Monsurat Adebanjo’s personal and professional life has been dedicated to the promotion and protection of the arts, advocating for diversity and empowering underrepresented people. Monsurat is a practicing attorney and the founder of Brown Girl For The Arts Media; The Urban Culturist, a tech startup; and Brown Girl Artists. Brown Girl For The Arts Media is committed to broadening the sluggishly changing narrative of the Diaspora through representation in the media. The Urban Culturist utilizes its digital space to promote diversity, access and exposure within the art world and share new and diverse opportunities to appreciate art and culture. Brown Girl Artists, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to empowering girls of color to envision their futures as artists, professionals and world changers by connecting them with positive, relatable and accomplished role models of color. Born and raised in New York, she continues to advocate for communities. She is a graduate of Touro College Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center. Monsurat is a Board Member for the Metropolitan Black Bar Association.

My current role as an Accountant II focuses on Revenue recognition, Deferred Revenue, and analyzing financial data. My area of expertise is contributing to budget processes, analyzing budget variances, and providing financial insights. I work for a leading global science company called Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. I studied and graduated from Lasalle University with my master’s in business administration and accounting in 2019. I am very passionate about entrepreneurship which inspired me to create my own LLC called LP&Company which focuses on marketing fun family event planning and photobooth rentals. As a starting business, I tackle the expected challenges and risks of market competition, pricing, and operational risks and am looking forward to shifting the business towards a bigger market in the future.

Rosa Alcazar Gonzalez is a data analyst with a strong background in public policy and financial regulation. She brings experience from roles at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the Federal Housing Finance Agency, where she applied advanced analytics to support data-driven decision-making on issues like credit access, loan performance, and housing stability. Rosa is passionate about using data to promote equity and economic opportunity, and she is excited to deepen her leadership skills and connect with fellow professionals committed to innovation and impact.

Alessandra Angarita is the Director of Volunteerism at United Way of New York City. With a deep passion for NYC and a strong commitment to community impact, Alessandra leads initiatives that connect volunteers with opportunities to strengthen neighborhoods across the five boroughs. Her work is rooted in the belief that when people are equipped and empowered to serve, communities become more resilient and connected. What drives her most is the goal of ensuring all New Yorkers are able to thrive in the city they call home.

Alessandra began her career as a social worker, supporting children and families through ACS and foster care. That early connection to community shaped her values and continues to inform her work today. Grounded in that foundation, she approaches volunteerism as a tool for building capacity, driving equity, and deepening relationships between institutions and the communities they serve.

Ms. Campiz joined Ponce Bank as a teller in 2010 shortly after receiving her degree in International Business from Fairfield University. Ms. Campiz served as Project Manager for the implementation of Ponce Bank’s Retail Online Banking with subprojects which included the mobile application, electronic statements, electronic alerts and transfer capabilities. While managing the Customer Contact Center she also served as Project Manager for a major sales program, Haberfeld, aimed at developing a sales culture throughout the Bank, creating new deposit products, and increasing deposits and customers by over 20%. Ms. Campiz also led the bank-wide implementation of Salesforce. For all her success, Ms. Campiz was recognized in early 2022 as a Top Woman in Banking by Banking Northeast Magazine and in 2023 received the 40 Under 40 Community Bank Leaders Award from the ICBA.

BKisha Chandler is the Director, LHVCCUC LSAMP Program at Molloy University, where she is responsible for the oversight of the National Science Foundation Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation Program. As Director, she is deeply committed to supporting underrepresented minoritized students in STEM fields.

With 19 years of service at Molloy University, Kisha previously played a key role in connecting students with opportunities, developing academic programs, coordinating student activities, and managing special events. She successfully piloted a badging program and spearheaded Excel certification for all business students. Furthermore, she co-created a Securities Industry Essential (SIE) program through sponsorship with Equitable Advisors and an insurance-focused course.

Born and raised in the Bronx to proud Puerto Rican parents, Celina Cruz brings nearly two decades of experience in sales and relationship management to her current role as Chief of Staff at the Hispanic Federation. A graduate of Seton Hall University, Celina successfully transitioned into the nonprofit sector over seven years ago, where she has since dedicated herself to advancing equity, advocacy, and opportunity for Latinx communities across the country.

