Gina Lee has always had a strong passion for helping people and envisioned herself as a direct-service worker. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Community and Human Services from SUNY Empire State University and started her career assisting New Yorkers submit social security disability claims. In search of a position where she could be part of a larger mission impacting her community, she found BronxWorks. She joined the organization in 2011 as a Program Specialist in the Family Rewards Program, where she thrived for several years. While in that position, Gina’s supervisor encouraged her to take on a data systems project for managing the department’s data collection.

“My supervisor saw something in me that I didn’t see, and gave me the opportunity to try it out. She has always supported my growth with the organization.”

From there, Gina spearheaded the department’s launch into using data management technology, which became her primary role. In 2019, Gina transitioned to the CQI department and is now the Business Systems Manager for BronxWorks. In this role, she and her colleagues work together to evaluate data collection methods across the agency and assist programs with implementing the data management system. Gina often meets with program staff to understand how they are collecting data and then adapts the technology to support those processes, making it easier for the client-facing staff. Having started at BronxWorks working in direct services, Gina understands that data collection, while vital, can be very time consuming and she strives to streamline the workflow as much as possible for staff.

“I find it rewarding to be able to pull insights from the data showing all the great work that is being done, and knowing that this data is being used to make decisions across the organization. It allows us to tell a clearer story about our impact.”

Gina was born and raised in the Bronx and now lives in Tennessee with her family. She has two young children who take up most of her time and they love to do arts and crafts. Gina has also recently started creating her own animations as a hobby.

Gina Lee has always had a strong passion for helping people and envisioned herself as a direct-service worker. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Community and Human Services from SUNY Empire State University and started her career assisting New Yorkers submit social security disability claims. In search of a position where she could be part of a larger mission impacting her community, she found BronxWorks. She joined the organization in 2011 as a Program Specialist in the Family Rewards Program, where she thrived for several years. While in that position, Gina’s supervisor encouraged her to take on a data systems project for managing the department’s data collection.

“My supervisor saw something in me that I didn’t see, and gave me the opportunity to try it out. She has always supported my growth with the organization.”

From there, Gina spearheaded the department’s launch into using data management technology, which became her primary role. In 2019, Gina transitioned to the CQI department and is now the Business Systems Manager for BronxWorks. In this role, she and her colleagues work together to evaluate data collection methods across the agency and assist programs with implementing the data management system. Gina often meets with program staff to understand how they are collecting data and then adapts the technology to support those processes, making it easier for the client-facing staff. Having started at BronxWorks working in direct services, Gina understands that data collection, while vital, can be very time consuming and she strives to streamline the workflow as much as possible for staff.

“I find it rewarding to be able to pull insights from the data showing all the great work that is being done, and knowing that this data is being used to make decisions across the organization. It allows us to tell a clearer story about our impact.”

Gina was born and raised in the Bronx and now lives in Tennessee with her family. She has two young children who take up most of her time and they love to do arts and crafts. Gina has also recently started creating her own animations as a hobby.

Tyler McCormick recently joined BronxWorks as Chief of Staff and Strategy. She comes to the organization with many years of experience in social service. Born in Los Angeles, Tyler moved to New York to attend Barnard College and earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Art History and Visual Arts. However, she quickly realized her true passion was working in youth services and transitioned her career trajectory. Since then, Tyler has worked for Association to Benefit Children (ABC), NYC Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD), CAMBA, the Youth Development Institute (YDI), and Phipps Neighborhoods, in various leadership positions.

Early in her career, Tyler went back to school to expand her skills in youth service development. She earned a Master’s Degree in Science of Education with a focus on Community Based Learning from Bank Street College, as well as a Master’s in Youth Studies from the CUNY School of Professional Studies. Through various positions, Tyler discovered that she had a strong interest in professional development for human service workers and implemented systems for staff development and program growth. She also earned a Doctor of Education Degree from NYU Steinhardt’s Leadership and Innovation program. Most recently, Tyler was Chief Strategy and Integration Officer at Phipps Neighborhoods, where she led the organization’s development department, education and capacity building, data, evaluation and learning, and integration of services. After five years at Phipps, Tyler joined BronxWorks in 2025.

