About US
DoConnect is an innovative provider of workforce and employment training that tailors its highly successful programs to individuals in our local Westchester communities.
In 2023, the latest business survey conducted by the New York State Department of Labor demonstrated that some of the biggest challenges for employers were retention, hiring and training staff. DoConnect endeavors to fill that gap by specializing its services to meet the needs of the potential employer. We go a step further through our visionary training to focus on building skill base to earn market wage. With training in safety, security and administrative skills, as well as strengthening knowledge and attitudes that enhance success, DoConnect’s professional posture and holistic approach to the job market is leading the industry.
At the core of the DoConnect model is our understanding that success starts with individualized training and development. Our staff is certified with Ready, Set, Work training and partnered with licensed trainers to certify participants in Security training, safety, flagger, basic Microsoft, Excel and Word, basic computer skills, administrative skills and be assigned a career coach to walk them through every step of the process and much more. Participants enrolled in our program are introduced to workforce trades that can lead to permanent employment. In order to qualify, each participant completes intake documents to get them into training, and become a part of an authentic community that cares about their growth and experiences in the work market.
Participating with DoConnect helps prepare them to navigate the obstacles that confront people returning to work or searching for their ideal job. Appropriate training and skills boost confidence. DoConnect works as hard as our participants to assist them in achieving their success. Beyond the necessary trainings, we are partners in the success of our participants providing necessary wrap around services such as resume building and actual leads for employment.
Our Team
Diana Ortiz, Founder/Executive Director
Diana (ella/her) started DoConnect Inc. not for profit organization after seeing the need in her own community. She's worked for Exodus Transitional Community for 15 years, where she contributed her skills and talent in an Executive role to helping expand the mission in East Harlem, Poughkeepsie and Newburgh. She used her knowledge and expertise in startups; creating programs and establishing additional revenue resources. Diana has many years of experience working in a leadership role, so it was a natural transition for her to start her own not for profit in Westchester County. She describes her work as the most rewarding because she helps create opportunity, awareness and possibilities for change and individual career advancement. She earned a Master’s Degree in English Literature - but loves the work of Social Service. In 2011, she was recognized by El Diario as one of the Mujeres Destacadas (Distinguished Women). In 2016, Diana was featured in Career and Lifestyles Magazine.
Ariluz Quinones, Director of Community Outreach and Facilitation
Ariluz Quinones (they/them) is a passionate educator from Westchester, New York. They began their career in youth work at Rutgers-Newark as the National Program Coordinator for the BOLD Women’s Leadership Network and continued that work as the Director of Racial Justice and Youth Programming at YWCA of White Plains & Central Westchester. In 2021, Ariluz became a Program Manager at Sadie Nash Leadership Project and continued to craft their skills as a facilitator and curriculum builder. They have taught racial equity courses and youth empowerment programs across Westchester, New York City and Newark, New Jersey. Ariluz holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Smith College, is an alum of the Powherful Foundation and the Institute for Nonprofit Practice’s Community Fellows Program. Ariluz is immensely invested in creating a better world for all of us and to do everything they can to help others create a life for themselves that is truly fulfilling.
Board Of Directors
Julio Medina
Board Chair/Treasurer
 Antoinette LaSorsa
Secretary
Ben Tallerson
 Sharon Ferrer Nunez
Rudy Holder