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.

Noel Concepcion, LMSW, is celebrating 30 years with BronxWorks. Noel joined the organization in 1995 as a Case Manager for the Homeless Outreach Team (HOT). He is now the Vice President of Adult Homeless Services, overseeing a men’s shelter, multiple safe havens, a drop-in center, and street outreach.

A Bronx native of Puerto Rican descent, Noel spent his entire childhood living in the borough. Noel moved to the Midwest for college and found that he was most engaged with his studies surrounding social work. He earned his Bachelors Degree in Sociology from Southwestern College, then immediately moved back to New York City to pursue a career in social services. Despite his mother moving away to Virginia, Noel wanted to return to the city where he felt he could best support his own community.  He joined BronxWorks HOT in 1995, the same year HOT was established as the first street outreach program in the Bronx.

After a few years into his career, Noel attended Hunter College’s Silberman School of Social Work and earned his MSW. He completed his One Year Residency requirement at the BronxWorks Living Room safe haven and drop-in center, which was recently opened at the time and the first of its kind in the borough. Shortly after completing his MSW, Noel was promoted to Program Director of HOT and then promoted once again to oversee the Living Room as well. The organization’s homeless services continued to expand throughout the years, with Noel maintaining oversight of these services. In 2015, Noel was promoted to Department Director of Adult Homeless Services, coinciding with the opening of the second BronxWorks safe haven. In 2024, Noel was named Vice President of Adult Homeless Services at BronxWorks.

Noel takes extreme pride in contributing to the reduction of street homelessness in the borough, which BronxWorks has presided over for the last three decades. “I’m very proud of the reduction in street homelessness in the Bronx. The work is not done, and we are committed to continuing this work to uplift the community.”

Noel Concepcion, LMSW, is celebrating 30 years with BronxWorks. Noel joined the organization in 1995 as a Case Manager for the Homeless Outreach Team (HOT). He is now the Vice President of Adult Homeless Services, overseeing a men’s shelter, multiple safe havens, a drop-in center, and street outreach.

A Bronx native of Puerto Rican descent, Noel spent his entire childhood living in the borough. Noel moved to the Midwest for college and found that he was most engaged with his studies surrounding social work. He earned his Bachelors Degree in Sociology from Southwestern College, then immediately moved back to New York City to pursue a career in social services. Despite his mother moving away to Virginia, Noel wanted to return to the city where he felt he could best support his own community.  He joined BronxWorks HOT in 1995, the same year HOT was established as the first street outreach program in the Bronx.

After a few years into his career, Noel attended Hunter College’s Silberman School of Social Work and earned his MSW. He completed his One Year Residency requirement at the BronxWorks Living Room safe haven and drop-in center, which was recently opened at the time and the first of its kind in the borough. Shortly after completing his MSW, Noel was promoted to Program Director of HOT and then promoted once again to oversee the Living Room as well. The organization’s homeless services continued to expand throughout the years, with Noel maintaining oversight of these services. In 2015, Noel was promoted to Department Director of Adult Homeless Services, coinciding with the opening of the second BronxWorks safe haven. In 2024, Noel was named Vice President of Adult Homeless Services at BronxWorks.

Noel takes extreme pride in contributing to the reduction of street homelessness in the borough, which BronxWorks has presided over for the last three decades. “I’m very proud of the reduction in street homelessness in the Bronx. The work is not done, and we are committed to continuing this work to uplift the community.”

Alexandra Francis joined BronxWorks in July 2025 as the Executive Vice President of Supportive Housing and Homeless Services. In this role, Alex oversees the agency’s adult homeless services department, family residences, supportive housing, and other related initiatives.

Alex is a first-generation Haitian American who was born and raised in Brooklyn. Her family moved to Long Island when she was in elementary school, and she continued to live there for many years. She attended New York University for both her undergraduate and graduate degrees, earning a B.A. and M.A. in Psychology. Alex always had an interest in understanding people, and she would frequently engage in conversation with strangers on her train rides to and from class. Alex began her career in mental health services, working with various types of providers and clientele, including those in the criminal justice system and people with a history of severe mental illness.

