Board
Reverend Erbin Cobian
President/CEO
Reverend Erbin Cobian founded Manna of Life on the principle that no man, woman or child should ever go hungry. His calling is to serve and empower the less fortunate. He himself was once upon a time less fortunate, he was hungry, homeless and felt hopeless. He slept on the NYC subway. He knows firsthand the meaning of homelessness. God turned his life around. He completed an apprenticeship as an ironworker, eventually landed a job working for the New York City Transit Authority, the very same place that he slept in when he was homeless. He recently retired from NYCTA after 27 years of service and is dedicating all his time to the ministry.
Gladys Roman
Vice President
Gladys Roman brings over 40 years of restaurant and food service experience to Manna of Life Ministries. She has volunteered with the organization for over 20 years, formerly serving as its first executive director and now as board vice president. Gladys and Manna’s team launched “Manna on Wheels” to deliver cooked meals to homebound adults. Formerly a sales director for a major NYC restaurant company, she also served as health coordinator, focusing on partnerships to improve lives and access to healthy food. Committed to addressing health issues in the Bronx, Gladys is passionate about continuing Manna’s mission.
Millie Hernandez
Treasurer
Millie Hernandez recently retired as Senior Sales Tax Analyst after an impressive 51 years and 51 days at MTI and is now channeling her financial expertise into her role as Treasurer on the board of Manna of Life Ministries. She has been an active member of Manna for over 12 years. Millie’s journey into community service began with crafting hats and scarves for community outreaches during Christmas. Today, she plays a pivotal role in coordinating hundreds of volunteers, to provide handmade warm clothing and essential supplies like socks and toiletries for the Bronx soup kitchen clients.
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.
Millie Santiago
Board Member
Millie Santiago is a Chaplain Minister and also a retired elementary school teacher still working as a substitute teacher for the NYC Department of Education. She was born in New York City and has lived most of her life in the Bronx. Millie has volunteered the longest at Manna of Life Ministries making sandwiches, giving out food pantries, delivering food to the elderly during COVID, doing mailings, collecting and distributing clothing to the needy and giving spiritual care when requested. Whatever was needed she has always been there to offer to lend a hand. Millie also does volunteer work 2 days a week at St. Barnabas Hospital visiting patients and giving spiritual care there.
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.
Marc Thompson
Board Member
Rev. Marc Thompson, Is a graduate of Fordham University, City Seminary and Touro University Worldwide, where he received his MBA. Currently, he’s the Pastor of Unity Baptist Church of Mattituck in Mattituck, Long Island. He is also the President of Dare To Dream Photography, and a Business Development Leader at the Dennelisse Corp. He is married to Dr. Lisa Thompson, & has two daughters, Brittany and Kyla. They live in Bronx, NY.
Jake Miaczynski
Board Member
Jake Miaczynski first volunteered with Manna of Life 2017 and is grateful for the opportunity to serve in a new capacity as a member of the Board. As a marketing and communications professional, Jake is excited to bring his skills to the table to support Manna of Life’s mission. He is deeply committed to organizations that uplift marginalized communities and foster greater empathy and understanding in the world, and he knows Manna of Life to be a place where that happens every single day. A resident of Washington Heights, Jake enjoys participating in his run club, playing the piano, and exploring everything the neighborhood has to offer.
Michael Roman
Board Member
Mike Roman brings over 23 years of construction safety expertise and a deep commitment to community service to Manna of Life’s board. Inspired by his grandmother’s charitable work in the South Bronx, Mike continues her legacy of giving back to the community. A 20-year member of the Bronx Shore Kiwanis, he dedicates himself to uplifting underprivileged children. When not serving the community, Mike pursues his passion for photography and studies ancient civilizations. His unique blend of professional experience, community dedication, and creative interests makes him a valuable asset to our mission.