We have some exciting news to share with our wonderful Catholic Volunteer Network community!
After an extensive and thorough search, led by our search partners at Imagine Consulting, we are delighted to introduce you to our new Executive Director, Cecilia Flores (she/her/ella/sis). She brings with her a wealth of experience with youth and community organizing, with a deep commitment to our mission.
About Cecilia
Cecilia, daughter of Leo and Marie, mother of Kiara and Jacob.
Cecilia is the daughter of Filipino immigrants who grew up in the San Francisco bay area. She has spent over 15 years working with communities of faith to address issues of poverty and injustice in the US and in Central America through the formation and development of youth, young adults, and women.
She holds an MA in Global Development & Social Justice from St. John’s University, while grounding herself in the cultural traditions and lessons she received from her parents and elders. She is passionate about building community, facilitating opportunities for encounter, and helping others discover and develop their gifts in order to change the world.
“When reading the job description and the story and strategy from 2019-2021, I was struck by and excited by the boldness of the expressed vision for the organization. After spending six years engaged in faith based service abroad, coming back to the US and reflecting on my own identity as a child of immigrants and woman of color, I spend a great deal of time wrestling with the thought of whether or not my service was a perpetration of imperialist ideals, or in fact a genuine expression of faith. To read a Catholic organization articulate goals centered on becoming an antiracist organization, embodying diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as a recognition of the need to reflect on the current state of the church and how it continues to evolve makes me particularly excited to be part of CVN and to lead the team responsible for carrying out this sacred work. “ –Cecilia Flores
Join Us in Welcoming Cecilia
Cecilia stood out among an exceptional pool of candidates with her remarkable background and dedication to our cause. As a former volunteer and as a person of faith, she will be steering us with her vision and passion, bringing creativity and energy to the work.
We invite you to join us in extending a warm welcome to Cecilia Flores. While you will have the chance to meet her in person at the National Conference, we encourage you to reach out and introduce yourselves in the coming weeks.
We believe that Cecilia will be an invaluable asset to our team, and we are eager to see the fresh perspectives and insights she will bring to the Catholic Volunteer Network. Together, we are embarking on an exciting and prosperous future under her exceptional leadership.