About Us
Our President
Mario E. Tapia
Mr. Mario E. Tapia is the founder of the Latino Center on Aging. Mr. Tapia has worked for over forty years in various aspects regarding the planning and delivery of services to older Americans at the federal, state, and local levels.
His first position with the elderly was as Planner/Coordinator for the Somerset County Office on Aging, Somerville, NJ in 1977. Since then he has demonstrated much dedication and commitment to developing and improving access to services for older adults, making a particular effort on behalf of the less fortunate, the frail, and the minority older persons.
Mr. Tapia has lectured at numerous colleges, universities, and national conventions throughout the United States, as well as abroad. His expertise has been sought by the New York State Office for the Aging and the New Jersey Division on Aging, who both nominated him as a member of their respective state committees preparing for the 1981, the 1995, and the 2005 White House Conference on Aging.
Mr. Tapia is or has been an active member of the following organizations or groups:
Resource Center for Minority Aging Research (RCMAR), National Advisory Board Member
Chilean Civic Center – USA, President
NYS Mature Worker Task Force, Member
NYS Senate Committee on Aging, Advisory Committee Member
National Hispanic Media Coalition-NY Chapter, Steering Committee Member
Mr. Tapia received his degree as “Licenciado en Filosofía y Educación” (e.g., Masters in Arts) from the Catholic University of Valparaíso, Chile, is listed in Who’s Who Among Hispanic-Americans’, since the 1991-92 edition.
WPIX-Ch 11, NY, designated him “Unsung Heroe” on October 2002.
Mr. Tapia received the NY Post Liberty Medal of Freedom at Gracie Mansion, NYC, on October 2003.
In 1995 Mr. Tapia was declared “Illustrious Son” by his hometown, San Felipe-Chile.
On August 3, 1995, Mr. Tapia was declared an “Illustrious Son” by his hometown, San Felipe – Chile. In the photo, the Mayor of San Felipe, Mr. Jaime Amar presents him with a commemorative plaque.
On October 2, 2003, Mario Tapia received the Medal of Freedom from the Mayor of New York, Hon. Michael Bloomberg at Gracie Mansion (Residence of NY Mayors).
Founders of the Latino Center on Aging (LCA) 1991
Mission
Founded in 1991, the Latino Center on Aging (LCA) advocates for better services for Hispanic seniors, as well as informing them of the various options available to them. This mission is accomplished by using various forms of education through the media, presenting testimony at public hearings, and organizing conventions that address issues that affect them. Many of the existing services for seniors turn out to be inaccessible to Latino seniors, mainly due to linguistic and cultural reasons. Because Hispanic seniors are more likely to live near or below the poverty level, the need for services is of greater urgency. The LCA helps meet the needs of Latino seniors by serving as a liaison between them and existing services; At the same time, it advocates for the development of centers for the elderly that are directly oriented to Hispanics.
Board of Directors
The Board of Directors of the Latino Center on Aging (LCA) is made up of outstanding community leaders.
Doris Colón, MSW, Board Chairwoman
Retired after an extensive and distinguished career in the field of Social Work. Doris Colón has chaired the Board of Directors of the Latino Center on Aging (LCA) since its creation. She also serves as a member of the New York City Department on Aging Advisory Council and is a member of EPIC’s New York State Senior Advisory Council. She is also a member of the Board of Directors for Teatro Pregones in the South Bronx.
Adriene Rosell, Treasurer
Adriene Rosell is Vice President of Operations, Elizabeth Seton Children’s Center, New York. She has a Master’s in Health Administration and a Bachelor’s in Psychology/Behavioral Science. He is a member of groups such as the New York Department of Aging Governor’s Advisory Committee, New York City Council Committee on Aging, Bronx HIV Care Network Executive Committee, New York Health Care Facilities York, Southern New York Association, New York City Council Committee on Aging, Geriatric Mental Health Alliance, Manhattan Chamber of Commerce Member, American Association of Homes and Services for the Aged, International Association of Homes and Services for the Aged and Treasurer/Board Member of the Latino Center on Aging.
Carrie Matos, Secretary
Retired Public Relations Consultant. Ms. Matos has an extensive and successful career in the area of community relations. She joined the LCA while working at NYNEX (Nueva York Telephone Company) and since then has collaborated intensively in the development of the organization. Carrie is a founding member of the LCA.
Jean Fuentes, Member
Jean Fuentes is the Senior Vice President of Human Resources for FOX based in New York. She is a founding member of the LCA. Previously, Jean was a Fellow of the Emma Bowen Foundation.
Rafael Piroman, Member
Rafael Pi Roman has hosted and produced political news and public affairs shows on Thirteen and WNET since 1992. Pi Roman served as executive producer, writer and host of the three-part special, “The City,” which covered the mayoral race from New York City in 1997 and won an Emmy in 1999. In 2001, Pi Roman became the host and lead editor of Thirteen’s Primetime Emmy Award-winning show, “New York Voices.” Piroman is a founding member of the LCA..
Carmen Delia Sanchez, DSW, Member
Director of the Puerto Rico Ombudsman’s Office since December 2013. Retired Professor of the Graduate School of Social Work of the University of Puerto Rico where she also served as director for seven years and coordinated the Aging Network for the Caribbean University. from Puerto Rico. She has also been a professor of the Gerontology Program at the Graduate School of Public Health of the University of Puerto Rico.
NATIONAL ADVISORY BOARD
Our National Advisory Board is comprised of experts in the gerontology field of diverse ethnic ancestry from all regions of the country.
- Steven Applewhite, DSW, Houston, TX
- Lourdes Birba, Los Angeles, CA
- Bethsaida Colón, San Juan, PR
- José Cuellar, Ph.D., San Francisco, CA
- Rita DiMartino, New York, NY
- Rebekah García, New York, NY
- Celina Gómez, MD, Monterrey-México
- María Hidalgo, Miami, FL
- Rafael Lantigua, MD, New York, NY
- Carmenza Millán, Chicago, IL
- Félix Nallim, Mendoza, ARG
- Fernando Pérez, New York, NY
- Miriam Torres, DSW, Cupey, PR
SOUTH FLORIDA ADVISORY BOARD
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Marjie E Aloni
Blanca Ceballos
Brenda Centeno
Thayra Hausheer
Mauro Hernández , Sr.
María Hidalgo
Gabriela Macoto
Lizabeth Miguel
Sissy Miranda
Fabiola Monasterios
Gloria Orlandi
Lymari Rivera
Friends, always friends…
SPONSORS
The LCA receives financial support from foundations, corporations, unions, responsible public leaders, community groups, and individuals committed to improving the living conditions of older Latinos, in recognition of the many contributions they have made to our society.
WAYS TO HELP US
Thanks to various sponsors, both public and private, the Latino Center on Aging (LCA) has been very successful in serving the elderly in our community, particularly those who live isolated and difficult to reach, since 1991. With your assistance, we plan to continue the work that so many seniors depend on. PayPal accepts credit cards even if you do not have a PayPal account. What’s more, you don’t have to worry when you use Paypal for your donation today. Just press the button down here. You can make a one-time or recurring donation each month. Or, if you prefer, you can send a check or money order. Your contribution to the LCA is tax deductible. Thanks to all those who have helped us maintain the voice of our elders for all these years. Thanks in advance to those who do so today.
