Meet the leaders
Rosemary Pino
Rosemary Pino, an Ecuadorian-American, has been a key political leader in Clifton since 2011. With a Finance degree from Rutgers and experience as a bank examiner for the U.S. Treasury, she has significantly advanced local governance as Clifton’s first minority City Council member. As the founder and Executive Director of Latino Leaders of Clifton, Rosemary leads impactful initiatives through the PINO movement, championing equality and expanding opportunities for the Latino community and beyond.
Manuel Lora
Manuel Lora, of Dominican descent, is a highly influential figure in the Clifton Latino community and a key advisor at Latino Leaders of Clifton. Renowned for his leadership and mentorship, Manuel played a pivotal role in inspiring Rosemary Pino to enter politics. As one of the original leaders alongside Jorge Cañarte and Ninfa Alcivar, his contributions have been instrumental in advancing Latino representation and advocacy. His detailed biography is forthcoming, but his profound impact and dedication to the community are already well recognized.
Jorge Cañarte
Jorge Cañarte, a prominent figure in Clifton's Ecuadorian community, has been a key leader in local politics and community-building since immigrating to New Jersey in 1967. In 1984, he co-founded the Ecuadorian Alliance, and soon after, helped establish Casa de las Américas, an organization that achieved historic representation in Passaic’s elections. Jorge is committed to uniting and empowering the Latino community, supporting youth leadership, and advocating for political unity. His dedication to family and community drives his lifelong commitment to progress.
Ninfa Alcivar
Ninfa Alcivar, a dedicated leader from Guayaquil, Ecuador, has been a cornerstone of the Clifton and Passaic communities for over 30 years and has lived in the U.S. for 40 years. After arriving with her five children, she earned an Associate Degree in Accounting from Passaic County Community College, where she worked for over 30 years, significantly contributing to the institution’s mission. As one of the pioneering advocates for Latino representation, Ninfa collaborated with influential leaders like Jorge Cañarte to advance Latino voices in local politics. Her unwavering commitment to education and community service continues through her work with Latino Leaders of Clifton, where she strives to empower youth, families, and the broader community.
Felicia Velasquez
Felicia Velasquez, a dynamic leader of Puerto Rican descent, has been a cornerstone of the Clifton community for over 18 years. With roots in New York and a career spanning over 40 years in the medical field, Felicia exemplifies dedication and compassion. Recently retired, she remains an influential force in the Hispanic community, known for her ability to unite and lead impactful initiatives. As a board member of the Puerto Rican Council in Passaic and Latino Leaders of Clifton, Felicia’s commitment to community service is unparalleled. Her trailblazing efforts, including organizing Clifton’s first Puerto Rican flag raising, highlight her passion and leadership. Felicia’s influence extends into the music industry, where she has managed renowned artists, further showcasing her multifaceted talents and dedication to cultural advocacy.
Winster Ceballos
Winster Ceballos, a distinguished leader of Dominican descent, is a pivotal force in education and community service. As the Director of Adult Education, Continuing Education, and Workforce Development at Passaic County Community College, he is dedicated to advancing educational and professional opportunities. Winster's leadership extends globally as a Global Action Team Area Leader at Lions Clubs International and a Founding Member at Lions Virtual. He also serves as Second Vice President at the USA/Canada Leo Leadership Foundation. While his detailed biography is forthcoming, Winster’s influential roles and commitment to Latino leadership underscore his significant impact on both local and global scales.
Belen Estrada
Born in Mexico City, Belen Estrada has proudly called Clifton home for over 11 years. Known for her strength in organizing and executing grassroots initiatives, Belen is committed to advancing the Latino community and championing equal rights. A firm believer in unity, she strives to amplify marginalized voices and fight for justice. As a leader in Latino Leaders of Clifton, Belen is dedicated to ensuring that every person, regardless of their background, is recognized and represented.
Juan Diego Pabón
Juan Diego Pabón, a Colombian native and Clifton resident since 2018, is a dedicated community leader passionate about bridging communities. With over a decade of experience as a supervisor at a local company, he’s also served as a union representative. As a father and advocate, Juan brings people together, promoting unity and participation. His role in Latino Leaders of Clifton reflects his commitment to empowering local voices and fostering political engagement for the betterment of all.
Yamilky Crisostomo
Yamilky Crisostomo, a distinguished business owner and active Clifton resident, is a leading figure in the Dominican community. With a strong understanding of local politics and civic engagement, Yamilky plays an influential role in driving positive change. Although her detailed biography is forthcoming, her leadership, dedication to community service, and involvement in local initiatives reflect her deep commitment to uplifting and empowering her community.
