Our Team
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Meet the Hearts Behind the Mission
Our devoted board members and leaders are united by one heartfelt purpose. Guided by
compassion, commitment, and a deep belief in our mission, our team works with hearts full
of love and hands ready to serve transforming lives and inspiring hope.
Officers
Janice Batista
Co-Founder and President
Janice Batista
Co-Founder and President
Janice Batista is a dedicated special education teacher with a deep passion for empowering others through education, compassion, and community. As a philanthropist, she founded a haven home for girls in the Dominican Republic, creating a safe and nurturing space where they can heal, grow, and dare to dream again. Beyond the classroom and her philanthropic work, Janice also serves others through real estate, helping individuals and families find homes where they can feel safe, build memories, and create a future filled with hope.
Connecting with people on a meaningful level is at the heart of everything Janice does—whether she is teaching, supporting young girls, or guiding families through one of the most important decisions of their lives. She believes in the power of love, purpose, and community to transform lives. Janice finds peace and renewal in nature, especially at the beach and in the mountains, which continually inspire her spirit and ground her mission to serve.
Connecting with people on a meaningful level is at the heart of everything Janice does—whether she is teaching, supporting young girls, or guiding families through one of the most important decisions of their lives. She believes in the power of love, purpose, and community to transform lives. Janice finds peace and renewal in nature, especially at the beach and in the mountains, which continually inspire her spirit and ground her mission to serve.
Iluminada Batista
Founder and Vice-President
Iluminada Batista
Founder and Vice-President
Iluminada Batista is the Founder of Illuminated Angels Haven (IAH) and a Christian woman whose purpose is rooted in faith and service. Inspired by her belief that love must be shown through action, she founded IAH to support children and young girls facing hardship by providing care, resources, and encouragement that helps them grow with dignity and confidence. Iluminada leads with humility and strength, creating pathways for healing and opportunity while reminding every child served that they are seen, loved, and never alone.
Elizabeth Martin
Co-Founder and Executive Director
Elizabeth Martin
Co-Founder and Executive Director
Elizabeth Martin, known to most simply as Liz, is a proud daughter of Cuban immigrants, shaped by their legacy of strength, grace, and service. After a successful career in the pharmaceutical industry and years of leading her family’s business, Martin Brothers Wine & Spirits, she found her deepest calling beyond business: creating spaces where young girls can be seen, supported, and empowered.
As Co-founder and Executive Director of Illuminated Angels Haven, Elizabeth creates safe, nurturing spaces where young girls are seen, supported, and reminded of the light they carry. Her work is rooted in empathy, cultural pride, and the belief that with the right support, every young girl can not only survive, but shine and thrive with the light within them.
As Co-founder and Executive Director of Illuminated Angels Haven, Elizabeth creates safe, nurturing spaces where young girls are seen, supported, and reminded of the light they carry. Her work is rooted in empathy, cultural pride, and the belief that with the right support, every young girl can not only survive, but shine and thrive with the light within them.
Maria Soledad Monero
Treasurer
Maria Soledad Monero
Treasurer
Maria Soledad Monero is an accountant and philanthropist dedicated to empowering girls and creating positive change through love, purpose, and service. With experience in the nonprofit sector, including her work with the International Center for Disability, she brings both heart and expertise to every mission she supports.
Deeply committed to serving the less fortunate, Mariale is passionate about helping girls dream bigger, access opportunities, and believe in their own power. Whether she’s organizing support, advising behind the scenes, or showing up with a listening ear, her goal is always to inspire hope. Outside of her work, Mariale finds joy and peace in long walks on the beach, where she reconnects with nature and recharges her spirit for the work ahead.
Deeply committed to serving the less fortunate, Mariale is passionate about helping girls dream bigger, access opportunities, and believe in their own power. Whether she’s organizing support, advising behind the scenes, or showing up with a listening ear, her goal is always to inspire hope. Outside of her work, Mariale finds joy and peace in long walks on the beach, where she reconnects with nature and recharges her spirit for the work ahead.
