Today we proudly step into the role of Co-Executive Directors!

Jose Lopez Co-Executive Director

Arlenis Morel Co-Executive Director

Theo Oshiro Co-Executive Director

For nearly two decades, each of us has had the opportunity to learn and grow within this beautiful organization. And today, we proudly step into the role of Co-Executive Directors of Make the Road New York.

We each bring a unique set of experiences to this role. Jose has organized with our youth and adult members to fight for the world they deserve; Theo has expanded our services to meet the needs of our communities with thoughtfulness and care; and Arlenis has created the infrastructure that makes all of our work possible. We have built and strengthened the organization that has been our home, and we are honored to be taking the reins.

We are also excited to welcome Becca Telzak and Sienna Fontaine to our Executive Team as Deputy Director and Legal Director/General Counsel. Becca and Sienna have been integral to growing our health and legal programs and they are the partners we need to drive this organization forward. Together, we will take Make the Road NY into its next chapter.

Today also marks DAY 17 of our members’ Hunger Strike to #FundExcludedWorkers. Our members have gone more than two weeks without food, and we are now close to winning real relief for our communities.

We are in awe of our members who have made this sacrifice. This is yet another reminder to us that our members are resilient, creative, disciplined, and serve as the bedrock of this organization. Together, following the lead of our membership, we will fight for and win respect and dignity for all our communities.

To Deborah Axt and Javier Valdés, THANK YOU! We have achieved so much under your fierce and fearless leadership—dozens of historic victories that have impacted the lives of millions and will continue to shape the future of immigrant and working class communities in our state and across the country. We are incredibly grateful to you for building Make the Road into the force that it is today.

We are humbled, excited and ready to step into our new roles, with a clear commitment and determination to help guide Make the Road into the future.

Thank you for your ongoing support at this critical moment. We couldn’t do this work without you.

¡Pa’lante!