About Us
About Translatinx Network
Translatinx 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 Translatinx Network is our transfeminist peers and colleagues. Our initiative was born out of their collective efforts fighting for Translatinx 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
She/Her/Hers
Cristina founded Translatina Network (TN) in 2007 to organize and empower the transgender immigrant community through leadership development and education. Prior to her full-time leadership role at TN, Cristina served as the Transgender Programs Coordinator at the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center (The Center), where she worked for 11 years. In her final position there, she oversaw the development of workforce programming specifically tailored to the needs of the TGNC (Transgender, Gender Non-Conforming) community.
With 18 years of experience as a leader in TGNC services, HIV prevention, advocacy, and community organizing, Cristina has served on numerous panels, committees, and boards. Her work has earned her multiple awards and recognitions from organizations such as the NYC Department of Health (DOH), AIDS Institute, New York City Council, Queens Borough President, and many others.
cristina@translatinanetwork.org
917-415-4116
Simon Chartrand, Workforce Development Manager
He/Him/His
Simon is the Workforce Development Coordinator at Translatinx Network (TN), with a strong passion for serving transgender and immigrant communities. He participated in the TGNCNB Leadership Collective, where he gained skills in organizing within trans, gender non-conforming, and nonbinary communities. As part of this work, Simon helped develop trans-focused events and co-facilitated a transgender support group in Queens.
Prior to his role at TN, Simon taught French language courses at CUNY Hunter and Baruch Colleges, where he discovered his dual passion for education and activism. Outside of work, Simon enjoys spending time with his puppy at the dog park.
(929) 533-8653
Meilene Belmont, Associate Director of HIV Services and Prevention.
She/Her/Hers
Meilene is the Associate Director of HIV Services and Prevention at Translatinx 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.
Originally from 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.
meilene@translatinanetwork.org
(929) 391-7411
Coordinators
Nicole Teyuca, HIV Services Senior Program Coordinator
She/Her/Hers
Nicole provides community outreach and co-facilitates support and leadership programming at Translatinx Network (TN). Originally from Mexico, she moved to New York at the age of 16. A passionate advocate, Nicole focuses on ensuring the immigrant community has access to HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, and mental healthcare. Nicole began her advocacy career at the age of 17, volunteering with Spanish-language community organizations, conducting outreach, and representing the transgender community at public forums. During the "Stop and Frisk" era, she was arrested several times simply for walking in the streets. In response, she committed herself to activism by volunteering with organizations that ultimately played a key role in ending the discriminatory policy. Nicole enjoys being an advocate and frequently speaks publicly on issues impacting the LGBTQ+ Spanish-speaking immigrant community.
(929) 413-2717
Sin Jones, TGNC Services Coordinator
They/Them
Sin is an educator, writer, and community builder originally from Brooklyn, New York. With extensive experience in programming, arts education, and tech, they have dedicated their career to advocating for the rights of BIPOC, queer, and trans communities. As a queer person with multiple intersections, Sin has always fought for these communities to not only exist but thrive.
Believing that community is the foundation of activism, Sin’s greatest passion lies in fostering and strengthening communities. As a New York native, they are honored to serve the people of their city through their work with Translatinx Network.In their free time, Sin enjoys reading, writing poetry, and practicing meditation and mindfulness.
(929)-635-9412
Avery Hernandez, Community Enrichment Coordinator
He/Him/His
Avery is a native New Yorker, fluent in both Spanish and English. Before joining the Translatinx Network (TN) team, he spent five years working with immigrant families and marginalized groups in Brownsville and the South Bronx. In this role, Avery helped families access essential services to improve their overall living conditions.
Avery earned his undergraduate degree in Psychology at Hunter College, where he was fortunate to attend and present at conferences under the mentorship of Dr. Patricia Broderick at the City College Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education Program.
In his free time, Avery enjoys exercising and traveling.
David J. Franco, Senior Coordinator of Community Health Services
He/Him/His
David is from El Salvador. He moved from his home country to escape the homophobia he faced. Due to the lack of sensitivity from homophobic individuals, he endured significant abuse because of his sexual orientation, both from strangers and even from family members.
Thanks to a transgender woman who helped him connect with Translatinx Network (TN), David graduated from TN’s Peer Outreach Education Training, a peer education training initiative. This experience has helped him feel more confident. He has learned that nothing is impossible if one is determined to achieve it, to love himself regardless of others’ opinions, and to follow his heart in helping others who are going through similar struggles.
david.j@translatinanetwork.org
(929) 842-3999
Ms. Leonard Tyndall, Program Coordinator for HIV and Prevention Services
She/Her/Hers
Ms. Leonard is originally from Guyana, South America. She was recently certified as a Peer Worker by the New York State Department of Health AIDS Institute and is a proud graduate of the ARRIVE program at Exponents and the Advanced Leadership Space Program at Translatinx Network.
Ms. Leonard is an HIV/AIDS counselor and tester, and she has worked as a Peer Outreach Specialist at Bright Point Health. Currently, she serves as the Community Enrichment Coordinator at Translatinx Network. As a trans activist, Ms. Leonard is committed to advocating for and supporting the Black LGBTQ+ community and working to end transphobia.
leonard@translatinanetwork.org
(929) 633-4261
Rafael Romero, Peer Health Coordinator
He/Him/His
Rafael is originally from Venezuela and moved to New York in 2015. After exploring various career paths, he began volunteering at Betances Health Center, where he launched his career in HIV testing. Shortly after, Rafael joined CAMBA, where he worked for over five years, forming strong bonds with individuals living with HIV and members of the immigrant LGBTQ+ community to which he belongs.
