We are LCF
Our Mission
To strengthen marginalized communities and their economic stability by connecting these communities to needed resources while nurturing the development of future Latino leaders.
Our Vision
To achieve robust representation of Latino leaders in the fields of service most important to their communities, including housing, public health (including addressing access and health inequities), health literacy and education, and financial literacy and economic stability.
Our Team
At the Latino Connection Foundation, our strength lies in the dedication, expertise, and passion of our teams. From our Board Members to Key Staff and Executives, each individual plays a crucial role in driving our mission forward. Our collaborative efforts ensure that we continue to make a significant impact on the communities we serve, providing access to health services, affordable housing, and economic development opportunities.
Leadership
Dr. Amber R. Borreli
Interim Executive Director and Director of Affordable Housing Programs
Amber leads our efforts to provide safe, affordable housing solutions, drawing on her extensive background in urban development.
Sean McCormick, PhD, MS
Director of Health Services
Sean’s passion for public health drives our initiatives to improve access to healthcare for underserved populations.
Board Members
Our Board Members bring a wealth of knowledge and experience from various fields, guiding our strategic direction and ensuring that we adhere to the highest standards of governance and accountability.
Dr. Sarah Inés Ramírez, MD, FAAFP, Board Chair
Dr. Ramírez is a distinguished Assistant Professor of Family and Community Medicine at Penn State College of Medicine, renowned for her commitment to health equity and community health. With a Doctor of Medicine degree from Ross University School of Medicine, further enriched by specialized training in obstetrics and community-engaged participatory research, Dr. Ramírez has earned multiple recognitions, including the AL DÍA Top Doctor 2023 for her impactful work in Pennsylvania’s underserved communities. A leader in her field, she serves on the Executive Board of the Latino Connection Foundation and actively contributes to advancing healthcare through her research on health disparities and culturally responsive care. Fluent in English and Spanish, Dr. Ramírez's work not only bridges language barriers but also fosters inclusive healthcare practices, making her a pivotal figure in the realm of family medicine and community health advocacy.
George Connor, Board Member
Mr. George Connor became Executive Director of the Dauphin County Community and Economic Development Department in 2016, located in Harrisburg, PA. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Business Communications from The Pennsylvania State University. He initially joined the Department in 2002 as its Community Development Coordinator and became the Deputy Director in 2008. He administers the Community Development Block Grant Program, HOME Investment Partnership Program, Housing Rehabilitation Program and acts as the main liaison for the DCDCED to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. In addition, he administers the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery grant program and secured Phase II Application submittal to the National Disaster Resilience Competition Grant program.
Mr. Connor also oversees the Local Share Gaming Grant Program, Dauphin County Infrastructure Bank, Dauphin County Land Bank, Dauphin County Affordable Housing Trust Fund, Dauphin County Industrial Development Authority, Dauphin County Bridge Bundling Program, Dauphin County Economic Development Corporation, Dauphin County Redevelopment Authority, Dauphin County Transportation Infrastructure Safety Improvement Program (TISIP), Dauphin County Whole Home Repair Program Dauphin County Community Matters Grant Programs and Dauphin County Hospital Authority.
Mr. Connor is on the Board of Directors for various non-profit organizations such as the Dauphin County Housing Authority, Visit Hershey & Harrisburg, PA Farm Show Association, Steelton Borough Economic Development Corporation, Harrisburg Young Professional Advisory Board, MDA/ALS Lockup Participant, Harrisburg University Mentor, Dauphin County Diversity Committee, Whitaker Center for the Science and the Arts Board of Directors, Detweiler Park Committee, Holy Name Jets Football Association Pony Coaching Staff Member and Susquehanna Township Youth Basketball volunteer Head Coach, just to name a few.
He currently resides in Susquehanna Township and has a 22-year-old son Bryce Connor who recently Graduated from Indiana Pennsylvania State University with a Bachelor's in Cyber Security and minor in Computer Science.
Mary Oliveira, Chair of Finance
Mary Oliveira, Chair of Finance for the Latino Connection Foundation, serves as the President and CEO of Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts, where she has championed STEAM education and cultural enrichment in Central PA for over 25 years. Her extensive background includes pivotal roles such as Vice President at the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry, Senior Manager at PSECU, and COO of Color & Culture, alongside volunteer work with notable organizations and recent appointments to influential advisory councils. Recognized in the Central Penn Business Journal Power 100, Mary's expertise in strategic planning, financial stewardship, and community engagement significantly contributes to LCF's mission of empowering underserved communities.
