Management and
Staff

Michael D. Nieves serves as the President and CEO of HITN, one of the nation's pioneering non-profit Spanish-language television networks. Under his leadership, HITN has significantly expanded its reach, adding over 10 million Latino households to its audience within his first two years and forging a long-term strategic partnership with Sprint Communications that continues to bolster the network’s mission. He has driven the network’s commitment to informative and culturally relevant programming, exemplified by Tú Momento, a Spanish-language series he conceived to simplify the U.S. electoral process during the 2016 election cycle. The program earned the 2016 Social Good Leader Award from Cynopsis Media, reinforcing HITN’s role as a trusted source of civic engagement content. Since his tenure began, HITN has secured six Emmy nominations, the first in 2017, and achieved a milestone victory in 2024 with an Emmy Award—its first since its founding in 1981— for “Ramon and Irmgard”, part of the Puerto Rican Heritage Series, a project he initiated in 2022. In addition, HITN’s Tu Cuentas Cine Youth Project, originally greenlighted by Nieves in 2021, has won multiple Gold, Silver and Bronze Telly Awards.

With over 25 years of experience shaping New York’s political landscape, Nieves has been a strategic force behind numerous electoral campaigns at the city, state, and federal levels. His expertise in political strategy and public policy has guided the careers of Assemblyman José Rivera, Assemblyman Robert Rodríguez, Assemblyman Adam Clayton Powell, Assemblyman Nelson Denis, and former Congressman Charles Rangel, among others. His influence extends beyond New York, as evidenced by his pivotal role in Jesús “Chuy” Garcia’s 2015 Chicago mayoral campaign, which led to the city’s first-ever run-off election.

Nieves’ extensive public service career includes key roles in the New York City Council, where he served as Senior Advisor to the Majority Leader, Deputy Chief of Staff to the Council Speaker, and Director of State and Federal Affairs. As Deputy Director of Council Services, he played a critical role in managing the Council’s operations and budget while spearheading advocacy efforts on state and federal matters impacting the city. His deep expertise in election law and political strategy has made him a widely respected figure among Latino elected officials.

Before his tenure in government, Nieves led successful consulting firms specializing in political strategies for Latino candidates and elected officials. His influence has been recognized with multiple accolades, including The Brooklyn Influentials (2017), 100 Responsible from City & State NY (2017), 50 Over 50 from City & State NY (2018) Impact Award from National Hispanic Media Coalition (2018), King of Kings by Schneps Media (2020), The Top 75 Political Consultants (2022-2024), The Power of Diversity: Latino 100 (2022), and The Brooklyn Power 100 (2022-24) from City & State Magazine. His expertise has also extended to educational policy, where he has provided counsel to the government of Puerto Rico.

Beyond his professional achievements, Nieves remains deeply engaged in civic and community affairs, serving on the boards of SOMOS as the longest –serving Board member, the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture in Chicago, the New York Puerto Rican Parade, and New York City Public Schools Community School Board #32. He and his family are active members of St. Barbara’s Catholic Church in Brooklyn, NY. Looking ahead, he continues to champion initiatives that empower Hispanic communities through media, education, and civic engagement, ensuring that HITN remains a leading voice in public service broadcasting.

Luis Alejandro comes to HITN with a wealth of experience in the non-profit and educational sectors. He has contributed to and in some cases, restructured organizational outreach processes and internal collaborative forms in Latino communities and organizations across the country, such as New York, Hartford, San Francisco, and Chicago. He serves as Secretary of the Board of Directors of HITN. In addition, he is the President of the Board of Directors of Youth Connections Charter School (YCCS), and Treasurer of the Board of Directors of the Puerto Rican Cultural Center and an Advisory Board Member of the Mexican Studies Institute at CUNY.
Mr. Molina leads the Administrative Team and is directly responsible for supporting the work of Michael D. Nieves, President, and CEO. He is the point person for an initiative of the President and CEO the 'Puerto Rican Heritage' series, for which he won an Emmy as Executive Producer in 2024. In addition, he is the lead for the 45th Anniversary Celebration of the founding of HITN, slated to take place in 2026, also co-leads, with Cynthia Rivera, the 'Tú Cuentas Cine Youth Fest', founded in 2021.

