MCOHA is here to help. Meet the team!

The Leaders

Marcela Lenox

Executive Director

Marcela I. Lenox has joined MCOHA as Executive Director, focusing on strategic growth and partnerships. In this role, Marcela will identify new sponsorship and program opportunities, deepen existing partnerships within the community, and drive the development and management of new projects with a growth-oriented mindset.

Marcela brings more than 10 years of experience leading non-profit fundraising and community wellness programs. Most recently, Marcela served as Director of the Salvation Army Morristown Corps where her work advanced philanthropy through increased awareness of how these services help communities thrive.

marcela.lenox@mcoha.org

(973) 366-4770 Ext. 116

Silvina Abbate

Chief Fiscal Officer

As Chief Fiscal Officer, Silvina Abbate is in charge of all financial, accounting, and controller functions. Her unique skillset and experience of more than 25 years are dedicated to ensuring the present and future financial health of MCOHA.
Silvina has worked with companies of all sizes, from global organizations such as Johnson & Johnson to local start-ups. Besides not-for-profit organizations, she has vast experience in many other industries, from food manufacturing to medical devices, healthcare, professional services, and e-commerce. Prior to joining MCOHA, she held positions as a financial controller, managing accountant, and marketing controller among others. She also volunteers at local non-profit entities as a treasurer, bookkeeper, and financial advisor.
Born and raised in Argentina, she holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and Business Administration from the Universidad Nacional de Rosario, a Certified Public Accountant designation also in Argentina and a Graduate Certificate of Special Studies in Administration and Management from Harvard University.

sabbate@mcoha.org

(973) 366-4770 Ext. 124

rsoto@mcoha.org

(973) 366-4770 Ext. 123

Rosa Soto

Weatherization and Home Energy Programs Manager

Rosa Soto is the longest-tenured staff person at MCOHA, having joined the organization in 1987. During her nearly 30 years of dedicated service, Rosa has worked in just about every department and is knowledgeable regarding all aspects of agency operations. From 2004 to 2005, Rosa served as MCOHA’s interim Executive Director. Currently, she holds the position of Manager of the Weatherization and Home Energy Departments which have regularly been recognized in the State of New Jersey for their high degree of professionalism and achievement.
Rosa is a graduate of Dover High School, is a licensed certified social worker in the State of New Jersey and a United Way Certified Mentor. Most recently, in 2012/2013, Rosa attended Fairleigh Dickenson University and earned the Certificate in Executive Nonprofit Leadership.

lmonsalve@mcoha.org

(973) 366-4770 Ext. 113

Lina Monsalve

Client Advocacy and Outreach Manager

Lina Monsalve currently holds the position of Client Advocacy and Outreach Manager for MCOHA. In this position, she oversees a wide range of services including programs for senior citizens. She provides case management, advocacy information and referrals to individuals and families with special needs in need of social services as well as TANF and post-TANF clients. Lina networks and coordinates activities and conferences with community organizations and special programs to assist clients with other agencies, and provides translation and interpretation services and advocacy for clients.
Lina holds a degree from Antonio Narino University, Colombia, in International Business and holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Fairleigh Dickenson University, 2007.

Lady S. Ruiz, Esq.

Full-Time Attorney

Lády S. Ruiz is the Full Time Staff Attorney at the Center for Citizenship and Legal Immigration and represents clients in special immigrant juvenile status (SIJS), removal defense, asylum, and other matters. Lády was previously a research fellow at the Universitat de Lleida in Spain where she focused on conducting research on Human Trafficking throughout Spain. She also taught at Universitat de Lleida's Law School (Falcutat de Dret, Economia i Turisme - Universitat de Lleida) where she focused on gender-based violence and International Criminal Law. Lády is a graduate of Montclair State University and Seton Hall Law School, where she worked at the Immigrants' Rights/International Human Rights Clinic. After Law School, Lády clerked in Family Court in Essex County, New Jersey where she managed the Children in Court docket. Lády is admitted to practice law in New Jersey and New York. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends and a good show on Netflix.

lady.ruiz@mcoha.org

(973) 537-0573 Ext. 109

Director of Justice For All

Crystal Paniagua is serving as the Assistant Program Director for Justice for All under Morris County Organization for Hispanic Affairs (MCOHA). With a strong academic background and a passion for social justice. Crystal earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Sociology from William Paterson University.

Driven by her desire to effect meaningful change at a systemic level, Crystal is currently pursuing her license and master’s in social work at Rutgers University, with an anticipated graduation date in May 2024. As part of her graduate studies, she has also obtained a specialty certificate in the Latino(a) Initiative for Service Training and Assessment (LISTA), further enhancing her ability to serve the Hispanic community effectively.

Crystal has demonstrated a commitment to advocating for marginalized communities and promoting inclusivity. In her role at MCOHA, she focuses on following the organization's mission of empowering and advocating for the Hispanic and low- medium income population.

Crystal Paniagua

crystal.paniagua@mcoha.org

(973) 366-4770 Ext.103

maria.rojas@mcoha.org

(973) 366-4770 Ext.119 (For Women Center)

Maria A. Rojas Botero

Director of the Hispanic Women's Resource Center

Maria Rojas Botero is currently serving as the Program Director for the Hispanic Women’s Resource Center, under the Morris County Organization for Hispanic Affairs (MCOHA).

She has a Bachelor of Arts in Foreign Language from Universidad del Quindío, Colombia (2011) and validated in the US by World Education International (2018). DADC training in a partnership with County College of Morris and Rutgers University (2019). Maria has been in the non-profit field for 6 years where she has gained experience in Social Work, Social Justice and Advocacy. Her past experiences include working as a Residential Support Staff, Program Associate and Women’s program Case Manager at Homeless Solutions Inc. In her desired to promote selfcare among the women she serves, Maria became a certified 200 hours Yoga Teacher in December 2022 by Abhaya Yoga Studio in Brooklyn NY. Working for the community has become her passion, especially serving the population of Hispanic Women by helping them achieve their goals and personal wellness.