100 HISPANIC WOMEN: LONG ISLAND PROGRAM
PAST EVENTS
2023-2024 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Alicia McGrath
President
Alicia McGrath is a senior-level non-profit executive with over twenty-five years in leadership roles, working in the field of social services; specifically behavioral health, community residential, and workforce development programs. She joined Goodwill NYNJ in September 2020 as Executive Vice President of Mission. In this role, Ms. McGrath oversees all Goodwill NYNJ human services programs called Mission Services in our social enterprise, which provides job placement, training, on-the-job coaching, and retention services for people who are unemployed or underemployed on their journey to employment, including people with disabilities. Goodwill NYNJ provides services for individuals with developmental and psychiatric disabilities, welfare applicants and recipients, older adults, and anyone who is unemployed or underemployed and seeks to enhance their lives through a job. Ms. McGrath earned a BS degree in Public Affairs, MA in Community and Economic Development, and a Women in Corporate Leadership Certificate from SUNY Empire College. She also holds an MBA in Management from SUNY Empire College. She received a certificate in Business Excellence from the Senior Leaders Program for Nonprofit Professionals at Columbia Business School and an Executive Education Certificate at the Fordham University Center for Nonprofit Leaders.
Dr. Sofia Pertuz
Vice-President
An engaged leader, Sofia serves as Vice President of the board for the Long Island chapter of 100 Hispanic Women. Sofia’s work is grounded in her lived experiences and a deep connection to her roots. She is an internationally recognized speaker on change management, Latina/o/x identity, and LGBTQ+ advocacy. She holds a PhD from Seton Hall University, is a Senior Certified Professional through the Society for Human Resource Management, and a Certified Diversity Executive®. Sofia’s consulting and coaching approach empowers clients to navigate challenges, recognize their brilliance, and achieve transformative career growth.
Kisha Chandler
Corporate Secretary
Kisha Chandler is a Higher Education professional with extensive experience in operations management, project management, curriculum building, event management, and leadership. She is committed to relationship building, student success, and advocating for educational reform and equity. Kisha is currently the Director, LHVCCUC LSAMP at Molloy University. She directs the Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation Program, supporting underrepresented minority students in STEM. Kisha is a Leaders of Color alumna and is the VP of Education for Prospanica. Additionally, Kisha is a doctorate student at Molloy University, a mom to two wonderful children, and a future marathon runner!
Liz Gutierrez
Social Media Chair
Liz Gutierrez immigrated from Colombia with her parents and brother at age 12, settling in Brentwood, Long Island, where she graduated from Brentwood High School. Her experience navigating the challenges faced by new immigrants—overcoming language barriers, adapting to new systems, and starting with very little—motivated her to pursue a career in communications focused on helping others, especially within her community.
With over 30 years of experience in media and communications, Liz is a seasoned expert in Spanish-language TV networks, public relations, and community outreach. She earned a Bachelor's degree in Media and Communications from SUNY Old Westbury and completed an entrepreneurship program at Hofstra University. In 2023, she founded "International Media Consulting," helping businesses connect with the rapidly growing Latino consumer market.
Liz began her career in journalism at Telemundo and WNBC, honing her reporting and storytelling skills. She then spent a decade at Univision Channel 41, where she served as a news assignment editor and later produced weekend newscasts. Liz transitioned to the public sector as a supervisor and Public Information Officer for the Long Island Railroad, managing social media platforms, website updates, public announcements, app communications, and providing critical real-time updates to commuters for over 11 years.
In addition to working independently as a marketing consultant, Liz also holds two key roles: she serves as the Marketing Director for Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County and as the Media Director for Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay. Committed to staying at the forefront of her field, Liz is currently pursuing a certification in Artificial Intelligence and Marketing through eCornell.
Alongside her professional roles, Liz is deeply committed to community service. She mentors high school students through the NY State Latina Mentoring Program and serves as a board member and social media chair for "100 Hispanic Women Long Island," helping to raise funds and scholarships for Latino college students. She also serves on the board of the Hispanic Counseling Center, supporting bilingual services for chemical dependency, mental health, and family programs across Nassau and Suffolk counties.
Recently, Liz expanded her entrepreneurial work by launching "Ella's Secret," a clothing brand inspired by her passion for empowering women and promoting body positivity.
A proud single mother of two, Liz’s life reflects hard work, resilience, and determination. Her 23-year-old son serves in the Army National Guard, while her 12-year-old daughter pursues her passion for dance.
