LAS COLONIAS

Juana has been with the CDC since June 2023. She started in the accounting department, handling all incoming invoices and ensuring timely payments to our vendors. She also assisted with general office management procedures and is now the Office Manager of the CDC.

Brittany began her journey with the Citizenship Preparation Classes in 2017 as a volunteer tutor and class assistant. She now serves as a case worker, specializing in consular processes, and supports Consular Mobiles throughout West Texas and the southern New Mexico region. In 2025, Brittany graduated with dual bachelor’s degrees in Communication Disorders and Linguistics.

Zenia has been with the ISIF program since 2017.  She is a senior case worker. She has acquired extensive experience in the legal immigration services office.  She is under review for her accreditation with the Executive Office for Immigration Review.

Lorraine has been with the ISIF program since 2015.  She has acquired extensive experience in the legal immigration services office. She is a Senior Case Worker, partially accredited legal representative. She was originally accredited in 2018.

Ana has been with the organization since 2015. She is the primary person in charge of clients’ files.  She is the primary archivist for immigration.

Estefanía started as a receptionist in 2022 and is now case worker with Consular processes.

Hennessey is a caseworker specializing in citizenship processes. She began her journey in this field as a high school volunteer in 2017 and has since developed a genuine passion for helping those in need. She is currently working toward obtaining her accreditation to further support and assist clients throughout their citizenship journeys. Outside of work, Hennessey is a wife and mother to a baby boy who brings her great joy. She values spending quality time with her family and cherishes the moments they share together.

Johanna has been with the CDC since July 2023. She began as a Case Worker Assistant, providing support with consular processes and other consular-related matters for our clients. She now serves as a Case Worker.

Jesus has been with CDC for 11 years. He began his journey as a volunteer conducting mock interviews for citizenship students. While pursuing his master’s degree in education, he began teaching citizenship classes. After three years, he became the lead teacher for the program, a role he continues to hold while also teaching classes. Jesus finds great fulfillment in helping students achieve their dream of becoming U.S. citizens. Being part of their journey and witnessing their hard work pay off is what makes his work so meaningful.

Jose has been with Colonias Development Council for four years. He began his journey in 2022 as a student in the citizenship program. After completing the program, he became a volunteer and later an assistant to the lead teacher, where he began learning how to teach and support students throughout their citizenship journey. Eventually, he became a citizenship teacher, serving students in both El Paso and Las Cruces.

What Jose enjoys most about his job is helping students achieve their goal of becoming U.S. citizens and encouraging them along the way. He inspires his students with his motto: “Positivos o negativos, siempre positivos” (Positive or negative, always positive!).

María Luna has been with the organization since August of 2022. She is a Promotora de Apoyo familiar based in the Vado area assisting with outreach activities.

Xavier has been with CDC since 2021. He first began as a tutor with the CDC. Now, he manages the CDC website along with social media. Xavier has a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communications, he also works for Student Life at NMSU as the Coordinator of Communications and Technology.