Staff
Andrea Jiménez
Operations Manager
Andrea joined L.O.V.E. Mentoring as Operations Manager, where she is dedicated to supporting and empowering young women across New York City. Originally from Costa Rica, Andrea was raised with a sense of resilience and encouragement from her family, values that now drive her professional approach.
Andrea brings a Master’s degree in Criminology from Loyola University New Orleans, with a background in advocacy and program management. Early in her career, she focused on supporting survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, developing a deep understanding of trauma-informed care. Later, she took on a leadership role overseeing operations in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Arkansas, where she supported the undocumented population. More recently, she has managed an office in New York, continuing to oversee complex operations and improve service delivery across multiple regions.
Andrea’s diverse experience and passion for community development position her to make a lasting impact on L.O.V.E. Mentoring’s mission.
Nancy Mares
Program Manager
With over five years of experience in various educational and social service settings, Nancy is passionate about empowering the youth through mentorship and education. As Program Manager at L.O.V.E., she oversees the implementation and evaluation of school-based and community-based programs that support the academic and personal growth of young women in NYC.
Nancy has a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from The City College of New York, and is fluent in Spanish. Nancy also has experience as an Assistant Teacher, a Peer Mentor, and a Supplemental Instruction Leader, where she gained valuable insights into the educational needs and challenges of diverse and underserved populations. She is motivated by the mission of L.O.V.E. Mentoring, which empowers young women to identify their innate strength to fulfill their personal and professional goals through mentorship and health education. She believes that by providing mentorship and guidance, she can help mentees achieve their academic and personal goals while contributing to the Latino community. She's excited to be part of a team that values diversity, inclusion, and excellence, and that strives to make a positive impact on the lives of young Latinas.
Larissa Santiago Escaso
Volunteer Manager
Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Larissa started her career as a teenage model in the fashion and entertainment industry in San Juan. Later, she decided to put her college education on hold and moved to New York City to pursue her dream of becoming an international model and actress. She experienced first-hand how the beauty industry’s unregulated and unrealistic beauty standards impact young women’s mental health. Now, she wants to help other women realize their own potential to create the life of their dreams through the power of community, and by creating awareness of mental health, eating disorders, self-love, and access to post-secondary education.
L.O.V.E. has become a launchpad for Larissa to experience working in the nonprofit sector, which enriches her own social entrepreneur aspirations in the mental health field. She joined L.O.V.E. as a volunteer mentor and currently works as our Volunteer Manager. She has an Associate’s Degree in Advertising Communications from Universidad de Puerto Rico. Larissa also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies with a concentration in Communications and Literature from the School of Professional Studies at the City University of New York.
Nicholas Giglio
Director of Development
Nicholas was born and raised on Long Island, where he discovered the resilience and adaptability needed to navigate challenging family circumstances early on. He spent several years helping run his family's distribution business before pursuing his academic goals. He ultimately earned his Bachelor's and Master's Degree in Psychology with high honors from The City College of New York. Nicholas has lived in Harlem for nearly a decade, establishing deep roots in the neighborhood and engaging in local initiatives that support the community.
Nicholas's professional journey includes extensive experience in philanthropic strategy, donor stewardship, and community engagement. He has successfully led multiple high-impact fundraising campaigns, increasing philanthropic revenue and forging relationships that secured critical resources for youth-focused organizations. Throughout his work, Nicholas has remained deeply committed to empowering young people with the support and skills they need to flourish.
As Director of Development at L.O.V.E., Nicholas applies his background in strategic outreach and relationship-building to broaden the organization's reach, ensuring sustainable growth for initiatives centered on mental, reproductive, and physical health. Guided by a strong belief in the transformative power of mentorship and health education he is proud to be part of a team that uplifts young Latinas and other diverse women, equipping them with the confidence and tools to excel in every aspect of life. Looking ahead, Nicholas is eager to advance collaborative partnerships that expand L.O.V.E.'s impact and open doors for the communities the organization serves.
Maya Luna Imperial
Development Coordinator
Born and raised in San Francisco, Maya Luna’s childhood was shaped by the city’s vibrant arts community. At eight years old, she joined the Grrrl Brigade, a nonprofit leadership and empowerment dance program for girls. The studio was located in the heart of the Mission District, a historically Latino neighborhood with a strong commitment to preserving community culture. This experience sparked Maya Luna's lifelong passion for issues affecting women and girls, as well as for nurturing her communities.
Maya Luna attended The New School, where she studied abroad in Costa Rica, deepening her love for Latin America. Her travels after high school, which took her through Panama, Nicaragua, and Cuba, furthered her interest in global affairs. Inspired by these experiences, Maya Luna graduated from The New School with a Bachelor’s Degree in International Affairs, focusing on development and gaining a specialized interest in philanthropy and conscious, impactful giving.
L.O.V.E.'s dedication to empowering girls and supporting the community resonated with Maya Luna, calling her to join and contribute to a program that reminded her of her own journey into “fearless girl power.” She is excited for the program’s continued growth and deeply grateful for the community she has found at L.O.V.E.
Paulina Kababie
Communications Coordinator
Paulina grew up on the Mexican border of El Paso, Texas/Juarez, Mexico and being raised within a Mexican family profoundly shaped the person she is today. The vibrant culture, close-knit community, and resilience she witnessed in her upbringing instilled a deep appreciation for the strength and determination of Latinas and other marginalized groups. These early experience inspired a lifelong commitment to helping others and advancing opportunities for those who face systemic challenges.
