Executive Leadership
Murad Awawdeh
President and CEO
Murad is a strategist, organizer, and advocacy expert currently serving as the President and CEO at the New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC). The son of Palestinian immigrants, Murad has dedicated over two decades of his life fighting for low-income communities of color across the State of New York. He grew up organizing to stop dangerous and hazardous developments in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, and engaging community residents to build power and bring transformational change to their neighborhoods. As the NYIC's Executive Vice President of Advocacy & Strategy he successfully led electoral, legislative, and policy campaigns at the federal, state and local levels, and mobilized hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers at demonstrations against anti-immigrant policies. As the Executive Vice President of NYIC Action, the NYIC’s sister 501(c)4 political advocacy and action organization, he has successfully led grassroots electoral campaigns to elect progressive candidates. Murad has been featured in VICE and the Huffington Post, and was honored with a U.S Congressional Recognition, and Public Service Awards from the NYS Senate and Assembly. He serves as a Trustee of the New York University Family Health Centers Board, as a member of the Justice 2020 Committee, and as Commissioner of the New York City Civic Engagement Commission.
Robert Agyemang
Vice President of Advocacy
Robert Agyemang is the Vice President of Advocacy for the New York Immigration Coalition. Robert previously served as the New York Director for African Communities Together (ACT) where he helped to lead landmark victories for immigrant communities in Language Access and with the Stop Immigrant Abuse Bond Act. He also served as Director of Communications for a State Assemblymember, as National Director of Governance for the Actors’ Equity Association and as Campaign Manager and strategist for several successful New York-based electoral campaigns. Robert received a Master of Arts in Political Science, Urban Policy and Public Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Bachelor of Arts in Africana Studies, all from Brooklyn College. Robert is Ghanaian-American and a native of Brooklyn.
Suvasini Patel
Vice President of Communications and Strategy
Suvasini Patel is the Vice President of Communications and Strategy at NYIC. In this role, she oversees the communications team and works to optimize processes and opportunities to ensure that organizational issues and concerns remain in the public eye. Previously, she led communications efforts at a poverty research center at New York University and at WITNESS, the international human rights group. She also served as the Deputy Director of Special Projects at journalist Bill Moyers' Public Affairs Television and as the High Impact TV Director at the PBS series, P.O.V., where she developed dozens of online and community-based campaigns with scores of national and local partners and public television stations in support of some of the most pressing social causes of our times.
Emily Patka
Chief Operating Officer
Emily Patka is Chief Operating Officer at the New York Immigration Coalition. She first got involved in social change work when she was 15, and over time found her niche in helping mission-driven organizations build and maintain efficient operations so they can maximize their effectiveness. She is dedicated to fostering a strong and supportive organizational culture, and to ensuring all necessary systems and resources are in place and operating smoothly so that the amazing staff and coalition members of the NYIC can focus their energy where it belongs: uniting immigrants, members, and allies so all New Yorkers can thrive. Emily has a decade of professional nonprofit experience in a variety of direct service, advocacy, administrative, and leadership roles, a Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management from SUNY Albany, and a Master of Science in Organizational Change Management from The New School. She is also a proud Upstate New York native, avid knitter, cross stitcher, and weightlifter, self-described cat lady, and reptile enthusiast.
Lovelie Tejada
Chief of Staff
Lovelie Tejada is the Chief of Staff at the New York Immigration Coalition where she successfully executes key initiatives, helps coordinate interdepartmental projects, and provides strong judgment and strategic vision to help guide the organization forward. Most recently, she was the Director of Community Engagement, overseeing the NYIC's community outreach efforts in New York City and Western New York. Previously, Ms. Tejada served as Congresswoman Yvette Clarke's Director of Outreach, helping integrate residents' suggestions into the office's policy priorities and event schedule. Her passion for empowering marginalized communities has been an overarching theme throughout her career tied to her commitment to social justice. Ms. Tejada earned her BA in Political Science and Film Studies from Trinity College.
Staff
Catherine Alerta
Human Resources Generalist
Catherine Joy Alerta is our HR Generalist for NYIC bringing 18 years of HR experience in various aspects of human resources management and administration working for multi-national and international Fortune 500 companies based in Southeast Asia, U.S.A. and Europe. Prior to joining NYIC, she was responsible for recruitment and staffing, account management, policy development, retention, legal compliance, project implementation, conflict resolution and records management. She is excited to bring her expertise and contribute innovative recruiting programs, comprehensive employment, employee interaction policies and the creation of compliant and effective affirmative action programs. She has serviced and worked for different sectors in the fields of Telecoms, Health Care, and Information Technology. Catherine holds both a BCOM in Business Administration and an MBA in Business Management ,International Business from Ateneo Graduate School of Business located in Manila, Philippines.
Natalie Alper
Civic Engagement Associate
Natalie Alper (she/her) is the New York Immigration Coalition’s Civic Engagement Associate. She works on the organization’s REMAP grant program, voter registration and civic education efforts, and acts as support for ballot initiative campaigns. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Natalie has always been involved in human rights and social justice work. She obtained a Bachelor's degree in International Studies and minors in Spanish, French and Arabic at Saint Louis University in Madrid, Spain. She has also lived and studied in Costa Rica, Uruguay and Jordan.
Before joining the NYIC, Natalie worked in reproductive justice and feminist political inclusion. She also founded and led Pride club on her university’s campus, understanding the importance of a safe, welcoming space for queer students. Currently, Natalie also serves as Outreach Committee Lead for global feminist platform, Politics4Her.
Above all, Natalie is committed to the defense and expansion of the rights of immigrants, women, and queer people, and advancing intersectionality in the support mechanisms for these communities.
Esther Araya
Legal Services Coordinating Attorney
Esther Araya is the Legal Services Coordinating Attorney at NYIC. She manages and contributes to the provision of legal services for newly arrived immigrants across the state of New York. Prior to NYIC, she served as a Skadden Fellow and Staff Attorney with Kids in Need of Defense (KIND) representing families separated at the border in their immigration cases as well as Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) claims and lawsuits. Esther earned a J.D. from Yale Law School and a B.A. in History from Columbia University. She speaks Spanish, Russian, and Hungarian and is learning Amharic.
