Board
Charles Esenwa
Chairman
Charles Esenwa is an Assistant Professor of Neurology at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, clinical stroke neurologist at Montefiore Medical Center and Medical Director of stroke services at Montefiore Medical Center. He is dedicated to humanistic patient care and is the recipient of the Arnold P. Gold Humanism in Medicine Award, and the Columbia Neurology Daniel Sciarra patient care and humanism award. He has published on acute stroke management, stroke risk factors, secondary stroke prevention and stroke disparities, and is interested in advancing health care delivery to underserved populations on the local, national and international level.
Michelle Flamio
Secretary
Michelle Flamio joined the Board of Manna of Life Ministries in the fall of 2021. She is conscientious and well-versed in using social skills. She is adept at utilizing feedback to create plans that take into account the strengths and weaknesses of others. As a math academic intervention teacher in a public elementary school she brings exemplary skills. She is adept at working with spreadsheets and databases to track, analyze and report on performance and data. She works cooperatively with other teachers, administrators and parents to help students reach learning objectives. In short Michelle loves to help people better themselves.
Melissa Figueroa
Board Member
Melissa Figueroa is an active chaplain and licensed minister ordained by the UNITED CHAPLAINS STATE OF NEW YORK. She currently sits on the Board. She is excited to follow God’s plan for her life. She has a strong sense of Cristian values and has compassion for the less fortunate; she continues to pursue her spiritual roots in ministry. She currently works as a paralegal. Melissa delivers food and necessities to the less fortunate. Melissa has a calm and sweet demeanor which is essential in dealing with our clients.
Candido Gonzalez
Board Member
Candido Gonzalez was raised in the Christian faith and was able to learn first-hand the administration of the church, importance of community work, networking, advocating, and being a servant in the community. He brings a wealth of knowledge in obtaining needed resources for the ministry. In his own words “ I love serving the community and helping those less privileged.” Candido is a chaplain with UNITED CHAPLAINS STATE OF NEW YORK and has recently been elevated to licenced minister. He knows and understands living the hardships of a modest fixed income. This knowledge allows him to empathize with the community we serve.
Albert Dominguez
Board Member
Albert Dominguez is a God-loving, husband and father, always looking to assist when needed no matter the situation, environment or sports field. From his neighbors to teammates on the basketball court to clients and colleagues at the United Nations where, he has been working as an Information Technology Assistant for the past 20 years.
Gesselle E. Carradero
Board Member
Gesselle is a high-performing mission-leading Program Management professional with over 18 years of experience impacting performance in the non-profit sector through skillful orchestration of volunteers, boards, budgets, event management and project execution. She is positioned to successfully lead teams in fostering meaningful community relationships and crafting and executing strategic board plans and initiatives.
Steve Bellavista
Board Member
Steve Bellavista was born and raised in the South Bronx. He is a retired Detective from the New York City Police Department with over 22 years of service. In 1999, he was promoted to detective after working in the anti-crime unit for four years while receiving several awards for excellent police work. An impactful moment in his career was the horrendous 9/11 attack, where he had to put his fear aside and be a first responder for the people of New York City. He is currently on the board of Manna of Life Ministries, working with many incredible people serving our community and God.