"Every child has a right [a mandate] to a complete educational opportunity".

- Eugene M. Lang, Founder, "I Have A Dream" Foundation

Eugene is a financial services professional and CFA Charterholder, currently working at MetLife in Whippany, NJ where he helps oversee global insurance investment portfolios across both credit and equity strategies. Prior to MetLife, Eugene started his professional career in Newark, NJ at Prudential Financial as a credit research analyst covering various industry sectors.

Eugene holds a B.B.A. from Baylor University and is a proud member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. Eugene resides in Randolph, NJ with his wife, two children and two lovely dogs.

“My life has benefited greatly from those in my community that reached out to help in ways that are immeasurable and I feel that it is both a duty and an honor to reach out my hand to help others through my work at I Have a Dream Foundation New Jersey. I truly find joy in giving back through the contributions of my time, talent and gifts. To be able to do this work with such a motivated and diverse Board of Directors makes the journey even more enjoyable and impactful.”

Miguel, a descendant of immigrants from the Cape Verde Islands, learned growing up in the small, sea-side town of Mattapoisett, Massachusetts that with the "...encouragement and support of the larger community I could aspire to and achieve anything that I set out to do.”  It is this same sense of empowerment that I wish to develop in all the students that I Have a Dream Foundation touches"

Miguel, beginning in the fall of 2000, became Head of School for St. Philip's Academy, Newark. In the ensuing years he doubled the size of the student body, and dramatically increased the  annual fund and capital giving. He also spearheaded the $22 million capital initiative for the new school site at 342 Central Avenue. The school building is designed as a learning tool around the United States Green Building Council's guidelines for LEED silver certification, and will be the current "home" of Philip's Academy Charter School. In September 2008, through the vision and direction of Miguel, St. Philip's Academy launched EcoSPACES, a comprehensive initiative that creates a unique model environment, which cultivates an ecological consciousness in Newark's young population. In 2009, he launched the 21st Century Learning Center and a comprehensive program of technology in grades K-8. In 2015, Philip’s opened a second school in Paterson.

Miguel came to St. Philip's from The Dwight Englewood School in Englewood, New Jersey, where he served as the Director of College Guidance and Testing for 17 years. For much of this time he coached varsity football, basketball and golf. His educational background includes a B.A. in Latin American History from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and an M.A. in Colonial African History from Goddard College in Plainfield, VT. After completing his education, he spent two years teaching in the public schools of New Bedford, MA before moving to St. George's School in Newport, RI. He served for three years as Assistant Dean of Students, history teacher and coach. Mr. Brito then accepted a position at the United States Embassy in Lisbon, Portugal as the Managing Director of the ESL program. In 1979, he returned to the independent school world as a teacher and administrator at Thayer Academy in Braintree, MA. Until 1983 he served as Chair of the History Department as well as Director of College Guidance and Counseling. He is currently a member of the board of the following organizations; Educational Records Bureau and Gill St. Bernard's' School, and is on the advisory committee for The Willow School.

A media executive with 25 years of experience across numerous facets of the television business. Michael Peretz is Executive Vice President, Ad Sales Revenue Management & Operations for A+E Networks. In his current role, he is responsible for leading efforts tied to the strategic management of pricing, inventory, demand and distribution channels to maximize revenue growth over both the short and long term.

Mike is also charged with bringing operational efficiencies and practical innovations to the entire revenue generation process. Previous positions at A+E Networks included VP, Integrated Sales & Strategic Partnerships where he was responsible for developing bigger and deeper client relationships, VP, Ad Sales Planning where he headed the Pricing and Planning Department, Director, Business Development where he managed day-to-day corporate business development efforts and Director, Financial Planning. Prior to A+E, experiences included Manager Financial Planning & Analysis for CBS Sports and Associate Product Manager for Tyco Toys, the 3rd largest US toy manufacturer. He holds an MBA from Columbia Business School and a BS in Marketing from Rutgers College.

Peter Tyndale is currently the President of Automated Accounting Solutions, Inc. An accounting firm that provides accounting services to small to midsize businesses. 

Previously, Mr. Tyndale worked as Budget Director for New York University and was based in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. There he was responsible for the budget preparation and management of a budget of $7M. Prior to his work overseas, he was Vice President for Finance and CFO for Brooklyn Botanic Gardens. There he managed a budget of $21.5 Million and oversaw a staff of 210 full time employees.

Tyndale holds a Bachelor of Arts from University of Technology in Jamaica, and a Bachelor of Business Administration from Baruch College in New York City. He lives in North Brunswick, NJ and is the father of two college students. 

