Dear friends,
I am writing to you today to update you on our transition of leadership. My two-year term as the chair of the Board of Directors completes this month and I am honored to introduce you to the new executive officers of CIELO’s board. Chair Alejandra Esqueda Hunt and Vice-Chair María Sigüenza will lead CIELO through our 25th Anniversary year and beyond.
Alejandra has a demonstrated personal and professional commitment to CIELO’s mission. She has served on the CIELO board for four years, the latest two as vice-chair. An immigrant from Guadalajara, Mexico, she has a deep connection with CIELO’s client community. Alejandra has had a career as an administrative assistant and interpreter for the Law Office of Steffani Powell, an immigration attorney. Currently, Alejandra serves as a Case Support Specialist and mediator at the Dispute Resolution Center of Thurston County. Outside of work, she is an active member of Strengthening Sanctuary Alliance, advocating for the immigrant community. Additionally, Alejandra is the wife of an Army veteran and proud mother of three. Alejandra can be reached via email at BoardChair@CIELOprograms.org
María has served on the board for two years. She is Mexican-born, Washington-raised, bilingual, and bicultural. She was appointed by Governor Inslee to direct the Washington State Commission on Hispanic Affairs in 2018. She has led diverse and inclusive policy change in the four state agencies in which she has worked and has provided direct service to the Spanish-speaking community as a medical interpreter in Skagit, Whatcom, Snohomish, and Thurston counties. In her spare time, she works with her partner, Derek, to restore her second 1920s home and loves to spend time with her (very!) energetic dog, Quetzal.
I am excited to support these ladies as they take CIELO to the next level alongside our Treasurer Ken Miller, Executive Director Julio Rios and dedicated staff. #VivaCIELO!
Sincerely,
Dr. Mary Ferris
Immediate Past Chair
CIELO Board of Directors
