ABOUT US

Our Staff

Dedicated. Experienced. Passionate.

Our Staff

Dedicated. Experienced. Passionate.

We LOVE the work we do!

The HACES Family

At HACES, we strive for a culture of service, not only to our clients but also to the emotional and professional well-being of our staff. As an organization, we foster a sense of:

  • Respect and fairness
  • Trust and integrity
  • Teamwork
  • Employee engagement and opportunities for advancement 
  • Communication and transparency
  • Diversity 
  • Results

Meet Our Team

Maria Elena Jonas

Executive Director
Department of Justice Accredited

Alicia M. Garcia

Director of Programs

Nidia I. Ortiz-Cahue

Finance Manager

Martha Herandez

New Americans Initiative Program Coordinator

Maria Gutierrez

DACA Case Manager

Ivan Lezama

Manager
Outreach and Community Engagement

May Vera

Receptionist for Legal Programs & Services

Evelyn Campos

Illinois Access to Justice Program Coordinator 
Department of Justice Accredited

Cindy Ruiz

Immigration Case Manager
Department of Justice Accredited

Lesley Tenorio

Immigrant Family Resource Program Coordinator

Jennifer Ayala

COVID-19 Case Manager

Beatriz Aguilera-Tenorio

Community Health Educator

Rosa Elena Galarza

Receptionist for Health & Education Program Support

Sincereuray Gordon

Parent Mentor Organizer 

Claudia Rosiles

Parent Mentor Coordinator

Jessica Hughes

Parent Mentor Coordinator

Angelica Castrejon

Parent Mentor Coordinator

Maria Gallegos

Parent Mentor Coordinator

Edith Elias

Development Coordinator 

Meet Our CEO

HACES’ President, CEO and founder, Maria-Elena Jonas, is a recipient of many local and national awards for her work on behalf of the immigrant community. In her 30 years of community work, she has opened the path for immigrant families to secure a brighter future in their new home in the US.

Meet Our CEO

HACES’ President, CEO and founder, Maria-Elena Jonas, is a recipient of many local and national awards for her work on behalf of the immigrant community. In her 30 years of community work, she has opened the path for immigrant families to secure a brighter future in their new home in the US.

“HACES is the best place where people can receive support, help and services; thanks to HACES and María Gutiérrez, my life changed tremendously.”
SARA
Client of HACES
“HACES is the best place where people can receive support, help and services; thanks to HACES and María Gutiérrez, my life changed tremendously.”
SARA
Client of HACES

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