Osman Canales | President and Founder
Mr. Canales obtained his Associates Degree in Liberal Arts from Suffolk County Community College in 2013.
In 2016 Canales obtained his B.A. from SUNY Old Westbury in Politics, Economics and Law with a minor in Latin American Cultural Studies.
Canales is originally from El Salvador, and he has resided on Long Island since he was ten years old.
In 2010 Osman founded a mentorship program for immigrant youth, called Long Island Immigrant Student Advocates Inc. Mr. Canales volunteers his time mentoring high school and college students through this program along with a dedicated team of professional volunteers.
Mr. Canales has served as a volunteer for several community-based organizations and has received several awards for his community work. Canales is a longtime advocate for Social Justice, Immigrant Justice and Latino Equity.
In 2023 Mr. Canales founded the Long Island Latino Association Inc. This organization seeks to advance Latino issues and advocate for equity in resources and equal representation.
Osman has a passion for community service and community empowerment.
Harold Fernandez,MD | Advisory Board Member
Physician & Author
Dr. Fernandez is a leading heart surgeon in New York. He is Professor of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery at the North Shore-LIJ Hofstra School of Medicine, Chief of Cardiovascular Surgery at Southside Hospital, and system director of heart failure surgery. He completed his college education at Princeton University, and medical training at Harvard Medical School, and MIT followed by residency and fellowship training at NYU Medical Center. He currently resides in New York with his wife, Sandra; his daughter, Jasmine; and his son, Brandon.
Dr. Fernandez is also an Author of “A Boy and Book” and “Undocumented”.
Ana Maria Caraballo | Advisory Board Member
Radio Personality & Director of Programing, JVC Broadcasting | La Fiesta Radio
Ms. Caraballo is an esteemed radio host who has dedicated many years to advocating for marginalized communities on Long Island. Ana Maria leverages her platform to promote education and facilitate connections within the Spanish-speaking community, while also shedding light on critical issues affecting both Latinos and the broader Long Island community. Her show has tackled a wide range of topics, including matters related to race, social issues, health, politics, and more.
Ms. Caraballo actively amplifies the voices of individuals who may otherwise feel unheard.
Silvana Diaz | Advisory Board Member
Publisher of Noticia
Lynda Perdomo-Ayala, MSW, LMSW, CLC | Advisory Board Member
Stony Brook University School of Medicine
Luis Figueroa | Advisory Board Member
Luis Figueroa’s journey is one of unwavering dedication to community enrichment. From his notable role as Village Trustee to his commendable tenure as Hempstead, NY Deputy Mayor, he has always been at the forefront of positive change.
Today, Luis enjoys his well-deserved retirement, where the joy of everyday is with his family. With his childhood sweetheart, Evelyn, by his side, they cherish life with their children and the grandsons.
Luis has served as Vice Chairman of the Hispanic Civic Association, championing initiatives that fostered education, housing, and employment for residents.
A proud graduate of the University of New York, College of Staten Island, with a degree in Industrial Management, Luis had a fulfilling career with Con Edison of New York. His entrepreneurial spirit later found an outlet in a thriving travel agency he established and continues to operate.
Though retired from official roles, Luis continues to impart his experience by serving on various boards.
In essence, Luis Figueroa’s legacy is twofold: a life of dedicated service to his community and an unwavering devotion to his family, which remains his most cherished treasure.
José Oquendo Sánchez | Photography and Design Associate
José Oquendo Sánchez was born in Puerto Rico and moved to Long Island, New York, in 1976.
He joined the US Air Force in 1981 and became a medical laboratory specialist. Upon discharge from the military in 1985, he returned to Long Island and worked for the now Northwell Health System from 1986 until his retirement in 2021.
His interest in Latino community affairs, communications and creative arts motivated him to get involved with several local print, broadcasting and visual arts projects.
After retirement he studied digital photography with The New School.
Long Island Latino Association Inc. 