B1C Welcomes New Board Chair and Announces Board Updates

Building One Community (B1C), the Center for Immigrant Opportunity is pleased to announce that Hon. Mary Sommer (ret.) has been named Board Chair, effective immediately. She succeeds Eleanor Riemer, who is stepping down from her role for personal reasons. B1C extends its heartfelt gratitude to Eleanor for her years of service, during which she provided steadfast leadership and unwavering dedication to advancing the organization’s mission.

Mary Sommer brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to social justice and community service. A superior court judge for the State of Connecticut since 2008 and a graduate of the University of Notre Dame Law School, Mary has been a powerful advocate for juvenile justice and mental health issues. Her extensive community involvement includes serving on multiple non-profits including being the Vice Chair of the B1C current Board. Mary is also deeply involved in the overall work of the Immigration Legal Services team at B1C. She has contributed her expertise to board governance and strategic planning, making her an invaluable leader for B1C during this time of growth and opportunity.

"I am honored to serve as Board Chair for Building One Community," said Mary Sommer. "B1C’s mission of supporting immigrant families is critical to building a thriving, inclusive community, and I look forward to collaborating with the board and staff to continue this essential work."

Additionally, B1C is excited to announce the addition of three new board members, whose diverse expertise and passion will further strengthen the organization’s capacity to serve the immigrant community- Omar Dinar, Jon Gold, and L. Francis Huck. Their exceptional expertise and commitment to community service will further strengthen B1C's mission to advance the success of immigrants in Fairfield County.

• Omar Dinar - Omar Dinar’s extensive background in wealth management and personalized financial planning will enhance B1C's ability to achieve long-term financial stability. His dedication to financial literacy and empowerment aligns seamlessly with B1C's mission to support and uplift immigrant families.

• Jon Gold - With over 30 years of expertise in real estate investment and finance, Jon Gold brings strategic financial insight and leadership to B1C. His experience in managing large portfolios and growing endowment assets will help strengthen B1C's financial sustainability and expand its capacity to support immigrant communities.

• L. Francis Huck - L. Francis Huck's decades of legal and financial expertise, coupled with his leadership in community-focused organizations, will guide B1C's strategic initiatives. His deep commitment to education, environmental advocacy, and governance will help drive impactful programs and foster stronger community relationships.

“As we bid farewell to three board members - Eleanor Riemer, David Cohen and Arisleyda Riehl, we do so with immense gratitude for their unwavering dedication and service," said Elena Perez, Executive Director of B1C. "Their contributions have been instrumental, and their legacy will continue to inspire our work. We wish them the very best in their future endeavors and look forward to staying connected as they remain valued members of the B1C family."

As B1C moves forward with renewed leadership and expanded board expertise, the organization remains deeply committed to its mission of creating a welcoming and inclusive community where immigrants can thrive.

For more information about B1C and its initiatives, please visit www.b1c.org.

About Building One Community

Building One Community (also known as B1C) is a nonprofit organization, established in 2011 that provides a comprehensive resource center for immigrants in the greater Stamford area. The mission of Building One Community is to advance the successful integration of immigrants and their families. Since its inception, the organization has served over 19,000 immigrants from 129 different countries. B1C provides free services that educate, employ, empower, and engage immigrants and the broader community. Programs offered include ELL (English Language) programs, family and individual support services, immigration legal services, and workforce development programs. Community volunteers, donors, and partnerships are an essential component of the growth of Building One Community. More information may be found at www.B1C.org.