2015 NYC Education Council Elections
Candidate Profiles for
Community Education Council 4
Candidate
Clara Alvarez
DBN: 04M057
Applicant
Background
Personal
Statement
Candidate
IEP: Yes
ELL No
04M102
No
No
I have worked with an SES program that serviced the children in D4. I have volunteered in D4 schools
for 15 years. I have volunteered and assisted members of the PA/PTA's in my childrens schools. I have
also been a member of CEC4 for the past 2 years.
I enjoy helping parents in the D4 community and advocate for them. It is important to me that parents
are informed of all the services that are in the schools that can benifit their children and help them
advance in their studies especially the spanish speaking parents.
Douga Ba
DBN: 04M497
IEP: Yes
ELL No
Applicant PTA: Secretary, Treasurer, PTA President and recently CEC appointee member.
Background
Personal My job as a parent is to be first and foremost an involved Father in my child education with an open
Statement mind on creating an instructional and inclusiveness approach on helping our kids to became successful
in school.
Candidate
Grismilda Balbi
DBN: 04M057
IEP: No
ELL No
Applicant In the last 4 years, I have volunteered at PS 57. I have volunteered in the classroom, in the cafeteria
Background and during special events at the school.
Personal I'm interested in becoming involved in the education of children. Also, to learn more about programs
Statement and how they are working within the schools. For me it is very important to share new ideas and
projects with other parents.
Candidate
Abdoulie Bandeh Bandeh
DBN: 04M108
IEP: No
ELL No
Applicant i was a a volunteer
Background
Personal I wish to be an active member of my school community
Statement
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Page 1 of 11
2015 NYC Education Council Elections
Candidate Profiles for
Community Education Council 4
Candidate
Linda Burgos
DBN: 04M381
IEP: No
ELL No
Applicant I have been involved in my childrens academic life. I attend PA/PTA meetings at my childrens schools
Background and I am currently a member of CEC4.
Personal I am interested because we need to be informed of issues and concerns being experienced by the
Statement parents and children in our community. I want whats best for all children.
Candidate
Angela Cardogan
DBN: 04M206
IEP: No
ELL No
Applicant I help out in the lunch room and in the main office with paper work and I am a learner leader in my
Background school kids and in the office and the lunch room..
Personal I come to school every day and help in the school with the kids and in the office and the lunch room..
Statement
Candidate
Alexandra Castillo
DBN: 04M171
IEP: No
ELL No
Applicant I was the PTA president for my daughter when she was in pre-school. Also, I was a Civil Council
Background Member were parents help to make decisions about policies in the school.
Personal I have good ideas how to help single mothers with information about education. I have the ability to be
Statement a leader, because as PTA President I was able to bring parents together to improve learning in our
schools. I am bilingual and this allows me to communicate and understand the needs of English
language learners.
Candidate
Helena Clay
DBN: 04M381
IEP: No
ELL No
Applicant I have been involved with the PTA since my son was in the 3rd grade. I like helping the school plan
Background and organize community and school events. Being a member of the PTA and SLT has helped me to
become more knowledgeable about the Department of Education policies and I have enjoyed the
journey of passing this information on to other parents and guardians.
Personal For me, volunteering has helped me differentiate the difference between being involved and engaged.
Statement Being at my son's school, and assisting the school staff, has increased my ability to understand how the
school has implemented their educational plans.
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2015 NYC Education Council Elections
Candidate Profiles for
Community Education Council 4
Candidate
Reyna Carranza
DBN: 04M206
IEP: Yes
ELL No
04M146
Yes
No
04M146
Yes
No
Applicant I participate in meetings in my children schools, community activities and I am volunteer (Learner
Background Leader) in both schools.
Personal
Statement
Candidate
Ruben Cruz
DBN: 04M112
IEP: No
ELL No
Applicant I have participated on many class trips with my child in her kindergarten and 1st grade years. Also have
Background volunteered as an art assistant involving face painting during my child's first grade year. I am involved
and active at school events adn present for every event involving my child.
Personal I believe serving on a CEC will give myself and other parents an opportunity to have an in depth
Statement opinion, and voice on assisting our educational system and students. Providing a better overview for
educators and administrators in properly executing effective methods on enrichening the lives and
educations of our children, and future students to come.
