Empower. Elevate. Celebrate.
Join Us for LABNNY’s 4th Annual Gala – June 5, 2025
Use Code OLE2025 for $25 Off – Expires April 30!
Our fourth Annual Gala, Herencia y Esperanza, is more than a night of flamenco, it’s a celebration of resilience, leadership, and legacy.
This year, we’re proud to partner with the Long Island Latino Teachers Association (LILTA) to amplify voices and advance education for Latino students. Together, we aim to raise $25,000 to support LILTA’s efforts in improving graduation rates and educational success.
Become a Sponsor: Make your impact go even further by joining us as a sponsor. Align your brand with a mission that uplifts, empowers, and transforms life. Explore our sponsorship opportunities and be part of something truly meaningful.
Why You Should Attend:
Network with our members and guests from various fields.
Celebrate our rich cultural heritage and the successes of our community.
Support the LILTA’s mission to increase graduation rates and higher education enrollment, retention and completion for all students.
2025 Charitable Recipient
2025 Charitable Recipient
LILTA
Latinos are the fastest growing cultural group in the United States. This trend has become evident in many school districts across Long Island. However, the statistics indicate that there is a wide achievement gap, which contributes to a high retention and/or dropout rate within this group.
LILTA was established as a nonprofit organization comprised of committed educators and supporters of education, who advocate for high quality education in order to increase graduation rates and higher education enrollment and completion.
Our Board is working within the educational system and school community to address the common risk factors that impact the academic outcomes of the Latino student population and other ethnic groups.
LILTA members seek to
Protect students from discriminatory practices and procedures.
Promote equal access to educational opportunities.
Make efforts to increase the diversity in the teaching profession.
Celebrate, appreciate, and promote diversity throughout all areas of the educational system.
Work in partnership with the community and other civic groups.
Encourage family involvement in the school experience.
Inform and educate our communities.
Our 2025 Honorees
Our 2025 Honorees
Dafny Joy Irizarry Ortiz
Dafny Joy Irizarry Ortiz is the founder and president of the Long Island Latino Teachers Association, dedicated to advocacy for equity and high-quality education for all students. Born and raised in Ponce, Puerto Rico, she holds a Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics from SUNY Stony Brook, a master's degree in education from CUNY Queens College, and an Educational Leadership Advanced Certificate from Stony Brook University.
Currently teaching English as a New Language in the Central Islip School District, Dafny serves on multiple boards including Cornell Cooperative Extension - Suffolk County, 4 LI Youth, and 100 Hispanic Women - Long Island Program. Previously, she served as Board Chair Trustee for Suffolk County Community College and has been recognized among Long Island's 50 Top Women.
Amy Flores , Woman of the Year
Amy Flores, a proud first-generation college graduate, was born on Long Island to parents who immigrated from El Salvador. With over 15 years of experience in business, management, finance, and economic development, Amy currently serves as Vice President, Community Manager at JP Morgan Chase, where she focuses on advancing economic inclusion.
Previously, she was Executive Director for the Nassau County Office of Hispanic Affairs and Vice President at People's United Bank. A dedicated community leader, Amy serves on multiple boards including CARECEN and as a founding member of the Long Island Chapter of 100 Hispanic Women. Her impactful leadership has earned her recognition on NY's City and State Long Island Power 100 lists and as one of the Most Powerful Women on Long Island.
Kisha Chandler, Education leader
Kisha Chandler serves as the Director of the LHVCCUC LSAMP Program at Molloy University, overseeing the National Science Foundation's initiative supporting underrepresented students in STEM fields. With 19 years of service at Molloy, Kisha has developed academic programs, coordinated student activities, and piloted innovative educational initiatives including badging programs and industry certifications.
A passionate advocate for diversity in higher education, she co-founded and co-chairs the Latino/a/x/e Affinity Group and serves as Executive Vice President of Prospanica. Kisha holds an M.S. in Education, an MBA, and is currently completing her Doctorate in Education. Her dedication to empowerment and educational access was recognized with the Bartolome De Las Casas Award at Molloy University's President's Award Ceremony in April 2025.
Helen Lombardi, Member of the Year
Helen Lombardi is the founder of Amate Healing, where she blends mindfulness practices, Reiki energy, and neuroscience principles to guide clients through their healing journeys. Drawing from over 11 years of experience as an insurance broker and tax preparer, Helen discovered that financial challenges often stem from deeper emotional patterns and limiting beliefs.
Her personal five-year journey of self-discovery revealed the powerful connection between financial empowerment and emotional well-being, inspiring her to create Amate Healing. As an Elite LABNNY member from Ecuador, Helen empowers clients to build emotional resilience that enriches all areas of their lives.
Yamaris Dujmic, Community leader
Yamaris Dujmic, a proud Puerto Rican from Queens, NY, is the founder of Sweet Sol Photo and Sol of a Woman. After graduating from St. John's University and building a career in the fitness industry, Yamaris returned to New York where she met her husband Joseph. Now residing in Forest Hills with her two children, Dylan and Valencia, she is an outspoken advocate for the special needs community, sharing her son's journey with autism.
Through Sweet Sol Photo, Yamaris creates stunning portraits celebrating dance, family, and motherhood, while her women's social collective, Sol of a Woman, unites and empowers women throughout Queens. As a LABNNY General Member, Yamaris embraces her artistic vision, creating images that tell stories, honor legacies, and remind people of their beauty.
Latina Business Network of New York (LABNNY) is a registered 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization.