Board of Executives

  • DR. ZORAYDA MEJIA

    FOUNDER

    Zorayda's transformative journey traces back to her high school days, where she stood on the front lines as a peer counselor, guiding youth away from the daunting cycle of violence associated with gang life. Amidst this challenging landscape, Zorayda unearthed her profound passion for empowering others and championing underserved communities, sparking the flame illuminating her remarkable path.

    Fueled by an unyielding commitment to service, Zorayda's narrative weaves seamlessly into her AmeriCorps chapter, where she emerged as a force within Jackie Goldberg's Office, Council District 13. Here, she played a pivotal role in sculpting the Yucca Community Park, a sanctuary designed to shield Hollywood's youth from the adversities of their environment.

    Her journey expanded to Cheremoya Elementary School, where Zorayda assumed the role of community liaison. Through tireless efforts in fostering connections and orchestrating vibrant events, she became an architect of strengthened familial ties.

    Venturing further into the Heart of Los Angeles (HOLA), Zorayda orchestrated a symphony of unity, bringing together individuals from diverse backgrounds, educational experiences, and communities. Her leadership fostered an inclusive environment, empowering countless individuals to give back and make a profound impact in the Rampart community.

    In her pursuit of uplifting those in need, Zorayda assisted in founding the Life En El Camino Food Bank, Family Day of Joy, Homeless Day of Joy, and initiated food distributions to affordable apartments. Across nine consecutive years, these initiatives touched the lives of over 5,000 individuals annually, leaving an enduring mark on the communities of Los Angeles.

    Zorayda's journey took an academic turn, recognizing the transformative power of knowledge. Integral to the academic team at Life Pacific University, she plays a dual role as a member of the academic committee and a professor of organizational behavior in the Masters of Leadership Program. Here, she imparts her wealth of experiences to guide aspiring leaders to founding and leading nonprofit organizations.

    Her academic achievements, including a Bachelor's degree in Psychology in Human Development, a minor in Sociology Gerontology from California State University Los Angeles, and a doctorate in Psychology in Organizational Management from Phillips Graduate University, reflect her commitment to personal growth. Zorayda, a Hollywood High School and Los Angeles City College graduate, epitomizes the potential unleashed through education.

    As the founder of My New House, Zorayda collaborates with the Board and other management to establish long-range goals, strategies, and programs. Simultaneously, she serves as an organizational psychologist at various small businesses, employing psychological principles and research methods to enhance workplace dynamics, boost efficiency, and create environments conducive to worker satisfaction and business success.

    Zorayda's extraordinary journey is a living testament to the profound impact one can achieve through compassion, resilience, and an unwavering pursuit of positive change. Her dedication to empowering underserved communities, nurturing future leaders, and crafting a better world is a beacon of inspiration for all fortunate enough to witness her path.

  • TANIA PRIEGO

    FINANCE DIRECTOR

    Tania is an accomplished accounting and finance professional with a remarkable track record of over 20 years of experience in the industry. Her expertise lies in collaborating effectively with business managers to tackle variances, refine forecasts, and identify opportunities for improvement. With a strong background in budgeting, forecasting, billing, consulting, and accounting, particularly in the television industry, Tania has made significant contributions to renowned companies such as 20th Century Fox, Fox TV Studios, Walt Disney Television, City Search, Constellation New Energy, and her current role as Manager of Business Production at MediaMonks.

    Throughout her career, Tania has consistently showcased her exceptional work ethic and meticulous approach to her assignments. Her responsible and organized manner has earned her a reputation for delivering high-quality results in a timely fashion.

    While Tania thrives in her professional endeavors, she also dedicates her time and expertise to helping low-income families of My New House during tax season. Her genuine desire to make a positive impact by founding the Low Income Tax Preparation Program (LITP) is reflected in her selfless actions. By assisting those in need, Tania showcases her commitment to giving back to the society that has provided her with numerous opportunities.

    She has established comprehensive monitoring and accountability to ensure the successful implementation of My New House financials. She diligently creates yearly budgets that effectively plan and allocate funds toward their community programs. Furthermore, every quarter, Tania, the executives, and the board of directors come together to validate all agreements, closely monitor the outcomes of all projects, and ensure that our financial resources are being utilized efficiently and effectively, aligned with our overarching goal of serving our community to the best of our abilities.

    Tania's life story is one of resilience and transformation. Born in El Salvador, she experienced the hardships of a civil war that forced her to seek refuge in the United States at a young age. Growing up in Hollywood, she faced the allure and danger of local gangs while at Bancroft Middle School. Tania's involvement with the gang members had a detrimental effect on her academic performance and attendance until a concerned teacher alerted her parents, and the police intervened.

    Motivated by her parents' disappointment and realizing the need for a change, Tania joined the Los Angeles Police Explorer program. This decision marked a turning point in her life, leading her to engage in humanitarian projects to keep young, rebellious children in school. Tania's passion for education and her desire to guide others towards a better path became a driving force that shaped her future.

    Completing her education became a priority for Tania, and she graduated from Fairfax High School. She then attended Santa Monica College before pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Phoenix. These academic achievements laid a solid foundation for her successful career in finance and accounting.

    Beyond her professional successes, Tania cherishes her personal life. She is happily married to her high school sweetheart, Victor, and together they have two daughters. Along with her family, Tania's life is enriched by the presence of three spoiled dogs, fostering joy and companionship.

