Leadership
Executive Leadership
Rev. Dr. Darlene Williams
President & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) & Chair, East Harlem Community Alliance
drwilliams@unionsettlement.org
Dr. Williams joined Union Settlement in June 2023. She is a proud member of the BIPOC community and honored to lead the largest social services organization that serves as an anchor in East Harlem. Established by the community, for the community, with approximately 400 staff in over thirty-five locations, Union Settlement serves as a pathway for greater opportunity, an unwavering beacon of hope, a source of strength, and a leader in education, wellness, and community-building programs. Union Settlement em Upgrade powers New Yorkers of all ages with opportunities to improve their skills and build better lives for themselves and their families. Dr. Williams ensures that the foundation and mission-focus of Settlement Houses are ever-evolving in Union Settlement’s programming to meet the needs of East Harlem residents and remain responsive and relevant.
Dr. Williams is a visionary and transformational executive leader with a strong commitment to service and empowerment for under-resourced communities, equity, and social injustice. Dr. Williams’ three decades of executive leadership experience in nonprofit organizations and government agencies, provides her with insight into the needs of nonprofit organizations and their integral role in the community. Throughout her career in New York City government and academia, she has prioritized roles serving vulnerable populations to enhance overall quality of life, with an intentional focus on alleviating the effects of poverty, promoting equity, addressing racial disparities, and providing opportunities for individuals to thrive. With her steadfast passion and emotional intelligence, she elevates her voice for the needs of the community and has successfully transformed organizations to higher levels of impact, sustainability, and success.
Dr. Williams is a published author, entrepreneur, and has received numerous awards and recognitions for her accomplishments. She is committed to continuing the legacy of community service of her sister Sharon Brown-Dash, and her parents, the late Rev. Robert & Bettye Brown. Dr. Williams is active in her community, proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, a licensed chaplain, and serves the Southeast Queens community as a member of the ministerial team at Evangel Temple Ministries. She serves on several city/state boards, private civic organizations, and academia where she teaches at the undergraduate and graduate level. She is on Board of Trustees and Executive Board at Metropolitan College of NY, which she is a double alumnus, Chair of the Academic Affairs Committee, and Co-Chair for the 2024 Presidential Search Committee.
Dr. Williams received her Associates in Arts from the Borough of Manhattan Community College, her Bachelor in Human Services and Master of Public Policy & Administration from the Metropolitan College of New York, and her Doctorate in Philosophy from Walden University.
Motto: “Great leaders do not desire to lead but to SERVE – Myles Munroe
Tanisha Jackson
Deputy Chief Executive Officer & Chief Operating Officer (COO)
tjackson@unionsettlement.org
Jennifer Curry 
Chief Administrative Officer (CAO)
jcurry@unionsettlement.org
Programmatic Executive Leadership
Affreaka Austin
Chief Program Officer, Families, Partnerships, Youth Development & Opportunity (CPO)
aaustin@unionsettlement.org
Affreaka joined Union Settlement in February 2024. She is a seasoned and strategic executive leader with over 20 years of experience in the social service sector. She specializes in data-driven decision-making, stakeholder engagement, and enhancing team development. Her career started with case management and mentoring at-risk youth at Covenant House NY. She held key leadership roles at WIN (Women In Need), overseeing transitional housing programs for homeless families. Her skills have been developed from years of experience in case management, mental health, housing placement, and support services. She has successfully opened programs from initial start-up to full operation, delivering impactful results. Affreaka holds a B.F.A. in Communications and an M.S.Ed. in Childhood Education from C.W. Post Long Island University, and is extensively trained in trauma-informed care and motivational interviewing.
Dr. Derrick Boone, Psy.D.
Chief Compliance & Program Officer for Adult Services (CPO)
dboone@unionsettlement.org
Derrick joined Union Settlement in June 2018. For over two decades, he has worked for nonprofit social service programs in direct care, professional consultation, and executive leadership. He has experience working with organizations that focus on mental health, employment, education, school-based counseling, seniors, transitional living, trauma-informed care, and homelessness. He has Master’s and Doctorate degrees in psychology from Loma Linda University.
