Centro Hispano Milwaukee president and chief executive officer Toni Rivera-Joachin has stepped down from the organization to lead a Madison-based nonprofit.
Rivera-Joachin, who has led Centro Hispano since 2015, will begin as executive director of Families & Schools Together (FAST) on March 4.
“I was blessed and humbled to lead this amazing organization in my childhood community,” Rivera-Joachin said. “My family personally benefited from the services and programs of Centro Hispano and this inspired me to jump in to help at such a critical time. Centro Hispano means so much to Latinos and immigrants in our community that come here to establish roots, attain their version of the American dream and contribute to a better society through opportunities for work, language acquisition, education, personal development and housing as their bridge to self-sufficiency.”
Centro Hispano (also known as the Council for Spanish Speaking) is an advocacy organization and bilingual service center that operates several programs related to education, housing and social services. Founded in 1964, it’s Milwaukee’s oldest Latino nonprofit.
The board of directors is in the process of identifying Rivera-Joachin’s successor. John Yingling, principal of financial services consulting firm Paladan Group LLC, will serve as interim executive director. Kay MacKenzie, director of operations, will work with Yingling to oversee daily operations.
“Toni has demonstrated unparalleled passion and commitment to both Centro Hispano Milwaukee and the Latino community in general,” said Julio Maldonado, president of the Centro Hispano Milwaukee board. “She has worked tirelessly during her many years of service in Milwaukee to help provide an improved quality of life to the thousands of clients served through the agency’s programs. Toni reflects what true community leadership means and the board of directors wishes her immense success in her future endeavors.”
