Casa Latina’s board names Marcos Martinez new director

The following is from Casa Latina, which is affiliated with the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO:

SEATTLE (Jan. 15, 2016) — After an extensive search in collaboration with worker-members and staff, the Casa Latina board of directors is proud to have selected Marcos Martinez as the organization’s new Executive Director. Founding Executive Director Hilary Stern “will pass the baton” to Marcos in early February 2016, completing 22 years in her leadership role.

“Marcos is a visionary leader with a profound commitment to the Latino immigrant community. We’re delighted that he will be building on Hilary Stern’s incredible legacy during this new chapter of our advocacy and service to the community,” says Casa Latina Board President Dan Ford.

Hilary Stern adds, “Marcos is a proven community leader whom I have admired for many years. I look forward to great things for Casa Latina, the Latino immigrant community, and Seattle under Marcos’ capable leadership.”

Marcos comes to Casa Latina from Entre Hermanos, a community-based nonprofit whose mission is to promote the health and well-being of the Latino LGBTQ community, where he has served as Executive Director since 2007.

Before moving to Seattle, Marcos spent 20 years leading news and programming at NPR radio affiliate KUNM in Albuquerque, NM. Throughout his career, Marcos has devoted himself to social justice for Latinos and other immigrant, low-income, and disenfranchised communities.

Marcos says, “I’m inspired by Casa Latina’s ability to create long term social change by helping people find work while also advocating for more just policies such as anti-wage theft laws and immigration reform. I feel honored to have the opportunity to lead this organization, and I look forward to working with its talented staff and devoted board of directors.”

Casa Latina is a nonprofit organization that empowers Latino immigrants through educational and economic opportunities, including day labor employment, English language classes, workplace safety and job skills trainings, leadership development, and community organizing around issues of public policy that affect immigrant workers. Casa Latina envisions a day when the Latino community participates fully in the economy and democracy of this country.