Our mission

EKO aims to facilitate equal access to resources and opportunities for students and their families facing underprivileged circumstances by creating programs and strategies to empower them to thrive throughout their educational journey.

 

Our history

Empowering Kids Organization (EKO) was born in 2019 from the belief that education is a fundamental right and the recognition of the complexity and struggles for low-income families, particularly the ones with a language barrier or with children with special needs, to access enrichment programs and help their children to thrive.

We have a deep debt of gratitude to our first and most faithful supporter, James “Jim” W. Northrop. Jim was instrumental in the creation of EKO. Since our inception, he went above and beyond to ensure we got the necessary means to get this project started and was enthusiastically invested in the successful completion of our first program. We will forever be grateful for his advice, his cheerful disposition, and most of all for his trust. We want to honor his legacy as we move forward by making the difference he made in our lives and the lives of others.

EKO Board

DR. PATRICIA
FONTAN

PRESIDENT

TERESITA
USME

TREASURER

MARÍA JOSÉ
ORGEIRA

SECRETARY

Terry
Baker

TRUSTEE

Michael
Gorman

TRUSTEE

EKO Partners

EKO can provide all programs free of cost for students in the school free or reduced lunch program, thanks to the generosity of our community partners. Grants, in-kind services, and individual donations fund our programs.

EKO Founders

DR. PATRICIA
FONTAN

PAOLA
ACOSTA

MARÍA JOSÉ
ORGEIRA

TERESITA
USME

Creating opportunities by connecting families and resources to empower children for a brighter future.

Facebook-f Instagram Linkedin
Navigation
Quick
Get In Touch

© 2026 All Rights Reserved.

EKO President

EKO Co-founder and president

"Empowering families breaks barriers and allows students to thrive"

Originally hailing from Argentina, she is a biologist who embarked on a journey that led her to the United States in 1996. Since 2008, she and her family have made Summit, NJ, their home. Through her voluntary role as chair of the Amigos Group at Washington Elementary School, Patricia gained valuable insights into the impact of cultural barriers on the educational path of Hispanic children. 

Taking on the position of Hispanic Liaison within the Summit Schools District, Patricia dedicated her time to constructing bridges between Hispanic families and the schools. She fervently believes that by empowering these families to dismantle these barriers, students can thrive academically and in all facets of their lives.

Teresita Usme

EKO Co-founder and treasurer

"Every person has the right to decide who to become"

She is an Electronic Engineer from Colombia who has lived in Summit since 2003.

She firmly believes that every person has the right to decide who to become and what to do in life instead of letting others decide for them. This belief has inspired her to focus on opening doors through educational opportunities for children.

During her children’s school years, Teresita was actively involved as a volunteer at the Summit Schools. She volunteers at the AARP Tax-Aide Program and is a member of the executive board of C.H.A.T for Summit.

Maria Jose Orgeira​

Co-founder & Board Secretary of EKO

"Education as an equalizer for human development"

A former chemical engineer, she changed careers to become a teacher and pursue her passion for education. An avid learner, she holds a degree in Chemical Engineering from Universidad Simón Bolívar, a Graduate Certificate in Special Studies in Administration and Management from Harvard Extension School, a Graduate Certificate in Spanish Translation and Interpreting, and an MA in Spanish from Montclair State University. 

María José currently works as a high school teacher at Summit High School. She has been an active member of PTOs and Hispanic Parent Associations in the Summit, NJ public schools since 2007, when she moved to Summit with her family. 

She believes in education as an equalizer for human development. Most likely, the only opportunity an individual has to overcome the adverse circumstances in which he was born. It is that principle that inspired her to co-found EKO. She currently serves as chair of the Fundraising Committee.

Terry Baker

Trustee

"I use my background in media and storytelling to inspire students and help them find their voice"

Is a seasoned media executive and creative leader with over 30 years of experience in television production and programming. A multi-award-winning Executive Producer and Director, he has led the creative, technical, and operational development of both live and recorded content for broadcast and digital platforms. With a strong editorial vision and deep understanding of the business side of media—including Marketing, Public Relations, and Affiliate Relations—Terry has played a key role in network launches, strategic revamps, and ongoing operations. Known for developing compelling, high-quality content that engages audiences and drives growth, he is also a respected mentor who has guided major on-air talent and cultivated new voices in the industry. Terry Baker brings valuable expertise in storytelling, leadership, and strategic thinking to support EKO’s mission and community impact.

Michael Gorman

Trustee

"I bridge education, business, and community to create meaningful learning opportunities"

Brings extensive experience in education, business leadership, and strategic management to EKO’s Board of Trustees. He has served as an ELL Aide at Summit Public High School, providing direct support to English Language Learners across multiple subject areas, and previously worked as a K–12 Substitute Teacher within the Summit Public Schools district. His professional background includes over two decades at American Express, where he held leadership roles directing operational risk management, business continuity planning, strategic development, and financial operations across global markets. In addition, he has entrepreneurial experience as a co-owner of real estate investment companies, managing property acquisition, renovation, and sales. He holds an MBA and a BA in Economics from Rutgers University. His combined expertise in education, finance, and community engagement strongly supports EKO’s mission to empower families and expand access to educational opportunities.

Paola Acosta

EKO Co-founder

"I am dedicated to building a more equitable and inclusive system"

I was born in Mexico City. She was awarded the International Max Planck Research School scholarship to study for her Ph.D. in Physics in Stuttgart, Germany. Afterward, Paola lived in Japan for three years, and since 2011, Summit, NJ, is the place she calls home. As a firm believer in the common good and a beneficiary of public education throughout her life, she advocates for a more equitable and inclusive education system.  

Paola is the president of Speak Up Summit, an active member of the Anti-Racism Committee of the Summit Interfaith Council, and volunteers in different organizations. For her advocacy work, she was recognized with the 2019 Shaping Summit Together MLK Jr Keepers of the Dream Award.