NUESTRO EQUIPO
Nuestro Talento Humano
Yanet Candelario
PRESIDENTA
Yanet Candelario
PRESIDENTA
Yanet es la fundadora y presidenta de la Fundación Mami Chelo, Inc. Antes, trabajó en desarrollo comercial para Colony Hills Capital, un grupo de capital privado. Yanet es cubana-canadiense y habla con fluidez cuatro idiomas: francés, italiano, español e inglés. Actualmente está aprendiendo rumano. Yanet completó el programa de mitad de carrera WIFT-T en Administración de Empresas para profesionales de los medios en Humber College en Toronto, Ontario, Canadá. Es una galardonada actriz, productora y escritora. Recibió capacitación en Cuba, Canadá, Inglaterra y los Estados Unidos, sobre todo en la Royal Academy of Dramatic Art en drama contemporáneo en Londres, Inglaterra. Yanet ha escrito, producido y codirigido numerosas obras de teatro, programas de televisión y algunas películas. Yanet completó el Programa Básico de Leyes de Inmigración en St. Francis of Assisi, para la acreditación de la Junta de Apelaciones de Inmigración. También se graduó del Programa de Emprendimiento en Harvard Business School. Yanet actualmente se está preparando para tomar el examen del bar en California. Cuando no está de viaje, pasa su tiempo entre Nueva York y Los Ángeles con su familia y dos perros.
- Email:[email protected]
Sally Pillay
Directora
Sally Pillay
Directora
Sally Pillay, es originaria de Sudáfrica, anti-apartheid y activista progresista por los derechos de los inmigrantes. El compromiso de Sally con los derechos de los inmigrantes comenzó en 2008, dejando al descubierto el impacto que el aislamiento prolongado tiene en la psique de los inmigrantes detenidos, situación que le inculcó la pasión de continuar luchando para terminar con el encarcelamiento de inmigrantes y solicitantes de asilo. Obtuvo su Master en Trabajo Social para el desarrollo de la comunidad internacional, con especialización en Derechos Humanos y Justicia Social. Sally cree que todos tenemos una responsabilidad ética y moral, cuando vemos injusticias que debemos defender y alzar nuestras voces.
- Email:[email protected]
Rev. Luis Octavio Huete Altamirano
VICEPRESIDENTE E INICIATIVAS BASADAS EN LA FE
Rev. Luis Octavio Huete Altamirano
VICEPRESIDENTE E INICIATIVAS BASADAS EN LA FE
El Rev. Padre Luis Octavio Huete Altamirano nació en Nicaragua. En 2005, fue ordenado sacerdote bajo la Iglesia Católica Romana de la Arquidiócesis de Managua.
El Rev. Luis completó sus estudios en el Colegio Bautista y en el Colegio Fátima. Posteriormente asistió al Instituto Experimental México en Managua, Nicaragua. El Rev. Luis es Licenciado en Filosofía y Teología por la Universidad Católica de Nicaragua, donde se enfocó en Ontología y la Primacía de Pedro.
El Rev. Luis se convirtió en sacerdote católico debido a experiencias de la infancia. Después de escuchar el anuncio del Kerygma, descubrió su vocación y sintió una inmensa compasión por servir a los marginados de todo el mundo.
En su servicio a los demás, el Rev. Luis Octavio ha trabajado como Administrador Parroquial, Director Académico de Secundaria y como misionero en toda América Central (Panamá, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala), Bahía, Brasil y Cicilia, Italia. El Rev. Luis también ha pasado tiempo haciendo trabajo pastoral en diferentes cárceles.
Desde 2005 hasta 2010, el Rev. Luis fue Director y Administrador de la escuela San Ignacio de Loyola. Fue Presidente de la Fundación Nuestra Señora del Perpetuo Socorro y posteriormente se desempeñó como Administrador de la Parroquia San Mateo Evangelista en Managua, Nicaragua.
Rev. Luis colaboró con las Comisiones Arquidiocesanas de; Pastoral Penitenciaria, Pastoral Universitaria y Pastoral de la Vida Consagrada de la Arquidiócesis de Managua para atender las necesidades de la comunidad.
