El Concilio Kalamazoo
About Us
Our story, mission, and vision for a thriving Latinx community.
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 people
Meet the team
The people who move El Concilio’s mission forward every day.
Adrian Vazquez
Chief Executive Officer
Celestina Robles
Admin. Coordinator
Daniela Osorio-Rivera
Preschool Teacher Aide
Elizabeth Hernandez-Alonso
Preschool Asst. Teacher
Irene Tomax
Preschool Kitchen Assistance
Irving Quintero-Gervacio
Chief Operation Officer
Janet Fernandez
Director of Services and Community Resources
Jeff Geromin
Preschool Director
Jessica Cortes
Director of Programs
Jesus Grillo
Road To Success Coach
Jocelyn Velasco
Preschool (3 year olds) Lead Teacher
Liliana Obregon
Preschool Family Admin.
Lizcel Lopez
Preschool Teacher Aide
Maria Faison, MALLP
Behavioral Health Therapist (Family Health Center)
269.349.2641 EXT 272
M. Clara Salinas
Academia Azteca Coordinator
Michael Anderson
Property Management
Naomi Washington
Admin. & Language Coordinator
Samantha Rodriguez
Community Resource Navigator
Rebecca Jackson
Preschool Asst. Teacher
Zayra Bujanos
Community Resource Navigator
Our story
More than four decades of service, advocacy, and community.
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, El Concilio 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 El Concilio is to assist Hispanics in attaining self-sufficiency and a higher level of social and economic well-being. El Concilio also strives to nourish and encourage the diverse cultural heritage of the Hispanic population.
1970s
A community begins to organize
El Concilio, formally known as the Hispanic American Council, has been advocating and providing culturally sensitive services for Hispanics since 1981. In the early 1970s, a group of Hispanics affiliated with St. Joseph’s Catholic Church met regularly to recite the rosary and discuss issues affecting the Hispanic community.
1981
From advocacy to incorporation
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.
2017
A name that carries the mission forward
On November 2nd of 2017, El Concilio became the new official name of the Hispanic American Council. El Concilio will continue serving the Hispanic community of greater Kalamazoo.
Community leadership
Board of directors
Guided by leaders committed to a thriving Latinx community in greater Kalamazoo.
Board officer
Sandra Calderón-Huezo
President
Board officer
Phil Cruz
Vice President
Huntington Bank
Board officer
Jeff Bolser
Treasurer
Advia Credit Union
Board officer
Rachel Viñales
Secretary
Kalamazoo Defenders
Board director
Dr. Karen Garcia
Board Member
Bronson Healthcare
Board director
Angel L. Gullon-Rivera, Ph.D
Board Member
Western Michigan University
Board director
Rebeca Arevalo-Visuet
Board Member
Kalamazoo Public Schools
Board director
Diana Hernandez
Board Member
Western Michigan University
Retiree
Board director
Fanny Gonzalez
Board Member
YWCA
Board director
Michael Griffin
Board Member
1st Source Bank
Board director
Lana Maria Escamilla
Board Member
LEWIS REED & ALLEN, P.C.
Board director
Lissette Mira-Amaya
Emeritus Board Member
Board director
Bob Ezell
Emeritus Board Member
Board director
Roberto Flacheir
Emeritus Board Member