Business Details
14 Years
experience
Empowering Latinas Through Mentorship & Education
Latinas On the Verge of Excellence (L.O.V.E.) Mentoring Program empowers young women to recognize their innate strengths and achieve personal and professional goals through mentorship and health education. Founded in 2012, our culturally and linguistically sensitive approach connects mentees with relatable role models who share similar life experiences. Over the past thirteen years, we have served over 3,000 students across 40 public schools in New York City, focusing on mental health, reproductive health, college access, and career readiness.Our partnerships with organizations like the Student Leadership Network and the Internationals Network for Public Schools enable us to deliver a structured curriculum that enhances academic performance and personal development. With 82.10% of participants attending weekly sessions, our program has demonstrated measurable success in improving graduation rates and fostering confidence among Latina youth. We remain committed to expanding our reach and becoming a required health class in NYC schools while maintaining our core values of justice, fairness, and compassionate mentorship.
Services
Mentoring Program
Mental Health Education
Reproductive Health Education
College Readiness
Career Readiness
School-Based Programs
Community-Based Programs
Details
- Year established: 2012
Highlights and features
- 12 years of experience mentoring Latinas in NYC public schools
- Culturally-sensitive mentorship with relatable role models
- Partnerships with 40+ NYC public schools and community organizations
- Proven 82.10% weekly attendance rate among participants
- Comprehensive focus on mental, reproductive, and physical health
What people say
Increased self-confidence
Discuss girls' problems
Fun to be around
Stronger connection with peers
Believe in themselves
Services
Mentoring Program
Our culturally-sensitive mentoring connects Latina youth with relatable role models who share similar backgrounds. Weekly sessions foster personal empowerment through structured activities focused on self-love, academic growth, and future planning. Mentors provide guidance on navigating educational challenges while building confidence and resilience.
Mental Health Education
We deliver comprehensive mental health education covering anxiety, depression, self-care strategies, and emotional well-being. Participants learn to identify resources, practice mindfulness, and develop coping mechanisms through interactive discussions and peer support activities tailored to Latina youth experiences.
Reproductive Health Education
Our reproductive health curriculum addresses safe practices, healthy relationships, and access to medical resources. Topics include contraception, STI prevention, gender identity, and reproductive rights, delivered through age-appropriate discussions and clinic partnerships to ensure informed decision-making.
College Readiness
We prepare students for higher education through college application guidance, financial aid workshops, and resume-building exercises. Mock interviews and scholarship resources help participants navigate admissions processes while developing essential study skills and academic confidence.
Career Readiness
Our career readiness program teaches budgeting, networking, and workplace skills through hands-on activities. Participants gain practical experience via mock interviews, career pathway exploration, and mentor-led sessions on professional communication and financial literacy.
People
Andrea Jimenez
Operations Manager
Andrea brings a Masters in Criminology and extensive experience in advocacy and operations management. She supports L.O.V.E.'s mission through strategic oversight and community engagement, leveraging her background in trauma-informed care and immigrant support services.
Nancy Mares
Programs Manager
Nancy oversees program implementation with a BS in Education and BA in Psychology. Fluent in Spanish, she brings five years of experience in educational settings, focusing on mentorship strategies for underserved populations and academic success.
Dr. Claudia Espinosa
Founder & Director
Dr. Espinosa founded L.O.V.E. after earning multiple advanced degrees including a Doctorate in Education from NYU. With over two decades in NYC education, she leads initiatives to improve graduation rates and health outcomes for Latina youth through evidence-based mentorship.
Paulina Kababie
Communications Coordinator
Paulina advocates for Latinas through communications strategies informed by her border-town upbringing. With degrees in Philosophy and Graphic Design, she amplifies L.O.V.E.'s mission through storytelling and community engagement initiatives.
Nicholas Giglio
Development Manager
Nicholas leads fundraising efforts with a background in psychology and community engagement. His experience in securing resources for youth organizations strengthens L.O.V.E.'s sustainability and expansion goals across underserved NYC neighborhoods.
Questions
What is L.O.V.E. Mentoring Program?
L.O.V.E. empowers Latina youth through mentorship and health education, focusing on mental health, reproductive health, college access, and career readiness since 2012.
Who do you serve?
We serve female-identifying students aged 13-24 in NYC public schools and community centers across Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and the Bronx.
What makes your mentorship unique?
Our mentors share similar cultural backgrounds with mentees, creating relatable role models who understand their challenges and provide targeted support.
How can I partner with L.O.V.E.?
Contact our Program Manager through our website to explore school, organizational, or community partnership opportunities across NYC.
What impact has L.O.V.E. achieved?
Over 3,000 students served with 82% weekly attendance, demonstrating improved graduation rates, self-confidence, and health awareness among participants.
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