Executive Director: Sandy Alcalá

Sandy 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 fundraising, organizational management, and relationship-building skills.

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Development Coordinator: Open Position

For more information over the Development position, please contact sandy@conmimadre.org

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Program Director: Sonia B. Castellanos

Sonia 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.

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Middle School Coordinator: Karla Salas

Karla Salas was born and raised in Harlingen, TX. As a participant of the Upward Bound Math and Science program–a program designed to help first generation students with college awareness and college credit–she was able to graduate high school as a Junior and entered as a Sophomore at Our Lady of the Lake University. During her time there, she interned at a Women’s shelter where she learned about domestic violence and the emotional and psychological effects it has on both victims and their children. Consequently, one of Karla’s passion points has become advocacy for domestic violence victims. Through the support of her parents, Karla was the first person in her family to graduate college with a Bachelors in Psychology. She then moved to Dallas, TX to continue her education at the University of Texas at Arlington where she received her Masters of Science in Social Work. In the DFW area she continued her work in domestic violence, and was fortunate enough to intern at Millwood Psychiatric Hospital where she worked with adolescents and children. After graduating with her Masters, she worked at Communities in Schools for two years assisting students overcome obstacles, graduate high school, and be the first in their family to attend college. Now as the Middle School Program Coordinator for Con Mi MADRE, Karla’s hopes are to make the program stronger and instill the self-esteem needed for participants to do well in school and pursue their post-secondary goals.

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High School/Communications Coordinator: Cynthia De La Cruz

Cynthia De La Cruz received her Bachelors of Science in Media, Culture, and Communication from New York University. Her two fields of study included: Globalization & Culture Production and Images & 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.

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College Persistence Coordinator: Savahnna Cortez

Savahnna Cortez is originally from South Texas and moved up to Austin to pursue a post-secondary education. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Human Ecology from the The College of Natural Sciences at The University of Texas at Austin. After graduating, Savahnna returned to the Rio Grande Valley and worked  as an Advise TX college Adviser at PSJA High School. AS a Rio Grande Valley native and first-generation student herself, it was natural for her to meet the needs and advocate for underrepresented students. Through her experience, she was able to collaborate with many college and university professionals and became well-versed in the college admissions process, which includes applying for scholarships and financial aid. Savahnna built a strong college-going culture among her students and their families; she hopes, and aspires to build the same strong relationships with her Con Mi MADRE students, as she now transitions into assisting our Con Mi MADRE alum with persisting and graduating from college.

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Administrative Associate: Cindy Maciel-Reyes

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. In addition gathering data for the program. Cindy provides direct services to families needing financial assistance. Cindy is trained as a Benefit Bank Coordinator and can help Con Mi MADRE families identify government assistance in times of need.