Jenny Argueta
Senior Manager of Membership and Capacity Building
Jenny Argueta is the Senior Manager of Membership and Capacity Building. In her role, she supports the administration of the NYIC’s membership and financial regrants, as well as provides customer service to member organizations. Previously, Jenny served as an Americorps VISTA at the NYIC where she focused on developing Volunteer Management practices to better support the NYIC and the communities we serve. Prior to joining the NYIC, she worked for the Department of Education in France as a language assistant. Jenny emigrated from El Salvador to Los Angeles, where she graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles with a degree in Global Studies and French.
Cassandra Bocanegra
Senior Manager of Organizing and Strategy, Finger Lakes
Cassandra Bocanegra is the Senior Manager of Organizing and Strategy for the Finger Lakes. Raised in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon (Mexico), Cass immigrated with her family to Rochester, NY in 1999 and has worked and supported farmworker and immigrant rights in the Finger Lakes Region. Prior to NYIC, she worked in Outreach and Education with the Workers Justice Center of NY, visiting and supporting farmworkers across the state. Cass was a founding member of the Greater Rochester Coalition for Immigrant Justice bringing together local organizations to uplift the continued need for immigrant justice work. As a member of Kids for College, she provided mentorship to other first generation college students in the Finger Lakes community. She attended Our Lady of Mercy High School and graduated from SUNY Geneseo with a BA in International Relations and minors in Philosophy and Women and Gender Studies. Currently residing in the 19th Ward of Rochester, she takes advantage of the variety of landscapes and often wanders into the woods with her dog Noah.
Naomi Becker
Manager of Coordination and Data
Naomi Becker (she/her/hers) is the New York Immigration Coalition's Manager of Coordination and Data. She builds out and maintains data management practices and supports infrastructure development at the NYIC. Naomi has spent her career working in data management, research, training, and electoral organizing at nonprofits. Her previous workplaces include Grantmakers for Effective Organizations, People's Action, and Facing History and Ourselves.
Naomi has a Bachelor’s in math and Spanish from Macalester College. In her free time, she creates pottery, cooks with her sister, and drinks too much coffee. She lives in Brooklyn.
Jesus Casado
Director of Community Programming
Jesus Casado, M. Sc (he/him/el) is the Director of Community Programming at the New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC). Jesus is a multilingual Public Health and Social Services professional with experience operating in diverse NGO and nonprofit settings since 2013. Prior to joining NYIC, Jesus served as the Community Casework Manager at the LGBT Community Center (The Center) where he was responsible for the design and implementation of community-focused teams and programs aimed at improving the quality of life and access to care for LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities, Immigrants, and survivors of crimes and gender-based violence in New York City. In this capacity, Jesus built The Center's first ever Immigration Support Program.
Through his consultancy work, Jesus has provided support in Program & Project Proposal design, Event Planning, and Capacity Building for a variety of organizations such as the Hispanic AIDS Forum/Queens Pride House (HAF), The Peace Project, Inc., the Latino Commission on AIDS (LCOA), and the Women’s Peace & Humanitarian Fund (WPHF). Moreover, he currently serves in multiple regional & national boards such as Union= Fuerza Latinx Institute, the Gay Latino Collective (GLC), and LCOA where he gets to share his expertise in the field as well his lived experiences as a queer immigrant from Venezuela. Jesus is committed to continue mobilizing communities, and advocating for the advancement of protections and social programs for LGBTQ+ individuals and immigrant communities in the United States.
Jesus holds a Master of Science degree in Global Affairs with concentrations in Migration and Gender Studies from New York University (NYU) and two Bachelor of Arts degrees in Global Studies and Political Science from Arizona State University.
Wennie Chin
Senior Director of Community and Civic Engagement
Wennie Chin is the Senior Director of Community and Civic Engagement at the NYIC. She oversees the organization's work in civic participation, electoral reform, and good government practices.
Prior to joining the New York Immigration Coalition, Wennie was a Community Organizer at the MinKwon Center for Community Action working with Asian American youths and supported the launch of APA VOICE. Wennie previously managed two State Senate races in Queens and was formerly on the board for OCA-NY Advocates, chairing their Civil Rights Committee.
Wennie received her B.A. cum laude with high honors in Politics and Asian American Studies from NYU.
Varvara Chinenova
Director of Statewide Service Coordination
Varvara (v-ah-r-v-AH-r-ah), she/her/hers pronouns, is an effective program officer passionate about women's rights, democratic values, and international affairs. She is currently serving as Director of Statewide Service Coordination at the New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC), where she oversees a large data-intense service provision program for vulnerable migrants and asylum seekers in New York State. Before, she managed a large service coordination project initiated by the NYC Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs, focused on people affected by the war in Ukraine. Previously Varvara worked as a manager of international professional and educational programs, a digital marketing analyst, an independent interpreter and translator, and a research and teaching assistant in Sociology.
She has a B.A. in European Studies with a minor in Gender Studies, an M.A. in Linguistics and Translation, and an M.A. in International Relations. Varvara lived, studied, and worked in several countries across the globe including Russia, Nepal, Germany, France, Switzerland, and the U.S; she is fluent in Russian, English, French, and German, currently learning Spanish and Ukrainian.
Caroline Conroy
Senior Director of Policy and Programs
Caroline Conroy is the Senior Director of Policy and Programs. In her role, Caroline oversees the NYIC's issue-based policy programs, which seek to influence public policies to expand basic rights for immigrants and ensure immigrants can build truly thriving and fulfilled lives. Before coming to the NYIC, Caroline served as a Senior Policy Advisor at Empire State Development, where she led the development of statewide policies and programs in support of minority- and women-owned businesses. Caroline brings a strong background in policy research and implementation, having previously worked at think tanks such as the Brookings Institution, where she focused community-driven and financed efforts to implement progressive policies such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Caroline holds a BA from the University of Texas at Austin in Humanities and Latin American Studies and a MA in International Relations & International Economics from the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies.
Kim Corona
Communications Associate, Press and Special Projects
Kim Corona is the Communications Associate, Press and Special Projects at New York Immigration Coalition. She provides electoral support when it comes to organizing and communications. Prior to joining NYIC, she worked many electoral campaigns from the local to state level in a variety of capacities. Beyond organizing, she also holds a background in journalism from reporting on her college campus to City Hall. The daughter of Mexican immigrants, she is driven to uplift and center communities that have been historically disenfranchised to fight for a just future. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Media & Communications and Creative Writing from Ursinus College.