Danilsa Castillo
Secretary
Danilsa Castillo
Secretary
Danilsa Castillo is a compassionate and mission-driven board member of Illuminated Angels Haven, known for her deep commitment to serving children and elders in need. With a strong background in finance, Danilsa brings both heart and practical insight to the organization helping support thoughtful planning, responsible stewardship, and long-term sustainability for the programs and the young girls IAH serves.
Her passion for service began early in life. Raised by parents who dedicated much of their time to helping elders and orphans, Danilsa grew up seeing firsthand what it means to show up for others with consistency, humility, and love. That foundation shaped her lifelong desire to give back, and it continues to guide her work today.
As a board member, Danilsa is committed to uplifting vulnerable communities through compassionate outreach, meaningful support, and collaborative leadership. She believes every child deserves to feel safe, supported, and valued-and every elder deserves dignity, care, and respect. Through her dedication and experience, Danilsa helps strengthen the vision of Illuminated Angels Haven and expand its ability to make a lasting impact.
Her passion for service began early in life. Raised by parents who dedicated much of their time to helping elders and orphans, Danilsa grew up seeing firsthand what it means to show up for others with consistency, humility, and love. That foundation shaped her lifelong desire to give back, and it continues to guide her work today.
As a board member, Danilsa is committed to uplifting vulnerable communities through compassionate outreach, meaningful support, and collaborative leadership. She believes every child deserves to feel safe, supported, and valued-and every elder deserves dignity, care, and respect. Through her dedication and experience, Danilsa helps strengthen the vision of Illuminated Angels Haven and expand its ability to make a lasting impact.
Board Members
Juliette Dayana Bistoury
Advisory Board Member
Juliette Dayana Bistoury
Advisory Board Member
Juliette Dayana Bistoury is a dedicated leader, organizer, and advocate committed to empowering underserved communities through education, compassion, and operational excellence. As the Director of Operations at Mobilization for Justice, Inc., Juliette ensures the seamless management of systems, infrastructure, and staff support for one of New York’s leading legal services organizations.
Beyond her professional work, Juliette is a passionate humanitarian and co-founder of Renaissance Jacmelienne de New York (RJNY, Inc.), a nonprofit that funds tuition for students in Jacmel, Haiti. She also serves on the advisory board of Illuminated Angel Haven, an initiative that provides daily essentials and emotional support to abandoned girls in the Dominican Republic.
With over 25 years of leadership, service, and advocacy, Juliette leads with empathy, resilience, and vision. Whether she’s hosting a fundraiser, mentoring youth, or finding creative ways to solve challenges at work, Juliette’s mission remains clear: to build a world where every child and woman knows their worth and has a chance to thrive.
Beyond her professional work, Juliette is a passionate humanitarian and co-founder of Renaissance Jacmelienne de New York (RJNY, Inc.), a nonprofit that funds tuition for students in Jacmel, Haiti. She also serves on the advisory board of Illuminated Angel Haven, an initiative that provides daily essentials and emotional support to abandoned girls in the Dominican Republic.
With over 25 years of leadership, service, and advocacy, Juliette leads with empathy, resilience, and vision. Whether she’s hosting a fundraiser, mentoring youth, or finding creative ways to solve challenges at work, Juliette’s mission remains clear: to build a world where every child and woman knows their worth and has a chance to thrive.
Marleny Espinal
Board Member
Marleny Espinal
Board Member
Originally from the Dominican Republic, Marleny Espinal came to the U.S. in 2017 with a clear mission: to build a better future for her children and empower her community. As a licensed agent and financial educator, she helps Latino families overcome common financial challenges, shifting mindsets and guiding them toward lasting stability and freedom. Her work is rooted in purpose, service, and transformation.
Nilda Yadiry Estevez
Board Member
Nilda Yadiry Estevez
Board Member
Nilda Yadiry Estevez is a hospitality sales leader based in New York City, currently serving as Director of Sales at Hyatt Grand Central. She excels in cultivating meaningful partnerships across group, leisure, and corporate travel.