Candidate
Christina Cruz
DBN: 04M146
IEP: Yes
ELL No
Applicant
Background
Personal My interest is more of the special education sector. My son is a child with LD he is 6 years old. I
Statement struggle day to day trying to find a school and teachers that can and will have the capability to deal with
him. I feel the board of ed should focus more on children with Special needs the way it is focused on
general ed. The testing for these kids is hard because they do not understand the work, If my son has to
test as reguler ed children why cant he attend a class setting with reg ed kids. Better and further training
is needed for teachers dealing with special needs kids.
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2015 NYC Education Council Elections
Candidate Profiles for
Community Education Council 4
Candidate
Jenniffer Dominguez
DBN: 04M102
IEP: No
ELL No
Applicant I was a Central Harlem representative for a city wide Early Learn organization. I would love to bring
Background my experience and skills to the CEC. I have been part of many school fundraising events at my son's
schools as well.
Personal I'd love to be part of the CEC and be able to get the voice of District 4 parents heard.
Statement
Candidate
Fatima Taoussa Doukoure
DBN: 04M012
Applicant
Background
Personal
Statement
Candidate
IEP: No
ELL No
04M171
No
No
I am a member of the fundraising committee of the Talented and Gifted School of Young Scholars for
the past 3 years. Under the chair person's leadership, we have been able to attaint many of our goals. It
is incredibly rewarding to work with such group of parents with the same vision.
I am very passionate about education, being from Mali West Africa, i have experienced first hand what
children can accomplished given the right tools. I have also seen where we can improve as a district. I
found many african immigrants are confused about the school system and what is expected of the
children and parents. It really motivated me to increase my knowledge but to also bring their concerns
to the table. If given this opportunity, i am confident that i can contribute significantly over time.
Stephanie Fields
DBN: 04M381
IEP: No
ELL No
Applicant I was the treasurer for the PTA committee and on the SLT when my son was In the fourth grade at
Background PS197. I am currently involved with the PTA and SLT at Global neighborhood secondary school.
Personal I have been working with adolescences for over 20 years. I currently work with disadvantage youth who
Statement transition back into community from placement. I have always been the parent who is committed and
involved in my sons educational development. I work with each school committee, SLT and PTA to
develop an educational action plan that will improve the promotion and graduation rate for every
student. My goal is to continue to assist in every way possible to assure that the students are learning in
a safe environment. The environment should focus on developing their academics, communication
skills that teach acceptance for diversity, recreational development and the desire to be successful and
knowledgable in their field of craft. Also I want every student to leave school knowing that they can be
successful.
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Page 4 of 11
2015 NYC Education Council Elections
Candidate Profiles for
Community Education Council 4
Candidate
Edna Garcia
DBN: 04M146
IEP: Yes
ELL Yes
Applicant I participated in a fundraiser event for my son's school.
Background
Personal I want to be part of the CEC to identify help for our school and students so that in the future, they can
Statement benefit from their studies.
Candidate
Carolyn Y. Green
DBN: 04M096
IEP: No
ELL No
DBN: 04M171
IEP: No
ELL No
Applicant
Background
Personal
Statement
Candidate
Petula Jarvis-Hanley
Applicant I have been involved in school related activities such as tutoring and mentoring inner city youth
Background (Elementary through High School). Under the leadership of WEACT I became a Parent Advocate for
healthier school lunches. My Community Service centers around the fitness and health industry,
predominantly at faith based institutions. Also, I plan and present workshops for women,s conferences.
Personal
Statement
Candidate
Shawndara Jenkins
DBN: 04M057
IEP: No
ELL No
Applicant I am a Leadering Leader which I assisted in the classroom and in the lunchroom. Also I am a volunteer
Background at my church with the youth ministry. I worked as a school bus driver in 2010.
Personal I will like to be part of the CEC to communicate with the community about what's happening. I love
Statement and enjoy working with kids.
