MEET OUR
BOARD MEMBERS
Our board is comprised of people from diverse backgrounds and professions, all with a dedication to helping the cause of our nonprofit organization.
Veronica Rosario was born and raised in Brooklyn, USA but she considers herself a citizen of the world. Her mission in life is to empower, educate and uplift the youth through her work and give underrepresented groups a voice through her story telling.
Read moreVERONICA ROSARIO
Veronica Rosario was born and raised in Brooklyn, USA but she considers herself a citizen of the world. Her mission in life is to empower, educate and uplift the youth through her work and give underrepresented groups a voice through her story telling. Ms. Rosario is a graduate of the prestigious Newhouse School of Public Communication at Syracuse University where she earned a Bachelor & Master’s degree in Broadcast Journalism and Television, Radio & Film and African Studies.
Ms. Rosario left her mark at Syracuse University and in the community by organizing programs focused on youth empowerment, education and community service as a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. She was among a pioneering group of students that helped to establish a Study Abroad program between Syracuse University and Africa. The first group of students traveled to Zimbabwe in 1993.
She began her career in the television industry in 1995 working for major networks across New York & Florida. As a TV News Producer, Ms. Rosario is responsible for covering historical events such as The Elian Gonzalez Case in South Florida, 9/11, The crash of TWA Flight 800, President Barack Obama’s Election & Inauguration, Hurricanes and Natural Disasters. She works alongside a talented team of writers, directors, graphic artists, and editors who work to execute her vision often being the only Latina in the newsroom to serve in this capacity.
In her spare time, Ms. Rosario enjoys international travel, bike riding and volunteering with non-profit youth organizations. She took several trips to Thailand following the 2004 tsunami to help rebuild homes for dozens of residents in affected areas. She also continues to work closely with youth programs that serve to educate and uplift teens through the arts.
As Che Guevara says, “A true revolutionary is guided by great feelings of love”. Ms. Rosario loves her community, her country (Dominican by ancestry, Brooklyn by BIRTH). Her goal is to give a voice to all of the stories that exist in these communities.
As a life-long resident, born raised, and educated in East Harlem/El Barrio.
Read moreHILDA CANDY VIVES-VASQUEZ
As a life-long resident, born raised, and educated in East Harlem/El Barrio, I’ve been a committed liaison and community activist as well as an advocate on various needs on housing, economic, education, social justice, and health for the ever-changing cultural fabric of East Harlem.
I have been working for the 116th Street Block Association, Inc., a community-based organization located in East Harlem for the past 21 years, and advanced to Executive Director a position I have maintained with fervor for the past 20 years.
I have extensive experience in the community with business retention, economic development, and housing development; creating affordable (low income) housing opportunities in East Harlem for multicultural families and senior citizens leveraging over 18 million dollars invested into securing housing choice vouchers and section 8 based units. Work with assisting the formerly incarcerated with access to services as returning citizens so that they can have an opportunity to regain possession of their lives and change stigmatism. Continuously, I have spearheaded with community leaders, organizations, agencies, and institutions in creating opportunities and securing effective city and state services for our neighborhood.
During the Corona Virus Pandemic shelter in place, I was able to secure food service delivery and food pantry packages and PPE in partnership with elected officials, local and pantry organizations, museum institutions, restaurants, and local community garden members with the help of volunteers for the residents of the community, this service is continuous.
In addition, I coordinated the food pantry (funded by FEMA administrated under Catholic Charities) servicing families and individuals in need.
I served as a catechist, teaching religious faith to the youth, as well as formed and coordinated a youth group for the underserved young people and managed a haven environment sponsored by local businesses. These valued efforts resulted in food assistance programs, recreational programs, and extracurricular activities after school.
Finally, I was actively working with the Sisters of Charity Elizabeth Ann Seton with victims and survivors of Domestic Violence, PLWA/HIV fostering spiritual renewal for self-improvement and empowerment. My work with victims and survivors of Domestic Violence is a personal passion for me.
