About Us
Our Story
Rooted in culture. Connected by comunidad.
Latina Moms Connect began in 2014 with a simple idea: bring Latina moms together to celebrate our cultures, share experiences, and build meaningful friendships. What started as a gathering of women has grown into a nonprofit community dedicated to strengthening cultural identity, preserving traditions, and creating spaces where families feel connected and proud of their heritage.
Meet the Board of Directors
The People Behind LMC
Our Board of Directors brings together dedicated community leaders who share a commitment to celebrating our heritage, strengthening families, and advancing the mission of Latina Moms Connect. Together, they provide leadership, guidance, and support to help our comunidad grow.
Champions of Culture, Community, and Connection
Dorothy Santana, LMSW
President & Founder
Dorothy founded Latina Moms Connect to create a space where Latina mothers and families could celebrate their cultures, build meaningful connections, and find a sense of belonging. A skilled facilitator and community advocate, she brings extensive experience in leadership development, community engagement, and program design. She also serves as a Culturally Responsive Education Specialist at Long Island University. As a proud mother of four, Dorothy's passion for culture, family, and community is at the heart of her work.
Hon. Linda Mejias-Gloverr
Vice President
Linda has been connected to Latina Moms Connect since its founding and now serves as Vice President. A Judge of the New York State Court of Claims, she made history as the first Latina elected to the Nassau County Family Court. Her leadership includes serving as Past President of the Long Island Hispanic Bar Association and Nassau County Women’s Bar Association, and as the first Latina Director of the Nassau County Bar Association. She brings a longstanding commitment to leadership, representation, and community service.
Adriana Valencia, LMSW
Vice President
Born and raised in Amsterdam, New York, Adriana proudly embraces her roots as the daughter of immigrant parents. A social worker at NYU Langone, she draws on her personal experiences and professional expertise to advocate for medically vulnerable and underserved communities. She is also a dedicated mentor to Latina youth, helping inspire the next generation of leaders. Adriana brings her passion for service, cultural heritage, and community empowerment to her leadership at Latina Moms Connect.
Sandra Calderon
Treasurer
Originally from Peru, Sandra brings extensive experience in accounting, tax preparation, bookkeeping, and small business support to her role as Treasurer of Latina Moms Connect. As the owner of SC Solutions Accounting, she helps individuals, families, and entrepreneurs manage their finances with confidence. Passionate about financial education and empowering the Latino community, Sandra is committed to supporting LMC's mission through responsible financial management, transparency, and sustainable growth.
Pamela Carvajal
Board Member
A Long Island native, Pam brings a passion for culture, community, and connection to Latina Moms Connect. Her involvement with LMC helped her discover her voice as a leader, a journey that led her to become a radio personality with La Fiesta Radio. She is also a founding member of the Long Island Ecuadorian Latin American Chamber of Commerce. Pam brings her cultural pride, enthusiasm, and strong community relationships to her role on the Board of Directors.
Noemi Diaz
Board Member
Noemí brings nearly 30 years of experience in Human Resources, organizational development, and leadership support across a variety of industries. Throughout her career, she has helped businesses and organizations build stronger, people-centered workplaces. A longtime community advocate, she has also supported family engagement efforts in schools across Long Island. Proud of her Puerto Rican, Colombian, and Italian heritage, Noemí brings her passion for culture, community, and meaningful connections to her role on the Board of Directors of Latina Moms Connect.
Natalia Johnson
Board Member
Natalia brings experience in community mental health, youth development, and family support to her role on the Board of Directors of Latina Moms Connect. She holds a bachelor's degree in Science, Technology, and Society, with a minor in Early Childhood Education, and is currently pursuing both an MSW and MBA. Passionate about empowering underserved families, Natalia supports LMC's Membership and Operations Committees and volunteer program, helping strengthen community connections, expand outreach, and create welcoming spaces where families feel supported and connected to their culture.
Glorisbel Roman, Esq.
Board Member
Born and raised in Brooklyn, Glorisbel has built a respected career in the legal field, earning recognition for her integrity, professionalism, and commitment to mentoring emerging attorneys. Admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court, she brings extensive legal experience and leadership to Latina Moms Connect. As a mother passionate about connecting her children to their Latino heritage, Glorisbel found a personal connection to LMC's mission. She now brings that same dedication to strengthening cultural identity, family connections, and community through her service on the Board of Directors.
Board of Directors
Our Volunteers
Our volunteers are the heart of Latina Moms Connect! From bringing cultural celebrations to life to welcoming new families and building community connections, they generously share their time, talents, and passion to make our work possible.
Together, we're creating meaningful experiences, celebrating our heritage, and strengthening our comunidad, one connection at a time.
LMC in the Spotlight
From cultural celebrations to community connections, Latina Moms Connect has been featured in local and regional media, sharing the stories, traditions, and people that make our comunidad special.
10 Years of Connecting Latina Families
Newsday · February 2024
A look at LMC's journey from a small gathering of Latina moms to a nonprofit celebrating culture, identity, and belonging.
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LMC Featured on ABC7's Tiempo
ABC7 New York | Joe Torres
A conversation about LMC's Sofrito Sunday, celebrating our culinary traditions, preserving our cultural heritage, and bringing Latino families together through food and community.
Watch the interview here.
LMC Featured on The Tamron Hall Show
National Television | May 2023
As part of a special Mother's Day episode, LMC founder Dorothy Santana joined Tamron Hall to share the story behind Latina Moms Connect and the importance of creating a community where moms raising bicultural Latino children can connect, celebrate their heritage, and find belonging.
