About Translatina Network
Translatina Network has both a local and national focus, with a mission to promote the healthy development of trans people through the delivery of a wide range of information and services. Through promotion, outreach in education, and capacity-building, we encourage and strengthen the creation of safe and productive environments for TGNC+ community members.
How Our Story Began
The driving force behind Translatina Network is our transfeminist peers and colleagues. Our initiative was born out of their collective efforts fighting for Translatina rights in New York. As community members and providers, we continue to lead the way while remembering: “This is our story, our fight, our identity as Translatina women '' – we are a strong team, and we deliver strong results! We are an exceptional team providing everything you need to stay informed and actively engaged with your community.
Leadership Team
Cristina Herrera, CEO & Founder
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Cristina founded the Translatina Network (TN) in 2007 to organize and empower transgender immigrant communities through leadership development and education. Prior to her full-time leadership at TN, she worked across several nonprofit organizations, including the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center (The Center), where she contributed to the development of programs supporting the TGNC (Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming) community, including workforce initiatives tailored to their needs.
With over 25 years of experience, Cristina brings extensive expertise in working with immigrant communities, alongside her leadership in TGNC services, HIV prevention, advocacy, and community organizing. She is a respected leader in the field and continues to serve as an advising expert for various institutions, initiatives, and research studies focused on advancing equity and improving outcomes for transgender and immigrant communities.
Her work has been recognized through numerous awards and honors from organizations such as the New York City Department of Health (DOH), the AIDS Institute, the New York City Council, the Queens Borough President, and many others.
917-415-4116
Andrea Garcia, HIV Services and Prevention Manager
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Andrea is the Administrative Assistant for HIV Services at Translatina Network. Originally from Colombia, Andrea used to work at “La Casa de La Mujer” which is an organization that helps women who are victims of domestic violence. In 2019, Andrea came to the United States in order to find new opportunities. As an immigrant, she continues to improve the English language. Andrea can relate to the many needs that our community faces since she has experienced many hardships. Andrea looks forward to sharing her experience of resilience and knowledge to empower others in the LGBTQ+ community. One of Andrea's favorite activities is to travel around the world.
Ariz Carpinteyro, Bookkeeper Associate
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Meilene Belmont, Senior Director of HIV Services and Prevention.
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Meilene is the Senior Director of HIV Services and Prevention at Translatina Network (TN), where she leads health programming and supervises TN staff. With a strong background in HIV prevention and community social work, Meilene works closely with Transgender, Gender Non-Conforming, and Non-Binary (TGNCNB) individuals, providing referrals and linkages to medical care. In 2019, Meilene was honored with the Commissioner's Special Recognition Award by the New York State Department of Health for her dedication and commitment to improving the health of New Yorkers, in recognition of her contributions on World AIDS Day. Originally from Oaxaca Mexico, Meilene moved to the United States at the age of 14. Her participation in TN’s TGNC Leadership Space program in 2016 helped her develop key soft skills, enhance her resume, and gain foundational expertise in HIV prevention—experiences that ultimately led to her joining the TN team.
(929) 391-7411
David J. Franco, Community Health Services & Evaluation Manager
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David J. Franco is originally from El Salvador and moved to the United States in 2017. In his home country, he served as a Social Worker at City Hall. David was introduced to the Translatina Network through the support of a transgender woman, where he graduated from the Peer Outreach Education (POE) Program. an experience that empowered him and strengthened his commitment to serving others. After completing that training, he felt more confident, and he has had the opportunity to work at Translatina Network since 2021. Now he is the Community Health Services & Evaluation Manager, where this position allows him to teach POE to their clients—also providing HIV/HCV testing to his community: Transgender, Gender Non-Conforming, and Non-Binary (TGNCNB). David believes deeply in the power of resilience, self-love, and service. His journey has taught him that nothing is impossible when driven by purpose and compassion. He is dedicated to uplifting others who are navigating challenges similar to those he has overcome.
(929) 842-3999
Hector Diaz, HIV Services and Prevention Manager
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Hector is a health equity advocate dedicated to serving marginalized communities across New York City, with a focus on Transgender, Gender Non-Conforming, and Non-Binary (TGNCNB) individuals. After more than three years as a Case Manager at a Federally Qualified Health Center, he joined Translatina Network in early 2026 and now serves as HIV Services and Prevention Manager, leading community engagement, linkage to care, and HIV prevention referrals. He holds a BA in Communication from CUNY Brooklyn College and brings strong skills in advocacy, mediation, and community building, shaped by his roots in East Harlem and Puerto Rico and his fluency in Spanish.
Coordinators
Nicole Teyuca, HIV Services Senior Program Coordinator
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Nicole provides community outreach and co-facilitates support and leadership programs at Translatina Network. Originally from Mexico, she began her advocacy at 17, volunteering with Spanish-language organizations and representing the transgender community in public forums. A passionate activist, Nicole has fought against discriminatory policies like “Stop and Frisk” and continues to champion HIV/AIDS prevention, mental health, and immigrant rights for the LGBTQ+ Spanish-speaking community.
(929) 413-2717
Victoria Orellana, Coordinator of Community Health
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Victoria is a trans woman from Honduras who moved to New York City seeking new opportunities. She has worked with several LGBTQ+ organizations and is committed to advocating for the trans community through rallies, town halls, and anti-discrimination initiatives. A graduate of the TGNC Leadership Space, Victoria now serves as Peer Health Advisor at Translatina Network, supporting community members on health and wellness.
