The Team
Helen Dorado Alessi
Executive Director
.png)
Helen Dorado Alessi is a distinguished leader in public policy, consulting, philanthropy, and community advocacy, currently serving as the CEO of El Dorado Consulting. She is also the Executive Director of the Long Beach Latino Civic Association (LBLCA), where she leads initiatives focused on empowering communities toward self-reliance. Ms. Dorado Alessi is a former Trustee of the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation and a previous leader of Toyota USA, the Early Years Institute, Edwin Gould Foundation, Hispanics in Philanthropy, and New York Philanthropy.
Her commitment to public service includes current appointments to the Advisory Board of the Nassau County Office of Hispanic Affairs and the Nassau County D.A.’s Hispanic Advisory Council. Previously, her extensive leadership service to the City of Long Beach included roles on the Planning Advisory Board, Ethics Commission, Hurricane Sandy Community Redevelopment Council, and as Hispanic Heritage Event Advisor.
A dedicated environmentalist, Ms. Dorado Alessi serves as Treasurer on the board of All Our Energy, supporting its mission for renewable energy, environmental protection, and lasting societal change.
Her recent advocacy includes active leadership in the New York Immigration Coalition and the Long Island Immigrant Justice Alliance. She was recently nominated as Vice President to the board of One Better World Project and serves as an Associate Producer for the documentary Airman by acclaimed filmmaker Amy Serrano.
Ms. Dorado Alessi is currently writing her memoir, “From Shore to Shore,” as an affiliate of the Herstory Writers Network. Through Herstory, she has facilitated impactful bilingual writing workshops across numerous Long Island high schools, universities (including LIU Post, Hofstra, and Adelphi), community centers, and correctional facilities, and has supported foundations in the U.S. and Nicaragua to build voices of hope, courage, and justice.
Dorado Alessi is a lifelong social justice activist and holds a Master’s degree in Public Policy from Baruch College (CUNY), as well as a Cornell University Certification in DEI/Human Resources. She is the daughter of Cuban and Puerto Rican parents, a proud wife, mom, grandmom, and resides in Long Beach/Island Park, New York.
Mike Cruz
Public Relations Director
Co-founder of the Long Beach Latino Civic Association, former Commissioner and Executive Director of the Long Beach Housing Authority, retired from the City of Long Beach, N.Y., after 25 years of service as Director of Community Development, Resource Conservation Manager, Superintendent of Sanitation, and Code Enforcement Officer, also a New York State Licensed Real Estate Agent.
Throughout his involvement, he has established working relationships with community-based, County, and State organizations that include Long Beach School District, M.L.K. Youth Center, REACH, Harriet Eisman Community School, Nassau County Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, Circulo De La Hispanidad, and Economic Opportunity Council of Nassau County. Catholic Charities of Nassau County, CARECEN, Hempstead, N.Y., N.Y. State Department of Environmental Conservation.
Community organizing and engagement have always been part of his life. He is a firm believer in the importance of advocating for Human Rights, Quality Education, Leadership Development, Civic participation, and Cultural pride.
Lisa Wright
Program & Grants Coordinator
Lisa Wright serves as Administrative and Grants Coordinator for the Long Beach Latino Civic Association, bringing over three decades of experience in nonprofit management, community development, and grant writing. Lisa has generated over $1 million in grant funding throughout her career, sustaining vital programs in adult education, literacy, and community empowerment. She continues her long-standing role as Community Coordinator at the Long Beach Adult Learning Center, a position she has held since 2012 (and previously from 1987-2001), where she facilitates Adult Basic Education and ESL courses while providing case management services to students. Her previous leadership roles include Managing Director at Council for Unity and Director positions at Circulo de la Hispanidad, where she dramatically expanded educational services and developed innovative programs serving diverse communities. Lisa holds a Master of Science in Adult Education and Human Resource Development from Fordham University and a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Hunter College. Her strategic vision, cross-cultural sensitivity, and commitment to community empowerment make her an invaluable asset to the Long Beach Latino Civic Association's mission.
Our Interns
Eliana Park
College Intern
Olivia Algarin
Jacqueline Calvo
Jaime Rodriguez
Alessandra Zamora
Eliana is currently studying Political Science at Stony Brook University, where she has earned a place on the Dean's List. In 2024, she was honored at the Long Beach Latino Civic Association Gala for her academic achievements and dedication to public service. A former International Baccalaureate (IB) and Advanced Placement (AP) student in high school, Eliana has long been passionate about politics and making meaningful change in her community. She is determined to rise quickly in the political world and one day represent her state in the House of Representatives or the Senate.