Nuestros Niños Day Care Center

As we celebrate the 51st anniversary of Nuestros Niños, we are thrilled to honor Mrs. Arlenee Lopez-Ferguson, a new champion of our organization who has already made a tremendous impact. Although she is a recent supporter, Arlenee has shown unwavering commitment to helping us provide our children and families with the tools they need to succeed. Born in the Dominican Republic and raised in the Bronx, Arlenee understands the challenges our communities face. Her remarkable journey from those roots to becoming a Senior Vice President and Chief Information Security Officer in the financial services sector speaks to her strength, determination, and passion for breaking barriers. What makes Arlenee so special to Nuestros Niños is not just her professional success, but her dedication to giving back. When we needed support to achieve our goals, she was one of the first to step forward, offering her expertise and resources without hesitation. Arlenee has been a critical ally in advancing our mission to serve children and families in need. In addition to her industry leadership, Arlenee is committed to mentoring young women from underserved and underrepresented communities, empowering them to succeed in fields like finance, technology, law, and compliance. Through her work, she not only breaks barriers but also creates pathways for others to follow. Arlenee Lopez - Ferguson

Nuestros Niños is honored to recognize Mrs. Sonia Gulardo for her remarkable leadership and dedication, serving New York City communities for over four decades. Mrs. Gulardo has worked closely with Nuestros Niños alongside John Mulhern and our beloved late Miriam Cruz. Her long-standing collaboration with Beginning with Children has created a legacy where many of our children have successfully transitioned to the school. Born in Bayamón, Puerto Rico, Sonia moved to New York City with her parents and younger sister, Mary, at the age of five. Her family settled on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, where she attended Our Lady of Sorrows elementary school and Cathedral High School. Sonia went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and a Master’s in Bilingual Education from Hunter College of the City University of New York. In addition to her professional achievements, Sonia has been a steadfast supporter of Nuestros Niños. During one of our most challenging moments—when we faced the threat of losing our beloved home of more than 30 years—Sonia stood with us. She was instrumental in building a coalition of community members to protest and fight for the preservation of our space, which had provided the first school experience for thousands of children in the Southside community. Her unwavering support in times of need has been a source of strength for Nuestros Niños, and we are deeply honored to recognize Sonia with the Miriam Cruz Award on Educational Leadership. sonia gulardo, BEGINNING WITH CHILDREN FOUNDATION INC Beginning with Children

As we celebrate the 51st Anniversary of Nuestros Niños, we are honored to recognize Mrs. Rossy Matos-Miranda with the Marilyn Pabon Educational Excellence Award. For over two decades, Rossy has been a cornerstone of our community, dedicating her life to working with our families and creating a safe, nurturing space for the older siblings of our children through after-school programs. Born in the Dominican Republic, Rossy moved to New York City as a young woman, where she attended and graduated from Eastern District High School in Brooklyn. After completing her education, Rossy began her long-standing career in community service, particularly through her work with El Puente, a local organization dedicated to youth development, community health, and social justice. There, she played a pivotal role in organizing after-school programs that offered children not just a place to learn, but a space to feel safe and supported. Her commitment to educational success and her passion for serving others have left an indelible mark on the lives of countless children and families in Williamsburg. Rossy's work with El Puente and beyond has always centered on ensuring that every child, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to thrive in a supportive environment. Today, as we honor her legacy with this award, we celebrate not only her professional achievements but also her role as a true community leader and a lifelong champion for education. We are immensely grateful for Rossy's continued dedication to empowering our youth, and we are proud to recognize her contributions with the Marilyn Pabon Educational Excellence Award. Rossy Matos

🌟 A Heartfelt Thank You! 🌟 We are overwhelmed with gratitude to all of our incredible Friends of Nuestros Niños 51st Anniversary Gala sponsors. Work ED & 42 Hotel Williamsburg Together, we are shaping bright futures - to many more years of partnership and impact! 💙 #NuestrosNiñosGala #51YearsStrong #CommunitySupport #EarlyChildhoodEducation #ThankYou

Meet our Community Partner Honoree for the 51st Anniversary Celebration Gala: Mr. Mark Sadek, Vice President of our local Dime branch. We are proud to recognize Mr. Sadek for his outstanding support and commitment to Nuestros Niños. His partnership has gone above and beyond, playing a crucial role in our success. Mr. Sadek’s leadership and commitment exemplify what it means to be a true community partner, and we are honored to celebrate his contributions to Nuestros Niños at this milestone event. His collaboration and unwavering support continue to strengthen our organization and enhance the quality of services we provide to the families and children we serve. Dime Community Bank

As we approach the 51st Anniversary Gala of Nuestros Niño's, we are thrilled to introduce the incredible Gala Committee members working tirelessly to make this event a grand success! These dedicated individuals are bringing their passion, expertise, and commitment to ensure that our celebration is one to remember: Olen Anderson, Gilmanda Sena-Atkinson, MBA, PMP, CSM, CSPO, Valerie Bocuhard, Teresa Bosque, Elbia Cabral, Iris Cabrera, Ingrid Chungata, Rob DeLeon, Miguelina Duran, Jahaira Hooker, Albania Jimenez, Marco Lombardini, Axel Miranda, Kathia Pilier, Ramon Peguero and Glendaliz Valdez Together, we are planning an evening that will honor Nuestros Ninos's legacy and celebrate our continued impact on our community. Your support and presence at this event mean the world as we raise funds to further our mission of providing high-quality Early Childhood Education and support to our children and families. Prepare for an unforgettable evening! Mark your calendar for Thursday, October 10th. Click the link below for all the details. https://lnkd.in/eVvGG-f4