My work and life experience has been so diverse; it gives me pleasure to see the benefits of individuals positively impacted by the undaunted gift of personal community service.
Current member of boards
Manhattan Community Board 11
Member of the City Properties Land Use/Zoning, Housing and Oversight Committees
Served in the Executive committee as Vice Treasurer, former Chair of the following committees- Land Use, Landmark and Zoning, Housing Committee and Senior Citizen Committee
Served on Committees of Youth and Education, By Laws, Liquor License Taskforce and Economic Development
Mt. Sinai Hospital Community Advisory Board-member
New Leaf Coalition- Treasurer
James Weldon Johnson Resident Association- Executive Board member- Secretary
Young Bucks Sports-Member
Keep Rising to the Top 3 (KRT3)- member-Treasurer (2014-Present)
Former Board Member
Henry J. Carter Specialty Hospital-member
Metropolitan Hospital Community Advisory Board
Executive committee as Secretary and Treasurer
Chaired Patient Care and Finance committees
Awarded the Marjorie Matthews Award
Andrew Draper Academy Elementary School (Rename- Mosaic Prep)
Elected Title 1 Parent Representative (2005-2007)
Student Leadership Team (SLT) (2005-2007)
Mujeres del Barrio/Women of El Barrio(one of the Co-Founders)
East Harlem Chamber of Commerce
Aside from my community involvement I am currently a County Committee member, alternate Judicial Delegate and have served eight terms as elected female Democratic District Leader for the 68th Assembly District- Part B (96th Street First Ave. (part of First Ave.) to 125th Street Park Ave)
Served as a Judicial Delegate and Democratic Presidential Delegate for the 2004 Presidential Campaign (Kerry/Edwards)
Media and Articles and Awards
Carmen Villegas Community Service Award-Ascendent
Certificate of Achievement – NYS Senator Bill Perkins
Community Activist- VAC/Veteran Action Group, Inc
Herspanic Community Service Recognition Award-East Harlem Chamber of Commerce
Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition-Congress Charles B. Rangel
Women of Service Award
Community Service Award-El Teatro Moderno Puertorriqueno, Inc
Shero Community Award- Council member Inez Dickens & Assemblymember Keith Wright
Community Service Recognition citation- City Council member Melissa Mark-Viverito
Community Service Award- Progress, Inc.
Featured in the NY Times as a role model community activist contributing to the Go Green Cook book published by then Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer input and recipes from community leaders, businesses and residents forever developing healthy cooking and eating as part of the fabric of New York City.
NY 1 – Featured as New Yorker of the week for the East Harlem Gas Explosion- During the gas explosion at 116th Park Ave. -provided warm meals and extended late hours services for the residents impacted and/or displaced from their apartments due to the explosion.
Deborah Torres worked in the financial sector of Wall Street for the better part of 40 years.
Read moreDEBORAH TORRES
Deborah Torres worked in the financial sector of Wall Street for the better part of 40 years.
She started at Merrill Lynch in the Stock Market working as a runner in the late 70’s. She then switched to working for the Commodities Exchange. She started with a small company called Floor Brokers and worked her way up to Vice President of Operations for Sterling Commodities.
While working in the 80’s and 90’s she was very active with the domestic violence shelters in Brooklyn. She continues to donate her time whenever she is needed. She is an active investor and has gone back to her roots working at the Stock Exchange with several traders.
Carlos Diaz was born in 1950 to Juan and Herminia Diaz, migrant parents from the
beautiful island of Puerto Rico. He along with his two sisters and three brothers were raised in East Harlem, New York.
CARLOS DIAZ
Carlos Diaz was born in 1950 to Juan and Herminia Diaz, migrant parents from the
beautiful island of Puerto Rico. He along with his two sisters and three brothers were raised in East Harlem, New York.
