The organization’s leadership team has strong roots in the community. The Executive Committee is led by seven women who are passionate about their Puerto Rican cultural roots, have a long-standing commitment of service in the community, are majority homeowners with a personal stake in the city’s revitalization, and are professionally invested in the improvement of socio-cultural issues impacting residents in the City of Trenton. Somos . . .
Krystal Michelle De León, President
Krystal affectionately called Kris or Mimi was elected as the President of the Trenton Puerto Rican Community & Friends Organization. Her leadership skills were honed during her tenure as Secretary of the Trenton Puerto Rican Parade Association. Kris was born here in the U.S. with parents from La Isla born in Isabela and Ciales. Although she was born in the U.S., she spoke her parents’ mother tongue, Español only, and was placed in ESL classes until the 3rd grade. Un dicho Kris holds dearly is “mejor sola que mal acompañada”. Kris shares, “I like this saying because it took me many years and heartbreak to learn that solitude can be a blessing at times because sometimes those around you do not have your best intentions at heart”.
Professionally, Kris wears two hats. She currently serves as an office manager in a medical office. Most of her time is dedicated to building her entrepreneurial skills as co-owner alongside her lovely husband Edgar (de Guatemala) of the family business Alpha Ink Tattoo Shop, which was inaugurated in 2021. Krystal and Edgar are parents to three beautiful children Jonathan, Aiden and Arianna. Kris also holds a Masters in Psychology. She loves to read and write and aspires to write a book on the struggles in her life that were used as motivation to beat the odds and achieve greater than her circumstance. A future goal is a not-for-profit organization focused on mental health resources and counseling.
Through her role as president, Kris wants to reach out to the community and give back through philanthropic means. She intends to learn more about the cultura to teach others and sustain the traditions for future generations.
Jacquelyn León, 1st Vice President
Jacquelyn, better known as Jackie, is the Founder of Locally Made, Globally Grown; which is an education-based organization leading education toward global opportunities. She was born in the great City of Trenton to an amazing mother, Praxedes León. Mi familia son de Villalba, Puerto Rico. Mami siempre me aconsejaba, “dirme con quien andas y te diré quien eres”. Growing up it was often a warning to stay away from “bad influences”. Today, I shift the lens. I consider el dicho a measuring stick which hold me accountable so I surround myself with the tribe who pushes me to learn and grow with. Jackie siempre ha sido adventurera, She has jumped from a “good plane” five times and boasts over 40 passport stamps! She is the mother of a 4-legged son, Chase. Proud author of a bilingual children’s book about the story of how her great-niece, Khyla Susana, came to be. She finds strength in the unwavering support from her Circle of Trust. In her role as 1st Vice President, her vision is to be a part of leadership that models inclusivity for all Puerto Ricans, regardless of their “type of affinity” to the culture, and promote la cultura in a way that recognizes global connection to otras raíces. 
Rosabel Nazario, 2nd Vice President
Rosabel, also known as Rose, has been a professional in the social service field for over 20 years. Her commitment to community and justice is evident in her volunteerism and participation in her faith.
She was born in Ponce, Puerto Rico. Un dicho which resonates with Rose is “a quien madruga, Dios ayuda!” To me it signifies being prepared for the day or the task at hand. It is this mantra which Rose uses to guide her role as 2nd Vice President and assist with the Trenton Puerto Rican Community & Friends organization being a more integral part of the community and the service activities needed throughout the City of Trenton.
Rose is very well-rounded and possesses many talents. Rose participated in a bodybuilding competition and enjoys baking and spending time with family and friends.
Janet Valentín-Forte, Executive Secretary
Janet is affectionately named Jan. She proudly serves on the organization’s executive committee as the Executive Secretary. Professionally, she has worked for the State of New Jersey for almost 22 years in different roles. Regardless of her position, she’s focused on supporting youth to achieve and become successful contributing members of society.
Jan’s parents were born in Utuado, Puerto Rico. They migrated to Trenton as teens. She is first generation born and raised in Trenton, NJ. The cultural pride from their Isla her parents brought with them during their formative years was fomented in Jan. Anyone only needs to say “WEPA!” to see Jan smile wholeheartedly.
Jan has a skill to challenge people while she advocates for them. In doing so, she fosters an energy of learning and growth. Jan has a passion for volunteering. This passion drove her to accept a challenge herself when she assumed a role on the organization’s Executive Committee. Today, Puerto Rican families are not as prominent in the City of Trenton, as they were when her parents migrated here. Still, the vibrant spirit fills her memories. For this reason, she enthusiastically wants to be a part of the leadership which brings back Puerto Rican pride – en voz alta y acción comunitaria – through parades, pageants, and community events. Being part of something bigger than me makes me feel complete.
Jan is a mother of 4 children who make her proud every day. She is actively engaged in volunteer work, including Trenton’s National Night Out, Trenton’s Art All Night or any community event that needs extra hands. Jan is a Girl Scout Leader and Service Unit Recruiter for the Girl Scouts of Central and Southern New Jersey. In all the work she does, she boasts Puerto Rican Orgullo!
Iris Roman, Administrative Secretary
Iris, mejor conocida por Delia, accepted the role of administrative secretary as part of the Executive Committee. Delia has countless skills. One which she gifts to the organization in her role is her willingness and generosity as a “do-er”. She is always enthusiastic to raise her hand, roll up her sleeves, and lead through action.
