliveira has led The New York Women’s Foundation as its president and CEO, steering the grantmaking organization’s mission and strategy. The foundation donates to nonprofits that address women’s rights, HIV/AIDS, economic and environmental justice, bodily autonomy and civic engagement. Under Oliveira, the foundation revamped its strategic plan, released landmark research reports and increased its grantmaking from $1.7 million to over $125 million across more than 500 organizations. The foundation awarded more than $8 million in 2025 alone. Originally from Brazil, Oliveira formerly was the executive director of Gay Men’s Health Crisis.
Jason Ortiz
In 2021, Jason Ortiz co-founded Moonshot Strategies. Five years later, the public affairs and government relations firm has grown into a well-respected and highly effective outfit, which Ortiz leads alongside Jenny Sedlis. He represents clients spanning labor, gambling and real estate, including such heavyweights as the Hotel and Gaming Trades Council, Genting, Tishman Speyer, Uber and the Human Services Council. Ortiz has helped clients with high-stakes campaigns, including a successful effort to reform state auto insurance law this year. Earlier in his career, Ortiz worked at HTC and in the state Attorney General’s Office.
Jorge Perez
At the public affairs and lobbying firm The Parkside Group, Jorge Perez works with clients on their political campaigns across local, state and national elections. He deploys data analysis and programming to strengthen clients’ messaging, especially through social media, and to create strategic partnerships. Over the past three election cycles, Perez has worked with candidates for the state Senate and Assembly as well as with county-based parties. Previously, Perez was a field organizer with the state Democratic Committee.
Lilliam Perez
Lilliam Perez drives government affairs, public policy and community engagement for Montefiore Einstein, which operates hospitals, research facilities and a medical school across New York City and the Hudson Valley. With a background in government, Perez capitalizes on her decades of experience to advance Montefiore’s life-saving mission. She has been instrumental in implementing and getting funding for expansions of care, such as a new Bronx inpatient pediatric mental health center that opened last fall and a renovation to Mount Vernon’s emergency department that started this summer.
Roberto Perez
Roberto Perez started his career as a journalist before transitioning to public service. Now, he’s a government relations professional at Brown & Weinraub, the state’s top lobbying firm where he calls on his years of experience working at New York City agencies and at City Hall to help clients with their legislative and issue campaigns. Perez previously served as the deputy chief of staff for then-Public Advocate Bill de Blasio, as commissioner of the Mayor’s Community Affairs Unit and as vice president of legislative affairs for the New York Power Authority.
Ruth E. Perez
In a city where the cost of living is notoriously high, Ruth E. Perez is part of a skilled team focused on expanding affordable options. She’s a senior associate at Related Affordable, Related Companies’ affordable housing arm, where she works on the acquisition, preservation and management of affordable housing in New York City and nationally. The Afro-Latina real estate expert has assisted on projects that have brought 11 affordable communities to four states, housing more than 1,000 people. She also serves on the board of the nonprofit New Settlement.
Henry Perez-Tlatenchi
Henry Perez-Tlatenchi handles data and policy research for the Real Estate Board of New York, analyzing housing data that in turn informs the group’s advocacy. He leads research on housing production, affordability, land use, rent stabilization and economic development, and expresses that information in reports and presentations that are provided to legislators, journalists and other stakeholders. Perez-Tlatenchi, who is of Mexican heritage, also connects research findings and public records to policy and advocacy. He previously investigated police misconduct for the New York City Civilian Complaint Review Board.
Christopher Quiñones
Christopher Quiñones is in charge of operational efficiency and growth at Ryan Health, a network of healthcare centers in Manhattan that offer affordable general and specialty medical care. Quiñones oversees Ryan Health’s performance and delivery of services, and finds ways to increase access to care. Currently, the chief operating officer is leading the development of the organization’s new Harlem health center, which is slated to open at the end of the year and will provide integrated primary care, dental, vision, behavioral health and pharmacy services.
Carolyne Quintana
Carolyne Quintana knows that good teaching is the foundation of a successful future. That’s why she has spent her career in education, first as a teacher and a principal at a Bronx public school, and now at the helm of the nonprofit Teaching Matters, which aims to improve education, largely for Black and Latino students from low-income communities. Quintana served as deputy chancellor of teaching and learning for New York City’s public schools, where she launched the NYC Reads literacy initiative.