Cynthia plays a pivotal role in HITN’s partnerships and advocates to expand opportunities for Hispanic communities across national markets, including Puerto Rico, working with organizations like the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators (NHCSL), and SOMOS, an annual conference addressing the needs of the Hispanic population.
At HITN, Cynthia Rivera also serves as Co-Director of the Annual Tú Cuentas Cine Youth Fest. This four-time Telly award-winning event has become a significant platform for amplifying young Latino voices in media, aiming to increase representation in the entertainment industry. With over a decade of experience at HITN, she has been an integral part of the Executive Team, working closely with Presidents and CEOs in various roles. She also contributes to media production oversight and budget management while playing a key role in HITN's digital strategy. In this capacity, she collaborates with staff, marketing, and digital teams to curate and enhance website content, strengthening the organization's online presence.

Janet manages the administrative functions of senior officials within the organization, particularly the President and CEO. She is responsible for coordinating calendars, scheduling meetings, and acting as a liaison between management and employees.

Recently, Janet has served as a Community Assistant at Bronx Community Planning Board. She worked with the New York City Economic Development Corporation, and also as Director of Constituent Services, Director of Community Outreach and Office Manager for the Majority Leader of the New York City Council.

Anthony is an Executive Assistant for special projects to the President and CEO, Michael D. Nieves. He joined HITN, first as an intern in 2016, then came on-board full time in June 2022. His work involves special projects such as promoting Latino civic engagement, business documentation, and special project support and compliance. He earned his B.A. in Political Science and Public Law from the University at Albany, and is currently pursuing law school.

In his role as Director of Communications, Fernando applies his journalism expertise to the company’s corporate website, ensuring its content remains engaging and aligned with HITN’s mission. He is also responsible for developing and managing content for the President and CEO’s social media accounts, keeping them up to date and strategically aligned. With experience across print, digital, radio, and television, Fernando has worked as a producer for companies such as V-me, Nielsen, NY1 Noticias, and Univision during his tenure in New York. Fernando holds a bachelor’s degree in communication science from the Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education and a master’s in communication theory from the National Autonomous University of Mexico. He also teaches Journalism at CUNY’s City College of New York.
Mr. Cárdenas oversees HITN’s external communications, crafting and distributing press releases to keep the public informed about the company’s initiatives.

As CLO and CDO of HITN, Maryann is responsible for guiding the development and alignment of HITN’s educational content – on the air, online, and on the ground – and for overseeing the acquisition and application of the critical resources to manage this work.
Before her work at HITN, Maryann held a range of senior administrative positions in both the private and public sectors, including her role as Chief Learning Office for Teachscape, Director of the NYC Mayor’s Office of Early Childhood and Special Assistant to the NYC Schools Chancellor.

Maryann holds graduate degrees from the City College of NY, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Teachers College, Columbia University.

Naomi Rivera is a lifelong public servant and advocate for Hispanic communities, dedicated to addressing disparities and expanding opportunities in education, health, and civic engagement. As a former New York State Assembly member, she made history as only the second Puerto Rican woman elected in the Assembly’s 226-year history—paving the way for many Latina leaders to follow. With over two decades of experience in senior roles within state and city government, Naomi has worked closely with executive offices to develop programs that combat inequities and uplift underserved communities.
Naomi serves as HITN’s Vice President of Government & Community Affairs, where she leads the network’s government and community affairs initiatives. She leverages her extensive relationships across the public and private sectors to build strategic partnerships that maximize community impact. Through high-level advocacy and government relations, she strengthens HITN’s mission to advance the educational, cultural, and socio-economic aspirations of Hispanics nationwide.

Rudy Vargas IV has dedicated over 25 years to empowering Hispanic communities through education, leadership development, and civic engagement. With deep roots in community and faith-based organizations, he has worked tirelessly to build partnerships that promote educational access and strengthen local leadership. His commitment to fostering meaningful connections has helped bridge communities and create opportunities for growth and collaboration.
At HITN, Rudy serves as Director of Community Affairs, leveraging his extensive experience to develop strategic relationships that support the network’s mission. His work focuses on engaging with organizations that align with HITN’s educational initiatives, ensuring that resources and programming reach those who benefit most. Born in East New York, Brooklyn, Rudy holds a doctoral degree in Hispanic/Latino Practical Theology from Barry University, a master’s degree from Fordham University, and a B.A. from SUNY Empire State College.