With a strong foundation in strategy, leadership, and community impact, Celina plays a key role in driving organizational initiatives and supporting the Federation’s mission at both the local and national levels. Her professional journey reflects a deep commitment to service, representation, and the power of voice in spaces that shape policy and progress.

I work in the Marketing and Communications department at Santander Corporate & Investment Banking. I oversee the different branding requirements for our business division (including logo use and applications, product sheets, merchandise, among others) for the US division. I also actively coordinate the planning and execution of events, both internal and with clients, collaborating with several stake holders and departments in the firm. I have been in this evolving role for the past 3 years. Before joining Marketing, I was part of the credit risk team, both in NY and Madrid covering TMT and utilities companies. I started my career in consultancy, and since moving to New York in 2013, I have collaborated with several nonprofits and briefly run my own relocation services company.

I have a Law and Business degree from the Universidad Pontificia Comillas – ICADE in Madrid and have studied abroad at ESC- Bordeaux and the London School of Economics.

Enterprising Latinas is the brainchild of Liz Gutierrez, an immigrant from the Dominican Republic who moved to Lawrence, Massachusetts as a child.
The immigrant experience profoundly shaped her life’s path, with her mother as her strongest influence. Growing up, Liz watched as her mother’s home became a shelter for families in need, their car the community vehicle, and her mother the unpaid social worker for neighbors facing hardship.
These early experiences instilled in Liz a deep sense of responsibility to serve her community, grounded in the values of compassion and generosity.

​ In the 1980s, while Liz was still in high school, her family struggled to navigate life in Tampa. Her parents, particularly her mother, along with other women they knew—talented, educated, and hardworking—lacked the language skills, social connections, and guidance they needed to thrive.
Despite their potential, life seemed to take a downward trajectory for these women. Witnessing this, Liz was inspired to create an organization that would provide women with the resources, support, and opportunities they needed to envision and achieve their economic goals. This vision became Enterprising Latinas, a platform dedicated to empowering women to break through barriers and pursue prosperity.

For Meri, it is important to enable a collaborative, learning environment that creates a platform for innovation and best delivery practices. She is currently a Security Consulting Consultant with specialization in Identity and Access Management. She seeks to learn more of the Cybersecurity ecosystem and IAM. In addition, Meri is passionate about Inclusion and Diversity as well as closing the gender gap for women in technology. She participates in various I&D initiatives including Girls Who Code.

As a Dominican-American mom who moved from vibrant Queens to suburban Long Island, I know firsthand the challenge of keeping our cultura alive while juggling modern family life. My journey of cultural reconnection began at a Sofrito Sunday with Latina Moms Connect—where I found a room full of women just like me, caught between two worlds. That moment sparked my mission: to help busy Latina moms weave heritage into everyday life without it feeling like another task. With over 20 years of experience in cooking, home design, and travel planning, I bring together all aspects of Latina living. Whether it’s simplifying abuela’s recipes for weeknight dinners, adding cultural touches to your home, or planning meaningful trips to reconnect with your roots—I’m here to help your familia thrive with sazón y corazón

Arely Lopez has experience in strategy consulting, communications, nonprofit management, and research, including roles at Accenture and FSG Consulting. Her consulting projects focused on the intersection of technology, sustainability, public health, and economic development. She also has volunteer experience in the social sector including leading marketing and communications for the nonprofit organization, Latinas in Tech Greater, and serving in the Los Angeles JusticeCorps, where she provided legal support to self-represented litigants.

She earned her BA at the University of California, Los Angeles, where she double majored in Environmental Studies and Political Science and minored in Entrepreneurship. She was also selected for several leadership programs including Aspen Institute Climate Future Climate Leader, GreenBiz 24 Emerging Leader, UCLA Regents Scholar, Pre-MBA Program at Harvard Business School, and Introduction to Diversity in Doctoral Education Scholar (IDDEAS) at The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

