Meet The Team

The people carrying the mission forward.

SANI is guided by dedicated volunteers who bring decades of experience in community organizing, cultural preservation, and nonprofit leadership. Our team combines the wisdom of founding members with the energy and vision of the next generation stepping up to carry it forward.

Ernestine Burleson-Allen

President

Ernestine has served SANI since its founding in 1994, helping guide the organization from a small community gathering into a lasting institution for Surinamese culture in America. As President, she continues to lead SANI's mission with the same commitment that started it all.

Roel Ritfeld

Vice President

Roel has been part of SANI since our founding in 1994, helping coordinate some of the organization's most significant humanitarian work, including Suriname's first emergency medical system. As Vice President, he continues to help guide SANI's mission forward.

Alfred Yorks

Director of Cultural Affairs

Alfred has served as SANI's Director of Cultural Affairs since our founding in 1994, helping preserve and celebrate Surinamese traditions through music, culture, and community events ever since.