Dr. Patience Oti
Senior Executive Director, Early Childhood Education & Family Child Care Network Program
droti@unionsettlement.org
Dr. Oti joined Union Settlement in January 2024 as a Consultant. She moved into a permanent position in August 2024. As an executive level administrator, Dr. Oti oversees the Early Childhood Education and Family Childcare Network and ensures that all contractual obligations are met.
Dr. Oti is a seasoned educator with 15 years classroom experience. She also has 25 years of Social Services experience under her belt. In the last nine of those years, she served as an Assistant Vice President to the largest Providers of Transitional Housing and Supportive Housing in New York City (WIN). In her present role she continues to serve New Yorkers who need help. Dr Oti is big on providing a supportive environment and empowering our community.
She holds a first degree in Education, Master’s in Educational Psychology and a Ph.D. in Guidance and Counseling. Dr Oti completed the Middle Management Program from the Graduate School of Business-Columbia University.
Dr. Oti is a Published author of nine books, a conference speaker and a missionary. She holds myriad awards and recognition.
Programmatic/Operational Executive Directors
Luz Carty
Executive Director, Aging, Health & Wellness Services
lcarty@unionsettlement.org
Luz joined Union Settlement in February 2020. With almost a decade of work with NYC seniors, Luz is excited to bring her knowledge and experience back to Union Settlement as Executive Director of Aging Health and Wellness Services. After working at Union Settlement from 2012-2017 in various capacities, including Senior Services Coordinator, Senior Center Manager, and Assistant Deputy Director, Luz joined the NYC Department for the Aging. From 2017-2020 she worked as a Program Officer, getting a handle on the issues and solutions that go into the business of running large groupings of senior centers. Luz holds a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from SUNY Albany and a Master of Social Work from Hunter College.
Geva Dublin
Executive Director, “Sparking Minds” Early Childhood Education Program & Family Child Care Network
gdublin@unionsettlement.org
Geva Dublin is a seasoned early childhood education leader with over three decades of experience. She joined Union Settlement Association in March 2024 as the Executive Director of Early Childhood Education and Family Childcare Network.
Prior to her role at Union Settlement Association, Geva held leadership positions at various early childhood organizations. Her career trajectory has seen her rise from Educational Director to Senior Director and ultimately Executive Director.
Geva holds dual master’s degree in early childhood education and education leadership. She is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in education leadership, demonstrating her ongoing commitment to professional growth and development.
Geva has a proven track record of success in leadership management, curriculum implementation, and student achievement. She brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role at Union Settlement Association and is excited to contribute to the organization’s mission of providing high-quality early childhood education services to families in East Harlem.
It is a privilege to have Geva as part of the executive and administrative team at Union Settlement Association. Her leadership and dedication to early childhood education will undoubtedly contribute to the organization’s continued success.
Josy Dussek
Executive Director, Early Childhood Education Operations, Compliance & Regulatory Affairs
jdussek@unionsettlement.org
Josy Dussek is the Executive Director of Business Operations, Compliance, and Regulatory Affairs at Union Settlement. As part of the executive leadership she is serving vulnerable populations to enhance overall quality of life, with a focus on promoting equity, addressing racial disparities, and providing opportunities for individuals, and communities in the East Harlem area.
With over 30 years as an administrator, Josy has worked with organizations such as the City Parks Foundation SummerStage , as the Director of Arts Operations, New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, as the Night Concerts Communications Specialist, as a music video Producer with WHNO-TV and backstage manager for the Essence Music Festivals. She earned her BA in Community and Human Services.
She is an active member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated. Besides her love for music, her hobbies are reading, adult coloring, jigsaw puzzles, cooking, and spending time with family.
