Prosperity And Progress Through The Preservation Of Our Cultural Treasures
Our community group works to strengthen the community, build bridges, and advocate for equity and inclusion for the Latine community in Evanston. We have been meeting since the Spring of 2017 in an attempt to connect with the community. Our group is comprised of various leaders and members of the Latine community who live and or work in Evanston and have a passion for helping this specific underrepresented community. As a group, we have explored barriers, strengths, needs and wants by hearing directly from the Latine community in Evanston and their experiences
Leadership
Ricardo Villalobos
Executive Director
Ricardo Villalobos is a professional recognized for his dedication to community impact, cultural advocacy, and collaborative leadership. With deep roots in diverse neighborhoods, Ricardo has built a career bridging community needs with strategic partnerships that foster equity, opportunity, and representation.
He brings expertise in program development, outreach, and resource mobilization, consistently championing initiatives that uplift underrepresented voices. Passionate about fostering inclusive spaces, Ricardo draws on both lived experience and professional insight to create meaningful connections between individuals, organizations, and civic institutions. Whether leading grassroots projects, advising on cultural programming, or advancing local economic opportunities, he remains committed to strengthening our social fabric and ensuring all communities have a seat at the table.
Board of Directors
Nancy Castillo
President
Nancy Castillo is an organizational designer; Operations, HR, and strategy Leader; and leadership coach who brings over 18 years of experience to the work of building healthy, resilient, inclusive, and adaptive organizations. Nancy leads her own practice where she partners with leaders and organizations across sectors to navigate transformative change, align values with action, and create thriving spaces.
José López
Board Member
José López has dual citizenship: USA and Dominican Republic. First generation immigrant arrived at the age of 15. Has lived in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Connecticut, New York, Indiana, Michigan, and arrived in Evanston, Illinois in November 2021.Trained in conflict resolution and peace keeping. Has volunteered as trustee in various local community organizations and national associations boards.
Shirley Kuzmanic-Galan
Board Treasurer
Shirley is a dedicated Latina leader with over a decade of experience in operations, program development, and community empowerment. After studying at the University of Chicago, she started her career in public service with the National Hispanic Institute, supporting programming that would allow students to become intellectually, culturally, and socially engaged in the life of their local communities while also identifying the future leadership needs of the global Hispanic community. Being inspired by the ground work at the National Hispanic Institute, she became a state legislative staffer covering the south Chicago suburbs. For over 8 years she cultivated relationships with government officials and community partners, advocated for systemic change, and supported local policy initiatives through research, developing programs, media engagement, and legislative drafting. She brings a powerful blend of cultural insight, policy expertise, and grassroots experience to her work. Currently in her 5th year as the Director of Operations at the James B. Moran Center for Youth Advocacy, she leads strategic planning, financial management, and people operations to ensure the delivery of impactful services to youth and families in Evanston. Through compassionate, intentional leadership, Shirley continues to uplift underserved communities and drive meaningful change where it’s needed most.
Natalia Moreno Polomarkakis
Board Member
Natalia Moreno Polomarkakis was born and raised in the Chicago suburb of Highland Park. After graduating from Highland Park High School in 1998, Natalia pursued her Bachelor of Social Work at the University of Montana. UM offered a unique experience for Natalia as the Latino population was practically non-existent. That didn’t stop Natalia from creating UM’s first Latino student organization called La Raza Unida.
Natalia returned to Highland Park after graduation and began her Social Work career as a home-visitor for the Right From the Start program. Right From the Start’s mission was to support Latinas who were expecting a child, or had children 0-3 years old. From there Natalia transitioned to working in after-school programs which encouraged her to earn her MSW (Masters in Social Work), which she did from the University of Illinois Chicago. Natalia then spent eight years at District 83 in Northlake, Illinois as a School Social Worker.
For the past 10 years Natalia has served the Evanston community as a bilingual School Social Worker in District 65 at Oakton and Willard Elementary Schools and the JEH Early Childhood Center. Natalia has been active over the years in the District 65 PTA Equity Project and the District 65 Climate Action Team.
Ivette Ramirez Pineda
Board Member
With 12 years of experience in banking, I have built a strong foundation in financial services, customer relations, and community-focused solutions. My work has always centered on helping individuals, families, and businesses reach their financial goals through personalized services, strategic planning, and lending opportunities. At the core of my career is a commitment to building trust and long-lasting relationships.
For the past three years, I have been proud to work and live in Evanston, where I’ve had the privilege of engaging with its vibrant and diverse community. In particular, I’ve seen how important it is to create access and opportunities for Latino families and businesses, who are such an integral part of the city’s culture and growth. Listening to their stories and understanding their needs has motivated me to be more intentional about supporting financial empowerment and inclusion within the community.
As I look ahead, I am eager to deepen my involvement through Evanston Latinos. I believe this organization plays a vital role in advocating for equity, celebrating culture, and creating pathways for opportunity. By combining my professional experience with my passion for service, I look forward to supporting initiatives such as financial literacy programs, small business resources, and community-building projects that uplift Latino families.
With a deep respect for Evanston’s Latino community, I am committed to contributing my skills and energy to strengthen connections, foster empowerment, and make a lasting positive impact.
Ilinca Wallace
Board Member
Ilinca Wallace is the Regional Council Manager for Birth to Five Illinois, Region 1-B-D (Cook North). With a career that spans community-based Early Head Start and Head Start programs, nonprofit organizations, and consulting, Ilinca brings a passion for supporting families and building strong early childhood systems to her work.
Ilinca immigrated to the United States at age 11. Today she’s fluent in Romanian, Spanish, and English—a reflection of her love for culture and connection. She earned her Master of Science in Child Development (with a focus on administration and infancy) from Erikson Institute and went on to complete her PhD in Community Psychology at National Louis University.
Outside of work, Ilinca is happiest spending time outdoors with her husband, Chad, and their three spirited daughters. Whether hiking, biking, or just enjoying fresh air, family adventures are her favorite way to recharge.