Melanie's formative years, spent growing up in Papua New Guinea and transitioning to the United States midway through high school, deeply shaped her global perspective. Her experiences with extensive travel and adopting immigrant children instilled in her a lifelong commitment to serving vulnerable and marginalized communities.

Over the course of her career, Melanie has worked with various underserved populations, drawing from her own diverse background. She has lived abroad as well as across several U.S. states, including Wisconsin, Illinois, Texas, California, Florida, Oregon, and Utah, before settling on Long Island in 2020.

Melanie joined CARECEN with a wealth of experience in nonprofit program management and leadership. Initially serving as Community Programs Director, she expanded the team and impact by 500% in under four years. In 2024, she transitioned into the role of Executive Director, continuing her mission to amplify CARECEN's work for immigrants on Long Island.

Jessica joins CARECEN as its Legal Director from Catholic Charities Community Services where she served as the Director of Bronx Immigration Services. She brings with her more than ten years of nonprofit immigration advocacy -- direct legal services, community outreach, mentorship and supervision, and program building.

Prior to law school, Jessica spent a year interning with the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees in Jerusalem, Israel, working primarily with West African asylum-seekers. This sparked her desire to meaningfully "fight the good fight" for individuals seeking protection and/or the right to live freely in the United States.

Fernando Ruiz spent his early years in Guadalajara, Mexico after relocating from Los Angeles, California. He earned a B.A. in History from the University of Guadalajara before continuing his academic and professional development in New York City. He holds an M.A. in History from the City College of New York and an M.S. in Urban Policy and Leadership from Hunter College.

He has served the City of New York in an administrative capacity at the NYC Department of Buildings, gaining firsthand experience with the operational complexities and policy challenges of local government. His work is informed by a deep understanding of the immigrant experience—both through academic study and professional engagement. He is committed to fostering environments where individuals are treated with dignity and where systems are in place to support equitable access to opportunity for all, particularly newcomers.

Maria obtained her Bachelor’s in Medicine and Surgery at Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Spain, and a Masters of Public Health at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She comes to CARECEN with a diverse background in the fields of medicine, public health, education and community engagement. Her work has all been focused on advancing equity, particularly for marginalized populations, including her recent work as a volunteer with CARECEN's ESOL program.

In her free time, Maria enjoys running, reading and spending time with her family and friends.