Delaware Hispanic Commission Board Members

• Sonia Aguilar joined the Delaware Economic Development Office in 1989. Prior to that, she worked in private industry, in the banking and manufacturing sectors. As the Workforce Development Director, she administers the Blue Collar Training Grant Fund. This fund helps new and existing companies provide customized training to their employees. Sonia attributes her success to her diverse work history and her ability to relate to the needs of employers. In addition to serving on the Hispanic Commission, she serves on other Governor-appointed committees such as the Interagency Literacy Counsel (ICAL) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Employers Committee. She has a degree in Business Administration with specializations in the areas of Personnel Management and Training.
• Rosario "Charito" Calvachi-Mateyko a native of Ecuador with dual citizenship in both the U.S. and Ecuador. Founding member of the Latino Initiative on Restorative Justice (LIRJ), a non-for-profit organization whose mission is the dissemination of restorative justice domestically and abroad, especially in Latin America. The LIRJ held a 2010 Restorative Justice in Delaware Conference. The conference focused on the broad ranges of application of restorative justice in schools, the judiciary, the prison, domestic violence and land use planning. Charito was hired under the Youth Alliance Regional Program from USAID-SICA to train in Honduras introducing restorative justice to members of the judiciary, NGOs and social workers. In 2010, Charito was the keynote speaker for the Forum on Restorative Juvenile Justice in Tegucigalpa. In December 2011, the Youth Alliance Regional Program, the UNFPA and the Latino Initiative on Restorative Justice, Inc. united forces to interview Dr. Howard Zehr in a webinar event that was broadcasted to all Latin America. Charito was the trainer on restorative justice for the Observation Trip of Good Practices and Restorative Justice Training in Costa Rica in December 2011. The Ecuadorian Commission for Peace and Justice, the Pontifical Catholic University of Quito and the Women and Penitentiary Pastoral from Caritas-Ecuador invited Charito to provide seven days of restorative justice training in three different cities of Ecuador and subsequently also trained on using restorative justice to address bullying in schools. Charito won the contract to train 35 young leaders of seven countries in Central America and 35 journalists on restorative juvenile justice, as part of the regional effort that UNFPA, SICA, ONLUS/Soleterre, the Ministers of Justice and other organizations to address youth problems. In December 20111, Charito was appointed as a member of the Delaware Hispanic Commission by Governor Jack Merkel to work in behalf of the Latino community in Delaware. Charito was invited by the American Embassy in Lima, Peru, Encuentros, Casa de la Juventud y Tierra de Hombres to teach a Circle process training, to give lectures and workshops in Lima and Chiclayo and to be interviewed by national radio, TV and press about juvenile restorative justice. In November 2009, she was invited to present a paper on Juvenile Restorative Justice and the Media and to do a workshop on Circles Process to the First Worldwide Congress on Restorative Juvenile Justice in Lima, Peru. Charito is also the first Latina ever to be selected as a Visitor Scholar and Speaker Bureau of the Delaware Humanities Forum to teach Restorative Justice, Circles and Peace building and Diversity in Latin America in the schools and organization of the entire state. Now based in Milford, DE, Charito continues to produce and host the longest known Spanish radio show about restorative justice, "For a Culture of Peace," broadcasted by Radio Centro in Lancaster, PA, and La Exitosa, Internet radio in DE. She is an ex-oficio member of the Community Center for Peacemaking, former LAVORP, and the implementer of Circles for the program.
• Jennifer L. Cohan was appointed Director of the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles in December 2007. Her state public service career has spanned 20 years. She has held an array of positions within the Division of Motor Vehicles culminating in her appointment as Director. Working in such capacities as Motor Vehicle Support Specialist, at the inception of her career, she moved on to become an Administrative Officer in the Motor Fuel Tax Administration. By 1997, Jennifer was working in the capacity of Financial/Program Analyst at the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC). From 1998 to 2002, Ms. Cohan was Program Manager for the Clean Water Program at DNREC. By 2002, the culmination of Jennifer's experience and expertise provided her with a very challenging and rewarding opportunity to work as a Senior Legislative Analyst for the Delaware State Legislature within the Office of the Controller General. Jennifer Graduated summa cum laude from Wilmington University with a B.S. Degree in Business Management and a M.S. degree in Public Administration. Jennifer also attended the Fels Institute of Government at the University of Pennsylvania.
