August 29, 2008
Dear Friends, Supporters, Partners, and Volunteers of El Centro,
Change seems to be the theme for 2008. Calls for change can be heard from presidential candidates and their supporters. The notion of transition seems to be in the air and in Western North Carolina, El Centro is leading the way.
Walking through the doors of the center you may notice a new smiling face to greet you. Claudia Campana, native Chilean, joined the team in June. Her experience in the naturalization process and her desire to help the Latino community makes her an excellent match for the Information and Referral Program. Claudia will be helping the center connect people in need with the resources available in the community. We are excited to have her on board!
After five years of working for the Latino Community in Henderson County, Patrick Tappia is leaving the center. His future plans include relocating to the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Patrick will coordinate the program of certified interpreting services for the General District Court of Fairfax County. He will be missed but we wish Patrick well on his new adventures.
This August also brought about change within the leadership of the center's governing body, our Board of Directors. Sarah Nunez, Board President for the past 4 years will be stepping down. During Sarah's tenure, the center has grown and developed into a model Latino center for WNC. Her leadership has laid a strong foundation for evolution. Among many accomplishments, the organization has completed and extensive Strategic Plan to direct growth. Sarah will be leaving a healthy and strong organization with lots of energy and enthusiasm in the capable hands of Adriana Chavela.
Adriana Chavela, an outstanding community leader and business developer for Mountain Bizworks will be continuing the mission work of the center. Adriana has a well proven track record of organizing and community building. We look forward to the spirit she will bring to the board and El Centro.
Finally, after many meetings and discussions, it has been decided that Carolina McCready and Evelyn Alarcon will co-guide the organization till the end of the year. No one knows the center better than these two individuals and they bring the necessary skills to the table to lead the organization through this time of building and transitioning.
The only constant is change! We at the center embrace the opportunity to develop new ideas and leadership. We look forward to continue working with you to better serve the Latino and broader community.
Thank you for your support!