HL | Milestone Series – Honors Saraciea J. Fennell

HL | Milestone Series – Honors Saraciea J. Fennell

HL | Milestone Series – Honors Saraciea J. Fennell

Building Community Through Storytelling, Books, and Literary Advocacy

Saraciea J. Fennell has transformed her love of books and storytelling into a powerful movement that celebrates culture, elevates underrepresented voices, and creates opportunities for writers and readers throughout the Bronx and beyond.

A Brooklyn-born, Bronx-raised Black Honduran American writer, editor, and publicist, Saraciea is the founder of The Bronx is Reading and Honduran Garifuna Writers. Through her work, she has created spaces where Black and Latine stories are not only shared, but championed.

Saraciea J. Fennell will be recognized during the HL | Milestone Series — New York, taking place on May 20, 2026. This invitation-only reception brings together a curated audience of executives, entrepreneurs, and community leaders for an evening of connection, conversation, and recognition.

👉 Event details & RSVP: https://bit.ly/4bApDkE

Her milestone is defined by creating platforms that expand access to literature, foster cultural pride, and help emerging writers find their path to publication.

Through The Bronx Book Festival, now celebrating its ninth year, Saraciea has helped distribute more than 6,000 free books to members of the Bronx community while connecting aspiring writers with editors, agents, and publishing professionals. Those efforts have already helped several Bronx writers secure book deals with major publishers.

As an award-winning editor, Saraciea has shaped nationally recognized anthologies including The Black Girl Survives in This One and Wild Tongues Can’t Be Tamed. Her writing and editorial work has appeared in LatinaMediaCo, Refinery29, Mitú, and The Washington Post.

Her work continues to demonstrate that storytelling is more than an art form—it is a tool for representation, empowerment, and lasting community impact.

Milestone Moments

  • Award-winning writer, editor, and publicist
  • Founder of The Bronx is Reading and The Bronx Book Festival
  • Celebrating nine years of the Bronx Book Festival
  • Helped provide more than 6,000 free books to the Bronx community
  • Connected emerging writers with publishing professionals, leading to multiple major publishing deals
  • Editor of The Black Girl Survives in This One and Wild Tongues Can’t Be Tamed

Saraciea J. Fennell’s leadership reflects the power of storytelling to build community, amplify voices, and create opportunities for future generations.

The HL | Milestone Series is a national platform designed to celebrate leadership across business, community, education, and innovation.

The 2026 HL | Milestone Series is made possible through the support of Wells Fargo, the series’ funding partner, whose commitment to community engagement and financial empowerment helps bring these important conversations and recognitions to life.

HL | Milestone Series – Honors NAHREP® Orange County Chapter

HL | Milestone Series – Honors NAHREP® Orange County Chapter

HL | Milestone Series – Honors NAHREP® Orange County Chapter

Advocacy | Homeownership | Economic Empowerment

The HL | Milestone Series recognizes organizations whose leadership, innovation, and commitment to community continue to shape culture, business, and influence across industries.

The National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP) Orange County Chapter stands as one of the region’s most influential voices advancing sustainable Hispanic homeownership and economic growth through real estate.

NAHREP Orange County Chapter  will be recognized during the HL | Milestone Series — Orange County, taking place on April 30, 2026. This invitation-only reception brings together a curated audience of executives, entrepreneurs, and community leaders for an evening of connection, conversation, and recognition.

👉 Event details: https://bit.ly/4qEref1

As a local chapter of the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals, NAHREP Orange County is part of a nationally recognized network committed to increasing Latino homeownership by empowering real estate professionals, advocating for policy change, and fostering generational wealth-building opportunities.

In Orange County one of the most competitive and dynamic housing markets in the country—the chapter has become a trusted connector between industry professionals, financial institutions, and the community. Through educational programming, policy engagement, and strategic partnerships, NAHREP OC equips its members with the tools, insights, and relationships needed to lead in today’s evolving real estate landscape.


Mission & Impact

NAHREP’s mission is clear and focused: to advance sustainable Hispanic homeownership.