Caterina Cundari
Manager of Community Programming, Downstate
Caterina Cundari is the Manager of Community Programming, Downstate. In this role, she supports the logistical needs of digital and in-person immigrant service events. Caterina is passionate about uplifting and empowering marginalized communities through legal and community assistance and reform. Previously, she interned at Community Refugee & Immigration Services within their communications and development departments. She has extensive nonprofit experience having also interned with the Women’s Public Policy Network and Alvis – Community Reentry Center for Former Offenders. She has volunteered as a mentor, ESOL tutor, and in-person conversation partner, where she created educational materials for adult learning and skill development for immigrant and refugee mothers and high school students. Caterina is from Sandusky, Ohio, and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Bachelor of Arts in Women’s, Gender & Sexuality Studies from The Ohio State University.
Justin J. Delinois
Manager of Community Programming
Justin J. Delinois is a Puerto Rican and Haitian community organizer from Rochester, New York. Mr. Delinois holds two Bachelors of Arts from the University of Rochester in Political Science and Latin American studies. As a student organizer, his efforts aimed at supporting DACA and Undocumented students. After University, he worked as an Immigration Paralegal and Medical Recruiter. In his most recent role, he served as an Executive Assistant and Community Engagement Manager for the New York State Senate. Justin is committed to advancing equity and justice for all people and continues to support diverse organizations across the Finger Lakes and Western New. He spends his leisure time traveling, trying new cuisines, and writing.
Reed Dunlea
Director of Communications
Reed Dunlea is the Director of Communications at the New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC). Prior to joining NYIC, he worked as a video journalist, photographer and writer for Rolling Stone, Circa and Vice. He previously worked as a community organizer for the New York Public Interest Research Group and the Center for Health, Environment and Justice. Reed has also done work in the music industry as a concert promoter, vocalist in bands, and has hosted music radio shows at WFMU in Jersey City, Newtown Radio in Brooklyn, Radio CPR in Washington, DC and WRPI in Troy, NY. He has a bachelor's degree in Political Science from Vassar College and a master's degree in journalism from the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY. He is a hiker, bicyclist and seeker of the best New York food spots.
Shania Encinas
Senior Associate of Membership and Capacity Building
Shania Encinas is the Senior Associate of Membership and Capacity Building. In this role, she recruits, trains, and manages NYIC Volunteers in support of the NYIC’s programmatic and operational work, and in particular, its community programming events work in New York City, the Capital Region, and Western New York. Previously, she attended Baruch College and obtained a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in International Marketing with a minor in Black and Latino Studies. In addition, she volunteered with a few non-profit organizations including the NYIC, which led to her becoming a Volunteer Management VISTA in January 2023.
Rosanna Eugenio
Legal Director
Rosie (she/her/ella) serves as the Legal Director at the New York Immigration Coalition. She is a first generation Dominican-American born and raised in Queens. Prior to joining NYIC, Rosanna was a Pro Bono Supervising Attorney at Catholic Charities- Archdiocese of New York and a Staff Attorney at Legal Services NYC, where she predominantly worked on removal defense cases. Rosie was also the Legal Advisor for Legal Initiatives at the NYC Mayor’s Office for Immigrant Affairs where she advised on citywide immigration legal services funding as well as high profile requests for advocacy on individual cases. She has also worked at CUNY Citizenship Now, managing legal services at NYC council sites and community-based organizations.
Rosie’s expertise includes a wide range of affirmative applications and removal defense focusing on family units and unaccompanied children. Rosie enjoys strategically navigating systems to improve service delivery and outcomes for clients. Outside of NYIC, Rosie is an adjunct professor at Baruch’s Zicklin School of Business. She is also an avid New York Rangers hockey fan and an obsessed dog parent.
Rosie graduated from Brown University in 2007 and graduated from Tulane Law School in 2011. She is admitted to practice in New York.
Kemberly Gil Gachancipa
Manager of Training and Technical Assistance
Kemberly is the Manager of Training and Technical Assistance at the New York Immigration Coalition. Kemberly is a first-generation immigrant from Colombia, her parents and siblings immigrated to the United States when she was 3 years old. Kemberly’s personal experience growing up undocumented (DACAmented) in the Hudson Valley is what fueled her passion and mission to advocate for immigrant rights, including extensive advocacy around DACA/DAPA, Federal and New York State Dream Act, Farm Laborers Fair Labor Practices Act, and the Green Light Campaign. As an organizer and immigration advocate, Kemberly has worked and volunteered with numerous service providers and organizations, including Rural Migrant Ministry Youth Arts Group, Western and Mid-Hudson Worker Justice Center, Alianza Agricula and Western and Mid-Hudson Migrant Education. Prior to joining us at the NYIC, Kem worked as an immigration paralegal and team trainer at an immigration firm, where she was responsible for training the firm's current and incoming staff on the different types of immigration cases the firm worked on, to better assist clients during their immigration legal processes.
Kemberly’s personal undocumented (DACAmented) journey, her passion for advocacy, her organizing, training, and work experience are the skills she will use in her current position as the Manager of Training and Technical Assistance, and help develop a training curriculum to support legal and non-legal service providers working across the state to serve and empower our immigrant communities. Kemberly enjoys spending time laughing with her girlfriends, paint and sips, rafting, and dilly-dally with her dog Coco.
C. Marlene Galaz
Director of Immigrant Rights Policy
Cynthia Marlene Galaz is the NYIC’s Director of Immigrant Rights Policy. In her role she drives policies to end state support for detention, deportation and mass incarceration. Marlene also leads the organization’s policy efforts at municipal, state, and federal levels to counter anti-immigrant policies, and strengthen immigrants’ fundamental civil rights.
Prior to joining NYIC, Marlene was Freedom for Immigrants’ Senior Policy Associate. She led the organization's legislative work to end detention in New York and other states as part of a regional strategy to win abolition nationally. She also played a key role in developing federal investment policies for community-based pilots that support immigrants rather than imprisoning them. In this role she worked with directly impacted migrants, local and national partners as well as federal government officials. She currently serves on the board of directors of IDEPSCA, a community-based group that organizes day laborers and household workers in Los Angeles. Through her work, Marlene seeks to uplift the power-building and organizing of directly impacted communities.
Marlene holds an MSc in Social Policy from the University of Oxford and a BA in Global Studies with a minor in Public Affairs from UCLA.
