Founder & Executive Director

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My name is Romel Marmolejos, and I am from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. I immigrated to the US when I was 17 years old; I have lived and worked in Baltimore since then. 

I attended Towson University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science and Business Administration. 

I am a licensed insurance producer, project management professional and business owner.

My name is Anthony Alvarez, I was born in the US and live in Washington DC, my parents are from Guatemala and El Salvador. 

Currently I am a student at MICA, MFA in Photography Society and Media, 2021-2023.

My passion is storytelling, and being raised as a child of immigrants, I try to push the boundaries of recognition and respect in order to better
improve our communities and societies. 

I use my experience in both the corporate world and art industry in order to do so. 

As a Latin American male, I am able to balance myself between two worlds that are in man ways polar opposites, yet with that understanding and mastery  of both, I work and am able to make change.

My  name is Maria Flores. I am a mother of 4 beautiful children and originally from Zacatecas, Mexico. 

I have lived in the United States  for more than 20 years.  

My career responsibilities have helped me become a professional,  enthusiastic bilingual manager with more than two decades of financial  services and sales experience. 

I  have strong business administration, bookkeeping, and outstanding  customer service skills. As a mother, I know the importance of educating of our  youth and the challenges that an immigrant parent must overcome in this  country. 

Over the years, I faced the difficulty of  learning the language and the culture. I  have found that education, hard work, and a tireless pursuit of our  dreams open the doors to the promises that this country offers.

I’m  currently working at the Helping Up Mission as a Human Resource  Specialist. Helping Up Mission is a faith-based, non-denomination,  Christian organization  offering permanent solutions to those experiencing homelessness,  poverty, and addiction.

Alfredo Santiago, LCSW-C 

Pronouns: He/Him/El

Alfredo Santiago is a licensed certified social worker and is currently employed at Chase Brexton Health Services, Behavioral Health Department, where there is compassionate, quality health care that honors diversity, inspires wellness and improves our communities, mission values that are in line with Alfredo’s personal values. 

Peace and Strength Counseling, LLC, (Paz y Fuerza), a private counseling practice in the heart of Highlandtown, focusing on the mental health needs of the Latino/a community and neighbors.

At both places of employment Alfredo offers behavioral clinical therapy for a diverse population with a special focus on LGBTQ, POC, Latinx immigrants, refugees and at-risk youth, and grief counseling.

Alfredo was employed at Baltimore City Department of Social Services and worked with youth that experienced physical and sexual abuse and neglect. Alfredo enjoys working with marginalized and/or stigmatized populations.

Alfredo graduated with a Masters in Social Work with a concentration in Mental Health from the University of Maryland School of Social Work and received a Bachelors Degree in Social Work from the University of Maryland – Baltimore County with a focus on child welfare. 

Alfredo volunteers with the Latino Racial Justice Circle, the Baltimore Metro United Methodist Church Immigration Task Force, and Peace With Justice, a United Methodist Church Social Justice Advocacy team. 

Awards include The Mayor’s Hispanic Heritage Award, 2018. 

Lastly, Alfredo Santiago is a proud parent to Marvin, a young man from El Salvador and Chuck, a boxer dog. 

My name is Ramon Antonio Croussett Jr. I am from the Dominican Republic. I moved to the Texas when I was 6 years old, where I grew up. I have lived in Maryland for the past 10 years.

I am a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist and currently I am the Hispanic Outreach & Treatment Coordinator at the Helping Up Mission.

My role focuses on leading outreach efforts in the Hispanic community to increase access for individuals in need of long-term residential recovery.

My passion is serving the community and spreading God’s message of love, peace, and equality.

My name is Alejandra Martinez, I am originally from Ciudad de Mexico, Baltimore has been my home for the last 22 years.

I love my Mexican culture, heritage, art and traditions.

A member of Artisans at Creatice Alliance for 7 years, where I learned and grow from an apprentice to a master in folkloric arts and projects, when I graduated, I left behind important contributions, that are still part of the group today.

As an entrepreneur artist and business owner, I started a journey in teaching cultural workshops and  small business pop-ups at cultural events and festivals giving me the opportunity to learn about organization and logistics of markets and festivals.

My name is Yoryina Lizcano, I am originally from Tachira Venezuela, I have been living in Baltimore since 2023.

I love my Venezuelan culture, heritage, art and traditions.

Since I arrive in Baltimore, I have been a community volunteer at Salem United Methodist Church and Assistant Coordinator of Nuestras Raices Inc, Casa de la Cultura youth cultural summer camp.

At my young age of 19 yrs old, I love music and enjoy learning classical guitar and playing keyboard, I am also a folkloric dancer at Danza Folklorica Latina, a local Latino Folkloric group that educates and promotes Central and South American culture, music, and folklore.