Every Voice Matters. Every Action Counts.
Since 1993, SEPA Mujer has created space for dignity, justice, and long-term change across Long Island.
As a nonprofit organization rooted in community care and collective action, we bring together individuals, advocates, and allies to expand access to opportunities, stand against domestic violence and injustice, and build the foundations for long-term social change.
We believe that every woman’s story matters and that her voice deserves to be heard.
Whether we are offering legal support, developing leadership programs, or partnering with other organizations, our work centers on dignity, respect, and the power of unity.
The Issues
At SEPA Mujer, our work is guided by the lived experiences, struggles, and voices of immigrant women and girls. Every campaign and organizing effort begin with a simple but powerful truth: the personal is political, and the challenges our communities face deserve urgent attention and collective action.
We address critical issues such as gender-based violence, sexual harassment in the workplace, family and domestic violence, limited access to language services, and the gender wage gap, among others. These are not just statistics—they are daily realities for many of the women we serve.
Rooted in the East End of Suffolk County, our grassroots efforts have amplified local voices and shed light on systemic injustices. We believe that when women organize, communities transform. Through solidarity and community power, we work toward a future where safety, dignity, and justice are not the exception but the norm.
Our Mission
At SEPA Mujer, we are committed to the well-being, leadership, and success of immigrant women on Long Island. We raise our voices together to challenge unjust systems and create lasting change in our communities.
Through civic engagement, legal advocacy, and leadership development, we uplift the vital contributions of women and celebrate our strength, resilience, and cultural richness.
We welcome you to learn more, get involved, and walk this journey with us.
Voices From Our Community
Our mission comes to life through the people we serve. These are real stories of resilience, advocacy, and healing—shared by those who have walked with us.
Our Staff
Meet the team making it happen
Martha Maffei
Executive Director, SEPA Mujer
Martha Maffei is a Latina immigrant from Peru who arrived in the United States in 2004 and began her journey with SEPA Mujer in 2008. A trained social worker, she has devoted her life to supporting and uplifting women, girls, and immigrant communities. Through her early work in the Andes of Peru and with Indigenous communities, Martha came to deeply understand the incredible power women hold to build community and lead change.
As Executive Director, she has guided SEPA Mujer to become one of Long Island’s most influential voices for immigrant women and families. She is widely recognized for her leadership in advocacy, civic engagement, program development, and community outreach, always centering equity and cultural sensitivity.
Martha draws inspiration every day from SEPA Mujer’s members, her dedicated staff, and the courageous women who are escaping gender violence. Her vision is to continue lifting SEPA Mujer to new heights, making it the most impactful and transformative organization serving immigrant communities on Long Island.
As Executive Director, she has guided SEPA Mujer to become one of Long Island’s most influential voices for immigrant women and families. She is widely recognized for her leadership in advocacy, civic engagement, program development, and community outreach, always centering equity and cultural sensitivity.
Martha draws inspiration every day from SEPA Mujer’s members, her dedicated staff, and the courageous women who are escaping gender violence. Her vision is to continue lifting SEPA Mujer to new heights, making it the most impactful and transformative organization serving immigrant communities on Long Island.
Alizabeth Newman
Founder & Former Director, SEPA Mujer
Alizabeth Newman is delighted to return to SEPA Mujer’s Legal Team, three decades after founding the organization. She recently retired from CUNY School of Law, where she spent 25 years teaching and directing programs that trained generations of social justice lawyers. While there, she co-founded the Emerging Needs Clinic, guided students in the Immigration and Refugee Rights Clinic, and led alumni programs that fostered a strong community of lawyers dedicated to serving human needs.
Before her academic career, Alizabeth founded SEPA Mujer to provide immigrant women on Long Island with legal education, advocacy, and support. For this pioneering work, she was honored with the Legacy Achievement Award in 2016. She has also spoken widely on immigration, gender violence, and community lawyering.
Alizabeth is thrilled to come full circle and rejoin SEPA Mujer, continuing her lifelong commitment to justice, advocacy, and immigrant women’s empowerment.
Before her academic career, Alizabeth founded SEPA Mujer to provide immigrant women on Long Island with legal education, advocacy, and support. For this pioneering work, she was honored with the Legacy Achievement Award in 2016. She has also spoken widely on immigration, gender violence, and community lawyering.
Alizabeth is thrilled to come full circle and rejoin SEPA Mujer, continuing her lifelong commitment to justice, advocacy, and immigrant women’s empowerment.
Martha Reyes
Chief Fiscal Officer, SEPA Mujer
Martha Reyes has been with SEPA Mujer since May 2020 and currently serves as the organization’s Chief Fiscal Officer. In this role, she provides comprehensive fiscal oversight, ensuring compliance with grants and regulations, monitoring budgets, and maintaining accurate financial and accounting systems. Martha works closely with management on grant proposals and budget forecasting, and she collaborates with external accountants for annual reviews and financial statements.
