Eric Rodriguez – Executive Director, 2002 - present
Eric Rodriguez is the son of undocumented Mexican migrants and began volunteering with the Latino Union in 2002. While working as the managing coordinator of the Albany Park Workers’ Center, Eric facilitated the establishment of systems operations at the Center while simultaneously acting as the primary street corner organizer. Eric brings to this work a background of environmental and community organizing in the Humboldt Park neighborhood and museums like the John G. Shedd Aquarium. A recipient of the 2009 35 Leaders Under 35 award, he will graduate from North Park University in 2010 with a degree in Non-profit Management.
Gonzalo Cruz – Southwest Side Organizer, 2005 – present
Originally from Puebla, Mexico, Gonzalo Cruz first became involved in social justice work by organizing workers at factory where he worked in Brooklyn, NY. After serving as a Workers’ Center coordinator for the Latin American Workers’ Project, he relocated to Chicago and worked as a volunteer for the Latino Union. After four years, he joined the staff as a trainer and organizer on the city’s south side.
Patricio Ordoñez – Albany Park Workers’ Center Coordinator,
2005 - present
Originally from Ecuador, Patricio Ordoñez joined the Latino Union as a day laborer who sought employment at the Albany Park Workers’ Center. In December, 2005 he joined the staff as part-time coordinator where he manages job distribution, marketing and job promotion, and leadership development amongst workers.
Jhonathan Gómez – Northwest Side Organizer, 2008 – present
Mr. Gómez was born and raised in Guatemala and came to the U.S. with his family when he was 13 years old. Since high school he has volunteered with the Presbyterian Church at the national level in youth and young adult development projects in addition to organizing for the Immokalee Workers on the local level in Chicago. While working as an Americorps Volunteer with City Year he developed an after school arts program at a south side elementary school.
Gabriel Machabanski – Wage Theft Program Coordinator, 2009
After graduating from George Washington with a bachelor degree in International Affairs and Spanish Literature, Mr. Machabanski worked at the Jewish Council on Urban Affairs coordinating social justice and immigrant rights advocacy programming. He recently spent two years in Cuzco, Peru working for a non-profit that empowers local Quechua communities to improve economic and social conditions.
Elisa Ringholm – Development Staff, 2009
Ms. Ringholm graduated from Loyola University Chicago with degrees in Anthropology, Spanish and Environmental Science in 2008. She used activism, volunteering and research to create educational programs and projects during her undergrad focused on sexual assault awareness, poverty alleviation, community development, local peoples’ rights in Latin America and environmental justice.
Kasia Tarczynska – Organizer, 2009
Born and raised in Poland, Kasia came to the U.S. as an international student in 2002 to study at Mercyhurst College. Since then she has worked as an organizer for ICIRR and began an Urban Planning Masters program focused on Community Development at UIC. A part time organizer, she performs outreach to Eastern European day laborers in Avondale.
Antonio Sanchez – Albany Park Workers’ Center Coordinator¸ 2008 – present
Originally from Colombia, Mr. Sanchez is a day laborer who also works as Center Coordinator part-time managing the contracting process, job distribution and job promotion.
Staff is supported by a dedicated activist & member board, training and expertise provided by the NDLON, and a strong mentorship provide by veteran staff and long-term supporters & volunteers.