Blanca Ramirez
Blanca Ramirez came to the health and housing nonprofit Comunilife with an affordable and supportive housing development background. The organization she now leads cares for adults dealing with homelessness, HIV/AIDS and mental illness, and also assists teenagers aging out of foster care. In the more than two years that Ramirez has been president and CEO, she has increased the number of development projects the organization is working on to more than 1,580 units for clients. Before joining the team, Ramirez spent time at Hudson Housing Capital and the Corporation for Supportive Housing.
Jonathan Reyes
Jonathan Reyes combines his law, government and advocacy experience in his role at consulting firm Constantinople & Vallone. The CUNY School of Law graduate supports labor, education, telecommunications and technology clients on local, state and federal policy, regulation and partnership-building. Reyes’ efforts contributed to increased after-school program funding in the New York City budget and state funding for a tutoring initiative that aims to improve student outcomes. His most recent job before joining the firm was as the regional director of state government affairs for Everytown for Gun Safety.
Eduardo Rios
Eduardo Rios, who has spent his entire professional career at CUNY, is currently the vice president for finance and administration at York College in Queens. Rios is responsible for the school’s budgeting, financial operations, regulation compliance and strategic planning. He has helped make the institution’s financial decision-making more transparent, expanded the campus food pantry and launched a professional clothing closet for students in need of business-appropriate attire. Prior to joining the York team, Rios worked at Kingsborough Community College, City College of New York, the CUNY Graduate Center and the College of Staten Island.
Carlina Rivera
Former New York City Council Member Carlina Rivera is the first Latina to lead the New York State Association for Affordable Housing, the nation’s largest affordable housing trade association. She strives to reduce regulatory barriers that slow housing production, advocates for legislation that addresses the housing crisis and facilitates industry networking opportunities. As a Manhattan lawmaker, Rivera secured funding for housing development and preservation and helped get the City of Yes for Housing Opportunity rezoning initiative passed. She also serves on the New York City Mayor’s Commission on Government Efficiency.
Jonathan Rivera
It’s all but official: Assembly Member Jonathan Rivera will be moving up to the state Senate in January, after winning his closely watched primary against incumbent Jeremy Zellner by 10 points and facing no Republican opponent in the general election. The Buffalo native has served in the state Legislature since 2021, and he has focused on housing reforms, lead poisoning concerns, waterfront issues, refugee resettlement and other issues facing his district. Rivera chairs the Assembly Commission on Administrative Regulations Review and the Subcommittee on Regional Tourism Development.
Havidán Rodríguez
Havidán Rodríguez made history when he was appointed as president of the University at Albany nearly a decade ago, as he became the first Latino president at a SUNY four-year school. He has presided over the reopening of the school’s College of Nanotechnology, Science and Engineering, the launch of the AI Plus initiative and the creation of new bachelor’s programs in nursing and engineering. UAlbany also became the first R1-designated university in the Northeast to receive the Seal of Excelencia for its commitment to Latino students during Rodríguez’s tenure.
Maike Rodriguez
Civil engineer Maike Rodriguez, an immigrant from the Dominican Republic, leads operations in New York and New Jersey for Infrastructure Engineering Inc., an engineering and consulting firm. He focuses on transportation, roadway design, drainage systems and hydraulic analysis. Rodriguez expanded IEI’s New York City office from two employees making $21,000 in revenue to 70 employees generating nearly $15 million. He has worked with clients including the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, New York City Department of Design and Construction, Metropolitan Transportation Authority and New York City Economic Development Corp.
Santos Rodriguez
Santos Rodriguez started his career as a union construction worker and rose through the ranks to become the chief of staff at the Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York. The influential labor umbrella group, a coalition of 15 affiliated unions, advocates for workers’ rights and compensation, safe working conditions and job opportunities that help workers support their families. Rodriguez, once the youngest full-time officer for Insulators Local Union 12, has connected underserved communities with middle-class union apprenticeship opportunities and mentors young Latinos in labor.
Matilde L. Román
Once the first chief diversity and inclusion officer at NYC Health + Hospitals, Matilde L. Román now propels equity, inclusion and belonging efforts at the WMCHealth. She is dedicated to advancing systemic change that will allow WMCHealth to better serve its patients and support its staff, such as by expanding language access services and addressing bias in artificial intelligence implementation. The New York Law School graduate is also an adjunct professor for public health at New York Medical College and is nationally recognized as a top diversity officer.
Brian Romero
Social worker and legislative staffer Brian Romero easily won the Democratic primary for Assembly District 34 in Queens in June. Without a Republican opponent in November’s election, Romero will succeed his former boss, Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas, for whom he previously served as chief of staff and legislative director. Romero also worked for state Sen. Kristen Gonzalez and at GMHC, an HIV/AIDS prevention nonprofit. While serving as a staffer, Romero, a first-generation Colombian American, supported the universal school meals initiative and more.