Professionally she is a meter operator for the past four years. She was born in Isabela, Puerto Rico. Un dicho she resonates with his “Ay Bendito!” Delia prides herself in her cooking. Her love for cooking creates an aroma of flavors that excite all senses.
One of the many reasons Delia accepted this leadership position is to serve as a conduit to build togetherness through service and connection. Her vision is to create a big movement amongst Puerto Ricans rooted in their history, culture, and traditions. She firmly believes “We are a movement – Pa’Lante!”
Alba Hernandez-Kanig, 1st Treasurer
Alba is affectionately conocida por Evee. She has been with the N.J. Department of Children and Families for over 12 years. In her professional role she works under the Office of Legal Affairs as an Interstate Consultant. As a consultant, she provides expert advice on a variety of topics and issues. It is this skillset she transfers into her role as the 1st Treasurer of the organization
Evee was born and raised in Trenton by her mom. Her family is from Caguas, Puerto Rico. Her love for La Patria extends to the town of Utuado, from where her husband’s family is and where the couple was married. It is the beauty of this town and its people that immediately strengthened a connection with her. Un dicho that Evee finds affinity with is “Pa'Lante”; a contraction of two words “Para” and “Adelante”. Pa’Lante commands people to take action by moving forward in positivity and progress.
She loves music and dancing. She beams with pride as the mom of a really cool kid and the wife of an amazing man. Her sensibility is always in sync with her love for learning. Evee has a passion for volunteering. For this reason, she wants to take this opportunity in this leadership role to represent her community, to share her culture, to be active and take action. She wants to show the world ”Estamos presente”. She chooses to honor those who put in the work before her and to continue the work for the next generation to come. Evee concretely understands representation is key when considering the success of those who are here and for the future. She affirms that being part of something bigger than her makes her feel complete.
Yesenia Nazario, Sergeant of Arms
Yesenia, better known as Yesse, accepted the role of Sergeant of Arms in the organization. She has over 15 years’ experience as a Social Policy Research professional. She is currently a Research Teaching Specialist at Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey. Yesse received a bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences with a minor in Multicultural Studies. She also holds a master’s degree in Organizational Leadership with a concentration in Developing People and Organizations. Her professional role has prepared her to succeed in her volunteer organizational role. As a Research Teaching Specialist, she possesses skills in maintaining order, instructing with clear direction, and being deliberate with her communication.
Yesse was born in Trenton, NJ. Her family is from Villalba, Puerto Rico. She draws inspiration from her father Jose M. Nazario “El Nene Feo”, who's held numerous executive committee positions throughout the early years, including being elected el Presidente de Desfile Puertorriqueno in 1979.
From an early age, her family successfully inculcated a pride and connection to La Isla. She held with conviction, “You may not be born in Puerto Rico, but Puerto Rico is born in you”. She is a lifelong learner who is extremely passionate about constant growth and learning different contexts. Yesse is a self-starter, she taught herself to sew and enjoys making her own clothing, creating a style uniquely hers.
Samuel J. Kanig is a coordinator, community organizer, filmmaker and musician. Kanig, originally from Utuado, Puerto Rico studied at University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez prior to his moved to Trenton, New Jersey in 2006. In 2014, he became the President of the Puerto Rican Civic Association of Trenton New Jersey where he led with a vision of celebrating culture while empowering the community. In 2016, he founded Galeria Casa Cultura, Trenton’s Latino art gallery and music studio focused on the development of Latino artists and musicians. In Puerto Rico, Kanig is also a co-founder of a barbecue festival which is one of the largest festivals in the mountainous region of the island for over 14 years. Kanig currently works at The College of New Jersey’s Center for Community Engagement as a program coordinator. In 2021 he was appointed by Gov. Phil Murphy to serve in the New Jersey Puerto Rico Commissions. Kanig is currently pursuing a graduate degree at the Center for Advanced Studies of Puerto Rico and the Caribbean focusing on the history of Puerto Rico.
Meet Our Executive Committee
Samuel J. Kanig, Trustee
Is a Trenton native who identifies as Puerto Rican. Growing up, she remembers wanting to work at City Hall. She felt “that building” was for people who worked hard to make a positive impact for the City of Trenton. Yolanda succeeded at beginning her career in social service began over 25 years ago in City Hall. Early in her career, she discovered a passion for working with juveniles in the criminal justice system. Yolanda honed her leadership, coordination and advocacy skills at various community-based organizations. Whether in a service or administrative role, Yolanda’s career-long focus is to connect youth and families with appropriate services to facilitate their own social, economic, and well-being success in their community. Currently, she is the Multi-disciplinary Team Coordinator for Mercer County Family Court. In her role, she will assist prejudicated youth to receive services they need to facilitate an easier transition to the next level of care in the continuum. She has one biological daughter and one granddaughter but prides herself in the care she imparts through relationships and has “adopted” many youth along the way. Her professional and personal work commitment is to make this world a better place for them. Yolanda has served on the board of several commissions and committees, including Trenton Head Start and Trenton Public Education Foundation.
Her favorite quote is “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” -Maya Angelou
