Staff

Born in Ivory Coast, Francklyne immigrated at the age of 14. She attended Saint John Fisher College where she majored in International Studies and minors in French, Spanish and Women and Gender Studies. After facing and observing some injustices on campus, Francklyne and her three close friends decided to form a Black Students Union Committee to fight and educate students and staff members on the prejudices that minorities were facing right on our campus.

Wilmer Jimenez was born in Guatemala and migrated to the United States when he was 14 years old. Upon arrival, he worked in a strawberry and apple farm for about a year. He eventually transitioned to a dairy farm in Auburn, New York. He worked there for 2 years as a milker, cow pusher, and machine technician. At the age of 17, he decided to pursue an education at Fulton High School in Upstate New York. By 2014, he had graduated with his High School diploma and decided this was not the end of his educational pursuit.

Deirdre is a writer and educator with a background in community-based projects and faith formation. Raised in a Catholic Worker family in the City of Newburgh, NY, she earned a Bachelors degree at Smith College and a Masters at the Graduate Theological Union. As a young adult, Deirdre was mentored by the international Grail women's movement. She has been active in various grassroots efforts with immigrants and farmworkers for over 20 years, and also lived in Mexico with her husband and children. Deirdre and her family make their home in the Hudson Valley.

Working with not-for-profit and social justice groups and in the public sector for more than 40 years, Debi has developed a broad range of skills and capabilities. She writes and edits for diverse audiences to make information and services more accessible. She has served the needs of members and constituents in both national and regional groups, organized dozens of conferences and professional development programs, provided referrals and technical assistance, managed a range of projects, advised on grant applications, and made and administered a grant program.

Elizabeth Grese, an alumni of the Youth Economic Group of Sullivan County, is a graduate of the Rochester Institute of Technology where she majored in International Hospitality and Tourism Management, concentrating in Event Management. Elizabeth is a woman, sister, daughter, alumni, volunteer, cancer survivor and Special Events Coordinator. Elizabeth is elated to join the fundraising team and continue her high school efforts in supporting the mission and vision that RMM embodies.

Mark Green joins Rural & Migrant Ministry, Inc. and brings more than 30 years of progressively responsible financial, systems and project management experience with small businesses, non-profit companies, as well as multi-national corporations.

Born in Peru, Angel immigrated at the age of 15. While attending Nassau Community College as an undocumented student, Angel joined the Dreamer movement fighting to pass the NY Dream Act. Angel’s main mission as a student advocate was to educate, motivate and create awareness about current issues affecting immigrant students, by speaking at different Conferences, High Schools, and Universities. Prior to coming to Rural & Migrant Ministry, Angel worked as a Community Organizer with LatinoJustice PRLDEF.

Juanita started as a Fellow with the Youth Economic Group and has since transitioned to YEG Coordinator. She was born in Colombia and raised in Sullivan County, NY. Juanita went on to graduate from Rochester Institute of Technology with a major in Biology and minor in Italian. During her college and High School careers she was very actively involved in the community and maintained leadership roles in organizations that did the same, from litter clean up to hosting formal banquets for charity.

Sara Carbajal was born in Mexico and migrated to the USA when was 24 years old to marry her husband. Since then she’s worked in apple orchards, picking and harvesting fruits, and trimming and planting trees. She has also worked as crew recruiter. Her skills include supervisor and business management, strategic planning, resources allocation, leadership techniques, and administrative coordination of people and resources. Sara is also a Translator and Interpreter.

Noemi joins RMM's staff and worker Council at the Center of Alliance, Solidarity, and Accompaniment (CASA) in Riverhead, after years of community organizing in the area. Noemi says: "I am a survivor of domestic violence, which is the reason I am involved in advocacy for women's rights. I use my voice to help more women fight for their own rights. RMM gave me the opportunity to help on this project on Long Island with farmworkers, as well as invite more women to become involved so their voices are heard."