ACLAMO BIDS A BITTERSWEET GOOD BYE TO ITS LEADER OF 10 YEARS

Nelly Jiménez-Arévalo

SAYS FAREWELL TO ACLAMO TO PURSUE A NEW LEADERSHIP ROLE

Featured Photos: Nelly, with her colleagues at her ACLAMO farewell celebration.

Bottom photo: Nelly awarded a gift from the ACLAMO Board Members.

Dear ACLAMO Family,

I hope this message finds you well. It is with mixed emotions that I share my decision to resign from my role as Executive Director and CEO of ACLAMO, with my final day being March 7, 2025. After thoughtful consideration, I have accepted a new opportunity to serve in a position with Montgomery County, which I am both excited and humbled to take on.

Since early February, I have been fully engaged in ensuring a smooth and effective transition to safeguard the continued success of ACLAMO. As part of the transition please join me in congratulating Beatriz Gasiba, our Senior Director of Programs, who has graciously stepped into the role of Interim Executive Director. I have complete confidence that under her leadership, ACLAMO will continue to move forward with strength, vision, and the dedication that defines our work. Beatriz has been a steady and invaluable presence at ACLAMO for the past 8 years. Over the years, Beatriz has been an essential teammate, and I truly couldn’t have accomplished all that we have without her unwavering support and dedication.

As I reflect on my time at ACLAMO, I am filled with immense pride for all we’ve accomplished together. Our shared achievements include:

 *  The creation of ACLAMO’s Health Promotion and Wellness Department, empowering community health workers and promotores to make a tangible impact.

 *  Establishing the first bilingual Housing Resource Center in our region in 2021, funded by a $1.25 million private grant, to assist families in accessing vital housing resources.

 *  Leading the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP), distributing over $15 million to help community members during the pandemic.

 *  Expanding our presence by opening a satellite office in Lansdale and launching new educational programs in Pottstown.

 *  Opening the first bilingual senior center in our region, offering a safe and supportive space for seniors.

 *  Expanding the ACLAMO Innovation Education Center, integrating cutting-edge technology to enhance learning opportunities for all ages.

 *  Building two new playgrounds in Norristown that provide valuable spaces for recreation and education.

 *  Securing $5.9 million in funding for the renovation of our Community Center, which will bring even more resources to the families we serve.

 *  Acquiring the Calvary Baptist Church ELC (now ACLAMO ELC), which now serves over 75 children and provides new opportunities for both employees and families.

 *  Earning ACLAMO Early Learning Center’s (ELC) license and renewing our START 4 status, ensuring we continue to provide high-quality early childhood education.

I am particularly proud of the Explorar! A Summer Bridge Program, which I helped establish in partnership with the Morris Arboretum back in 2015. Through STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math), we have provided young learners with an opportunity to develop essential skills while fostering a love for the natural world and environmental sustainability. This program has become a cornerstone of ACLAMO’s educational offerings, and I am deeply proud of its impact.

None of these accomplishments would have been possible without your unwavering support, and I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to each of you for your dedication, partnership, and belief in our mission. Together, we have made a lasting difference, and I am confident that ACLAMO will continue to thrive in the years ahead.

As I embark on this new chapter, I want to assure you that my commitment to ACLAMO’s mission remains steadfast. I will continue to support the organization as a volunteer and donor, and I will advocate for immigrant rights and community advocacy in my new role with Montgomery County.

Thank you once again for your continued support. It has been an honor to collaborate with you, and I look forward to seeing the continued success of ACLAMO.

With heartfelt appreciation,

Nelly Jiménez-Arévalo

ACLAMO’s Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of

Beatriz Gasiba

as Interim Executive Director.

As we honor women in history, we’re marking another milestone in ACLAMO’s story with a woman in the top position, continuing a legacy of remarkable Latino women shaping our agency’s journey.

Beatriz Gasiba, is a highly successful business and community leader with extensive experience in education, business processes, and leadership. Since January 2021, she has served as the Senior Director of Programs at ACLAMO. In this role, she oversees the organization’s three main focus areas: Education, Health and Wellness, and Social Services. Beatriz’s leadership has been instrumental in driving more than three-quarters of ACLAMO’s growth.

Beatriz is currently a member of ACLAMO’s executive leadership team, playing a pivotal role in the organization’s expansion in Mongomery County. She has led a team of thirty-nine people and significantly enhanced both the organization’s capacity and its client base. Beatriz joined ACLAMO eight years ago, serving in increasing levels of leadership across the organization, which included: event planning, fundraising, managing summer programs, and then serving as the Director of Education. In this role she oversaw the implementation of multiple programs and initiatives that provided relief to families during COVID. She was also instrumental in guaranteeing the well-being of ACLAMO’s clients and their families post-COVID.