His father, Juan, worked in maintenance at the Prince George Hotel and his mother,
Herminia, worked as a devoted housewife. Their strong and unwavering belief in family served as an early influence to young Carlos. Both parents emphasized to all of their children the importance of attaining a good education. Carlos and all of his siblings heeded their parents’ advice and have achieved significant success in varying careers in banking, printing, commercial produce marketing, and Carlos who has spent his entire career in community service.
Carlos was happily married for over 35 years to the late Minerva Medina Diaz. May she rest in peace. Carlos is the proud step father to stepdaughter Mary Medina and stepson, Robert Medina. From an early age Carlos thoroughly enjoyed participating in team sports, using these recreational activities to fill his life in a meaningful way. Carlos played varsity baseball while attending Harren High School in Manhattan. He also was on the swimming team. He was educated in East Harlem schools, PS 101, PS 108 and JHS 117. After high school, Carlos was enrolled in Staten Island Community College earning an Associate’s Degree.
Mr. Diaz obtained his initial youth worker experience for the East Harlem Community Corp. In 1972, Mr. Diaz was hired at Brooklyn’s Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation, growing into the position of Assistant Director at one of our nation’s premiere model Community Development agencies. While at “Restoration,” Carlos supported and mentored hundreds of area youth. Many of his mentees went on to become successful elected officials, community leaders, performing artist, educators, school and hospital administrators. After almost a decade of serving the Brooklyn community, Mr. Diaz accepted the position of Coordinating Manager of Metropolitan Hospital (East Harlem) where he worked in Community and Public Affairs. In this assignment, Carlos served as Metropolitan Hospital’s representative on numerous committees and panels. Most importantly, Carlos served as an important liaison between the hospital and thousands of local residents needing support in navigating the various medical departments he was literally their “lifeline” too much needed medical and health services. His service as a hospital administrator continues to be a source of pride for the East Harlem community.
After his retirement from public service in 1995, Carlos continued to serve in his role as Sr. Community Relations Liaison for ArchCare at Terence Cardinal Cooke Health Care Center whose mission is to foster and provide faith based holistic care to frail and vulnerable people unable to fully care for themselves. It’s amazing how Carlos Diaz’ entire life’s work is so closely aligned to ArchCare’s goal that seeks to improve the quality of the lives of those individuals and their families.
Mr. Diaz has a well-established record of volunteer service to his community. His love and caring for people has been consistently evident throughout his professional and personal life. Friends and colleagues alike know that he is dedicated to giving back to the community that blessed him so much. He has served as Chairperson of the East Harlem Council for Community Improvement, one of the city’s largest human service providers; Chairperson of PROGRESS, Inc., having provided technical assistance and support to over 500 community organizations and the proud sponsor of one of NYC Department of Education’s most successful schools – PROGRESS High School in Brooklyn, NY.
He is also well known for his work on Community Planning Board #11, the National Association for Puerto Rican Rights, Arturo Schomburg Democratic Club Vice President, the George Conroy Little League and Educational Scholarship Fund, 111th Street Oldtimers Stickball Org. and served on the Board of the Bronx YMCA. Carlos Diaz is currently the proud President of New York City Stickball Hall of Fame., with members and teammates ranging in age from 16 to 80. The Museum of the City of NY created an exhibit of photos and stories about the game. The exhibition has been moved to a permanent gallery at the Taino Towers, NYC. He is most proud of his selection to the Stickball Hall of Fame. Carlos is often acknowledged for his tireless devotion and dedication to his community. He is the recipient of numerous awards and commendations – including the Latino Golden Age Gerontological Award for his devoted service to the elderly. Carlos was recently called upon by the President of ArchCare to assist with the Hurricane Maria recovery efforts in Puerto Rico.
Over 180 much needed generators was immediately sent and personally delivered throughout devastated areas of Puerto Rico. Mr. Diaz strongly believes and is most proud that he has spent his entire life in the service of people residing in New York City being of service to others is what brings him true happiness.
Strategic Advisor on Government and Community outreach initiatives.