Annise Caro, RN, Esq., Board Member
Annise Caro is a recognized health care executive and nurse attorney with proven success in leading the execution of compliance program initiatives and enterprise-wide clinical operations to ensure compliant and ethical processes, mitigate risk, impact quality of care, and meet financial targets. Specializes in regulatory oversight, creation and maintenance of compliance structures, risk assessments, and consulting with state entities and clients. Creates a culture of compliance by cultivating strong business relationships with organizational leaders to align compliance requirements with key organizational goals.
Michael Grier, Board Member
Mr. Grier is a seasoned professional with over 25 years of experience in organizational development, recognized for his analytical prowess and strategic decision-making. His expertise lies in designing and implementing initiatives that enhance operational efficiency, streamline processes, and drive improved outcomes. Michael has a notable ability to devise creative solutions that optimize resources and boost productivity. His commitment to enhancing customer relations is evidenced by his success in building robust partnerships across internal and external stakeholders, ensuring transparency and satisfaction. Michael's proven leadership skills have consistently led to enhanced operational competence and strengthened vendor and provider relationships, underlining his impactful contribution to organizational growth.
Johan Soto-Santa, Board Member
Mr. Soto-Santa brings over six years of dedicated experience in urban development and revitalization to his role as Project Manager for the South Harrisburg Choice Neighborhood Plan, under the Harrisburg Housing Authority. Known for his dynamic leadership and an unwavering commitment to community enhancement, Johan excels in transforming urban landscapes into thriving, sustainable communities. His positive demeanor and boundless energy not only fuel his professional endeavors but also inspire his team to strive for excellence and achieve remarkable results. Outside the office, Johan finds joy and daily inspiration in life with his wife and two sons. An avid hiker, he cherishes exploring the great outdoors, spending quality time with his family, and contributing to his local church, where he actively engages in service and community-building activities. Johan's holistic approach to life and work exemplifies his belief in the power of positive change, both within urban environments and in personal growth.
Terri Redmond, Board Member
Ms. Redmond is the esteemed Director of the Counseling Division at the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA), where she spearheads PHFA’s Comprehensive and HUD Housing Counseling Initiatives. Her strategic policy development and program creation have significantly bolstered capacity-building for housing counseling agencies, leveraging PHFA’s programs and training opportunities. Under her leadership, PHFA has experienced over 100% increase in the total number of counseling agencies that participate in the Comprehensive Housing Counseling Network, serving from 640 families in 2003 to over 25,000 annually, and secured over $70 million in support funds—the largest for any Housing Financing Agency. Her outstanding contributions have earned her a spot as a founding member of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Housing Counseling Federal Advisory Committee. Ms. Redmond holds a Bachelor of Science from Philadelphia University/Thomas Jefferson University, a Real-Estate License from Temple University School of Real-Estate, and an NCHEC Certification in Homeownership Counseling from NeighborWorks America, showcasing her comprehensive expertise and commitment to housing counseling excellence.
Evelyn Parker, Board Member
Evelyn Parker is a dedicated professional with a Master of Science in Psychology from Grand Canyon University, specializing in children and youth services. Based in York, PA, she has substantial experience in facility supervision and program coordination, most notably at Wonder Years Learning Center and the York Jewish Community Center. Evelyn excels in creating safe and engaging environments for children, emphasizing communication, management, and human relations. Her work includes developing activities that promote intellectual and social development, alongside managing staff to ensure high service standards. Committed to applying her skills in a meaningful way, Evelyn aims to further her impact in youth services while aspiring to pursue a Doctorate's degree.
Jessica Perez, Board Member
Jessica is a highly skilled professional with over 24 years of expertise in health insurance, sales and marketing, consumer education and empowerment, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE& I) involvement. As the previous Chair of SALUD (Highmark Blue Shield’s Hispanic/Latino Business Resource Group), she successfully led initiatives that championed DE&I for 10 years. In her current role as a Senior Manager, Market Operations and Governance in the Individual and Family Consumer Plan space at Aetna CVS Health, she excels at managing high-pressure situations with composure and clarity. She works with Fraud, Waste and Abuse and focuses on investigating brokers while diligently seeking opportunities to make the experience of health insurance better for the consumer/member. As a proud first-generation born Puerto Rican-American, Jessica has had a relentless drive and a strong work ethic, along with the desire to make a positive impact. Growing up in the inner city of Harrisburg has instilled in her a resilience and determination that is evident in the various aspects of her professional life. Jessica holds a Bachelor of Science from Central Penn College and has completed specialized training to earn a Diversity and Inclusion Certification from Cornell University.