Beyond her corporate role, Nilda is a board member of Illuminated Angels Haven, supporting abandoned girls in the Dominican Republic, and a proud member of Tribu Ohana, a sisterhood empowering Latina professionals through community and cultural connection.
She is also the founder of Hennessy Rose NYC, a boutique brand curating personalized gift baskets that blend elegance with intentionality.
At the core of all she does is a passion for helping every woman and child recognize their worth and live with purpose.
Beyond her corporate role, Nilda is a board member of Illuminated Angels Haven, supporting abandoned girls in the Dominican Republic, and a proud member of Tribu Ohana, a sisterhood empowering Latina professionals through community and cultural connection.
She is also the founder of Hennessy Rose NYC, a boutique brand curating personalized gift baskets that blend elegance with intentionality.
At the core of all she does is a passion for helping every woman and child recognize their worth and live with purpose.
Nadia Nunez
Board Member
Nadia Nunez
Board Member
Nadia Nunez is a devoted mother of two, and a passionate advocate for children and families. Her life and work have always been rooted in service, community, and creating pathways of opportunity for others.
She currently serves as Associate Director of Enrollment for the Archdiocese of New York’s Department of Education, where she plays a key role in overseeing admissions and enrollment across schools. In this role, she is committed to ensuring that families experience a process that is clear, welcoming, and supportive from beginning to end. Her leadership focuses on strengthening communication, streamlining systems, and helping schools create positive and accessible experiences for every family they serve.
Throughout her career, Nadia’s roles in enrollment management and client advocacy have shaped her deep commitment to serving communities with compassion and integrity. She has consistently worked to ensure families feel informed, respected, and empowered when navigating important educational and life decisions. Her professional journey reflects a strong belief that access to education and stable support systems can transform lives.
As a board member of Illuminated Angels Haven, Nadia brings both strategic insight and heartfelt dedication to the mission of uplifting young girls. She believes every girl deserves to feel safe, valued, and supported as she discovers her strength and purpose.
Beyond her professional work, Nadia values personal growth and resilience. She enjoys CrossFit as a way to cultivate discipline and strength, and she finds joy in decorating custom cookies, a creative outlet that allows her to bring beauty and celebration into everyday moments.
Nadia is honored to serve and remains deeply committed to helping build spaces where young girls can grow with confidence, dignity, and hope.
She currently serves as Associate Director of Enrollment for the Archdiocese of New York’s Department of Education, where she plays a key role in overseeing admissions and enrollment across schools. In this role, she is committed to ensuring that families experience a process that is clear, welcoming, and supportive from beginning to end. Her leadership focuses on strengthening communication, streamlining systems, and helping schools create positive and accessible experiences for every family they serve.
Throughout her career, Nadia’s roles in enrollment management and client advocacy have shaped her deep commitment to serving communities with compassion and integrity. She has consistently worked to ensure families feel informed, respected, and empowered when navigating important educational and life decisions. Her professional journey reflects a strong belief that access to education and stable support systems can transform lives.
As a board member of Illuminated Angels Haven, Nadia brings both strategic insight and heartfelt dedication to the mission of uplifting young girls. She believes every girl deserves to feel safe, valued, and supported as she discovers her strength and purpose.
Beyond her professional work, Nadia values personal growth and resilience. She enjoys CrossFit as a way to cultivate discipline and strength, and she finds joy in decorating custom cookies, a creative outlet that allows her to bring beauty and celebration into everyday moments.
Nadia is honored to serve and remains deeply committed to helping build spaces where young girls can grow with confidence, dignity, and hope.
Viviana Patino
Board Member
Viviana Patino
Board Member
Vivíana Patiño is a Board Member of Illuminated Angels Haven (IAH), where she supports the organization’s mission to uplift and protect young girls through care, stability, and opportunity.
In her role, she helps strengthen IAH’s outreach by bringing compassion, cultural sensitivity, and a commitment to service, supporting programs that provide essentials, emotional support, and a nurturing environment where girls can feel safe, seen, and confident.
