Meet the Board of Directors
Committed to making a difference, our board members bring a wealth of experience in a variety of fields, from non-profit management to advocacy and social work. Through their leadership and dedication, we are able to provide intentional care and support to those in need, ensuring that our impact creates a lasting and positive change in communities around the world.
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Founder & President
Monica was born to Korean parents in São Paulo, Brazil, but now lives with her husband in Los Angeles, California. They own their own business, New Life Coaching, working with couples and families, guiding them toward healing and reconciliation.
Growing up, her father taught her to care for those in need and use her resources to help others. Moved by compassion, Monica is fulfilling her mission and passion through the New Life and Hope Foundation, caring for vulnerable children.
When Monica is not working, she loves cooking, taking care of her plants, traveling, and spending quality time with the people she loves.
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Co-Founder and Board Member
Gabe was born in Maryland, but has lived a majority of his life in Southern California where he currently resides with his wife, Monica, of 10 years. After studying Theater and Communications at Azusa Pacific University, he went on to pursue acting and is currently working as a producer and writer.
Compassion for people in need is what drives both Gabe and Monica, whether they are helping people heal through their Coaching/Counseling business or committing to bringing positive change one life at a time through NLHF.
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Treasurer and Board Member
Meet the Board of Council
Each member brings a unique set of skills and experiences to the table, ensuring that our organization is well-equipped to make a positive impact in the lives of vulnerable women and children around the globe. From strategic planning to financial oversight, our Board plays a crucial role in guiding the direction of our non-profit and ensuring that we can continue to uplift and transform lives wherever needed.
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Board of Council
Yesika S. Montoya, LCSW-R, is the Director of Advising at Columbia University School of Social Work (CSSW).
Ms. Montoya is also an adjunct faculty teaching the Professional Immersion Seminar for international students at CSSW. The class supports students to adapt to academic study and field education in the USA, recognizing cultural differences and similarities.
In her previous work experience, Ms. Montoya provided individual, family, and group psychotherapy. In her practice, she addressed the interaction of mental illness, cultural beliefs, socio-economic conditions, and immigration status (where applicable) and used an anti-oppression practice. She has experience working with different populations (children, adolescents, adults, homeless SPMI, MICA, HIV).
Ms. Montoya has worked at the Mount Sinai Medical Center’s World Trade Center Program, with people who participated in the rescue, recovery, and clean-up efforts at Ground Zero after the 9/11 attacks. This experience allowed her to develop additional expertise on trauma.
Ms. Montoya is a psychologist in her native country of Colombia, with a degree from the Universidad Santo Tomas. She earned a Masters in Social Work (MSW) with a concentration in clinical practice from Fordham University.
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Board of Council
Linda Lee graduated from law school, has a Master's in Divinity, and specializes in Emotional and Sexual Education and Sexual Abuse Prevention. She lives in São Paulo, Brazil, with her husband, Fred, and is a mom of three beautiful children: Isabella, Danielle, and Matheus.
Linda acts as a counselor of Bluefields, an incubator for startups, and for a Nonprofit, Passarela Alternativa, that works with women in the penal system. She is also the Executive Director of Dignitate, a nonprofit that rescues and restores women survivors of human trafficking.
Besides her work with nonprofits, Linda is a pastor in one of the most prominent Korean-Brazilian churches in São Paulo, serving families through counseling ministry. She is a consultant for church growth, helps connect ministries and mission organizations to resources, and also mentors Christian social entrepreneurs.
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Board of Council
Marcus Young has 4 generations of history in SE Asia with his family doing everything from government work and missions to starting a zoo in Chiang Mai, Thailand. He has been immersed in philanthropy and social entrepreneurship since early 1994. (www.justprojects.org). Operating in areas marred by violence, human trafficking, and intense discrimination, he uses the ethics of Jesus’ teaching for creative and non violent challenges to injustice. This led him to pioneer programs like Project AK-47 to advocate for child combatants in Southeast Asia.
With a master's degree in organizational leadership and 30 years of expertise, he serves as a consultant to leaders of businesses, and small NGOs worldwide through his organization, Just Projects International. Marcus' profound teachings and captivating stories often center on a favorite subject 'Love Your Enemy,' aiming to bring radical love into conflict areas: https://amzn.to/358Iv62.
Join the team
Join us at New Life and Hope Foundation to help vulnerable women and children worldwide. If you're eager to make a change and have skills to offer, we invite you to join our team. Together, we can make an impact and give hope to those in need. Join our team today.