Elvia Garcia
Manager of Welcoming & Outreach, Capital Region
Elvia Garcia is the Manager of Welcoming & Outreach, Capital Region. Elvia is a dedicated first-generation immigrant activist based in Upstate, NY. A lifelong resident of the region, she pursued her academic interests in political science at Hudson Valley Community College and the University at Albany, SUNY. Elvia's passion for immigrant justice ignited amidst the challenges of low resources in the area, inspiring her to delve into community organizing. Prior to joining the NYIC, Elvia worked as a Community Organizer at Columbia County Sanctuary Movement (CCSM) where she advocated for language access in educational institutions, rebuilt CCSM’s women's group and supported in organizing the city of Hudson’s first Latinx festival. Beyond her professional commitments, Elvia enjoys delving into discussions about reality TV, particularly the latest seasons of "The Bachelor." As an avid cat enthusiast, she spends her free time curating and updating her feline companion's social media presence.
Laura Garcia Balbuena
Manager of Welcoming & Outreach, Mid-Hudson
Laura Garcia Balbuena is our Manager of Welcoming & Outreach, Mid-Hudson. Laura immigrated to the US from Mexico with her family at the age of eight. She is a DACA recipient living in Newburgh, New York and working towards social and racial justice in the Hudson Valley. She has collaborated with many local organizations to insure community members have access and a voice in central issues. Laura serves as a commissioner for the Human Rights Commission of the City of Newburgh and the treasurer for the Newburgh Housing Authority where she has served for the last decade. She has supported many causes in Albany and Washington D.C. around issues such as: immigration, DACA, NY Dream Act, farmworkers, reproductive rights, drivers licenses for undocumented people, funding for libraries, Black Lives Matter, the Liberty Defense Project and the Women’s March. She participated in the ten-year push to make the NY Dream Act a reality. During the pandemic she organized the Hoy Por Ti Mañana Por Mi fund of $12,000.00 to support undocumented folks during the pandemic, providing financial support to families. She continues to offer scholarships to DACA recipients who are in need of financial support for DACA renewals or to apply for Advance Parole. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Lehman college.
Silvia Gonzales
Senior Manager of Finance & Administration
Silvia is the NYIC Senior Manager of Finance & Administration. In her current role, she manages the financial health of the organization and oversees state and city contracts from budgeting to reporting. A native Peruvian, Silvia fell in love with nonprofits when she was a teenager. Inspired by a high school program Global Kids at International High School at LaGuardia Community College, Silvia quickly developed a deep passion for nonprofit and charitable work. She joined the New York Immigration Coalition as an intern in 2005 and has provided administrative support to the NYIC for over 10 years.
Silvia holds a BA in Political Science and Latin American Studies from Hunter College.
Kesi Gordon
Senior Manager of Education Policy
Kesi is the Senior Manager of Education Policy at the NYIC. Kesi was born in Queens NY and spent some of her childhood living in Jamaica, West Indies. She returned to Queens at the age of 10 and got involved in community organizing through her church and later her student government association at CUNY, York college. After receiving her BA in History and Education, she went on to teach elementary students during the height of the COVID-19 Pandemic and witnessed the hurdles that many students encounter while in the classroom. She decided to pursue a career where she could have an impact on education policy. After leaving the classroom, she served in the NYC Council in Council District 27 and was fortunate to be a part of the development of the first ever K-12 Black Studies curriculum in NYC public schools. In addition to her role at the NYIC, Kesi is now enrolled in the Master’s of Public Administration program at Baruch College, and hopes to continue to be an advocate for access to quality education for all!
Kiwi Grady
Senior Director of Membership & Capacity Building
Kiwi Grady is the NYIC Senior Director of Member Services and Capacity Building. In her role, she runs leadership development and service programs such as the NYIC VISTA program, which places AmeriCorps members in service at nonprofit organizations around New York State, where they build capacity for immigrant-focused anti-poverty programs and services; and the NYIC Volunteer program, which provides opportunities for individuals to support diverse immigration services, advocacy efforts, and fundraising campaigns. She also has a leadership role in the ongoing development of the NYIC's Membership program, which works to support and engage nonprofit organizations in immigration advocacy and service campaigns, and created the New Americans Youth Leadership Corps, a leadership development and service program for first and second generation immigrant youth. Prior to working at the NYIC, Kiwi managed student leadership development programs and organizational chapters at the national Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN), and peer education-in-residence and social justice programs at New York University’s (NYU) Department of Residential Education.
Kiwi earned a bachelor’s degree in Gender and Sexuality Studies and a master’s degree in Higher Education Administration at the NYU Gallatin School of Individualized Study and the NYU Steinhardt School of Education, respectively. In her fairly limited spare time, Kiwi loves to consume speculative fiction, read comic books, obsess over theme parks, and try to understand cats (it is not working).
Eden Greenberg
Operations Associate
Eden Greenberg is the Operations Associate on the Operations team. In her role, she plays a crucial part in the smooth operation of our statewide offices. Her responsibilities include overseeing IT support, managing inventory, and facilitating the setup and execution of organizational events such as rallies and mobilizations.
A recent graduate from Binghamton University, Eden holds a Bachelor's of Science in Human Development and Immigration Studies and a Master's Degree in Public Administration. Prior to joining the NYIC, Eden played an integral role in a range of social justice organizations across NYS from working in state government offices to nonprofits.
Kaija Groom
Senior Community Programming Associate
Kaija Groom is the Senior Community Programming Associate. In this role, she supports community resource events to promote access among immigrant communities across New York City and State. Previously Kaija served as a VISTA at the NYIC where she supported the ISS Event and Training teams. Prior to joining the NYIC, Kaija worked in events as a Gallery Assistant and supported immigrant education initiatives as a Peer Mentor at the International Rescue Committee in NYC, and as a Literacy Programs Intern at Erie Neighborhood House in Chicago. Kaija is from Brooklyn, NY, and holds a B.A. in History from Beloit College.
Jorge Gruber
Manager of Organizing and Strategy, Mid-Hudson
Jorge Gruber is the Manager of Organizing and Strategy for the Mid-Hudson region. A Hudson Valley resident for almost a decade, his work focuses on empowering migrant communities, especially immigrant youth. Prior to joining the NYIC team, Jorge served as an Advocacy Coordinator for Northeast Dutchess Immigrant Services, an organization based in rural Dutchess County, where he oversaw its youth leadership development program, EPIC. Previously, he directed the Vassar English Language Learners Outreach Program, connecting students and educators in the Poughkeepsie City School District with language resources and mentorship. He holds a B.A. in International Studies from Vassar College and his passions for legal education and baseball are matched only by his love for his hometowns of Miami, Florida, and Caracas, Venezuela.