A Master Medical Aesthetician with over a decade of experience, Vivíana was born in Colombia and raised in New York City. She combines advanced skincare expertise with a holistic approach, specializing in non-invasive treatments tailored to diverse skin types. Her professional background and people-first mindset help her contribute to IAH’s work with both heart and excellence.
In her role, she helps strengthen IAH’s outreach by bringing compassion, cultural sensitivity, and a commitment to service, supporting programs that provide essentials, emotional support, and a nurturing environment where girls can feel safe, seen, and confident.
A Master Medical Aesthetician with over a decade of experience, Vivíana was born in Colombia and raised in New York City. She combines advanced skincare expertise with a holistic approach, specializing in non-invasive treatments tailored to diverse skin types. Her professional background and people-first mindset help her contribute to IAH’s work with both heart and excellence.
Katherine Reynoso
Board Member
Katherine Reynoso
Board Member
Katherine Reynoso is a devoted mother, passionate educator, and proud cancer survivor whose life is grounded in resilience and service. Known for her warm spirit and encouraging presence, she brings hope and strength to the people around her and leads with compassion in every space she enters.
As a dedicated teacher, Katherine is committed to nurturing both the academic growth and emotional well-being of her students. She creates a supportive and engaging learning environment where young people feel safe, valued, and motivated to reach their full potential. Her approach is rooted in patience, empathy, and a genuine belief that every child deserves to be seen, heard, and empowered.
Driven by her desire to care for others in an even deeper way, Katherine is currently pursuing her dream of becoming a nurse. Her personal journey as a cancer survivor has strengthened her passion for healthcare and inspired her to serve others with understanding, dignity, and encouragement. Katherine is honored to be part of Illuminated Angels Haven, where her compassion, strength, and dedication align with the organization’s mission, and she looks forward to helping create brighter futures for the young girls and families the organization supports.
As a dedicated teacher, Katherine is committed to nurturing both the academic growth and emotional well-being of her students. She creates a supportive and engaging learning environment where young people feel safe, valued, and motivated to reach their full potential. Her approach is rooted in patience, empathy, and a genuine belief that every child deserves to be seen, heard, and empowered.
Driven by her desire to care for others in an even deeper way, Katherine is currently pursuing her dream of becoming a nurse. Her personal journey as a cancer survivor has strengthened her passion for healthcare and inspired her to serve others with understanding, dignity, and encouragement. Katherine is honored to be part of Illuminated Angels Haven, where her compassion, strength, and dedication align with the organization’s mission, and she looks forward to helping create brighter futures for the young girls and families the organization supports.
Jacqueline Urena
Board Member
Jacqueline Urena
Board Member
Jacqueline Ureña was born in Queens, New York, and is proudly of Dominican descent. She is a devoted mother to a 15-year-old daughter and a loving pet parent to a four-year-old Chihuahua. Jacqueline works in Human Resources and is also a Real Estate Agent, balancing a busy life filled with both challenges and joy. Through it all, she strives to lead with faith, putting God first in everything she does, and staying grounded in family, personal growth, and authentic connection.
Jacqueline is deeply passionate about supporting and empowering young girls. She believes every girl deserves the chance to dream, grow, and thrive in a safe, trusting, and supportive environment. She hopes to serve as a guide and role model, helping girls recognize their worth, discover their potential, and believe that no matter what they face, they can achieve great things. For Jacqueline, being part of a foundation is also a meaningful opportunity to learn from the stories, resilience, and strength of the girls served, an experience she knows would enrich her life just as much as she aims to uplift theirs.
Jacqueline is deeply passionate about supporting and empowering young girls. She believes every girl deserves the chance to dream, grow, and thrive in a safe, trusting, and supportive environment. She hopes to serve as a guide and role model, helping girls recognize their worth, discover their potential, and believe that no matter what they face, they can achieve great things. For Jacqueline, being part of a foundation is also a meaningful opportunity to learn from the stories, resilience, and strength of the girls served, an experience she knows would enrich her life just as much as she aims to uplift theirs.