Class of 2026: 30 Under 40 Top Latino Leaders of South Jersey Sponsored by Franklin Bank
BY CLYDE HUGHES | AC JosepH Media
ATLANTIC CITY – One of the reasons South Jersey is so special is because of its young people, and Front Runner New Jersey continues its tradition of highlighting those making an impact with our new Class of 2026: 30 Under 40 Top Latino Leaders of South Jersey, Sponsored by Franklin Bank.
This is our first class announcement since the 30 Under 40 Gala in July at Adelphia’s in Deptford. Seeing so many past honorees together — and witnessing how much this recognition means to both the community and the recipients — was a humbling experience. Putting faces to names makes this honor more alive than ever.
At Front Runner New Jersey.com, we work tirelessly to identify, vet, and celebrate the young people on this list because we want the world to know how they have worked so diligently in their jobs, schools, nonprofits, and businesses to stand out and make their communities special.
The new honorees we present today are no different. They represent a wide range of fields and have impacted South Jersey and New Jersey in meaningful ways. Join us in congratulating them — their outstanding work, determination, perseverance, and dedication are not lost on us.
What is also not lost on us is that this announcement comes during a challenging time for the Latino community, both during Hispanic Heritage Month in South Jersey and across the country. Several of our 30 Under 40 recipients have already been affected. We stand with them, and we want this list to continue representing the best, the brightest, the committed, and the courageous. It is our honor to continue honoring you.
We would also like to thank Franklin Bank once again for sponsoring our 30 Under 40 column. Franklin Bank continues to demonstrate its commitment to South Jersey and its young people, and we are deeply appreciative.
Without further delay, Front Runner New Jersey.com proudly introduces our 30 Under 40 Top Latino Leaders of South Jersey, Sponsored by Franklin Bank — Class of 2026.’
Tell your favorite 30 under 40 honoree “Congratulations” with a line or image ad starting at $25. Contact Clyde Hughes at clyde.hughes@yahoo.com for more information. Tell them “Great job!”today.
Class of 2026
NADIA ALBIZU, Vineland
Nadia Albizu is an entrepreneur, educator, creative strategist, and community leader dedicated to helping people and organizations grow. She is the founder of Albizu Solutions LLC, where she supports businesses in strengthening their brands, expanding their digital presence, and connecting with audiences in meaningful, authentic ways. Nadia also serves as founder and CEO of Dream Builders of New Jersey, a nonprofit advancing education, language learning, technology and AI literacy, cultural awareness, and community empowerment. A proud Puerto Rican and mother, Albizu’s diverse experiences span entrepreneurship, education, modeling, event hosting, entertainment, and even beekeeping. Her curiosity and love of learning fuel her passion for exploring new places, cultures, and creative pursuits. Through every venture, Nadia remains committed to personal growth, community impact, and inspiring others to embrace their own potential.
ISABELLA BORDON, Camden
As a student at Rutgers University–Camden, Bordon has distinguished herself as a young Latina leader who demonstrates that achievement and service can — and should — go hand in hand. She has consistently earned Dean’s List recognition while pursuing her academic goals and remaining deeply involved in campus and community life. Through her involvement with LUCY Outreach, MujeRes, and Movimiento Tricolor, Bordon has dedicated time to supporting and mentoring young people in Camden, demonstrating a genuine commitment to ensuring that others have opportunities to learn, grow, and see possibilities for themselves. In 2026, Rutgers University–Camden recognized Bordon with its Heart & Soul Award, an acknowledgment of the meaningful impact she has made within her university community. She is also an accomplished student-athlete, competing in cross country and track and field for Rutgers–Camden. Her dedication has earned her All-New Jersey Athletic Conference honors in the heptathlon.
ALFREDO CRUZ, Bridgeton
Alfredo Cruz is a barber, entrepreneur, and community leader whose work is rooted in Bridgeton, New Jersey. As the owner of Faded Underground, Alfredo has built more than a barbershop — he has created a space centered on culture, creativity, opportunity, and community. His mission is simple: use his platform to make a real difference while staying true to where he comes from. That vision came to life through Fresh Start Fest, a back-to-school community event that brought together local barbers, stylists, nail techs, businesses, and volunteers to provide free services, school supplies, food, and activities for local families. Alfredo continues to use barbering and content creation to connect with people, tell real stories, and give back to Bridgeton. Through Faded Underground, he hopes to inspire the next generation, create opportunities for others, and show that success means more when your community rises with you. For him, impact matters more than recognition.