Alex eventually joined the Center for Urban Community Services, and during her 14 years with CUCS she grew her portfolio of work to include homeless outreach, supportive housing, and benefits acquisition for formerly incarcerated individuals. Alex was encouraged by colleagues to pursue her Masters in Social Work to continue her career development. She was awarded a scholarship from the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, allowing her to earn her MSW from Hunter College. Alex also participated in the American Express Leadership Academy, a program for nonprofit leaders to strengthen their leadership skills to drive lasting change in their communities. She then served as the Chief Program Officer at Lantern Community Services, directing their supportive housing and shelter divisions.

Alex joins BronxWorks with over 25 years in the nonprofit mental health and social services sector. Her experience will be invaluable as she leads our services supporting some of our most vulnerable neighbors. Alex appreciates the opportunity to work for an agency with such a wide range of services, supporting the community in every facet of life. “The agency does not just sit in the Bronx, it serves the Bronx,” says Alex. “We’re not just leaving our own footprint, but working to enrich the lives of those who live in and are from the Bronx.”

Outside of work, Alex is a mentor for SHNNY’s RELISH initiative, cultivating the next generation of talent in service to marginalized communities. She also loves to travel and spend as much time as she can with family.

Alexandra Francis joined BronxWorks in July 2025 as the Executive Vice President of Supportive Housing and Homeless Services. In this role, Alex oversees the agency’s adult homeless services department, family residences, supportive housing, and other related initiatives.

Alex is a first-generation Haitian American who was born and raised in Brooklyn. Her family moved to Long Island when she was in elementary school, and she continued to live there for many years. She attended New York University for both her undergraduate and graduate degrees, earning a B.A. and M.A. in Psychology. Alex always had an interest in understanding people, and she would frequently engage in conversation with strangers on her train rides to and from class. Alex began her career in mental health services, working with various types of providers and clientele, including those in the criminal justice system and people with a history of severe mental illness.

Alex eventually joined the Center for Urban Community Services, and during her 14 years with CUCS she grew her portfolio of work to include homeless outreach, supportive housing, and benefits acquisition for formerly incarcerated individuals. Alex was encouraged by colleagues to pursue her Masters in Social Work to continue her career development. She was awarded a scholarship from the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, allowing her to earn her MSW from Hunter College. Alex also participated in the American Express Leadership Academy, a program for nonprofit leaders to strengthen their leadership skills to drive lasting change in their communities. She then served as the Chief Program Officer at Lantern Community Services, directing their supportive housing and shelter divisions.

Alex joins BronxWorks with over 25 years in the nonprofit mental health and social services sector. Her experience will be invaluable as she leads our services supporting some of our most vulnerable neighbors. Alex appreciates the opportunity to work for an agency with such a wide range of services, supporting the community in every facet of life. “The agency does not just sit in the Bronx, it serves the Bronx,” says Alex. “We’re not just leaving our own footprint, but working to enrich the lives of those who live in and are from the Bronx.”

Outside of work, Alex is a mentor for SHNNY’s RELISH initiative, cultivating the next generation of talent in service to marginalized communities. She also loves to travel and spend as much time as she can with family.

Gregory Adams joined BronxWorks in March 2025 as the Director of Security. In this position, Greg oversees security and fire safety operations across all BronxWorks sites, including our shelters, safe havens, drop-in centers, and stabilization bed sites. He is responsible for evaluating security needs, implementing best practices, recruiting qualified security personnel, leading risk mitigation efforts, and more.

Greg was born and raised in Brooklyn by a single mother, alongside his twin brother. Greg’s mother worked as a NYC public school teacher for over three decades, inspiring him to also dedicate himself to helping others in his community. After re-establishing a relationship with his father, Greg learned his father also worked in the NYC public school system for over two decades and they were members of the same union. His family’s dedication to public service furthered Greg’s desire to make an impact on his community and pursue law enforcement.

“I love to make people feel safe. It’s the thing I know how to do best.”

