About El Concilio California

Our Mission

To uplift, educate, and advocate for low-income and marginalized communities across California’s Central Valley through culturally responsive education, health, legal, and family support services.

Our Vision

Thriving communities where every individual and family has access to opportunity, stability, and the resources needed to achieve their fullest potential.

Founded in 1968, El Concilio California has served as a trusted community anchor across California’s Central Valley for more than five decades. Our organization was established to uplift and advocate for underserved and marginalized communities, and today we continue that mission through integrated health, education, legal, and family support services.

 

We believe that strong communities begin with strong families. By delivering culturally responsive programs rooted in dignity and equity, we ensure individuals and families have access to the resources, knowledge, and support they need to thrive.

 

El Concilio provides coordinated, multigenerational services that address the whole person — strengthening stability today while building opportunity for tomorrow.

Local Community Presence

We provide inclusive, culturally responsive programs that address health, education, legal protection, and economic stability. By supporting the whole person—not just a single need—we help individuals and families build lasting self-sufficiency and stronger futures.

Guided Access to Services

Navigating support systems can be overwhelming. El Concilio California serves as a trusted guide, connecting community members to the right services through personal, bilingual assistance—ensuring no one faces barriers, confusion, or judgment alone.

Community Centered partnerships

Lasting change happens through collaboration. By working alongside local agencies, schools, healthcare providers, and community partners, we expand access, strengthen impact, and respond more effectively to the evolving needs of the communities we serve.

Our Impact

Strong foundations for brighter futures.

Each year, El Concilio California serves more than 75,000 individuals and families across the Central Valley through culturally responsive, multigenerational programs.

Behind every number is a family gaining stability, a child entering school prepared to succeed, or a community member accessing essential care.

Leadership and Staff

Guided by community-focused leadership.

Careers at El Concilio California

El Concilio California is led by a team of dedicated professionals, advocates, educators, and community leaders committed to expanding access and advancing equity throughout the Central Valley.

Our leadership ensures that programs are responsive to community needs, accountable to our mission, and aligned with long-term impact goals

Leadership & Administration

VP, Strategic Innovation

Mark Apostolon

Early Childhood Development Centers

Program Director

Linda Craig

VP, Program Development

Lynnette Lucaccini

VP, Operations

Jose Moreno

Chief Operating Officer

Carmen Padilla

President & CEO

Jose R. Rodriguez

VP, Civic Engagement

Dr. Inés Ruiz-Huston

Chief Financial Officer

Jose G. Torres

Board of Directors

Officers

Dr. Susan Giraldez

Chair

University of the Pacific
Associate Professor

Mary Macias

Treasurer

Mission Bank
Business Banker

Vanessa Castro-Drivon

Secretary

Retired Educator

Members
Karyn Johnson
Marisol Resendiz Garcia
Dr. Rami Georgies
Joseph Hui
Saul Martinez
Vicki Lock

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Your Support Makes Change Possible

By volunteering, donating, or partnering, you help expand access, strengthen families, and create thriving communities across California’s Central Valley.