Norma Duque (she/her/hers) is apologetically proud Guatemalan woman who founded NuevoAmanecer Latino Children’s Services in late 1994. As an immigrant, Ms. Duque earned her Masters in Psychology, and her MBA from New York University. She holds 27+ years of experience in the non-profit sector and over 20+ years of experience in finance, auditing and accounting. During her work in the financial sector, she saw a need to apply her skills set in ways that would positively shape the lives of marginalized Latinx youth. Since then, she has built NALCS an organization that is recognized state-wide for its high quality care, earning her and the organization various accolades such as Woman of the Year and Best Non-Profit in California. As an immigrant, a mother, and a Latina, Ms. Duque fundamentally believes that all children deserve an equitable chance to attain success while experiencing the stability of a loving family. As a leader and advocate, Ms. Duque recognizes the immense challenge of the nonprofit industrial complex, and is committed to pioneering practice that promotes equity and justice, both within her organization and within her community. She currently sits in the Membership Committee for the California Alliance of Children and Families and is an active member at the Family Focus Treatment Association (FFTA), California Association of Adoption Agencies (CAAA) as well as the Association of Community Human Services Agencies (ACHSA). In her spare time, if not hiking, doing yoga, or at the movies, Ms. Duque enjoys spending time with her only son Joshua and his new wife.
Nani Thanawala, Treasurer
Ms. Thanawala is currently retired. Prior to her retirement, she worked for 5 years from January 2009 to June 2014 as a Director for ICS Consulting Partners, specialized in Audit and Compliance regulations.
She has also worked for numerous International Banks for 43 years with the experience in Financial and Strategic Planning, Accounting, Regulatory Reporting, Budget, Compliance, Financial Policies,
Operations, Internal Control and Human Resources. During these years, she held numerous official positions as Financial Controller, Vice President/Manager and Senior Vice President for Corporate Services.
She has a certification in Finance Management of Banking from Wharton School. Also, she is also certificated in Computer Information Systems. She completed courses in Finance, Accounting, Management,
Taxation, and Information Systems from Pace University, New York. She also has a Bachelor of Arts (BA Honors) in Sociology and Political Science.
She is very hands on with her community and participates in several community related activities and programs.
Aida Khrimian, Secretary
Aida Khrimian is currently an administrator at New Sunrise Adult Day Health Care (ADHC). New Sunrise was opened by Ms. Khrimian’s husband and is close friend in July 2004. As an administrator, Ms. Khrimian oversees the wide variety of services provided by the ADHC to diverse group of elderly, who require assistance to either improve or maintain their functional abilities; such as their activities of daily living.
In addition, Ms. Khrimian has a background in Human Resources and Accounting. She held the HR manager position in Nuevo Amanecer Latino Children’s Services from May 1997 to July 2004. As an HR Manager, Ms. Khrimian interviewed and hired staff, ensured compliance with OSHA, State, County and Federal regulations, maintained employee personnel files, processed payroll, administered 401k,457, and health and dental plans for employees, counseled, investigated, and resolved any grievances from staff, assisted state and county auditors during audit process, supervised staff, and trained supervisors. Prior to her position as an HR Manager, Ms. Khrimian held a position as a Controller in Unlimited Petroleum Inc. As controller, Ms. Khrimian was in charge of accounts payable and receivable, payroll, coordinating sale prices of gasoline, purchasing fuel from various refineries, overseeing and supervising 25 sales team members, maintaining customer aging balances, overseeing the coordination of deliveries with trucking companies, controlling all bank transactions and ensuring compliance with State and Federal Regulations.
Ms. Khrimian graduated with a Master of Arts in Psychology from Yerevan University of Economics and Law in Yerevan, Armenia.
Ms. Khrimian participates in community events on her free time, and helps out whenever needed.
Craig S. Lyman, Vice President
Craig is currently a financial professional with over 30 years of experience evaluating insurance needs and has experience building and maintaining close client relationships. Mr. Lyman has been involved with Nuevo Amanecer for over 16+ years. Mr. Lyman has supported Nuevo Amanecer, with fundraising and donating his time during all children events. Mr. Lyman enjoys interacting with employees and foster parents as well. Mr. Lyman enjoys spending time with family, friends and community events whenever possible.Mr. Lyman participates in community events on his free-time, and helps out whenever needed.
Julie Hefner, Vice President
Julie Hefner joined the board of directors of NALCS in 2014. She enjoys volunteering at the
children and family events as well as participating in events with the team at NALCS.
Julie has been an active licensed REALTOR since 2001. She is dedicated to making the
dream of home-ownership a reality and does so by providing her clients excellent real estate
services with attention to detail. “The most rewarding aspect of real estate is witnessing the
happiness of my clients with their family and friends in their new homes. Everyone deserves
a home of their very own.”
Mrs. Hefner has been a resident of San Dimas since 1999 where she lives with her husband.
When she is not working , Julie enjoys spending time with her husband and family including
her three beautiful grandchildren. Growing up Julie spent most of her time in a small town in
Missouri. She was very close with her grandparents and spent much time with them on
their small farm learning the value of hard work and family. Before Julie was born her
mother and grandparents had callings in their hearts to be foster parents. Three siblings
whom her grandparents fostered became forever family members and Julie has always
known them as her aunt and uncles.
Diego Perez, Vice President
Diego is originally from Quito, Ecuador, he made the journey to the USA at a young age.
His formative years unfolded in the picturesque surroundings of Manhattan Beach, where he
crafted cherished memories as a young adult. Driven by work opportunities, he transitioned
to the San Fernando Valley in the early 90s, to pursue his dream in the Architectural field.
A seasoned Architect with a career spanning over 35 years, Diego has left an indelible
mark on Architectural Design and Construction in a wide variety of industry sectors across
Los Angeles, with a notable focus on managing the design and construction of educational
facilities, including schools and universities, for over two decades.
Diego’s commitment to family values is unwavering, as he treasures quality moments with
his two grown children, his regular visits to his family residing in Scottsdale Arizona,
underscore his dedication to family ties. Diego’s passion for sports is evident,
with soccer (Football) holding a special place as his favorite sport, a devoted supporter
of FC Barcelona from Spain; he actively follows and cheers for the team. Beyond the realm
of sports. Diego finds delight in various pursuits, among them is Architectural
Photography where he enjoys taking photographs of historically significant architectural
landmarks with a preference for the simplicity and elegance of Mid-Century Architecture.