About Our Team
“Ceci”
Community Organizer/ESL Coordinator
Cecilia is a resident of Albany Park community for nine years. As alumni of the Adult High School Program of the Center, she is an example for the community. She now coordinates the ESL classes within the Center and works closely with our community partners.
“Isa”
Community Organizer/Adult High School Administrator
Isabel has 7 years of experience working with the Center. Chosen by the members of the community as its representative of the collective of the Autonomous Center. She now focuses on higher education for adults seeking their high school diplomas.
“Gera”
Community Organizer/ IT Support Specialist
Long time community volunteer facilitating adult computer classes. Newest member of Centro Autonomo
“Astrid”
AUSM Coordinator
She participated, as a student, in the AUSM-Mexico study abroad program in the fall of 2011. She holds a BA in Spanish for the Professions from the University of Colorado at Boulder. As a member of UMAS y MEXA de CU Boulder, Astrid’s work as a community organizer and activist was geared towards issues of immigration, access to higher education, and health that surround the Chican@/Latin@ community.
“Eli”
Professor
a professor of Spanish and Mexican culture in the Study Abroad Program. She holds a doctorate in anthropology from the CIESAS in Mexico City.
“Tom”
International Education Director
From 1988 to 1997 Tom was the Director of Pastors for Peace. From 1987 to 1988 he organized the first national material aid caravan to Latin America as National Coordinator of the Veterans Peace Convoy to Nicaragua. From 1984-1986 he was co-founder of the New York-Nicaragua Construction Brigade. He has a doctorate in rural development from the UAM-Xochimilco in Mexico City.