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Page 5 of 11
2015 NYC Education Council Elections
Candidate Profiles for
Community Education Council 4
Candidate
Rose Annette Jimenez
DBN: 04M108
IEP: Yes
ELL No
Applicant I have been a community leader for almost 18 years now, my platform has always been mainly
Background education and housing. I have participated in the Community Education Council in the past as an
appointee of the Manhattan borough president Scott Stringer, but my term came to an end when his
electoral position came to an end. I am a very strong advocate for the children of our community and
our city. currently I ran for public office in aspirations to become a strong leader for the Education
Department, and while I didn't win I am still currently a county committee member. that position
comes to an end in September of 2015 so because of that I decided to enter a pageant system where I
am now Mrs New York 2015 for the Today's American Woman Pageant© in order to continue my
efforts to fight for quality education for all.
Personal I have always been motivated to fight for quality education, as education is the key for all students to be
Statement able to become someone in life. I believe that my background as a mother, volunteer in many groups,
community leader, elected official, and now pageant queen have given me the skills to be able to
continue to fight for quality education for all children.
Candidate
Pascuala Leal
DBN: 04M182
IEP: No
ELL No
Applicant I have participated in the Policy Council for early learn and have been elected before as a community
Background rep. I been selected as treasure in the school that my daughter currently assist and i have help people in
my community by sharing workshops that they can benifit from. As well as helping the people in my
community with Translation in language barriers, to help them understand and be involve in their kids
education. And as for the kids celebrating womans day, we borught in the community speaker Aurora
Anaya Cerda from "La casa azul bookstore" to talk to us about her experience and role models that has
make her a successful woman.
Personal My name is Pascuala Natalia Leal in the pass i had a wonderful experience as a Policy Council member
Statement and been an area rep. I have help parents understand the importance of been involved in thier kids
education as well as participating on workshops that will help them understand on how to work with
thier children so that they would get the best of thier education. I do believe that thier is more work that
should be done and more working parents to advocate for the kids education. I think that when parents
put thier kids in school they want the best for thier kids so they count on the school to do thier best in
educating them, and when elections come and they have to choose parents to represent them they look
and trust that the candidates to do thier best.
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2015 NYC Education Council Elections
Candidate Profiles for
Community Education Council 4
Candidate
Sandra Pedroza Leon
DBN: 04M377
Personal
Statement
IEP: No
ELL No
04M182
No
No
04M182
No
No
I am part of the Parents' Association of my son’s school. As its President, I have always enjoyed
participating and volunteering, and I have been the president of the early Head Start that my children
attended from an early age. I have participated in many activities, such as the day when parents,
grandparents and siblings bring their children to school, the No-Bullying Day, Cancer Day, helping our
math teacher to face the weekly challenges of helping students to solve their problems, volunteering for
their field trips, helping in the school, and helping the teachers with the children's projects.
My name is Sandra Pedroza. I am currently the President of the Parents' Association. My experience
has helped me greatly in my life, as I have felt useful while working for my children’s school, offering
ideas on how education can be improved and aiding with the health and education workshops offered
to the parents. I have also organized many events, such as the incentive we offer students to go to
school daily. Every month we award the class with the highest attendance record by giving a book to
each student, supporting our principal with all the good ideas and programs she has achieved for our
students, while always looking to the educational welfare of the students. We invited Mrs. Aurora
Anaya Cerda as a speaker. She is a Hispanic woman who has distinguished herself in the East Harlem
community with her La Casa Azul bookstore. I think District 4 can move ahead with our help to
improve education, and more schools in our area can also progress with the help of willing parents who
can add their voices for a better future for our children.
Candidate
Laura Lugo
Applicant
Background
DBN: 04M171
IEP: No
ELL No
Applicant I have been a secretary, treasurer, and Vice president of the Parent Association. I've sat on the SLT as
Background well as the DLT. Been a previous CEC member. I've been a Learning Leader. Volunteer as a coach for
little league.
Personal I believe it's very important to play a vital role in our students education. As parents we must know that
Statement are voices matter! We can help shape our children's education process. I'm more than just words, I like
to put my feet on the ground and get my hands dirty.