Past & Present Affiliations:
President, FDJ & Associates Inc
*Strategic Advisor on Government Affairs and Community outreach Initiatives.
Twenty five years experience in community advocacy, city and state legisla
Maximillian L. Hamilton a U.S. Veteran Owned & Operated Company. RMG is the premier multicultural advertising, marketing and media agency that leverage the power of business data, virtual & live experiences, digital media, social media, original content, advertisement and network affiliates to connect brands to an affluent, educated and influential target audience.
Read moreMaximillian L. Hamilton
Maximillian L. Hamilton is the CEO & Founder of Rogue Media Group, LLC (RMG), a U.S. Veteran Owned & Operated Company. RMG is the premier multicultural advertising, marketing and media agency that leverage the power of business data, virtual & live experiences, digital media, social media, original content, advertisement and network affiliates to connect brands to an affluent, educated and influential target audience.
Headquartered in New York City, with operations in Atlanta, Baltimore, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit and Houston, RMG maintains a list of esteemed clients. Today, this list includes AARP, Belvedere Vodka; a LVMH Company, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc., Legal & General America, Lee Hecht Harrison, Lexus Automotive, MetLife, Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, and Toyota Motor North America. As one of the country’s leading multicultural agencies, RMG services its clients with General Market, Black, Hispanic, Asian and LGBT marketing & advertising, digital & traditional advertising, experiential marketing, diversity & inclusion and corporate social responsibility consulting. Additionally, Hamilton established partnerships with Asia American Business Development Center, Bloomberg, LP, Corporate Corporate Counsel Women of Color and the National Association of Black Hotel Owners & Operators.
Hamilton founded RMG in 2013 under the influence of Earl G. Graves Sr., (Founder & Publisher of Earl G. Graves Publishing Co./Black Enterprise and Richard “Dick” Parsons former chairman of Citigroup and the former chairman and CEO of Time Warner Communications). Hamilton brings more than two decades of experience in media, technology, marketing, strategy, business development and executive management experience to his role with the company. Under his leadership, Hamilton created these agency franchise programs: iLeadership Summit, FUEL; The Ultimate Men’s Summit, TechCast; The Future of Cybersecurity Summit; Women of Influence Brunch Series; Business of Medicine Summit; and Rogue Music Festival (coming 2023)
Prior to Rogue Media Group, LLC, Hamilton served as Director of Multimedia Sales of Earl G. Graves Publishing Co./Black Enterprise. Hamilton was responsible for all global sales and marketing activities within the beverage, government, military, technology and telecommunications categories. Hamilton brought Bacardi USA, BASF, CIA, Goldman Sachs & Co., IBM, Movado Timepiece, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Marines, and a portfolio of other enterprises to the company as roster clients to the publication. His focus was on Fortune 500 customer acquisitions, custom integrated media programs, improved operational efficiency, and execution, which accounted for revenue in excess of $30 million dollars during his tenure.
From 2002–2007, Hamilton was the Director of Advertising Sales for The Network Journal (TNJ). During his tenure, he spearheaded TNJ’s “25 Influential Women in Business” and “40 Under Forty” awards recognition programs. Additional, Hamilton created TNJ’s Top Black Lawyers and Top Black Doctors Forums. His client roster there included IBM, FedEx, GE, and Major League Baseball, Macy’s, to name a few.
Hamilton is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Air Force Reserve where he served with honors during tours of duty in England, Germany, Turkey and Panama. He held dual careers both in the aviation and healthcare industries. He was honorably discharged.
Today, Hamilton leadership extends beyond his C-suite at RMG. He contributes to many organizations and charities. Hamilton previously served as a board member for National Association of African American in Human Resources and ScottCare Foundation. He is a member of the Advertising Club of New York, the Financial Communications Society and the National Black MBA Association. Hamilton earned his A.A.S. from the Community College of the Air Force. In 2018, he received the Made Man Award, presented to him by Hakeem Jeffries, U.S. Representative for New York’s 8th congressional district.