100 Hispanic Women: The Bronx Program
PAST EVENTS
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Virnalisy Crespo
President
Virna Lisy Crespo is a Bronx-based entrepreneur and civic leader with a background in business administration and public sector service. Born in the Dominican Republic and raised in the South Bronx, she brings a cross-cultural perspective and deep community-rooted insight
to her leadership.
She previously served as Deputy Public Administrator for Bronx County, where she managed estate investigations and property matters within the judicial system. In this role, she developed professional relationships across court administration, legal counsel, fiduciaries, and governmental agencies, strengthening her understanding of regulatory frameworks, compliance, and interagency coordination.
She is the Founder of Conexcion Advisory Group, a consulting and advisory firm where she works as a strategic consultant, trusted advisor, and engagement and partnership specialist. Virna connects organizations, institutions, and community leaders to the relationships, resources, and strategies needed to grow their impact across New York State and beyond. A diversified professional service firm providing loan signing services, insurance brokerage, and real estate representation. Her work supports individuals, families, and investors navigating financial, property, and risk-management transactions.
Virna currently serves as President of the Bronx Program of the 100 Hispanic Women, where she leads structured mentorship initiatives connecting high school and college students with executive-level Latina professionals. Under her leadership, the program has expanded its cross-sector partnerships, bridging education, business, and civic institutions to create measurable advancement opportunities for young women.
Her board service includes La Isla Garden in Highbridge and Founder of Fundación Promesa y Acción in the Dominican Republic. Virna's leadership is defined by strategic relationship-building across government, nonprofit, and private sectors. She brings governance experience, operational oversight, and a results-oriented approach to organizational growth and community impact.
She is a mother of three and remains committed to building institutional pathways that expand economic and educational access for the next generation.
Lexxi Ferrer
Vice President
Lexxi Ferrer is the Managing Partner of LV Advisory Group, a strategic advisory firm that supports organizations, entrepreneurs, and mission-driven leaders in building sustainable financial and operational frameworks for growth.
With a background spanning financial analysis, nonprofit strategy, and organizational development, Lexxi specializes in helping leaders translate vision into structure through financial clarity, operational alignment, and strategic planning.
Her work focuses on strengthening organizations' financial foundations and empowering communities with the tools needed to navigate complex economic systems.
As a first-generation Latina professional, Lexxi is passionate about expanding economic opportunity and helping individuals and organizations build pathways toward long-term financial stability and generational impact.
Alexandra Correa
Treasurer
Alexandra Dejesus Soto is an accomplished financial professional with over 20 years of extensive experience in accounting, budgeting, billing, auditing, operations, and project management. She has a proven ability to drive revenue growth and enhance productivity, consistently delivering meaningful change and economic results. As a fluent speaker of both English and Spanish, Alexandra expertly leverages financial systems to achieve exceptional outcomes. Alexandra is of Cuban, Puertorican & Dominican descent.
Beyond her corporate achievements, Alexandra prioritizes her well-being. She actively participates in a salsa dance team, regularly performing across the tri-state area. A dedicated yogi, she practices meditation to maintain focus and clarity. Alexandra earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Sacred Heart University and her Juris Doctor from Fordham Law School. She is committed to empowering the next generation and sees mentoring Latina youth in the South Bronx as a key goal for her future.Alexandra excels in leveraging financial systems to achieve outstanding outcomes. In addition to her corporate success, Alexandra is committed to her self-care. She is part of a salsa dance team and performs frequently in the tri-state area. Alexandra is a yogi and practices meditation to keep herself centered and focused. Alexandra holds a Bachelor of Science from Sacred Heart University and a Juris Doctor from Fordham Law School. Future goals include mentoring South Bronx Latina Youth.
Argelia Rosario
Secretary
Argelia Rosario is a transformational leader, speaker, wellness advocate, and licensed U.S. Customs Broker whose work bridges corporate leadership, community empowerment, and holistic transformation. With more than two decades of experience across global trade, financial operations, and strategic systems, she has built a career rooted in resilience, innovation, and purpose-driven impact.
Born in the Dominican Republic and raised in New York, Argelia’s journey reflects the power of reinvention, conscious leadership, and personal transformation. After a successful corporate career as a customs broker and financial analyst, she expanded her mission into the wellness and empowerment space—creating experiences and initiatives that inspire healing, connection, and authentic leadership.