“On behalf of the Board of Directors, I am delighted to introduce Beatriz Gasiba as ACLAMO’s Interim Executive Director. With her passion for helping and supporting the Montgomery County community, and with her history of forming successful alliances, I have no doubt she is the right person to motivate and inspire ACLAMO’s staff. Beatriz is the ideal leader to advance ACLAMO’s mission and continue our legacy of excellence within the community,” said Chad Workman, President of ACLAMO’s Board of Directors. “Beatriz has shown to be a dynamic leader with extensive experience in strategic leadership in a variety of business and corporate settings, of which I have observed directly within ACLAMO. She possesses collaborative skills, is confident in her leadership abilities, and has earned the trust of the ACLAMO team—all of which will help ACLAMO to continue building trust with our clients, partners, staff, and donors as we move into this next chapter,” added Chad.

“ACLAMO is a remarkable organization that is vital to our community in Montgomery County and other underserved communities in the area,” said Beatriz Gasiba, the newly appointed Interim Executive Director. “Throughout my professional career at ACLAMO, I have worked and served in different capacities where I successfully introduced innovative programs and increased services, which are the foundation of any nonprofit. I am thrilled about the chance to lead ACLAMO and collaborate with its Board of Directors, employees, clients, and donors, to uphold the organization’s standing as a best-in-class service provider. I am committed to working hard every day to capitalize on our recent growth to continue to expand our reach of services in Montgomery County and beyond,” said Beatriz Gasiba. ACLAMO Congratulates Beatriz in her new role.

ACLAMO WELCOMES THE MEXICAN CONSULATE

Dedicated to meeting the unique needs of our diverse community, members of the Philadelphia Mexican Consulate, visited the ACLAMO Community Center on Saturday February 8th 2025. From 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM the Mexican Mobile Consulate were attending clients at ACLAMO to provide the following services:

Passports

Consular ID cards (Matrículas Consulares)

Voter ID cards for voting abroad

Certified copies of birth certificates

Over 100 people came through ACLAMO’s doors to acquire these important papers.

Pictured at the Award Ceremony (Left to Right) is Kelly Zayago ,Education Program Manager; Beatriz Gasiba, Interim Executive Director; and Juliana Ramirez, Community Liaison

 Congratulations ACLAMO Mentoring and Career Development Program!

The ACLAMO Educational Program was selected to receive the Outstanding Program Award at the 2025 Afterschool Impact Awards during the 2025 ELO and EMPOWER Conference. This recognition highlights the incredible work we are doing in our community to support youth, families, and out-of-school-time programming. Beatriz Gasiba, Interim Executive Director, Kelly Zayago, Education Program Manager, and Juliana Ramirez, Community Liaison were invited to graciously accept the award in Harrisburg. Gaziba said, “We are honored to receive the award on behalf of ACLAMO. This award is a testament to the dedication of our team and the unwavering commitment to enriching communities, expanding learning opportunities, and providing support in the out-of-school-time space. We are honored and grateful to be recognized for the lasting impact we continue to make. Thank you for your ongoing support as we continue to serve and inspire our community! Let’s keep making a difference together!” This excitement will continue and be celebrated as a win for the entire educational community. Once again, Congratulations to the entire educational staff for this honorable award.

ACLAMO FEMALES MASTERING S.T.E.A.M.

Thank you, Nelly!

“Nelly, words cannot fully express the depth of my gratitude for everything you’ve done. Your remarkable leadership, passionate advocacy for our community, and unwavering dedication have left an indelible mark on me. You’ve not only led with vision but have inspired and uplifted every person fortunate enough to work alongside you. Your tireless efforts and commitment to making a difference will always be remembered. As you move forward, I wish you nothing but the best in all your future endeavors. Your legacy will continue to resonate with us, and the impact you’ve made will never fade. Thank you for everything—your spirit, your heart, and your dedication will forever hold a special place in my heart.”

Beatriz Gasiba, Interim Executive Director

Leading with Passion, Strategic Action and Caution

“Nelly’s outstanding qualities that shine are her unwavering commitment and great passion which fuels her decisions, our CEO, Nelly Jiménez-Arévalo exemplifies true leadership. Her optimism, yet tempered by a sense of caution, allows her to see opportunities where others perceive risks. This blend of visionary clarity and caution ensures the team remains resilient and makes the correct decision in the face of change.”

