What is Zone 126?
We are an organization focused on creating positive impact in the communities within area codes 11101, 11102, and 11106 in Astoria and Long Island City. While this area of Queens is enjoying an economic boom, our children are continuing to grow up in generational poverty. We’re utilizing Collective Impact to ensure our children are supported from cradle to career.


The Challenge
More than 20,000 families are living in concentrated pockets of poverty in Astoria and Long Island City. Over 8,000 are children. A child living in poverty faces multiple environmental, social, and physical barriers to academic success.

The Solution
Build strong educational pipelines that close achievement gaps for Black, Latinx, and low-income students. Promote a culture of shared responsibility to change the learning ecosystem and direct resources toward student success.



Our History
Zone 126 was created in 2011 by The Thomas and Jeanne Elmezzi Foundation after a two-year extensive study done in public housing. A needs assessment analysis (referred to as Project 126) concentrated on three zip codes, 11101 (NYCHA Queensbridge Houses), 11102 (NYCHA Astoria Houses), 11106 (NYCHA Ravenswood Houses). This area of focus is a concentration of poverty inclusive of 20,000 low-income citizens within these three public housing developments that have the greatest social and economic need in Western Queens, New York. The prime focus of residents in public housing was clear: high quality education for their children. With this in mind, the Elmezzi Foundation created Zone 126. Using Collective Impact as a framework, Zone 126’s role has been to attract resources to build local community-based organizations’ capacity and connect schools and families to the resources that will improve conditions for success.
Our Team

Anju J. Rupchandani
Executive Director
Fun Fact:
You can always catch Anju armed with three things a bagel, a book, and a cup of tea.
Anju J. Rupchandani
Executive Director

Andre T. Stith
Student & Family Support Manager
Long Island City High School
Fun Fact:
Andre T. Stith
Student & Family Support Manager
Long Island City High School

Lisseth Castillo
PT Data Aide to Long Island City High School
Long Island City High School
Fun Fact:
Lisseth Castillo
PT Data Aide to Long Island City High School
Long Island City High School

Denise L. Catlyn
Attendance Coordinator
P.S. 171
Fun Fact:
She enjoys helping people and spending time with her daughters and reading autobiographies and Christian Stories.
Denise L. Catlyn
Attendance Coordinator
P.S. 171

Claudia M. Esteva
College & Career Manager
Long Island City High School
Fun Fact:
Claudia loves to bake homemade desserts.
Claudia M. Esteva
College & Career Manager
Long Island City High School

Stephen LoGuidice
Administrative Assistant
Fun Fact:
"Hard work doesn't bother me. I actually like it.”
Stephen LoGuidice
Administrative Assistant

Valentina Di Loreto
Community School Director
Intermediate School 126
Fun Fact:
Valentina is a cross country All American athlete.
Valentina Di Loreto
Community School Director
Intermediate School 126

Michelle Makabali
Community School Director
Long Island City High School
Fun Fact:
Besides her love of music and education, Michelle enjoys cooking, trying new recipes, is a fan of football, and traveling.
Michelle Makabali
Community School Director
Long Island City High School

Katey Ray
Community School Director
PS 171Q- Peter G. Van Alst
Fun Fact:
Katey loves music and dancing and is an avid NY sports fan.
Katey Ray
Community School Director
PS 171Q- Peter G. Van Alst

Nilber Remon
Data & Evaluation Manager
Fun Fact:
Nílber is currently on a weight-lifting regimen.
Nilber Remon
Data & Evaluation Manager

Catherine Vozikis
Attendance Coordinator
IS 126Q
Fun Fact:
Catherine loves to read, travel, and practice yoga!
Catherine Vozikis
Attendance Coordinator
IS 126Q

Edward O’Blenis
Theatrical Social Emotional Learning Specialist
Long Island City High School
Fun Fact:
Edward O’Blenis
Theatrical Social Emotional Learning Specialist
Long Island City High School
He is a Fox Fellow and was awarded a Fox Foundation Grant to research New digital technology in Acting.
He resides in Manhattan and is a proud member of AEA, SAG-AFTRA and The Actors Center.

Nico Rodriguez
College Transition Program Associate
Long Island City High School
Fun Fact:
Nico Rodriguez
College Transition Program Associate
Long Island City High School
Get in touch!
Questions or comments? Want to get involved? We’d love to hear from you. Fill out the contact form with your name and message, and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.
31-10 23rd Street
Ground Floor
Astoria, NY 11106