New York
League Of Puerto Rican Women
Meet The Team
President
Eunice Santiago
With the untimely passing of our esteemed President, Dara Lustgarten, on June 11, 2018, the Board of Directors of the New York League of Puerto Rican Women named Eunice Santiago as its President. During the past 4 years, Eunice had served as Vice-President of the League. Eunice has her Master’s Degree from Nyack College in the field of Mental Health Counseling, and her Bachelor’s Degree of Applied Science from Boricua College. Eunice is employed as a Psychotherapist at Nurture We, home of Discovery Mental Health Counseling, PLCC. Prior to that, she worked as a Clinical Coordinator at the Brownsville Community Development Corporation in Brooklyn for 5 years. Prior to that, she held the position of Executive Assistant / Operations Manager and Program Coordinator at Samaritan Village for 3 years. She has also worked at Boricua College. Eunice has performed extensive community service as a Teacher and Community Outreach & Intake Counselor at Wykoff Hospital. But Eunice’ claim to fame is that she is the very first NYLPRW, Inc. Scholarship Recipient to be on our Board of Directors, and to become President of the New York League of Puerto Rican Women, Inc.
Chaplain
Pastor Johanna Morell García, a native of Dorado, Puerto Rico, serves as a dedicated chaplain for the New York League of Puerto Rican Women, offering spiritual support and guidance across the organization. A proud NYLPRW scholarship recipient, she embodies the League’s mission of empowering Puerto Rican and Hispanic women through education and leadership.
She has faithfully served as Pastor of Casa de Restauración Jehová Rafa in Hartford, Connecticut, for over nine years, leading with a strong commitment to faith, restoration, and community outreach. In addition to her pastoral role, Johanna has worked as a Resident Service Coordinator in affordable housing for nearly 16 years, where she provides case management, connects residents to essential resources, and advocates for vulnerable populations.
Through both ministry and professional service, Pastor Johanna is deeply committed to uplifting individuals and families, inspiring others through faith, compassion, and dedicated community support.
Director of Digital Marketing/Board Member
Felipe Ayala Jr.
Felipe Ayala Jr. is an experienced academic counselor specializing in career and college guidance within urban settings. With over 25 years of expertise in coaching, Felipe has developed a professional and effective approach to understanding students; issues and situations.
Currently serving as an ASAP Academic Advisor at CUNY Bronx Community College in New York City, Felipe advises a caseload of 150 students on various college-related matters. In addition to his advising role, he also serves as the ASAP Social Media Manager, utilizing digital platforms to enhance student engagement and communication.
Felipe's commitment to fostering a supportive community among male students is evident through his involvement as the co-chair of the ASAP Men's Roundtable group. Through this initiative, he organizes events that focus on mental health, financial literacy, and leadership, all aimed at promoting graduation and building a strong male community. Within the college community, Felipe takes an active role in promoting diversity and inclusion. He co-leads campus-wide initiatives that address issues such as racism and colorism, striving to create an inclusive environment for all students. Additionally, Felipe is involved in the ASAP transfer committee, facilitating the smooth transition of students to four-year colleges.
Prior to his role at CUNY Bronx Community College, Felipe held positions at various organizations where he contributed to career advancement programs, facilitated coaching sessions, and provided support to employed individuals in overcoming barriers to career progression. His work at Urban Upbound involved
maintaining strong relationships with participants, referring them to relevant support opportunities, and planning offsite trips to enhance networking and community engagement.
In his previous role as the Director of Strategic Partnerships at the NYC Department of Education, Felipe managed multimillion-dollar contracts, collaborated with stakeholders, and led the implementation of college access initiatives. His experience in managing vendor relationships and liaising with key stakeholders highlights his ability to navigate complex educational landscapes.
Throughout his career, Felipe has demonstrated a passion for serving others and empowering youth. He has held roles at organizations such as Life Changers Church and Ministries of Manhattan, Inc., the Children's Aid Society, and the College Access Consortium of New York (CACNY). His work in these positions involved providing college and career counseling, conducting trainings, and fostering effective relationships with community partners.