Federico is dedicated to leveraging technology and design to create engaging digital experiences that empower users and communities. With a background in product management and game design, he works with teams to develop tools that enhance learning, creativity, and interaction. His focus is on making technology intuitive and impactful, ensuring that digital products are both effective and enjoyable to use.
At HITN, Federico serves as Product Manager and Designer, overseeing the development of educational apps and digital content. His work includes the award-winning Cleo & Cuquin Explore + Learn app and multiple Pocoyo Playsets, bringing innovative digital experiences to young learners. He holds a bachelor's degree in business management from the University of Toulouse in France, a Master's degree in Video Game Design from the European University in Madrid, Spain, and a master's degree in Technology Management from Columbia University in New York City.

Wayne is a lifelong community advocate dedicated to public service, civic engagement, and policy development. With a strong background in government, he has led and supported initiatives that promote inclusivity, equity, and community empowerment. His activism has been recognized with the 1999 PFLAG Morty Manford Award and the 2001 Queens Winter Pride Award. Passionate about social justice and public affairs, he has worked extensively in government, serving as Chief of Staff for two New York State Senators and as Legislative and Budget Director for the New York City Council.
At HITN, Wayne serves as Government Affairs Coordinator, where he works alongside the department to manage the network’s ongoing relationships with state and city officials. He also oversees the department’s budget, ensuring resources are allocated effectively to support HITN’s mission. With experience as a medical administrator, accounting supervisor, and political campaign director, he brings a wealth of knowledge to his role. Born and raised in Queens, Wayne earned a bachelor's degree in business administration and accounting from St. John’s University and studied at Nashotah House Episcopal Seminary.

Rudy Vargas IV has dedicated over 25 years to empowering Hispanic communities through education, leadership development, and civic engagement. With deep roots in community and faith-based organizations, he has worked tirelessly to build partnerships that promote educational access and strengthen local leadership. His commitment to fostering meaningful connections has helped bridge communities and create opportunities for growth and collaboration.
At HITN, Rudy serves as Director of Community Affairs, leveraging his extensive experience to develop strategic relationships that support the network’s mission. His work focuses on engaging with organizations that align with HITN’s educational initiatives, ensuring that resources and programming reach those who benefit most. Born in East New York, Brooklyn, Rudy holds a doctoral degree in Hispanic/Latino Practical Theology from Barry University, a master’s degree from Fordham University, and a B.A. from SUNY Empire State College.

Janet manages the administrative functions of senior officials within the organization, particularly the President and CEO. She is responsible for coordinating calendars, scheduling meetings, and acting as a liaison between management and employees.

Recently, Janet has served as a Community Assistant at Bronx Community Planning Board. She worked with the New York City Economic Development Corporation, and also as Director of Constituent Services, Director of Community Outreach and Office Manager for the Majority Leader of the New York City Council.

Esmeralda Guiracocha serves as an administrative assistant at HITN. As a graduate from John Jay College with a B.A in Criminology with previous experience in both community service and office administration, she ensures efficient completion of clerical tasks as well as clear communication between Spanish and English speakers.

Elyonni Tordesillas serves as an Administrative Assistant at HITN, bringing experience in hospitality and customer service to her role. She ensures that visitors are welcomed with professionalism and warmth while providing support wherever it is needed. Her previous work with BuildOn reflects her commitment to civic engagement and her dedication to strengthening Hispanic communities. In addition to managing guest relations, she coordinates communication across departments, oversees scheduling, and manages ordering processes with efficiency and care.

Felix Jaquez joined HITN’s Facilities team in 2006 and is a key part of the team dedicated to making HITN a safe place by following all of the state and city-mandated cleaning protocols. Félix is responsible for outgoing facilities mail, general upkeep, and cleaning supplies inventory. In addition, he leads the planning and decoration for the Holiday and Three Kings Annual Party, as well as other HITN special events. During the pandemic, he and the other members of the Facilities team took the lead in ensuring that all of HITN was maintained up to the latest COVID standards.