“I had a chance to speak with Eileen, and there was just something about this organization. The work, the spirit, the vision for the future of the agency, it all felt really inspiring.”

As Chief of Staff and Strategy at BronxWorks, Tyler has many responsibilities that support the operations and longevity of the organization. She views her role as a collaborator, bringing together her colleagues to find solutions to strengthen the organization’s impact. Her tasks include overseeing Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI), evaluating and developing more efficient systems for agency operations, guiding the strategic planning process, and leading special projects, among others.

“Relationship building is so core to the work that I do and I’ve been so inspired by the staff I’ve met so far. They’re incredibly passionate about what they do, and it comes off within an instant of meeting them.”  

Outside of work, Tyler loves to spend time outdoors with her partner and her dog. She has also recently found building Lego sets to be very relaxing.

Tyler McCormick recently joined BronxWorks as Chief of Staff and Strategy. She comes to the organization with many years of experience in social service. Born in Los Angeles, Tyler moved to New York to attend Barnard College and earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Art History and Visual Arts. However, she quickly realized her true passion was working in youth services and transitioned her career trajectory. Since then, Tyler has worked for Association to Benefit Children (ABC), NYC Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD), CAMBA, the Youth Development Institute (YDI), and Phipps Neighborhoods, in various leadership positions.

Early in her career, Tyler went back to school to expand her skills in youth service development. She earned a Master’s Degree in Science of Education with a focus on Community Based Learning from Bank Street College, as well as a Master’s in Youth Studies from the CUNY School of Professional Studies. Through various positions, Tyler discovered that she had a strong interest in professional development for human service workers and implemented systems for staff development and program growth. She also earned a Doctor of Education Degree from NYU Steinhardt’s Leadership and Innovation program. Most recently, Tyler was Chief Strategy and Integration Officer at Phipps Neighborhoods, where she led the organization’s development department, education and capacity building, data, evaluation and learning, and integration of services. After five years at Phipps, Tyler joined BronxWorks in 2025.

“I had a chance to speak with Eileen, and there was just something about this organization. The work, the spirit, the vision for the future of the agency, it all felt really inspiring.”

As Chief of Staff and Strategy at BronxWorks, Tyler has many responsibilities that support the operations and longevity of the organization. She views her role as a collaborator, bringing together her colleagues to find solutions to strengthen the organization’s impact. Her tasks include overseeing Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI), evaluating and developing more efficient systems for agency operations, guiding the strategic planning process, and leading special projects, among others.

“Relationship building is so core to the work that I do and I’ve been so inspired by the staff I’ve met so far. They’re incredibly passionate about what they do, and it comes off within an instant of meeting them.”  

Outside of work, Tyler loves to spend time outdoors with her partner and her dog. She has also recently found building Lego sets to be very relaxing.

Amanda Perez began working in the nonprofit sector while completing her Bachelor’s Degree in Statistical Theory at Barnard College. She worked as a case manager assigned to Bronx middle and high schools, providing students with individual counseling to address chronic absenteeism. In these positions, Amanda practiced the real-world application of her studies and used statistical analysis to track her students’ progress. Her interest in this work continued to flourish and led her to earn a Master’s Degree in Data Analysis at Baruch College.

“Working on these projects, I realized that there is a direct connection between the statistical theory I was studying at school, and the quality of service being provided. We could use the data to inform that.”  

After completing her degrees, Amanda pursued Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) positions in the nonprofit sector throughout the city. However, she missed working for an organization that was making an impact in the Bronx community. She joined BronxWorks in 2016 as the Program Director of the Jill Chaifetz Transfer School (JCTS), once again immersing herself in case management work for a Bronx high school. As a Bronx resident and native, Amanda enjoyed being part of a large, mission-driven agency focused on her community, though her passion for data analysis remained.

Two years after she joined BronxWorks, Amanda became the organization’s first full-time Director of Compliance. She managed existing CQI Specialists within various programs and established foundational practices for ensuring program compliance. Since then, the CQI department has expanded to include additional staff, more systems of evaluation, and new technology to support data collection for client-facing staff. Amanda is now the Director of Program Quality & Evaluation, overseeing evaluation and improvement across the agency and leading projects creating new guidelines for quality assurance.

