The Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary and Centro Corazón de María Board of Directors have appointed Leydy Renteria-Merced the new Executive Director of Centro Corazón de María.
Renteria-Merced brings a wealth of experience in planning, program coordination, and curriculum implementation to the position. Previously, she worked with the South Shore Charter School in Central Islip, NY; the Metro School District in Cleveland, OH; the City School Districts of Akron and Parma, OH; Cleveland State University; and, as Education Program Coordinator at Centro Corazón. “Centro Corazón de María holds a special place in my heart. I enjoyed collaborating with local organizations and individuals committed to serving the Latino community of Hampton Bays. I’m honored to return as Executive Director and look forward to working with our Board of Directors, continuing the mission and vision of Centro Corazón de María, and positively impacting those we serve,” stated Renteria-Merced.
She earned a B.A. in Spanish and Education from Cleveland State University in Cleveland, OH, and her M.A. in Spanish from Cleveland State University in Cleveland, OH.
Assuming the role on October 31, she will manage day-to-day operations, including program planning, grants administration, community outreach and connecting with clients, community organizations and other stakeholders. “Several years ago, Leydy served as Centro Corazón’s Education Coordinator and deeply touched everyone she met. Returning in her new role as Executive Director, Leydy brings exceptional knowledge, skill and a deep well-spring of compassion that is at the heart of our mission. We are thrilled to welcome her home!” said Deborah J. Hickey, president of Centro Corazón de María’s Board of Directors.
Centro Corazón de María, founded in 2002 by the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary, is a place of welcome and hope for underserved immigrants living on the East End of Long Island. Its mission is to provide education, social services, emergency assistance, and advocacy to help newly arrived individuals and families become independent successful contributors to the community.
The Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary is an international congregation of women religious whose mission is: “to know and love God, to make God known and loved; to proclaim that Jesus Christ has come in order that all may have life” (RSHM Constitutions #7). Each sister wears a cross that reads Ut Vitam Habeant, “so that all may have life.” Their lives are built around the common understanding that everyone deserves a life of dignity. Through various ministries, the sisters cultivate a care for the most vulnerable and a care for creation.