Hagar Hafez
Manager of Organizing and Strategy, Western New York
Hagar Hafez is the Manager of Organizing and Strategy. Hagar moved here with her family from Egypt in 2015 and graduated University at Buffalo with an Economics and Political Science BA. Prior to her work with the NYIC Hagar worked at the United way of Buffalo and Erie county establishing networks with organizations and employers to facilitate employee access to community resources, and provide employers with data driven insight on their needs. Additionally she worked with the refugee community at Journey's End Refugee Services on multiple capacities on advocacy for refugee language and health care access, education, intensive case management and socioeconomic well-being. Hagar also worked with other organizations like the Borgen project doing advocacy and mobilization work to downsize global poverty, as well as other buffalo based organizations that provide services for immigrants in the WNY area.
María Alejandra Hincapié
Senior Manager of Development, Institutional Giving
María is an international development professional with academic and professional experiences in Colombia, Grenada, France, the Philippines, Rwanda, and the United States. She is passionate about taking an intersectional approach to addressing the needs of vulnerable communities, who often experience multiple social, economic, and environmental pressures simultaneously. In this role, she hopes to continue nurturing partnerships and supporting the organization’s capacity building efforts.
Passionate about learning and teaching, she has completed certificate courses on TEFL, Ecosystem Restoration, and Building a Multidimensional Poverty Index; she served as a Literacy Specialist in the Peace Corps and has volunteered as an English tutor. She is also interested in conducting research on migration, gender, the environment, and economic development. She loves traveling, hiking, yoga, and visiting art museums and historical homes.
Lateifa Hope
Director of Operations
Lateifa Hope is the Director of Operations on the Operations team. In her role, she is the key thought partner to the Executive Director and Vice President of Operations. Lateifa manages the board & governance, staff engagement, organizational development and external relationships with key stakeholders. She leads cross- departmental strategic initiatives, facilitates special projects by building relationships across the organization. Actively promotes positive outcomes and contributes to developing a high-performing organizational culture.
Prior to joining the NYIC, she worked in a variety of industries including investment banking, philanthropy, health and human services. Lateifa received her Bachelors of Science in Business Management with a concentration in Finance from St. Francis College.
Hajra Ilyas
Training Manager, Legal Services
Hajra Ilyas is the Training Manager, Legal Services and deals with NYIC's Immigrant Concerns Training Institute. She graduated from St. John's University with a double major in Economics and Global Development & Sustainability. During her time at St. John's, she founded and served as President of the Pakistani Students Association and also served on the executive board of St. John's UNICEF chapter. Her previous work experience includes working as a teaching instructor at Kumon Math and Reading Program and interning at a law firm, Roach Bernard, PLLC. Additionally, she interned at The American Friends of Jamaica, an NGO that works to improve the lives of Jamaicans through systemic development.
Coralie Jean-François
Manager of Political Engagement
Coralie Jean-François is the Manager of Political Engagement at The New York Immigration Coalition. In this role, she will provide administrative support to the Advocacy Team with their political engagement work, which includes tracking and streamlining any and all outreach with elected and appointed government officials on the local, state and federal level. Working with the Political Director, she will manage and support reporting for lobbying and development reporting. Having immigrated to the United States, she understands the importance and the need for the work done by NYIC and is excited and honored to play her part.
Coralie graduated Summa Cum Laude from Fordham University with a Bachelors of Arts in International Political Economy and French & Francophone Studies.
Kayla Kelechian
Senior Manager of Organizing and Strategy, Central New York
Kayla was born in Houston, Texas and raised in the border city of Laredo. Early after high school, Kayla worked abroad in Southeast Asia where she has done extensive work with Karen refugees on the Thai-Myanmar border, and she successfully completed various community development projects. Moving to Syracuse at the height of refugee resettlement in 2008, Kayla has lived in the Central New York region for over a decade. She has worked as a problem solver, a community navigator for the Karen community, and participated in bilingual literacy projects for adult learners. Before becoming Senior Manager of Organizing and Strategy for Central New York, Kayla was an organizer with the Workers' Center of Central New York (NYIC Member of the Year 2019) and with its members participated in the historic passing of the Greenlight law, and Farmworker Fair Labor Practices Act.
Emily Knies
Senior Director of Development
Emily Knies (she/her) is New York Immigration Coalition’s Senior Director of Development. In her role, she leads the organization’s fundraising strategy and donor engagement initiatives. With over a decade of non-profit programming and fundraising experience, Emily has focused her career on connecting people to their passions through philanthropic giving. Before joining NYIC, she worked with numerous organizations to bring people together in support of a common cause including voting access, women’s philanthropy, LGBTQ rights, and education. Emily is a strategic thinker, dedicated advocate, and unabashed bookworm. She is an alumna of the University of Washington and is based in Brooklyn, NY.
Ivan Larios
Manager of Organizing and Strategy, Long Island
Ivan Larios is the Manager of Organizing and Strategy for Long Island. Ivan was born in Guatemala City, Guatemala. He moved with his parents to Queens, New York when he was 10 years old. Ivan attended St. John’s University and received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Public Administration and Political Science.
Ivan’s non-profit advocacy and professional experience includes SEPA Mujer Inc, New York Immigration Coalition, CARECEN, Ocean Bay Community Development Corporation, Margaret Community Development Corporation and Congressman Joseph Crowley.
Ivan enjoys spending time with his family and his two dogs, Stitches and Patches.
Cheng Yang "Bryan" Lee
Director of Community Engagement
Cheng Yang "Bryan" Lee will serve as the Director of Community Engagement. In this role, he looks forward to working with the region's growing immigrant and refugee communities to build relationships and promote integration. Previously, he was the Curator at El Museo, a nonprofit arts organization in Buffalo focusing on underserved artists and communities. Born and raised in Malaysia, Bryan is a graduate of the University at Buffalo with a BA in Anthropology and Sociology.
Francis Madi
Senior Manager of Membership and Capacity Building
Francis Madi is a creative organizer: writer (poet, essayist, playwright), grassroots organizer, policy advisor, podcast host, producer, and public speaker. She is a 2020 Ars Nova Emerging Leader and a 2019 National Urban Fellow. Most recently, she received a City Artist Corps award in 2021 to produce her first play, and was part of the inaugural playwriting cohort for Echoes Writers Group at Primary stages. Her non-profit advocacy and managing experience includes the New York Immigration Coalition, the Arab American Association of NY, 32BJ-SEIU, Herstory Writers Workshop, Epic Theatre Ensemble, and most recently, as an arts administrator for Ars Nova Theater, and Dance NYC.
