100 Hispanic Women: New Jersey Program
PAST EVENTS
Hispanic Heritage Month: 100 Hispanic Women New Jersey Program Featured on PIX 11 News!
"NEW JERSEY (PIX11) — For 29 years the local non-profit organization 100 Hispanic Women has been empowering Latinas to be innovative and to maximize their strengths for personal and professional growth.
Legacy building with a little bit of innovation is how Luisa Rodriguez Aponte, President of the 100 Hispanic Women New Jersey program, describes the work the organization has been doing since 1995.
“I see in this organization so many opportunities for us to build connections among generations and within communities,” said Aponte."
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Luisa Rodriguez-Aponte
President
Luisa Rodriguez-Aponte is a first-generation Dominican American leader with over a decade of experience across the public, nonprofit, and education sectors, advancing initiatives centered on equity, access, community engagement, and leadership development. Throughout her career, she has worked across government, higher education, and nonprofit spaces supporting programs and initiatives that expand opportunity and strengthen communities.
Professionally, she serves as an Associate Staff Analyst at the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, where her work focuses on advancing equitable access to transportation for individuals with disabilities. Her professional background also includes experience in program coordination, stakeholder engagement, operations, and community-centered initiatives that bridge public service and impact-driven leadership.
Deeply committed to mentorship and empowerment, Luisa has dedicated much of her work to creating pathways for women and girls to thrive personally, academically, and professionally. She is passionate about cultivating meaningful connections, expanding access to opportunity, and uplifting the next generation of Latina leaders through advocacy, service, and representation.
Known for her thoughtful and collaborative leadership style, Luisa is also a speaker, facilitator, and community advocate whose work centers on sisterhood, empowerment, and lasting community impact across New Jersey and beyond. As a mother, public servant, and nonprofit leader, she brings both heart and purpose to every space she serves.
Monica Castano
Vice President
Monica Castano is a dynamic leader with 26 years of leadership experience in the HealthCare industry. As the Regional Operation Manager for the New York Metro Market at Labcorp she is highly regarded for leading large teams, driving performance improvement initiatives and overseeing the daily workflow of her operations team. Living by the motto of “We are the Leaders We've Been Waiting for” Monica is passionate about the development of the next generation of leaders. Hija de un padre Puertorriqueno and a Costa Rican mom this first gen business professional is enthusiastic about sharing her journey to success as a Hispanic woman in corporate America.
Her career has seen great advancements towards an inclusive environment over recent years, and she is devoted to raising awareness on why this is extremely important. Her mission is to create an inclusive work environment where all individuals are respected, and where our diverse workforce is effectively managed to improve business performance and enhance our competitive advantage. Her work as the Global ERG leader for Humanos has allowed her to hosted many events over the past few years where she has created a safe space for individuals to be open and have conversations recognizing and celebrating their differences. As a member of WEN ERG (Women Empowerment Network) she has facilitated yearly IWD workshops for her leadership team, to support them in leadership development, DEI, and empowering women in leadership. She believes in the importance of women helping each other with the right tools, resources, and training to open doors for one another.
She thrives at giving back to the community and host serval community outreach events throughout the year. She’s extremely proud of creating Diversity classroom libraries in underserving schools. Monica is a strong believer that children deserve to see themselves in the books they read. Her goal is to continue to motivate, support and inspire our future leaders and in doing so, assist in making a stronger community.
Co-founder of MYSUNSHINE Events she proclaims it as her favorite accomplishment as it has allowed her to enter the entrepreneurship world with her daughter.
Ayanelis Rodriguez
Mentorship & Leadership Development Chair
Ayanelis Rodriguez is an entrepreneur with a passion for promoting positive mental health and encouraging overall well-being through creativity. With over 15 years of experience in the Family Services field and a background in community mental health, Ayanelis brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her work. Throughout her career, she has dedicated herself to working with families in underprivileged communities, advocating for their well-being and providing support where it’s needed most.
As founder and CEO of Embellished Ribbon, a gifting company specializing in soy candles, personalized gifts, and events, Ayanelis channels her passion for mental health and creativity into uplifting others. Through Embellished Ribbon, Ayanelis drives to uplift, inspire, and empower others by creating gifts that make them feel loved, appreciated, and understood. By leveraging her experience in community mental health and her entrepreneurial spirit, she aims to create experiences that not only celebrate special occasions but also nurture relationships and foster a sense of belonging.
