Hesed Board Members
Cheila Lopez
Founder
Cheila is a Dominican-born, Brooklyn-raised founder of Hesed Women’s Ministry. She loves city living, and she loves being part of a ministry that serves the urban woman. She has been married for 38 years and is the mother of 3 sons. She loves being a part of a ministry that creates spaces for women to increase their bible literacy and connect to the heart of God.
Laura Brandt
Technical Director
Laura was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, and still loves living there. She enjoys baking, international travel, and spending time with friends. Most of all, she loves being part of a ministry that equips and empowers women in their everyday lives through bible literacy.
Stephanie Nuñez
Treasurer
Stephanie was born and raised in Brooklyn, where she still lives. She was saved in 2011 at a church in Queens. She was an accountant for 12 years until she switched careers to become a special education middle school teacher. Stephanie enjoys traveling and reading. She has served in children’s ministry and, most recently, women’s ministry. She is the leader of the Hesed Singles Ministry. She is passionate about helping urban women increase their bible literacy, helping singles see their value in the church, and mentoring women.
Maria V. Espinal-Lebron
Senior Executive
Maria, a native of the Lower East Side of Manhattan, was raised by Dominican immigrants who instilled Christian values in her from an early age. These principles serve as the foundation of both her personal and professional life. She is a mother to one son and a grandmother to a granddaughter and grandson. She has a great passion for women's ministry. Mainly, to mentor and guide women, providing them with spiritual support and practical wisdom drawn from the teachings of the Bible. Maria believes deeply in the transformative power of sharing God's Word and its application to daily life, standing alongside women as they navigate their faith journeys.
SJ
Secretary
SJ gave her life to Christ at the age of 4 and would later rededicate her life to Him at age 10. She has shared the Gospel on missions trips to Portugal and Navajo Nation as well as youth ministry in Boston, MA and Brooklyn, NY. Before the pandemic, SJ started a workplace bible study and now participates in an office prayer group. In addition to focusing on community building through events and social gatherings, elder care, encouragement and support are the center of her attention.