I am a proud parent of a 22- and 20-year-old ‘kids’ who claim to be adults. I have worked in the Airline industry for 30 years! All in the commercial side, leading strategies and teams that drive revenue benefit. Started my career back in 1995 in El Salvador -where I was born and raised- working for a small Central American Airline, then I moved to Houston in 2000 to work for Continental/United Airlines and in 2013 I relocated to Dallas to work for Southwest Airlines as Manager in Revenue Management. I am currently responsible for Southwest Airlines Revenue Management organization, leading at team of two Directors, 13 Managers and 60 analysts all working towards the same goal – to maximize our company’s revenue by managing our passenger demand forecast. I am passionate about employee development, woman in leadership and the airline industry

Experienced Southwest Airlines employee with over seven years of customer service and leadership support experience. Excellent reputation in problem solving, improving internal/ external customer satisfaction through outstanding hospitality and driving overall operational improvements to positively impact Co-Heart morale and productivity.

I am a recent Rhodes College graduate who majored in computer science and Spanish. I serve as a Cybersecurity Architecture Analyst for Estée Lauder and have my ISC2 Entry Cybersecurity Certification. This summer I interned with Estée Lauder as an IT intern in New York as a global supply chain analyst utilizing SAP Analytics Cloud for data visualization and cloud architecture for streamlining data. I worked in the Rhodes College Language Center researching and helping with technical advancement. I have worked as a cybersecurity intern at IMC companies, a tech consultant, am a Spanish tutor, volunteer as an English tutor weekly via Zoom, and continue growing my knowledge in both fields through coursework. My computer science languages and experience stems from my projects and teaching. I co-created an Art Museum App for visually impaired users utilizing Swift, PostGres, and CoreML. I have taught Python, Arduino, JavaScript, CSS, HTML, Scratch, and Blender at Kidztopros. In my coursework I’ve utilized: WireShark, Java, advanced algorithms, artificial intelligence, Databases, C, SQL, PostGres, Agile development methodologies, and Linux. I aim to grow my skill set in app development, network architecture, and cybersecurity.

Cleris Peres is a Grant Associate with 5 years of experience in the Non-profit sector. She specializes in grant administration and project management. Cleris is passionate about food insecurity and improving the lives of New Yorkers.

Jasmine Ramirez is a seasoned human resources professional with extensive experience in the field. Currently serving as Senior Manager of Human Capital at United Way of New York City since June 2023, Jasmine previously held various roles at Roads to Success from October 2016 to June 2023, including Director of Human Resources and Human Resources Manager. Prior experience includes the position of Operations Director at Oasis Children Services LLC from May 2013 to August 2015. Jasmine Ramirez holds a Master of Science degree from Lehman College, a Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Management and Services from Baruch College, and an Associate of Science degree in Accounting from LaGuardia Community College.

Ana is a Senior Analyst of Revenue Management at Southwest Airlines, where she specializes in optimizing pricing strategies and maximizing revenue across the airline’s network. With expertise in data analysis, forecasting, and market trends, Ana plays a key role in driving data-informed decisions that balance profitability with Southwest’s customer-friendly approach. Ana is also the Co-Chair of Corazón Employee Resource Group which is one of seven ERGs focused on serving Hispanic & Latinx employees and allies with various resources.

I am an innovator with more than 16 years of expertise in design and sustainable business practices. My robust background in product development and user research has enabled me to make significant contributions to globally recognized brands such as Nike, Verizon, Energizer, Colgate, Omron, Tweezerman, and UNICEF.

I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design from the University of Los Andes and pursued an M.S. in Sustainability Management from Columbia University. I was also honored as a Think Swiss fellow at the University of Geneva, where I explored the intersection of technology and sustainability. Committed to education and knowledge sharing, I am an active speaker and workshop lecturer. I have spoken on Design Thinking and sustainable business models at institutions such as Daegu University in South Korea, The Earth Institute, Bronx Community College, and the Smithsonian Cooper-Hewitt Design Museum.

Dominique Ruiz is a results-driven process engineer and project manager with more than a decade of experience leading high-impact initiatives at The Estée Lauder Companies. Her career has spanned roles in product development, process engineering, and operations leadership, consistently delivering value through innovation, strategic planning, and cross-functional collaboration. Dominique has successfully managed multimillion-dollar product launches, optimized global manufacturing processes, and driven continuous improvement across skincare and makeup categories.