“I love seeing how each individual department is contributing to our work as an agency. We are moving towards one common goal, but when you’re in one program you don’t typically see the big picture. For me, I see it as a puzzle all coming together.” 

Outside of work, Amanda loves to spend time playing and learning with her daughter. She also enjoys reading and doing karaoke with loved ones.

Amanda Perez began working in the nonprofit sector while completing her Bachelor’s Degree in Statistical Theory at Barnard College. She worked as a case manager assigned to Bronx middle and high schools, providing students with individual counseling to address chronic absenteeism. In these positions, Amanda practiced the real-world application of her studies and used statistical analysis to track her students’ progress. Her interest in this work continued to flourish and led her to earn a Master’s Degree in Data Analysis at Baruch College.

“Working on these projects, I realized that there is a direct connection between the statistical theory I was studying at school, and the quality of service being provided. We could use the data to inform that.”  

After completing her degrees, Amanda pursued Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) positions in the nonprofit sector throughout the city. However, she missed working for an organization that was making an impact in the Bronx community. She joined BronxWorks in 2016 as the Program Director of the Jill Chaifetz Transfer School (JCTS), once again immersing herself in case management work for a Bronx high school. As a Bronx resident and native, Amanda enjoyed being part of a large, mission-driven agency focused on her community, though her passion for data analysis remained.

Two years after she joined BronxWorks, Amanda became the organization’s first full-time Director of Compliance. She managed existing CQI Specialists within various programs and established foundational practices for ensuring program compliance. Since then, the CQI department has expanded to include additional staff, more systems of evaluation, and new technology to support data collection for client-facing staff. Amanda is now the Director of Program Quality & Evaluation, overseeing evaluation and improvement across the agency and leading projects creating new guidelines for quality assurance.

“I love seeing how each individual department is contributing to our work as an agency. We are moving towards one common goal, but when you’re in one program you don’t typically see the big picture. For me, I see it as a puzzle all coming together.” 

Outside of work, Amanda loves to spend time playing and learning with her daughter. She also enjoys reading and doing karaoke with loved ones.

Crystal Anceume has dedicated her entire career to the food service industry. Crystal was raised in the Bronx, and she knew from a young age that she had cooking skills and wanted to pursue a culinary career. Crystal has held food service jobs since she was 16 years old, and she quickly learned that there is far more to the industry than just cooking. She attended Hostos Community College and earned her Associate’s Degree in Office Technology to diversify her skillset before furthering her career.

Throughout her many years of experience in the industry, Crystal has welcomed every situation as a learning opportunity for herself and her colleagues. Prior to joining BronxWorks, Crystal worked in various aspects of food service, including restaurants, catering, and events. She also gained experience in the social services sector when she worked at the NYC Administration for Children’s Services (ACS). After looking for an opportunity to showcase more of her skills and support an organization uplifting her community, Crystal joined BronxWorks in 2023 as the Food Service Coordinator for Older Adult Centers.

“I am most passionate about the work I’m doing now with the seniors. I love interacting with them and I’m so glad we can make them happy through our food.”  

In this role, Crystal oversees all meals produced for nine BronxWorks older adult centers. She manages food preparation, delivery, inventory, ordering, site visits, and more to ensure that hundreds of older adults are receiving healthy and delicious meals in a timely manner every day. Crystal also works in conjunction with the NYC Department For The Aging, an on-staff Dietician, and the older adults at each site to create the menus.

“I’m proud when people see the seniors’ meals and they see the kitchen, because they see me. I take a lot of pride in it because it’s a reflection of me.”  

Outside of work, Crystal is a referee for high school girls’ basketball through PSAL. Crystal enjoys remaining connected to the sport, since she played basketball in college and her niece currently plays as well.