Today, Argelia collaborates with nonprofit organizations, community leaders, and purpose-driven ventures throughout Westchester County and the greater New York area, supporting strategic growth, community engagement, and transformational programming. As a certified Access Bars practitioner and quantum healing coach, she facilitates healing circles, wellness gatherings, and leadership experiences designed to help individuals reconnect with their purpose, voice, and inner power.
Known for her dynamic presence and ability to connect deeply with diverse audiences, Argelia speaks on topics including transformational leadership, emotional wellness, resilience, conscious community building, women’s empowerment, and navigating personal evolution after corporate success. Her work is grounded in the belief that true leadership begins with healing, authenticity, and courageous self-discovery.
A creative visionary with a passion for curating meaningful experiences and intentional spaces, Argelia brings together strategy, spirituality, and human connection in a way that inspires both personal and collective transformation.
A proud Dominican-American and mother of three sons, Argelia continues to build a legacy centered on empowerment, service, healing, and impactful leadership for future generations.
Yianna Justo
Chair, Marketing & Brand Strategy
Yianna Justo is a Dominican-born strategist and community affairs leader dedicated to advancing impact, creativity, and purpose through her work. Raised in the Inwood section of Manhattan and rooted in the Bronx, her perspective is shaped by both lived experience and a deep connection to the communities she serves.
A product of New York City public schools, Yianna participated in a range of internship programs throughout her educational journey—opportunities that played a formative role in shaping her path. Raised by a single mother, she carries a deep understanding of the power of access, mentorship, and the responsibility to create pathways for others.
She began her career in public service with then–New York State Assemblymember Marcos Crespo and currently serves as Director of Community Affairs at Montefiore Einstein, where she leads initiatives focused on building trust, expanding access, and strengthening long-term community relationships.
Yianna is also the founder of 704 Creative, a strategy-led branding practice that helps individuals and organizations define their positioning, messaging, and direction.
She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Lehman College and an MBA with a concentration in Marketing from SUNY Empire State University.
Yianna proudly serves as a Board Member of the National 100 Hispanic Women Bronx Program, continuing her commitment to uplifting Latina leadership and expanding opportunities for the next generation.
Ariana Collado
Counsel
Ariana Collado is the Executive Director and Counsel to the Bronx Democratic Party, an attorney, and an experienced leader in government, advocacy, and civic engagement. A proud Bronxite and graduate of CUNY School of Law, she has dedicated her career to strengthening communities through strategic policy work, coalition-building, and expanding access to civic participation.
Ariana also serves as a Senior Advisor at London House Consulting, where she advises organizations and clients across New York State on legislative strategy, government relations, public affairs, and partnership development. In addition to her policy and advocacy work, she plays an active role in campaigns throughout the state, focusing on voter engagement and efforts that empower communities to participate more fully in the democratic process.
A former Chief of Staff to a New York City Council Member, Ariana has led legislative, budget, and constituent service operations and has been deeply involved in initiatives that bring critical resources to underserved neighborhoods. She continues to champion policies that support working families, small businesses, and equitable opportunities across New York City.
Ariana resides in the Bronx with her husband and their two dogs.
Lyodalis V. Borrero
Board Member
I am a Registered Nurse at White Plains Hospital, born and raised in the Bronx, New York, and proudly of Dominican and Puerto Rican heritage. I am an alumna of Queens College, City University of New York and Manhattanville University.
As a proud alumna of Legacy Volleyball and former student athlete, I developed professionalism, determination, and strength qualities that continue to shape me as a leader. As a mentor to senior high school and college students pursuing careers in healthcare and a member of the 100 Hispanic Women Bronx chapter, I am passionate about empowering the next generation of Latina leaders. Inspired by the strong women who paved the way for me, I am committed to uplifting others through education, guidance, and purpose because when one of us rises, we all rise.
Alexandra Garcia-Marchany
Board Member
Ruth Chamorro
Board Member
Ruth Chamorro is a dynamic business and real estate professional with over 10 years of experience in business management, more than 6.5 years in property management, and over 7.5 years as a business owner. Born and raised in the Bronx, New York, she is the youngest of 13 children to parents who immigrated from Honduras, an upbringing that shaped her resilience, strong work ethic, and passion for leadership.
Ruth’s leadership journey began early as a snare captain at Rucker High School, earning her a music scholarship to Valley Forge Military Academy and College, where she became a member of the Regimental Band. She later performed on an international stage, helping open the 2013 London New Year’s Day Parade in England. While at Valley Forge, Ruth broke barriers as the first Afro-Latina and minority female First Sergeant, where she led female summer plebe training and commanded oversight of a significant portion of the Corps of Cadets. She graduated in 2014 with an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice and was honored with the prestigious Anthony Wayne Legion Award for Distinguished Cadet, recognizing her exceptional leadership, discipline, and service.
