We Build Connection, Dignity, and Opportunity
Bridges to Community is a nonprofit dedicated to creating sustainable change in vulnerable communities in the Dominican Republic. For more than 30 years, we’ve worked side-by-side with local leaders and volunteers to transform lives through housing, health, education, and economic development.
At Bridges to Community, we have a few core beliefs: everyone deserves to live in dignity and every person has strength within them. But we know that circumstances can hold people back from living a life of opportunity. It might be that their home isn’t safe for their family, or that their community doesn’t have access to potable water. With the help of donors like you, we can do more for the communities we serve.
Our Mission
Bridges to Community partners with Dominican-led communities to overcome barriers to basic human rights through community-driven development and responsible international volunteerism.
How We Work
1
Community-Led Development
We start by asking communities what they need. Housing? Sanitation? Education? Economic support? They guide the process — we simply join the work.
2
Volunteer-Powered Impact
Our volunteer trips spark transformation on both sides. You help build homes and community projects, and in return, you gain a deeper understanding of the world (plus unforgettable memories and maybe a few sore muscles — the good kind).
3
Long-Term Commitment
We don’t drop in and leave. We stay, we listen, and we build relationships that continue for years, ensuring our projects remain strong long after the last brick is laid.
MEET OUR
Board of Directors
Kelly Wardle
Co-Chair
Jim Agnello
Co-Chair
Sean Menon
Treasurer
Miranda Jennings
Secretary
Jenniffer Cáceres is a communications and digital strategy professional based in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. She holds a degree in Business Administration and brings hands-on experience working across the United States, where she developed her expertise in operations, project coordination, and strategic communications.
At Bridges to Community, Jenn leads the organization's messaging efforts turning the impact of community development work into stories that connect and inspire volunteers, donors, and partners alike.
Yaz Orabi
Board Member
Works in the financial services industry at Morgan Stanley, where he has built expertise in financial planning and budget management. His foundation in financial stewardship began in college, where he served as Treasurer for his fraternity.
He was introduced to Bridges through a volunteer trip to the Dominican Republic, where he witnessed firsthand the power of community-driven development. Inspired by Bridges' commitment to partnership and sustainability, he is excited to support the organization's mission through strong financial stewardship.
Yesi Santiago
Board Member
Bindu Annie Dulock
Board Member
Bindu (Annie) was introduced to BTC through Michael Lahn, who has taken her son Philip on several trips since 2017. Since 2022, she has been on annual trips and has recruited friends and family to go on trips and organize their own.
Bindu grew up in India, and was raised with a spirit of active volunteerism and community service - take what you need and share the rest. Although Bindu began the trips to share her time to help others, she continues because what she receives back is even greater. BIndu has very limited knowledge of construction and Spanish, but she surprisingly finds boundless energy to labor and to connect and communicate with the families and children.
Bindu is a professor of psychology at SUNY- Farmingdale State College and has a private practice. Having a deep appreciation for a systemic and biopsychosocial approach to humanity, she values the focus that BTC places on empowering families in the Dominican Republic through health, education, and economic initiatives for long-term self-sustainability.
Julio Batista
Board Member
Kathy DiBiasi
Board Member
Nora Tahbaz
Board Member
Victor Rivera
Board Member
Victor grew up playing catch on the humble streets of Santo Domingo and reading the afternoon newspapers in the empty chair of the local barbershop. His father was a carpenter; his mother worked in a candy factory.
Victor discovered his aptitude for leadership and passion for volunteerism while serving as a team leader in the local Salesian of Don Bosco church congregation. This experience taught him the value of learning from others and inspired him to give back to the community..
Now, as the CEO of Agenda, a branding agency based in New York City, Victor draws on his upbringing to create a positive culture and build a community that fosters business and personal growth. Agenda helps companies of all sizes uncover what makes them special to build brands that stand out.
Victor earned design degrees from Altos de Chavon School of Design in the Dominican Republic and Parsons School of Design in New York City.
Antonio Iguina
Board Member
Antonio, from Puerto Rico, first joined a construction trip with BTC in 2016 when he joined the Bedford Presbyterian Church on a trip to Nicaragua. He worked on three house-building trips in Nicaragua and then on several more in the Dominican Republic. On his first trip to the DR, he worked on the construction of a house for a family of six. In 2020, Antonio also participated on the school build in the community of La Guama. In February 2023 Antonio fulfilled a dream: working on building a house alongside his father, uncle, and brother-in-law. In March 2023 he joined the BTC Board of Directors.
Nancy Doon
Board Member
Nancy most recently joined the BTC Board of Directors in 2023 but previously served on the Board from 2015-2021 serving as Chair of the Board for three of those years. She participated in her first BTC trip in 2011, helping to build a house in Nicaragua. Nancy has participated in 7 trips to both Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic working on the construction of houses, a school, and a youth center. She brings friends (including new friends she made on BTC trips), family and industry colleagues on her trips.