  • MARANTHONY APARICIO

    PUBLIC RELATIONS DIRECTOR

    MarAnthony emerges as a formidable force, seamlessly navigating a tapestry of roles and responsibilities at My New House. His strategic prowess in shaping and maintaining a positive public image for the organization is extraordinary. MarAnthony's ability to intricately align promotional campaigns with the organization's vision showcases a commendable blend of intuition and insight. As the guardian of My New House's online presence, he ensures its perpetual growth and engagement with the audience, revealing a keen understanding of the ever-evolving digital landscape.

    Yet, MarAnthony's talents transcend the confines of a single endeavor. As the dynamic CEO and Founder of Cleaning Solutions Services, he masterfully steers the company to new heights, fusing expertise with strategic acumen. Simultaneously, in the realm of music and events, MarAnthony assumes the role of concert director at Live Nation, where his passion orchestrates unforgettable experiences for concert-goers fueled by an unwavering eye for detail.

    Beyond the corporate arena, MarAnthony wears the hat of Events/Worship Administrator at Immanuel Presbyterian Church, weaving together seamless and meaningful experiences for attendees. A substitute teacher in the Los Angeles District's public schools, he imparts knowledge and inspiration to the next generation, embodying a commitment to education.

    MarAnthony's true impact is felt in the heart of his community. With over two decades of work with at-risk kids in Downtown Los Angeles, he champions the betterment of Koreatown. His relentless advocacy connects individuals with vital resources, promoting accessible education for children and youth.

    In the pursuit of personal growth, MarAnthony's academic journey is a testament to his commitment to excellence. From earning his high school diploma in a remarkable one-year span to attaining a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a Minor in Economy from California State University Los Angeles, his educational background reflects his dedication.

    His passion extends beyond the boardroom and the classroom—MarAnthony revels in the magic of cinema. Celebrating the Oscars as a tribute to talent and dedication, he cheers for his favorites and shares the excitement on social media, inviting others to join in.

    MarAnthony's love for movies transcends entertainment, intertwining with his zest for life. Movies become a canvas for inspiration, joy, and connection, offering a profound exploration of the human experience.

    His globetrotting adventures don't just enrich his own experiences but also leave a mark on My New House. An avid advocate, MarAnthony seizes every opportunity to share information about the organization globally, epitomizing a commitment to making a difference on an international scale.

    MarAnthony generously shares encounters with celebrities through social media, inviting others into his journey. His passion serves as a poignant reminder that embracing one's fervor can elevate the every day, infusing richness into our shared human experience. In MarAnthony, individuals witness a dedicated professional and a spirited individual who brings vibrancy and purpose to every facet of his existence.

  • MARLEN MEJIA

    OPERATIONS DIRECTOR

    Marlen is a compassionate individual with a genuine desire to help others. Over the years, she dedicated herself to various charitable activities, particularly food and clothing distributions. Her tireless efforts have touched the lives of many seniors and homeless individuals over the years.

    Upon completing her high school education at Hollywood High School, Marlen embarked on a path to pursue her passion in dental technology. She earned an Associate of Science Degree at Los Angeles City College, equipping her with the fundamental knowledge and skills required in this field.

    Driven by her unwavering determination to excel, Marlen continued her education at the prestigious University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), where she was certified in Advanced Prosthodontics, Maxillofacial, and Implantology Laboratory. This certification solidified her expertise in her chosen field, elevating her ability to impact the lives of others through dental care positively.

    Driven by a thirst for knowledge and an ambition to lead, Marlen pursued a Master of Arts in Strategic Leadership at Life Pacific University. This educational journey empowered her to refine her skills as a dental professional and a compassionate leader. She aspires to inspire others to serve, and she knows that by combining her technical expertise with her natural empathy, she can significantly impact the lives of those in need.

    Marlen is a seasoned professional whose expertise lies in managing organizational operations. She oversees the smooth functioning of the administration department at La Iglesia En El Camino, a religious institution known for its vibrant services and events. Marlen's primary responsibility is to ensure that all facets of the church's services run seamlessly.

    Marlen recognizes the importance of clear and concise communication within the organization. She strives to maintain an open line of communication between the administration department and other church ministries, allowing for effective collaboration. By fostering strong relationships and transparent communication channels, she ensures that everyone is well-informed and aligned with the overall goals and objectives.

    However, one area close to Marlen's heart is making dental care accessible to the most disadvantaged. She envisions a future where My New House, which is committed to improving the overall well-being of individuals and families, establishes a dental clinic. This clinic would be a haven for those seeking affordable dental prostheses and essential oral health services.

    With her education, experience, and unwavering dedication, Marlen is well-equipped to materialize her vision. She understands the pressing dental needs of underserved communities and possesses the conviction to address them. By actively seeking partnerships and avenues to transform her dream into a reality, she aims to unite her passion for helping others with the support of like-minded individuals and organizations.

    Marlen's journey is still ongoing. However, with her compassion, leadership skills, and determination, it is only a matter of time before her vision of a dental clinic becomes a reality. My New House stands firmly beside her, ready to support her every step of the way.

    Marlen is a shining example of how one person's dedication and vision can make a profound impact. With her expertise, compassion, and unstoppable spirit, she is poised to revolutionize dental care and ignite positive change within the communities My New House serves.