At the local level, the Orange County Chapter brings this mission to life by:

  • Creating pathways to homeownership through education and outreach
  • Supporting real estate professionals with leadership development and market intelligence
  • Advocating for policies that expand access to housing and lending opportunities
  • Promoting financial literacy and long-term wealth strategies within the community

Their work is not only about transactions—it is about transformation. By elevating the role of Latino professionals in real estate and lending, NAHREP OC contributes to broader economic mobility and community stability.


Leadership & Board Influence

What distinguishes NAHREP Orange County is the strength and diversity of its leadership.

The chapter’s board is composed of respected professionals across real estate, mortgage lending, banking, and housing advocacy. These leaders bring:

  • Market Expertise – Active professionals navigating today’s housing and lending environment
  • Cultural Understanding – A deep connection to the communities they serve
  • Strategic Vision – The ability to align local efforts with national housing trends and policy priorities
  • Collaborative Leadership – Partnerships with lenders, developers, nonprofits, and civic leaders

This collective expertise allows the organization to operate at a high level—bridging industry and community while delivering meaningful, measurable impact.


Why We Are Honoring NAHREP® Orange County Chapter

The HL | Milestone Series recognizes organizations that are shaping business, community, and culture through leadership and influence.

NAHREP Orange County Chapter is being honored for:

  • Championing homeownership as a pathway to generational wealth
  • Elevating Latino professionals within the real estate and financial sectors
  • Advancing conversations around housing access, lending, and economic opportunity
  • Serving as a connector between community needs and industry solutions

At a time when housing affordability and access remain critical issues, NAHREP OC’s work is both timely and essential. Their leadership reflects a long-term commitment to strengthening families, building wealth, and creating opportunity across Orange County and beyond.

The HL | Milestone Series is a national platform designed to celebrate leadership across business, community, education, and innovation.

The 2026 HL | Milestone Series is made possible through the support of Wells Fargo, the series’ funding partner, whose commitment to community engagement and financial empowerment helps bring these important conversations and recognitions to life.

HL | Milestone Series — Honors Stay Connected OC

HL | Milestone Series — Honors Stay Connected OC

HL | Milestone Series — Honors Stay Connected OC

The HL | Milestone Series recognizes organizations whose leadership, innovation, and commitment to community continue to shape culture, business, and influence across industries.

Connecting Orange County Through Culture, Community, and Information

Founded by lifelong Santa Ana resident Ruben Alvarez Jr., Stay Connected OC has become one of Orange County’s most enduring and influential community information platforms—serving as a vital bridge between people, organizations, and opportunities for more than two decades.

Stay Connected OC will be recognized during the HL | Milestone Series — Orange County, taking place on April 30, 2026. This invitation-only reception brings together a curated audience of executives, entrepreneurs, and community leaders for an evening of connection, conversation, and recognition.

👉 Event details: https://bit.ly/4qEref1

Rooted in a deep understanding of Orange County’s evolving cultural and economic landscape, Stay Connected OC was created at the dawn of the digital age with a clear purpose: to unify and inform the region’s Latino community while fostering connections that elevate businesses, leaders, and community initiatives.

A Platform Built Ahead of Its Time

What began as an electronic newsletter has grown into a multi-channel communication platform reaching over 20,000 readers weekly across Orange County and Southern California. Long before digital community-building became standard, Stay Connected OC was already delivering curated information on events, civic engagement, business development, and cultural programming.

Its database recognized for its depth and engagement has been valued by LatinoLytics as a powerful economic and community asset, reflecting the influence and connectivity of its audience.

Orange County Impact and Legacy

Stay Connected OC has played a consistent role in:

  • Elevating visibility for local businesses and entrepreneurs
  • Supporting nonprofit organizations and community initiatives
  • Promoting civic engagement and cultural awareness
  • Connecting generations through shared information and opportunities

From Santa Ana to the broader Orange County region, the platform has helped shape how communities stay informed, engaged, and empowered.