Greg joined BronxWorks with over three decades of experience in public safety and security. He started his career with the NYPD in 1997, serving as an Auxiliary Police Officer for several years. He then joined the NYC Department of Homeless Services Police as a Peace Officer in 2002, where he remained for over 20 years and rose to the ranks of Sergeant, Lieutenant, and finally Captain. He was also simultaneously working for the U.S. Department of Justice Federal Bureau of Prisons, starting as a Correctional Officer trainee and ascending the ranks to Senior Officer Specialist. In this position, Greg gained experience in another form of shelter security at the federal level. Throughout his career, Greg developed a specialty focus on security policy. He participated in committees to improve policies and led the development and implementation of new procedures.

Greg transitioned to BronxWorks to make a greater impact on his community, and he is excited to leverage his experiences to elevate the organization’s safety as we continue to expand. Since joining the organization, Greg has implemented new security policies, hired dozens of new security personnel, and fostered a strong camaraderie among his staff. “I’m really big on a family environment for my team,” says Greg. “It’s important to have that extra level of care for one another. I’m lucky to have started developing that with my security coordinators and other staff.” As Director of Security, Greg plays a vital role in maintaining a secure and supportive environment for those seeking services and those providing services at BronxWorks.

Outside of work, Greg enjoys cars, traveling to warmer climates, and spending time with his 13-year-old daughter.

Gregory Adams joined BronxWorks in March 2025 as the Director of Security. In this position, Greg oversees security and fire safety operations across all BronxWorks sites, including our shelters, safe havens, drop-in centers, and stabilization bed sites. He is responsible for evaluating security needs, implementing best practices, recruiting qualified security personnel, leading risk mitigation efforts, and more.

Greg was born and raised in Brooklyn by a single mother, alongside his twin brother. Greg’s mother worked as a NYC public school teacher for over three decades, inspiring him to also dedicate himself to helping others in his community. After re-establishing a relationship with his father, Greg learned his father also worked in the NYC public school system for over two decades and they were members of the same union. His family’s dedication to public service furthered Greg’s desire to make an impact on his community and pursue law enforcement.

“I love to make people feel safe. It’s the thing I know how to do best.”

Greg joined BronxWorks with over three decades of experience in public safety and security. He started his career with the NYPD in 1997, serving as an Auxiliary Police Officer for several years. He then joined the NYC Department of Homeless Services Police as a Peace Officer in 2002, where he remained for over 20 years and rose to the ranks of Sergeant, Lieutenant, and finally Captain. He was also simultaneously working for the U.S. Department of Justice Federal Bureau of Prisons, starting as a Correctional Officer trainee and ascending the ranks to Senior Officer Specialist. In this position, Greg gained experience in another form of shelter security at the federal level. Throughout his career, Greg developed a specialty focus on security policy. He participated in committees to improve policies and led the development and implementation of new procedures.

Greg transitioned to BronxWorks to make a greater impact on his community, and he is excited to leverage his experiences to elevate the organization’s safety as we continue to expand. Since joining the organization, Greg has implemented new security policies, hired dozens of new security personnel, and fostered a strong camaraderie among his staff. “I’m really big on a family environment for my team,” says Greg. “It’s important to have that extra level of care for one another. I’m lucky to have started developing that with my security coordinators and other staff.” As Director of Security, Greg plays a vital role in maintaining a secure and supportive environment for those seeking services and those providing services at BronxWorks.

Outside of work, Greg enjoys cars, traveling to warmer climates, and spending time with his 13-year-old daughter.

Opal Henderson joined BronxWorks in pursuit of her heart’s passion to work with young people in her community. Opal originally came to New York City to pursue teaching, but instead she began her career in the banking industry. She attended Bronx Community College and graduated from Lehman College with a degree in Accounting. Opal found great success in the financial field and even considered going back to school to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). However, despite her strengths in this industry, Opal remained passionate about and drawn to teaching.

Opal heard about BronxWorks from a friend and employee, who was being promoted within the organization and leaving their Internship Coordinator position. When she learned of the immense work BronxWorks does and the ability to work with older youth as an Internship Coordinator, she jumped at the opportunity. Opal started in this position in May 2022 at the Jill Chaifetz Transfer School (JCTS), a NYC public high school designed for youth aged 16-21 who are under-credited. Opal’s previous work experiences have aided in her work at JCTS; “I’m able to impart knowledge and lessons learned to my students,” says Opal.  “I tell them, If I can do this, so can you.” After just a year as Internship Coordinator, Opal was promoted to Program Director of JCTS.