AMBER DeJESUS, Vineland
Amber DeJesus is the owner of Latin Infusions, a food truck specializing in Latin cuisine and inspired by her lifelong passion for food, culture, and bringing people together. Growing up, she learned that food was more than a meal — it was a way for family and friends to connect, celebrate, and create memories. That is the same experience she hopes to create for her customers while serving great food. Latin Infusions serves favorites such as its signature hibachi trio of steak, chicken, and shrimp over hibachi fried rice, along with loaded nachos, loaded fries, a variety of pastelillos, cheesesteaks, dirty sodas, and much more. Beyond the menu, Amber takes pride in listening to her customers and bringing their special requests to life. Every meal is truly made with love. As a woman, mother, and entrepreneur, she hopes her journey inspires others to pursue their passions, believe in their dreams, and take the leap to make them a reality.
DANIEL ECHEVARRIA, Camden
A digital entrepreneur, Daniel Echevarria is the host and producer of “Weekly Dose of Dano TV,” a local entertainment talk show that captivates audiences of all ages with what is described as “an inspirational-packed one hour of enlightenment, fun, and excitement.” Each episode features a diverse range of guests, including celebrities, experts in their respective fields, and individuals with awe-inspiring stories of perseverance. Broadcast live every Thursday at 6 p.m. Eastern time, “Weekly Dose of Dano TV” goes beyond the conventional talk show format by exploring the depths of the human mindset. With thought-provoking questions that challenge guests and viewers alike, the show sparks self-reflection and stimulates personal growth. “Weekly Dose of Dano TV” allows the audience to engage with guests and discover that everyone has a story we can learn from — and apply their advice and invaluable insights to their own personal journeys. In 2025, he was appointed to the advisory board of The Salvation Army Camden Kroc Center.
RICKY L. EDWARDS, Millville
Ricky L. Edwards is a vice president and business development officer for Millville Savings. With more than 15 years of experience in the banking industry, Edwards’s extensive expertise in customer service and community outreach has significantly contributed to enhancing customer experience at Millville Savings Bank. He holds a master’s in Homeland Security and a bachelor’s in Criminal Justice from Wilmington University. This unique educational background has equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of both community safety and financial services. Edwards serves as an instructor for Kazoku & Modern Bujutsu Dojo as a second-degree black belt, as a youth leader, and is a board member at Ramoth Church of the Nazarene, where he dedicates his time to guiding and mentoring local youth. He serves as an ambassador with the Chamber of Commerce of Southern New Jersey and second vice president with the Millville Chamber of Commerce.
LISA ESTEVEZ, Camden
Lisa Estevez is a program coordinator with Rutgers University–Camden’s Future Scholars Program. As a first-generation daughter of Dominican immigrants, Estevez’s journey is rooted in resilience and opportunity. She said her introduction to higher education began as a scholar with the Rutgers Future Scholars program in New Brunswick, which laid the foundation for her to earn both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work at Rutgers University–Camden. Estevez’s lifelong passion is advocating for youth and showing them that their potential is limitless. Today, she has come full circle as the program coordinator for Rutgers Future Scholars–Camden. She said it is deeply meaningful to serve the very program that poured into her while giving back to her alma mater. Recruiting in Camden City schools, she sees her younger self in the students and proudly lives vicariously through their growth. Deeply passionate about mental health and creative expression, Estevez aspires to merge the two to strengthen youth wellness and empower future success.
RAIZEL FEBLES, Camden
Raizel Febles is a senior at Rutgers University–Camden, double majoring in Political Science and Spanish, and a passionate advocate for Latino students and community empowerment. As co-founder of Mujeres, a student organization focused on supporting Latina undergraduate students through mentorship, professional development, and community, Raizel has created initiatives to support Latinas and address the needs of underserved communities. Under her leadership, Mujeres has assembled postpartum care bags for new mothers, created hygiene kits for middle school students, and established a mentorship program connecting Latina undergraduate students with guidance and support throughout their college journeys. Through her involvement with the Latin American Student Organization (LASO), Raizel helped bring back Rutgers–Camden’s Latin Gala, celebrating Latino culture, accomplishments, and community on campus. A first-generation Dominican American, Raizel is committed to creating pathways for the next generation of Latino leaders.