Today, its vision continues to expand—exploring concepts such as regional connectivity through transit-oriented development and cultural corridors, reinforcing its commitment to innovation and community relevance.


The Vision Behind the Platform

Ruben Alvarez Jr.’s journey reflects a lifetime of leadership rooted in service, culture, and forward thinking.

A product of Santa Ana’s public schools and a student at California State University, Fullerton where he attended alongside Lou Correa Alvarez demonstrated leadership early, serving as student body president in both junior high and high school.

His professional path began with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, where his innovative programming earned national recognition. Over the years, his work has led to meetings with four U.S. Presidents and honors from the White House—reflecting a career defined by impact and credibility.

As Executive Director of the Orange County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Alvarez introduced forward-thinking initiatives to support business growth and advocacy. Later, his role with the Rancho Santiago Community College District’s Regional Skills Collaborative positioned him at the intersection of workforce development and economic research insights that directly informed the creation of Stay Connected OC.


A Life Shaped by Community and Culture

Alvarez’s commitment to community was shaped early. As a child, he witnessed his parents stand alongside neighbors to successfully advocate for the rebuilding of local schools following the 1971 Sylmar Earthquake—a defining moment that underscored the power of collective action.

His cultural influences run equally deep. Inspired by Luis Valdez and the legacy of El Teatro Campesino, Alvarez developed a lifelong passion for storytelling. Mentored by influential voices such as Herbert Siguenza and Rick Najera, he has authored more than 1,000 creative works—including plays, manuscripts, and poetry.

His current project, Bus Stories — Life Happens Between the Stops, reflects his continued dedication to capturing the everyday journeys of working families and the cultural fabric of Southern California.


A Milestone Worth Recognizing

For more than 26 years, Stay Connected OC has remained consistent in its mission while evolving with the times—an uncommon balance that defines true leadership.

Its impact is not measured solely in audience reach, but in its ability to connect a wide range of voices, strengthen community ties, and create pathways for opportunity across Orange County.

The HL | Milestone Series is a national platform designed to celebrate leadership across business, community, education, and innovation.

The 2026 HL | Milestone Series is made possible through the support of Wells Fargo, the series’ funding partner, whose commitment to community engagement and financial empowerment helps bring these important conversations and recognitions to life.

HL | Milestone Series – Honors Georgina Maldonado

HL | Milestone Series – Honors Georgina Maldonado

HL | Milestone Series – Honors Georgina Maldonado

The HL | Milestone Series recognizes leaders whose work reflects lasting impact, elevates communities, and helps shape the future of leadership, access, and opportunity.

Georgina Maldonado, Executive Director of the Community Health Initiative of Orange County (CHIOC), has dedicated nearly two decades to advancing access to healthcare for underserved communities across California.

Georgina Maldonado will be recognized during the HL | Milestone Series — Orange County, taking place on April 30, 2026. This invitation-only reception brings together a curated audience of executives, entrepreneurs, and community leaders for an evening of connection, conversation, and recognition.

👉 Event details: https://bit.ly/4qEref1

Since assuming leadership of CHIOC in 2015, Georgina has guided the organization through a period of strategic growth and innovation. Under her direction, CHIOC launched a nonprofit insurance agency and expanded its services to include Medicare support creating both continuity of care for vulnerable populations and a sustainable model for long-term impact. Through these efforts, the organization has helped more than 55,000 individuals access healthcare coverage and essential social services.

Her professional journey spans both the public and private sectors, including leadership roles such as Regional Community Programs Manager at Health Net of California and Principal Partner at Genesis Consultants. This cross-sector experience allows her to navigate complex systems, align stakeholders, and deliver solutions that are both practical and transformative.

A recognized leader in statewide policy advocacy, Georgina played a key role in advancing California’s Health4All Medi-Cal expansions. She continues to serve on multiple advisory boards, including the Insure the Uninsured Project, OC Women’s Health Project, and UCI’s Community Advisory Board. Her leadership extends to board service with California Coverage & Health Initiatives and OC Forum.

