Meet the Executive Team

Christina Hall

Executive Director

Christina Hall is a dynamic leader with a unique blend of nonprofit expertise and military discipline. With over 15 years in the nonprofit sector and two decades of military service under her belt, Christina embodies the values of service, dedication, and strategic thinking.

At the helm of Boys hope Girls Hope of New York, Christina provides steadfast leadership, driving alignment of activities and teams with a clear strategic vision towards growth. Her wealth of experience in fundraising and organizational leadership is unparalleled, making her a cornerstone in the sector.

Specializing in building robust systems within organizations and nurturing donor relationships, Christina’s strategic capacity is evident in her ability to create impactful programs that inspire philanthropic support at unprecedented levels, raising more than $50 million for nonprofits to date. Her goal is clear: to ensure that the needs of an organization’s constituents are met with unwavering dedication and support.

Christina’s academic achievements further underscore her commitment to excellence. Equipped with an associate degree in information management from the Air Force, two business degrees, and a master’s degree in public administration with a concentration in Nonprofit Management from Northeastern University, she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to every endeavor.

Ms. Hall is also an active Reservist with the United States Air Force and served four years on active duty with the United States Army. Her service has taken her to diverse locations such as South Korea, Portugal, Colorado, and Delaware, where she has showcased her leadership
and dedication to duty.

Driven by a passion for making a difference, Christina Hall is not just a leader; she’s a catalyst for positive change, transforming visions into realities and inspiring others to join her in the pursuit of a better world.

Michelle Sakach

Lena Washington

Chief Program Officer 

Lena Washington’s professional journey in the non-profit sector spans over two decades, during which she has dedicated her career to supporting underserved communities and creating opportunities for youth to succeed. Her academic foundation, a testament to her intellectual prowess, was laid at the esteemed College of New Rochelle, where she earned her BA, and was
further strengthened by an MA in English Education from Brooklyn College. She began her career as a teacher in the New York City school system, but her understanding that the world had more to offer youth led her to seek better pathways for them to discover their purpose.

Her passion for education and youth empowerment led her to transition into donor relations at City Harvest, where she honed her fundraising and community outreach skills. She then spent a decade at the Harlem Children Zone, rising to the position of Senior Director of high school programs. In this role, she led the development and implementation of innovative programs to support over 1400 students annually in achieving academic success, preparing for college and careers via managing five program sites with an over 20-million-dollar budget, and leading a team of over 100 members. While also attaining certification from Columbia University in NonProfit Executive Leadership.

Throughout her career, Lena has not only demonstrated a solid commitment to social justice and equity but also a remarkable prowess in program development and strategic planning. Her advocacy for the needs of marginalized populations and her tireless efforts to create a more inclusive society are a testament to her dedication. Her expertise in youth development, talent
development/retention, and community engagement makes her an invaluable asset to Boys Hope Girls Hope New York, as she is dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of others.

Ludmilla Perez

Director of Donor Relations and Communications

Ludmilla (Lumie) Perez is a results-driven non-profit leader with a strong background in strategic management, grassroots partnership development, and donor cultivation. With over 7 years dedicated to youth services organizations, Lumie excels at fostering collaborations that drive impactful results. She currently serves as the Director of Donor Relations and Communications at Boys Hope Girls Hope of New York, where she leverages her strategic acumen to develop impactful fundraising programs and communication strategies that amplify the organization’s mission.

Lumie’s career began at the Boy Scouts of America, where she rapidly advanced through roles, starting with overseeing afterschool programs in underserved communities such as Jersey City, Newark, and Paterson. There, she established pivotal partnerships with major school districts and local community organizations to enhance program outcomes. Lumie then spearheaded the development of STEM Scouts, securing support from leading companies like Stryker and Pfizer, and fostering critical program partnerships.

In her role as District Director, Lumie managed programs and volunteer operations across northern New Jersey, ensuring all necessary training, membership, and risk management resources were made available to all members across 170 Scouting programs. Additionally, she redesigned and implemented effective donor cultivation strategies, significantly enhancing annual appeal campaigns and special events such as the annual galas and golf outings.

Equipped with a bachelor’s degree in social and behavioral sciences from Seton Hall University, Lumie brings a unique understanding of human behavior and motivation to her approach in donor relations and communications.

Outside of her professional achievements, Lumie is deeply committed to disability rights and access to resources for families with youth with disabilities. As a first-generation Latina, she has been a primary advocate for her family’s and disabled younger brothers’ needs, inspiring her volunteer work with the Arc of Union County to connect immigrant families with essential resources. She also serves as an Alumni Advisor for Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority Inc. at Seton Hall University, mentoring and sharing her professional experiences with younger members.

Lumie’s mission is to utilize her strategic and critical thinking abilities to develop targeted plans that advocate for underrepresented communities, ensuring their stories are amplified and supported.