Crystal Anceume has dedicated her entire career to the food service industry. Crystal was raised in the Bronx, and she knew from a young age that she had cooking skills and wanted to pursue a culinary career. Crystal has held food service jobs since she was 16 years old, and she quickly learned that there is far more to the industry than just cooking. She attended Hostos Community College and earned her Associate’s Degree in Office Technology to diversify her skillset before furthering her career.

Throughout her many years of experience in the industry, Crystal has welcomed every situation as a learning opportunity for herself and her colleagues. Prior to joining BronxWorks, Crystal worked in various aspects of food service, including restaurants, catering, and events. She also gained experience in the social services sector when she worked at the NYC Administration for Children’s Services (ACS). After looking for an opportunity to showcase more of her skills and support an organization uplifting her community, Crystal joined BronxWorks in 2023 as the Food Service Coordinator for Older Adult Centers.

“I am most passionate about the work I’m doing now with the seniors. I love interacting with them and I’m so glad we can make them happy through our food.”  

In this role, Crystal oversees all meals produced for nine BronxWorks older adult centers. She manages food preparation, delivery, inventory, ordering, site visits, and more to ensure that hundreds of older adults are receiving healthy and delicious meals in a timely manner every day. Crystal also works in conjunction with the NYC Department For The Aging, an on-staff Dietician, and the older adults at each site to create the menus.

“I’m proud when people see the seniors’ meals and they see the kitchen, because they see me. I take a lot of pride in it because it’s a reflection of me.”  

Outside of work, Crystal is a referee for high school girls’ basketball through PSAL. Crystal enjoys remaining connected to the sport, since she played basketball in college and her niece currently plays as well.

Daisy Pinero has been a formidable leader in BronxWorks food service for over two decades. Daisy is the Food Service Coordinator at the Carolyn McLaughlin Community Center (CMCC), the organization’s flagship location on the Grand Concourse. Daisy is a New York native who was born in Spanish Harlem and raised in the Bronx. She used to walk by the CMCC building every day on her way to elementary and middle school. Now, Daisy is in charge of producing almost 1,000 meals every day in that building.

“I would’ve never thought when I was younger that I would still be walking down this same block every day.”  

Before pursuing a culinary career, Daisy held a variety of jobs, including security at Bronx public schools, roofing and construction, and assisting a local political campaign. Daisy was first connected to BronxWorks in the mid 1990s through Project Renewal, where she was participating in a culinary training program. She was hired as a cook at the BronxWorks Living Room drop-in center within the first year of that location’s opening. Daisy worked at the Living Room kitchen for several years until 2004, when she transferred to work in the CMCC kitchen. She has remained there ever since, and in those two decades her responsibilities have grown with the expansion of the organization. Daisy and her team provide meals for multiple programs in the building and cater any events at CMCC, and they also distribute to over a dozen other BronxWoks sites.

“I enjoy what I do, helping the community I grew up in. People say it’s a lot of work, but I’m used to it. I take pride in my work.”  

Daisy has a small but mighty team at CMCC, overseeing the organization’s largest kitchen. Through her strong leadership and work ethic, Daisy has made lasting connections with her colleagues that enable them to continue producing food high in quality and quantity.

Outside of work, Daisy loves to travel and visit her family in Florida. Recently she has traveled to Greece and the Dominican Republic, and she has a trip planned to Saint Lucia.

Daisy Pinero has been a formidable leader in BronxWorks food service for over two decades. Daisy is the Food Service Coordinator at the Carolyn McLaughlin Community Center (CMCC), the organization’s flagship location on the Grand Concourse. Daisy is a New York native who was born in Spanish Harlem and raised in the Bronx. She used to walk by the CMCC building every day on her way to elementary and middle school. Now, Daisy is in charge of producing almost 1,000 meals every day in that building.

“I would’ve never thought when I was younger that I would still be walking down this same block every day.”  

Before pursuing a culinary career, Daisy held a variety of jobs, including security at Bronx public schools, roofing and construction, and assisting a local political campaign. Daisy was first connected to BronxWorks in the mid 1990s through Project Renewal, where she was participating in a culinary training program. She was hired as a cook at the BronxWorks Living Room drop-in center within the first year of that location’s opening. Daisy worked at the Living Room kitchen for several years until 2004, when she transferred to work in the CMCC kitchen. She has remained there ever since, and in those two decades her responsibilities have grown with the expansion of the organization. Daisy and her team provide meals for multiple programs in the building and cater any events at CMCC, and they also distribute to over a dozen other BronxWoks sites.

