Staff
Justine McCormick
Operations Lead
Growing up in the Philippines, Justine found herself inspired by the words of national hero Jose Rizal: “Ang kabataan ang pag-asa ng bayan” (“Our youth is our nation’s hope”). This belief drives her commitment to investing in the potential of young people. She is also a passionate advocate for mental health, which led her to host and produce GenZailing Through Life, an online educational show focused on mental health and personal growth for Generation Z audiences.
Currently, Justine is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at CUNY Lehman College, where she is recognized as a Presidential Scholar. She hopes to become a counseling psychologist and eventually build the Mental Wealth Movement, a non-profit that brings accessible mental health care and education to underserved communities in the Philippines.
Her journey with L.O.V.E. Mentoring began as a Volunteer Department Intern and led to her current role as Operations Associate. With a background in accounts payable, bookkeeping, and customer service, she contributes analytical precision and dedication to advancing L.O.V.E.’s mission of equipping young women with the tools, confidence, and opportunities to lead and thrive.
Emill Payamps
Development Associate
Emill Payamps is a Dominican American from Queens, New York, who is passionate about mental health advocacy and serving his community. His journey with L.O.V.E. began as a Psychology Extern, where he gained a deep appreciation for how a small team of dedicated individuals can create meaningful impact in the lives of young people and communities across New York City. Inspired by the organization’s mission and commitment to empowerment, Emill became driven to contribute to that work and help expand its reach.
As his work with the organization evolved, Emill transitioned into the role of Development Associate, where he hopes to strengthen the connections L.O.V.E. builds with key decision makers, community partners, and the young women and families the organization serves. He is committed to supporting opportunities that foster long-term growth, community engagement, and access to critical resources for underserved youth.
Emill holds a Bachelor of Arts in Forensic Psychology and a Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology from John Jay College of Criminal Justice (CUNY).
Nancy Mares
Program Manager - She/Her
With over five years of experience in various educational and social service settings, Nancy is passionate about empowering the youth through mentorship and education. As Program Manager at L.O.V.E., she oversees the implementation and evaluation of school-based and community-based programs that support the academic and personal growth of young women in NYC.
Nancy has a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from The City College of New York, and is fluent in Spanish. Nancy also has experience as an Assistant Teacher, a Peer Mentor, and a Supplemental Instruction Leader, where she gained valuable insights into the educational needs and challenges of diverse and underserved populations. She is motivated by the mission of L.O.V.E. Mentoring, which empowers young women to identify their innate strength to fulfill their personal and professional goals through mentorship and health education. She believes that by providing mentorship and guidance, she can help mentees achieve their academic and personal goals while contributing to the Latino community. She's excited to be part of a team that values diversity, inclusion, and excellence, and that strives to make a positive impact on the lives of young Latinas.
Andreína González Díez
Program Lead - She/Her
Energetic, driven, and innovative, Andreína González Díez is a dynamic media professional passionate about building a successful future that empowers others to overcome challenges. Born and raised in Venezuela, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Journalism with a minor in Marketing from Arturo Michelena University. Now based in New York City, Andreína has developed expertise in healthcare marketing and content creation, with a focus on strategic thinking, innovation, and impactful storytelling.
Her journey with L.O.V.E. began as a volunteer, where she quickly recognized the power of sharing her experiences to inspire others. Through mentorship and collaboration, she saw firsthand how creating a supportive environment for young girls can help break down barriers. Now, as a Program Lead, she remains dedicated to helping the Latin community thrive by leading L.O.V.E.'s mentoring sessions, fostering inclusivity, diversity, and personal growth for young women.
Vanessa Pavia-Fuentes
Program Coordinator - She/Her
Growing up in the city, Vanessa’s Latino community surrounded her with their ambition and taught her there was always a door to open for her dreams. This created a deep-seated desire to give back to the community that always pushed her and to create spaces where people feel heard and seen. With a love of the arts, she spent her teen years working with young girls, developing their personal skills in leadership, empowerment, and self-advocacy. With L.O.V.E.'s emphasis on education and preparing young women for their future, she hopes to open doors to their dreams, build pathways, and create an understanding and supportive community. Vanessa understands the impact of representation when forming beliefs of what is possible, and the power in communicating options with people who have lived them, which she hopes to show through what she creates at L.O.V.E.
Currently double-majoring in psychology and sociology, she wants to give back to her community through mental health counseling and continue working in schools. She plans to further her education with a PhD in Social Psychology and become a professor, passing on what she’s learned.
Paulina Kababie
Communications Coordinator - She/Her
Paulina is a passionate advocate for Latinas and marginalized communities. Born and raised on the Mexican border of El Paso, Texas, and Juarez, Mexico, she was deeply influenced by her community's resilience, vibrant culture, and close-knit support. These early experiences instilled a profound commitment to helping others overcome systemic challenges.
She earned a bachelor's degree in Philosophy and Communications from the University of Texas at El Paso. She later pursued further education with an associate degree in Graphic Design in Madison, WI. While working in Wisconsin's public housing, Paulina engaged with families from diverse backgrounds, witnessing firsthand the struggles and aspirations of those striving for a better future. These experiences reinforced her dedication to mentorship and advocacy.
As an active leader in L.O.V.E. Mentoring, Paulina is committed to empowering Latinas through guidance, education, and community support. She believes in creating opportunities for young women to thrive, ensuring they feel seen, valued, and capable of achieving their dreams.
Lev Tatz
Digital Consultant
Lev moved to New York in 2001 from Lithuania. He started building websites in high school and received a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from NYU. Lev is driven by an entrepreneurial spirit and passion for developing beautiful and efficient software. After several years freelancing as a web developer and working on early stage startups, he began working as a software engineer at later stage startups in New York City.