As the BronxWorks Program Director at JCTS, Opal works in collaboration with the school principal, teachers, and other BronxWorks staff to ensure that the students have the resources and support they need to succeed in school and beyond. She also facilitates connections for students to other BronxWorks services, such as workforce development, college preparation, food access, and more. Many older students are facing challenges that hinder their ability to finish school on the intended timeline, and JCTS offers a support system for them as they have a second chance to earn their high school diploma. Opal and the other dedicated staff at JCTS empower the students to see beyond their circumstances and instill a sense of hope for the future. “I see myself as a driving force for the future, sparking a light within them to see beyond right now.”

Now fulfilling her heart’s passion, Opal says it is never a struggle to go to work. While every day can present a new challenge, she and her colleagues care deeply about their students and work tirelessly to see them succeed. Opal values the abundance of resources BronxWorks has beyond JCTS because she can support her students, as well as their families, with whatever services they may need.

If there’s a way to get it done, BronxWorks will make a way.

Both within and beyond her work, Opal loves to meet new people. She also enjoys traveling outside of work and has recently visited Jamaica, San Diego, Delaware, the Dominican Republic, England, and the Cayman Islands.

Opal Henderson joined BronxWorks in pursuit of her heart’s passion to work with young people in her community. Opal originally came to New York City to pursue teaching, but instead she began her career in the banking industry. She attended Bronx Community College and graduated from Lehman College with a degree in Accounting. Opal found great success in the financial field and even considered going back to school to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). However, despite her strengths in this industry, Opal remained passionate about and drawn to teaching.

Opal heard about BronxWorks from a friend and employee, who was being promoted within the organization and leaving their Internship Coordinator position. When she learned of the immense work BronxWorks does and the ability to work with older youth as an Internship Coordinator, she jumped at the opportunity. Opal started in this position in May 2022 at the Jill Chaifetz Transfer School (JCTS), a NYC public high school designed for youth aged 16-21 who are under-credited. Opal’s previous work experiences have aided in her work at JCTS; “I’m able to impart knowledge and lessons learned to my students,” says Opal.  “I tell them, If I can do this, so can you.” After just a year as Internship Coordinator, Opal was promoted to Program Director of JCTS.

As the BronxWorks Program Director at JCTS, Opal works in collaboration with the school principal, teachers, and other BronxWorks staff to ensure that the students have the resources and support they need to succeed in school and beyond. She also facilitates connections for students to other BronxWorks services, such as workforce development, college preparation, food access, and more. Many older students are facing challenges that hinder their ability to finish school on the intended timeline, and JCTS offers a support system for them as they have a second chance to earn their high school diploma. Opal and the other dedicated staff at JCTS empower the students to see beyond their circumstances and instill a sense of hope for the future. “I see myself as a driving force for the future, sparking a light within them to see beyond right now.”

Now fulfilling her heart’s passion, Opal says it is never a struggle to go to work. While every day can present a new challenge, she and her colleagues care deeply about their students and work tirelessly to see them succeed. Opal values the abundance of resources BronxWorks has beyond JCTS because she can support her students, as well as their families, with whatever services they may need.

If there’s a way to get it done, BronxWorks will make a way.

Both within and beyond her work, Opal loves to meet new people. She also enjoys traveling outside of work and has recently visited Jamaica, San Diego, Delaware, the Dominican Republic, England, and the Cayman Islands.

Luiggi Montanero grew up in the Inwood neighborhood of New York City with a passion for music. He took advantage of arts programs offered through his high school and also spent time outside of school writing and producing songs. Luiggi attended SUNY Fredonia, earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a focus in the music industry. In a full-circle moment, Luiggi’s first job after college was with an arts-focused nonprofit, the same organization that provided arts programming at his high school.