“I enjoy what I do, helping the community I grew up in. People say it’s a lot of work, but I’m used to it. I take pride in my work.”  

Daisy has a small but mighty team at CMCC, overseeing the organization’s largest kitchen. Through her strong leadership and work ethic, Daisy has made lasting connections with her colleagues that enable them to continue producing food high in quality and quantity.

Outside of work, Daisy loves to travel and visit her family in Florida. Recently she has traveled to Greece and the Dominican Republic, and she has a trip planned to Saint Lucia.

Beverly McLeod

Program Director, BronxWorks ECLC I at 1130 Grand Concourse

Beverly McLeod has been a teacher for her entire career and was heavily influenced by amazing teachers she had at an early age. After attending St. Joseph’s Teaching College and earning a degree in Elementary Education, Beverly was a teacher of young children for many years. She then attended Lehman College, earning a Bachelor’s in Sociology and a Master’s in Education. Beverly joined BronxWorks as a Lead Teacher for an ECLC class, and she was promoted to the Program Director of ECLC I at 1130 Grand Concourse within her first year. She has now held that position for the last decade, overseeing all staff and curriculum at the center. Beverly is proud to work with such caring and skilled colleagues, many of whom have been with the organization longer than she has. Beverly’s favorite thing about working with young students is leaving a positive experience of learning that will continue with them into elementary school. Her favorite activity with the students is raising trout during the year and then releasing them in a river upstate.

“I am big on providing them the best educational experience for their first time. So they will take with them the love of learning.”

Outside of work, Beverly loves to decorate and do Do-It-Yourself (DIY) projects.

Titilola Omokpo

Program Director, BronxWorks ECLC II at 1472 Montgomery Avenue

Titilola Omokpo learned that she loved to teach by working alongside her parents, both of whom were educators. Now almost three decades later, she is still working in education and has focused on early childhood learning. Titilola earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Education while living in Nigeria and earned her Master’s in Early Childhood Education from Mercy College. Titilola started at BronxWorks as an ECLC Lead Teacher, with most of her prior experience being in classrooms with preschoolers. Shortly after she started, the Program Director position at ECLC II opened up and she was encouraged by her supervisors to take the position. Titilola has now been the Program Director of BronxWorks ECLC II for 11 years. She is very passionate about her work because early childhood education is foundational to the success and well-being of young learners. Titilola advocates for her staff to ensure they have the resources and training they need to continue growing professionally and to support the deep commitment and care they show the students. She is currently pursing the Children’s Program Administration Credential (CPAC) at CUNY School of Professional Studies.

 “This is the work I love, working with children. Seeing their smile, the enthusiasm in their face, that makes my day.”

Outside of work, Titilola loves fashion, cooking, and listening to music.

Beverly McLeod

Program Director, BronxWorks ECLC I at 1130 Grand Concourse

Beverly McLeod has been a teacher for her entire career and was heavily influenced by amazing teachers she had at an early age. After attending St. Joseph’s Teaching College and earning a degree in Elementary Education, Beverly was a teacher of young children for many years. She then attended Lehman College, earning a Bachelor’s in Sociology and a Master’s in Education. Beverly joined BronxWorks as a Lead Teacher for an ECLC class, and she was promoted to the Program Director of ECLC I at 1130 Grand Concourse within her first year. She has now held that position for the last decade, overseeing all staff and curriculum at the center. Beverly is proud to work with such caring and skilled colleagues, many of whom have been with the organization longer than she has. Beverly’s favorite thing about working with young students is leaving a positive experience of learning that will continue with them into elementary school. Her favorite activity with the students is raising trout during the year and then releasing them in a river upstate.

“I am big on providing them the best educational experience for their first time. So they will take with them the love of learning.”

