FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

HOUSE OF HEARTS NETWORK FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP APPOINTMENTS AND EXPANDED PROGRAMMING LEADERSHIP

NEW JERSEY — September 2026 — The House of Hearts Network Foundation is pleased to announce a series of executive appointments, leadership promotions, and organizational changes strengthening the Foundation’s executive operations, programming, development, strategic operations, and leadership development initiatives.

These appointments reflect the Foundation’s continued growth and commitment to establishing a strong organizational structure capable of advancing its mission and expanding opportunities for young people and communities throughout New Jersey.

Following his service as Interim Deputy Executive Director, Raffinel Hernandez has officially been appointed Deputy Executive Director / Chief Programming & Development Officer of the House of Hearts Network Foundation.

In this role, Hernandez will provide executive leadership over the Foundation’s programming and development operations, while working alongside the President and senior leadership to advance strategic initiatives, partnerships, program development, and organizational priorities.

The Foundation is pleased to announce the promotion of Susan Berube-Leiva to Chief of Staff.

Berube-Leiva will serve as a senior advisor within the Office of the President and will oversee the coordination of executive priorities, strategic initiatives, organizational administration, and cross-departmental collaboration.

As Chief of Staff, she will work closely with the President and senior leadership to ensure the effective execution of the Foundation’s strategic agenda.

Joel Leiva has taken over as Strategic Operations Manager. Leiva will support the Foundation’s internal strategic operations, organizational coordination, and implementation of executive and departmental priorities, helping strengthen the systems and infrastructure supporting the Foundation’s continued growth.

Future Leaders Fellowship Leadership

The Foundation is also announcing an expanded leadership structure for its Future Leaders Fellowship Program.

Di’Andre Davenport** has been appointed Fellowship Program Manager. Davenport will oversee the coordination, administration, and continued development of the Fellowship while working with Foundation leadership to deliver programming and opportunities for participating Fellows.

Davenport joins the Foundation following his experience with the Lesniak Institute for American Leadership and William Paterson University.

Johanna Garcia will serve as Co-Chair of the Fellowship Program, providing program leadership and working with staff and Foundation leadership to strengthen the Fellowship experience.

Joining Garcia as Co-Chair of the Fellowship Program is newly appointed Board of Trustees member Harsh Roy, who also serves as a staff member of the Lesniak Institute for American Leadership.

In addition to serving as Fellowship Co-Chair, Roy has been appointed Vice Chair of Programming & Development, where he will assist in providing strategic leadership to the Foundation’s programming portfolio and support the continued development and expansion of Foundation initiatives.

A Stronger Leadership Structure for a Growing Foundation
“These appointments reflect the continued growth of the House of Hearts Network Foundation and our commitment to building the leadership capacity necessary to fulfill our mission,” said Foundation President Jeremiah La’Porte.

“Each of these individuals brings valuable experience, perspective, and dedication to the work of the Foundation. As we expand our programs and strengthen our institutional infrastructure, I look forward to working with this leadership team as we enter this next chapter.”

The Foundation’s strengthened leadership structure will support its continued work in leadership development, civic engagement, workforce preparedness, higher education, health and wellness, and community service, while creating additional opportunities for emerging leaders throughout New Jersey.

The House of Hearts Network Foundation congratulates all newly appointed and promoted leaders and looks forward to their contributions to the Foundation’s continued growth and development.

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ABOUT THE HOUSE OF HEARTS NETWORK FOUNDATION

The House of Hearts Network is a New Jersey-based nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing health and wellness, leadership development, workforce preparedness, civic engagement, and higher education opportunities for young people across the state.

Through its programs, fellowships, partnerships, and leadership initiatives, the Foundation works to create pathways for young people to develop the knowledge, skills, relationships, and experiences necessary to lead and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

House of Hearts Network Foundation
Creating a Platform Built to Inspire Change.

Media & General Inquiries:
Susan Berube-Leiva
Chief of Staff