Nancy works for VHB, a professional services firm of passionate engineers, scientists, planners, and designers that are dedicated to delivering sustainable & equitable solutions for a more resilient tomorrow. Nancy serves as the Environmental Service Leader for VHB’s Northeast Region.
Nancy says her experience on her first BTC trip in 2011 changed her perspective so powerfully that it moved her to make positive changes in her personal and professional life.
Jason Foroglou
Board Member
Vice President, RMA Inc. (member company of Starwind Specialty) Jason was introduced to Bridges to Community (Canada) through past Canadian Board Member Bob Tisdale. For several years he followed the various projects that were completed in Nicaragua by Bob and fellow Allstate Canada Group employees. Prior to his Insurance career, Jason built custom homes in Toronto and Montreal and actively volunteered with other Canadian charitable organizations. Finally in 2018, Jason decided to book his first Bridges trip to La Guama, DR. Jason’s personal purpose in life is to “Help Happiness Happen”. BTC is a conduit for the fulfillment of this purpose at a global community scale. What better way to make a difference in the world than to build a house in a poverty-stricken community for a deserving family to call home.
Kyle Kirchhoff
Board Member
Kyle Kirchhoff is a Project Manager for Hudson Highlands Construction and the Kirchhoff Companies. He oversees multiple aspects of development and construction for Kirchhoff including planning, budgeting, real estate brokerage, procurement, and project management. Kyle is currently part of the management team for the Eastdale Village project in Poughkeepsie, NY which upon completion will include over 400 residential apartments and 120,000 SF of mixed-use commercial space.
Kyle participated in his first trip with Bridges to Community in 2012 and has served on the Board of Directors since 2019.
Gillian VanKempen
Board Member
President & COO, Best Buy Insurance Brokers Inc.
Gillian was introduced to Bridges through BCT Board Member Bob Tisdale. Passionate about volunteering she joined her first build with the team from Pembridge in La Guama, Dominican Republic in March 2019. The experience was incredibly hard work, very humbling, and unbelievably rewarding. Gillian was moved by how, in a few short days, she could contribute to changing the lives of a family in need. She continues her charitable efforts by volunteering for a number of local groups in Toronto and looks forward to the opportunity to resume builds wherever BCT deems the need is most dire.
Elizabeth Spivak
Board Member
Paul Alcorn
Emeritus Board Member
Bart Tyler
Emeritus Board Member
MEET OUR
Team Members
Paula Mulhair
Executive Director
Joined the BTC family in 2012 after completing 3 years of Peace Corps service in Nicaragua. Beginning as an International Volunteer Coordinator, Paula quickly became the Program Director of the Bridges Nicaragua office, and later the Director of Operations for the Nicaragua and Dominican Republic offices. In November 2022, she was named Executive Director. Paula most enjoys working with and empowering community leadership to support their goals for a better future through education, health and economic development. She is also honored to be a liasion for North American volunteers who generously give their time and financial resources to support the dreams of Bridges community partners.
Paula graduated from the College of William and Mary with BA in Hispanic Studies and Environmental Studies. In 2013, she completed the Nonprofit Management Certification program at Georgetown University.
Kenia Ramirez
Associate Director
Otoniel Suero Escalante
Volunteer Director
Born in San Juan de la Maguana and began working with Bridges in February 2023. He brings over six years of experience working with North American volunteer groups across the Dominican Republic, Colombia, and Canada.
Additionally, Oto has held various summer positions in the United States, spending time in Virginia and North Carolina. What he enjoys most about working with Bridges is supporting others as they create positive change in their lives and building meaningful connections with volunteers.
Otoniel holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and is also trained as a certified medical and simultaneous interpreter. In his free time, he enjoys playing guitar and hiking.
Euclides Montero
Volunteer Coordinator
Euclides Montero is a university student, translator, and entrepreneur. He was born in Hondo Valle of the Elías Piñas province near the Haitian border on September 1, 1989.
He is the 4th of nine siblings and is now a husband and father himself, a proud dad of three sons. Euclides' hobbies and activities also include sports, farming, and producing coffee.
Nabhi Vicioso
Site Coordinator
My name is Nahbi Gemali Vicioso Solís. I am 26 years old and I am originally from San Juan de la Maguana, Dominican Republic, where I currently live. I hold a degree in Physical Education, a field that reflects my passion for sports and overall well-being.
I am married and I am the eldest of three sisters, which has helped me develop a strong sense of responsibility and family commitment.
In my free time, I enjoy practicing sports, an activity that is an essential part of my lifestyle. I consider myself a supportive, friendly, and empathetic person; I enjoy listening to others and helping those in need.
Isaac Martinez
Project Coordinator
Jenniffer Caceres
Communications Manager
Jenniffer Cáceres is a communications and digital strategy professional based in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. She holds a degree in Business Administration and brings hands-on experience working across the United States, where she developed her expertise in operations, project coordination, and strategic communications.
At Bridges to Community, Jenn leads the organization's messaging efforts turning the impact of community development work into stories that connect and inspire volunteers, donors, and partners alike.