Our Team
MTC is led by a multigenerational, bilingual team of community leaders. Our leadership reflects the diverse experiences of the communities we serve, with team members representing multiple countries across the Caribbean and Latin America. As longtime residents, organizers, educators, and advocates, our team brings both lived experience and professional expertise to the work of strengthening opportunity, cultural pride, and community leadership.
Ashly Estevez-Perez
Co-Founder and deputy executive director
Ashly Estevez-Perez is a public policy, external affairs, and nonprofit leader whose work is rooted in expanding opportunity, strengthening community voice, and building bridges between grassroots communities and the institutions that shape policy and investment. As a first-generation immigrant raised in Camden, Ashly’s lived experience has shaped her commitment to advancing equity, representation, and long-term community power.
Ashly has held roles both in Congress and within a presidential administration, where she supported policy, stakeholder engagement, and external affairs efforts on issues impacting underserved communities across immigration, labor, education, and other national security issues. She has also led advocacy work for national nonprofit organizations, helping translate grassroots movements and community priorities into broader state and national strategies. Her experience includes working across multiple states, building partnerships, engaging diverse stakeholders, and advancing cross-sector efforts that connect local realities with larger systems change.
Ashly holds a Master of Public Administration and a Bachelor’s degree in Urban Studies and Community Development. Her leadership is grounded in the belief that lasting change happens when communities are not only represented in systems, but empowered to shape them. As Deputy Executive Director of Movimiento Tricolor, Ashly helps guide the organization’s strategic vision, partnerships, and advocacy efforts, building bridges between grassroots leadership and public institutions while advancing culturally rooted pathways for education, economic opportunity, and civic participation.
Ruth Perez
Co-Founder and Executive Director
Ruth Perez is a community organizer, advocate, and proud Dominican immigrant whose leadership is rooted in service and community empowerment. She immigrated to the United States in 2003 in search of greater opportunity for her family and quickly became deeply involved in supporting the Camden community she now calls home.
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Ruth’s work began at the grassroots level while managing a neighborhood corner store, where she ensured residents had access to fresh foods while building strong relationships with local families. She later worked as a Home Health Aide supporting seniors, further strengthening her commitment to community care.
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Today, Ruth contributes to statewide initiatives expanding food access through her work with The Food Trust and serves as a trusted connector between institutions and the grassroots leaders driving change in their communities. She has organized and advocated alongside more than 150 Latino small business owners, facilitated leadership workshops for youth, and contributed to national advisory boards focused on immigrant education efforts and opportunity.
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Affectionately known as “The Mother of the Village,” Ruth founded MTC to create culturally rooted pathways for community leadership, opportunity, and collective growth. As Executive Director of Movimiento Tricolor, Ruth leads the organization’s mission, community engagement efforts, small business support and cultural initiatives, guiding programs that strengthen cultural pride, expand economic opportunity, and connect residents with resources to thrive.
Jennifer Rodriguez
community affairs manager
Jennifer Rodriguez is a Camden native and community leader dedicated to strengthening relationships, expanding opportunities for youth, and supporting the well-being of families across Camden County. She holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Social Work from Rutgers University and brings extensive experience in youth development, mentorship, and community engagement.
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Jennifer’s background consists of counseling support to youth in local public schools where she supports students’ academic and personal development and helps organize programs that encourage youth leadership and college access. She has facilitated youth workshops and team-building sessions focused on mental wellness, confidence-building, and personal growth. Through this work, she helps young people develop the emotional tools and resilience needed to navigate challenges and pursue their goals.
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As Community Affairs Manager at Movimiento Tricolor, Jennifer leads stakeholder outreach and community relationship-building efforts, working closely with local partners, schools, families, and organizations to strengthen collaboration and expand access to resources for residents. She also leads the organization’s Cultural Youth Music Program, creating culturally affirming spaces where young people can explore music, identity, and leadership.Jennifer also plays a key role in coordinating Movimiento Tricolor’s scholarship initiatives, helping connect students with educational opportunities and resources that support their academic journeys.