Candidate
Wilma Lopez Otero
DBN: 04M372
IEP: No
ELL No
Applicant PTA president, church committee
Background
Personal
Statement
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2015 NYC Education Council Elections
Candidate Profiles for
Community Education Council 4
Candidate
Margarita Martinez
DBN: 04M206
IEP: Yes
ELL No
Applicant I am currently the president of the Presidents' Council for District 4 I am the PTA president of PS/MS
Background 206 I am a member of CEC4 and the Special Education liaison I have been a Learning Leader for 4
years I am also a member of the Chancellor's Parent Advisory Council
Personal I have been a parent volunteer and a parent and student advicate for over 8 years in District 4. I
Statement collaborate closely with different organizations in my community (Immigration, Domestic Violence,
Special Education, adult education, etc.) I defend parents civic rights especially the spanish speaking
community. These opportunities have helped me advance in my understanding so that I can better
assist parents in advocating for their children.
Candidate
Selina Melendez
DBN: 04M171
Applicant
Background
Personal
Statement
IEP: No
ELL No
04M083
Yes
No
04M083
No
No
Served in PS83 Luis Munoz Rivera School as Title 1 President for three years, PTA President two
years and served on SLT. Active Parent Volunteer participating as a Chess Teacher for the 1st grade
for one year to roll out the chess program with in the school. also form part of the Learning leaners and
lead the team for two years along side the PArent coordinator. My husband and I are Pastors of a
church with in the community, have been for the last 3 years. Also we were Directors of a spanish
Christian base non-for-profit organization that served the northeast geared to pre-teens.
Working within the community and an active parent in my children school I have seen the power of
my voice as a parent. Not just power advocating for my own children but power to impact my children's
school community. Having four boys, three in the public school system and one which receives special
education services I have experience many different aspects of the school system. My years of
experience working closely with families and children of the community as well has allowed me to truly
understand, that positive change is the product of a group effort. True academic success for my child
can only come when every child with in his class and school community succeed together.
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Page 8 of 11
2015 NYC Education Council Elections
Candidate Profiles for
Community Education Council 4
Candidate
Antoinette Trillo Miller
DBN: 04M171
Applicant
Background
Personal
Statement
Candidate
IEP: No
ELL No
04M171
No
No
I was a teacher's assistant for Pre-K in Manila, Philippines for 2 years while in Univeristy. I also was a
voulnteer tutor who helped an English Language Learner in East Harlem Tutorial Program (EHTP)
for several years. EHTP was founded in 1958 and prepares students with the academic skills, strength
of character, and emotional well-being to excel in high school and college, to lead in their communities,
and to realize their best possible selves. I also previously served as the founder and co-director of the
Humanitarian Affairs Committee of Young Professionals for International Cooperation of Southern
New York (YPIC), which is a part of the United Nations Association of New York.
I am privileged to live in the great city of New York, and work at the United Nations, wherein part of
it's charter is "to promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom", which I believe
cannot be achieved without a solid education. Having two grade school children in a NYC public
school, I would like to be as active as possible in shaping the school system to improve the education
and lives of our children in district 4, and the greater city of NY in general. We all want the best for our
children, and it starts with an excellent education wherein passionate parents and teachers work
together to ensure that the city provides them just that.
Dina Montes
DBN: 04M497
IEP: No
ELL No
Applicant I regularly participate in my daughter's school PTA and I work for a nonprofit that provides afterBackground school programs for students, as well as other educational support services that have proven to be
successful in helping students stay in school, graduate and go to college. As a child of immigrant
parents, I was a bilingual student who experienced many of the challenges ESL students and children of
immigrants continue to face.
Personal I am a parent of a second grade student in East Harlem and am committed to ensuring that my child
Statement and every child in East Harlem receive the great education and opportunities they deserve to become
successful adults and citizens. As a child of immigrant parents and an ESL student, I understand the
challenges that children in our communities face. I currently work with a nonprofit agency that provides
free after-school programing, in-school support services, and education services that help students stay
in school, graduate and go to college. I believe my professional and personal experience as a public
school parent will provide the service, knowledge and dedication needed in our community.