Martha brings extensive experience in accounting and finance, having worked with Amityville Payroll Service Inc. since 2014, where she manages accounts payable and receivable, reconciliations, journal entries, payroll, and full accounting services. She also has experience in healthcare claims processing and member services from her time at MDNY Healthcare, as well as freelance experience preparing tax returns and establishing accounting systems for individuals, small corporations, and nonprofit organizations.
Martha is committed to ensuring financial transparency and stability at SEPA Mujer, supporting the organization’s mission to empower immigrant women and families. Her meticulous attention to detail and dedication to sound fiscal practices enable SEPA Mujer to effectively deliver programs and services that make a real difference in the community.
Martha brings extensive experience in accounting and finance, having worked with Amityville Payroll Service Inc. since 2014, where she manages accounts payable and receivable, reconciliations, journal entries, payroll, and full accounting services. She also has experience in healthcare claims processing and member services from her time at MDNY Healthcare, as well as freelance experience preparing tax returns and establishing accounting systems for individuals, small corporations, and nonprofit organizations.
Martha is committed to ensuring financial transparency and stability at SEPA Mujer, supporting the organization’s mission to empower immigrant women and families. Her meticulous attention to detail and dedication to sound fiscal practices enable SEPA Mujer to effectively deliver programs and services that make a real difference in the community.
Abigail Esquivias
Program Officer, SEPA Mujer
Abigail Esquivias joined SEPA Mujer in March 2024 and, within less than a year, became the organization’s Program Officer in January 2025. In this role, she oversees all programming, ensuring that services and initiatives meet the diverse needs of immigrant women and families across Long Island. A dedicated leader, Abigail brings her strong background in health care policy, management, and equity to strengthen SEPA Mujer’s impact and reach.
She holds a Master’s in Health Policy and Management from the University of Maryland and dual bachelor’s degrees in Biology and Spanish from Stony Brook University. Before joining SEPA Mujer, Abigail gained extensive experience in health care operations and patient navigation, managing multi-site teams, developing systems for quality care, and advocating for veterans’ health.
A proud Latina with family roots in Bolivia and Mexico, Abigail is passionate about bridging the gaps between systems and the communities they serve. She is inspired daily by the resilience of immigrant women and families and is committed to building programs that empower them to thrive.
She holds a Master’s in Health Policy and Management from the University of Maryland and dual bachelor’s degrees in Biology and Spanish from Stony Brook University. Before joining SEPA Mujer, Abigail gained extensive experience in health care operations and patient navigation, managing multi-site teams, developing systems for quality care, and advocating for veterans’ health.
A proud Latina with family roots in Bolivia and Mexico, Abigail is passionate about bridging the gaps between systems and the communities they serve. She is inspired daily by the resilience of immigrant women and families and is committed to building programs that empower them to thrive.
Stephanie Martin
Case Manager & Hotline Supervisor, SEPA Mujer
Stephanie Leon, a proud Latina with family roots in Peru and Colombia, has been with SEPA Mujer since July 2022 and currently serves as Case Manager and Hotline Supervisor. In this role, she oversees the 24-hour hotline, manages staff, and provides direct services to clients including intakes, advocacy, safety planning, and domestic violence group counseling. Stephanie also ensures that all services align with trauma-informed and client-centered best practices, while representing SEPA Mujer at community events and participating in collaborative initiatives like the Sexual Assault Demonstration Initiative (SADI).
Stephanie also served as Interim Program Director at SEPA Mujer from February to April 2023, where she led program teams, implemented strategies to strengthen service delivery, and supported professional development in program management, data, and budget oversight.
Stephanie is passionate about empowering immigrant women and families, addressing the impacts of gender-based violence, and fostering leadership within her teams. Her work is driven by a deep belief in the resilience and strength of women, and she is committed to creating safe, supportive, and transformative spaces for the communities SEPA Mujer serves.
Stephanie also served as Interim Program Director at SEPA Mujer from February to April 2023, where she led program teams, implemented strategies to strengthen service delivery, and supported professional development in program management, data, and budget oversight.
Stephanie is passionate about empowering immigrant women and families, addressing the impacts of gender-based violence, and fostering leadership within her teams. Her work is driven by a deep belief in the resilience and strength of women, and she is committed to creating safe, supportive, and transformative spaces for the communities SEPA Mujer serves.
Our Board
United in Purpose, Driven by Service
Ron Fisher
President
Ron Fisher was born and raised on Long Island in the Town of Southampton. He
graduated from the Riverhead Central School District where he currently serves
as a Trustee on the Board of Education. Ron pursued his higher education at St.