Kimberly Valle
community outreach coordinator
Kimberly Valle is a public service professional and advocate whose work is rooted in expanding opportunity and advancing equity for immigrant communities. Born and raised in El Paso, Texas, she is the proud daughter of Mexican immigrants and a first-generation college graduate whose lived experiences have shaped her commitment to public service and community empowerment.
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Throughout her career, Kim has focused on issues impacting immigrant communities, education access, and social mobility. As an undergraduate journalism student, she covered borderland immigration stories highlighting the experiences of undocumented students and families, bringing attention to the realities faced by communities along the U.S.–Mexico border.
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From 2016 to 2018, Kim served as a volunteer with the Peace Corps in Morocco, where she developed sustainable socioeconomic initiatives supporting youth and women in rural communities with educational advancement and workforce development opportunities. Her Peace Corps service further deepened her commitment to community-centered development and global public service. Kim has since continued her work in the nonprofit sector, supporting programs and initiatives that expand access to education, social services, and economic opportunity for immigrant and underserved communities.
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As Community Outreach Coordinator at Movimiento Tricolor, Kim supports program development and stakeholder engagement efforts. She works closely with community partners, advocacy organizations, and local leaders to strengthen relationships, expand outreach efforts, and ensure immigrant communities have access to information, resources, and opportunities for civic participation.
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Kim holds a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism with a focus on international development from the University of Texas at El Paso and a Master of Public Administration with a focus on Public Policy Management from Rutgers University–Camden. Her work continues to be guided by a deep commitment to uplifting communities and addressing the structural inequities that shape opportunity.
Angel Florentino
marketing and public affairs specialist
Angel Florentino is a Camden native and communications professional dedicated to strengthening community narratives through strategic storytelling, digital engagement, and public-facing campaigns. Raised in Camden’s McGuire Gardens neighborhood in East Camden, Angel’s work is rooted in a strong connection to the community and a passion for amplifying local voices and initiatives.
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Throughout his career, Angel has built extensive experience in marketing, communications, and digital strategy across both freelance consulting and organizational roles. His work includes leading social media campaigns, coordinating influencer partnerships, and managing influencer and brand collaboration agreements to expand audience reach and engagement across digital platforms. With a background in sales, marketing strategy, and digital media, he has successfully supported campaigns that increase visibility, build brand identity, and strengthen community-centered messaging.
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As Marketing and Public Affairs Specialist at Movimiento Tricolor, Angel leads the organization’s digital communications strategy and public outreach efforts. He oversees the creation of digital content, manages social media platforms, and supports promotional campaigns that elevate the organization’s programs, events, and community initiatives.
Angel holds a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Rutgers University–Camden, with a minor in Digital Studies and a concentration in Social Media. His work continues to focus on using digital platforms and strategic communications to strengthen community connection and expand the reach of mission-driven organizations.
Ronald Estevez-Perez
co-founder and director of media
Ronald Estevez is an Emmy Award–winning filmmaker and media producer whose work focuses on storytelling that highlights culture, community, and the lived experiences of underserved communities. Born in the Dominican Republic and raised in Camden, New Jersey, Ronald developed a passion for filmmaking as a way to stay connected to his cultural roots while documenting the stories that shape the communities around him.
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Throughout his career, Ronald has built a strong portfolio in film and television production, contributing to projects that have reached national and international audiences. His work has been featured across major platforms including Netflix and Roku. Ronald also founded RE Films, a production company dedicated to creating content that elevates community voices and highlights positive stories emerging from cities like Camden.
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As Director of Media at Movimiento Tricolor, Ronald leads the organization’s visual storytelling and media production efforts. He oversees the creation of video content, documentaries, and digital media that amplify community narratives, showcase cultural events, and expand the organization’s reach through compelling storytelling.
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Ronald’s work reflects a deep belief in the power of media to inspire, connect communities, and document the stories that shape cultural identity and collective progress.
Bienvenido "Benny" Mejía
Event Coordinator
Bienvenido “Benny” Mejia is a community leader and entrepreneur whose work is rooted in service, cultural connection, and strengthening the communities he calls home. Born and raised in the Dominican Republic before making Camden, New Jersey his home, Benny has built a deep connection to the local community through years of small business leadership and daily engagement with residents, families, and neighborhood organizations.
