Sobre nosotros
Embracing Our Diversity & Weaving Our Stories Together
Latina Moms Connect fosters community, connection, and cultural pride among Latina mothers from diverse backgrounds, including newly arrived families and first, second, and third-generation moms raising bicultural children. Although Latinos are the fastest-growing community in the United States, many families still lack dedicated spaces to celebrate heritage, share traditions, and nurture cultural identity.
For mothers raising bicultural children, supporting identity is meaningful but can also feel challenging. In many suburban areas, access to Latino and Latinx cultural spaces and resources is limited, which makes it important for families to be intentional about preserving their traditions.
Latina Moms Connect fills this need by creating spaces where families can celebrate culture, strengthen relationships, and build pride in their Latino and Latinx identity. Through engaging programs, intergenerational activities, and culturally grounded support, we help families deepen cultural roots, foster belonging, and form lasting connections that carry our traditions into the next generation.
Meet the Board of Directors
Champions of Culture, Community, and Connection
Our Board members are dedicated leaders who bring diverse expertise and a shared passion for empowering Latino and Latinx families. Together, they guide Latina Moms Connect in fostering cultural pride, building meaningful connections, and creating programs that celebrate and preserve our heritage for future generations.
Board of Directors
Dorothy Santana, MSW
President & Founder
Dorothy is the President and Founder of Latina Moms Connect, created in response to a need shared by Latina mothers seeking community and cultural connection. She is a skilled facilitator and advocate with deep experience in community building, leadership development, and program design. Dorothy also serves as a Culturally Responsive Education Specialist at Long Island University. A committed leader and proud mother of four, she centers diversity, culture, and community in all aspects of her work.
Hon. Linda Mejias-Gloverr
Vice President
Linda has been connected to the mission of Latina Moms Connect since its founding and now serves as Vice President. She is a Judge of the New York State Court of Claims and was the first Latina elected to the Nassau County Family Court. Linda’s leadership extends across the legal community as Past President of both the Long Island Hispanic Bar Association and the Nassau County Women’s Bar Association. She was also the first Latina to serve as Director of the Nassau County Bar Association.
Adriana Valencia, LMSW
Vice President
Adriana was born and raised in Amsterdam, New York, and proudly carries her upstate roots and the experience of being the daughter of immigrant parents. She is a social worker at NYU Langone, where she combines lived experience, education, and clinical expertise to advocate for medically vulnerable and underserved communities. A dedicated mentor to Latina youth, Adriana brings her passion for service and cultural heritage to her role as Vice President of Latina Moms Connect, helping advance the organization’s mission.
Meet our Team
Volunteer Coordinators
Our Volunteer Coordinators play a key role in bringing the mission of Latina Moms Connect to life. They welcome and support volunteers, organize training and event roles, and ensure everyone feels prepared, appreciated, and connected to our community. Through their leadership, volunteers help create warm and engaging cultural events, outreach activities, and family programs that allow families to celebrate traditions, build community, and strengthen cultural identity.
Natalia Johnson
Coordinator
As Volunteer Coordinator, Natalia strengthens community engagement by supporting mothers through connection, cultural pride, and shared support. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Science, Technology, and Society with a minor in Early Childhood Education, and is currently pursuing her Master of Social Work (MSW) and Master of Business Administration (MBA).
Natalia brings experience in community mental-health promotion, recovery support, and youth development, with a deep passion for uplifting underserved families. She is committed to strengthening volunteer partnerships, expanding outreach, and helping ensure Latina Moms Connect remains a welcoming, empowering space for all families.
Sandra Encarnacion
Assistant Coordinator
Sandra Encarnación is a proud Nicaraguan-born with roots in Woodside, Queens; she now resides in Central Islip with her husband and three children. A passionate advocate for people, culture, and service, she recently transitioned into entrepreneurship and is a Zumba instructor. Since joining Latina Moms Connect in 2024, Sandra has become a committed, uplifting presence, supporting programs, encouraging fellow moms, and strengthening community ties. Guided by faith, optimism, and a strong work ethic, she looks forward to continuing her journey with Latina Moms Connect’s Volunteer Program and contributing to its mission of uplifting families and celebrating cultural pride.
Pamela Mendez, Esq.
Treasurer
Pamela, originally from the South Bronx, relocated to Long Island seven years ago and now serves as a staff attorney at Advocates for Children of New York. She represents low-income families in special education hearings and mediations and provides education advocacy for students in the foster care system. After attending LMC’s Sofrito Sunday event, she felt inspired to help the next generation value and preserve their cultural heritage. Pamela now brings her expertise and commitment to Latina Moms Connect as the newly elected Treasurer of the Board.
Elisa Irvolino
Secretary
Elisa Irvolino is a blogger and influencer who celebrates her Latina heritage through her platform, Sazon y Corazon. She shares her love of home decor, DIY projects, cooking, and cultural traditions. Inspired by her connection with Latina Moms Connect, Elisa has made it her mission to uplift Latino-owned businesses and highlight the richness of Latin cultures through food, family, and community. As the newly elected Secretary of the Board, she brings her passion for culture and connection to help strengthen and unite Latino families.
Pamela Carvajal
Board Member
Pam is a Long Island native with a strong passion for culture and community leadership. Her deep involvement with Latina Moms Connect helped her discover her voice as a leader, and she now serves as a radio personality with La Fiesta Radio. Pam is also a founding member of the Long Island Ecuadorian Latin American Chamber of Commerce. She brings her enthusiasm, cultural pride, and community connections to her role as a Board Member of Latina Moms Connect.
Noemi Diaz
Board Member
Noemí is a seasoned Human Resources leader with nearly 30 years of experience strengthening people-centered operations across multiple industries. She has led HR departments for law firms, small businesses, and growing organizations, with deep expertise in organizational development and leadership support. A long-time community advocate, she has contributed to family engagement efforts in schools across Long Island. Rooted in her Puerto Rican, Colombian, and Italian heritage, Noemí brings a strong commitment to culture, community, and connection to her role with Latina Moms Connect.
Miroslava Gonzalez
Board Member
Miroslava is a filmmaker and storyteller dedicated to uplifting underrepresented communities and strengthening cultural connections. Her films have earned recognition at festivals across the country, reflecting her commitment to journalism and advocacy. She also serves as a Grant Manager supporting crime reduction initiatives. Miroslava brings her passion for representation, community voice, and cultural pride to her role as a Board Member of Latina Moms Connect.
Glorisbel Roman, Esq.
Board Member
Glorisbel was born and raised in Brooklyn and has built a distinguished career in the legal field, earning deep respect from judges, clients, and peers. Known for her integrity, professionalism, and commitment to uplifting others, she has also mentored many emerging attorneys. Admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court, she brings exceptional expertise and dedication to every space she leads. Seeking meaningful ways to connect her children and family to their Latino heritage, Glorisbel found a powerful alignment with the mission of Latina Moms Connect and now serves as a Board Member, helping to strengthen and advance the organization’s work.