Building Community Through Culture, Connection and Opportunity
Latin Outreach Unity & Development (LOUD) is a community - based nonprofit organization dedicated to creating opportunities that celebrate culture, strenghten community connections, and empower individuals throughout the Hudson Valley
Our Story
L.O.U.D. (Latin Outreach Unity & Development) was founded on March 8th 2022, by Sugely Melenciano Weed and Alessandra Gonzalez with a shared vision of creating a stronger, more connected, and more inclusive community throughout the Hudson Valley.
As community advocates, they recognized that while many valuable resources and organizations already existed, navigating those services could often feel overwhelming especially for immigrants, spanish- speaking families, and individuals who were new to the area. There was a need for a trusted bridge that could help connect people to opportunities, information, and support systems already available within the community.
At the same time, they saw the need for a greater cultural representation and inclusion. The Hispanic and Latino communities contribute greatly to the social, cultural, and economic fabric of the Hudson Valley, yet many individuals often feel unseen, underrepresented, or disconnected from opportunities to celebrate and share their heritage.
Together, Sugely and Alessandra created LOUD to help bridge those gaps through community outreach, educational programming, cultural celebrations, resource navigation, and collaborative partnerships. Their vision was to build an organization that not only connects people to resources but also creates spaces where culture is celebrated, diversity is embraced, and community members feel a true sense of belonging.
Today, LOUD continues that mission through community events, cultural programming volunteer opportunities, partnerships with local organizations, and conectandonos con LOUD, a bilingual radio program on Radio Kingston en Español that helps connect residents to resources services, and community conversations.
At its heart, LOUD is about connection, empowerment, cultural pride, and community. We believe that when people feel seen, supported and included, entire communities thrive.
Our mission is to connect people with local resources, educate, inspire and empower them to reach their full potential. We focus on education and personal development for low opportunity and minority groups, offering programs that encourage entrepreneurship, interpersonal skills, conflict resolution, nutritional support, healthcare, and environmental conservation.
Our Mission
Our Vision
Inspire Alliances, personal development & Inclusion in Latin Communities
Meet Our Leadership Team & Board
Sue
Co Founder & Executive Director
Originally from the Dominican Republic and raised in Miami, Florida, Sugely Melenciano is the Founder and Executive Director of LOUD (Latin Outreach Unity & Development). Driven by a passion for community empowerment and social equity, she has dedicated her career to connecting underserved communities with resources, opportunities, and support systems.
Sugely currently serves as Director of the Ulster County Youth Bureau and has worked across the education, business, and nonprofit sectors. She holds degrees in Business Administration and Human Services and serves on several community boards and advisory councils throughout the Hudson Valley.
As a mother, advocate, and community leader, Sugely remains committed to creating meaningful opportunities that strengthen families and build a more inclusive community.
Alessandra
Co Founder & Chief Operating Officer
Alessandra Gonzalez is a Puerto Rican singer-songwriter, cultural organizer, and community advocate dedicated to using the arts as a tool for connection, empowerment, and representation. As Chief Operating Officer of LOUD, she helps lead organizational strategy, community partnerships, cultural programming, outreach initiatives, and event development throughout the Hudson Valley.
With a background in music, nonprofit leadership, education, and community engagement, Alessandra is passionate about creating spaces where diverse voices, cultures, and experiences are celebrated. Through both her artistic work and community leadership, she strives to strengthen connections, amplify underrepresented voices, and inspire positive change.
When she's not working with LOUD, Alessandra performs throughout the region as a Latin fusion artist and continues to advocate for greater cultural representation through music and community programming.
Chris
Christopher Warren - Board President
Christopher Warren is a community leader, entrepreneur, and nonprofit advocate dedicated to creating opportunities for youth, families, and underserved communities throughout the Hudson Valley. As President of LOUD, he brings experience in community organizing, partnership development, and nonprofit leadership.
Christopher serves on several local nonprofit boards and committees and is the owner of Hudson Valley Catering Services LLC. Through his work, he actively supports initiatives focused on youth development, entrepreneurship, food access, and community engagement.
His commitment to collaboration and service helps strengthen LOUD's mission of building connections, expanding opportunities, and creating positive community impact.
Monserrat
Monserrat Duran - Board Secretary
Monserrat is a proud first-generation Mexican-American born and raised in the Hudson Valley. She currently serves as an Early Intervention Specialist, supporting infants and toddlers in reaching critical developmental milestones.
A passionate advocate for children, families, and the Latino community, Monserrat serves on multiple local boards and committees while dedicating her time to community outreach and education. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Behavioral Science and brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her leadership role within LOUD.
As a mother of three and community advocate, she is committed to ensuring that every family has access to resources, support, and opportunities to thrive.
Franci
Franci - Board Treasurer
Elba
Elba Becker- Perez Board Member
Elba Pérez Becker is a music educator and community organizer originally from Mexico City, currently residing in the Hudson Valley since 2023. She brings over 16 years of experience working with infants, children, adults, and educators in training, using music as a tool for social-emotional development, creativity, and human connection.
Her work combines music education with socio-emotional support approaches, allowing her to create accessible, inclusive spaces that respond to community needs. She is based in Kingston, where she collaborates with Radio Kingston as the host of “Despierta Kingston,” a program focused on news and information relevant to the Spanish-speaking community.
In addition, she leads classes, workshops, and interactive concerts in collaboration with libraries in Ulster, Germantown, and Kingston, expanding access to arts and education. She has also participated in community initiatives with organizations such as O+, Kingston Common Futures, and Mid-Hudson Energy Transitions.
As a trilingual Latina immigrant, Elba believes in the power of culture and community to create meaningful change.
Chukie
Chukie Agbogun Board Member
Chukie is a community leader, mentor, fitness professional, and youth advocate with over a decade of experience empowering through education wellness, leadership development, and community engagement.
A veteran of the Nigerian Defense Academy with degrees in Political Science, Defense Studies, and Criminal Justice Chukie brings a unique combination of commitment and service to our Mission.
As the founder of One Strike Fitness, Chukie has used martial arts, fitness and personal development as tolls to help individuals build confidence and resilience.
Through his work with LOUD, Chukie continues to support initiatives that strengthen our community, empower youth and create opportunities for personal growth and leadership.