In 2019, she was recognized as Woman of the Year by Congressman Lou Correa.

A graduate of the HOPE Leadership Institute, Georgina remains deeply committed to developing future leaders, advocating for immigrant families, and ensuring that access to healthcare is not a privilege, but a fundamental right.

The HL | Milestone Series is a national platform designed to celebrate leadership across business, community, education, and innovation.

The 2026 HL | Milestone Series is made possible through the support of Wells Fargo, the series’ funding partner, whose commitment to community engagement and financial empowerment helps bring these important conversations and recognitions to life.

HL | Milestone – New York

HL | Milestone – New York

A curated reception, leadership forum, and awards experience designed to recognize those shaping business, community, and culture.

A Curated Reception

Each Milestone Series event begins with a private, curated reception that brings together a select group of professionals, decision-makers, and community leaders.

This is a space designed for intentional connection where conversations are meaningful, relationships are strengthened, and the people in the room reflect a shared commitment to leadership and progress.

Event Overview

Date: Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Time: 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Location: Bally’s Golf Links at Ferry Point
500 Hutchinson Riv Pkwy, Bronx, NY 10465

5:00 PM – Guest Arrival & Networking Reception
Guests arrive and enjoy an evening of conversation, hors d’oeuvres, and relationship building in a curated room of influence.

5:30 PM – Welcome Remarks
Opening comments from Richard Sandoval and a welcome from our Funding Partner, Wells Fargo.

5:45 PM – Leadership Forum
Capital, Real Estate & Your Wealth Strategy in a Changing Economy
A timely conversation featuring leaders from business, finance, and real estate.

6:30 PM – HL | Milestone Recognition Ceremony
Honoring individuals and organizations whose leadership, influence, and legacy continue to shape our communities.

2026 HL | Milestone Series – New York Honorees

  • Ana Ceppi
    Co-Founder, Multicultural Growth Partners
  • Saraciea J. Fennell
    Founder, The Bronx Is Reading / Bronx Book Festival
  • Esperanza Teasdale
    Executive & Fractional Chief Marketing Officer
  • Elizabeth C. Yeampierre
    Executive Director, UPROSE
  • Felix Cabreja
    CEO, A&H Security
  • Fernando Brinn
    CEO, The Brinn Group
  • Diana Caba
    Vice President for Community & Economic Development, Hispanic Federation
  • Michelle Herrera Mulligan
    Vice President & Associate Publisher, Primero Sueño Press, an imprint of Atria Books and Simon & Schuster
  • Maria Rios
    CEO, Classico Building Maintenance Inc.
  • NAWBO NYC
    Recognized for its leadership in supporting women business owners throughout New York City.
  • Rhina Valentin
    TV Host, Actress, Producer

7:15 PM – Closing Remarks & Group Photo
A celebration of our honorees followed by final networking opportunities.

7:30 PM – Event Concludes

VENUE 

Location:

Bally’s Golf Links at

Ferry Point  500 Hutchinson Riv Pkwy

Bronx, NY 10465

Leadership Forum

Capital, Real Estate and Your Wealth Strategy in a Changing Economy

The evening will feature a timely leadership forum focused on how business owners, professionals, and community leaders are navigating today’s changing economy.

The discussion will explore:

  • Capital and access to lending
  • Real estate and wealth-building strategies
  • Business growth in uncertain markets
  • How economic shifts are influencing investment decisions
  • The role of trusted relationships in long-term financial planning

This conversation is designed for leaders who are making decisions, building relationships, and thinking about what comes next.

Nelson Ramos - Moderator

Senior Business Growth Strategy Consultant, Customer Growth Segments, Wells Fargo

Nelson Ramos is a Senior Business Growth Strategy Consultant with Wells Fargo & Company  where he develops growth strategies and strategic partnerships designed to expand sustainable homeownership and strengthen community impact.

Based in the Northeast, Nelson supports initiatives across Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey, working closely with organizations, community leaders, and financial professionals to create pathways to homeownership and long-term financial stability.

