Our Team
Get to know us
Ashly Estevez-Perez
President
Ashly Estevez-Perez is a government affairs and nonprofit leader with experience across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. As the President and Founder of Movimiento Tricolor, she oversees the organization’s strategic direction, operations, and community partnerships. With a background in public policy, stakeholder engagement, and program management, she has worked in Congress and the executive branch, as well as in private-sector policy roles. Ashly holds a Master’s in Public Administration and a Bachelor’s in Political Science, equipping her with expertise in navigating complex institutions, building cross-sector collaborations, and advocating for underrepresented communities. Her leadership ensures Movimiento Tricolor remains a platform for cultural celebration and empowerment while fostering connections between policy, advocacy, and community engagement.
Ruth Perez
Executive Director
Ruth Perez, a mother, wife, and community organizer, immigrated from the Dominican Republic to the U.S. in 2004, seeking social and economic prosperity for her family. Initially managing a local corner store, she ensured residents had access to fresh foods while actively engaging with the community. Transitioning to become a Home Health Aid, Ruth extended her care to seniors, ensuring their well-being. Her passion for community service led her to the Food Trust, where she oversees statewide initiatives to increase access to healthy foods in corner stores, supporting over 50 stores nationwide. Ruth is also a dedicated volunteer, supporting mental health initiatives and organizing events for first-generation students across nonprofits and schools in Camden, New Jersey. Affectionately known as "The Mother of the Village" among community members, she founded Movimiento Tricolor, bridging generations and providing essential resources for community members to thrive in the U.S.
Jennifer Rodriguez
Secretary
Jennifer, a native of Camden and a graduate of Rutgers University with both her Bachelors and Masters in Social Work, is deeply committed to guiding and creating pathways for youth success. Her dedication to uplifting and empowering young minds shines through her work as a counselor at Eastside High School, where she not only provides support to high schoolers but also orchestrates various events and initiatives aimed at bolstering youth development. Jennifer's involvement extends beyond the school grounds; she actively participates in a pre-college access program, where she manages mentoring sites in partner high schools and organizes college visits to broaden students' horizons. Furthermore, as the Secretary of Movimiento Tricolor, Jennifer ensures the smooth functioning of the organization by meticulously overseeing meeting minutes, document archiving, and the timely submission of necessary forms, thereby playing a vital role in the seamless execution of events and initiatives. Her unwavering dedication to the betterment of youth and the community exemplifies her role as a catalyst for positive change.
Kimberly Valle
Vice President
Born and raised in El Paso, Texas, Kim is a proud daughter of Mexican and formerly undocumented immigrants. She is a first-generation college graduate with a bachelor’s degree in journalism with a focus on international development from the University of Texas at El Paso (2016) and a master’s degree in public administration focusing on Public Policy Management from Rutgers University- Camden, New Jersey (2021). Throughout her undergrad career, Kim focused on covering borderland immigration stories of undocumented/immigrant students and communities. From 2016-2018, Kim served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Morocco where she created sustainable socioeconomic programs in rural areas for Moroccan youth and women that supported educational and employment attainment. Her passion for public service was deepened during her Peace Corps service and thus continued to work in the non-profit industry servicing immigrant communities through education and social services. Kim’s motivation and inspiration to continue the path of public service is her personal experiences growing up in a marginalized undocumented community by witnessing the educational and socioeconomic disparities that exist within immigrant communities.
Angel Florentino
Public Relations
Angel Florentino, a proud native of Camden City, spent his formative years in McGuire Gardens, East Camden. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Marketing from Rutgers University, with a minor in Digital Studies and a concentration in Social Media. With a foundation in sales and marketing, Angel's career journey includes roles as a freelance consultant and Influencer Coordinator where he led various campaigns increasing influence and exposure via digital platforms. Presently, he leads the Marketing efforts at NFI Industries, a prominent logistics company rooted in Vineland, New Jersey, and thriving in Camden. Angel plays a pivotal role for Movimiento Tricolor in shaping the organization's digital presence, producing all digital content and spearheading promotional campaigns.
Ronald Estevez-Perez
Media Director
Ronald Estevez is a filmmaker born in the Dominican Republic who migrated as a child to the United States. With the desire to keep a connection with his culture, he developed a passion for filmmaking. Today, he is a seasonal producer for NFL Films, where he works on films and shows such as Hard Knocks, Peyton's Places, Top 100, and NFL Presents. He is also the founder of RE Films, a production company based in the greater Philadelphia area. When he founded RE Films, his first mission was to highlight the positive aspects within the disadvantaged and underserved community of Camden, New Jersey, where he grew up. Now, he is invested deeper into all aspects of the communities, and he values the importance of leading such a significantly medium. Working alongside small businesses, foundations, musicians, and all crucial components of the communities.
Bienvenido "Benny" Mejía
Event Coordinator
Born and raised in the Dominican Republic before making Camden his home, Benny brings a wealth of operational, logistical, and outreach experience to Movimiento. Formerly the owner of Oxford Market, Benny intimately understood the pulse of the community through his daily interactions, igniting within him a profound dedication to community service. Certified in building trades, OHSA, CDL, and possessing culinary expertise, Benny plays a pivotal role in organizing and executing events of all scales for the organization. Presently employed at the Food Trust, Benny spearheads efforts to ensure statewide access to nutritious foods. His responsibilities include orchestrating equipment logistics for corner stores and facilitating their enrollment in the Trust's programs, underscoring his commitment to fostering healthier communities.
MARIA ESPINAL-MENA
TREASURE
Maria was born and raised in the Dominican Republic and moved to the United States at the age of 12, embarking on a journey that would shape her future. She graduated from Rutgers University with a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, where she developed a strong foundation in administration, accounting, and management. Her diverse academic background has provided her with the skills needed to succeed in various professional environments.
With a well-rounded background in administration, accounting, and management, Maria has built a career that spans multiple areas of expertise. She is currently working as a Program & Communications Coordinator at a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting families with children who have disabilities. In this role, Maria combines her professional experience with her deep passion for helping others, ensuring that families have access to the resources and assistance they need.
Maria is committed to making a positive impact on her community, driven by her genuine desire to improve the lives of those around her. Her work continues to be fueled by a passion for advocacy and support, and she is dedicated to creating meaningful change for families in need.