Beth Bernstein has been a board member with I Have a Dream – New Jersey since 2019, currently leading the Governance committee. Beth is an accomplished marketing and advertising executive with over 25 years of experience working with several major media and advertising companies including Grey Advertising, Advance Publications and Rodale Press.  She has held sales and marketing roles at Parade Magazine, Prevention Magazine, The Metropolitan Corporate Council and Digital Focus.

Beth co-founded Delray Marketing, an independent ad sales organization with blue chip media publishers, that drove revenue across multi-platform and multi-sales channels for their clients. Prior to founding Delray Marketing, she was the first in the publishing industry to spearhead job-sharing as a way for working mothers to balance work and family life. Beth has a BS Marketing from the University of Rhode Island as well as an MBA from Baruch College Zicklin School of Business.  She resides in Scotch Plains, New Jersey with her husband, Ron. 

Erika Jungblut hails from Teaneck, New Jersey, which was the first municipality in the country to voluntarily integrate its schools, as well as the town where she currently serves as Municipal Court Judge. She also owns and runs a thriving law firm where client satisfaction is paramount. Her motivational company, Just Live Your Light, has been a passion of hers and is now starting to take off! The most important thing to her is being a mother to her son, Emery, and her bonus children. She strives to provide them with everything they need so they can reach their full potential. She is also a daughter, sister and wife, and her entire family (and framily) mean the world to her. 

Erika volunteers as an IHDFNJ Board member because she loves children. She has been fortunate enough to be able to provide her son with an amazing education, and have watched him thrive as a result. Erika wants all children to have that same opportunity. As a former kids’ sports coach, she knows what can happen when children believe in themselves and realize how special and unique they are. To achieve this end, Erika believes a solid education and support system is essential. That is why she is a IHDFNJ Board member.

In 2020, Leonard “Lenny” Mortimore relocated back to the US from a successful international assignment to take on the role of Regional Executive for the Downstate Region in US Corporate Banking.  

In this role, Lenny leads a large team of bankers who assist US multinational clients with their US and international banking needs within NYC, Long Island, Westchester and Connecticut.   Lenny’s RM team has developed and strengthened HSBC’s coverage for a broad group of multinational clients and are responsible for delivering the full bandwidth of the Bank’s products and services. As part of his role, Lenny is also responsible for ensuring close collaboration amongst our global banking and product groups, in order to leverage HSBC’s global footprint for our international clients.

Prior to his current role, Lenny was on a three-year assignment in Toronto, Canada as the Country Head of International Subsidiary Banking Coverage (ISB). Lenny holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from Union College and joined HSBC Group in 2000.Lenny began his career in upstate New York at HSBC Bank USA, as part of the bank’s RBWM business before being recruited into the Leadership Development Program. He relocated to New York City in 2002 and has held various roles in Commercial Banking including Senior Vice President, as well as US Co-Head of International Subsidiary Banking (ISB). Lenny currently lives in Montclair, NJ with his wife Julia and two children, Sophia (11) and Sebastian (9).  

Michael Ojo's mission is to level the playing field for both accredited and non-accredited investors seeking to invest in reputable investment opportunities. He is actively educating groups of minorities and non-minorities who want to bridge the knowledge gap in finance, entrepreneurship, and investing. 

Coming from a background of immigrant parents that descended from Nigeria, Michael grew up with a diverse and cultured childhood starting in Newark, NJ. Growing up he learned the challenges that most of his peers faced due to their environment, race and lack of resources and vowed to help anyway possible. I have a dream foundation is a true testament of making the community of Newark a better place for not only the youth but for all and that is why it was important for him to join the board. 

Micheal believes that everyone deserves to live without financial burdens and has made it his life's mission to educate as many people as possible about the importance of investing. Before co-founding two companies in 2013, Golden Door Asset Management and VM Global Consulting, Micheal worked as an investment banking analyst at Goldman Sachs and US Masters Residential REIT. Micheal Ojo has a solid background investing in real estate and holds degrees in Finance and Business Management from Seton Hall University.

Born and raised in Newark, New Jersey, Doug Evans has woven the threads of his life through the vibrant tapestry of his hometown. His educational journey led him through Central High School and Kean College, where he not only honed his academic skills but also discovered his passion for community engagement. Embracing a diverse professional path, Doug acquired licenses as both a real estate and life insurance agent, showcasing his commitment to providing valuable services to those around him.

In 2006, Doug became an integral part of the IHAD Program Newark, contributing to its inception and growth. His dedication to the program led him to assume the role of a Board Member approximately five years ago, bringing his wealth of experience and genuine commitment to the organization's mission. Doug's involvement goes beyond professional obligations; it is rooted in a deep understanding of the transformative power of education and community support. This commitment is further fueled by his belief that every individual, regardless of background, deserves access to quality education and the support necessary to achieve their dreams.