Our Team

ONIC has dedicated 38 years to fulfilling its motto of “More than roofs and walls.” We remain steadfastly committed to providing not just quality, affordable housing but thriving communities where residents can achieve economic independence and stability.

Partner with us

Board of directors

Ericka Dunlap

Chair

Craig Ridinger

Vice Chair

Cindy Colvin

Secretary & Treasurer

Eddie Brown

Member

Derek Burke

Member

Dr. Kim Burke

Member

Milton Carroll

Member

Ralph Armstead

Member

Catherine Sterba

Member

ONiC TEAM

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Alfred Arzuaga

President

Victoria Scott, CPA

Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

Alexis Collins

Vice President of Resource Development & Resident Services

LaSonashia McFadden

Resident Services Manager

Loretha Dawson

Youth Programs Specialist

Serena Jones

Communications & Marketing Manager

Ambar Velazquez

Special Programs Manager

Yvonne Harris

Resident Services Coordinator

Santiago Sarria

Resident Services Coordinator

Kysa Donawa

Resident Services Coordinator

Leeann Noel

Resident Services Coordinator

Pamela Brathwaite

Administrative Assistant

Maureen MacKenzie

Accounting Administrative Assistant

Roxana Thalasinos

Special Projects Coordinator

Fanieza Ghani

Corporate Governance Manager

Alfred Arzuaga

President

Mr. Arzuaga is responsible for the overall administration of the Corporation. He has over fifteen years of experience in the Housing and Community Development fields, including management positions with the City of Orlando Housing and Community Development Department, Habitat for Humanity of Jacksonville, the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development, among other positions in the public, private and non-profit sectors. Mr. Arzuaga holds a B.A. from the University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee, and a Master of Urban and Regional Planning with a Graduate Certificate in Urban Revitalization from the Virginia Commonwealth University. The National Development Council has also certified him as a Housing Development Finance Professional.

Victoria Scott

C.P.A., CFO, Vice President

Ms. Scott oversees all financial matters of the Corporation. This includes financial analysis of prospective projects and monitoring of existing communities, as well as internal financial management. She is also responsible for compliance with government programs. Previously she was an accounting manager for the Walt Disney World Company and a senior consultant with Ernst and Young, where her specialty was tax-exempt organizations. Ms. Scott graduated from Florida State University with a B.S. in accounting.

Alexis Collins

Vice President of Resource Development & Resident Services

Ms. Collins is responsible for creating and developing plans to create a pipeline that provides the necessary resources to achieve ONIC’s strategic goals. In her 20 years with ONIC, Ms. Collins has cultivated partnerships, secured funding to support programs and initiatives, and has developed ONIC’s Resident Services Program to meet the needs of its communities. Ms. Collins is a certified coach and a specialist in Affordable Housing Management through the Consortium for Housing and Asset Management. Ms. Collins holds bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Surrey, United Kingdom.

LaSonashia McFadden

Resident Services Manager

Ms. McFadden is responsible for the oversight of the Resident Services Program, the cultivation of key stakeholders, and the direct supervision of Resident Services staff. With more than 20 years of service at ONIC, Ms. McFadden embodies an ONIC’s success story, as a longtime resident, Ms. McFadden started as a volunteer, transforming through the journey of roles including Resident Services Coordinator and Youth Manager. Ms. McFadden has received an Associate of Arts degree and is currently pursuing her bachelor's in Integrative General Studies with a double minor in Human Services and Diversity & Social Inequality. Ms. McFadden is dedicated and passionate about empowering individuals, families, and fostering positive change within communities.

Loretha Dawson

Youth Programs Specialist

Ms. Dawson is responsible for the outreach, marketing, and recruitment of youth, assisting Instructors in various after-school programming, and providing administrative and record keeping duties to maintain programmatic compliance. In her 15 year career with ONIC, Ms. Dawson has developed a rapport and built strong relationships with a diverse group of youth and their parents/guardians across ONIC’s portfolio. Ms. Dawson is a certified Youth Development Professional and childcare provider and she is motivated by the success of the youth she has built relationships with and helped to overcome challenges?

Serena Jones

Communications & Marketing Manager

Ms. Jones is the Communications & Marketing Manager at ONIC, responsible for increasing the visibility of the organization’s impact by sharing initiatives, events, projects, and programming successes to the broader community. Since joining ONIC in 2012, first as an AmeriCorps VISTA and then as a Resident Services Coordinator, she has developed relationships with a variety of partners in the community and has experienced the transformative impact that affordable housing and accessible Resident Services can have in a resident’s life. Ms. Jones is a 2009 graduate of New College of Florida with a bachelor's degree in International Studies and is a HUD-certified Housing Counselor.

