Meet Our Team

Natalie Lozada

Executive Director

Natalie Lozada’s extraordinary tenure at East Side House Settlement (ESH) began in 2008, showcasing her visionary leadership, dedication to excellence, and unrelenting commitment to advancing educational and workforce opportunities. Bronx-raised and deeply rooted in the principles of youth development, Natalie has built a career defined by transformative impact, positioning her as a strong advocate for equitable access to quality education and opportunities for all students. As she takes the next step in her professional journey to become the Executive Director of Haven Charter High School, set to open in the 2025-2026 school year, Natalie remains steadfast in her mission to create pathways for student success.

Natalie’s background in organizational leadership built the foundations to inform her innovative approach to program design and organizational growth. Over the years, she has successfully managed a diverse portfolio of 29 private and publicly funded programs with a combined budget of up to $30 million annually. Her strategic vision has not only strengthened ESH’s programming but also advanced its ability to meet the needs of the Bronx community, creating opportunities for over 15,000 individuals annually.

Guided by her mantra of “creating opportunities for all students,” Natalie has pioneered several initiatives that exemplify her belief in the transformative power of education. She was instrumental in conceptualizing Haven Charter High School, a groundbreaking institution that will merge rigorous academics with workforce development to equip students with the skills and support they need to excel in both higher education and meaningful careers. As Haven’s founding Executive Director, she will lead with a commitment to ensuring that every student is seen, heard, and empowered to achieve their fullest potential.

As Natalie steps into her new role at Haven Charter High School, she brings with her a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the education system, coupled with a steadfast belief in the power of education to change lives. Her journey is a testament to her unwavering commitment to creating equitable opportunities for all students and to building a brighter, more inclusive future for the Bronx and beyond.

Lucinda Mendez

Principal

Lucinda Mendez is a distinguished veteran in urban education with a career spanning over three decades in New York City’s public schools. A lifelong resident of New York City, Lucinda has dedicated her professional life to advancing the field of education, both as a practitioner and a mentor.

Lucinda’s journey in education began in the South Bronx with a deep commitment to fostering student success through relationship building, innovative teaching and continuous learning. After earning her Master’s degree in Bilingual Education, she has continually enhanced her skills through engaging in various professional learning opportunities. including school-based literacy intervention training through NYU, and instruction and coaching development at Columbia Teachers College. Her dedication to research and practice was further exemplified by her involvement in school-based action research projects with Hunter College, the NYCDOE Transfer School Institute, Eskolta and Jobs for the Future.

As a founding school leader, Lucinda established systems that promoted a culture of continuous learning and improvement. She empowered her staff to pursue professional development opportunities both within their daily practice and through external programs. Her leadership was marked by her commitment to continuous improvement with the collaborative exploration of critical topics such as student conferencing, equitable grading, and post-secondary pathways.

In her last role as the Director of School Support at New Visions for Public Schools, Lucinda continued to make a significant impact by coaching and developing school leaders and staff. Her expertise in using data to drive instruction, measure impact, and promote equitable decision-making was instrumental in supporting a network of principals and school teams.

Lucinda Mendez’s career is characterized by a collaborative and student-centered approach to leadership. Her extensive experience in urban education and her unwavering passion for professional growth and development position her as a dedicated mentor and a visionary leader. She remains committed to nurturing the next generation of educators and school leaders, driven by her belief in the transformative power of education.

Deliana Gomez

Director of Operations

Born and bred in the Bronx, Deliana Gomez has dedicated over 15 years to serving different communities through educational programming and operational leadership.

As a fearless advocate for community empowerment, she spent her early professional years in both community centers and elementary school programs with a focus on providing high-quality services for students and their families. From designing programs in academic supports and the training and developing staff, her creativity and passion for families and her strong belief in equitable opportunities in education have been the catalyst for Deliana’s professional growth.

Her career track from frontline positions to a strategic Senior Director level is just a testament to her approach and ability to impact youth while also showcasing her capacity for creating systems and structures to support positive and safe learning environments. Deliana is driven by a mission to create lasting, positive results, and giving back is at the heart of everything she does. She will bring that passion to the role of Director of Operations at Haven Charter High School.

Kevin Luc

Director of Student Support Services

With over 8 years of experience in educational and community-based organizations, Kevin Luc brings a wealth of expertise to the role of Director of Student Support Services. A New York City native, Kevin combines a deep understanding of urban educational needs with a passion for nurturing youth development. In addition to a robust background in student support, Kevin has also made significant contributions as a basketball coach, where they foster teamwork and leadership skills among young athletes. Committed to transforming students into responsible, well-rounded adults, Kevin has a strong interest in entrepreneurship and upholding family values. Their holistic approach ensures a supportive and empowering environment for every student.

Diandra Shears

Community Coordinator

Determined to change her life, Diandra enrolled in East Side House’s Alfred E. Smith YABC Program. It was there that she found mentors who saw her potential and helped her channel her energy toward personal and academic growth. After graduating, she was hired as a Program Assistant at East Side House, launching her career in youth development.

Diandra previously served as the Harvest to Haven Inventory & Distribution Director, where she oversaw large-scale food distribution operations and coordinated logistics with school and community partners to combat food insecurity. Prior to that, she was the Program Director for After-School & Teen Programs, where she designed and managed impactful youth initiatives focused on enhancing academic achievement and social development for at-risk students.

Diandra’s extensive background in program management, community engagement, and crisis response has equipped her with the skills to build collaborative networks, streamline operations, and support vulnerable populations. Her passion for service and proven leadership make her a driving force for positive change in her community.