About Us
About Translatinx Network
Translatina 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 Translatina 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
Angel Nieves, Administrator of Programs - HIV Services and Prevention.
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.
Meilene Belmont, Senior Director of HIV Services and Prevention.
She/Her/Hers
Meilene is the Senior Director of HIV Services and Prevention at Translatina 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. In 2019, Meilene was honored with the Commissioner's Special Recognition Award by the New York State Department of Health for her dedication and commitment to improving the health of New Yorkers, in recognition of her contributions on World AIDS Day.
Originally from Oaxaca 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
David J. Franco, Community Health Services & Evaluation Manager
He/Him/His
David J. Franco is originally from El Salvador and moved to the United States in 2017. In his home country, he served as a Social Worker at City Hall. David was introduced to the Translatina Network through the support of a transgender woman, where he graduated from the Peer Outreach Education (POE) Program. an experience that empowered him and strengthened his commitment to serving others. After completing that training, he felt more confident, and he has had the opportunity to work at Translatina Network since 2021. Now he is the Community Health Services & Evaluation Manager, where this position allows him to teach POE to their clients—also providing HIV/HCV testing to his community: Transgender, Gender Non-Conforming, and Non-Binary (TGNCNB). David believes deeply in the power of resilience, self-love, and service. His journey has taught him that nothing is impossible when driven by purpose and compassion. He is dedicated to uplifting others who are navigating challenges similar to those he has overcome.
david.j@translatinanetwork.org
(929) 842-3999
Coordinators
Nicole Teyuca, HIV Services Senior Program Coordinator
She/Her/Hers
Nicole provides community outreach and co-facilitates support and leadership programming at Translatina 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
Victoria Orellana, Coordinator of Community Health
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 Translatina Network (TN), where she provides support and guidance to community members on health and wellness issues.
Rafael Romero, Peer Health Coordinator
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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.
Rose Rayos, Coordinator of Women’s Services
She/Her/Hers
Rose is a Colombian and Dominican descent, and is deeply committed to building connections across generations of Queer people and among women from all backgrounds. With roots in community organizing and leadership, she joined Translatina Network (TN) after working as a Community Support Specialist at The Center, where she supported Social Groups programming.
Now the Coordinator of Women’s Services at TN, Rose draws on her lived experience and advocacy to support clients and foster an inclusive workplace. Outside of work, she is active in peer-led initiatives like the Black Trans Liberation Kitchen and co-organizes the annual Black Trans Cookout in NYC. She also volunteers weekly at Precious Hearts Adult Social Day Care, inspired by her vision to one day open a care facility for Queer Elders in underserved 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
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 Translatina 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.
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 Translatina 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.
Fanny Romero, Peer Health Advisor
She/Her/Hers
Fanny Romero is a 41-year-old trans woman originally from Mexico City. She emigrated to New York City in 2002 at the age of 18. She graduated as a hairdresser and holds a certificate that supports her 10 years of experience in the field. She also obtained a Home Health Aide license, a role she held for five years.
Fanny has volunteered and participated in community work with organizations such as La Colmena and the Unicorns group in Staten Island, Make the Road NY and Oasis in New York. She currently works with Translatina Network after completing TGNC Leadership Space (TGNC LS) XXlV. TGNC LS provided her with comprehensive education around HIV Confidentiality Law in NYS, community outreach, group facilitation and case management.
Adrianne Ortiz, Peer Health Advisor
They/Them/Theirs
Adrianne 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.
Adrianne 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 Translatina 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.
Alejandra Romero, Peer Health Advisor
She/Her/Hers
Alejandra was born and raised in northern Mexico. She decided to move to the United States in 2023 in search of better opportunities and uses her personal experience and history of overcoming challenges to serve other members of her community and connect with their stories of adversity.
Despite discrimination and challenges, she constantly works to achieve acceptance for the LGBTQ+ community. Alejandra earned her degree in biotechnology from a prestigious Mexican institution in 2021 and, just as she did then, remains dedicated to the visibility, empowerment, and education of her fellow transgender people.
Miguel Diaz, Peer Health Advisor
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Miguel Díaz, originally from Venezuela. He is a teacher by profession who specialized in Comprehensive Education, with a Master’s degree in Educational Research and a Ph.D. in Educational Sciences. With over 25 years of experience in the education field, he migrated to New York in 2024 after facing labor and social discrimination in his home country due to his sexual orientation.
He is grateful to Translatina Network for providing him the opportunity to attend the Peer Outreach Education (PEO) training cycle # XI. Graduating from the program provided him with the necessary skills to work with the LGBTQ community as a Peer Health Advisor. He looks forward to providing comprehensive support services to LGBTQ+ community by facilitating access to healthcare services and essential resources. A firm believer in the power of knowledge as a tool for empowerment, Miguel also enjoys outdoor exercise, reading, going to the movies, and spending time with family.
Support Staff
Andrea Garcia, HIV Services and Prevention Manager
She/Her/Hers
Andrea is the Administrative Assistant for HIV Services at Translatina 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.
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.
Intern
Tyler Boyle, Social Work Intern
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Driven by a commitment to autonomy and self-determination for all, Tyler hopes to assist TransLatina clients in navigating the complex systems in New York City. Drawing on a professional background in education, Tyler is eager to contribute resources that enhance educational opportunities and job-readiness for the Network's clients. Outside of their professional pursuits, Tyler enjoys spending time with their partner and caring for their half-blind rescue cat, Ginger.