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.

Even as a child, Sheila Rodriguez, MBA, was troubled by the fact that people in her community lived without homes or enough food. Sheila knew from an early age that she wanted to work towards real change for her neighbors. Raised in the Bronx for most of her childhood, Sheila first learned the importance of community from her family. Her parents would often go out of their way to support those in need however they could. Her family’s generous actions and values instilled in Sheila a strong sense of compassion and care for others that has remained with her to this day.  

Throughout her life, Sheila has grown personally and professionally to make a positive impact in her community. She earned her BA in Criminal Justice from SUNY Oswego, and she earned her Master’s in Business Administration from Touro University last year. Sheila is currently working towards her Doctorate in Business Administration. Her ultimate goal is to have ‘a seat at the table’ of decision makers and to represent the needs of her community members.  

The significant need I see within our community, particularly concerning the homeless population, fuels my personal and professional interests. It has brought me to a place where I feel a strong calling to help break down the systemic barriers that have marginalized my clients for years.” 

Before joining BronxWorks and the social service sector, Sheila briefly worked in the fashion industry. While that job differed greatly from her current career, Sheila says she learned a lot about communicating with and understanding people, which now helps her immensely as a human services worker. Sheila joined BronxWorks in 2021 as a Case Manager for the Homebase program, in which she assisted those facing eviction with resources to keep them stably housed. After less than a year with the organization, Sheila was offered the Case Manager position in the BronxWorks Transform program, which supports families as they transition out of shelter and into long-term housing. Her knowledge from the Homebase program greatly informed her work in Transform, as she continued to support those fighting to remain stably housed.  

As the sole Case Manager of the Transform program, Sheila supports over 60 clients, most of whom have multiple children. She views her role as an advocate for the families; whatever they may be struggling with as they transition into housing, Sheila advocates for them and their needs. Her work is varied and often includes: mediating with landlords and utility companies; facilitating school enrollment and special education assessments; referring parents to the BronxWorks Workforce Development department and other internal resources; and much more. 

I strive to make each client feel seen, respected, and understood. I want them to know that their individual journey matters. It’s incredibly rewarding to work alongside someone, offering guidance and assistance, and to ultimately see them emerge with hope for a brighter future.”  

Outside of work and her studies, Sheila loves to hike and kayak. For her, downtime is best spent enjoying time with friends and family in nature to reconnect and recharge.  

Even as a child, Sheila Rodriguez, MBA, was troubled by the fact that people in her community lived without homes or enough food. Sheila knew from an early age that she wanted to work towards real change for her neighbors. Raised in the Bronx for most of her childhood, Sheila first learned the importance of community from her family. Her parents would often go out of their way to support those in need however they could. Her family’s generous actions and values instilled in Sheila a strong sense of compassion and care for others that has remained with her to this day.  

Throughout her life, Sheila has grown personally and professionally to make a positive impact in her community. She earned her BA in Criminal Justice from SUNY Oswego, and she earned her Master’s in Business Administration from Touro University last year. Sheila is currently working towards her Doctorate in Business Administration. Her ultimate goal is to have ‘a seat at the table’ of decision makers and to represent the needs of her community members.  

The significant need I see within our community, particularly concerning the homeless population, fuels my personal and professional interests. It has brought me to a place where I feel a strong calling to help break down the systemic barriers that have marginalized my clients for years.” 

Before joining BronxWorks and the social service sector, Sheila briefly worked in the fashion industry. While that job differed greatly from her current career, Sheila says she learned a lot about communicating with and understanding people, which now helps her immensely as a human services worker. Sheila joined BronxWorks in 2021 as a Case Manager for the Homebase program, in which she assisted those facing eviction with resources to keep them stably housed. After less than a year with the organization, Sheila was offered the Case Manager position in the BronxWorks Transform program, which supports families as they transition out of shelter and into long-term housing. Her knowledge from the Homebase program greatly informed her work in Transform, as she continued to support those fighting to remain stably housed.  