Ambar Velazquez

Special Programs Manager

As the Special Programs Manager, Ms. Velazquez coordinates ONIC's Asset-Building and Youth Programs, including pilots and grant-funded initiatives. With a diverse background within ONIC since 2014, including roles as a tutor, Special Projects Coordinator, and a Resident Services Coordinator, she is dedicated to empowering individuals and communities, so that each family can thrive. Ms. Velazquez holds a bachelor’s degree from New College of Florida, a master’s degree from the University of Denver, and is a HUD-certified Housing Counselor and trained financial coach.

Yvonne Harris

Resident Services Coordinator

Ms. Harris is responsible for coordinating and implementing activities that connects residents to resources that will enhance the quality of their life. Prior to ONIC, Ms. Harris worked in the non-profit Credit & Housing sectors for more than 30 years dedicating her efforts to building relationships with local and national organizations that helped her to meet the housing needs of the local community. Ms. Harris is passionate about making a difference in the affordable housing community and is a certified Housing Counselor who specializes in Foreclosure Prevention and Pre & Post Purchase Counseling.

Santiago Sarria

Resident Services Coordinator

Mr. Rivera joined ONIC in 2022 as a Resident Services Coordinator. He is responsible for coordinating and implementing activities and programming that enhances residents’ quality of life. With previous experience at Heart of Florida United Way and as an AmeriCorps Public Ally, Santiago builds relationships with residents and external partners to foster resident leadership and increase access to resources. He is currently pursuing a Master’s in Public Policy at the University of Central Florida while developing skills as a financial coach. In his free time, Santiago enjoys bouldering, music, and family time.

Kysa Donawa

Resident Services Coordinator

Ms. Donawa is a Resident Services Coordinator with ONIC), responsible for community building and engagement and providing residents with opportunities to access community resources and increase housing stability. She has been with ONIC since 2010 including roles as a Workshop Facilitator and Site Manager. She is committed to her role as a Coordinator, an advocate, and the bridge between the communities she serves and the agencies that provide vital tools and assets. Ms. Donawa has a bachelor's degree from Central Methodist University and various certifications in the areas of domestic violence, crisis intervention, case management, and economic self-sufficiency.

Leeann Noel

Resident Services Coordinator

Ms. Noel is responsible for coordinating and implementing resident activities to enhance their lives. With previous experience as a teacher, Ms. Noel enjoys building relationships with residents and external partners to foster resident leadership and connect them with resources. Ms. Noel holds two degrees in Elementary Education and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing licensed as a Registered Nurse. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, crafting, spending time with family, and listening to music.

Pamela R. Brathwaite

Administrative Assistant

Ms. Brathwaite is the ONIC administrative assistant Pamela is a dedicated Receptionist at the Orlando Neighborhood Improvement Corporation with nearly 16 years of experience on the team. She efficiently manages incoming calls, welcomes visitors, and provides support to the Operations staff. Originally, from Barbados, her diverse background includes previous roles as a Leasing Assistant and an Air Cargo Manager. Pamela finds motivation in her spiritual connection and excels in various aspects of her life including crocheting, designing, decorating, and organizing.

Maureen MacKenzie

Accounting Administrative Assistant

Ms. MacKenzie holds a degree in Marketing from University of Central Florida. In addition to her responsibilities with Human Resources, she also supports the accounting and administrative teams. She joined ONIC in June 2021.

Roxana Thalasinos

Special Projects Coordinator

Ms. Thalasinos is a Special Projects Coordinator at ONIC, joining the team in 2023 to provide operational support and resources. With two associate degrees in Administration and Horticulture, and currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in Business and Organizational Leadership, she brings a diverse skill set and determination to achieve organizational goals. As a former Research Coordinator, Roxana excels in developing efficient processes and enjoys being part of a collaborative team. Roxana finds joy in spending time with friends and family, tending to her vegetable garden, and feels grateful to be part of an organization that positively impacts the community.

Fanieza Ghani

Corporate Governance Manager

Ms. Ghani handles all corporate matters for the Corporation. Her experience includes time with Bank of America, 12 years at J.P. Morgan, and 6 years at Bank of New York in New York City. She joined ONIC in 2000.