Meghan Maloney de Zaldivar
Senior Director of Advocacy
Meghan is the NYIC Senior Director of Advocacy. Meghan is a native of Buffalo, New York. In her role, Meghan works with NYIC members and partners to understand and advocate for the complex and diverse issues that immigrants face across Upstate New York. Before coming to the NYIC, Meghan worked on Buffalo's West Side for People United for Sustainable Housing (PUSH) Buffalo as an organizer and Community Education Specialist. Prior to her work with PUSH, Meghan worked in El Salvador for the Center for Exchange and Solidarity. In El Salvador, Meghan also contributed in various roles, researching gender inequality in organizing, coordinating international election observation, working with community health organizations, and interpreting and translating for various individuals and professionals. Meghan holds a BA from Hampshire College in Central American Studies and Popular Education.
Indira Martinez
Manager of Development, Individuals & Events
Indira Martinez (she/her) is the Manager of Development, Individuals and Events, for NYIC. In this role, she leads the department’s efforts to engage individual supporters in service of the organization’s mission. Previously, Indira worked in a variety of roles driving internal capacity building at nonprofit organizations focused on economic development, women’s rights, and global health in NYC and abroad. Indira began her career as a Peace Corps volunteer in Guatemala, which ignited her passion for public service, grassroots organizing, and relationship building. Indira was born in Camuy, Puerto Rico and grew up in Georgia. She received a Master’s of Social Work and a Master’s in Public Administration from Columbia University, as well as a B.A. in International Affairs from the University of Georgia. In her free time, she enjoys working in her community garden, oil painting, and sewing (badly).
Stephanie Nguy
Development Manager of Institutional Giving
Stephanie Nguy is the Development Manager of Institutional Giving for the NYIC. In this role, she supports critical departmental functions that will enable the team to optimize efficiency and grow revenue. Previously, she served as a VISTA at the NYIC on the Community Engagement team where she supported community outreach and education projects, which included leading the long-standing NYIC Know Your Rights program. Prior to joining the NYIC, she was employed as a Paralegal at an Immigration Law Firm. While working here, she was able to witness firsthand how important immigration policy is and how it can heavily impact individuals and families, sparking her interest in the field. Stephanie is from Queens, NY and graduated from Binghamton University with a B.A. in Biological Sciences.
Janice Northia
Manager of Community Engagement, NYC
Janice is the Manager of Community Engagement for New York City at the NYIC. Janice is a first-generation Ecuadorian-American proudly raised in the Bronx. Janice’s personal experiences attending public schools in NYC led to her passion to advocate for access to high quality education options for immigrant youth of color and for the political empowerment of immigrant communities. Janice is passionate about spreading awareness on disrupting the school to prison pipeline through the implementation of restorative justice practices in schools to ultimately end youth incarceration.
Janice is a Community Social Worker and prior to joining the New York Immigration Coalition, she held a variety of key roles in founding and expanding a network of public charter schools in East Harlem and the South Bronx. She believes in the liberation of our physical bodies from the hands of capitalism by introducing movement to her everyday life which currently includes long distance running, open water swimming and practicing yoga.
Janice achieved a Bachelor of Science in Forensic Psychology from CUNY John Jay College and a Masters of Social Work from CUNY Hunter College’s Silberman School of Social Work. She aspires to one day obtain a Doctorate degree in family & community engagement. Janice is currently based in the Washington Heights section of NYC.
Flavia Olivera Rubin
Communications Associate, Digital and Marketing
Flavia (she/her) is the Communications Associate in Digital and Marketing. Interested in social causes, Flavia has volunteered all over, from the Mayor’s office in Philadelphia to women’s health clinics in Jackson, MS. This is her first job in the nonprofit sector, where she will aid in increasing the reach of the NYIC. As a Peruvian-American, Flavia knows firsthand the struggles many immigrants experience in this country and wants to help spread awareness of social issues. She graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a bachelor's in political science and a minor in environmental studies.
Anna Porter
Manager of Community Engagement, Western New York
Anna Porter is the Manager of Community Engagement for Western New York. Anna has supported the refugee and immigrant community in central and western New York for nearly a decade. She has previously held positions at Journey’s End Refugee Services, Justice for Migrant Families of WNY, and Volunteer Lawyers Project of CNY, where she has served in a variety of roles, ranging from teaching ESOL and naturalization courses to supporting immigrants in detention to organizing immigration legal clinics. Her positions at these organizations have helped Anna build meaningful relationships in both central and western New York, which she hopes to expand on in her role at the NYIC.
Victor Ramirez De La Cruz
Training Associate
Victor is the Training Associate for Welcoming Navigators at the New York Immigration Coalition. Victor has a bachelor’s in communication with a focus in public relations and advertising from Stockton University.
Prior to the NYIC, Victor served his community of immigrants in Trenton directly as the Adult Education Programs Assistant and Jobs Search Instructor at the Latin American Legal Defense and Education Fund. There he managed programs and prepared adult immigrants for the workforce by equipping them with vital skills like ESL, digital literacy, interviewing skills, job searching skill, resume and cover letter writing, and driver's license test preparation.
Victor became an immigrant at the age of 3 when his family immigrated from Puebla, Mexico. He is proudly from the other end of the NJ Transit Northeast Corridor - Trenton, NJ. Now he is excited to bring his experience to build legal representation capacity for immigrant New Yorkers. Victor loves talking, and in his free time, he avidly plays table tennis and enjoys drinking coffee.
Edwin Reyes
Manager of Welcoming & Outreach, Western New York
I was born and raised in the Finger Lakes region by immigrant parents who came from Oaxaca, Mexico. My family and I have been part of the farmworker and immigrant community ever since. Before working at the NYIC, I worked at Finger Lakes Community Health, a federally qualified health center that provides resources and services to the underserved and migrant communities of the Finger Lakes region as a community health worker. I Graduated from SUNY Oneonta with a BA of Science (Biology). I am Currently living in the City of Geneva. In my free time I like to hike the many scenic trails and state parks the finger lakes region has to offer.
