LatinoJustice Announces New Leadership in the Organization’s Board of Directors
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 7th, 2020
Contact: Elianne Ramos; Chief Communications Officer; [email protected]; 212.739.7513
LatinoJustice Announces New Leadership in the Organization’s Board of Directors
New York, NY – LatinoJustice, a public interest law organization working to create a more just society by using and challenging the rule of law, today announced the appointment of a new leadership to the organization’s board of directors, effective July 1st, 2020. The new LatinoJustice Board Leadership will now be as follows:
- Chair: José R. González, Esq.
- Vice-Chair: Lida Rodríguez-Taseff, Esq.
- Treasurer: Ernest Ceberio, Esq.
- Secretary: Marisol Rubecindo, Esq.
González, who joined the LatinoJustice Board in 2013 and served as its Vice Chair since 2016, will succeed María D. Meléndez, who joined our Board in 2007, and became Chair in 2016. The previous leadership, with the exception of the outgoing Secretary, Debra M. Torres, Esq., will continue to serve as Board members.
An indispensable element of nonprofit organizational success is the leadership of a supportive and active Board. LatinoJustice has enjoyed that kind of leadership from María D. Meléndez and looks forward to continuing that work with José Ramón González. Just like his predecessor, José brings a wealth of nonprofit and for-profit success and strategic vision to our board, which will be pivotal to our ability to scale and meet the growing needs of the communities we serve as we meet this moment in history.
“It has been my absolute honor and privilege to serve as Chair of the board of LatinoJustice PRLDEF these last four years,” said María D. Meléndez, outgoing Chair and Partner at Sidley Austin LLP. “I’m extremely proud of the organization’s many achievements and advancements in this period and am absolutely thrilled that José Ramón was elected chair. I am confident that he has the passion, vision and resolve to propel LatinoJustice’s efforts further forward. He is widely respected and known as a strong leader and advocate for the Latino community. I’m delighted that he has agreed to accept this important role in this critical moment in our nation’s history,” she affirmed.
“It is with great resolve and determination that I take on the role of Chair of the Board of Directors of LatinoJustice PRLDEF,” said José Ramón González, incoming Chair and Executive Vice President and General Counsel, CNA Insurance. “These are turbulent times and the challenges the Latino community faces today are greater than ever. These challenges are not new, nor will they be easy to overcome. However, we have never been as well prepared and supported to do so as we are today. And the Latino community knows they can count on us to use the rule of law to achieve equity and justice and empower our community. Working with my fellow Board members and our staff, I look forward to supporting LatinoJustice PRLDEF in continuing to advance its mission,” he added.
On the occasion, Juan Cartagena, LatinoJustice’s President and General Counsel, said: “To our new leaders, I speak for all of us at LatinoJustice when I say, we value and appreciate your willingness to serve, and know that the unique backgrounds and diverse experiences you have displayed during your tenure as members of this board will serve you well as you take on your new leadership duties. Our organization fills an important need in our community. Your leadership will be pivotal as we continue our growth path, adapt to the new reality we are living in, and strengthen our commitment to our mission,” he continued.
“We would be remiss if we did not thank our out-going Board leaders for their contributions, in particular our former Board Chair María D. Meléndez. Without her wise counsel and patient advice, we would not have been able to navigate the uncertain moments and tough decisions that come with organizational governance. We also would not have been able to win some of our greatest, most-prized victories. María, we hope that, as you look back on your time leading our governing body, you do so with the knowledge that you were instrumental in all of our accomplishments,” he concluded.
A complete list of LatinoJustice Board Members can be found here.
ABOUT LATINOJUSTICE
LatinoJustice PRLDEF works to create a more just society by using and challenging the rule of law to secure transformative, equitable and accessible justice, by empowering our community and by fostering leadership through advocacy and education. For more than 40 years, LatinoJustice PRLDEF has acted as an advocate against injustices throughout New York and beyond. To learn more about LatinoJustice, visit www.latinojustice.org.