Outside of work, Beverly loves to decorate and do Do-It-Yourself (DIY) projects.

Titilola Omokpo

Program Director, BronxWorks ECLC II at 1472 Montgomery Avenue

Titilola Omokpo learned that she loved to teach by working alongside her parents, both of whom were educators. Now almost three decades later, she is still working in education and has focused on early childhood learning. Titilola earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Education while living in Nigeria and earned her Master’s in Early Childhood Education from Mercy College. Titilola started at BronxWorks as an ECLC Lead Teacher, with most of her prior experience being in classrooms with preschoolers. Shortly after she started, the Program Director position at ECLC II opened up and she was encouraged by her supervisors to take the position. Titilola has now been the Program Director of BronxWorks ECLC II for 11 years. She is very passionate about her work because early childhood education is foundational to the success and well-being of young learners. Titilola advocates for her staff to ensure they have the resources and training they need to continue growing professionally and to support the deep commitment and care they show the students. She is currently pursing the Children’s Program Administration Credential (CPAC) at CUNY School of Professional Studies.

 “This is the work I love, working with children. Seeing their smile, the enthusiasm in their face, that makes my day.”

Outside of work, Titilola loves fashion, cooking, and listening to music.

Alaysia Fulton-Hodo, a Bronx native, joined BronxWorks in search of a new and more impactful career. Prior to joining the organization, she graduated from SUNY Stony Brook University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management and began a career in wealth management.  Alaysia was the first of her family to attend college and worked hard to ensure she can support them. Despite her successes, Alaysia was not fulfilled in her financial career because she felt her work was not impactful for her community.

While working in wealth management, Alaysia regularly volunteered with local nonprofits, often in programs providing food access and other essentials to those in need. The enjoyment she gained from this work led her to consider a switch to the social service industry. With a desire to do more fulfilling work in her local community, Alaysia discovered BronxWorks and attended a recruitment event. She was then immediately hired as an Administrative Assistant for the Homelessness Prevention and Access to Benefits department at BronxWorks. One of the first projects Alaysia worked on was the BronxWorks Bring Back The Jump initiative, a series of double-dutch competitions for Bronx residents. Witnessing camaraderie among participants and staff during such a nostalgic and culturally significant activity brought her so much joy in her new role. These and other programmatic events further immersed Alaysia within her community and reaffirmed the impact of the organization’s work.

Alaysia’s strong work ethic and her skills in data organization and management earned her multiple promotions within the department, and she is now a Program Director for NDA4 and NDA9. The BronxWorks NDA programs are funded by the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD). In this role, Alaysia oversees comprehensive case management and benefits access for community members in her two districts. Alongside other staff, she also facilitates one of the organization’s bi-weekly food pantries, serving up to 60 families with fresh and culturally appropriate produce and goods. Alaysia has witnessed the immense impact of this food pantry within the communities she serves and shares that the demand consistently exceeds the supply.

“One of the biggest things clients say to us all the time is that we need a more expansive pantry… Especially with how things are changing with SNAP eligibility requirements, I’ve noticed that recently people seem to rely on our pantry more.”

Alaysia says her favorite thing about working for BronxWorks has not changed since she first started – seeing community members happy and thriving with the organization’s support. She views her work as empowering clients with the tools and resources to face challenges they thought they could not face alone.

“The work I’m doing here, it makes me so happy that I’m showing clients how to put themselves in the best position to then advocate for themselves in the long term.”

Outside of work, Alaysia enjoys taking time to relax with activities such as working out and playing videogames.

Alaysia Fulton-Hodo, a Bronx native, joined BronxWorks in search of a new and more impactful career. Prior to joining the organization, she graduated from SUNY Stony Brook University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management and began a career in wealth management.  Alaysia was the first of her family to attend college and worked hard to ensure she can support them. Despite her successes, Alaysia was not fulfilled in her financial career because she felt her work was not impactful for her community.