Ammerly Hernandez, Project Destiny Coordinator
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Ammerly Hernandez is a Peruvian-born health advocate and fitness professional who immigrated to the U.S. in 2005. A graduate of Translatina Network’s Leadership and Workforce Development programs, she has served as a Peer Health Advisor supporting trans women’s leadership and wellness. Since 2022, Ammerly has worked as a Freelance Personal Trainer, helping clients achieve their health goals with personalized care.
Adrianne Ortiz, Workforce Development Coordinator
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Adrianne was born in Peru and moved to the United States in 2019. They began their transition in 2003 and have a long history of supporting young trans individuals through their transition journeys and personal development. Committed to authenticity, community outreach, and the creation of chosen families, Adrianne believes visibility is essential to destigmatizing trans experiences for future generations and remains deeply connected to the needs of their community.
[email protected] | (917) 415-5076
Cynthia Gonzalez, Community Health Coordinator
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Cynthia is a trans activist from Mexico who has lived in New York City since 2001. She has been actively involved with organizations such as the Translatina Network, where she received training in sexual health, outreach, HIV/STI prevention, and leadership. Passionate about healthcare, housing, and employment equity, Cynthia is dedicated to advancing the rights and well-being of transgender, gender nonconforming, and nonbinary communities.
Rafael Romero, Peer Health Coordinator
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Rafael is originally from Venezuela and relocated to New York in 2015. He began his career in HIV services through volunteer work at Betances Health Center and later spent over five years at CAMBA supporting individuals living with HIV and members of the immigrant LGBTQ+ community. Grounded in empathy and respect, Rafael is deeply committed to advocating for and connecting marginalized communities to essential resources.
(646) 316-0098
Alejandra Romero, Coordinator of Women Services
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Alejandra was born and raised in northern Mexico and moved to the United States in 2023. Drawing from her personal experiences, she is dedicated to supporting her community and advocating for the visibility, empowerment, and inclusion of the LGBTQ+ particularly the transgender community. She holds a degree in biotechnology from a prestigious Mexican institution, earned in 2021.Alejandra enjoys creative writing and exploring new forms of self-expression.
Avery Hernandez, Community Enrichment Coordinator
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Avery, a native New Yorker fluent in Spanish and English, joined Translatina Network after five years supporting immigrant families and marginalized groups in Brownsville and the South Bronx. He holds a Psychology degree from Hunter College, where he conducted research and presented at conferences under Dr. Patricia Broderick at the Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education. In his free time, Avery enjoys exercising and traveling.
Daniel Canas, Workforce Coordinator
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Daniel is a 30-year-old gay man from Colombia who uses he/him pronouns. Formerly an architect focused on supporting vulnerable communities, he has lived in New York City for nearly three years. His experience working as a cashier in Queens strengthened his belief in the importance of service. Daniel’s involvement in LGBTQIA+ groups during university inspired his commitment to advocacy, which he now continues through his work with Translatina Network.
Advisors
Christine Perez, Senior Health Navigator
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Christine leads community outreach in Jackson Heights, where she distributes information on HIV testing, PrEP/PEP, medical services, and other resources. She also facilitates leadership development programming at our monthly group in Brooklyn and a weekly group in Queens. Originally from El Salvador, Christine has lived in New York for 18 years and began her transition in 2001. As a fierce community advocate, she is passionate about speaking publicly on issues affecting the LGBTQ immigrant community, striving to raise awareness and promote positive change.
(929) 413-9817
Vanessa Mendez, Peer Health Advisor
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Vanessa is a trans woman born and raised in Lima, Peru. In 2019, she came to the United States seeking opportunities for growth and empowerment. At Translatina Network, she participated in several training sessions that helped her acquire skills and increase access to employment opportunities in New York City. Vanessa’s contributions to improving outreach capacity enhanced connections with the LGBTQ immigrant community, allowing for the sharing of vital information about HIV and STI prevention, including PrEP and PEP. She believes that knowledge is power; the more you know, the better prepared you will be to face life's obstacles. Her goal is to continue advocating for the community, setting an example of resilience and empowerment.
Andres Alomia, Peer Health Advisor
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Andrés is a Colombian psychologist and a member of the Translatina Network team. He is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Psychotherapy at UNIR University in Spain. His work focuses on providing guidance and support tailored to individual needs. He is recognized for his strong skills in active listening, conflict resolution, and team management. Andrés has experience in both community and clinical settings, supporting diverse populations.
Miguel Diaz, Peer Health Advisor
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Miguel Diaz, originally from Venezuela, is a teacher with a Master’s in Educational Research and a Ph.D. in Educational Sciences. With over 25 years of experience in education, he migrated to New York in 2024 after facing discrimination in his home country. A graduate of Translatina Network’s Peer Outreach Education training, Miguel now serves as a Peer Health Advisor, supporting the LGBTQ+ community with access to healthcare and essential resources.
Fanny Romero, Peer Health Advisor
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Fanny Romero is a 41-year-old trans woman originally from Mexico City. She emigrated to New York City in 2002 at the age of 18. She graduated as a hairdresser and holds a certificate that supports her 10 years of experience in the field. She also obtained a Home Health Aide license, a role she held for five years. Fanny has volunteered and participated in community work with organizations such as La Colmena and the Unicorns group in Staten Island, Make the Road NY and Oasis in New York. She currently works with Translatina Network after completing TGNC Leadership Space (TGNC LS) XXlV. TGNC LS provided her with comprehensive education around HIV Confidentiality Law in NYS, community outreach, group facilitation and case management.
Interns
Tyler Boyle, Social Work Intern
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Michelle Peralta, Social Work Intern
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Jo Cutrona, Social Work Intern
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