Desde 2018, el Rev. Luis reside en Nueva York. Colabora con diversas entidades católicas, academias literarias, organizaciones sin fines de lucro y con la Comunidad de habla hispana para ayudar a las personas. Actualmente es el Director General de Catequesis en la Iglesia Luterana de San Pedro (SPC) y es miembro del Ministerio de Personas sin Hogar de la Iglesia Católica Nacional Estadounidense (ANCC), en Manhattan. También es el Embajador Cultural de la Academia de Literatura Internacional Moderna en Nueva Jersey.
El Rev. Luis se une al equipo de la Fundación Mami Chelo en Nueva York, para apoyar a los inmigrantes dentro de la comunidad.
Carlos Molina
GERENTE GENERAL
Carlos Molina
GERENTE GENERAL
Carlos tiene experiencia en la industria del petróleo y gas, 11 años en Gestión de Riesgos, 9 años en el área de Seguridad y Prevención de Pérdidas, también tiene experiencia coordinando eventos en comunidades con organizaciones sin fines de lucro, ha realizado voluntariado y cooperación internacional al desarrollo en comunidades indígenas en Ecuador, seleccionado por la Universidad de Sevilla. Posee un Diplomado en Fundamentos Estadísticos y Gestión de Riesgo Operacional de la Universidad Latinoamericana y del Caribe, Venezuela, certificado en Gestión de Riesgos Empresariales (ERM) de Det Norske Veritas y Competencias Profesionales ISO 31000, además cuenta con un título en Ingeniería Industrial Mención Procesos de la Universidad José María Vargas, Venezuela y sus estudios más recientes donde ha obtenido una Maestría en Organización Industrial y Gestión de Empresas, realizada en la Universidad de Sevilla, España.
- Email:[email protected]
Luz M. Rodríguez
DIRECTORA DE OPERACIONES, DIVISIÓN TEXAS
Luz M. Rodríguez
DIRECTORA DE OPERACIONES, DIVISIÓN TEXAS
Luz María Rodríguez ha trabajado en gestión comercial y coordinadora de facturación por más de 10 años y en el campo médico por 7 años, trabajó como asistente médico y obtuvo su título Técnico de Farmacia en South Texas Vo-Tech en McAllen. Luz María nació en Monterrey, Nuevo León, México, habla inglés y español con fluidez. Ella es hija de inmigrantes que viajaron a Chicago, ya que su bisabuelo fue contratado por la comisión del ferrocarril y así obtuvieron su ciudadanía. También estudió en South Texas College de Río Grande City. Ha realizado más de 100 horas de voluntariado en su ciudad local, con las mujeres maltratadas y los inmigrantes.
- Email:[email protected]
Esther Montano
COORDINADORA DE PROGRAMAS
Esther Montano
COORDINADORA DE PROGRAMAS
Esther Montano, nacida y criada en Brooklyn, Nueva York, es la orgullosa hija de un padre inmigrante “Trinitense”. Esther tiene un título A.A.S en Tecnología de Redes. Sus años de activista surgieron en 2013, cuando dio testimonio de las acciones poco éticas contra la humanidad dentro de los centros de detención privados. Los amplios antecedentes y la experiencia de Esther crearon una cualidad para comunicarse en todos los niveles sirviendo como intermediaria y oficial con integridad en el centro de detención. Desde dentro de la instalación, Esther trabajó para hacer un cambio positivo para los detenidos, brindando compasión y siendo un rayo de sol para las personas dando sentido de esperanza en un mundo oscuro y sombrío. A través de estas experiencias, Esther se inspira para trabajar y marcar la diferencia para cambiar la infraestructura dentro de los sistemas que oprimen a la raza humana, luchando por la igualdad y la justicia para todos.
- Email:[email protected]
Nala Gurung
COORDINADORA EJECUTIVA
Nala Gurung
COORDINADORA EJECUTIVA
Nala Gurung, es una apasionada defensora de la inmigración de Katmandú, Nepal. Tiene experiencia en los campos legal y sin fines de lucro en los EE.UU. y Nepal. Nala ha sido testigo de primera mano y ha luchado personalmente con las complejidades del sistema de inmigración de EE.UU., lo que encendió su deseo de ayudar a otros en situaciones similares.
Después de completar sus estudios universitarios en Sociología y Ciencias Políticas de Ithaca College en 2020, obtuvo su Maestría en Derechos Humanos de John Jay College of Criminal Justice en 2022; ambos grados summa cum laude. Actualmente está en camino de asistir a la facultad de derecho para continuar ayudando a los inmigrantes a navegar el sistema legal.