Dr. Stacie Woodland, DSW, LCSW-R
Executive Director, Comprehensive Mental & Emotional Healthcare
swoodland@unionsettlement.org
Dr. Stacie Woodland joined Union Settlement in December 2017. She comes to Union Settlement with almost two decades of experience working in areas around mental health, homelessness, HIV care, women’s health, and adolescent issues. She has expertise in trauma-informed care specifically around developmental trauma, complex trauma, eating disorders, and complicated grief. Dr. Woodland’s research interests are in eating disorders and childhood neglect. She has published several articles around eating disorders, affect dysregulation, weight and racialized biases, atypical anorexia, and the under-assessment of eating disorders in underserved communities. She conducted a study around eating disorders that suggests that there may be under-assessment of eating disorders across all racial groups. Dr. Woodland was invited by OMH to present her findings to mental health clinics throughout New York State. She believes mental health treatment and interventions are lifesaving, but only if the seriousness and totality of the client’s struggles are recognized and addressed appropriately. Dr. Woodland received her bachelor’s degree in dance and psychology from Hampshire College, her Master’s Degree in Social Work from NYU, and her Doctorate in Social Work from Tulane University.
Sean Wynter
Executive Director, Youth Development & Opportunity (YDO)
swynter@unionsettlement.org
Sean Wynter is a passionate advocate for youth empowerment and community development, currently serving as the Executive Director of Youth Development and Opportunity. With over 18 years of experience in Youth Development and the nonprofit sector, he has dedicated his career to creating pathways for young people to thrive.
Beginning his journey in grassroots organizations, Sean quickly realized the transformative power of education and mentorship. Over the years, he has held various leadership roles, driving innovative programs that address the unique challenges faced by underserved youth. His commitment to collaboration has fostered strong partnerships with local schools, businesses, and community leaders, amplifying the impact of initiatives focused on skill development, leadership training, and access to resources.
Under his leadership, Youth Development and Opportunity has expanded its reach, serving thousands of young individuals annually. Sean an alum of Hofstra University believes in the power of education and the potential of every young person and works tirelessly to ensure they have the tools, support, and opportunities needed to succeed.
Programmatic
Jocelyn Caceres
Director, Family Enrichment Center (FEC)
jcaceres@unionsettlement.org
Jocelyn joined Union Settlement in August 2022. She is the new director of Manhattan’s first Family Enrichment Center (FEC), Jocelyn is an East Harlem/South Bronx native. A Master’s Leveled Social Worker who has served the last 15 years working with children and families, including a supervisor role in foster care. She has worked with The New York City Department of Homeless Services and a Bronx-based FEC. It is no secret that Jocelyn is a strong, fierce, compassionate leader who thrives being a source of support for others. Not only does she see but also understands the value of assisting people in overcoming challenges and advocating for those in need. Jocelyn holds a B.S. in Psychology and a Masters in Social Work. Jocelyn understands the Family Enrichment Center model and her mission is to ensure the needs of the East Harlem community are met. She is a coach who is powerful in guiding the co-design process to create something so impactful that is needed and relevant to East Harlem
Hilda V. Cortés
Director, Adult Education Program
hcortes@unionsettlement.org
Hilda joined Union Settlement in May 2018 after most recently serving as the Program Coordinator of Adult Literacy Education at Catholic Charities Neighborhood Services in Brooklyn, and previously held educational and job development positions at the Hudson County Schools of Technology. Ms. Cortés holds a Bachelor’s degree in Spanish from SUNY Buffalo and a Master’s Degree in Education from the College of Mount St. Vincent.
Michelle Cruz
Director, Economic Development & Government Affairs
Co-Chair – East Harlem Community Alliance (EHCA)
mcruz@unionsettlement.org
Monica Rene
Director, NYC Benefits Program & Childcare Connection (C4)
mrene@unionsettlement.org
Monica joined Union Settlement in 2019 as a Case Manager Supervisor with Youth Services. She also served as the HUB Regional Director prior to her leadership role with the recently launched NYC Benefits Program. Raised in Brooklyn and the Bronx, Monica is passionate about helping youth and families across NYC. She has over 20 years of experience serving NYC communities through nonprofit organizations, most recently at the South Bronx Overall Economic Development Corp. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Lehman College as well as Case Management and Family Development credentials from Hostos Community College and Cornell University respectively.
