Staff
y Alcalá is a native born Austinite and graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Science in Home Economics-Interior Design. She is an alumnus of The University of Texas at Austin’s Community MBA Program and Leadership Austin. Ms. Alcalá was the Hispanic Mother-Daughter Program Chair in 1998, served on the Advisory Board from 1999-2002 and was a founding Board member of Con Mi MADRE in 2007 giving her years of experience and a thorough understanding of the program’s history, mission, purpose and goals established for the girls and their mothers served by this program. Her ongoing involvement with various community organizations has developed her expertise in fund raising, organizational management, and relationship-building skills.Program Director
Son
ia B. Castellanos, MSSW, received her Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work from St. Edward’s University and her Master of Social Work degree from The University of Texas at Austin. She joined Con Mi MADRE in June 1999, and brings several years of experience working with indigent Mexican American migrants and Latino families. For many years, she has provided school-based social services to young Latinas and their families. Her professional interests include social justice for immigrant families, recruitment and retention of traditionally underrepresented populations in secondary education, higher education outreach for Latino families, and multiculturalism and diversity. During 1995-96, Sonia also served as a mentor and tutor for the program.
Christine Kutnick, CFRE runs her life based on her favorite quote, “Be the change you want to see in the world” (Mahatma Gandhi). After graduating from Pflugerville High School, Christine experienced many different colleges but finally graduated from California State University, LongBeach. For the past 13 years, Christine has been working with many organizations to develop a strong donor base to support organizations focused on healthcare, human rights and social action. In addition to her personal life, Ms. Kutnick is involved in many community organizations.
Middle School Coordinator
Meghan Dalton, LMSW received both her Bachelors and Masters of Social Work degrees from The University of Texas at Austin. Meghan is a new addition to Con Mi Madre bringing over 7 years of experience working with individuals and families from diverse populations. Meghan has an interest in cultural immersion and international social work. She has worked in Austin, Texas, Ocotepeque, Honduras and Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania providing services to teen girls, adults and families with a strong focus on HIV/AIDS management and prevention, reproductive rights, female self-esteem development and empowerment, making Con Mi Madre a wonderful fit for both her previous experience and future professional goals. Additionally, Meghan’s professional interests include working with undocumented individuals and families as well as the GLBTQ population.
High School Coordinator
Cynthia De La Cruz received her Bachelor of Science in Media, Culture, and Communication from the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development at New York University. Her two fields of study included: Globalization and Culture Production and Images and Screen Studies. While at NYU, she tutored K-12 students in the urban schools of Manhattan through the America Reads, America Counts program. She then moved on to become the Public Relations Coordinator at Time Inc.’s People en Español magazine. As an alumnus of the Con Mi MADRE program, Cynthia’s personal investment to continue the growth of the organization and the women it helps is her driver through this new journey. Cynthia hopes that her recent personal experiences, professional, and academic work will benefit the lives of the invested members in the same way which she has benefited from them. Telephone: (512) 475-6308; Email: cynthia@conmimadre.org
Cindy Maciel-Reyes received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Visual Art Studies from The University of Texas at Austin. She also attended The University of Texas at Dallas and majored in arts and humanities. She joined Con Mi MADRE/JL-HMDP in November 1998. Cindy brings years of experience working in school district, community college, and university settings.