• Matthew J. Heckles, Director of Policy and Planning for the Delaware State Housing Authority, Housing policy advisor for the State of Delaware. Matthew Manages the Policy and Planning Division within the Delaware State Housing Authority responsible for the agency's strategic planning process, housing needs assessments, housing market tracking, land-use planning, grant applications, grant administration, inter- and intra-agency and government coordination, legislative advocacy, policy development, studies and research, and program development, evaluation and enhancement. Matthew has worked to Advance the Delaware State Housing Authority's and the Governor's housing legislative agenda securing more than double the state base budget for housing in the last three funding cycles. He led the development of a new rental assistance program for special populations including the development of program policies and procedures and creation of inter-agency partnerships and systems. This new program is already showing cost savings and cost avoidance for the State. Matthew has advocated for legislation to protect victims of domestic violence in rental housing, help families facing foreclosure, reform the composition and role of the Council on Housing, allow private donations to be made to the Housing Development Fund, provide a custodianship process for failing properties, fund a foreclosure prevention program, regulate mortgage loan originators, and expand and streamline the Neighborhood Assistance Tax Credit program. Matthew formerly served as a Constituent Liaison in the Office of the Governor focused primarily on health, housing, judicial, children, and family issues and has worked for state-wide political campaigns. Matthew Currently holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Delaware and furthers his service through membership on a number of boards, commissions, councils and professional organizations.
• Mabel Hernandez-Saienni graduated from the University of Delaware in 1981 with a Bachelor of Science degree in education. She received teaching certificates in elementary, bilingual, and special education. Her rewarding 16 years teaching experience has given her the opportunity to have educated students at the secondary, middle and elementary school levels. Throughout her career, Mabel has participated in various professional development programs that promote and set standards and curriculum for optimum student learning and literacy. She is currently a first grade English Language Learner teacher at Anna P. Mote Elementary School in the Red Clay Consolidated School District.
• Jose Irizarry is the News Director and Community Relations Manager for Univision 65, the number one Spanish TV station in the Philadelphia market. He was born and raised in Ponce, Puerto Rico, and spent his high school years in the Detroit, Michigan suburbs. Jose has a Bachelors degree in TeleRadial Communications and a Masters degree in Management. Jose started his career in broadcasting since he was in college. He used to work for a regional newspaper and two radio stations covering sports. His "big break' took place right after he graduated from college: his first full time job as a general assignment reporter for a television station (WORA-TV) located in the western part of Puerto Rico. There he was also a news producer and after two and half years, was promoted to the News Director position where he was in charge of the operation and supervision of the news department. After a couple of years as News Director at the station, he decided that it was time to move to the United States to broaden his horizons and in 2002 he moved to Philadelphia, PA, where he landed a position in Univision 65 (WUVP-TV). At the time the station had been recently acquired. He started at Univision as a producer and was in charge of planning the first news operation. After 6 years, finally In March 2008 his dream came true: Univision 65 launched "Noticias Univision 65" at 6:00pm and 11:00pm. Irizarry is a member of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists. Jose resides in New Castle, Delaware with his wife and two children.
• Jissell Martinez is a Fiscal and Policy Analyst for the State of Delaware's Office of Management and Budget (OMB) where she is responsible for analyzing fiscal activities and providing budgetary expertise to state agencies, the Governor and the Legislature regarding the Judiciary branch and agencies such as the Department of Correction and Attorney General's Office. Jissell holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations (2008) and a Master of Public Administration (2010) from the University of Delaware. Prior to joining OMB, Jissell worked at the State of Delaware's Criminal Justice Council as a graduate intern where she was responsible for writing the Wilmington Shooting Report and for conducting program evaluations on juvenile justice programs. In addition to working in state government, Jissell enjoys contributing towards the advancement of youth by volunteering with Aspira of Delaware, the Miss Hispanic Delaware Scholarship Pageant, Latin American Community Center and Chi Upsilon Sigma National Latin Sorority. She currently serves on the Board of Directors of Aspira of Delaware Charter School Operations. As an undergraduate, Jissell was a Ronald E. McNair Scholar, Office of Residence Life employee and was involved in various student organizations such as Campus Alliance de La Raza, HOLA, SOLAR Council and the Latino Leadership Council. She is also one of the founders of UD's first Latino and Multi-ethnic Greek Council, now known as NALFO. Jissell also traveled to New Orleans, Dominican Republic, Mexico, and South Africa as a UD student. Jissell Martinez has ancestral roots in the Dominican Republic. She was born in New York City, raised in the City of Wilmington and currently lives in Bear, Delaware.
