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

Dr. 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.
Dr. Anju J. Rupchandani
Executive Director

Andre T. Stith
Family Engagement Coordinator
Fun Fact:
Andre T. Stith
Family Engagement Coordinator

Lisseth Castillo
Special Projects & Operations Manager
Fun Fact:
Lisseth Castillo
Special Projects & Operations Manager

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

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

Carrie Watt, LCAT, RDT
Creative Arts Therapy Program Manager
Long Island City High School
Fun Fact:
Carrie Watt, LCAT, RDT
Creative Arts Therapy Program Manager
Long Island City High School

Hayley Mitchell
Program Manager
Long Island City High School
Fun Fact:
Hayley Mitchell
Program Manager
Long Island City High School

Christopher Bisram
PT Drama Paws Stage Associate
Long Island City High School
Fun Fact:
Christopher Bisram
PT Drama Paws Stage Associate
Long Island City High School

Nico Rodriguez
Attendance & Family Support Coordinator
IS 126Q
Fun Fact:
Nico Rodriguez
Attendance & Family Support Coordinator
IS 126Q

Stephen Lo Giudice
Administrative Assistant
Fun Fact:
Stephen Lo Giudice
Administrative Assistant

Matthew Evans
Community School Director
PS 171Q
Fun Fact:
Matthew Evans
Community School Director
PS 171Q

Nyeema Wickham
Attendance & Family Support Coordinator
PS 171Q
Fun Fact:
Nyeema Wickham
Attendance & Family Support Coordinator
PS 171Q

Tyler Groskinsky
Data & Outcomes Coordinator
Fun Fact:
Tyler Groskinsky
Data & Outcomes Coordinator

Nafeesa Rahman
PT Administrative Assistant
Long Island City High School
Fun Fact:
Nafeesa Rahman
PT Administrative Assistant
Long Island City High School

Coreen Robledo
21st Century After-School Site Director
Long Island City High School
Fun Fact:
Coreen Robledo
21st Century After-School Site Director
Long Island City High School

Janet Astudillo
Assistant Community School Director
Long Island City High School
Fun Fact:
Janet Astudillo
Assistant Community School Director
Long Island City High School


Soham Deval
21st Century PT Data Entry Coordinator
Fun Fact:
Soham Deval
21st Century PT Data Entry Coordinator

Miguel Balbuena
Deputy Director of Schools and Community Programs
Fun Fact:
Miguel Balbuena
Deputy Director of Schools and Community Programs

Adrian Caballero
21st Century Academic Director
Fun Fact:
Adrian Caballero
21st Century Academic Director
Our Evaluation Reports
Take a look at our yearly compilation of Zone 126’s results, findings, and next steps.

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