meet the board members
Louis R. Hernandez
Chairman
From humble beginnings to high-level leadership, 100 Hispanic Men Chairmen, Louis R. Hernandez’s journey is a powerful example of perseverance, growth, and purpose. Raised with a strong work ethic, he began working at the young age of 14 in Coney Island, learning firsthand what it meant to contribute and provide for a family. His commitment to service started early in junior high school, and he carried that discipline into his professional life. Like many young Hispanic men, he faced challenges along the way, including discrimination and unfair treatment, but chose to rise above those obstacles by building relationships, seeking knowledge, and staying focused on his long-term vision.
Over the course of his career, Mr. Hernandez went from laborer to leadership roles, including serving as Assistant Commissioner for the New York City Department of Transportation’s Office of Emergency Response, and later as Deputy Chief of Staff for the Office of the Deputy Mayor, and Associate Chief of Staff of the Mayor’s Office. His leadership has directly impacted communities across New York City, including helping to create opportunities for over 600 individuals throughout his career. As Chairman of 100 Hispanic Men and a leader in multiple civic and community organizations, he remains deeply committed to mentorship, public service, and empowering others. His story is a testament to resilience, proving that no matter where you begin, determination and purpose can take you further than you ever imagined.
John G. Rojas
Vice Chairman
John G. Rojas, Vice Chairmen of the 100 Hispanic Men, brings over three decades of dedicated public service, leadership, and emergency management expertise to his work and community. Born in Ponce, Puerto Rico, and raised with a strong sense of responsibility and resilience, he has built a distinguished career with the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development, where he currently serves as a Construction Project Manager III. Throughout his career, Mr. Rojas has led critical operations, overseen emergency repairs, and played a key role in improving housing conditions and accessibility for underserved communities, including individuals with disabilities.
Beyond his professional achievements, Mr. Rojas is deeply committed to service, leadership, and community preparedness. With advanced education in Emergency and Disaster Management and extensive certifications in crisis response, he has trained teams, supported citywide emergency initiatives, and actively contributed to public safety efforts. As Vice Chairman of 100 Hispanic Men, he continues to mentor, lead, and inspire others, demonstrating that true leadership is not only defined by position, but by a consistent commitment to uplifting and protecting the community.
Louis J. Hernandez
President
Louis J. Hernandez, President of the 100 Hispanic Men, is a lifelong New Yorker whose career reflects over four decades of dedicated service, leadership, and commitment to public safety. Born and raised in Brooklyn in a proud Puerto Rican household, he was deeply influenced by his family, particularly his father and older brother, to pursue a career in law enforcement. He joined the New York City Police Department in 1981, where he served with distinction across multiple units and rose through the ranks to First Grade Detective. Known as a natural leader, he not only excelled in his role but also mentored and recruited young men and women, helping guide the next generation toward meaningful careers in public service.
Beyond his professional achievements, Mr. Hernandez is a devoted family man, a proud husband, father, and grandfather, who carries those same values of responsibility, guidance, and support into every aspect of his life. Following his retirement from the NYPD, he continued his service through leadership roles with the New York State Comptroller’s Office and the United States Marshals Service. Today, he remains committed to uplifting others, helping young adults pursue careers, build stability, and reach their full potential. His legacy is defined not only by his distinguished career, but by the countless lives he has touched through mentorship, opportunity, and a genuine willingness to help others succeed.
Cesar Ortiz
1st Vice President
Expanding educational opportunities and creating pathways that empower students and underserved communities has been the driving force behind César A. Ortiz’s career. Through innovation, collaboration, and strategic leadership, he has dedicated more than 25 years to advancing programs that strengthen communities and inspire future generations. As Manager of the CREST Institute at The City College of New York (CCNY), Mr. Ortiz oversees operations, budgeting, student support services, and recruitment initiatives for both college and high school research programs, helping students gain access to transformative educational and research experiences.
Beyond his professional achievements, Mr. Ortiz has remained deeply committed to civic engagement and community service. His leadership with Community Board 11 in East Harlem and several nonprofit organizations reflects a lifelong dedication to building stronger, more equitable communities through education, mentorship, and meaningful partnerships. As a member of the Board of Directors of 100 Hispanic Men Association Inc., he continues to advance the organization’s mission by helping create opportunities that empower individuals, strengthen families, and leave a lasting impact on the communities it proudly serves.
Manuel B. Vidal, Jr.
2nd Vice President
Manuel B. Vidal, Jr. serves as the Second Vice President of 100 Hispanic Men Association, Inc. and brings a lifetime of entrepreneurial experience, business leadership, and practical insight to the organization. Raised in a family that valued hard work and entrepreneurship, he developed a strong business foundation under the guidance of his father. Throughout his career, Mr. Vidal has successfully owned and operated a variety of businesses—including supermarkets, restaurants, liquor stores, and service enterprises—and has contributed to business development initiatives in both New York and Puerto Rico.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Mr. Vidal is a devoted family man who values mentorship, integrity, and community. He believes in sharing the knowledge and experiences he has gained over the years to help others succeed. Through his leadership with 100 Hispanic Men Association, he remains committed to empowering individuals, encouraging entrepreneurship, and helping create opportunities that strengthen families and uplift Hispanic communities for generations to come.
