Kareem knew as a teenager that God was calling him to serve those in need after giving out sandwiches in Tompkins Square Park through Graffiti’s FLIP Program. He holds a Masters in Social Work from NYU and an M.Div from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He was a social worker for NYC Social Services, and directed MNYBA’s Church and Community Ministries before coming to work full time at Graffiti in 2001. Kareem’s wife, Theresa, also serves as director of Graffiti 4, “Gotta Dance, Gotta Serve.” They have three children.
Carmen moved to the L.E.S. when she married, after…
Team Members
Carmen Villanueva
Office Manager
Carmen moved to the L.E.S. when she married, after growing up in Puerto Rico and Washington Heights. Upon experiencing Graffiti as a mom with her own children in the programs, she went to a deeper level by joining the church, and then the church staff. Her dedication to making the community better, especially in the area of serving children and youth, has shown her to be a wise and compassionate mentor to people in the programs and on the staff. She is encouraged in this work by her husband and two grown children. Habla Español.
