El Concilio Is A Non-Profit, Community-Focused Organization That Seeks To Help Latinx Residents Support Their Families, Contribute To Society And Appreciate Their Cultural Significance In The Region.
OUR MISSION
To enable and promote the prosperity of the Latinx Community.
OUR VISION
A thriving Latinx community, equipped to preserve distinct cultural identities within the broader 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
OUR STAFF
Adrian Vazquez
Executive Director
vazquez@elconciliokzoo.org
Irving Quintero
Associate Director
irving@elconciliokzoo.org
Celestina Robles
Administrative Coordinator
robles@elconciliokzoo.org
Zayra Bujanos
Community Engagement
bujanos@elconciliokzoo.org
Karolain Garcia
Office Manager
Karolain@elconciliokzoo.org
Jessica Cortes
Director of Programs cortes@elconciliokzoo.org
Otto "Tito" Asbeury
Academia Azteca Coordinator asbeury@elconciliokzoo.org
Eva Ramirez
Academia Azteca Coach
ramirez@elconciliokzoo.org
Maria Faison
Mente Sana Counselor
faison@elconciliokzoo.org
Roxana Almonacid
Mente Sana Counselor
almonacid-sinn@elconciliokzoo.org
Jesus Grillo
Road To Success Coach
grillo@elconciliokzoo.org
Irene Bello
Community Health Navigator
bello@elconciliokzoo.org
Jeff Geromin
Preschool Director
geronim@elconciliokzoo.org
Jocelyn Velasco
Preschool Asst. Teacher
gonzalez@elconciliokzoo.org
Liliana Obregon
Preschool Family Administrator
obregon@elconciliokzoo.org
Giselle Gutierrez-Monroy
Preschool Teacher Aide
El Concilio has more than 40 years of experience in providing services, programs, advocacy and creating partnerships to support the needs of the Latinx community in the greater Kalamazoo area.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.
Through 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 became 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
Sandra Calderón-Huezo
President
OutFront Kalamazoo
Maria Luisa Diaz
Vice President
Huntington Bank
Fidel Salas
Treasurer
EDP Renewables NA, Civil Inspector
Susan Hernandez
Secretary
Berkshire Hathaway Real Estate
Luis Garcia
Board Member
Business Owner
Angel L Gullon-Rivera, Ph.D
Board Member
Western Michigan University
Phil Cruz
Board Member
Huntington Bank
Diana Hernandez
Board Member
Western Michigan University Retiree
Fanny Fernandez
Board Member
YWCA
Mark McKeon
Board Member
Stryker Corporation
Ariel Castillo
Board Member
Miller Davis Construction Corp.
Rachel Viñales
Board Member
Kalamazoo Defenders
Lana Escamilla
Board Member
LEWIS REED & ALLEN, P.C.
Lissette Mira-Amaya
Emeritus Board Member
Bob Ezell
Emeritus Board Member
Roberto Flacheir
Emeritus Board Member