Felipe's educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Africana Studies from the State University of New York at Binghamton. He also holds a high school diploma in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Chelsea Vocational HS.
With his extensive experience in academic counseling, commitment to student success, and dedication to diversity and inclusion, Felipe Ayala Jr. continues to make a significant impact in guiding and supporting students in their educational journeys.
Chief Financial Officer
Kristine Serrano
Kristine Serrano is a Senior Client Advocate with Bank of America and has been in the Banking industry for over 15 years. Her job includes managing a team of call agents to provide world class service to clients while providing the agents with the tool and resources they need to succeed. She believes that every interaction counts and every interaction is an opportunity to make a positive impact in someone’s life. Her success is based on the service and respect she extends to others.
Kristine has earned an Associates Degree in Liberal Arts from Boricua College and is actively pursuing her Bachelors Degree in Business Management. Kristine was a 2021 New York League of Puerto Rican Women scholarship award winner and has received much recognition from her current employer. Kristine is also a certified Notary Public with the State of New York. She believes that it is never too late to pursue your dreams and further your education.
Aside from managing at Bank of America, Kristine is active in community volunteering and has participated in events with companies such as New York Cares and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Kristine’s passion for helping others motivates her to give back to the community and actively care for her mother who is currently fighting Huntington’s Disease. Being nominated to serve as CFO for the NYLPRW this year has been an honor for her and she looks forward to great success with everyone on the team.
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Board Member
Janet Caraballo
Meet Janet Caraballo, a dedicated mother and accomplished professional making waves in both law enforcement and sustainable fashion entrepreneurship. With a background in Human Services from Touro College and currently pursuing her M.S.W. at Adelphi University, Janet's career journey is truly inspiring.
Starting her career with the NYPD in 2010, Janet now serves as a Sergeant Detective Investigator at The Bronx District Attorney’s Office, showcasing her commitment to justice and community safety.
In 2015, Janet took a leap into entrepreneurship by founding Emergency Mobile Thrift Shop (EMTS), a one-of-a-kind thrift store on wheels in NYC. EMTS has become a local favorite, known for its unique approach to sustainable fashion and community engagement.
Balancing her roles in law enforcement and fashion, Janet not only provides quality items at EMTS but also gives back to the community through donations, emphasizing the importance of meaningful connections and social impact.
Janet Caraballo exemplifies dedication, innovation, and a passion for making a difference in both her professional and entrepreneurial endeavors. #Inspiration #CommunityImpact
Board Member
Hilda Coll-valentine
Hilda Coll-Valentin is a dedicated financial professional with over 25 years of experience serving individuals, families, and communities. For 22 of those years, she specialized in taxation, working with personal, partnership, corporation, and S-corporation returns. Her work has always focused on helping people understand their finances and make informed decisions with confidence. Over the past three years, Hilda has expanded her expertise as a Retirement Specialist, assisting members with 401(k) plans and guiding them toward greater financial security. Beyond her professional roles, she is deeply committed to community service. She has led and participated in financial workshops and has consistently made herself available to individuals seeking help and guidance with taxes and other financial concerns. Hilda’s dedication to service extends into advocacy. She was actively involved with the Tenants Association for Ridgewood, including the building where she once lived, working to support and represent her community.
Faith plays a central role in Hilda’s life. For the past 15 years, she has faithfully served her church in many capacities, including Children’s Ministry teacher, Youth Ministry leader, assistant to the Dance Ministry, church treasurer, and member of the Worship Ministry. In everything she does. She strives to put God first and serves others with integrity and compassion. Hilda has been happily married for 26 years and is a proud mother of four children and grandmother to eight grandchildren. Family is at the heart of her life. She shares a special creative bond with her youngest daughter and twin granddaughters through their crafting business, where collaboration, creativity, and shared ideas are encouraged. Watching them create and grow together is one of her greatest joys. Whether through finance, faith, community work, or family, Hilda Coll-Valentin is driven by a lifelong commitment to serve others and make a positive impact wherever she is called.