Board of Trustees

Monte Joffee, Board Chair

• As the Co-Founder and Co-Director of “The Will to Achieve,” Monte Joffee has played a pivotal role in a national educational policy institute dedicated to K-12 reform. He focuses on implementing rationalized and efficient frameworks for educational improvement. Monte’s passion for education extends to the “Education for Global Citizenship Institute,” which he founded and directs. This think tank is dedicated to implementing the principles of “Education for Global Citizenship” in K-12 schools.

Chester Hicks

• Chester Hicks is a retired NYPD officer with nearly 30 years of dedicated service. His extensive law enforcement background and commitment to public safety bring a unique perspective to the board, ensuring a well-rounded approach to addressing security and safety concerns.

Dr. Rachel Mandel

• Dr. Rachel Mandel is a Clinical Assistant Professor at New York University School of Medicine, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. She also serves as a Child Psychiatrist attending at Robert Wood Johnson/Barnabas Health and boasts nearly 20 years of experience as a doctor. Her expertise in child and adolescent psychiatry enhances the board’s capacity to address mental health and well-being concerns among students.

Victor Motta, Vice-Chair

• Victor Motta serves as the Assistant Principal of the high school at The Renaisssance Charter School in Jackson Heights, Queens. 

Liz Perez, Secretary

• Liz Perez is an example of the Renaissance mission statement “Developing Leaders for the Renaissance of New York.” Her career has been shaped into one of leadership at The Renaissance Charter School in Jackson Heights. She began as a parent volunteer in 1998 when her older son entered kindergarten, was drafted as a substitute teacher, then quickly became a full-time paraprofessional. She then returned to school to become certified as a special education teacher when her son was diagnosed with learning disabilities. Now as Assistant Principal of Special Populations, she sees her role as one of supporting families and teachers in their educational journeys.

Leopolda Silvera, MPA

• Leopolda Silvera, M.P.A., is a seasoned healthcare professional with over two decades of experience. Graduating from Baruch College in 2013 with a Master of Public Administration degree, she has been an integral part of Elmhurst Hospital Center (EHC) since 1999. Specializing in global health, Silvera has dedicated herself to combating HIV/AIDS, working on grant-funded initiatives in Russia and Ethiopia to enhance care, treatment, and education. Her efforts have garnered recognition from prestigious organizations like the US Agency for International Development and the American International Health Alliance. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Silvera played a pivotal role in coordinating outreach efforts for testing and vaccination. As Global Health Deputy at EHC, she has worked to bridge healthcare access gaps for diverse ethnic communities through collaborative initiatives with local groups and leaders.