The Vida staff is a family of bilingual and multicultural professionals who hail from countries all over Latin America and the Caribbean. They are passionately committed to increasing the quality of life for our abuelitos and to helping them maintain healthy and independent lives.

	Angel Luis Irene Executive Director After serving on Vida’s Board of Directors as President and Treasurer, and securing $1.2 million for the rehabilitation of Vida’s current headquarters, Angel Luis joined the staff as Executive Director in 2004. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and Economics from the University of Puerto Rico, a Master’s Degree in Government from Georgetown University, and an AA in Logistics from the Air Force College. Angel Luis sits on the District of Columbia’s Selective Service Board, the Executive Council of AARP-DC, and DC Superior Court Chief Judge Merit’s Advisory Committee. Of his work at Vida, Angel Luis is proudest of the impact the organization continues to have on the District’s elders.
	Marco Esparza, MSW Site Manager/Counselor Marco joined the Vida staff in 2006 after retiring from the DC Department of Mental Health Services. He received his Masters in Social Work from the Warden School of Social Services at the Lady of the Lakes and Texas A&M University in 1976. Marco loves working with the abuelitos because he sees the immediate impact Vida’s programs and services have on their lives, and the abuelitos demonstrate great warmth and appreciation for it.
	Jorge Sodero, MD Health Promotion Coordinator Jorge began his work at Vida in 1996. He obtained his medical degree, with a specialty in neuropsychiatry, from the Universidad Nacional de Córdoba in Argentina, his native home, in 1980. He practiced medicine in Argentina until he moved to the United States, where he pursued continuing studies at Harvard and John Hopkins Universities. Before coming to Vida, Jorge worked at Clínica del Pueblo as a mental health therapist. At Vida, Jorge values most the interpersonal relationships with the elderly and the nurturing around which they are built.
	Rosa Randjelovic, BSW Senior Counselor Rosa has worked as a counselor at Vida since 1996. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Social Services from Boricua University in 1980. Before coming to Vida, she was a counselor in the skills training program at the Carlos Rosario International Public Charter School for nine years. For Rosa, who was one of the founding members of the Board of Directors of Vida in 1969, Vida and the abuelitos are her second home.
	Magaly Ojeda, MD Wellness Program Manager Magaly joined the Vida staff in 2007. She is originally from Provincia La Habana in Cuba, where she earned her Doctor of Medicine Degree at the Universidad de La Habana-Calisto García Hospital, with a specialty in geriatrics. She later received a specialty in gerontology from the Centro Iberoamericano para la Tercera Edad. For Magaly, who practiced medicine for 16 years prior to coming to Vida, the most rewarding part of her job is working one-on-one with the abuelitos and witnessing the behavioral changes they are able to make on the road to a healthier life.
	Sonia Pessoa, RD, LD Dietician/Nutritionist A licensed nutritionist and dietitian, Sonia is originally from Bahia, Brazil. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Nutrition from Howard University in 2007, the year she started at Vida. Before Vida, Sonia was part of the WIC program staff at The Children’s Hospital. About her work she loves most watching abuelitos grow and become healthy as they change their lifestyles and eating habits.
	Miguel Guerrero Activities Coordinator Originally from the Dominican Republic, Miguel joined the Vida staff in 2010. For Miguel, the most important part of his job is helping the abuelitos overcome challenges on their way to learning new skills or sharpening the skills they already have. His favorite activity at Vida is leading his computer literacy classes and teaching abuelitos about new technology.
	María G. Storm Assistant Office Administrator María began her work at Vida in 2006. Originally from Asunción, Paraguay, she has a Bachelor’s Degree in accounting from Strayer University. Before coming to Vida, María worked for a law firm in Arlington, VA. About working at Vida, María loves best the great spirit of the abuelitos and the affection and appreciation they shower on everyone who becomes a part of their lives.
	Nuria Molina Receptionist Nuria has been at Vida since 2007, ensuring that the first voice and face our abuelitos see and hear embraces them with joyful recognition of their value in our community. Before coming to Vida, Nuria worked at the Embassy of the Vatican in Costa Rica. She is originally from El Salvador, and enjoys most about working at Vida the strong relationships she has built with the abuelitos.
	Cándida Alfaro Kitchen Manager Originally from El Salvador, Cándida began her work at Vida in 2006. For Cándida, the most valued part of her job is being sure the abuelitos are happy—making them smile when she brings them their breakfast, snacks, and coffee. She believes wholeheartedly in the services the organization provides, but is most impressed by the abuelitos and their youthful vitality.
	Altagracia Ortíz Kitchen Assistant Originally from the Dominican Republic, Altagracia started her work at Vida in 2007. About Vida she loves most the services the organization provides, whose impact she has an opportunity to see on a daily basis. For Altagracia, the best part of her job is building strong relationships around food.
	César Aguilar Driver Originally from El Salvador, César came to Vida in 2007. He loves the organization’s culture and leadership as much as he loves his job, which, on most days, involves a great deal of organization.
	Juan M. Arias Driver Originally from Guayaquil, Ecuador, Juan has been at Vida since 2007. What he loves most about his job is the work environment as well as the people he provides transportation services to every day—their sincerity, soulfulness, and simplicity inspires him in his own life.