Valeria Isabel Paz Reyes
Manager of Organizing and Strategy, NYC
Valeria (she/her/ella) was born in San Pedro Sula, Honduras. She and her family immigrated to New York City when she was 14 years old. Valeria went to John Jay College of Criminal Justice, where she earned her B.A. in Political Science and English. During her undergraduate time, she was president of the Honor Society Pi Sigma Alpha and the Political Science Student Association. She also holds an MSW from York College.
Valeria is passionate about helping underrepresented communities. She has collaborated with different organizations to create access to services for monolingual Spanish speaker communities. She has participated in efforts to create safe spaces for Black, Indigenous, people of color, queer communities, and survivors of abuse.
Diana Rodriguez
Manager of Digital Communications
Diana is the Manager of Digital Communications, and in this role she manages social media and develops innovative digital campaigns. As a DREAMer, law, social justice, and government has always been appealing to Diana. Diana previously interned for the New York Immigration Coalition where she supported the advocacy team. She graduated from Baruch College with a Bachelor of Science in Public Affairs. Diana truly enjoys classes where she can learn about communities and social problems that impact her on a daily basis. Being part of the New York State Assembly Internship Program allowed her to continue the expansion of her knowledge of public policy and the complexity of the legislative process. Diana assisted with the legislative and budget work, as well as operations, in the Albany office. A native of East Elmhurst, Queens, Diana has previously interned for Her Justice, the office of State Senator Jose Peralta, and HANAC In School Youth. She wants to be able to inspire others and help to develop leaders in her community, making sure they know that, in spite of the challenges they face, they can accomplish what they dream. She is currently pursuing her Masters in International Affairs from Baruch College.
Jahaira Roldan
Manager of Organizing and Strategy, Capital Region
Jahaira Roldan is the Manager of Organizing and Strategy for the Capital Region of New York. Jahaira is a long-standing resident of Albany, though originally from Queens, NY. She graduated from the University at Albany with a Dual Bachelors Degree in Sociology and Political Science with a concentration in American Citizenship.
Prior to joining the NYIC team, Jahaira worked as the Assistant Program Director and Lead Case Manager for the (Albany) LaSalle School's Unaccompanied Children Program. She brings to the team more than 3 years of experience in crim-migration legal defense services for migrants incarcerated in NYS DOCCS facilities, serving as a paralegal for the Prisoner's Legal Services of NY. Jahaira's passion for organizing was sparked in 2020 when she founded her first grassroots organization, Project TRY, which served the South End and Central Avenue Districts of Albany, advocating for local migrant business owners in the aftermath of the COVID-19 shutdown.
Jahaira is excited to join the NYIC team to channel her passion for immigration advocacy into strengthening the political power of growing migrant communities throughout the Capital Region.
K'Sisay Sadiki
Senior Administrative Associate, Policy
K'Sisay Sadiki is the Senior Administrative Associate, Policy at the NYIC. In her role she provides administrative, research and logistical support to the policy department and its campaigns. Prior to joining the NYIC, K'Sisay managed Firelight Media's production office and was the Education Coordinator at Maysles Documentary Center, both non-profit community based organizations that focused on supporting emerging filmmakers. She was mentored by the late documentarian Albert Maysles and attended speaking engagements with him nationally. She holds a BA in Film Studies from Hunter College.
Liza Schwartzwald
Senior Policy Strategist
Liza Schwartzwald is the Senior Policy Strategist. She focuses on Early Childhood Education and Care, Adult Literacy, and Two-Generation work, and works with the Director of Education to uplift educational opportunities for immigrant families and English Language Learners in New York in a holistic and integrated way. She previously worked as a Policy and Advocacy Associate at United Neighborhood Houses, where she worked on the Families United for Learning and Literacy (FULL) family literacy initiative.
Liza holds a dual bachelors degree from Florida Atlantic University in History and Interdisciplinary Humanities, an MSW from Fordham University, and a JD from Emory University School of Law. She is barred to practice law in New York State.
Mohammad Ali Seraji
Manager of Community Engagement - Central New York
Mohammad is based in beautiful Syracuse, with respect and acknowledgment to the Onondaga Nation, firekeepers of the Haudenosaunee people, on whose ancestral lands she resides. A graduate of the University of Rochester with a BA in English and Psychology, Mohammad’s professional experience includes advocating for students’ mental health in the Syracuse City School District, supporting survivors of domestic violence and sexual abuse navigating the legal system to access safety, and grassroots prevention and education in the public health field. Mohammad is also an active member of the local performing arts community, having worked most recently with Redhouse Arts Center. Outside of the office (and offstage) Mohammad attempts to sew garments from vintage patterns and propagates her houseplants until she runs out of counter space.
Sarah Sidi
Senior Director of People and Culture
Sarah is the Senior Director of People and Culture at NYIC. A former attorney specialized in Labor and Employment law, she pivoted to Human Resources. She was previously an attorney with PwC and Gide where she focused on international mobility and labor law. Previously, Sarah served as Director of Human Resources at FIAF, a not for profit organization, where she led recruiting, HR strategy and culture initiatives. Sarah is a graduate of Boston University Law School where she completed a LL.M degree after completing a Master's in Human Resources, Labor and Employment Law at the University of Paris XIII. A native of France, Sarah is an avid reader, traveler and concert goer.
Frederica Solomon
Senior Manager of Training, Economic Recovery and Resilience
Frederica Solomon is the Senior Manager of Training, Economic Recovery and Resilience at the NYIC. In this role, she supports member and partner organizations in bolstering immigrant-owned businesses in New York State as they navigate the economic impacts of COVID-19. Prior to joining NYIC, she worked as the Employment Specialist at the International Rescue Committee in New York where she guided newly-arrived refugees and asylees through employment preparation, coordinating job placements, and career advancement services to achieve economic self-sufficiency. Frederica earned her B.A. in Spanish and International Politics from Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee, and moved to New York City following graduation to join the New York City CivicCorps, an AmeriCorps program, where she connected volunteers and interns to refugee programs in need of community support. She is currently pursuing an MPA in Public & Nonprofit Management & Policy at NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service.
