Executive Director
The Board of Directors of DWDC is pleased to introduce, Ms. Marielys Divanne as the new Executive Director of the Dominican Women's Development Center (DWDC), leading the organization into its next chapter while building on its 37-year legacy of empowering women and strengthening families in the Dominican and Latino community. Marielys Divanne is a nonprofit executive, policy strategist, and longtime community organizer with more than twenty-five years of experience advancing education equity and social justice. Born in the Dominican Republic and a first-generation college graduate, Marielys has led citywide coalitions and major public initiatives across New York City. She previously served as Executive Director of Educators for Excellence-New York and as Senior Advisor to the NYC Deputy Mayor for Strategic Initiatives, guiding key education and equity efforts. She is also the Founder of Futuro Solutions, advising foundations and school systems on strategy and stakeholder engagement. Marielys holds a Master of Fine Arts in Nonfiction Writing from Columbia University, a bachelor's degree in Secondary Education and English Literature from Boston College, and a certificate in Leadership, Organizing, and Action from Harvard Kennedy School's Executive Education Program. She has been recognized as a City & State NY Education Power 100 honoree. Grounded in gratitude for those who paved the way-including DWDC's founding and longstanding leadership-Marielys is honored to lead the Center in partnership with staff, board, and community members to advance safety, dignity, education and opportunity for all.
Deputy Director
Dr. Andel V. Nicasio is a clinical psychologist, researcher, and longtime member of the DWDC community. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Organizational Psychology from Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra in the Dominican Republic, master’s degrees in Rehabilitation Counseling from Hunter College and Clinical Psychology from the University of Central Florida, and a doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the University of Central Florida. Dr. Nicasio completed her postdoctoral fellowship at the Medical University of South Carolina, specializing in trauma, telehealth, and mental health disparities. Her research focuses on reducing health disparities through culturally informed, evidence-based interventions and expanding access to mental health services in underserved communities. A former DWDC employee and Board Member, Dr. Nicasio brings a deep connection to the organization and its mission. She currently serves as Deputy Director, helping advance DWDC’s commitment to strengthening women, families, and communities.
Mama Tingo Child Care & Learning Center Program Director
Nermis Calderon, Program Director | Mamá Tingó Learning Center. Born in the Dominican Republic, Nermis Calderon came to the United States at age 14 and has dedicated much of her career to education, children, and families. Nermis joined the Dominican Women’s Development Center (DWDC) in 2015 as a Pre-K teacher and soon advanced to Educational Director of the Mamá Tingó Learning Center, a position she held for seven years. Today, as Program Director, she leads and supports teachers while connecting children and families with resources that strengthen parent-child relationships, early learning, and healthy child development. Beyond the classroom, Nermis has helped coordinate food pantries, coat drives, and partnerships with government and community agencies to address the broader needs of families. Prior to joining DWDC, she spent 13 years as an educator and also served as an accounting tutor at Borough of Manhattan Community College. Throughout her career, she has been a strong advocate for bilingual and special education. Nermis holds an associate’s degree in Computer Programming from BMCC, a bachelor’s degree in Bilingual Education with a co-major in Business Administration/Accounting, and a master’s degree in Special Education with a co-major in Child Psychology from the City College of New York.
Mama Tingo Child Care & Learning Center Administrative Director
Felix E. Arias is a dedicated and hands-on human services professional with extensive experience in program administration, early childhood education, and personnel management. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated strong leadership, excellent communication and organizational skills, careful attention to detail, and a deep commitment to teamwork and regulatory compliance. Since 2015, Felix has served as **Administrative Director of the Mamá Tingó Childcare & Education Center at the Dominican Women’s Development Center (DWDC)**, where he helps oversee the delivery of high-quality early childhood education and supportive services to **110 children and their families**. Prior to joining DWDC, Felix served for **21 years as Administrative Director of La Familia Unida Daycare Center at Alianza Dominicana, Inc.** His decades of service reflect a longstanding commitment to strengthening early childhood programs and supporting children, families, and the communities they serve. Felix holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from the City University of New York (CUNY).
Nuevo Amanecer Director
Karina Bernabe was born and raised in Mexico City, where her commitment to social justice and advocacy began. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM)** and immigrated to New York in 2006, giving her firsthand understanding of the challenges faced by immigrant communities. For more than 18 years, Karina has advocated for survivors of domestic violence. She joined the Dominican Women’s Development Center (DWDC) in 2008 and has served in several roles within the **Nuevo Amanecer (New Dawn) Anti-Domestic Violence Program**, becoming **Program Director in 2015**. Her work is rooted in compassion, empowerment, and ensuring that survivors have access to the support and resources they need. Karina also co-organizes the annual Gladys Ricart and Victims of Domestic Violence Memorial Walk (“Brides’ March”), honoring those whose lives have been lost to domestic violence and raising awareness throughout the community.
Health Promotion Program Director
Elizabeth “Liz” Javier is a Dominican immigrant, community advocate, and Program Director at the Dominican Women’s Development Center (DWDC), where she leads the **Health Promotion Team** and oversees **La Sala LGBTQ+ Drop-In Center**. With more than 15 years of experience serving individuals and families, Liz has been a dedicated advocate for HIV awareness and stigma reduction, including her work with the **“Let’s Stop HIV Together”** campaign since 2013. Her background includes studies in Nursing, experience as a New York City paramedic, and a certificate in sound engineering. She is currently pursuing a degree in Psychology at Southern New Hampshire University, with an interest in integrating music therapy into her work. Through her compassionate leadership, Liz remains committed to empowering individuals, strengthening families, and creating healthier, more inclusive communities.
Economic Development Director
Brandon Ramirez leads the Economic Development Program at the Dominican Women’s Development Center (DWDC), helping individuals and families build pathways toward greater financial stability, entrepreneurship, and economic opportunity. Through culturally responsive, community-rooted programming, Brandon connects participants—particularly immigrant women, low-income families, and underserved communities in Northern Manhattan and the Bronx—with financial education, entrepreneurship support, workforce development, and valuable community resources. His work is centered on meeting people where they are and providing the tools, knowledge, and opportunities they need to strengthen their financial futures and achieve long-term economic mobility.
Program Director for the Mamá Tingó Early Head Start Program
Krismely Diaz leads the Home-Based Mamá Tingó Early Head Start Program at the Dominican Women’s Development Center (DWDC), supporting children from birth to age three and their families during some of the most important years of early development. Through a culturally responsive, family-centered approach, Krismely and her team promote children’s social, emotional, and developmental growth while providing parents with education, support, and connections to essential community resources. Her work is rooted in the belief that strong families create strong foundations for children to learn, grow, and thrive.