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Page 9 of 11
2015 NYC Education Council Elections
Candidate Profiles for
Community Education Council 4
Candidate
Gwendolyn Moore
DBN: 04M007
IEP: No
ELL No
Applicant ASSIST TEACHERS WITH CHILDREN IN CLASSROOM, CROSSING STREETS ON FIELD
Background TRIP. MAKE COPIES FOR THE TEACHERS DAILY LESSON PLANNER FOR THE
CHILDREN. HELP COORDINATE OUTDOOR ADVENTURE FOR CHILDREN AS WILL
AS PARENTS.
Personal I AM THE NEW ELECTED SECRETARY FOR P.S.7 WHO IS VERY MUCH ACTIVE IN THE
Statement SCHOOL. I ENJOY BEING INVOLVE ON THE BOARD TO GAIN MORE KNOWLEDGE
ABOUT HOW I CAN ASSIST THE PARENTS AS WILL AS THE CHILDREN NOT JUST MY
OWN. AM A RELIABLE PARENT WHO'S LOVE SHARE THE INFORMATION WITH
OTHER PARENTS TO HELP THEM GET MORE INVOLVE IN THEIR CHILD/REN
EDUCATION.
Candidate
Raquel Morales
DBN: 04M171
IEP: No
ELL No
Applicant I have been a parent volunteer at the school for the past 4 years. Assisting with morning line up and
Background cafeteria duties as well as supported kindergarten classes in projects and trips. I also help setting up
flyers as well as spoke for our middle school fairs and open houses I'm also currently on this school
year SLT. I'm available to assist in any way that I'm needed to to make it easier for the school and my
children educational process.
Personal I have been a parent volunteer at the school for the past 4 years. Assisting with morning line up and
Statement cafeteria duties as well as supported kindergarten classes in projects and trips. I also help setting up
flyers as well as spoke for our middle school fairs and open houses I'm also currently on this school
year SLT. I'm available to assist in any way that I'm needed to to make it easier for the school and my
children educational process. I look forward to being an asset in any way to district 4
Candidate
Jasainia Ramos-Lopez
DBN: 04M171
IEP: No
ELL No
Applicant I have been part of the PTA of PS/IS 171 for two years. I wa teh secretaery for the 2013/ 2014 school
Background year and am currently the president for this 2014/ 2015 school year. I have also been a part of the SLT
board for the same periods of time.
Personal My husband and myself are parents of two children attending school in District 4. I would be happy to
Statement serve the communittee as best I can as an advocate for our district and the children/ students of the
district. I will do my best to educate myself in the areas necessary to be an effective member of the
CEC. I believe that the children of district 4 can be more successful if they were to be allotted the
proper resources, funding, space and teachers in order for them to surge forward.
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Page 10 of 11
2015 NYC Education Council Elections
Candidate Profiles for
Community Education Council 4
Candidate
Wanda Rojas
DBN: 04M206
IEP: Yes
ELL No
Applicant I was the PTA vise-president last year. I am in the SLT in my school child and a learner leader. I am a
Background volunteer and help in the school office.
Personal
Statement
Candidate
Julissa Rosado
DBN: 04M057
IEP: Yes
ELL No
Applicant Advocated for my older son who is now 25 years old in acquiring special education help. Related
Background services and extended test taking time was allotted. My son received speech, and counseling services. I
also served at University Neighborhood school for 2 years on the School leadership team. I am a very
concerned parent who is very dedicated and involved in my sons education. the betterment of our
community and school system.
Personal I am a minister at my church and love to advocate for the disenfranchised and those that need
Statement assistance in building their confidence. I help guide people on their path to their future, educational
wise also. I also counsel and pray for people in a ministry and as a volunteer and am very passionate
about helping all. I am for everyone, I am committed and devoted in building and help heal broken
lives and families individually and in groups.
Candidate
Ana Soto
DBN: 04M372
IEP: No
ELL No
Applicant I have been a PTA president and currently serve at my daughters school school leadership team.
Background
Personal
Statement
Candidate
Kesha Taylor
DBN: 04M375
IEP: No
ELL No
04M007
Yes
No
Applicant Special Education Parent of child recieving special needs services PA/PTA SLT CEC4
Background
Personal I want to continue to help bridge the gap between community and school and to assist the parent
Statement community in our District.
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Page 11 of 11