Luiggi worked as an Institutional Development Manager at the arts nonprofit, and later he continued to work in development with a for-profit company that established funding systems for arts-related nonprofits. In these roles, Luiggi became familiar with the social service sector while maintaining his passion for the arts as part of his career. Luiggi came to BronxWorks in 2024 as the Tenant Services Coordinator at The Brook, a supportive housing complex where BronxWorks is the social service provider. He heard about the position from his sister, who previously worked at The Brook and other BronxWorks locations. In his position at The Brook, Luiggi is still able to involve his passion for the arts in his work while continuing to support his community.

There have been opportunities here where I can bring some music and art into my work. A bunch of the residents here at The Brook are creatives themselves, too.”

In his work as Tenant Services Coordinator, Luiggi interacts with residents on a daily basis and oversees recreational activities and other services offered in the building. The Brook recently celebrated its 15^th Anniversary since the program began, and Luiggi was instrumental in the planning and implementation of that event. Other events for residents often involve some form of art therapy or allow opportunities for creativity. For example, residents at The Brook recently began a drama therapy group, where instructors lead participants through various theater drills and exercises as an outlet for emotional expression. Luiggi enjoys observing and participating in these activities because he learns more about various artforms while also further connecting with clients. In his position, Luiggi feels that he has a unique relationship with residents and can gain different insight than his peers.

The residents come to me and talk about different things that they may not share with others. So I’m able to help out on both sides – not only the clients, but also the staff. It helps to work as a team.”

Despite his original plans to pursue a career in the music industry, Luiggi says he has not considered changing fields, as there is already so much music and arts in his current position. At The Brook, he is still able to provide a safe space for people to delve deeper into their creativity, while also being a part of something more community-oriented. “I’ve never felt more fulfilled in a job,” said Luiggi.

Outside of work, Luiggi is a big proponent of personal wellness and enjoys going to the gym. He also continues to enjoy music and has been looking for new art forms to engage with throughout the city.

Luiggi Montanero grew up in the Inwood neighborhood of New York City with a passion for music. He took advantage of arts programs offered through his high school and also spent time outside of school writing and producing songs. Luiggi attended SUNY Fredonia, earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a focus in the music industry. In a full-circle moment, Luiggi’s first job after college was with an arts-focused nonprofit, the same organization that provided arts programming at his high school.

Luiggi worked as an Institutional Development Manager at the arts nonprofit, and later he continued to work in development with a for-profit company that established funding systems for arts-related nonprofits. In these roles, Luiggi became familiar with the social service sector while maintaining his passion for the arts as part of his career. Luiggi came to BronxWorks in 2024 as the Tenant Services Coordinator at The Brook, a supportive housing complex where BronxWorks is the social service provider. He heard about the position from his sister, who previously worked at The Brook and other BronxWorks locations. In his position at The Brook, Luiggi is still able to involve his passion for the arts in his work while continuing to support his community.

There have been opportunities here where I can bring some music and art into my work. A bunch of the residents here at The Brook are creatives themselves, too.”

In his work as Tenant Services Coordinator, Luiggi interacts with residents on a daily basis and oversees recreational activities and other services offered in the building. The Brook recently celebrated its 15^th Anniversary since the program began, and Luiggi was instrumental in the planning and implementation of that event. Other events for residents often involve some form of art therapy or allow opportunities for creativity. For example, residents at The Brook recently began a drama therapy group, where instructors lead participants through various theater drills and exercises as an outlet for emotional expression. Luiggi enjoys observing and participating in these activities because he learns more about various artforms while also further connecting with clients. In his position, Luiggi feels that he has a unique relationship with residents and can gain different insight than his peers.

The residents come to me and talk about different things that they may not share with others. So I’m able to help out on both sides – not only the clients, but also the staff. It helps to work as a team.”

Despite his original plans to pursue a career in the music industry, Luiggi says he has not considered changing fields, as there is already so much music and arts in his current position. At The Brook, he is still able to provide a safe space for people to delve deeper into their creativity, while also being a part of something more community-oriented. “I’ve never felt more fulfilled in a job,” said Luiggi.

Outside of work, Luiggi is a big proponent of personal wellness and enjoys going to the gym. He also continues to enjoy music and has been looking for new art forms to engage with throughout the city.