Michael Flores
Sgt. at Arms
Michael Flores’s story is one of dedication, growth, and deep-rooted commitment to community. Born and raised in New York City’s NYCHA E. Robert Moore Houses, he spent over two decades living in public housing, an experience that shaped both his perspective and his purpose. Beginning his career with NYCHA at just 18 years old as a caretaker, Mr. Flores worked his way up over 37 years of service, ultimately retiring as Assistant Director of the Lead Hazard Control Department within the Healthy Homes Division. In this role, he played a critical part in protecting the health and safety of residents, ensuring environmental standards were upheld across New York City.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Mr. Flores is a devoted husband, father, and man of faith, serving as Executive Pastor alongside his wife, Jessica Flores, Lead Pastor of Dunamis Life Covenant Church. His life reflects a balance of service, leadership, and family values, all rooted in a desire to uplift others. Having lived the experiences of the communities he now serves, he remains committed to mentoring, guiding, and supporting those striving for a better future. His journey stands as a powerful example of what can be achieved through perseverance, faith, and a genuine commitment to making a difference.
Jose DeJesus
Treasurer & Financial Compliance Officer
Jose DeJesus serves as Treasurer of 100 Hispanic Men Inc., where he is entrusted with safeguarding the organization’s financial integrity and supporting its long-term mission of empowering Hispanic communities throughout New York City. In his role, he works closely with the Board of Directors to promote sound financial stewardship, accountability, and responsible management of the organization’s resources.
Committed to service and collaboration, Jose believes that strong financial leadership provides the foundation for meaningful community impact. Through his dedication to transparency and organizational excellence, he helps ensure that 100 Hispanic Men Inc. can continue expanding programs that inspire leadership, mentorship, education, and opportunity for future generations.
Ismael Malave Perez
Secretary / Director of Governance
Ismael “Ish” Malavé Pérez, Jr., MBA, serves as Secretary and Director of Governance for 100 Hispanic Men Inc., where he helps guide the organization’s mission through strong leadership, accountability, and a commitment to community service. A proud Puerto Rican American and lifelong New Yorker, Ismael brings more than 28 years of experience in public service, nonprofit leadership, and civic engagement. His dedication to creating opportunities for others reflects a lifelong belief that education, mentorship, and integrity are the foundation of stronger communities.
Inspired by his mother’s perseverance and the mentors who helped shape his life, Ismael is passionate about paying that support forward. He believes every young person deserves encouragement, guidance, and the opportunity to reach their full potential regardless of their circumstances. Through his leadership with 100 Hispanic Men Inc., he remains committed to empowering the next generation, strengthening families, and helping build a community where service, compassion, and opportunity create lasting change.
Antonio Rivera, Jr.
Special Advisor / Former President
Antonio Rivera, Jr. serves as Special Advisor and Former President of 100 Hispanic Men Association, Inc. and brings more than four decades of distinguished leadership in public service, housing, and community development. Throughout his career, he has held executive leadership positions with the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), the New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal, the New York City School Construction Authority, the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA), and the Office of the New York City Council President. His work has focused on expanding housing opportunities, strengthening government-community partnerships, improving public programs, and delivering meaningful services to thousands of New Yorkers.
A lifelong resident of East Harlem, Mr. Rivera has dedicated his career to improving communities through public service and civic leadership. In addition to his government service, he has served as a Community School Board member, District Leader, Community Board member, and as CEO of Top of New York Consultant, LLC, where he continues to advise housing developers and organizations on community outreach, project development, and strategic partnerships. As Special Advisor to 100 Hispanic Men Association, he shares decades of experience and leadership while helping advance the organization’s mission of empowering Hispanic communities through education, opportunity, and service.
Fidel F. Del Valle, Esq.
Special Officer and Advisor
100 Hispanic Men Special Officer and Advisor, is a distinguished public servant and legal professional whose career has been defined by leadership, reform, and a deep commitment to justice in New York City. With decades of experience at the highest levels of city government, he has held critical roles including Commissioner and Chief Administrative Law Judge of the New York City Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (OATH), where he led transformative efforts to modernize and unify the City’s administrative justice system. His work has had a lasting impact on how New Yorkers interact with government agencies, ensuring greater accessibility, fairness, and efficiency across the board.
Throughout his career, Mr. Del Valle has remained dedicated to public service and community advancement, from his leadership at the Taxi and Limousine Commission to his work within the NYPD and Probation Department. Beyond his professional accomplishments, he has consistently contributed his time and expertise to community-based organizations, serving on numerous boards and supporting initiatives that uplift families and underserved communities. His journey reflects not only professional excellence, but a lifelong commitment to service, demonstrating that leadership is most meaningful when it is used to create opportunity and strengthen the communities we serve.
Guillermo Ali Perez
Board Member
Guillermo Ali Perez’s journey is a powerful reflection of resilience, responsibility, and purpose. Arriving in the United States from the Dominican Republic as a young man, he quickly embraced the role of provider as the eldest of seven siblings, balancing work while pursuing his education at Bronx Community College. Even in those early years, his leadership stood out, serving as President of the Student Government Association, where he demonstrated the vision and dedication that would shape his lifelong commitment to community service.
Over the decades, Mr. Perez has become a trusted leader, educator, and advocate, dedicating his life to uplifting others. From helping over 5,000 individuals achieve U.S. citizenship to leading large-scale humanitarian efforts as a District Governor for Lions Clubs International, his impact spans across New York City and beyond. Despite his extensive accomplishments, he remains deeply rooted in the community, continuing to mentor, educate, and serve. His story is one of perseverance and purpose, showing that with commitment and heart, it is possible to create meaningful change while opening doors for others to follow.