Beyond her work with Embellished Ribbon, in her free time, she enjoys exploring her creative side through crafting and DIY projects. She also values spending quality time with family and friends, finding joy in simple moments and meaningful connections. Ayanelis Rodriguez is deeply honored and humbled to join the Board of Directors for the 100 Hispanic Women NJ Program. With a strong commitment to advocacy and empowerment, she is excited about the opportunity to champion the educational and professional progression of Latina women and to inspire tomorrow’s leaders through creativity, innovation, and vision.
Teresa Montero
Treasurer
Teresa Montero is a Regional Manager at LabCorp and a passionate leader who strives to inspire future leaders to reach their full potential. In addition to her managerial role, she is the creator and co-host of a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion podcast called “Diversity Matters,” Powered by Labcorp. To enhance her leadership skills, Teresa has taken courses in DEI, Women in Leadership, Leveraging Leadership Styles, Workplace Respect, Emotional Well-being, Assessment, and Mindfulness, and is also a green belt in Six Sigma.
Teresa Montero not only excels in her professional role but also actively contributes to her community, personal growth, and self-care, with her diverse interests and commitment to continuous learning. During her leisure time, Teresa engages in activities that promote her well-being. She practices meditation, and yoga, spends time at the sauna, and enjoys outdoor pursuits such as hiking, running, and bicycling. Teresa also actively participates in community outreach programs, with a particular focus on supporting individuals reentering the workforce through her involvement with the NJRC program. Teresa not only understands the importance of giving back, she also values a strong support network. Teresa considers herself fortunate to be surrounded by a network of supportive and powerful women who not only uplift and inspire her but also share a strong sense of faith.
Traveling and attending retreats are sources of joy and growth for Teresa. She believes that the world is not just a playground but a school of knowledge, and she embraces every experience as an opportunity to learn and develop personally and professionally. Teresa advocates for a holistic approach to medicine, emphasizing the interconnectedness of the body, mind, and spirit. Her belief in the power of holistic healing further reflects her dedication to overall well-being.
Teresa is a devoted mother to her son, Isaiah Pedroza, and her main focus is to ensure his success in the world. She leads by example, demonstrating the values and qualities she hopes to instill in him
Taina Perez
Education & Empowerment Chair
Taina Perez is a dynamic licensed social worker who has made a lasting impact in child protection and welfare services. Taina Perez is a resilient and innovative social work professional who has dedicated her career to empowering vulnerable children and families. As the Director of the Peer Advocacy Program at the NYC Administration for Children Services, Office of Advocacy, Taina utilizes her extensive experience to develop impactful peer support services.
Chelsea Cordero
Membership Experience & Communications Chair
Lisa Perez
Social Media Chair
Lisa’s work goes beyond skincare and massage, she is deeply committed to empowering others to create a life and business they love. As a licensed massage therapist, esthetician, and small business strategist, she now mentors wellness professionals, teaches continuing education courses, and helps others transition from burnout to balance with her signature mind-body-soul approach.
She is also the founder of The Ambitious Women Hub, a quarterly accountability circle for entrepreneurial women, and a speaker known for her raw, heartfelt storytelling around healing, leadership, and rising above trauma. Lisa’s mission is rooted in community, resilience, and redefining what success looks like, especially for women of color.
From spa rooms to boardrooms, Lisa is helping others heal, grow, and thrive, one intentional experience at a time.
Elizabeth Conde
Outreach & Strategic Alliance Chair
Elizabeth Conde is a dedicated School Social Worker, educator, and advocate with more than 28 years of experience supporting diverse communities through education, mental health, and social services. Her work has included providing social, emotional, and academic support across programs focused on domestic violence, homelessness, teen parent support, adult education, substance abuse, and college and career counseling.
Elizabeth currently serves as a School Social Worker, Adjunct Professor at Stony Brook University, Civics Teacher, and Psychotherapist working toward her clinical licensure hours. She is passionate about empowering individuals through education, civic engagement, and community advocacy.
She holds degrees from Hudson County Community College, Rutgers University–Newark, and Adelphi University, along with certifications from Columbia University and New York University.
Elizabeth is an award-winning co-author of Latinx/e in Social Work, author of Empathy, Founder of Conde Consulting Services, and has served on multiple boards supporting causes rooted in education, advocacy, and community empowerment.