ERICKA GOMEZ SARMIENTO, Egg Harbor Township
Ericka Gomez Sarmiento is an automotive sales professional serving the South Jersey community. With a passion for helping people achieve their transportation goals, Gomez Sarmiento focuses on creating a comfortable, educational, and trustworthy car-buying experience — especially for members of the Spanish-speaking community. She is passionate about giving back to the community and has participated in local events such as “S’mores for More” with the City of Atlantic City and the Spanish Community Center of Atlantic City, connecting with families and supporting initiatives that bring people together. Recognizing that financial education and guidance can sometimes be difficult to access within the Spanish-speaking community, she takes the time to educate customers about building and improving their financial foundation before purchasing a vehicle. Her goal is to help individuals better understand their options, prepare for a future vehicle purchase, and make informed financial decisions. She said she is committed to empowering her community through education, service, and personalized automotive guidance.
MIKAELA GUZMAN, Vineland/Montclair
Mikaela Guzman is a higher education and civic engagement professional originally from Vineland, whose work is centered on empowering students to become leaders, advocates, and changemakers in their communities. Guzman currently serves as the Bonner Leader and Service Program Manager in the Office of Community Engagement and Partnerships at Montclair State University, where she oversees the Volunteer Center, supports the Bonner Leader Program, manages community engagement initiatives, and develops partnerships that connect students with meaningful opportunities to serve. A Montclair State University alumna, Guzman holds a master’s in higher education and a bachelor’s of music in music performance: voice. As a co-founder and former president of Musicians for Social Justice, Guzman worked to increase diversity and inclusion within the performing arts, created educational programming focused on marginalized communities, and helped establish the first Black History Month Recital at Montclair State University’s John J. Cali School of Music.
REBECCA JIMENEZ-WELLS, Vineland
Rebecca Jimenez-Wells is an honors student at Drexel University pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Interior Design. She is a Mexican-American community advocate with a deep commitment to public service and creating opportunities for others. She previously partnered with PathStone Corporation in South Jersey, where she championed the National Farmworker Jobs Program by connecting farmworkers and their families to critical vocational credentials, certifications, and language literacy programs that support long-term self-sufficiency. A first-generation college graduate with a degree in Fine Arts, Rebecca balances her rigorous academic schedule at Drexel with extensive civic roles. She dedicates her time to healthcare advocacy as an Emergency Room Department volunteer and has served for three years as the Primary President for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where she leads faith-filled programs that inspire and empower children. Looking forward, Jimenez-Wells plans to pursue a master’s degree in Interior Architecture, with the ultimate goal of designing built environments that empower and uplift children in marginalized and lower-income communities — creating spaces where they can grow, thrive, and envision greater possibilities for their futures.
ARLETTE LEYBA, Camden
Arlette Leyba is an associate with the law firm of Brown & Connery, LLP, where she focuses her practice on labor and employment law and complex civil litigation. She earned her Juris Doctor degree from Rutgers University School of Law in 2022. While in law school, Arlette earned the Camden City Invincible Award, the Eve Biskind Klothen Law Student Pro Bono Distinction Award, and the Dean’s Pro Bono Publico Award for Exceptional Service with Distinction. Arlette is actively involved in the Rutgers Law alumni community, currently serving on the Rutgers Camden Law Alumni Association Board of Trustees as Recording Secretary, Co-Chair for the Young Lawyers Committee, and Vice Co-Chair for RADICAL, the Association’s diversity and inclusion committee. Beyond her legal practice, she is committed to community involvement and professional leadership. She serves as a Board Member for the Holy Name of Camden Ministries and has served as the Co-Director of Advocacy for the National Association for Women Business Owners in South Jersey.
MELISSA MASELLI, Camden
Melissa Maselli is a public servant with experience spanning constituent advocacy, legislative affairs, and nonprofit leadership. She currently serves as a Senior Constituent Advocate in the Office of U.S. Senator Cory A. Booker, where she manages a casework portfolio focused on veterans’ affairs, immigration, and criminal justice. In addition, she oversees the office’s internship program and mentors young professionals. A New Jersey native, Maselli began her career in the Fifth Legislative District Office, supporting Senator Cruz-Perez, Assemblyman Spearman, and Assemblyman Moen. She is also a co-founder of TEDxCamden, where she led cross-functional teams and produced more than 25 TEDx talks that have garnered over 3 million views. Melissa holds a Master’s in Public Administration from Rutgers University–Camden
WILLIAM A. MATIAS, Bridgeton
William A. Matias is a Bridgeton-based designer, residential developer, and community-minded entrepreneur. Born in Bridgeton to immigrant parents from Oaxaca, Mexico, Matias grew up in Rosenhayn and graduated from Cumberland Regional High School. He earned an associate’s degree in architecture and civil engineering technology from the Pennsylvania Institute of Technology and a bachelor’s degree in architecture from Drexel University, with a minor in construction management. His education also included international studies in classical architecture in Florence, Italy (’14), and urbanism and development in Barcelona, Spain. He has served on the City of Bridgeton Planning Board and is currently running for Bridgeton City Council. Matias said he strives to serve as a bridge between Cumberland County’s Latino community and its civic and professional institutions. He is the principal of StudioARQ LLC, where he provides drafting/design, zoning and development consulting, permit expediting, and construction services. His professional background also includes architectural design and a decade in corporate retail development.
