Oakland, CA – The Board of Directors of Centro Legal de la Raza today announced that Theresa Gonzales, M.S. has been chosen to lead the organization as executive director.
“On behalf of the board, I am delighted to welcome Theresa as Centro’s new executive director,” says Centro’s Chair of the Board Rosanna Marrero Neagle. “We are very excited to have Theresa assume the role of executive director at Centro Legal. Theresa brings to Centro exceptional leadership, passion and dedication to the community we serve. We expect Theresa to not only continue Centro Legal’s excellent programs, but to work with partners and funders to help expand Centro’s programs to more people in need.”
Gonzales is a proven community leader with a depth of knowledge and leadership in nonprofit organizations. She most recently served as Deputy Director for Fathers & Families of San Joaquin, where she worked closely with the founding executive director to sustain and build program excellence while assuming direct responsibility in critical areas, including finance and infrastructure development, organizational performance and staff culture. During her career, Theresa has received several awards and honors, including the Jeanne Gauna Social Justice Spirit and Women of Influence in the Nonprofit Industry Awards.
Theresa is a graduate of the University of New Mexico, she received an MS in Health Education and a Bachelor Degree in Business Administration.
“I am honored for this opportunity to lead Centro Legal de la Raza,” says Gonzales. “I look forward to working with the board of directors, the staff and all the community partners to build upon and expand Centro’s impressive legacy.”
Centro Legal de la Raza is a nonprofit founded in 1969 and for almost five decades has protected the rights of low income communities in the East Bay and throughout Northern and Central California. The nonprofit combines quality legal services with know-your-rights education in the areas of immigration, tenants rights, and employment. Centro Legal will be celebrating its 50th anniversary next year.