He brings more than 30 years of experience in financial services, including 26 years in the mortgage industry. Throughout his career, Nelson has held leadership roles with JPMorgan Chase, SunTrust Bank, Radian Guaranty and Charles Schwab Bank.

A respected voice in housing and community development, Nelson previously served as Chair of the Board of Governors for NAHREP, where he helped advance policies and initiatives that promote Hispanic homeownership nationwide.

Lucy Wu - Panelist

Lucy Wu is a Corcoran Group real estate agent, entrepreneur, and lifelong New Yorker who brings an unusually layered lens to real estate in The City. Born in Shanghai, China and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Lucy spent more than twenty years inside iconic luxury fashion lifestyle houses including Vera Wang and Ralph Lauren before turning that operator’s mindset fully toward real estate.

Today, Lucy averages $20M in annual sales volume as a solo agent across New York City, representing buyers, sellers, and landlords in condos, co-ops, and townhomes. She is ranked among the top 1.5% of real estate professionals nationwide by RealTrends Verified and is named annually to Corcoran’s Million-Dollar Club. Beyond being an agent, Lucy is a personal real estate investor across New York, Connecticut, and Florida, and a coach to her clients globally, as they navigate one of the most complex housing markets in the country.

Lucy is an active chapter leader with NAHREP Manhattan the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals’ local chapter — where she helps drive community outreach, educational programming, and business networking for Manhattan’s real estate community. She also serves as an Agent Ambassador to REBNY’s Deal of the Year and Member in Need Fund Committee, where she helps fundraise and grow member engagement for the annual event. Lucy has spoken publicly on housing access and prepared a congressional briefing for the offices of New York State Congressman Dan Goldman and Senator Chuck Schumer on the NAHREP State of Hispanic Homeownership Report.

She leads with strategy, emotional intelligence, and heart the same qualities that have made her a trusted advisor across New York’s real estate, investment, and business community.

Eric Gotsch - Panelist

Eric Gotsch is the New York Market Manager for Wells Fargo Home Lending. In this role, he oversees, manages, and develops the company’s Home Mortgage retail sales team in New York City and Long Island, which includes 3 regional offices and more than 120 employees. He is responsible for the successful execution of home mortgage and asset management services to a wide range of customers across the five boroughs, as well as Nassau and Suffolk counties.

 

Gotsch, who joined Wells Fargo in 2010, has more than 39 years of experience in the residential real estate industry. Prior to Wells Fargo, he spent 20 years at JP Morgan Chase and served as Head of Retail Mortgage Production for their Northeast Division

 

He is graduate of the University of Maryland with a bachelor’s degree in finance and earned his MBA from Fairleigh Dickinson University.

Esperanza Teasdale - Panelist

Esperanza Teasdale is an award-winning executive, certified executive coach, and Founder, Mariposa Zenith a leadership advisory firm focused on helping executives lead with greater intentionality, mindfulness, and cultural fluency.

Over a distinguished corporate career spanning more than 30 years, Esperanza held senior leadership roles at PepsiCo and Unilever, where she led growth strategies for globally recognized brands including Pepsi and Propel and managed relationships with major retailers such as 7-Eleven and Dollar General.

She is widely recognized for her expertise in integrating business strategy, creativity, and analytics to deliver measurable growth while helping organizations connect more effectively with multicultural consumers.

In 2025, Esperanza launched Mariposa Zenith and introduced two signature frameworks: The Cultural Fluency Advantage and The Mindful Leadership Advantage, which combine executive coaching, inclusivity, and mindfulness to help leaders and organizations thrive.

Her many honors include induction into the American Marketing Association New York Hall of Fame, recognition as Hispanic Marketer of the Year, Campaign US’s “Female Frontier” award, and inclusion in People en Español’s “25 Most Powerful Women” list.

Among her notable achievements, she led the launch of PepsiCo’s Juntos Crecemos initiative, which helped drive significant growth while supporting Hispanic-owned small businesses across the United States.