With a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from the University at Buffalo and an MBA with a concentration in Innovation from Stony Brook University, Dominique brings a balanced blend of technical expertise and business acumen to every challenge. She is certified as a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt and is passionate about mentoring others, fostering team development, and aligning operations with big-picture goals.

Dorothy Santana is a proud Colombian American, daughter of an immigrant mother, and devoted mother of four bicultural children who inspire her passion for cultural identity, equity, and community. She is an executive nonprofit leader with over 20 years of experience designing and leading equity-centered programs that empower women, families, and communities. Dorothy holds a Master’s in Social Work from Stony Brook University and specializes in transforming grassroots ideas into sustainable organizations through inclusive leadership, strategic vision, and strong community collaboration. As the Founder of Latina Moms Connect, she led the growth of a culturally rooted nonprofit that now serves over 300 families annually. From securing funding and building a governance board to designing responsive programming, she turned vision into measurable impact, centering cultural pride, mental health, and social connection.

Almirca Santiago, is a nonprofit management leader with over 20 years of experience dedicated to equity in her community through the strengthening and building of infrastructural capacity for community-based organizations that address the needs of Hispanics, immigrants and overall BIPOC communities. For almost 10 years, she has held roles at Hispanic Federation that are key to the organization’s expansion of services and operations. Most recently, she led the management and distribution of over $60 million in emergency recovery grants throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. She is also a mayoral appointee serving as commissioner on the New York City Commission on Racial Equity (CORE).

Almirca holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations with a concentration on Human Rights from Syracuse University and a Certificate in Non-Profit Management from Baruch College School of Public Affairs.

Marian Tejada is an accomplished banker with a unique skill set that bridges strategy, client relationship management, and operational understanding. Serving as VP & Senior Account Manager–Entertainment Division at City National Bank in New York City where she leads a portfolio of high-profile entertainment clients. In this role Marian expertise lies in understanding client needs, developing customized solutions, and ensuring their satisfaction. She is passionate about fostering long-term partnerships and achieving mutually beneficial outcomes.

Marian earned her Bachelor’s degree from Fordham University, where she built a strong foundation in Economics and established her passion for connecting communities through purpose-driven work.

A proud Dominican-American and lifelong New Yorker, Marian brings personal authenticity and cultural insight to every engagement. She’s known for her integrity, strategic mindset, and dedication to forging partnerships that are both profitable and purposeful. This commitment extends to her personal life where she prioritizes family time with her husband and their two sons.

I am a client focused, energetic banking professional with 20+ year career delivering world class service to external and internal customers. I excel at relationship building and assessing and addressing client financial needs. I am detail-oriented, organized and committed to enhancing the bottom line by enriching customer experience and collaborating closely with colleagues and team members. I am self-driven quick-study that excels in fast-paced environments. I welcome and embrace new challenges and adapt readily to shifting demands.

As a professional with more than 15 years’ experience within the non-profit, workforce development and human resources field, I have had the opportunity to participate in the start-up of organizations, recruit qualified candidates, start a business and provide direct training services to many professionals.

Throughout my experience I have maintained a track record of excellence by successfully training and managing hundreds of young adults to prepare them for the workforce. In addition, I have successfully built, managed and maintained corporate partner books of business and collaborated with key stakeholders within the higher education system to connect young adults to opportunities. I established Career Dreamers because I recognize the importance of following your passion. “Find your passion, Design your career” is Career Dreamers slogan because I enjoy helping people identify their innermost passions and support them with bringing it out so they can design their lifestyle. When working with my clients, I love to see them evolve and own their dreams without fear.

A native New Yorker, I have always had an undying passion and commitment to giving back to my community and helping others find their way. Growing up in a working class family taught me the importance of having a strong work ethic and following my dreams. During the early stages of my career I worked a full-time job while attending college. Having the opportunity to jump start my career in Human Resources at a hospital allowed me to realize the importance of understanding others and being resourceful.

Prior to launching Career Dreamers, I worked with Year Up a national non-profit organization where I had the opportunity to cultivate corporate partnerships and generate internship opportunities for young adults ages 18-24. I worked closely with the young adults providing them with career and educational coaching, professional skills building and goal setting.