Meet Our Founder
Pilar Lombana is the President of ACANEA Community Alliance and the founder of ACANEA Holistic Wellness.
Originally from Popayán, Colombia, Pilar is currently pursuing a degree in Community Behavioral Health at SUNY Polytechnic Institute. After a successful 26-year career in the banking industry, she followed her passion for wellness, personal growth, and community service by founding ACANEA Holistic Wellness in 2023.
Her journey into youth programming began with a simple question: How can we help young people manage stress, build resilience, and feel connected to their community? In 2024, with support from CNY Arts, she launched the Culture of Peace program, using Colombian folk dance, arts, and cultural experiences to promote self-expression, confidence, and well-being among youth.
Building on that success, in 2025, with support from Project RISE, Pilar helped create the Utica Walkathon, a youth-led community wellness initiative that encourages healthy lifestyles, leadership development, mindfulness, and community engagement.
These experiences inspired the creation of ACANEA Community Alliance, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering youth and strengthening communities through education, wellness, arts, and leadership opportunities.
Her mission is simple: to build stronger communities and help shape a brighter future through education, creativity, wellness, and support.
Meet our Vice President
Miguel Riascos is a public service and community development professional with experience in case management, refugee resettlement, program coordination, and community leadership. He is currently pursuing a Master of Public Administration and International Relations at Syracuse University.
Professionally, Miguel serves as a Direct Support Assistant with OPWDD Central New York, supporting individuals with developmental disabilities and promoting community inclusion. His previous work in refugee resettlement and migrant assistance reflects his commitment to helping individuals and families access opportunities and thrive.
As Vice President of ACANEA Community Alliance, Miguel supports the organization's mission of empowering youth, strengthening communities, and promoting wellness, education, and community engagement.
Fluent in both Spanish and English, he is passionate about public service, cultural inclusion, and creating positive community impact.
Meet our Treasurer
Kelley Kain is a seasoned leader with more than 20 years of experience strengthening organizational operations, leading teams, and supporting organizations through growth and change. Throughout her career, she has helped build effective systems, foster collaboration, and guide organizations toward achieving their goals.
Passionate about mission-driven work, Kelley brings a relationship-centered approach that values teamwork, trust, and community engagement. She believes that strong organizations are built through meaningful connections and sustainable practices that create lasting impact.
As Treasurer of ACANEA Community Alliance, Kelley supports the organization's financial stewardship and long-term sustainability, helping ensure resources are managed effectively to advance its mission of empowering youth, strengthening communities, and creating opportunities for growth and success.
Meet our Secretary
Rosa Viggiano is an experienced Spanish educator with more than 12 years of teaching experience. Originally from the Dominican Republic, she is passionate about promoting cultural awareness, language learning, and meaningful communication across diverse communities.
Throughout her career, Rosa has been dedicated to creating inclusive and engaging learning environments that support student growth, confidence, and success. She believes that education is a powerful tool for building understanding, fostering connections, and empowering individuals to reach their full potential.
As Secretary of ACANEA Community Alliance, Rosa supports the organization's governance and communications while contributing her passion for education, culture, and community engagement. Her commitment to student success and cultural inclusion helps advance the organization's mission of empowering youth and strengthening communities through education, creativity, and opportunity.