Joselin Pérez
COORDINADORA DE COMUNICACIONES Y DEFENSA
Joselin Pérez
COORDINADORA DE COMUNICACIONES Y DEFENSA
Joselin Pérez nació en Honduras y emigró a los Estados Unidos a la edad de seis años. Al dejar atrás su país, se adaptó rápidamente, hablando español e inglés con fluidez. Joselin es una activista comprometida con los derechos de los inmigrantes, ha sido testigo y experimentado el impacto de ser una inmigrante de primera generación. Dando testimonio de las injusticias y las acciones poco éticas contra la humanidad dentro de los centros de detención, se dedica a ayudar a los demás mientras comparte su propia historia. Joselin ha trabajado mucho para perseguir sus sueños y asistió a la universidad de Penn con grandes aspiraciones de ser abogada, también tiene 14 años de experiencia como maestra barbera y ha dedicado su tiempo a servir a su comunidad en eventos de caridad locales.
Asesor Legal
Dilli Raj Bhatta
ASESOR LEGAL
Dilli Raj Bhatta
ASESOR LEGAL
Dilli Raj Bhatta es miembro fundador de Bhatta Law and Associates, PLLC. Tiene amplia experiencia en todas las fases de transacciones comerciales, litigios y derecho de propiedad intelectual. Aparte de los litigios comerciales, el Sr. Bhatta asesora y representa a entidades comerciales y transacciones internacionales, arbitrajes comerciales, disputas contractuales, asuntos de propiedad intelectual, fusiones y adquisiciones. Recibió su título de LLM enfocándose en Derecho de Propiedad Intelectual y Derecho Corporativo de la Facultad de Derecho Benjamin N. Cardozo. Tiene licencia para ejercer la abogacía en el estado de Nueva York. También está autorizado para ejercer ante la Corte de Apelaciones del Segundo Circuito de los Estados Unidos, la Corte de Apelaciones del Cuarto Circuito de los Estados Unidos, la Corte Federal de los Estados Unidos del Distrito Este de Nueva York y la Corte Federal del Distrito Sur de los Estados Unidos. Distrito de Nueva York. Es miembro de la Asociación de Abogados del Estado de Nueva York, la Asociación de Abogados de los Estados Unidos y la Asociación de Abogados del Condado de Nueva York.
Nuestros Miembros de la Junta
Angel Aloma
Angel Aloma, President of Aloma Fundraising Strategies, has a passion for helping faith based and secular nonprofit organizations achieve their mission through proven fundraising strategies supported by the latest social science. Angel spent the last two decades as Executive Director and Chief Marketing Officer at Food For The Poor (FFTP), one of the largest international charities in the country.
During his tenure there, Angel inspired the direct mail department to repeatedly break records – with a single newsletter tripling its performance to gross more than $1.3 million. His donor centric strategies doubled the net income of the lowest performing mailers by focusing on the psychology of the donor. And his approaches to donor stewardship grew the number of monthly givers for the organization by more than 200%.
Angel served as Chairman of the Advisory Council of the DMA (now ANA), becoming one of the most respected presenters at almost all their conferences. Angel was a sought-after presenter at many other conferences, here and abroad.
As a teacher of many years at Roman Catholic schools in South Florida and then in the nonprofit world, Angel’s desire to share his knowledge with others has always been his driving force.
Angel has identified the framework and key pillars that elevated Food For The Poor’s standing as one of the most successful charities in the country. Now, Angel is poised to help more charities apply these techniques and achieve excellence in fundraising in order to generate inspiration and inspire generosity in their donors.
Angel is of Cuban and Lebanese roots. Completing his primary education in Santiago with Spanish Jesuits. He continued his secondary education with American Jesuits in Jamaica. He went on to receive his Bachelor’s Degree in Canada at Assumption College (now University of Windsor) and a Master of Science degree from Nova Southeastern University in Florida.
Angel and his wife, Denise, have been together for more than 50 years and are enjoying the warm weather and their beautiful family with nine grandchildren in South Florida!