Nathan Cook, Board Member
Nate Cook, serving as the Branch Executive Officer of Pennian Bank’s West Shore Office in Lemoyne, brings a wealth of experience in the banking industry, dedicated to assisting individuals and businesses in achieving their financial objectives. Outside of work, he cherishes time with his wife Lauren, son Noah, and daughters Olivia and Elliyanah, indulging in hobbies like grilling, yard games, bowling, golf, video games, movies, and sports. A committed volunteer, Nate is passionate about contributing to local communities.
Alma Irizarry, Board Member
Alma I. Irizarry was born and raised in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. She worked as a Community Support Specialist for Capital Area Head Start, a program of Keystone Human Services, for 23 years. Since 1999, she has been providing services to children and families in Dauphin, Cumberland, and Perry Counties in Pennsylvania. Alma helps build positive relationships with parents and children and acts as a link between families and the community. She provides feedback to parents and informs them about local community resources that meet their needs. Alma assists parents in obtaining these services and advocates for them when necessary. Her support includes finding resources for basic human needs such as food, clothing, general assistance, educational support, housing assistance, financial literacy, healthcare services, employment, transportation, bilingual services, and immigration support.
Alma holds credentials in Child Development Associate and has additional qualifications from Temple University as a Strength-Based Family Worker and Community Health Worker. She also completed The Standards for Excellence Program in 2008/2009, provided by PALO (Pennsylvania’s Association of Latino Organizations) and PANO (Pennsylvania’s Association of Nonprofit Organizations). Alma was an active member of the “Adelante Latino Community Outreach Committee,” where she conducted grassroots research to ensure community support for the project to open a new Latino Center and provide services for Latinos. She was also a founding board member and volunteer for the Latino Hispanic American Community Center (LHACC).
Alma’s passion lies in helping people and making a difference. She finds volunteering to be rewarding and is always looking for opportunities to continue doing what she loves.
Our Story
In the fabric of America's dreams, the Latino Connection Foundation (LCF) weaves a narrative rich in hope, resilience, and unwavering support for minority communities. Our influence stretches beyond mere statistics. It's embedded in the transformative experiences of families and individuals we've empowered, converting their adversities into pathways toward success and a brighter future for all.
LCF's origin is deeply rooted in George Fernandez's personal odyssey. Of Dominican heritage, George was intimately acquainted with the rigors of immigrant life, seen through the enduring spirit of his mother. Her tireless dedication to her family, in the face of homelessness and relentless challenges, left an indelible impact on him. This legacy of perseverance and optimism propelled George to ensure that the pursuit of homeownership, health, and the opportunities for a respectable existence are accessible for minority communities, transforming what once seemed an elusive dream into an attainable reality.
The Foundation stands as a beacon of hope, championing the cause of health equity, affordable housing, and economic development across more than 247 cities and counties, reaching over 1.17 million community members and directly benefiting nearly 58,000 individuals. Through our culturally informed services, we strive to bridge gaps and foster opportunities, nurturing a foundation for growth, equality, and well-being.
Our cornerstone initiative, BEACON—Bridging Economic Accessibility through Community Oriented Neighborhoods, embodies our commitment to building not just houses, but homes; not just communities, but dreams. Each project under BEACON is a testament to our belief that safe, affordable housing is the bedrock of family stability and prosperity.
Our vision extends beyond the physical constructs of homes and into the realms of health services, financial literacy, and social and career advancement. We imagine a future where every underserved community has equitable opportunities to thrive, where health, education, and cultural richness are universally accessible, cultivating spaces where individuals and communities can overcome obstacles and reach their utmost potential.
Guided by our values of diversity, inclusion, empowerment, innovation, collaboration, and compassion, we continuously seek creative solutions to address the unique needs of the communities we serve. Whether it's reducing health disparities, increasing healthcare access, empowering communities, or advocating for health equity, our mission is clear: to illuminate paths to success and well-being in every community we touch.
The fabric of LCF is interwoven with stories of transformation—from the shadows of shelters to the warmth of a home, from the margins to the heart of community development. Each initiative, each program, each life touched, is a chapter in our ongoing story of hope and empowerment.
George Fernandez