ANDREA MENDEZ-PEREZ, Bridgeton
Andrea Mendez-Perez, MSW/LSW, is a nonprofit leader whose work has centered on strengthening immigrant advocacy, victim services, and creating systems of support for underserved communities. She began this work at 16, serving victims through legal service roles before moving into direct victim advocacy and nonprofit management. Over the years, her work has evolved from direct service to creating community initiatives, building programs from the ground up, and leading teams across South Jersey. As an immigrant raised by a single mother, her connection to this work is deeply personal. Her experiences shaped both her commitment to this work and her belief that systems should work for the people who need them most. In her current role as a regional program director with RCHP-AHC, Mendez leads programs serving refugees and other underserved communities across South Jersey, helping families navigate complex systems, access critical resources, and connect with safety-net programs.
RAMON MORA Jr., Vineland
An independent candidate running for the New Jersey Congressional District 2 seat held by Republican incumbent Jeff Van Drew and Cape May Mayor Zack Mullock, Mora has lived in South Jersey for more than three decades. He graduated from Vineland High School and Atlantic Cape Community College with a nursing degree. Mora said he believes there is real space for his campaign, which is focused on affordability, housing, and tackling high utility rates — issues he believes will resonate with voters. Here are the other answers Mora gave to FRNJ in his campaign: Running as a Progressive Independent due to his falling out with the Democratic Party over the years — in particular what he refers to as the corporate/AIPAC-owned Democrats — he believes both major parties have failed to address the real needs of working families. “One party campaigns on being for the people and yet does nothing but rip away from Americans for their corporate and foreign donors,” he said.
DR. ABNERIS MORALES, Camden
Dr. Abneris Morales is a scientist, educator, and mentor whose journey is deeply connected to Camden. As a proud Puerto Rican and Camden native, Morales earned her bachelor’s in chemistry and doctorate in computational and integrative biology, with a concentration in chemistry, from Rutgers University–Camden. Her career bridges scientific research and education, with her research in sustainable biomaterials and nanocellulose contributing to numerous peer-reviewed publications and NSF-funded projects. Beyond research, Morales is passionate about education, mentorship, and creating opportunities for students to recognize their potential. She has mentored high school and college students, particularly those from historically underrepresented backgrounds, while working to make STEM more accessible and inclusive. Her Puerto Rican heritage and experiences in Camden have shaped her commitment to representation, education, and service. Morales says she hopes that through her work, she can inspire future generations to pursue ambitious goals, embrace their identities, and recognize the possibilities available to them.
MELISSA MORILLO, Atlantic City
Melissa Morillo serves as the director of life and workforce readiness with the Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City. In September 2025, Morillo was selected to lead the organization’s youth workforce initiatives as Director of Life & Workforce Readiness. Since assuming this leadership role, she has expanded career readiness programming through the implementation of a work-based learning model, increased employer engagement, developed hands-on career exploration experiences, and strengthened partnerships that expose young people to college, careers, entrepreneurship, and skilled trades. In her current position, Morillo has made a meaningful impact on youth, adults, families, and communities throughout Atlantic County. Her leadership is grounded in a simple but powerful belief: every individual deserves access to opportunity, the tools to succeed, and someone willing to help them see what is possible. She was hired by the Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City in August 2024 to help launch and expand the organization’s WorkFirst New Jersey (WFNJ) workforce development program for adults.
BREINER MORTEZ, Camden
Breiner Mortez is a Camden-based muralist, grief worker, environmental advocate, and community leader who believes art can help neighborhoods remember, heal, celebrate, and imagine what comes next. As co-founder of We Live Here Artist Collective and a Commissioner of Arts & Culture for the City of Camden, he has helped transform public spaces through murals, installations, environmental storytelling, and community-centered creative projects. His work draws inspiration from Camden, nature, cultural identity, grief, remembrance, and even the beautifully macabre, using art to explore both the life of a community and the stories it carries. An artist of many mediums and peculiar curiosities, Breiner moves between artist, organizer, advocate, and creative problem-solver with an appreciation for community, the unconventional, and the beautifully strange. His philosophy is simple: stay curious, stay rooted, and leave something meaningful behind. His leadership is grounded in community — not simply creating for people, but creating alongside them.