As the sole Case Manager of the Transform program, Sheila supports over 60 clients, most of whom have multiple children. She views her role as an advocate for the families; whatever they may be struggling with as they transition into housing, Sheila advocates for them and their needs. Her work is varied and often includes: mediating with landlords and utility companies; facilitating school enrollment and special education assessments; referring parents to the BronxWorks Workforce Development department and other internal resources; and much more. 

I strive to make each client feel seen, respected, and understood. I want them to know that their individual journey matters. It’s incredibly rewarding to work alongside someone, offering guidance and assistance, and to ultimately see them emerge with hope for a brighter future.”  

Outside of work and her studies, Sheila loves to hike and kayak. For her, downtime is best spent enjoying time with friends and family in nature to reconnect and recharge.  

Passion for uplifting our neighbors and our community is a common thread throughout BronxWorks staff, whether or not they are in outward-facing roles. BronxWorks operational staff, while they are not in direct service, are integral to the continuation and success of our programs. Jose Ramos, Porter at the Workforce Development Office, embodies this passion and dedication to the BronxWorks mission in his work every day.

Jose has always been a hard worker and began working when he was young to help maintain his family’s farmland. He has held many jobs throughout his life, including several in maintenance. While working in maintenance at a supermarket, a coworker asked Jose if he was interested in a job somewhere else. That is when he introduced Jose to the BronxWorks Workforce Development department. Shortly thereafter, Jose joined the organization as a Porter for the Workforce Development Office in 2023 and he has been with BronxWorks ever since. When asked what he does in his position, Jose simply answers “I clean.” Despite his humble nature, Jose does much more than clean to support his department.

“He is more than our porter. Jose does everything he needs to do and then some… Even though he is not working with clients in the same capacity as other staff, he still supports them and the clients have come to know him as well.”  Haidy Pena, Career Development Specialist, Workforce Development

Jose is known among his colleagues to go above and beyond his position to help others. In addition to thoroughly maintaining the cleanliness, and therefore the safety, of the office, he goes out of his way to help his fellow staff with whatever they need, without being asked. Betty Ann Tamaisar, Vice President of Workforce Development, describes Jose as “selfless, hardworking, and the epitome of what it means to be a good employee.”

The work my department does is very important, I am happy to be a part of something that helps the community.” – Jose

Since moving to New York City, Jose has started his own family and now has a wife and two grown children. In his time outside of work Jose devotes himself to his family. While his children are now adults, Jose feels that he is never done raising them.

Passion for uplifting our neighbors and our community is a common thread throughout BronxWorks staff, whether or not they are in outward-facing roles. BronxWorks operational staff, while they are not in direct service, are integral to the continuation and success of our programs. Jose Ramos, Porter at the Workforce Development Office, embodies this passion and dedication to the BronxWorks mission in his work every day.

Jose has always been a hard worker and began working when he was young to help maintain his family’s farmland. He has held many jobs throughout his life, including several in maintenance. While working in maintenance at a supermarket, a coworker asked Jose if he was interested in a job somewhere else. That is when he introduced Jose to the BronxWorks Workforce Development department. Shortly thereafter, Jose joined the organization as a Porter for the Workforce Development Office in 2023 and he has been with BronxWorks ever since. When asked what he does in his position, Jose simply answers “I clean.” Despite his humble nature, Jose does much more than clean to support his department.

“He is more than our porter. Jose does everything he needs to do and then some… Even though he is not working with clients in the same capacity as other staff, he still supports them and the clients have come to know him as well.”  Haidy Pena, Career Development Specialist, Workforce Development

Jose is known among his colleagues to go above and beyond his position to help others. In addition to thoroughly maintaining the cleanliness, and therefore the safety, of the office, he goes out of his way to help his fellow staff with whatever they need, without being asked. Betty Ann Tamaisar, Vice President of Workforce Development, describes Jose as “selfless, hardworking, and the epitome of what it means to be a good employee.”

The work my department does is very important, I am happy to be a part of something that helps the community.” – Jose

Since moving to New York City, Jose has started his own family and now has a wife and two grown children. In his time outside of work Jose devotes himself to his family. While his children are now adults, Jose feels that he is never done raising them.