An update from the Board of Director’s..

Happy New Year!!!  May 2024 be a year where healing, reconciliation, and transformation occur within and between countries, communities, families, and for each of us personally.  Each year of life presents us with opportunities and challenges. We look forward to all that is ahead for CORE in 2024 as we bid farewell to 2023 which certainly had its challenges.  

To ensure that you stay updated . . . 2023 offered some transitions and changes for CORE El Centro.  In February CORE welcomed a new Executive Director.  Vanessa Llanas offered her skills, insights, and wisdom, but after nine months decided that CORE needed someone with skills different from hers.  In late November she resigned.  We thank Vanessa for her willingness to take up the challenge and to share her gifts with the organization.  CORE wishes Vanessa well as she moves forward in her life. 

CORE’s Board of Directors has been and continues to be actively engaged in ensuring that the mission, financial sustainability, and the leadership of the organization are strong.  We plan to use the next six months to strengthen the roots of CORE El Centro, affirm its mission and focus on creating an organizational structure that meets the current and future needs of the Milwaukee community. 

On behalf of the board of directors I am pleased to announce that Rebeca Heaton Juarez, Director of Strategy and Finance, and Samantha Sanchez, Director of Development, have agreed to step into an Interim Co-Executive Director role for the first six months of 2024.  Having served as Directors, they have shown strong leadership skills over the past several years. The board feels their passion for the mission and their skills of collaboration and strategy will offer creative insights, stabilization and a renewed vision for CORE.  During this time the board will continue to evaluate and plan for a long-term leadership structure that fulfills the mission, vision and needs of CORE.  

Over the years CORE has had major moments of change that have been transformative.  This is another time in our history where we welcome the chance to grow in our evolution so that we can continue to serve the most vulnerable in our community. We are strong, and we are incredibly grateful for the many ways in which you continue to support the powerful and profound mission of CORE.  You are the ones who help CORE stay viable and live our unique mission.   THANK YOU!!

Deeply grateful for each of you,

Kevin Wondra

President, CORE El Centro Board  

Rebeca Heaton Juarez (left) Samantha Sanchez (right)