At ConTextos,

our name is our mission.

Since our inception in 2010, we have directly served over 3,300 people and reached nearly 76,000 in Chicago, El Salvador, and beyond.

We work con textos, with words and stories, to develop trauma-informed, healing centered programs and trainings that strengthen literacy, critical thinking, personal identity, and emotional well-being.

We also work en contexto: with awareness of the histories, cultures, and lived experiences that shape every person and place we serve. Rather than challenge conflict, we are in relationship with it. We strive to listen, learn, and collaborate with educators, institutions, and communities navigating complex realities.

Whether in Chicago, El Salvador, or anywhere we are invited, we walk alongside our partners to co-create spaces of safety, growth, and connection, rooted in dignity and mutual respect.

See Our Impact
Learn Our Philosophy

Executive Team

  • Dr. Cecilia Cardesa

    ConTextos Global CEO - Read Bio

  • Zoila Recinos

    Co-Founder & Executive Director
    Read Bio
    El Salvador

  • Katie Hill

    Board Chair - Read Bio

  • Kali Rose

    ConTextos Chicago Co-Director,
    Read Bio

  • Kalief Dinkins

    ConTextos Chicago Co-Director,
    Read Bio

Our Global Team

  • Daniel

    Global Partnerships

  • Michael

    Monitoring & Evaluation Officer

  • Nelson

    CEO Initiatives, Morazán

  • Paola

    Curriculum Praxis

  • Rebecca

    Global Communications Officer

  • Rene

    Global Compliance Officer

Our Team

  • Ahnika

    Community Advocate
    Chicago

  • Belky

    Project Referent
    El Salvador

  • Daisy

    Psychosocial Technician
    El Salvador

  • David

    Program Assistant
    Chicago

  • Flor

    Budget Management & Administration Coordinator
    El Salvador

  • Gabriela

     Development Referent
    El Salvador

  • Guadalupe

    Office Assistant
    El Salvador

  • Jackeline

    Psychosocial Technician
    El Salvador

  • Jennifer

    Program Coordinator
    El Salvador

  • Juliannah

    Financial Operations Associate
    Chicago

  • Kristina

    Grantwriter

  • Lisa

    Deputy Executive Director & Director of Programs
    Chicago

  • Rosondunnii

    Mental Health Consultant
    Chicago

  • Sandra

    Monitoring, Evaluation, & Learning Specialist
    Chicago

  • Spankey

    Community Advocate
    Chicago

  • Trevor

    Lead Facilitator
    Chicago

  • Tyler

    Communications Associate
    Chicago

  • William

    Logistics Assistant
    El Salvador

Board of Directors

  • Katie Hill

    Board Chair

  • Ricardo Cevallos

    Vice President

  • Suzanne Maleck-McKenna, Ph.D

    Secretary

  • Francesca Jessup

    Treasurer

  • Anthony Barash

    Board Member

  • Larry Ford

    Board Member

  • Jill Gross

    Board Member

  • Darlene McCampbell

    Board Member

  • Caroline Murphy

    Board Member

  • Mark Payne

    Board Member

  • Gabriela Poma

    Board Member

  • Jose Rodriguez

    Board Member

  • Kristin Rosekrans, Ph.D

    Board Member

  • Sadie Stockdale Jefferson

    Board Member