Staff
Nelsy Paulino
Operations Manager
Nelsy Paulino is a New Jersey native who is passionate about helping people and organizations thrive. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 2023 and her Master of Arts in Industrial/Organizational Psychology in 2025 from Montclair State University. Through her education, she developed a strong understanding of human behavior, workplace culture, employee well-being, and organizational effectiveness. She is committed to creating positive environments where individuals and communities can grow, succeed, and make a meaningful impact.
Throughout her academic and professional journey, Nelsy has seen firsthand the impact that strong mentorship can have on personal and professional growth. As someone who has benefited from the guidance and support of many mentors, she is passionate about helping create opportunities for others to have those same meaningful experiences. Through her studies in Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Nelsy developed a deeper appreciation for the impact that mentorship, guidance, and positive role models can have on an individual's growth and success. She is excited to support and empower participants as they work toward their own goals.
When she's not working, Nelsy enjoys traveling and discovering new destinations, cultures, and experiences. Baking is one of her favorite hobbies, and she loves spending time in the kitchen trying new recipes and sharing her creations with family and friends.
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.
Gabriela Lopez Castillo, M.S.
Development Coordinator
Gabriela Lopez Castillo is a native New Yorker, 1st generation daughter of Dominican immigrants, and proudly raised in Brooklyn (but still holds a soft spot for the Bronx)! She has dedicated her academic and professional career in the pursuit of public service and creating positive changes in any community she enters. Throughout her professional experiences, she has also remained an avid community member over the years, working with nonprofits and local organizations to support national public health campaigns, access to civic education for young women, and running collection drives in collaboration with elected officials and community partners across New York City.
Gabriela holds a Bachelor of Science in Public and International Affairs from Baruch College, and Master of Science in International Social and Public Policy from the London School of Economics and Political Science. Through both institutions, she has trained as a policy analyst, gained expertise in the social and public policy process, and is excited to utilize her experiences to support the empowerment of Latinas alongside L.O.V.E.
Emill Payamps
Development Coordinator
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.
Lesly Michelle Ochoa
Volunteers and Interns Lead - She/Her
Lesly Michelle Ochoa is a first generation Ecuadorian American born and raised in New York City, passionate about uplifting the voices and lived experiences of immigrant communities. She believes art, dialogue, and creative expression can open space for reflection, healing, and deeper understanding while working toward greater equity.
Lesly is especially interested in how opening doors for individuals can transform the collective. She believes that when people are given access to opportunity and the freedom to use their voice, the impact ripples outward, strengthening the fabric of shared spaces and the people within them.
Outside of her work, Lesly enjoys writing poetry and developing new initiatives and creative ventures centered on art, access, and collective healing. She earned her B.A. in Psychology with honors from Baruch College and trained professionally at the Stella Adler Studio of Acting.
Nicole Lin
Programs Associate - She/Her
Nicole Lin is a passionate educator dedicated to fostering safe, creative, and empowering spaces for young women to grow. Born in Brazil and raised between Paraguay, Brazil, and Taiwan, Nicole brings a multicultural perspective to her work, shaping her deep commitment to inclusivity and connection.
She earned her degree in Childhood and Special Education from New York University, with a minor in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Studies, where she also received her certification in the field. Nicole began her journey with L.O.V.E. in 2022 as a volunteer mentor and later on, went on to intern in the volunteer department, focusing on recruiting and expanding a network of mentors. Now serving as a Program Associate, Nicole integrates her belief in education through creativity and human connection into her approach. She designs experiences that encourage self-expression and reflection—whether through writing, arts and crafts, film, or open dialogue—creating opportunities for young women to connect with themselves and one another. Driven by empathy, Nicole is committed to cultivating environments where young girls feel seen, inspired, and empowered to embrace their full potential.
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.
