Lola M. Juan (Maya Q'anjob'al), Interim Executive Director, Director of Cultural & Political Education

​Lola is a well-respected and recognized political, cultural, and spiritual authority within the Q'anjob'al Maya Nation. Lola has developed important relationships with Indigenous peoples around the world. Lola guides and tempers the work of the CMPI team with her deep understandings and cultural authority. Lola's knowledge and expertise is critical to ensuring that our work is of the highest integrity and that we are accountable to the Maya people and community we serve. ​

Lizandra Mateo Lorenzo, Executive Assistant

​Lizandra works in our Omaha, NE community center and home office. She provides critical day-to-day support for Maya Q'anjob'al community and leadership in Omaha Territory. ​

​Domingo Alvaro (Maya Q'anjob'al), Program Manager and DOJ Accredited Representative, Maya & Indigenous Human Rights Program

​Prior to joining CMPI, Domingo’s advocacy work included working as a community organizer, providing case management services for asylum seekers and unaccompanied minors, and organizing immigration legal clinics. Most recently, Domingo worked as a paralegal where he helped to conduct legal orientations for unrepresented individuals detained by ICE in the Otay Mesa Detention Center at the San Diego, CA - Tijuana Border Region. 

​Domingo was born in San Pedro Soloma, Guatemala. His immigration experience shaped his career choice to become an immigration advocate. A fluent Q’anjob’al speaker, Domingo has used his language abilities and cultural knowledge to advocate for the Q’anjob’al community to protect due process rights of Indigenous migrants. Domingo obtained a BA in Economics at California State University Long Beach. In his free time, he likes to spend time with his friends and family, hiking, social dancing, and staying physically active.

​Cindy Toledo (Maya Q'anjob'al), Program Manager and DOJ Accredited Representative, Maya & Indigenous Human Rights Program

Cindy is a proud Maya Q’anjob’al woman who was born, raised, and currently residing in the Chumash Tongva territories, now known as Los Angeles, California. Both of her parents are from Jolom K’onob, also known as Santa Eulalia, Huehuetenango, Guatemala. Cindy earned her Bachelor's degree in Political Science with a specialization in International Relations and a minor in Latin American Studies from UCLA. Prior to joining CMPI, she worked as a legal assistant at immigration law firms and had participated as an AmeriCorps member in Jumpstart, a network of volunteers who prepare children attending preschool in low-income neighborhoods for school success. Currently, she is a member of the Technical Team for the National Council of Indigenous Peoples in the Diaspora (CONPID). Along with this, Cindy volunteers with various other Indigenous rights organizations. She has also represented at the United Nations Permanent Forum On Indigenous Issues the challenges that the Indigenous peoples, especially the Maya community, face at the US border and within this country.

​Lucero González Alvarado (Maya Q'anjob'al), Program Manager, Maya Human Rights Program

​Lucero is also taking on additional responsibilities pertaining to the roles of Grants Coordinator and Hiring Liaison for CMPI. Lucero holds a Masters Degree in Human Rights Practice and was trained as a social worker. Her six  years of experience in social work and cultural knowledge is critical to our family reunification project work with Maya and Indigenous families separated at the U.S. - Mexico border region. Prior to joining the CMPI Team as a full-time Program Manager, Lucero spent two years working on Human Rights Research with the United Nations, working with Skylight (https://skylight.is), and as a CMPI Human Rights Program partner. As a Maya Q’anjob’al woman, she is honored to be part of a lineage of strong, kind, empathetic, and resilient women who came before her. We are so grateful she chose to bring her talents to CMPI!

Sandra Alvaro (Maya Q'anjob'al), Program Manager, Maya & Indigenous Human Rights Program

Sandra is currently holding additional responsibilities in communications and as a grant coordinator. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Criminology and Justice Studies from California State University San Marcos. She has experience working in social service and providing behavioral therapy for children and young adults with disabilities. Sandra spent a year working as a Family Support Worker, Early Interventionist and Behavioral Specialist throughout San Diego County. She also spent time volunteering as a mentor for vulnerable children and young adults who were at-risk of negative social and health issues. She has consistently advocated and supported families she serviced so that they may thrive in their home and community. ​

Julio Salinas, Executive Assistant, Paralegal, Maya & Indigenous Human Rights Program

​Julio Salinas, originally from Bakersfield, California, moved to San Diego with his family at the age of three. His family, being of mixed status, faced numerous challenges in establishing themselves in the United States, particularly in regard to the difficulties that arise for children in the educational system. Julio's career began as a receptionist in a private law firm, where he soon gained invaluable knowledge of immigration law. During his seven-year tenure as a paralegal at the firm, he helped hundreds of families reunite. Seeking new challenges, Julio transitioned to the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR), where he gained expertise in the court system and worked alongside immigration judges and personnel. Currently, Julio works as a paralegal at Comunidad Maya Pixan Ixim, where he actively works with reunited families that were separated at the border. His unwavering commitment to supporting the immigrant community remains steadfast.

Adaluz Garcia, Coordinator of Operations, Maya & Indigenous Human Rights Program, Maya Territories ​

Adaluz directs CMPI's work in Maya Territories. Adaluz has provided important support to Maya communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. She also works with Maya leaders, lawyers, educators, and families to ensure the well-being of Maya communities and lands. Adaluz is an important link between the Q'anjob'al Maya peoples in the U.S. and Maya peoples in our ancestral lands and territories.

Anixh Ana Maria Pablo Tercero (Maya Q'anjob'al), Human Rights Attorney, Maya & Indigenous Human Rights Program, Maya Territories ​

Anixh Ana Maria Pablo Tercero is a human rights attorney from the Cuchumatanes Mountain Q'anjob'al Maya Territory. Lic. Anixh Pablo has worked with the United Nations and led electoral observation efforts conducted by the National Network of Mayan Youth (RENO'J).

Leah Vinton, Director of Strategic Partnership

Leah Vinton, MPA is a bilingual professional and motivated team player with over a decade of experience supporting for-impact organizations and causes with expertise in resource development for international and domestic organizations. Most recently, Leah has worked locally with the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska and Heritage Omaha, and has worked in Latin America with the Pan American Development Foundation and Mercado Global in fundraising and development roles. She lives in Omaha, NE.

Jair Rodriguez, Communications & Technology Partner

​Jair provides important technology support to our entire team and is based in Omaha, NE, Omaha Territory.