Later in life, she worked in public housing while living in Madison, WI. It was there that she encountered families from a wide array of ethnicities and backgrounds, each navigating unique struggles while striving for stability and a better future. These experiences are among the driving forces behind why she is involved with L.O.V.E. mentoring. Helping Latinas, in particular, advance in the world is not just a passion but a mission. Through mentorship and advocacy, she aims to uplift and inspire others, ensuring they feel supported and capable of achieving their dreams.
Tiffany Moreno
Program Coordinator
Tiffany holds a Bachelor of Arts in Forensic Psychology with a minor in Counseling from John Jay College of Criminal Justice and is currently pursuing her Master’s in Mental Health Counseling. Tiffany became passionate about working with young women of color after witnessing the unique challenges they face regarding mental health and wellness. Her experience in both mental health and reproductive health has deepened her commitment to becoming a licensed counselor dedicated to providing culturally responsive support. Tiffany joined L.O.V.E. Mentoring as a volunteer mentor and is now a Program Coordinator, where she ensures young women feel empowered, heard, and equipped to pursue their goals.
Kiana Calderon
Program Associate
Kiana is a recent graduate from Hunter College with a degree in Human Biology! Starting as a mentor herself, Kiana was inspired by L.O.V.E.’s mission to foster positive relationships and serve as an advocate for young girls throughout their academic and personal endeavors. Having benefited from mentorship in high school herself, Kiana understands the transformative power of having a support system to break barriers and achieve success. Her mother established a legacy of higher education by being the first to attend college, thereby paving the way for Kiana and her older sister to dream big and strive for excellence. As a Program Associate, Kiana brings this unwavering dedication and enthusiasm into the classroom, experiencing first-hand the fulfillment in empowering our mentees to discover their strengths and reach their full potential. Kiana organizes lessons and leads discussion surrounding the L.O.V.E curriculum, and provides one-on-one support to help her mentees navigate through the challenges of academia and personal growth.
Grace Kelly
Program Associate
Grace Kelly joined L.O.V.E. as a Program Associate while completing her master’s degree at The New School for Social Research, where she specializes in Queer Feminist Political Theory, Latin American Cultures, and Transnational Politics.
She brings a wealth of academic and practical experience to her role, with a background in advocacy programming, multilingual learning, government relations, and community engagement. During her two years facilitating education programs for the International Rescue Committee in New York City, she quickly recognized the unique challenges Latina women face, including impacts on mental health and obstacles to achieving their goals. This experience fuels her passion for L.O.V.E.’s mission of empowering Latina women and equipping them with the resources needed to thrive.
Grace is deeply committed to structural social change, as reflected in her studies, creative research, and professional expertise. She feels honored and excited to align her personal passions with the goals of L.O.V.E.
Andreína González Díez
Program Associate
Energetic, driven, and innovative, Andreína González Díez is a dynamic media professional passionate about building a successful future that empowers others to overcome challenges. Born and raised in Venezuela, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Journalism with a minor in Marketing from Arturo Michelena University. Now based in New York City, Andreína has developed expertise in healthcare marketing and content creation, with a focus on strategic thinking, innovation, and impactful storytelling.
Her journey with L.O.V.E. began as a volunteer, where she quickly recognized the power of sharing her experiences to inspire others. Through mentorship and collaboration, she saw firsthand how creating a supportive environment for young girls can help break down barriers. Now, as a Program Associate, she remains dedicated to helping the Latin community thrive by leading L.O.V.E.'s mentoring sessions, fostering inclusivity, diversity, and personal growth for young women.
Sophia Rivera
Programs Associate
Sophia began her journey with the L.O.V.E. as a mentor, where her passion for supporting young women and connecting with individuals let to her evolving roles. Growing up in a diverse neighborhood in Brooklyn, Sophia developed a deep appreciation for different cultures and backgrounds, which informs her empathetic approach to working with youth all over NYC. Aligning deeply with the mission of L.O.V.E., Sophia hopes to serve as the role model she never had growing up.
Recently graduating with a Bachelor's degree in Forensic Psychology from John Jay College of Criminal Justice, where she gained expertise in human behavior and the criminal justice system. Sophia is dedicated to fostering growth and development with L.O.V.E.'s mission and is excited to continue making a positive impact in young women's lives.
Samantha Bonemeyer
Programs Associate
Samantha is a proud Nica, having been raised by her mother to embrace their Nicaraguan culture, traditions, and values. Growing up in the Bay Area, she would often visit San Francisco's Mission District, home to a spirited Latino community. She went on to earn her Bachelors of Arts in Anthropology from New York University and is pursuing a Master's in Healthcare Administration.
Her passion come from her identity, the importance of mental and reproductive health that her mother instilled in her, and a desire to combat the gender and race inequality in healthcare that many Latinas face. As a Program Associate, Samantha is excited to apply her experiences and skills at L.O.V.E. to contribute to their mission of building a safe and compassionate community for these bright girls to thrive.
Lev Tatz
Digital Consultant
Lev moved to New York in 2001 from Lithuania. He started building websites in high school and received a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from NYU. Lev is driven by an entrepreneurial spirit and passion for developing beautiful and efficient software. After several years freelancing as a web developer and working on early stage startups, he began working as a software engineer at later stage startups in New York City.
