Project Libertad
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Meet our Team

Rachel Rutter, Esq.

Rachel Rutter, Esq.
Founder and Executive Director

[email protected]

Rachel is an immigration attorney licensed to practice in Pennsylvania. She graduated from the Thomas R. Kline School of Law at Drexel University and Gettysburg College. Rachel holds certificates in Nonprofit Management and Fundraising from the Nonprofit Center at LaSalle University. Rachel is an experienced immigration attorney who specializes in representing unaccompanied children in immigration proceedings. Rachel spent over three years as a Staff Attorney representing immigrant youth at HIAS Pennsylvania before transitioning to Project Libertad full-time.

Rachel has served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Costa Rica and worked in various nonprofit settings. She is a passionate advocate for immigrant children's rights. Rachel was recently honored as a 2024 CNN Hero. She has been featured in Forbes after being awarded a $20,000 Changemaker grant by Aerie. In 2022, Rachel was honored as a L’Oréal Paris Women of Worth Honoree, and HBO Max produced a short documentary about her work. She was recently awarded Drexel University’s 40 Under 40 Honor. 

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Diana Torres Ramirez, NCSP

Case Manager

[email protected]
Diana is a dedicated and compassionate Nationally Certified School Psychologist, holding a Master's degree and Certification of Advanced Studies in School Psychology from Eastern University. With a deep commitment to equity and justice, she works tirelessly to address the under and over-representation of immigrant students in Special Education.

As a fierce advocate for immigrant children and families, Diana champions their rights in the education setting, ensuring equal access to opportunities and resources. Her expertise and passion have made a lasting impact on the lives of countless students and families.
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When she's not empowering young minds, Diana unwinds by reading, exploring nature, drawing, cheering on her favorite sports teams, and cherishing time with loved ones.
Vanessa Estevez

Vanessa Estevez
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Volunteer Coordinator
Administrative Assistant

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Vanessa is a compassionate and driven professional, holding a Bachelor's degree in Hotel and Business Management from Dominican University. She has dedicated her career to serving others, working with Catholic Charities in the Day Laborers program and as a Case Manager, empowering marginalized communities.

With a passion for language and culture, Vanessa has also volunteered as an interpreter for asylum seekers, bridging the gap for those seeking safety and hope. Her pride in her Hispanic heritage fuels her commitment to supporting vulnerable populations, fostering inclusivity and social justice.

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Abe Shenoy
Joann Seunarine
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Newcomer Support Program Coordinator

​[email protected]

Wendy Ordoñez de Rivas​​​Newcomer Support Program Coordinator
​[email protected]

As a long time volunteer with Project Libertad, Joann has been able to reinforce her love and devotion for community and civic engagement. She has acted as a mentor, summer camp volunteer, and a virtual group leader for Newcomer Support Programs during the pandemic. Now, she is ready to continue as part of the Newcomer Support Program, hoping to empower immigrant youth.

Currently finishing her dual Masters degree in Public Health and Latin American Studies, she is passionate about global health disparities research and hopes to utilize her career to advocate underrepresented and disproportionately affected people around the world.
Wendy joins our team with over 21 years of experience as a prosecutor in Guatemala's Public Ministry. A licensed attorney and human rights expert, Wendy has led investigations into human trafficking, child abuse, and organized crime. Most recently, Wendy interned at the Pan American Development Foundation (PADF) in Washington, D.C. She brings her expertise and passion for justice to support newcomer communities.
Priscilla Rodriguez

Guilianna McGinniss
Mentoring Program Coordinator

[email protected]

Guilianna spearheads Project Libertad's one-on-one mentoring program, empowering immigrant youth to reach their full potential. She is a dedicated doctoral student at Florida Southern College, pursuing her Doctor of Education, and holds a Master of Science in Psychology from Saint Leo University.

Complementing her academic pursuits, Guilianna works as a preschool teacher, shaping young minds. Beyond her professional endeavors, she shares her passions and experiences through a lifestyle blog. Guilianna cherishes time with loved ones, finding joy in the simple moments with friends and family.
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Taina Auzier De Sousa

Bilingual Legal Support Staff and Case Manager

​[email protected]

Taina's journey with Project Libertad began as a client, and now she joins the team as a dedicated Bilingual Legal Support Staff and Case Manager, serving the Kennett Square community.

Taina's personal experience as an immigrant shapes her passion for this work. She bravely moved to the US in 2013 at age 10, seeking a better life with her grandmother. Despite the challenges, she persevered and earned her diploma through Ann's Heart GED program in Phoenixville.
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With empathy and understanding, Taina supports immigrant communities, drawing from her own experiences. She is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of others, fostering hope and resilience.
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Hillary Barnes Martinez

Adult ESL Coordinator

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Hillary serves as an ESL Coordinator at Project Libertad, where she oversees the Virtual ESL classes for adults. With a passion for language education, Hillary develops engaging English language curricula and delivers instruction with enthusiasm and dedication.

Her experience teaching ESL classes has not only allowed her to share her knowledge but also to learn from her students, fostering a rich cultural exchange. Hillary's own experiences living abroad, including a year spent in the Fiji Islands as a child, have instilled in her a deep appreciation for diverse cultures and a commitment to supporting individuals from all backgrounds.
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Johan
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Newcomer Support Program Facilitator

As a compassionate and experienced facilitator, Johan plays a vital role in welcoming and supporting newcomers to our community. Through the Newcomer Support Program, Johan provides guidance, resources, and connection, helping individuals and families navigate their new surroundings and build a strong foundation for their future.

With a warm and approachable demeanor, Johan creates a safe and inclusive space for newcomers to share their experiences, ask questions, and find support. His dedication and expertise have made a significant impact on the lives of many, helping them feel seen, heard, and valued as they begin their new journey.

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Kaido Lin

Adult ESL Coordinator
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​[email protected]

Kaido brings a unique blend of technical expertise and passion for community service to his role as ESL Coordinator at Project Libertad. A graduate of Penn State University with a degree in Computer Science, Kaido works as a software engineer by day.

Outside of his technical pursuits, Kaido enjoys exploring new cities, trying diverse cuisines, and discovering specialty coffee spots. During the pandemic, he discovered new hobbies, including animal fostering, urban gardening, and even mastering espresso drinks and bachata dance moves.

Kaido is excited to leverage his skills and experience to support the mission of Project Libertad and empower immigrant communities through language education and mentorship.
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  • Home
  • About
    • About Project Libertad
    • Our Team
    • Join Our Team
    • Board of Directors
    • Impact Report
    • Financial
  • Donate
  • Sign-up for Emails and Reminders
  • Get Help/Buscar Ayuda/Obter Ajuda
  • Events
  • Programs
    • Immigrant Children's Defense Project
    • Know Your Rights Project
    • Conexiones or Connections Therapy Program
    • Legal-Mental Health Partnership
    • Newcomer Support Programs
    • RISE: Refugee and Immigrant Students Excelling
    • Mentoring Program
    • Tutoring Program
    • Juntos para Jóvenes: United for Youth
    • Educator Trainings
    • Adult ESL
    • Scholarship
  • Volunteer
  • Media
    • Blog
  • Contact
  • Our Team