Kim Sykes
Director of Policy Operations
Kim Sykes is the Director of Policy Operations. Kim has longstanding ties to the NYIC, first working as a Worker’s Rights Fellow in 2008 and later developing the NYIC’s first performance evaluation system. Since 2012 she has overseen the NYIC's local and statewide education policy work to foster multi-generational educational opportunity for immigrants from birth through adulthood. She ran the NYIC's Education Collaborative, steering its successful campaigns on language access and protecting students from Immigration and Customs Enforcement, as well as improving the enrollment process. Kim expanded the NYIC’s work to encompass early childhood education policy through the Linking Immigrant Families with Early Childhood Education (LIFE) Project, which helps immigrant families access pre-k and other programs. More recently, she directed the NYIC’s rapid response to the educational crisis impacting families at the outset of the pandemic. Previously, she was Account Supervisor at Resnicow + Associates, a leading strategic communications agency. Kim holds a BA from DePauw University and an MPA from Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA).
Yael Ben Tov
Director of Training and Technical Assistance
Yael Ben Tov (she/her) is the Director of Training and Technical Assistance at the NYIC. Yael has been working in immigration law since 2018, including on complex litigation issues and with survivors of violence. Her previous roles include an Equal Justice Works fellowship at the International Refugee Assistance Project, where she worked to reunify refugee families who had been separated during the resettlement process, through litigation, direct services, and strategic advocacy. She has held numerous, innovative trainings for lawyers and law students, and is excited about growing the NYIC’s training program and building our members’ capacity to serve immigrants in our community. Yael holds a B.A. in History from Yale University, an M.A. in Human Rights and Transitional Justice from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem’s Faculty of Law, and a J.D. from Cardozo Law School, where she graduated magna cum laude and was inducted into the Order of the Coif.
Sofia Trevisani
Political Associate
Sofia is the Political Associate in the Political Engagement Team. In this role, she will provide
administrative support to the Advocacy Team with their political engagement work, which
includes tracking and streamlining any and all outreach with elected and appointed government
officials on the local, state and federal level. Being the daughter of immigrant parents from
Brasil, she understands and is passionate about the immigrant cause and advocates in any space she can, whether that is school, work or personal life.
She graduated from Baruch College with a Bachelor of Science in Public Affairs.
Victoria W.
Facilities & I.T. Systems Administrator
Victoria W. is a Facilities & I.T. Systems Administrator who organizes, structure & solves problems with the NYIC organization goals in mind.
Being a part of the NYIC organization is exciting for Victoria because she feels that it will improve the lives of all the staff, stakeholders & people that we continue to serve on a daily basis.
Before starting with the NYIC, Victoria has worked over 15 years having relevant experience. After a successful career in telecommunications & Information Technology, Victoria now enjoys providing services to the NYIC organization.
Victoria enjoys helping others, organizing things for the betterment & being of service.
Taina Wagnac
Senior Manager of State & Local Policy
Taina Wagnac is the Senior Manager of State & Local Policy. In this role, she is tasked with overseeing NYIC policy work within the Guaranteed Civil Rights & Building Political Power program area.
Prior to joining the NYIC team, she worked as the Civic Engagement Coordinator at WE ACT for Environmental Justice Action -- the first and only Harlem-based environmental justice -- where she conducted outreach for voter registration, guided WE ACT's working groups on legislative drafting, and held several political landscape presentations on key topics including redistricting, lead poisoning prevention, the Bond Act 2022 ballot measure, and more. Moreover, she brings to the team more than eight years of expertise in policy analysis, legislative drafting and research, and contract negotiation (arbitration and mediation) having worked at the State Legislature and U.S. Congress.
Born and raised in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Taina is excited to join the NYIC team to continue her work in strengthening the political power and voices of the Haitian, BIPOC, LGBTQ, and other underrepresented communities.
Abigail Williams
Senior Development Associate of Institutional Giving
Abi Williams (she/her) is the Senior Development Associate of Institutional Giving for the NYIC. She support's critical departmental functions that enable the team to optimize efficiency and grow revenue. Previously, Abi served as an AmeriCorps VISTA on the Development team, building capacity for the organization’s fundraising efforts. Abi is from Miami, Florida and graduated from Florida State University with a B.S. in Psychology and Social Welfare. As a daughter of immigrants, she is very passionate about the work of the NYIC and is proud to have a role in working towards the organization’s mission.
Elise Williamson
Senior Associate of Advocacy
Elise (she/her) is the Senior Associate of Advocacy for The New York Immigration Coalition. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Women/Gender/Sexuality Studies from Yale University, concentrating her studies on the relationship between localized political mobilization and community building. Elise brings extensive community organizing and policy advocacy experience to the Senior Associate of Advocacy position, having previously worked with social justice and political-based organizations such as Virginia Organizing, The Center For Housing Opportunity, The Full Citizen's Coalition, and The Office of Senator Chris Murphy. Her studies allowed her to couple her academic and activist interests by completing part of her undergraduate degree in Argentina and Colombia, partaking in field-based research on Latin American labor movements led by migrant women. As a student, Elise was heavily involved as an organizer for campus social justice initiatives, specifically those focusing on issues of affordable housing, abolitionism, civic engagement, labor rights, and city-wide disparities in economic development and opportunity. A Kentucky native, Elise attributes her passion for social change to her low-income upbringing in a family of loud, strong-willed, single mothers who demonstrated the radical possibilities that can come from caring for your neighbor. Elise is an avid traveler, writer, rock climber, and live music lover and is proud to contribute to the crucial advocacy mission of the NYIC.
Patrick Young
Director of Organizing & Strategy, Downstate
Patrick is the Director of Organizing & Strategy, Downstate, of the New York Immigration Coalition. He served for three decades as the Program Director at CARECEN and he was the co-founder of the Long Island Civic Engagement Table, which works to increase civic activism in immigrant communities. He is Special Professor of Immigration Law at Hofstra University School of Law and in 2012 he was named Director of Hofstra's Immigration Law Clinic. He blogs on the immigration website Long Island Wins and he is the author of the history series The Immigrants’ Civil War.
Roman Zadorozhny
Senior Director of Finance
Roman Zadorozhny serves as a Director of Budget for the New York Immigration Coalition. In this role, he leads the financial management of Non-profit organization, financial budgeting and modeling, and reports design. Roman is a financial and operational professional with over 16+ years experience in budgeting, financial management and analysis, and grant management of government and foundational awards. His work style is grounded on strong work ethics, professionalism, and integrity. Before joining NYIC, he worked over a decade as a Financial Manager for the Population Council, an international research organization that delivers solutions to improve health and lives around the world. Roman holds a BS in Accounting from the Kyiv National Taras Shevchenko University, Ukraine.