While working in wealth management, Alaysia regularly volunteered with local nonprofits, often in programs providing food access and other essentials to those in need. The enjoyment she gained from this work led her to consider a switch to the social service industry. With a desire to do more fulfilling work in her local community, Alaysia discovered BronxWorks and attended a recruitment event. She was then immediately hired as an Administrative Assistant for the Homelessness Prevention and Access to Benefits department at BronxWorks. One of the first projects Alaysia worked on was the BronxWorks Bring Back The Jump initiative, a series of double-dutch competitions for Bronx residents. Witnessing camaraderie among participants and staff during such a nostalgic and culturally significant activity brought her so much joy in her new role. These and other programmatic events further immersed Alaysia within her community and reaffirmed the impact of the organization’s work.

Alaysia’s strong work ethic and her skills in data organization and management earned her multiple promotions within the department, and she is now a Program Director for NDA4 and NDA9. The BronxWorks NDA programs are funded by the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD). In this role, Alaysia oversees comprehensive case management and benefits access for community members in her two districts. Alongside other staff, she also facilitates one of the organization’s bi-weekly food pantries, serving up to 60 families with fresh and culturally appropriate produce and goods. Alaysia has witnessed the immense impact of this food pantry within the communities she serves and shares that the demand consistently exceeds the supply.

“One of the biggest things clients say to us all the time is that we need a more expansive pantry… Especially with how things are changing with SNAP eligibility requirements, I’ve noticed that recently people seem to rely on our pantry more.”

Alaysia says her favorite thing about working for BronxWorks has not changed since she first started – seeing community members happy and thriving with the organization’s support. She views her work as empowering clients with the tools and resources to face challenges they thought they could not face alone.

“The work I’m doing here, it makes me so happy that I’m showing clients how to put themselves in the best position to then advocate for themselves in the long term.”

Outside of work, Alaysia enjoys taking time to relax with activities such as working out and playing videogames.

Stanley Vargas, MSW, has spent his entire social work career with BronxWorks, growing within the organization’s Adult Homeless Services department. Stanley is the Director of Social Services at the BronxWorks Westchester Avenue Safe Haven (WASH), where he supervises case management staff and liaisons with medical psychiatric providers to support all clientele at the safe haven.

Stanley was born and raised in Harlem to a single mother. He moved to the Bronx when he was a teen and continued to live in the borough for many years. He grew up in a Dominican family with several strong female figures leading the households, all who strongly prioritized education. Stanley earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Arts with a specialty in substance use from the City College of New York. He held various positions before joining BronxWorks in 2017 as an outreach worker for the Homeless Outreach Team (HOT).

Stanley quickly progressed to be a Case Manager and then Senior Case Manager for HOT, when he then gained the desire and encouragement to go back to school for his Masters degree in Social Work. Stanley attended Hunter College’s Silberman School of Social Work and was able to complete his One Year Residency requirement within the Adult Homeless Services department at BronxWorks. After earning his MSW, Stanley was promoted to Director of Social Services at the Westchester Avenue Safe Haven, where he has worked for almost two years now. Having started his career with BronxWorks in street outreach, Stanley is able to leverage his experience and better understand clients’ circumstances at the safe haven. He is very proud to be part of the impactful work accomplished by the organization for some of the most vulnerable members of the community.

“Working here doesn’t feel like a job. I see the impact of BronxWorks, and I love having that one-on-one connection with the community I was raised in.”  

Outside of work, Stanley is an avid New York sports fan. He is also now a father to two young daughters and loves to spend time with his family.

Stanley Vargas, MSW, has spent his entire social work career with BronxWorks, growing within the organization’s Adult Homeless Services department. Stanley is the Director of Social Services at the BronxWorks Westchester Avenue Safe Haven (WASH), where he supervises case management staff and liaisons with medical psychiatric providers to support all clientele at the safe haven.

Stanley was born and raised in Harlem to a single mother. He moved to the Bronx when he was a teen and continued to live in the borough for many years. He grew up in a Dominican family with several strong female figures leading the households, all who strongly prioritized education. Stanley earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Arts with a specialty in substance use from the City College of New York. He held various positions before joining BronxWorks in 2017 as an outreach worker for the Homeless Outreach Team (HOT).