With a foundation built on respect and empathy, Rafael managed cases and enhanced the quality of life for his clients by connecting them to essential city resources. He remains deeply committed to advocating for and supporting marginalized communities.
Advisors
Christine Perez, Senior Educator for Health and Telehealth Programming
She/Her/Hers
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.
christine@translatinanetwork.org
(929) 413-9817
Victoria Orellana, Peer Health Advisor
She/Her/Hers
Victoria is a trans woman from Honduras who moved to New York City seeking new opportunities. Over the years, she has worked with several LGBTQ+ community organizations, gaining valuable skills to advocate for the trans community. Victoria is deeply committed to fostering strong relationships and continues to support rallies, town halls, and initiatives aimed at combating discrimination and hate crimes.
Victoria graduated from the TGNC Leadership Space, where she honed skills in outreach, communication, and prevention work. She is currently serving as the Peer Health Advisor at the Translatinx Network (TN), where she provides support and guidance to community members on health and wellness issues.
Vanessa Mendez, Peer Health Advisor
She/Her/Hers
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 Translatinx 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.
Adriana Ortiz, Peer Health Advisor
They/Them/Theirs
Adriana was born in Peru and came to the United States in 2019. They began their transition in 2003 and worked as a hair colorist in Peru. Throughout their life, They has supported many young trans individuals, advising them on their transition processes as well as social and family development.
Adriana is deeply committed to freedom, love, and the creation of chosen families. They believes that living authentically provides visibility and helps destigmatize the experiences of our community for future generations. Passionate about community outreach, They shares vital information with Their community and actively listens to their needs.
adriana@translatinanetwork.org
(917) 415-5076
Cynthia Gonzalez, Peer Health Advisor
She/Her/Hers
Cynthia is a trans activist from Mexico who has been living in New York City since 2001. She emigrated to the U.S. in search of new personal opportunities and professional development. Over the years, Cynthia has actively participated in several organizations, including the Translatinx Network (TN), which provides social support, workforce development, and works to improve the lives of the TGNC (Transgender, Gender Non-Conforming) and NB (Non-Binary) communities.
At TN, Cynthia received training in sexual health, outreach, and HIV/STI prevention, including PrEP/PEP. She also graduated from TN’s Advanced Leadership Space, where she earned certifications in CPR, First Aid, and HIV confidentiality. Passionate about healthcare, housing, and employment equality, Cynthia remains dedicated to fighting for the rights of marginalized communities and advancing access to resources that foster health and well-being.
Stephanie Nava, Peer Health Advisor
She/Her/Hers
Stephanie is a Venezuelan journalist and a passionate advocate for the rights of vulnerable communities. Since her arrival in the United States, she has volunteered with community organizations such as the Saint Jerome HANDS Community Center in the Bronx and the Oasis Community Center/Latino Commission on AIDS.
At Translatinx Network, she works as a Peer Health Advisor, where she aims to improve the quality of life for the community by facilitating access to healthcare services and resources.
Support Staff
Andrea Garcia, Administrative Assistant for HIV Services and Prevention
She/Her/Hers
Andrea is the Administrative Assistant for HIV Services at Translatinx 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.
Angel Nieves, Consultant
He/Him/His
Angel is a native New Yorker of Puerto Rican descent who believes that people working toward their goals or improving their lives should be able to do so without the constraints of marginalization, or forced into a place of vulnerability. He seeks to add his contribution to empowering others and changing mindsets. Angel holds a degree in Communications Design from Pratt Institute, and a Teaching English as a Second Language certification from The TEFL Academy (TTA). He brings nearly forty years of advertising, marketing, and business acumen to Translatinx Network, and supports the organization’s efforts in his role as an administrative consultant.
Elena Waldman, Administration Manager
They/Them/Theirs
Elena Waldman has been fighting the binary since 1964. Born and raised in Queens, their personal, professional, and academic life has been dedicated to dismantling systems of oppression and violence. Elena is also a well-known self defense and Karate instructor, and has collaborated with a diverse spectrum of organizations, from local PTOs to the annual Trans Wellness Conference, from South Asian advocacy groups in Queens, to harm reduction centers in Philadelphia.
Interns
Alpha Shrestha, SOCIAL WORK INTERN
She/Her/Hers
Alpha originates from Nepal and is currently a graduate student in Social Work at NYU. She is interning at Translatinx Network, where her pursuit of social work is driven by a desire to engage with the community and serve as a valuable resource for individuals seeking assistance.
Alpha chose to join Translatinx Network to deepen her understanding of the Trans community and gain insights into their experiences and challenges. Through this opportunity, she aims to develop her skills and make a meaningful impact in the lives of those she serves.
Alexis Snodgrass, SOCIAL WORK INTERN
She/Her/Ella
" Hello everyone!
My name is Alexis (she/her) and I am from San Diego, CA currently earning a master’s degree in Social Work at NYU. I live to learn and am so grateful to be a part of Translatinx Network! "