• Maria Matos, Executive Director of the Latin American Community Center, Wilmington, DE. Formerly employed by the Chesapeake Bay Girl Scout Council, Inc., where she held various management positions. From 1974 to 1985, Matos worked for the Red Clay Consolidated School District. She served as president of the Board of Directors for the Wilmington's Hispanic Festival and Parade. She served as a member of the United Way of Delaware Hispanic Leadership Task Force, currently sits on the Council of Agency Executives and serves on the Strong Neighborhood Advisory Council. She serves on the Board of the Delaware Community Foundation, is a member of the Delaware Prevention Network Alliance, she is a member of the board for the 21st century Delaware's Children Fund. Mayor James Baker has appointed her to several taskforce including the Wilmington Neighborhood Schools Committee, the Wilmington's Children's Council. Matos was elected by the Northeast affiliates of the National Council of La Raza to serve as their representative to the National Affiliate Council. She was appointed by Gov. Thomas Carper and Gov. Ruth Ann Minner to serve on the Governor's Council of Hispanic Affairs and the Governor's Consortium on Hispanic Affairs. Matos is listed in Who's Who Among Hispanic Americans and Who's Who Among Professional Americans. Matos has received numerous awards for her dedication and commitment to the community she serves.
• Tanisha Merced is a lifelong Delawarean, born and raised in the City of Wilmington, Delaware. In 2000, she graduated from the University of Delaware with a Bachelors degree in Criminal Justice and then from Widener University School of Law with a Juris Doctor in 2003. Tanisha is a member of the Bar of the State of Delaware, and is admitted to practice before the Federal Court for the District of Delaware and The United States Supreme Court. Tanisha served the citizens and State of Delaware for several years as a Deputy Attorney General representing both the Division of Child Support Enforcement and the Division of Family Services. Additionally, Tanisha served as a founding faculty member for Finding Words, a program to teach law enforcement and other agency professionals legally appropriate interviewing techniques regarding allegations of child abuse. Currently Tanisha is with the New Castle County Law Department. Tanisha is the Vice-Chair of the Multicultural Judges and Lawyers Section of the Delaware State Bar Association and a member of the Delaware State Bar Association's Nominating Committee. Tanisha serves as Secretary to Aspira of Delaware, an organization dedicated to promoting education and educational opportunity for Latino youth.
• Lourdes Puig, Global Technology Manager, Kalrez DuPont Performance Polymers. Currently holds a Ph.D. and M.S. in Chemistry from the University of Michigan as well as a B.S. (Magna Cum Laude) in Chemistry from the University of Puerto Rico. Previous honors, professional society memberships and certification include: Committee on Institutional Cooperation (CIC) Fellowship, University of Michigan 9/1985-12/1998; Honorable Mention List of the National Science Foundation 1985; National Dean's List, 9/1983-5/1985; Minority Access to Research Careers (MARC) Honors Program, 8/1983-5/1985; Honor Roll University of Puerto Rico 1982-1985; Member of American Chemical Society and Analytical Laboratory Managers Association; Six Sigma GB certification, March 2001; and Six Sigma Champion certification, June 2006.
• Eli Ramos, Born in Puerto Rico, Migrated to U.S 1950 N.Y.C., Graduated City College of New York; MS in Ed. 1972, Moved to Delaware in 2000; Commissioner, Human Relations Commission; Served, Governor's Council Hispanic Affairs; served board member Boys & Girls Club of Milford; Former commissioner Boy Scouts of America DE Hispanic Unit 2009; former President Hispanic Lions Club Sussex County; served community outreach Sussex County Child Health Promotion Coalition; Eli presently holds a Delaware TESOL Teaching Certificate; has Instructed at Cape Henlopen School District; ESL instructor, Lutheran Church of our Savior, Coolspring Presbyterian Church; Served with the U.S. Census Bureau 2010 as a Community Outreach Associate; Trained as medical interpreter DHSS-2008; Volunteer services include: Citizen Corps of DE. Emergency Response Team Hispanic liaison 9/2007; Indian River School District; Creative Mentoring- 2008; Cape Henlopen High School mentoring 2011; He serves on the Indian River School District; Community Partnership Committee; His Membership includes; North Georgetown Elementary School PTO; NAACP; League of United Latin American Citizens; League of Women Voters. Founder, Latin American Student Organization (LASO) Cape Henlopen High School 2005.
