Our Team
Dina Nieves (Founder)
Dina Nieves is the founder of Collective Action for the Diaspora (C.A.D.), where she draws from her unique background and personal history to drive the organization’s mission of providing humanitarian relief. Born to a Palestinian Nakba survivor, Dina's life has been deeply shaped by her family’s experience with displacement. Her passion for supporting at-risk and displaced communities is rooted in this personal connection to the Palestinian cause.
Before co-founding C.A.D., Dina built a successful career in finance, where she honed her skills in organizational leadership and resource management. Today, she channels this expertise into C.A.D.’s operations, ensuring that the organization delivers effective, sustainable aid to families in Gaza and other vulnerable regions. Her leadership is also focused on promoting cultural appreciation and bridging divides between diaspora communities and the wider global community.
In addition to continued humanitarian aid, Dina's vision includes establishing an official "Right to Return" program. As a Palestinian-American, she believes that every Palestinian should have the opportunity to return, even if for just a moment, to appreciate and aid in rebuilding their homeland.
“I believe that through cultural reintegration and their ability to return home, the Diaspora will be vital in the rehabilitation of Palestine and in amplifying reparations for their homeland.”
Stephanie Fuentes (Co-Founder)
Stephanie Fuentes is the co-founder of Collective Action for the Diaspora (C.A.D.), a non-profit organization dedicated to delivering critical humanitarian aid and fostering resilience in underserved communities. With a background in community psychology, Stephanie’s work centers on building strong, culturally rich communities that support displaced and at-risk populations, particularly in regions like Gaza and Palestine.
Driven by a passion for equity and inclusion, Stephanie has helped lead C.A.D.'s rapid-response initiatives, ensuring that essential resources reach families in need. Under her co-leadership, the organization also promotes cultural understanding and education, creating meaningful connections between diaspora communities and the global community.
Stephanie’s work is grounded in her commitment to humanitarian values and a vision for a more empathetic world, where every individual, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to thrive.
Maggie Abudayyeh (Cultural Integration Advisor)
With 40 years of leadership and management experience, primarily in the airline industry, Maggie is known for her expertise and deep empathy in fostering cultural understanding. A devoted wife of 38 years, mother of four, and grandmother of four, she has always been committed to nurturing strong connections, both in her professional life and within her family and community.
Outside of work, Maggie has been a pillar of her church community, serving on the board and actively participating in volunteer projects as a strong Palestinian voice. She is currently a member of Our Lady of the Ridge, having spent many years at St. Mary’s, where her kindness and dedication to service made a lasting impact.
As our Cultural Integration Advisor, Maggie brings her natural passion and ability for connecting people across cultures. Her empathy drives her work in bridging divides, ensuring that the organization’s initiatives are inclusive and respectful of all voices. With her unwavering dedication to serving others and her natural ability to foster understanding, Maggie is an invaluable part of the team.