The Committee for Hispanic Children and Families, Inc.’s (CHCF) Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Grace C. Bonilla, Esq. has been selected as the new President and Chief Executive Officer of the organization. She assumed her role January 5th, 2015.
After thirty two years of dedicated service, founder and long-time president of CHCF, Elba Montalvo, retired. Filling Ms. Montalvo’s shoes was a tall order; however, Ms. Bonilla’s talent, passion, and vision along with her commitment to working for underserved families and children make her a strong successor.
Ms. Bonilla has dedicated her career to the public sector, advocating for the rights of underserved communities. She was with the New York City Human Resources Administration/Department of Social Services (HRA/DSS) from 2004-2014, most recently serving as the Deputy Commissioner overseeing the Office of Community Affairs and Immigrant Services. In this capacity, Ms. Bonilla worked on issues regarding language access, immigrant eligibility, disability rights, and community engagement.
“The CHCF Board is excited about Grace’s appointment as the new President and CEO. Grace is an inspirational and visionary leader who is mission-driven. She will be a passionate champion and strong advocate for Latino children and families,” said Denise Durham Williams, Board Chair.
Ms. Bonilla’s commitment to the wellbeing of all children and families will carry CHCF into the future as the organization grows and as it continues to be the source of information, education, and advocacy for Latino families in New York.
She received her BA in Political Science from St. John’s University, and her JD from Brooklyn Law School. She is a native New Yorker and currently lives in Queens with her husband and three sons.