JY’ISHA NIEVES, Upper Deerfield Township
Jy’Isha Nieves is a dedicated high school counselor at Cumberland Regional High School, where she supports students in grades 9–12, including multilingual students and families. Throughout her career, she has served in roles that allow her to advocate for Hispanic students and families, offering empowerment, translation support, and helping bridge cultural and communication gaps between families, schools, and the community.
She is a proud first-generation college graduate who earned her master’s in School Counseling from Wilmington University and holds counseling certifications in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Her commitment to serving others is also deeply rooted in personal resilience. Through life’s challenges, she has developed a greater appreciation for perseverance, faith, family, and the importance of encouraging others through difficult seasons. She is passionate about creating opportunities, uplifting families, and ensuring students feel seen, heard, supported, and empowered. Through her work and personal journey, she continues to inspire others and make a meaningful difference.
KARELIE NOGUERAS, Camden
Karelie Nogueras is the community engagement mamager with the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office, where she has workedddd for the past three years. In 2025, she received citations for Excellence in Operations and Excellence in Community or Public Outreach at the 2025 Attorney General’s Awards. Nogueras also served as a community engagement specialist. Before joining the Attorney General’s office, Nogueras worked as a community outreach coordinator with the New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice. There, she was assigned to the Community Outreach Unit and Law Enforcement Services and Training Bureau at the Division of Criminal Justice. She earned a bachelor’s in psychology from Rowan University.
TANNER ORTIZ, Egg Harbor City
Tanner Ortiz is a member of city council with Egg Harbor City. A proud U.S. Army veteran who served on active duty for eight and a half years before dedicating my career to continuing his service in a different way. Originally from Fresno, Calif., he leads efforts to provide housing and support for homeless veterans across Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland, and Salem counties. Serving others has always been at the center of Ortiz’s activism, working to make a difference in the lives of veterans who need it most. As a proud Latino, Ortiz said he believes that representation matters and that youth can’t become what they can’t see. He says if we want more Latino leaders in the future, we have to be visible, involved, and willing to lead today. Ortiz said his goal is to encourage young people to believe in themselves and recognize that success is possible regardless of the obstacles they face or the community they come from.
JOVAN PLAZA, Camden
A U.S. Army National Guard veteran, Jovan Plaza is a criminal investigations detective in the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office where he has worked since 2018. Plaza has proven expertise in patrol concepts, criminal investigations, fraud detection, and organized crime enforcement. He is skilled in digital forensics, cellular data analysis, intelligence gathering, and surveillance operations to develop strong, court-ready cases. As a National Guard veteran, he was deployed under Operation Enduring Freedom. Plaza has been recognized for professionalism, investigative accuracy, and the ability to perform in high-pressure environments. Plaza had also served in the Camden County Police Department as a patrol officer, along with the Camden County Sheriff’s Office. His top skills include criminal investigations, operational planning, criminal justice, law enforcement and military activity. He has earned his associates in public administration from Fairleigh Dickinson University.
HILLARY RAMIREZ, Camden
Hillary Ramirez serves as the community outreach coordinator for Countrywide Home Care, where she organizes community health fairs, food pantries, holiday events, and offer job opportunities. The work has led her to build meaningful relationships with community partners and leaders, including former New Jersey First Lady Tammy Murphy, to emphasize the need for equitable healthcare for women and babies from all backgrounds. A proud Mexican American born and raised in Camden, she said from an early age she aspired to be a humanitarian to support her my community. In addition to her role at Countrywide Home Care, Ramirez has extended her impact through dedicated public service and board governance. She serve on the Board of Trustees for Nimit Foundation Inc., guiding initiatives that uplift local families and strengthen community support systems. Ramirez said she loves to advocate and support her community, and looks forward to continuing to work on more impactful initiatives.
