Each of us brings unique talents and perspectives to the table — but we're united by one shared mission: feeding families. Meet the people behind the work.

Meet Our Board

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Jose L. Rivera Jr.

Jose Rivera founded HopeNearMe with a simple conviction: families in need shouldn't have to travel for help, help should come to them.

Through our mobile pantry model, we're eliminating barriers to food security by bringing essential supplies, food, and diapers directly into neighborhoods across New York City. We're meeting families where they are, building trust within communities, and creating sustainable pathways to support those facing hardship.

Founder & Executive Director

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Tyler D. Rivera

Tyler Rivera is a dynamic, multi-passionate entrepreneur with a rich background in marketing and a deep commitment to social impact. As the eldest daughter of a single mother, Tyler understands firsthand the profound challenges of food insecurity — an experience that has shaped her purpose and fueled her drive to create lasting change.

With a well-rounded perspective informed by both personal adversity and professional expertise, Tyler is dedicated to uplifting underserved communities and ensuring that no family faces the struggles she once knew. Her work sits at the intersection of business and humanity, driven by the belief that entrepreneurship can be a powerful force for equity and opportunity.

Co-Founder & Chairman

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Christina Ezeagwuna is a community wellness advocate, Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, and founder of Plate Together LLC, a family-centered wellness company focused on strengthening household food systems, mealtime structure, and culturally grounded nourishment.

Her work centers on the intersection of food access, food usability, and community wellness, with a focus on helping families build realistic, sustainable relationships with food in everyday life.

Through culturally responsive education, operational strategy, and family-centered approaches, Christina develops practical systems that support nourishment, dignity, and connection within communities.

Head of Food Education & Community Impact

Christina Ezeagwuna, NTP

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"Omotola the Great" is a Philanthropic Strategist, Assistant Professor, and Chief Executive Officer of JumpStart Academy.

With a presence spanning over 45 countries, Omotola has empowered leaders, students, and changemakers through transformative training and consulting in nonprofit development, leadership, and social impact strategy.

She believes that meaningful impact should never depend on surviving from one crisis to the next. Stability isn't something you hope for — it's something you design.

Vice Chairman

Omotola “The Great” Akinsola