Who We Are

We envision community in which immigrants, regardless of their immigration status, are embraced and valued in the communities in which they live and work.

Since 1991 MI works with different immigrant communities in three areas; Alameda, San Mateo and Contra Costa counties. Our strongest niche is with Latino immigrants, particularly those from Mexico and Central America and its core constituents include day laborers, low-income immigrant adults and youth.

With its gradual and steady growth, MI has continually nurtured partnerships with diverse civic, business, and community leaders. These partnerships have been instrumental in the implementation of several successful projects and community leadership endeavors. An elected Board of Directors oversees MI’s work, which is carried out by a core group of full-time staff, part-time staff, and many enthusiastic volunteers.

OUR TEAM

The Multicultural Institute team is proud to support our communities with our experience, knowledge, language skills, and personal stories. Our staff of full time, student workers, and contractors partner with volunteers at each of our 3 sites to deliver dignified services to immigrants from all walks of life.

Multicultural Institute team of 13 diverse staff members

  • Victoria Rodarte – Co-Chair
    Senior Democracy Fellow, Northern California Grantmakers

    Angelica Contreras – Co-Chair
    Co-Founder, A2Z Media Group

    Charlotte F. TerKeurst- Secretary
    Former Manager and Administrative Law Judge, CPUC

    Christian De La Cruz – Treasurer
    Vice President – General Manager, SBS KRZZ La Raza

    Yvonne Armenta
    Founder, Chats with Yvonne

    Dyana M. Delfín Polk
    Trustee, Peralta Community College District

    Deborah Torres
    Community Advocate

  • Rigoberto Calocarivas, PhD (Fr. Rigo)

  • Dagma Abbott
    Jennifer Acosta-Wilde
    Jon M. Balousek
    Armando Barajas
    Eugenia Bowman
    Cass Candell
    Loan My Carson
    William Cieslak
    Jaqueline DeAnda
    Roberta Deis
    Bernie V. Elissagaray
    José Joel Garcia
    Nicki Ghafari
    Marco Garzon
    Martín González
    Yolanda Guerrero
    Les Guliasi
    Chelsea Jagar
    Jonathan D. Larose
    Lonjino Lazcano
    Beatriz Leyva-Cutler
    James Lockman
    Eugene Long
    Veronica López
    Anamaria Loya
    Rafael Madrigal
    Kim Malcolm
    Lee Medina
    Jesus Méndez
    + Philip Murphy
    Elia Nodal
    + Daniel Plazola
    Abby M. Rincón
    Alfredo Terrazas
    Barbara Terrazas
    Ricardo Velazco
    Victor Robert Weisser
    Maureen Wesolowski
    Janet Whittick
    Ann S. Yabusaky
    Armando Zumaya