Joseph’s College in Patchogue, earning a B.S. in Business Administration and a
Minor in Spanish Language in 2004. After college Ron moved to Los Angeles for
a short time where he met his future husband Jim.
They returned to New York and opened Fisher Signs & Shirts in Southampton where Ron serves as the owner operator. Ron credits owning his own business with allowing him the flexibility in his schedule to work with numerous non profits and community groups.
Ron served for many years on the Town of Southampton Housing Authority before joining the Board of SEPA Mujer as the Treasurer. Additionally, Ron serves as the President of the Flanders, Riverside & Northampton Community Association where he has worked with countless partners to receive grants totaling well over a million dollars to encourage environmentally sensitive, socially responsible development.
In addition to his civic work, Ron serves on the Flanders Northampton Volunteer Ambulance Board of Directors and is a member of the Southampton Democratic Party Executive Committee. Ron was recently honored as the News Review Community Leader of the Year for 2017.
They returned to New York and opened Fisher Signs & Shirts in Southampton where Ron serves as the owner operator. Ron credits owning his own business with allowing him the flexibility in his schedule to work with numerous non profits and community groups.
Ron served for many years on the Town of Southampton Housing Authority before joining the Board of SEPA Mujer as the Treasurer. Additionally, Ron serves as the President of the Flanders, Riverside & Northampton Community Association where he has worked with countless partners to receive grants totaling well over a million dollars to encourage environmentally sensitive, socially responsible development.
In addition to his civic work, Ron serves on the Flanders Northampton Volunteer Ambulance Board of Directors and is a member of the Southampton Democratic Party Executive Committee. Ron was recently honored as the News Review Community Leader of the Year for 2017.
Vanessa Gonzalez
Vice President
If you were to ask clients what they think of Realtor Vanessa Gonzalez, most would describe her loyalty and dedication, her powerful work ethic and the fact that she creates the type of relationship with them, in a way that
makes them feel like family because to Vanessa, they become a part of her family from the moment they put
their trust In Vanessa to help them through the arduous process of buying and selling their home.
Now, if you were to ask Vanessa about herself, she would tell you how proud she is to be a resident of Long Island. Having been raised in Ecuador, surrounded by her South America with Cuban Ancestry, she takes a lot of pride in who she is. Vanessa would also mention how passionate she is about her work, her clients and helping families, all across Long Island, reach the 'American Dream' of owning their own Home.
To be a part of a community effort Is a life's work not just a one time project. It Is a passion that requires longevity and endless support. The kind of support and energy Vanessa Is ready & willing to bring to any Initiative that can make a difference.
Helping families achieve this dream has become Vanessa's passion In her work and would love to be a part of any Initiative that would propel that passion and dream.
Now, if you were to ask Vanessa about herself, she would tell you how proud she is to be a resident of Long Island. Having been raised in Ecuador, surrounded by her South America with Cuban Ancestry, she takes a lot of pride in who she is. Vanessa would also mention how passionate she is about her work, her clients and helping families, all across Long Island, reach the 'American Dream' of owning their own Home.
To be a part of a community effort Is a life's work not just a one time project. It Is a passion that requires longevity and endless support. The kind of support and energy Vanessa Is ready & willing to bring to any Initiative that can make a difference.
Helping families achieve this dream has become Vanessa's passion In her work and would love to be a part of any Initiative that would propel that passion and dream.
Johanna Rotta-Genna
Secretary
Johanna Rotta was born and raised in Brentwood, NY . She attended New York University and post-graduation accepted a position working as an Account Executive/translator & interpreter for a start-up Sports Media firm. In 2010, when the economy took a downward turn, Johanna returned home to Long Island and volunteered full-time with WGIRLS NYC.
Johanna served as the president of WGIRLS NYC, a volunteer organization that provides underprivileged women and children in local communities, and in times of international crisis around the world, with the support and resources necessary to achieve health, happiness, and the ability to lead productive and successful adult lives. She oversaw fundraising and programming for the organization through prominent programs such as Project GLaM, Hope for the Holidays, DonorsChoose.org, Sunrise Day Camp, and more which have impacted over 5,000 underprivileged children, teens, and women in the five boroughs of New York and Long Island. In 2012, under her guidance, the organization attained their fundraising goal of $120,000. Johanna enabled this to happen by cultivating and managing key relationships with donors and sponsors for their support all the while managing the volunteer core of 70 women. Johanna also helped establish the Long Island chapter of WGIRLS and served as a liaison to their Board.