Walter John Thompson
Walter is a New York City is a private practice attorney, that provides legal services in criminal defense, civil rights, personal injury and medical malpractice to individuals, entrepreneurs, and small businesses. He is the former Vice President of the Children's Tumor Foundation. John specializes in Civil Litigation, Divorce, Criminal Defense, Personal Injury, Real Estate Transactions, and Employment Law. Walter has a B.A in Literature from Columbia University, NY and graduated from Fordham University School of Law. He is a member of the New York State Trial Lawyers Association.
Soraya Miré
Soraya Miré, Author of The Girl with Three Legs and an award-winning director, in addition to being a writer and activist. Her credits include a featured segment of The Vagina Monologues on female genital mutilation (FGM) and the award-winning documentary Fire Eyes, which highlights the barbaric practice of FGM. Fire Eyes was featured at the International Women’s Conference in Beijing, the United Nations International Conference on Population and Development in Cairo, the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, and The United Nations in Geneva. Miré’s activism has been recognized with many prestigious awards such as the “Humanitarian Award” at the United Nations Sub-Commission Sessions, the John Jay College of Criminal Justice “ Wi n n i e M a n d e l a Aw a r d , ” “ B e s t Documentary” at the United Nations International Conference on Population and Development in Cairo, the “Human Rights Award” at the Third International Symposia on Circumcision at the University of Maryland, and Intact America’s “Personal Courage Award 2009.” Born in Somalia, Miré immigrated to Europe in 1978 at age seventeen. She lived in Grenoble, France where she studied literature and political science at the University of Grenoble. Miré left her studies in order to expand her mission to end violence toward women and children. In 1984, Miré moved to Los Angeles where she began her career in film by working in several production studios. At the UCLA Extension, while attending film school, she assisted professor and documentary filmmaker Douchin Gersi. Miré has demonstrated her persistence as she brings awareness, education and changes in policies and laws regarding the practice of FGM. She has appeared on Oprah, CNN and Nightline with Ted Koppel. Miré has lectured at Harvard John F. Kennedy School of Government, Morehouse College, UCLA, Vanderbilt University, Stanford University, Spelman College, Emory University, San Francisco State, Howard University, USC, Moorpark College, Mount Saint Mary’s College and Lesley University. Miré has stood before committees at the United Nations, the U.S. Senate Human Resources and Health Assembly and the World Health Organization. She has worked with medical professionals, government officials, and with women and families who have been affected by FGM, all in her tireless pursuit of protection of human rights for women and girls. Miré’s forthcoming book The Girl with Three Legs: A Memoir (Lawrence Hill Books, October 2011) is a dramatic chronicle of the personal challenges she overcame as a survivor of FGM, a firsthand account of the violent global oppression of women and girls, and a testament to the empowerment of women.
Karla Moreno
Karla es una profesional de inversiones en Avivar Capital con 8 años de experiencia en los campos de inversión de impacto y finanzas sociales. El enfoque de la carrera de Karla ha sido mover capital privado a comunidades en los EE. UU. y México. Tanto en su carrera profesional como en su trabajo de defensa, Karla tiene un historial establecido de movilización de asociaciones poco probables dentro de los sectores privado, político y filantrópico. Karla fue reconocida como una de las líderes hispanas en filantropía en 2021. Obtuvo su licenciatura en Ciencias Políticas en Saint Mary's College con una concentración del Instituto Kroc en la Universidad de Notre Dame.
Marie Driscoll
Marie Driscoll es directora general de Luxury & Retail at Coresight Research. Es una destacada experta en la materia de moda, artículos de lujo, comercio minorista y sostenibilidad, trabaja directamente con los clientes minoristas y de marca de Coresight Research, se le cita con frecuencia en la prensa y habla en eventos de la industria. Es una de las 100 principales personas influyentes minoristas de Rethink Retail en 2021. Marie ha desempeñado funciones analíticas y de desarrollo comercial claves en firmas líderes de investigación financiera y fue reconocida tres veces en la encuesta de analistas "Best on the Street" de The Wall Street Journal, obteniendo el primer lugar en el ranking en la industria de ropa y accesorios. Marie fundó Driscoll Advisors para brindar servicios de consultoría a la academia, la industria, los inversionistas y las organizaciones sin fines de lucro. Ha contribuido con contenido a las publicaciones The Robin Report, Sourcing Journal y ICSC y ha sido consultora de Shoptalk. Como líder intelectual, sus contribuciones incluyen libros blancos para CohnReznick, Luxury Daily y Global Powers of Luxury Goods 2014 de Deloitte, y desarrollo de contenido en LIM College y Parsons, The New School. Marie se unió al Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) de Nueva York en 2016, donde forma parte del programa de emprendimiento en la Escuela de Negocios y Tecnología Jay and Patty Baker. Es instructora adjunta que enseña análisis de equidad en la Escuela de Negocios Zicklin de CUNY, Baruch College y enseña financiamiento de belleza y moda en Parsons.