Stanley quickly progressed to be a Case Manager and then Senior Case Manager for HOT, when he then gained the desire and encouragement to go back to school for his Masters degree in Social Work. Stanley attended Hunter College’s Silberman School of Social Work and was able to complete his One Year Residency requirement within the Adult Homeless Services department at BronxWorks. After earning his MSW, Stanley was promoted to Director of Social Services at the Westchester Avenue Safe Haven, where he has worked for almost two years now. Having started his career with BronxWorks in street outreach, Stanley is able to leverage his experience and better understand clients’ circumstances at the safe haven. He is very proud to be part of the impactful work accomplished by the organization for some of the most vulnerable members of the community.

“Working here doesn’t feel like a job. I see the impact of BronxWorks, and I love having that one-on-one connection with the community I was raised in.”  

Outside of work, Stanley is an avid New York sports fan. He is also now a father to two young daughters and loves to spend time with his family.

Barbara Miliano, LCSW, has led The Brook supportive housing site as Program Director for the last ten years. From an early age, Barbara was passionate about providing access to resources and care in a way that is more authentic and culturally relevant to the community being served. Barbara was born in the Dominican Republic but spent most of her childhood in New York City, living in Washington Heights and then the Bronx.

Barbara earned both her undergraduate degree and graduate degree in Social Work from New York University and immediately began her career in social service. Before joining BronxWorks, Barbara’s work experience involved serving a variety of populations, including young adolescents, adults facing incarceration, those recently diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, senior and geriatric care, those with issues of substance abuse, and more.

Barbara heard of an open position at a BronxWorks supportive housing site and was interested in working with clients who had been formerly homeless. She joined the staff at The Brook in 2010 and worked there for over three years before she left the organization for another managerial position. However, Barbara quickly returned to BronxWorks, having missed being ‘boots on the ground’ with her clientele. In 2015, Barbara rejoined the organization as Program Director of The Brook, where she has remained for ten years. Her experiences with diverse populations have culminated to inform her work at The Brook, where residents often have faced a multitude of challenges along with their experiences of homelessness.

Barbara is proud to work in supportive housing because she is able to assist residents with obtaining proactive and long-term care to best support their needs. Having been at The Brook for over a decade, Barbara has witnessed incredible growth, as well as a stronger sense of dignity and community in every resident.

“Some social services can be very transactional, you only interact with clients a couple times. At The Brook, it’s all about the relationship with the client.”

Outside of work, Barbara is enjoying caring for a new puppy and spending time with her daughter, who just started her first semester of college.

Barbara Miliano, LCSW, has led The Brook supportive housing site as Program Director for the last ten years. From an early age, Barbara was passionate about providing access to resources and care in a way that is more authentic and culturally relevant to the community being served. Barbara was born in the Dominican Republic but spent most of her childhood in New York City, living in Washington Heights and then the Bronx.

Barbara earned both her undergraduate degree and graduate degree in Social Work from New York University and immediately began her career in social service. Before joining BronxWorks, Barbara’s work experience involved serving a variety of populations, including young adolescents, adults facing incarceration, those recently diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, senior and geriatric care, those with issues of substance abuse, and more.

Barbara heard of an open position at a BronxWorks supportive housing site and was interested in working with clients who had been formerly homeless. She joined the staff at The Brook in 2010 and worked there for over three years before she left the organization for another managerial position. However, Barbara quickly returned to BronxWorks, having missed being ‘boots on the ground’ with her clientele. In 2015, Barbara rejoined the organization as Program Director of The Brook, where she has remained for ten years. Her experiences with diverse populations have culminated to inform her work at The Brook, where residents often have faced a multitude of challenges along with their experiences of homelessness.

Barbara is proud to work in supportive housing because she is able to assist residents with obtaining proactive and long-term care to best support their needs. Having been at The Brook for over a decade, Barbara has witnessed incredible growth, as well as a stronger sense of dignity and community in every resident.

“Some social services can be very transactional, you only interact with clients a couple times. At The Brook, it’s all about the relationship with the client.”

Outside of work, Barbara is enjoying caring for a new puppy and spending time with her daughter, who just started her first semester of college.