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Throughout his career, Benny has developed extensive experience in operations, logistics, and community outreach. As a longtime small business owner in Camden, including previously owning Oxford Market and currently operating El Paraiso Restaurant and Cafe, he has become a familiar and trusted presence in the community. Through his work as a business owner, Benny has cultivated strong relationships with local residents and entrepreneurs while gaining firsthand insight into the needs and strengths of Camden’s neighborhoods.
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Benny brings a wide range of technical and operational expertise to his work, holding certifications in building trades, OSHA safety standards, and commercial driving, in addition to his culinary training and experience in hospitality management.
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As Event Coordinator at Movimiento Tricolor, Benny plays a central role in planning, organizing, and executing events that bring the community together. From large cultural celebrations and festivals to community gatherings and organizational programs, he oversees logistics, vendor coordination, and on-the-ground operations to ensure events run smoothly and successfully.
MARIA ESPINAL-MENA
operations manager
Maria Espinal is a first-generation immigrant and Camden resident whose work focuses on strengthening the operational systems and financial stewardship that allow community organizations to grow and sustain their impact. Her commitment to community development is rooted in her lived experience and a belief that strong institutions are essential to supporting thriving communities.
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Throughout her career, Maria has worked across both the public and private sectors, building experience in financial management, program and operations administration, communications, and large-scale community outreach initiatives. She has also led statewide community relations and engagement efforts, working with diverse stakeholders and partners to strengthen connections between institutions and the communities they serve.
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As Operations Manager at Movimiento Tricolor, Maria oversees the organization’s operational systems and financial management, including budgeting, financial oversight, and internal processes that support the organization’s programs and long-term sustainability. Her work ensures that Movimiento Tricolor’s initiatives are supported by strong operational infrastructure and responsible financial stewardship.
Maria holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Rutgers University–Camden, where she developed a foundation in financial management and organizational strategy. Through her work, she remains committed to strengthening community institutions and expanding opportunities for residents across New Jersey.
clayton
gonzalez
community outreach coordinator
Clayton Gonzalez is a Camden native and community advocate committed to advancing equity, civic engagement, and community empowerment. His work is rooted in a belief that meaningful change happens when communities are actively engaged in shaping the policies, programs, and opportunities that impact their lives.
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Throughout his career, Clayton has worked across nonprofit, policy, and community organizing spaces, supporting initiatives focused on immigration advocacy, civic engagement, youth development, and community education. His experience includes contributing to grassroots organizing efforts, supporting policy research and drafting, and collaborating with community leaders and organizations to develop programs that address the needs of underserved communities.
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As Community Outreach Coordinator at Movimiento Tricolor, Clayton helps strengthen relationships with residents, community partners, and local organizations while supporting outreach efforts that connect individuals and families with programs, resources, and opportunities. His work focuses on expanding community participation and ensuring that grassroots voices remain central to the organization’s efforts.
Clayton holds a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Rutgers University–Camden, where he developed a strong interest in community safety, justice, and civic engagement. His work continues to be guided by a commitment to collaboration, listening, and community-driven solutions.
laura
caba
community organizer
Laura Caba was born in the Dominican Republic and raised in Camden, NJ. She is a childhood cancer survivor, twin, infertility advocate, store associate, and home health aide who is deeply passionate about helping others. Her life experiences have shaped a strong sense of compassion for individuals and families facing health challenges, and she has a special love for supporting children and families navigating difficult journeys.
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Laura has been a dedicated supporter and volunteer with Movimiento Tricolor since 2022. She has consistently shown up for the organization by volunteering at nearly all of our events, helping recruit volunteers, and sharing MTC’s work throughout the community. In recognition of her commitment and spirit of service, Laura was honored at our Second Annual Gala as MTC’s “Team Supporter of the Year.”
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In addition to her community involvement with MTC, Laura actively serves through her church as a member of the parish council and several ministries. Through her faith, advocacy, and service, Laura strives to bring hope, compassion, and encouragement to those around her.