Ashvini Persaud
Ashvini Persaud has twenty years of experience in financial services, banking and insurance sectors. She is skilled at making strategic new connections for sustainable business growth and long-term business development. Ms. Persaud has worked closely with organizations as a business banking relationship manager and go to advisor to business owners. She has been awarded a business excellence award from NYC Business Solutions, has received an Honorary Citation from the State of New York and was nominated by NYC business solutions for Craine's 40 under 40. An Immigrant to the USA and twin daughter to immigrants, she hails from Guyana and has attended Queens College-CUNY as a foundation Scholar. She later attended Columbia University and Fashion Institute of Business and Technology, pursuing studies in social service administration, sales strategies and economics, respectively. Ashvini serves as an advisor on Finance and Real Estate Committees of St. John’s Episcopal Hospital, Mami Chelo Foundation, Hearts of Change, GOPIO-CT, Grace Works, and non-profit virtual and pop-up community projects: International Museum of The Saree and Green Fashion, Art & Design Museum. She is a multicultural community artist, published poet in Tuesday Night Live and community promoter of upcoming children’s E-book, Kaieteur Teddy & Friends, inspired by multiculturalism and Oneness. Having lost dear ones to cancer, she is a fierce advocate of cancer awareness and early cancer screenings.
Adam Clayton Powell
Adam Clayton Powell served in the New York City Council and in the New York State Assembly for nearly twenty years. Over the past ten years Adam has been lobbying and consulting. He founded POWELL SOLUTIONS LLC which does Government Relations & Business Development with clients in the private sector and in government. He also represents clients before the New York State Liquor Authority (SLA) and the newly-created Office of Cannabis Management (OCM). With over thirty years experience, he has helped to navigate the complex bureaucracy of government agencies at the city, state and federal levels.
Collin Peck-Gray
Collin Peck-Gray es graduado en el Williams College y es un experimentado profesional del marketing. Ha liderado el crecimiento en MakeSpace y Care/Of, dos empresas de consumo respaldadas por riesgo, y ahora trabaja como Director de Crecimiento en Redesign Health, una firma de capital de riesgo en la ciudad de Nueva York que funda y financia nuevos negocios en el espacio de la atención médica. También opera su propia agencia de consultoría de marketing, ayudando a las pequeñas y medianas industrias a aumentar sus ventas en línea.
Edward Oleschak
Edward Oleschak, Producer , Cinematographer, Film Editor, Consultant and Visionary, is a state of the art 2D & 3D and spherical media producer with solid knowledge of the entire process of movie, documentary and commercial production and postproduction.
Aside from formal education in Architecture, photography and Visual Arts, Edward’s wide range of training and experience includes; over six years as on- staff producer in the JDK Group practicing the art and technology of producing and distributing motion pictures, thirty years as a hands on independent film and media producer and head of his own production company, WORLD ENTERTAINMENT.
He was accepted and has been an active member of the Producers Guild of America since 2002 and an Executive Member of the International 3D and Advanced Image Society since 2011.
In his twenty-nine years of work in Hollywood, Edward had produced films and contributed his talents in projects starring famous artist such as Rinko Kikuchi, Bai Ling, Rod Steiger, Jerry Lewis, Joan Plowright, Forest Whitaker, Virginia Madson, Mini Driver, Phil Spector, Timothy Dalton, Kelly Preston, Nastassia Kinsky, Cheraldine Chaplin, Diane Baker, Mimi Rodgers, Tom Arnold, Scott Baio, Maedchen Amick, Desiree Nosbusch, Dieter Meier, Ulli Lommel, Coolio, Gino Vannelli, Patrick Swayze, Radha Mitchell, Tyne Daly, Sally Kellerman, Julian McMahon, Josh Lucas, Angus MacFadyen, Rod Taylor, Dina Merrill, Peter Dinglage, Michael Panes, Ethan Suplee, Julie Bowen, Rebecca Broussard, Ed Begley Jr., Harrison Young, Marc Lawrence, Rance Howard etc. His award-winning work contributed to get independent film projects to Sundance, Berlin, Worldfest Houston or Cannes International. Film festival.
