What is The B.L.E.N.D.?
The mission of the Black and Latino Employee Networking & Development (B.L.E.N.D) Employee Resource Group (ERG) is to provide educational, professional, cultural, and social offerings that celebrate heritage and culture, create connections, and improve career opportunities for Black and Latine/x employees of NYC Public Schools (NYCPS). Our vision is an employee culture where every Black and Latino employee has access to the resources, mentorship, and developmental opportunities necessary to thrive.
The B.L.E.N.D.’s Mission
- Create an Inclusive Space
- Build a space and a network of NYCPS employees where all are able to discuss and surface solutions around the particular Black and Latino experiences in our schools and offices.
- Amplify existing and future Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) work at NYCPS
- Ensure that a greater share of NYCPS employees are aware of diversity and inclusion efforts and programming at the NYCPS, as well as provide new venues for Black and Latino employees to talk about their own experiences.
- Meaningfully engage with Black and Latino communities within and without
- Encourage employees to participate in professional and volunteer opportunities that promote civic engagement and DEI within and outside of NYCPS.
- Networking and community collaboration enhance access to a larger pool of diverse community initiatives and employment candidates, and strengthen the relationships of employees with their local communities.
To learn more and to sign up for updates, visit: TheBLEND.nyc
For questions, email BLEND@schools.nyc.gov
Contact
The B.L.E.N.D. Board of Directors was established during the 2024-2025 school year. The Board of Directors was formed to reinvigorate B.L.E.N.D.’s strategic impact and further enhance our mission and vision. This leadership body will guide our efforts to foster a thriving, supportive community for Black and Latino NYCPS employees, strengthening professional development, networking, and advocacy opportunities.
- Alain Berrouet | Co-Leader
- Zaydee (Zee) Santiago | Vice Chair & Secretary
- Rhina Torres | Treasurer
- Kimberly Hall | Director of Member Engagement
- Norma Feriz-Gordon | Director of Community Outreach
- Dery Rodriguez | Director of Events & Programming
- Lonette Hopewell | Director of Professional Development
- Open position to be filled | Director of Communications & Data
- Open position to be filled| Senior Sponsor
BLEND Advisory Board Members
- Malissa Mootoo
- Lisa Ukpong
- Maite Villanueva