Neighbors Link first established our partnership with the New York State Office for New Americans (ONA) in 2016, when we were awarded the ONA Opportunity Center grant, designating us as a recognized resource among a statewide network of service providers for new Americans. We continue to operate as an ONA Opportunity Center today, providing naturalization and citizenship preparation classes.

In 2017, we extended our partnership with ONA when we were awarded the ONA Immigrant Community Navigator grant, a program that allows us to work as part of a statewide effort to conduct trainings, provide workshops, and facilitate community conversations in the Hudson Valley region that improve healthy integration.

In 2019, Neighbors Link was selected to be part of the Rapid Response Program (as part of the Liberty Defense Project) to provide dedicated attorneys to assist immigrants in urgent, time-sensitive legal jeopardy. Most recently, in 2022, ONA launched a new program called Legal Counsel, which extends the work of the Liberty Defense Project and works to streamline immigration legal services and build a legal network of immigration legal providers across the state. Neighbors Link has been selected as the ONA Legal Counsel for the Eastern Hudson Valley region (Dutchess, Putnam and Westchester Counties).

In 2021, Neighbors Link was awarded the ONA Opportunity Center – ESOL grant, which allows us to provide English for Speakers of Other Languages classes for new Americans.

Luisa Granda-Rodriguez
Director of Operations and Community Engagement

Luisa Granda-Rodriguez is the Director of Operations and Community Engagement at Neighbors Link. Luisa is a first-generation American born of Ecuadorian parents. Luisa was a volunteer at Neighbors Link before joining the staff in 2005 and has held various positions including Program Director. Her positions at Neighbors Link have always involved connecting the community and forging partnerships that build mutual respect and understanding about the realities of immigration.

She grew up in Queens, New York and graduated from Iona College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Studies and Political Science. She lives in Pleasantville, New York with her husband and four children.

Kelly Martinez
Program and Advocacy Manager

Kelly Martinez is the Program and Advocacy Manager at Neighbors Link. She joined Neighbors Link in 2018. In her role, she supports Neighbors Link’s expansion and outreach efforts in the Greater Hudson Valley. She is responsible for community outreach and engagement efforts, ensuring that programs and services reach those who need them the most. She also advocates for policies that support immigrants at the local, state and national level. Prior to joining Neighbors Link, she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Universidad Central de Venezuela (UCV) and her Master’s degree in Public Management from Instituto de Estudios Superiores de Administración (IESA). Kelly worked in Social Work in a non-profit for three years. After receiving her Master’s Degree, she moved to a position in the private sector as a project manager and later a marketing manager. Kelly recently joined the Board of Directors of the Emergency Shelter Partnership, which provides short-term, emergency shelter for those who need shelter during the coldest five months of the winter. She is also part of the 2022-2023 Cohort from the Immigrant Civic Leadership Program. As an immigrant herself, from Venezuela, she understands the importance of the work of different organizations in New York State for the immigrant community and also the importance of advocating for immigrant rights.

Ana Restrepo
Operations Manager

Ana Restrepo is the Operations Manager at Neighbors Link. In her role, she coordinates with the various departments to ensure that the organization runs smoothly. The three core functions are planning, organizing, and strategizing the daily operations and routine. Prior to joining Neighbors Link, Ana studied Business Administration & Marketing at The Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador (PUCE) and University ICESI. She gained extensive Business Administration and Sales Operations experience working in Ecuador as an independent seller for a large international paper manufacturer. She also played an essential role in establishing operating procedures at a fast growing start-up exporter. In her free time, Ana loves singing and dancing. She lives in Chappaqua with her teenage son and daughter.

Stephanie Sanchez
Administrative Assistant

Stephanie Sanchez is an Administrative Assistant at Neighbors Link. She directly supports the operations manager in overseeing the needs of the Mount Kisco headquarters. Being the first point of contact for those who seek services in Mount Kisco, Stephanie strives to create a warm welcome and to provide updated information about ongoing programs and events. She earned a Bachelors of Arts in Latin American Studies and Languages and Culture from SUNY Purchase. As the daughter of Central American immigrants, she strongly believes in efforts that foster opportunities for individuals from different backgrounds to build better futures for themselves. Her position lends itself to support that cause and she constantly works to uplift the immigrant community.

Kenta Togo
Community Outreach Coordinator

Kenta Togo has been the Community Outreach Coordinator at Neighbors Link since September 2023. In this role, he connects with the immigrant community to help bring Neighbors Link’s programs and services to those who can benefit from them. Prior to joining Neighbors Link, he received his Bachelor’s Degree from Middlebury College, having studied Spanish and Mathematics. Additionally, having grown up in Mount Kisco, he volunteered with Neighbors Link for several years before joining as an employee. Thus, he fully understands and is committed to the organization’s mission to support and empower the immigrants in our communities.

Roberto Zumba
Worker Center Coordinator

Roberto Zumba is the Worker Center Coordinator at Neighbors Link. In his role, he works directly with temporary workers, domestic workers, homeowners and local companies. He coordinates the specialized jobs that come through the job bank and provides specialized training for workers. Prior to joining Neighbors Link, he was a Produce Manager for 14 years, executing sales at the corporate level and ensuring customer satisfaction. Working for the Neighbors Link fills him with passion and encourages him to do his job to the best of his ability to best serve the community.