Studied Visual Arts and Fine Arts at the Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna. Film Directing with Paul Grey (L.A.). Degree in Architecture from Technical University, Graz, Austria. Practical, creative, artistic education at all fields of intl. film/ TV-production including PR (Publisher and Chief Editor of monthly Magazin T1), writing, directing, (creative) preproduction, development, working budgets, graphic
Edward later turned his creative attention to focusing on 3D and stereoscopic content creation. Edward works with leading professionals as a hub of international independent 3D developments, productions and distribution.
Recursos Legales
Selah Wyche
Selah Wyche nació en el norte del estado de Nueva York y es una abogada consumada que ha viajado por el mundo ayudando a los necesitados. La oficina de Selah está ubicada en la hermosa Ciudad Vieja, Filadelfia, y prioriza las necesidades de inmigración de los clientes en Pensilvania, Nueva Jersey y Nueva York. Su oficina ofrece servicios para peticiones familiares, peticiones basadas en el empleo, certificaciones laborales, autorizaciones de trabajo, defensa de remoción y deportación, exenciones, asilo, reclamos VAWA, procesamiento consular, pasaportes y visas. Su oficina brinda una consulta gratuita de 30 minutos por teléfono o en persona en la oficina para analizar el caso y diseñar una estrategia de representación. Cada cliente que entra a sus puertas es tratado con amabilidad, justicia y respeto. Selah cree que su práctica es única, es el tipo de ley que brinda un refugio seguro y libertad para las generaciones futuras, y su oficina se enorgullece de ayudar a los necesitados y a quienes han sido privados de sus derechos.
Joseph Horn
Joseph Horn is a retired NJ police officer with over 20 years of professional police experience. He graduated from Brooklyn Law School. He obtained a degree at the University of Pennsylvania Law School in 2000. He was admitted to practice in the Local, State and Federal Courts of NJ, PA and NY.
Joseph focuses solely on criminal defense and also represents trucking companies and their drivers with weight and traffic violations.
He has experience in both the prosecution and defense side of cases and is focused on obtaining the very best outcome for clients that he serves, regardless of cases with a great deal of evidence that is in support of the prosecution. He works tirelessly for his clients and maintains a high level of communication with them throughout the process of the case because he understands their stress and concern in facing the court system and criminal charges.
Thomas A. Kennedy
Thomas A. Kennedy received his Juris Doctor from the University of Baltimore School of Law in 1990 and has attended the National Criminal Defense College in Macon, Georgia in 2005. Prior to law school Mr. Kennedy worked with FEMA in conjunction with the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service in 1980 and with the State of Maryland Refugee resettlement program in the 1980s. Thomas began his legal career with the Maryland Office of the Public Defender in 1990 and began his criminal defense and immigration practice in 2002. He is authorized to practice in every trial and appellate court in the state of Florida, including the Federal Court in the Southern District of Florida and the Federal Eleventh Circuit Court in Atlanta. He has been practicing law since 1991; for the first ten years as a public defender. He has been admitted to practice law in the State of Florida since 2001. He is also admitted to practice law in the state of Maryland and the District of Columbia.
He is a member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the American and Florida Immigration Lawyers Associations and the Indian River County Bar Association. Thomas served as Indian River Chapter of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.
As an attorney, Mr. Kennedy is dedicated to zealously representing individuals and is committed to protecting their rights and freedom. His legal work focuses primarily in the area of Criminal Defense and Immigration. His law office partners with other attorneys and firms to assist their clients in other areas making sure the need of his clients are being met.
Steve Toprani
Steve Toprani is a trial lawyer representing individuals, elected officials, professional athletes, business executives, governments and corporations in high stakes matters in state and federal courts. Steve previously served as Assistant Counsel to the Governor of Pennsylvania, and later, in 2007 at age 29, was elected the youngest district attorney in Pennsylvania. In his four year term as DA, Steve built a reputation as a crime fighter for taking on corrupt public officials and abusive police officers, dismantling organized crime and closing several cold case homicides. Upon leaving elected office, he was appointed special deputy coroner for death investigations and has adjudicated inquests into custodial deaths and officer involved shootings. In 2012, Steve was appointed by Pittsburgh’s mayor to advise on reforms after the chief of police was federally indicted for corruption. In 2015, he was legal advisor to boxing hall of famer Roy Jones, Jr. on a humanitarian mission to the Russian Federation.