In 2015, her professional career accelerated under the guidance of a mentor who helped her rise from receptionist to manager within just six months, laying the foundation for a trajectory of rapid advancement. In 2019, Ruth became the youngest and first minority Assistant Property Manager at her assigned property, later earning promotions to Property Manager in 2022 and District Manager in 2023. She further expanded her expertise by completing a Certificate in Comprehensive Training in Multifamily Real Estate Development in 2024.
Ruth has trained more than 150 professionals and is deeply committed to developing future leaders. She currently serves with a New York City real estate firm, where she oversees operations and guides management teams across a multi-state property portfolio.
Driven by unwavering faith, discipline, and a passion for breaking barriers, Ruth is also a dedicated Youth Pastor in the Bronx, New York, and a Missionary serving underprivileged communities in the Dominican Republic. Her mission is to lead, train, and inspire the next generation to reach their full potential.
Camelina Peña-Rivera
Board Member
Camie is known for her attention to detail, is reliable, honest, extremely efficient and dedicated to making her clients feel comfortable and secure during the buying & selling process. Leveraging a wealth of knowledge coupled with well-connected contacts within the industry, she guides clients using up-to-date marketing approaches, adopted to the unique requirements of each client, empowering them to make well-informed decisions. She prides herself in exemplary customer service and is passionately driven to ensure her clients' needs are prioritized throughout the entire sale process. Her care and compassion, coupled with her industry knowledge, allows her clients to know that they are in good hands. Her ability to honestly connect with clients sets her apart from others in the industry. Also possessing a good business acumen and excellent communication skills, she easily connects with people.
As a result of this Camie has established a stellar reputation in the market and with her clients, resulting in many of her clients being referral based. Camie also enjoys helping inspire real estate industry professionals looking to grow and work together on becoming the very best version of themselves & building a platform for like-minded professionals willing to collaborate and add values to others. She knows that that this will help make the real estate market stronger and together help the clients reach their real estate goals!
Arrianna Santiago
Board Member
Arrianna Santiago is a self-employed multi-media image maker and gear specialist with the company, Peak Design.
She was born and raised in the South Bronx, spending her childhood and adolescence between her family home in Brooklyn and Grandma’s home in the Bronx. She graduated with honors from LaGuardia High School, double majoring in Studio Art and Vocal, pursued a BFA with honors from the School of Visual Arts, and is currently aspiring for a MFA in Animation.
When she isn’t balancing multiple freelance clients, Arrianna spends her time roller skating in Brooklyn, New Jersey, or on a pier sat on the Hudson. She enjoys cozy binge sessions of K-Dramas with her cats, partner, and matcha in hand.
Lourdes Alger
Board Member
My name is Lourdes Alger and I’m a driven entrepreneur and Licensed Mental Health Counselor dedicated to expanding access to care for individuals and families. As the founder of a growing practice, I lead a diverse team of clinicians providing services to children, adults, couples and families through both in-person and telehealth settings.
With a background in education and strong commitment to community impact especially in the Bronx where I was born and raised. I bring a culturally responsive perspective to mental health care. I am passionate about making high quality, compassionate services accessible to underserved populations while building a sustainable, community-focused organization.
Growing up in a Dominican culture has allowed me to connect with a broader range of clients through language and shared cultural understanding. Outside of my professional work, I enjoy traveling, reading and dancing. I value maintaining
balance and joy in everyday life. I am committed to leveraging my experience to support the organization’s mission and expand its impact
Idania Lopez Mercado
Board Member
Idania Lopez Mercado is a dynamic entrepreneur hailing from the vibrant community of the Bronx. She has carved a niche in the competitive business world. She is known for his strategic acumen, dedication, and community development; she has thrived in the business world, emphasizing innovation and community commitment. Idania's journey began in 1992 in the Public Health Administration Sector, showcasing her resilience and passion for progress.
Idania is a true example of the American Dream. Her nationality is Cuban, and she was raised in the Bronx. A proud mother of three, she earned her bachelor's degree at The College of New Rochelle and has spent 20+ years in healthcare management, government affairs, community affairs, and sales/marketing. She has earned awards and certificates of Merit from the City Council, NY State Assembly, NY State Senate, and US Congress.
As a true advocate for community well-being, Idania’s legacy inspires others, showcasing the impact of dedication, resilience, and a genuine commitment to community enrichment and business success.
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