• Brenda Rodriguez was born in Florida and raised in the island of Puerto Rico since age two until the early twenties. After finishing high school, received a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Puerto Rico in Social Welfare with a concentration in Psychology, 1991, and later completed a Masters degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from Assumption College in 2008. Shortly after graduation from UPR, moved to Florida initiating a professional career as an examiner for the Disability Determination Office (SSA) in Tampa, Fl. I relocated to the Delaware Valley in 1998 to work for the local Disability Determination Office until the year 2000. In that year I accepted another position with the Div. of the Vocational Rehabilitation at DOL as a vocational counselor working with people with learning barriers. My career took yet another turn in 2002 when I accepted a position with DHSS for three years. While working with DHSS I participated in several projects that included the coordination of day programs and as well as transition services for seniors with learning barriers. In 2005, I returned to work for the Department of Labor as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor and since then I have been serving Delawareans with disabilities in reaching their maximum potential leading to employment. I have also been a member in the Delaware State Rehabilitation Council and the Delaware Rehabilitation Association.
• Steven A. Rose, RN, MN, President/CEO, Nanticoke Health Services, A native of Pennsylvania, Mr. Rose joined Nanticoke Health Services in July 2008. Mr. Rose has over 37 years of experience in healthcare having held positions as Chief Nursing Officer, Chief Operating Officer, and Executive Vice President /Administrator for hospitals in various health systems. He currently serves as the Board Chair of the Delaware Healthcare Association, Chair of the Board for the Southern Delaware Chapter of the American Heart Association, and is a member of the American Hospital Association's Region 3 Policy Board. Mr. Rose received both his baccalaureate and masters degrees in nursing from Pennsylvania State University and acquired a post-masters certificate in healthcare administration from Villanova University. He is also a retired Lieutenant Colonel from the Pennsylvania Army National Guard with 30 years of service. Mr. Rose and his wife, Rosie, live in Bridgeville, Delaware. They have seven children and five grandchildren.
• Kevin L. Smith, Executive Director, HFH of New Castle Co., Inc. is a Delaware native. His education includes the University of Delaware with a Business Mgmt. degree and a minor in Management Information Systems, and Habitat for Humanity Leadership Certificate from Harvard Business School. Before working for Habitat for Humanity, Kevin worked for AIG Marketing, Standard Chlorine and Synerfac all in Delaware. He has worked for Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County (HFH of N.C.C.) for nearly 15 years as their Executive Director, and was hired as their first staff person. He previously served for 1.5 years as the Volunteer Coordinator for Habitat for Humanity of Fresno, CA. through Mennonite Voluntary Service. When Kevin started with HFHNCC, the affiliate was building on average 3 houses a year. HFH has completed 62 homes since 2008. HFH of N.C.C.'s growth includes over 3,700 volunteers who work with their organization every year, and a total staff of 18. HFH of N.C.C.'s plans for the future include building 21 homes a year over the next 5 years for a total of 105 homes. Habitat of New Castle County is now one of the largest Habitats in the Northeast. He has served in leadership on Habitat for Humanity International's Disciplinary Committee, is actively involved with his church, Newark United Methodist where he was previously the Chairperson of the Church Council.
• Sandra C. Spangler is currently an Instructional Supervisor in the Capital School District in Dover, DE. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Education degree from the University of Delaware and a Master of Education in School Leadership from Wilmington University. Her 28 year employment with Capital School District has included 18 years as a regular and special education teacher, 6 years as principal of Hartly Elementary School, and 3.5 years working at the district office. Currently, Sandra supervises the 5th -12th grade ELA, Social Studies and World Language Programs, as well as Capital libraries and state testing. However, one of her greatest joys is overseeing Capital's English as a Second Language Program. This includes the school based education of ESL students who speak up to 34 native languages, as well the Capital Family Literacy Program which assists ESL students and their families. Sandra is the proud mother of two grown children. As an empty nester, she resides in Rehoboth Beach, DE with her husband of 28 years.
• Javier Gilberto TorrijosTorrijos is a registered Professional Engineer in the State of Delaware with over twenty six years of experience in Roadway and Bridge construction management. Some of his notable projects in Delaware include but are not limited to the construction of the half billion SR1 Expressway, I-95 Fifth Lane widening thru the environmentally sensitive Churchman's Marsh, I-95 Newark Toll Plaza High Speed E-Z pass lane improvements, and currently the SR1 and I-95 Interchange construction adjacent to the Christiana Mall. Mr. Torrijos is member of the American Society of Highway Engineers (ASHE). He received his Bachelors of Science in Civil Engineering from Drexel University in 1987 and is currently working on his Masters Degree in Construction Management from Drexel University. Mr. Torrijos has volunteered for various non-profit groups such as Habitat for Humanity, Amazing Grace, and TeamUpward. He loves soccer and has coached Kirkwood Soccer Club and Central Delaware Soccer Association youth recreational and travel teams.