Luz Espinoza Reyes, LCSW
Board of Directors
Luz, a first-generation immigrant from Mexico, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over a decade of experience in trauma-informed care for immigrant youth and families. With an MSW from Columbia University, she is now the CEO of her private practice, focused on justice, healing, and empowering immigrant communities.
Luz Espinoza Reyes, LCSW (she/her)
With over a decade of experience, Luz has worked as a mentor, therapist, and school social worker. In her previous role as a therapist for unaccompanied immigrant children and youth, Luz supported immigrant families throughout the reunification process, providing essential therapy and social work services. Luz specialized in providing assistance to immigrant youth who have experienced various levels of trauma, including victims or survivors of trafficking, abuse, gang affiliation, or violence in their countries of origin. She also focused on facilitating the transition of immigrant children and youth into the U.S. while bridging the cultural gaps between traditional beliefs and U.S. culture through a culturally humble approach. After serving as a school social worker for the past two years, Luz has ventured into private practice. Currently, she is dedicated to the establishment of her own private practice where she will continue her purpose of serving immigrant communities, less privileged communities, and communities impacted by oppression. Luz’s professional experience and personal connection with immigrant communities have greatly influenced her work in helping immigrant children, youth, and families heal. She approaches her clinical practice with a trauma-informed perspective, integrating social justice, anti-oppression, and anti-racism principles. Luz is a passionate advocate for justice, honor, respect, and emotional well-being, ensuring the safety and empowerment of those she serves.
Adriano is a first-generation immigrant from Brazil who has experienced the challenges of being a newcomer in different parts of the world. With an Executive MBA from INSEAD and expertise in business development and strategic growth, Adriano’s background in global operations is invaluable to Creshendo.
Adriano Machado, MBA, CMA (he/him)
Hossein A. Hamed, Ph.D., is a highly accomplished Medical Science Liaison with expertise in oncology, immunology, genomics, and computational biology, boasting over 40 peer-reviewed publications. As the CEO of a consulting company and an experienced fundraiser, he is deeply committed to supporting community causes.
Hossein A Hamed, Ph.D (he/him)
As a first-generation American, Hossein’s deep connection to his Iranian heritage, instilled by his parents, has shaped his perspective on the importance of cultural integration and support for newcomers to foreign lands. Growing up in a household that served as the initial refuge for numerous relatives seeking to start anew in the U.S., Hossein gained firsthand experience in the challenges faced by immigrants. He supported them with critical tasks such as translating at the DMV and assisting with essential paperwork. Today, as a provider for his own family, Hossein recognizes the vital role that community support plays in the lives of those embarking on new beginnings. Hossein brings to Creshendo a slew of diverse contributions: successful fundraising skills that raised thousands of dollars for underserved families; 43+ peer-reviewed journal articles as a recognized authority in his field; CEO of a consulting company; certification as a Jay Shetty Life Coach; trained actor and fan of all humans; and, his personal commitment to social causes. Hossein’s dedication to community support, philanthropy, and creating a welcoming environment for newcomers makes him a valuable addition to Creshendo’s board. His network and experience in fundraising will further enhance Creshendo’s capacity to support forcibly displaced populations.
A first-generation American with roots in Guyana and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Jeffrey Caesar understands the challenges migrant families face. With expertise in international relations and experience in the U.S. Senate, United Nations, and global diplomacy, he is dedicated to helping families seek a better life.
Jeffrey Caesar (he/him)
Jeffrey’s academic journey took him to Virginia Commonwealth University, where he studied Political Science, with a focus on International Relations, and earned minor degrees in Urban Planning and Environmental Science. His dedication was recognized with the prestigious Benjamin A. Gilman Award from the United States Department of State. Venturing into sustainable development and social change, Jeffrey conducted field research in Kathmandu, Nepal. He continued to make an impact, from the Virginia governor’s office to Vermont Law’s Institute of Energy and Environment, delving into diplomacy and environmental policy. Jeffrey’s versatile career approach encompasses academic research, grassroots community organizing, and high-level government work, including positions at the United States Senate and the United Nations International Organization for Migration. Having lived, studied, and worked in diverse countries such as Nepal, Egypt, South Africa, Switzerland, and the UK, Jeffrey brings a unique cross-cultural perspective to his work. His ability to connect with people from various backgrounds fosters community cohesion and forges powerful networks. With his extensive global experiences, Jeffrey is well-equipped to tackle complex challenges and help Creshendo achieve its objectives with unparalleled success.
Sogand Afkari is a Communications Manager at Pew Research Center with a decade of experience in nonprofit outreach and media analysis.
Sogand Afkari (she/her)
Sogand Afkari is a Communications Manager at Pew Research Center with a decade of experience in nonprofit outreach. She previously worked at the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project, Social Inquiry and See You in Iran where she conducted research and analysis, media outreach, and coordinated awareness campaigns on political conflict in over 200 countries and territories around the globe. Sogand has eight years of on-site experience in Iraq and Iran and has been interviewed by international news outlets, including The Guardian (U.K.), NOS (Netherlands), Taz (Germany), and France24 (France). She holds a BA in Comparative Literature and Middle East studies from Fordham University, and is proficient in Persian, Arabic, and Kurdish. Sogand is also the author of multiple policy briefs, including on gender-based violence.