Shawn Smith
Director, East Harlem Community Partnership
ssmith@unionsettlement.org
Shawn Smith is known as a progressive thinker. He maintains a flair for multi-tasking and fostering positive relations with and between community stakeholders. A BMCC and City College Alum, his love of learning and background in education, advocacy, and as a published musician, has afforded him a plethora of opportunities in relationship building. His approach to service and empowerment is multi-generational in scope and practice and enhances his ability as “a connector”. Shawn has served on Community Board 11, the SCAN-HARBOR Parent Advisory Board, the Villa Hermosa Tenant Union (Vice President), as BCNY’s Youth Director (East Harlem), a High School Music Teacher, and last but not least (and actually first), a Parent Volunteer with several institutions throughout the New York City area. Shawn is married with 3 kid. His love of family and his passion and conviction for doing this work is the catalyst for his manta, “get involved”, and he lives this out in real-time.
Administrative/Operational
Jeffrey Henley
Director, Facilities Management, Real Estate and Planning
jhenley@unionsettlement.org
Jeffrey joined Union Settlement in February of 2023 and serves as Director of Facility Management and Planning. Jeffrey brings more than 25 years of Facility Management experience to Union Settlement, having managed construction, renovation, and repair/maintenance for facilities in Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, and Connecticut. The past 10 years of his career have been spent serving and working with not-for-profits in NYC. This experience has instilled in him a passion for mission-focused organizations that serve underserved communities. This passion is carried over into his personal life where he has been part of two faith-based volunteer construction teams for over 30 years.
Jeffrey has earned the International Facilities Management Association’s (IFMA) recognition as a Certified Facility Manager (CFM), a credential held by less than 13% of IFMA members worldwide. He resides in Bucks County Pennsylvania with his wife of 40 years, Lynda, and is blessed to be a father of 4 children and grandfather of 2. Outside of work, he enjoys camping, fishing, and reading, and he is an avid and award-winning woodworker.
Christine Munoz
Director, Talent Acquisition & Total Rewards, Employee Supportive Services (ESS)
cmunoz@unionsettlement.org
Sandra Perez Tapia
Administrative Assistant to the Executive Office
sperez@unionsettlement.org
Sandra Perez Tapia is a dedicated activist, artist, and community leader. At 19, she began her activism journey by helping battered women and became the Executive Director of the Mexican Community Center in 2006. Sandra has been a key figure in organizing cultural events in Spanish Harlem, such as Cinco de Mayo and Mexican Independence Day, for over a decade. Her artwork is displayed in various restaurants and community projects across New York City, including the Uptown Grand Central project and community fridges in Brooklyn and East Harlem. Sandy is no stranger to Union Settlement or the East Harlem Community. After obtaining her General High School Equivalency Diploma from Union Settlement’s GED Program in 1999, Sandy continued her professional career as an administrator at several organizations- including Union Settlement. er journey back to Union Settlement was initiated by her the love /gift as an artist where she has been instrumental designing and painting our new mural in the El Sito Feliz Community Garden that will be displayed on Monday, during our Journey to 130 Anniversary Kick-off.
Oneida Perez
Chief People Officer, Employee Supportive Services (ESS)
operez@unionsettlement.org
Oneida Perez is driven by the butterfly effect – the notion that one gesture, one kindness, one effort can change destinies, both our own and those of the lives we touch. A proud product of East Harlem (aka El Barrio), she is passionate about community development and advocacy, strengthening human connections, and empowering others towards greater self-efficacy. She brings over 20 years of experience in organizational development, labor relations, and workforce management. Her portfolio includes roles with Phipps Community Development, the YMCA of Greater New York, The Boys’ Club, the United Neighborhood Houses network, and collaborations with multi-state universities. Oneida holds a Master’s in Organizational Management, a Bachelor’s in Gender Studies, and dual Human Resources certifications as a Senior Certified Professional with SHRM and HRCI.