In May of 2012 Johanna joined The Early Years Institute (EYI) in as their Coordinator of Community Assets. One of Johanna’s roles was to coordinate and increase membership of the Westbury Early Learning Leadership Team, a group of individuals concerned and interested in helping the children of Westbury have the best start in life. When Johanna started at EYI, there were 12 members on this Leadership Team. Due to her extensive research, outreach and networking, Johanna enabled that group’s membership to have increased to over 90 members, representing more than 40 local and regional community based organizations and businesses.
Johanna served as the president of WGIRLS NYC, a volunteer organization that provides underprivileged women and children in local communities, and in times of international crisis around the world, with the support and resources necessary to achieve health, happiness, and the ability to lead productive and successful adult lives. She oversaw fundraising and programming for the organization through prominent programs such as Project GLaM, Hope for the Holidays, DonorsChoose.org, Sunrise Day Camp, and more which have impacted over 5,000 underprivileged children, teens, and women in the five boroughs of New York and Long Island. In 2012, under her guidance, the organization attained their fundraising goal of $120,000. Johanna enabled this to happen by cultivating and managing key relationships with donors and sponsors for their support all the while managing the volunteer core of 70 women. Johanna also helped establish the Long Island chapter of WGIRLS and served as a liaison to their Board.
In May of 2012 Johanna joined The Early Years Institute (EYI) in as their Coordinator of Community Assets. One of Johanna’s roles was to coordinate and increase membership of the Westbury Early Learning Leadership Team, a group of individuals concerned and interested in helping the children of Westbury have the best start in life. When Johanna started at EYI, there were 12 members on this Leadership Team. Due to her extensive research, outreach and networking, Johanna enabled that group’s membership to have increased to over 90 members, representing more than 40 local and regional community based organizations and businesses.
Eunice Mourato
Treasurer
Eunice Mourato has nearly 15 years of experience in accounting and auditing. Eunice supervises attest engagements while maintaining and furthering her knowledge of professional pronouncements necessary to conduct a quality audit.
Eunice serves clients in the not-for-profit sector, including credit unions, museums, schools, towns and villages. She also has considerable experience working on audits of for-profit corporations and partnerships.
Eunice ensures that audits are performed efficiently and effectively from planning to completion, while meeting client needs on a timely basis.
Eunice serves clients in the not-for-profit sector, including credit unions, museums, schools, towns and villages. She also has considerable experience working on audits of for-profit corporations and partnerships.
Eunice ensures that audits are performed efficiently and effectively from planning to completion, while meeting client needs on a timely basis.
Edgar Cerna
Member
Dedicated Senior Director of Operations with over 10 years of experience in Health Care and Community Outreach. Proven ability to strategize and execute operational improvements, integrate community health initiatives, and lead diverse teams to achieve measurable outcomes.Eunice ensures that audits are performed efficiently and effectively from planning to completion, while meeting client needs on a timely basis.
Bridget Mantello
Member
Bridget Mantello is a strategic and passionate leader specializing in fundraising, advocacy, and community engagement for critical causes. With expertise in healthcare, human rights, social justice, and environmental initiatives, she has successfully mobilized resources and driven impactful change.
Currently serving as Vice President of Development & Event Management at The United Way of Long Island, Bridget oversees multimillion-dollar revenue streams, fosters key partnerships, and leads public relations efforts.
Previously, she spearheaded fundraising and engagement strategies at The Safe Center LI and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, securing record-breaking donations and expanding outreach.
Early in her career, she discovered her passion for nonprofit work through her time with the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, where she played a key role in fundraising and advocacy efforts. She also gained valuable experience with Grassroots Campaigns Inc., leading field campaigns and voter registration initiatives to drive civic engagement.
Bridget holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and is pursuing a Master’s in Public Administration & Nonprofit Management. With a talent for relationship-building, strategic leadership, and communication, she continues to empower communities and drive meaningful progress.
Currently serving as Vice President of Development & Event Management at The United Way of Long Island, Bridget oversees multimillion-dollar revenue streams, fosters key partnerships, and leads public relations efforts.
Previously, she spearheaded fundraising and engagement strategies at The Safe Center LI and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, securing record-breaking donations and expanding outreach.
Early in her career, she discovered her passion for nonprofit work through her time with the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, where she played a key role in fundraising and advocacy efforts. She also gained valuable experience with Grassroots Campaigns Inc., leading field campaigns and voter registration initiatives to drive civic engagement.
Bridget holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and is pursuing a Master’s in Public Administration & Nonprofit Management. With a talent for relationship-building, strategic leadership, and communication, she continues to empower communities and drive meaningful progress.
Do you need help or feel unsafe?
We’re here for you. SEPA Mujer offers confidential support, legal resources, and a safe space, in your language and on your terms. You are not alone.
Support our mission
When you donate, you help protect immigrant women from violence and injustice. Your gift expands access to legal services, education, and leadership opportunities across Long Island.