During his near 20 year legal career, Steve tried constitutional/civil rights cases to federal jury verdict and his appellate advocacy led to substantive law changes in the Third Circuit. He is admitted to practice in Pennsylvania and in US District Courts for PA, Eastern Michigan (Detroit) and Maryland (Baltimore), the Third Circuit and SCOTUS. He maintains an active criminal defense practice and taught college level courses in criminal law, trial tactics/procedure and continuing education courses for lawyers and police officers. He earned a JD from the Duquense Law School and an MBA from Youngstown State University, is a past member of the PA/National District Attorneys Associations and chaired the Southwestern PA Anti-Human Trafficking Coalition.
William H. Graff, Jr.
William H. Graff, Jr. is an attorney that specializes in drug crimes.
Mr. Graff, Jr. obtained a Bachelor’s of Science from Pennsylvania State University in 1969. He later completed a MA in criminology from Indiana University of PA in 1976 and obtained a Juris Doctor from Duquesne University in 1985.
Mr. Graff, Jr. worked at District Attorney Office. (York, Pennsylvania) from 1988 to 2010 specializing in Drug Crimes. Admitted to the bar, 1985. Prior he worked as a Federal Probation Officer for 17 years and State Parole Officer for 4 years. He now has a private practice focusing on criminal defense. William H. Graff, Junior. has been listed as a reputable lawyer by Martindale-Hubbell.
Joseph Giardina
Joseph Giardina was born and raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He attended Parkview Baptist High School where he was a member of the wrestling team. He later attended Louisana State University Law School. He has over forty years of experience as an attorney running Liberty Mutual’s insurance defense offices with extensive trial experience.
During law school, Joseph Giardina worked as a law clerk for an experienced criminal defense attorney, John Pace, for one year. During his final year of law school and while preparing for the Bar exam, Joseph worked as a law clerk for one of the largest criminal law firms in the state, Manasseh, Gill, Knipe & Belanger. After passing the Bar and obtaining his license to practice, Joseph Giardina worked as an associate for the immigration and criminal defense firm, Rozas & Rozas Law Firm. He has experience in handling hundreds of full immigration cases from the beginning to their final individual hearings with one of the highest success rates of any attorney in the state of Louisiana. He has handled countless bond matters and numerous appeals and is well-versed in every aspect of a detained or non-detained immigration case.
His experience of studying abroad in his junior year gave him the appreciation and empathy for those wanting to come to the U.S. from other areas of the world that were less fortunate and not as safe. As he grew older and realized the inequality inherent in the justice system, especially for minorities that he felt drawn to the field of immigration law as well as criminal defense.
Joseph truly believes everyone is entitled to a fair and unbiased representation. Joseph believes that it is more imperative than ever - given the unpredictable and unsettling climate surrounding immigrant families without status to have an experienced immigration attorney who is not afraid to fight for his clients.
Adam Krischer
Adam Krischer joined Mr. Dennis and Mr. Stewart in 2010. After graduating from George Washington University and the University of Denver College of Law, Mr. Krischer focused his early legal career in prosecution. As a staff attorney at the National District Attorneys Association, he assisted in the creation of the National Center for the Prosecution of Violence Against Women. He also drafted curriculum and served as an instructor for prosecutors nationwide.
Mr. Adam Krischer left NDAA to serve as an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney for Arlington County. There he was prosecuting a range of criminal activity from traffic offenses and DUI’s to sexual abuse and other aggravated felonies. After Mr. Krischer left prosecution, he worked for the Stuttgart Law Center at the United States Army Garrison Stuttgart in Stuttgart, Germany while his wife, an active duty Air Force officer was assigned to United States Africa Command. Upon returning to the United States, Mr. Krischer entered private practice. He is now serving individuals and families in need throughout Washington DC and the state and federal courts of Virginia.
Mr. Krischer is proud to serve the local legal community in a variety of positions. He is a Past President of the Arlington County Bar Association, on the Board of Directors for the Arlington County Bar Foundation, Chair of the Fourth District Disciplinary Committee of the Virginia State Bar and sits on the Policy Board for the Arlington and Falls Church Alcohol Safety Action Committee.