Henry Rubio
Henry Rubio is a lifelong educator. Originally a bilingual social studies teacher in Queens, Rubio later served as a high school principal before taking on leadership roles at the Council of School Supervisors and Administrators. At CSA, Rubio secured a remote work agreement for the union, which represents 18,000 current and retired school leaders, and guided members through new class-size laws and the early use of artificial intelligence in schools. Rubio is also president of the New York State Federation of School Administrators and vice president of the American Federation of School Administrators.
Michael Sanchez
Michael Sanchez has been with the New York Psychotherapy and Counseling Center since he was a student intern in 2014, and eventually went on to become the assistant program director last summer. As a licensed mental health counselor, Sanchez has strengthened NYPCC’s clinical practice and improved its quality of care. The team at NYPCC also benefits from his mentorship, as he often helps develop emerging professionals and prepare them for future leadership roles. Sanchez is also an adjunct professor at Queens College.
Edgar Santana
Edgar Santana is a trusted aide to Gov. Kathy Hochul, overseeing legislative and federal affairs, human resources, finance and other weighty matters. Santana started his time in the Executive Chamber as director of downstate regional affairs, before becoming deputy secretary and then executive deputy secretary. The Fordham University graduate is part of the team that assisted Hochul in advancing universal childcare, lowering insurance rates and reducing utility expenses. In 2024, Santana participated in the Presidential Leadership Scholars program. He previously was executive director of the New York State Democratic Committee.
John Santos
John Santos is a stalwart defender of 185,000 32BJ SEIU members, including office building cleaners, porters, doormen, airport personnel and other property service workers. Currently secretary treasurer, Santos has held numerous positions within the influential union, including assistant to the president, vice president and New York metro director, a title he retains. In April, he was part of a bargaining committee that won contract negotiations for residential building workers in New York City, garnering wage and pension increases, while averting a strike of 34,000 workers.
Pedro Surillo
Pedro Surillo is committed to modernizing technology systems to help mission-driven organizations operate smoothly, so they can focus on serving their communities. He currently supports the mission of the Black Car Fund as its information technology supervisor. At The Black Car Fund – which provides insurance, safety training and other benefits to cab and limousine drivers – Surillo ensures the technology is secure and reliable, and he responds to needs as they arise. Earlier in his career, Surillo spent 22 years at social services nonprofit Queens Community House working on its technology.
Eileen Torres
Serving 66,000 Bronxites, Eileen Torres is the CEO of BronxWorks, a nonprofit that targets homelessness and supports education and health. Torres has been with the organization since 1995 and has spearheaded expansions of services and additions to its real estate holdings. The Northeastern University School of Law graduate has overseen a capital improvement project to BronxWorks’ flagship location, a revitalized strategic plan and new supportive housing developments, like Bronx Point and River Commons. Torres is a board member of United Neighborhood Houses, the Human Services Council and the Council of Family and Child Caring Agencies.
Yenia Vasquez
Getting Out and Staying Out is a nonprofit that helps formerly incarcerated people reenter the community and avoid returning to the criminal justice system. Yenia Vasquez supervises the organization’s clinical, education, reentry and career programs, which are aimed at helping clients create stable futures for themselves. Vasquez has implemented grant-funded initiatives and advanced restorative justice and trauma-informed practices in her programs. Previously, Vasquez worked at Acacia Network, a Latino-led social services nonprofit, for 11 years.
Yvette Vasquez
Healthcare workers take care of New Yorkers, and Yvette Vasquez takes care of healthcare workers. She’s the Long Island political director of 1199SEIU, which represents more than 450,000 workers in the health industry along the East Coast. First just an 1199SEIU member while she was a nursing home occupational therapy assistant, Vasquez was later hired as a political organizer for the powerful union and advocated for policies and politicians that support healthcare workers. In the 2026 election cycle, she has been running civic engagement workshops and election protection trainings for union members.
Elizabeth Velez
Elizabeth Velez did more than just follow in her father’s footsteps – she cemented the family legacy by building up his business into a nationally recognized construction company. Since 1989, she has been the president of the Velez Organization, a construction management and general contracting firm. Velez has led public and private projects worth $50 billion across New York City, including affordable housing and healthcare facilities. Outside of the firm, she is the chair of the New York Building Foundation and a past chair of the New York Building Congress.
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