About Us

Woman with long dark hair wearing a black blazer and silver jewelry.

Our Founder

Azize R. Cornejo, M.Ed.

is a transformational higher education leader and educator with over 25 years of experience dedicated to advancing student success and creating equitable pathways for underserved populations. Serving in a senior administrative role at Bergen Community College, she leads cross-functional initiatives to enhance institutional strategy, operations, and the overall student experience. Additionally, as an adjunct instructor, she teaches ESL, Student Success, Financial Literacy, and Citizenship, equipping diverse and multilingual learners with the tools to succeed academically and professionally. Her educational foundation includes a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Higher Education Administration and Leadership from Penn State University.

Beyond higher education, Azize is a powerful civic changemaker deeply committed to public service and community empowerment. She is the President and Founder of the Elmwood Park–NJ Latinos Association, where she champions advocacy, education, and resource access for Latino families, and she serves as Vice President of the New Jersey chapter of the National Organization for Student Success (NOSS). Her extensive local leadership also includes roles on the Elmwood Park Recreation Advisory Board, Board of Health, and the New Elmwood Park Chamber of Commerce. Further blending public safety with community trust-building, Azize serves as a Special Police Officer with the Hackensack Police Department, exemplifying her unique ability to connect strategic vision with hands-on, impactful community action.

Meet The Board

Vice-President

Dr. Rafael Rojas, Jr.

is an accomplished criminal justice professional, academic, and public servant with an extensive educational background. He earned a B.A. in Sociology from Fordham University, dual Master's degrees in Criminology and Public Administration from Long Island University, and a Doctor of Public Administration in Administration of Justice from the University of Baltimore. His academic research includes a copyrighted Master’s thesis on drug abuse within the Newark Airport police force and a officially registered doctoral dissertation focused on police drug testing policies and reform strategies.

In his practical law enforcement career, Dr. Rojas retired after 20 distinguished years with the Port Authority Police of New York and New Jersey, following earlier positions with the New York State Department of Correctional Services and the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office. Alongside his operational experience, he has dedicated decades to higher education across Colorado, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, and New Mexico, serving in teaching, administrative, program development, and consulting roles in criminology, forensic science, and public administration.

Dr. Rojas is also a recognized leader within professional organizations and public service. He is a Certified Criminal Justice Program Reviewer for the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences and has served as President of criminal justice educator associations in New Jersey, Colorado, New Hampshire, and the Northeastern region. Additionally, he was appointed by New Hampshire Governor John Lynch to several high-level public service roles, including the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Latino Affairs, the Trustee Board for the Community College System of NH, and the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights NH State Advisory Committee.

Secretary

We are looking for a committed secretary willing to join our team.

Treasurer

Luz Mariuxy Murillo

is an accounting and finance professional with more than 30 years of experience supporting businesses with bookkeeping, reconciliations, financial statement review, accounting cleanups, and practical financial organization. She holds a Master’s degree in Finance & Accounting and a business degree from Universidad Católica de Santiago de Guayaquil in Ecuador. As the owner of LUMEN Bookkeeping Solutions LLC, Luz helps small businesses maintain clear, organized, and reliable books. Her work includes monthly bookkeeping, clean-up and catch-up projects, bank and credit-card reconciliations, Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable support, QuickBooks Online maintenance, and bookkeeping support for payroll and grant related tracking. Her approach is practical, detail oriented, and focused on giving business owners dependable financial information they can use with confidence.

Communications Coordinator

Rawell Perez Munoz

is a dedicated community advocate, public service leader, and business owner based in Paterson, New Jersey. Serving as a Senior Youth Worker with the Paterson Youth Services Bureau, Rawell is deeply committed to empowering local youth, driving community engagement, and mentoring the next generation through structured support programs and educational initiatives.

Alongside his direct work in youth development, Rawell is actively involved in local politics and civic initiatives across Paterson, advocating for community-driven solutions, municipal advancement, and sustainable neighborhood development.

Rawell holds a B.S. in Psychology from Grand Canyon University and an A.A.S. in Criminal Justice from ASA College. His combined academic background in behavioral psychology and criminal justice provides a strong foundation for his work in youth intervention, policy development, and local governance.

In addition to his career in public service, Rawell is an entrepreneur and licensed professional. He is the founder and operator of ArPi Contractors LLC, a Paterson-based interior remodeling firm, a New Jersey Life Insurance Producer, and a commissioned New Jersey Notary Public. Fluent in both English and Spanish, he continues to bridge resource gaps and foster meaningful connections within the diverse community he serves.

Trustee

Joe Oswald