ABOUT US

Luis “LA”  Jimenez

Board Chair

Luis is a Dominican-born, Washington Heights–raised educator with nearly 20 years of experience working in New York City schools and nonprofit organizations. A passionate, dedicated, and resourceful education professional, he brings deep community knowledge and a hands-on approach to everything he builds.

As President of the organization, Luis focuses on designing collaborative, experiential programs that support cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development. His work centers on creating authentic, engaging learning opportunities that are accessible to all community members and rooted in the culture and lived experiences of the neighborhoods served.

Luis believes that strong communities are built through consistent access to quality programs, meaningful relationships, and opportunities to learn and grow together. His mission is to help improve conditions in under-resourced communities through academic enrichment, health awareness, and physical activity, using education and community connection as tools for lasting, positive change.

Gabriela Trejo

Board Treasurer

Gabriela is an entrepreneur in the esthetics field and a founding member of Helping Our People Evolve Inc. (HOPE). Raised in Washington Heights, she returned to her community with a commitment to giving back and helping establish programs that support local families and youth.

As board treasurer, she has played an active role in coordinating community events, including the distribution of book bags, graduation supplies, and technology resources for students. Gabriela brings a strong interest in the liberal arts, international relations, and health, which informs her holistic approach to community engagement.

With over 10 years of experience in competitive dance, including ballet, jazz, contemporary, and other styles, Gabriela is especially passionate about working with young people through movement and creative expression. She values the power of the arts to build confidence, connection, and opportunity for youth in the communities HOPE serves.

Arlene Rios

Board Secretary

Arlene Rios-Neder serves as Board Secretary at Helping Our People Evolve Inc. (HOPE), where she supports and helps coordinate community-based programs and activities. She brings a strong background in public health, family services, and youth engagement to the organization.

Prior to joining HOPE, Arlene worked as Assistant to the Chief of Staff at Urban Health Plan, Inc., where she supported initiatives within the WIC and Nutrition Program, helping families access resources that promote healthy development. She also worked with the MICHC Department, supporting educational efforts that emphasized the importance of breastfeeding and early childhood health for new mothers.

In addition, Arlene contributed to adolescent-focused programming, helping keep students engaged in structured after-school activities that encouraged physical activity and positive community involvement. Through her role at HOPE, Arlene is committed to expanding access to similar health and education focused programs in neighborhoods that need them most.

Benne “Benny Heightz” Lovett

Board Member

Benne Lovett III is an entrepreneur and a retired member of the United States Air Force, where he served honorably for 20 years. Born in the Bronx, Benne experienced a challenging childhood that included time in family shelters before relocating to Washington Heights in 1993 as a foster child. These early experiences shaped his resilience, perspective, and commitment to community empowerment.

Benne earned a Bachelor of Science in Administrative and Management Studies from Excelsior College and has traveled extensively, gaining firsthand experience in building and managing businesses across industries including music and real estate. His entrepreneurial journey is grounded in practical knowledge, discipline, and a global outlook.

Through his work with HOPE, Benne is dedicated to applying his diverse experiences to help communities build real, sustainable pathways toward success. He is a strong advocate for ownership, education, and opportunity, and believes that access to knowledge and resources empowers individuals and families to turn their goals into lasting realities.

Anjulee Sebastian

Board Member

Anjulee is a proud New Yorker from the Bronx and a dedicated intensive care nurse with specialized experience caring for open-heart surgery patients as well as individuals recovering from a wide range of surgical procedures. Her work reflects a deep commitment to high-quality, patient-centered care in high-acuity clinical settings.

Anjulee is passionate about health equity and believes that every community deserves equal access to affordable healthcare and quality education. She views both as essential foundations for individual well-being and long-term community strength.

Through her involvement with HOPE, Anjulee is committed to helping create opportunities that inspire healthier communities, expand access to care and education, and support meaningful, lasting change.

Rafael Gabriel

Board Member

Rafael is a veteran of the United States Army who served honorably in multiple international deployments, including Operation New Dawn in Iraq and Operation Unified Response in Haiti. His military service reflects a long-standing commitment to public service and global engagement.

Prior to joining the military, Rafael earned an Associate’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Management from Mitchell College. After completing his military service, he went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from New York University, followed by a Master’s degree in Global Affairs from NYU, with a concentration in Transnational Security and a specialization in Data Analytics.

A native of Washington Heights, Rafael is deeply committed to supporting the growth and well-being of his community. Through his work with HOPE, he believes that meaningful, positive engagement across all age groups can help uplift neighborhoods, expand opportunity, and empower individuals to build sustainable paths toward success.