About Us
Our Mission
A thriving Latino community, equipped to preserve distinct cultural identities within the broader community.
Our Vision
El Concilio enables and promotes the prosperity of the Latino Community.
Our Values
Respect for Human Dignity Service and Leadership Authentic Collaborations Education and Entrepreneurship Respect for Diverse Cultural Traditions Embrace Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
For more than 30 years the Hispanic American Council — a non-profit, community organization has sought to serve the Latino community in the greater Kalamazoo. As a liaison between potential clients and service agencies, the Council seeks to meet the needs of a special population often hindered by language barriers, cultural differences, and unfamiliarity with service agencies and institutions.
Throughout the programs and services offered, the goal of the Council is to assist Hispanics in attaining self-sufficiency and a higher level of social and economic well-being. The Council also strives to nourish and encourage the diverse cultural heritage of the Hispanic population.
The Hispanic American Council has been advocating and providing culturally sensitive services for Hispanics since 1981. In the early 1970’s, a group of Hispanics affiliated with St. Joseph’s Catholic Church met regularly to recite the rosary and discuss issues affecting the Hispanic community.
When an elected official made a public “racial remark” this group organized into The Spanish-Speaking Steering Committee to educate the community about Hispanics, their needs, and their contributions to Kalamazoo. This committee grew into the Hispanic American Council and became a 501(c)3 organization in January 1981.
On November 2nd of 2017, El Concilio becomes the new official name of the Hispanic American Council – El Concilio will continue serving the Latino community of greater Kalamazoo and partners.
Board of Directors
President: Luis Garcia
Vice-President: Lissette Mira-Amaya
Secretary: Cynthia Zabala
Treasurer: Emiliano Cortez
Nivia Marquis
Robert Ezell
Maria Diaz
Becket J. Jones
Robert Flecher, PhD
Our Staff
Adrian Vazquez
Executive Director
Sofia Ovalle
Assistant Director/ Fund Development
Juliana Hafner
Program Coordinator
Irving Quintero
Community Engagement Manager
Jeff Geromin
Preschool Director
Normajean Cisneros
Preschool Assistant
Martha Herrera
AARP Staff
Hernan Varilla
AARP Staff
Annual Reports
Budget Annual Report: PDF file
Service Annual Report: PDF File