Lisa Sorin - Panelist

President, Bronx Chamber of Commerce

Lisa Sorin is President of the Bronx Chamber of Commerce and the first woman to lead the organization in its history. She also made history as the Chamber’s first female Board Chair, helping pave the way for a new generation of women leaders in business and community development.

Under Lisa’s leadership, the Bronx Chamber has expanded its role as a powerful advocate for businesses throughout the borough, supporting entrepreneurs, strengthening strategic partnerships, and promoting policies that advance economic opportunity.

Lisa is widely recognized as one of the Bronx’s most influential civic and business leaders. She serves on the boards of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Chamber Alliance of New York State, New York State Choice Savings Program, and Bronx Council on the Arts. She also serves on the New York City Districting Commission and the Small Business Advisory Commission, where she co-chairs the Licensing, Fees, and Fines Subcommittee.

Before joining the Bronx Chamber, Lisa served as Executive Director of the Westchester Square Business Improvement District, where she led economic development initiatives, enhanced marketing efforts, and launched community programs that increased engagement and revitalized the district.

She is also the founder of LAS Consulting Services, Inc., a firm that provided marketing, public relations, and event planning services to nonprofit and corporate clients for more than 15 years.

Lisa holds a master’s degree in Business Leadership and a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Concordia College. She established the Bronx Chamber of Commerce Scholarship Program, which annually awards scholarships to young women in the Bronx during Women’s History Month.

Her leadership has earned her numerous honors, including recognition as one of the “25 Most Influential Women of the Bronx” by the Bronx Times Reporter and accolades from organizations such as the American Red Cross, the American Cancer Society, and New York City Parks and Recreation.

A lifelong advocate for the Bronx, Lisa is driven by a commitment to strengthening her community and inspiring future generations through leadership, service, and opportunity.

Sandra Bonilla Panelist

Financial Advisor, Wells Fargo Advisors

Sandra Bonilla is a Financial Advisor with Wells Fargo Advisors and a member of The Voyage Group. She works with individuals, families, and small business owners to help them build, preserve, and transfer wealth through thoughtful, personalized financial planning.

Sandra began her career in financial services while attending university in 2011. After earning her degree in Finance and International Business from Fairfield University, she joined Morgan Stanley before moving to Wells Fargo Advisors, where she developed her passion for wealth management.

She takes a comprehensive approach to financial planning, helping clients navigate retirement planning, education funding, wealth preservation, charitable giving, and tax-efficient investment strategies. Sandra carefully reviews each client’s full financial picture, including cash reserves, liability management, investments, insurance, estate planning strategies, and employee stock options.

Known for her high level of personal service, Sandra also helps develop customized investment plans and leads social media initiatives that create new ways to connect with clients and the broader community.

Beyond her professional work, Sandra is deeply committed to giving back. She serves as a financial coach with The Women’s Development Council and is a board member of Lifting Up Westchester.

When she is not advising clients, Sandra enjoys travel, fitness, and outdoor activities including running, skiing, and hiking.

FUNDING PARTNER

Wells Fargo Logo

HL | Culture & Influence is proud to announce Wells Fargo as a Funding Partner of the HL | Milestone Series “an invitation-only” leadership experience recognizing individuals and organizations shaping business, community, and culture.

As part of this collaboration, Wells Fargo will support the Milestone Series across three key markets in 2026: Orange County, New York, and Silicon Valley.

“We are proud to collaborate with Wells Fargo as a Funding Partner of the Milestone Series,” said Richard Sandoval, Storyteller | Producer | Connector, HL | Culture & Influence. “Their support allows us to elevate conversations, recognize leadership, and create spaces where relationships and ideas can move forward with purpose.”

ORANGE COUNTY HL | MILESTONE KICK OFF EVENT

ANNOUNCING THE MILESTONE SERIES

THE EXPERIENCE

A curated, invitation-only reception

A leadership forum featuring market-relevant insights

Recognition of selected honorees

An elevated setting designed for meaningful engagement

Upcoming Events

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