Staff Spotlight: Tatiana Nolivos Sarmiento

For Tatiana Nolivos Sarmiento, Program Coordinator at Schwartz Men’s Shelter on Ward’s Island, the most meaningful moments aren’t always the biggest. 

One client had spent years moving through foster care, shelters, rehabilitation programs, and incarceration. He rarely smiled or engaged with others. One day, Tatiana asked if he would help organize a donation of books. “He looked at me with the biggest smile and said, ‘I’m really happy to.’” That moment stayed with her. “These guys deserve more happiness in their lives,” she said. 

For Tatiana, moments like these are a reminder that progress isn’t always measured by housing placements alone. Sometimes it’s a conversation, a smile, or the moment someone begins to feel seen. “The best part of this work is building trust,” she said. “When clients feel safe, they start sharing what they really need.” 

“The best part of this work is building trust. When clients feel safe, they start sharing what they really need.” 

tatiana nolivos sarmiento

At Schwartz, Tatiana helps clients access employment support, educational opportunities, substance use services, and other resources that support long-term stability and independence. She often uses humor to break down barriers and create a welcoming environment where clients feel comfortable asking for help. “We try to create a really chill, safe environment for everyone,” she shared. “People respond better when they respect you—not when they’re afraid of you.” 

Before joining VOA-GNY, Tatiana worked as a lawyer in Ecuador. When she immigrated to the United States a little over two years ago, she experienced firsthand the uncertainty that comes with starting over in a new place. That experience deepened her understanding of the challenges many clients face as they rebuild their lives. 

Service has always been central to who she is. “I’ve been volunteering my whole life,” she said. “I just love service.” Whether supporting clients at Schwartz, advocating for wage equity at the Equal Pay, Equal Work Rally, or volunteering with Scouting America and other nonprofit organizations, Tatiana is guided by the same belief: everyone deserves to feel valued.

“They just need one moment of joy,” she said. “One hour where they don’t feel forgotten.” Thank you, Tatiana, for helping the people we serve feel seen, supported, and never alone.