Mr. Krischer is a recipient of the United States Army Outstanding Civilian Service Medal and the US Army Achievement Medal for Civilian Service. He is the author of “Justice is Blind, It Is Not Stupid: Applying Common Sense to Crawford v. Washington.” In addition, Mr. Krischer is also a wedding officiant and can be scheduled for your wedding.
Kate Sugarman
Kate Sugarman is a Medical Doctor, earning BA from Harvard College in 1983, and an MD from Jefferson Medical College in 1988. She completed family medicine specialization from Montefiore Medical Center, New York City in 1991. She is board certified in family medicine and have a medical license in Washington, D.C. She also serves as faculty at Georgetown Law School in the asylum clinic. She has been practicing medicine in community health clinics since 1991. She is currently employed at Unity Health Care Washington, D.C. She frequently lectures medical students and medical residents about providing culturally appropriate medical care and medical forensic reports for immigrants and asylum seekers. Kate’s work has been profiled in the Washington Post and in the Philadelphia Inquirer. In June of 2019 and June of 2022, Kate led workshops at the North American Conference on Refugee Health. She has performed over 500 medical forensic evaluations. She also serves on the steering committee of the Medical Providers Network of the New York Lawyers for the Public Interest (NYLPI). Kate is an active member of Doctors for Camp Closure.
Ilya Laksin
Ilya Laksin practices federal court litigation, immigration law, criminal defense, contract disputes, post-conviction relief, civil practice, and family law serving a wide range of clients. He brings in-depth knowledge and experience in various aspects of the practice. Mr. Laksin has the exceptional ability to solve complicated legal issues and is well versed in legal writing. Prior to joining the firm, he worked for several municipal Public Defenders Office and has worked with honorable Judges in the Superior Court of New Jersey and thus, he brings in dynamic prosecutorial perspectives. Mr. Laksin is also passionate about human rights-based immigration and has volunteered with Catholic Charities and the Legal Aid Society of New York working on a wide-range of immigration matters. Throughout his career, Mr. Laksin has demonstrated a strong commitment to zealously representing his clients. Mr. Laksin was a Dean´s Merit Scholar at Seton Hall University School of Law where he earned his J.D. He previously graduated magna cum laude with a degree in philosophy from Rutgers University. Mr. Laksin is licensed to practice law in the state of New York and New Jersey.
Kevin M. Rogers
Kevin M. Rogers is an attorney with over 30 years of expertise in criminal, oration, litigation, evidentiary rules and procedures, bankruptcy, family law, contracts and transactional law.
Mr. Rogers attended the J. Reuben Clark Law School in Provo, Utah and obtained his Juries Doctor in Law. He was a Law Editor for Journal of Public Law from 1998 to 1999 and has a publication, called Violent Schools: A Closer Look,” Winter 1989, Vol. 3, No. 2 Education & Law Perspectives, at Brigham Young University.
Mr. Rogers has enhanced operational efficiency and productivity by managing budgets, accounts and focused attention to double tickler system for frequent court appearances; instituted effective conflicts blinds. Near daily experience with judges and litigants. Tried successfully many civil and criminal trials.
Work experiences includes working at Ada County Public Defender's Office in Boise Idaho from from 1988 until 2018 where he reviewed and analyzed police reports to determine possible illegal police conduct in the issuance or service of warrants or conduct of warrantless searches. Drafted Motions to Dismiss, Motions to Suppress; argued all motions, including bond motions; tried all cases to juries including drug crimes, violence, status crimes. Interviewed and trained new interns and lawyers. Other experiences include interpreting laws, rulings and regulations for individuals and businesses. Minimized risk exposure through careful advice on business operations and strategic plans. Advised clients on legal matters such as local zoning issues, local and regional toxic waste issues, emerging trademark, telecommunications and legislation. Drafted original ”purchase & Sale Agreements, commercial leases of national telecommunications companies, nationwide retail chains.
Mr. Rogers developed a successful family law practice, including divorce and contested child custody practice. Developed one of the busiest legal practices in criminal defense, including serious misdemeanors, all felonies from drug and violence felonies to the unlawful taking of human life. Successfully managed a successful solo practice by hiring, training and retention of key personnel with dedication to excellent work product, focused energy into time management, profitability while minimizing errors and mistakes.