JOSELINE “JOZI” RODRIGUEZ, Bridgeton
Joseline “Jozi” Rodriguez is a bilingual professional, entrepreneur, educator, and community advocate dedicated to empowering individuals and families throughout South Jersey. She is the owner of Servicios Rodriguez LLC, where she provides bilingual document preparation, translation, immigration forms assistance, notary services, and guidance navigating government processes. Her career has centered on public service, workforce development, education, and advocacy. She has served South Jersey communities through roles in corrections, employment services, healthcare, and staff education, developing and delivering training programs, ensuring compliance, and supporting individuals in achieving their goals. Joseline continues to use her bilingual skills and experience to make essential services more accessible to the Latino community and remains committed to creating positive change, promoting opportunity, and strengthening the community she proudly calls home.
JUSTIN ROIG, Vineland
Justin Roig, a recent graduate of Temple University, is a freelance journalist, historian, and community organizer based in Vineland. Receiving his undergraduate degree in geography and urban studies in 2026, Roig moved back to South Jersey to organize against the DataOne Data Center in his hometown. Since returning to Vineland, Roig has freelanced for Front Runner New Jersey, expanding coverage of South Jersey’s Latino community. Justin has deep roots in Vineland’s Puerto Rican community, learning at a young age from his grandparents, Juan and Enid Ramos, what it meant to be a present community member. Watching them look after vulnerable community members and neighbors, Roig intends to carry on those lessons and legacy in his journalistic and activist endeavors. Roig sits on the board for the nonprofit Sustain South Jersey, a member of Philly Boricuas, and is involved in other social justice groups in the region.
CINDY ROMAN, Camden
Chef Cindy Roman is a Puerto Rican chef, entrepreneur, and founder of Mami’s Kitchen, a culinary journey inspired by the flavors, traditions, and memories of her childhood. Raised around food that brought her family together, Roman carries those flavors with her as a reminder of where she comes from and the experiences that shaped her.
Her dream is not simply to recreate tradition, but to create her own lane. Through Mami’s Kitchen, she fearlessly thinks outside the box, transforming the familiar into unexpected culinary experiences while remaining deeply rooted in the Puerto Rican flavors and traditions that raised her. From her signature Loaded Pastelillo Nachos to breathtaking luxury fruit displays, her creations reflect both where she comes from and where she is determined to go.
Roman’s journey is one of resilience, courage, and refusing to live inside limitations. She believes in thinking outside the box, challenging what is expected, and creating a future where her culture is not only preserved, but boldly reimagined for generations to come.
EDUARDO “EL CONTADOR” SANTIAGO, Bridgeton
Eduardo Santiago is known for his dedication to helping families and business owners feel confident with their finances. After serving 8 years in the U.S. Army and completing his education at Rowan University, he graduated with a dual bachelor’s in accounting and mechanical engineering. He turned his accounting passion into a mission—making taxes and accounting easier to understand for the community. Santiago says his goal is to provide honest guidance, reliable service, and support that goes beyond tax season. He is a member of Bridgeton Chamber of Commerce and volunteer treasurer for the Community First Team Political Campaign for the City of Bridgeton. Santiago is also a member of the Bridgeton Rotary.
MARISOL SORIANO CRUZ, Bridgeton
Marisol Soriano Cruz is a passionate community organizer with CATA- the Farmwokers’ Support Committee. She has worked in the advocacy field for the past seven years, which gave her an opportunity to connect with families, listen to their experiences, and advocate for their needs. Soriano Cruz said those years have taught her about the power of standing up for others. She said she got the urge of getting closer to the community on the ground, building relationships and working alongside people to create change from within. She said that what brought her to CATA. She counts coworker Edgar Aquino Huerta (30 Under 40 Top Latino Leaders of South Jersey 2025) was one of her greatest inspirations. “The more I became involved, the more I fell in love with the work they were doing and the people they were doing it with,” Soriano Cruz said. “CATA introduced me to a different side of community work and opened my eyes to the power of grassroots organizing.” In 2022, she was namd a Heartland Hero recipient by SNJ Today.
SARA DANIELA VICTORIA, Atlantic City
Sara Daniela Victoria is a trained social worker and the intake and accompaniment coordinator for El Pueblo Unido of Atlantic City, one of the leading organizations supporting immigrant rights in the state. El Pueblo Unido organizers said that Victoria is the backbone of helping families who have been impacted by enhanced immigration enforcement and accompaniment cases in detention centers around New Jersey.
Note from AC JosepH Media: If you like this story and others posted on Front Runner New Jersey.com, lend us a hand so we can keep producing articles like these for New Jersey and the world to see. Click on SUPPORT FRNJ and make a contribution that will go directly in making more stories like this available. You can reach Editor Clyde Hughes at chughes@acjosephmedia.com. Thank you for reading!
About Author