Criselda Navarro, People and Culture Manager 

***

“Nelly taught me that being a manager isn’t about the title, but about building strong relationships—not just with the team, but with everyone we work with. We are here to serve the staff, not the other way around. This is a way to build trust through a leadership model that flows from the bottom up. She also taught me the importance of being curious and constantly learning new skills, whether that’s in finance, negotiation, or anything that can help my professional growth. I’ve learned to be aware of my own strengths, as well as the strengths of my team. It’s impossible to have every skill needed to lead, but knowing my team’s expertise and understanding how to complement each other is important to achieving success. As leaders, it’s important to focus on how we can be better for our teams, guiding everyone toward shared success.

Nelly took over an organization that was on the brink of closing 10 years ago and transformed it into one of the most impactful organizations for the Latino community and other minority communities in Montgomery County. She expanded not only our programs but also our infrastructure. Her legacy lies in how she elevated ACLAMO’s visibility, earning the trust of the community and making them feel that ACLAMO is part of their family. Nelly leaves behind an organization that looks ahead to the future and serves as a role model in Montgomery County and beyond.

She is Bold. She is fearless. She’s truly one of a kind—unafraid to be her authentic self. As a proud Venezuelan, American woman, she uses her voice to advocate for immigrant rights and challenge the status quo. She inspires others to think outside the box, innovate, and exceed expectations. What makes Nelly especially remarkable is her ability to see potential in people before they see it in themselves. This gift of recognizing and nurturing others’ strengths is truly what sets her apart as a leader—and likely the reason she joined ACLAMO 10 years ago, despite the organization being in such rough shape at the time.”

Mony Salas, Health Promotion and Wellness Manager

***

One of the most important aspects of Nelly Jimenez legacy is her commitment to community service and empowerment.

“Under her leadership, ACLAMO significantly expanded its services to meet the needs of the Latino community in Montgomery County. She was instrumental in providing essential services such as prenatal care, housing assistance, and many educational programs.

Her dedication to listening to the community and responding to their needs has set a high standard for service quality and inclusivity. Nelly’s legacy is marked by her unwavering commitment to improving the lives of underprivileged individuals and fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment within the community.”

“This focus on community service and empowerment is a cornerstone of what she leaves behind at ACLAMO.”

 Marilú Salazar-Méndez, Senior Financial Officer

***

She is Passionate! 

“Nelly has been so many positive things but being Passionate about what she does has inspired me to be the best I could be in my position and aspire to always overcome challenges while empowering those around me.  She has always held her head with confidence and determination. Nelly is a great leader that I will always admire.”

Denisse Pimentel, Pottstown Site Supervisor

***

“The best quality that makes Nelly a great leader and summing her up in one word is Outspoken. Nelly is not afraid to speak up for what is right and challenge the status quo. She is willing to advocate for her team and the community. She always has the courage to voice her ideas and address difficult issues, pushing for a better change. She inspires confidence and ensures that important conversations are had instead of avoiding them.” 

Omar Rafeh, UC Navigator Coordinator

***

“I feel very grateful for the opportunity and the trust you placed in me by allowing me to be a part of ACLAMO. A woman like you, with such impressive qualities—brave, courageous, always betting on success, motivating and inspiring others with full energy, well-planned, and with so much power in every word with which you defend your convictions—deserves to reach great heights… I congratulate you on what you’ve achieved… Keep sowing!”

Margarita Romero, Community Health Navigator Supervisor

***

Nelly has truly embodied what it means to be an advocate for immigrant youth: speaking up about the strength and resilience of the young people in our community as well as what our young people need from school officials, community leaders, and organizations like ACLAMO in order to succeed and thrive. Even more, she has empowered our children and families to advocate for themselves and show that we all belong and deserve for our voices to be heard. It is a legacy that I am proud to continue here at ACLAMO.

 Kelly Zayago, Education Program Manager

***

“I learned from Nelly that I am the voice of our community, and I have the tools to speak up on their behalf when injustice and rights are at risk. Nelly’s greatest quality is her passion; she goes the extra mile in everything she does. Additionally, she is a people person, which makes her beloved by our community, as she ensures they feel heard.”

Catalina Knipprath

Social Services & Housing Stability Manager

***

“Thank you for all you have shone to me in such a short amount of time.

You will be a wonder in your new role! You earned it!”

Much Admiration ❤️

Laurie Lo Presti, Director of Development and Communications

ACLAMO THANKS YOU NELLY!

For your 10 years of Service to the Entire Community

Nelly Jiménez-Arévalo

Muchas Gracias