Thank you very much!
Adequate housing is the foundation upon which each individual’s physical, emotional, and social well-being is built, allowing families to live with dignity and hope. Therefore, a roof, bathroom, and walls are essential to achieving this goal, as these are the core elements that drive Codo a Codo International.
Patricia, a Chilean national, holds a Bachelor’s degree in Science from Northern Illinois University and a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Illinois in Chicago. She has 24 years of experience in education, family centers, and the Department of Mental Health in DuPage, Illinois. Throughout her career, she has been recognized for her deep commitment to supporting students and families in need, demonstrating tireless dedication to improving their quality of life and well-being.
Since 2012, Patricia has been an active member of Codo a Codo International, where she has selflessly contributed to the goals and mission of this admirable organization.
Fabiola has an academic background in Marketing and Art, with degrees from DePaul University and the Art Institute of Chicago.
She served as President of the nonprofit organization CÚPULA for over 10 years and was an active member for more than 15 years, demonstrating a consistent commitment to the community and strong leadership within it.
As an entrepreneur, she owns an e-commerce and network marketing business for 4Life Research, where she has developed digital sales strategies and managed network marketing initiatives. Additionally, she is a solar panel consultant for SUNDER and Think Energy, advising clients on sustainable energy solutions.
Her experience also spans the fields of Art, Interior Design, and Real Estate, enabling her to offer a comprehensive perspective in her professional projects.
Fabiola has been an active member of Codo a Codo International since its founding, previously holding roles as Vice President and Secretary, and contributing significantly to the growth and success of the organization.
A professional in Advertising, Graphic Design, and Editing, she currently resides in Schaumburg, IL, where she works as a Life Insurance Agent, assisting the Hispanic community.
Much of her life has been dedicated to serving those most in need. For several years, she was involved with the Junior Chamber of Colombia (Bogotá Chapter), being recognized in 1992 and 1993 as the most outstanding member for her spirit and active participation. She led numerous national and international events, such as Health Brigades for low-income individuals and took part in the selection of Colombia’s Top 10 Outstanding Executives. She was later honored as an Honorary Member at the global level by JCI - Junior Chamber International.
Blanca has been an active member of Codo a Codo International since 2014, where she contributes with love and enthusiasm, achieving successful outcomes for the organization.
Founder & President
María Mercedes, originally from Valledupar, Cesar, Colombia, graduated from the Instituto Pedagógico Nacional in Bogotá, Colombia. She worked as a Senior Teacher of Spanish and Literature for over twelve years. Additionally, she served as Coordinator of the Fundación de Análisis Nacional in Colombia, focusing on analyzing social issues in education and other essential areas.
As a licensed attorney from Universidad Libre de Colombia, she worked in the field of Criminology. She held key positions such as Deputy Secretary of the Senate’s Seventh Committee and Head of Archives and Microfilming at the Office of the Comptroller General of the Republic for eight years.
In the diplomatic field, she served as Second Consul of Colombia in Chicago. She also led the Cartamedas Volunteer Ladies Organization for 10 years, supporting institutions that care for cancer patients in Cartagena, Colombia.
Founder of Codo a Codo International in Chicago in 2011, she currently serves as President of this nonprofit organization, which aims to help unprotected and extremely underserved children, seniors, and families in Colombia.
Founder
Originally from Antioquia, Colombia, she pursued higher studies at Colegio Santa Clara in Bogotá and attended Universidad Externado de Colombia, where she earned her degree in Social Work. She began her professional career with the Christian Youth Association, leading a program for children living on the streets. She also directed the welfare department at Florameria, a flower company, where she was part of the professional team that established a network of entrepreneurs in southwestern Cundinamarca, covering municipalities such as Madrid, Mosquera, and Funza.
At 40, she joined the Community of the Auxiliary Sisters of Purgatory. As a nun, she worked in Mexico for four years with indigenous communities. Upon returning to Colombia, she worked with displaced people, farmers, and populations affected by armed conflict in Barrancabermeja, where she also directed the Community Training School, serving 23 municipalities within the Diocese of Barranca.
Later, she moved to Bogotá and began working in the Cristo Sacerdote Pastoral Zone, assisting displaced populations as coordinator of Social Pastoral and staff at the School of Peace and Coexistence. She also led the social pastoral at the Archdiocesan Food Bank in coordination with Father Daniel Saldarriaga.
In 2004, alongside a group of lay friends, she founded the Codo a Codo association, where she has served as president and legal representative for over 20 years. Through this role, she has worked in vulnerable communities, primarily in Altos de la Florida, in the municipality of Soacha near Bogotá. The efforts there have provided opportunities to dignify the lives of children, youth, women, and seniors living in extreme poverty with significant personal and community needs. This work has been coordinated with the Codo a Codo International Organization in Chicago.
In 2005, she moved to San Sebastián, Spain, where she worked with prisoners and migrants. In 2007, she returned to Colombia and coordinated the Justice and Peace Commission of the Conference of Religious in Colombia, championing issues of peace and reconciliation.
She then joined the Colombian Communication Service (SERCODES), where she contributed to the design, planning, and execution of the "Helping to Help" project, traveling to the most violence-affected areas of the country to work with rural, displaced, and indigenous women who were victims of the armed conflict.
She was a co-founder of women’s collectives with an ecumenical perspective, bringing together female leaders working for peace, including the Collective of Thought and Action for Women, Peace, and Security, as well as GEMPAZ, the Ecumenical Women’s Group for Peace, a national organization with branches in various cities and municipalities.
One of her guiding principles has been: “With you and your people, from justice and mercy.”
Chief Executive of the Mission Integration Office of the Western Vincentian Province
Father Guillermo Campuzano, CM, is a Vincentian Missionary, born in Colombia and a member of the Western Province of the Vincentian Missionaries in the United States. He was ordained as a priest to serve the poor on December 8, 1993. Over his 31 years of ministry, he has served in various roles in priestly formation, consecrated life, and lay accompaniment.
Recently, he was appointed as a member of the international office of the Vincentian Family, where he is responsible for coordinating service in Africa and the Americas, as well as supporting work in the Asia-Pacific region. Father Guillermo worked at the United Nations for five years and also served as Vice President of DePaul University in Chicago until January 2024.
Vice President
With over 27 years of experience, Patricia has worked to transform the urban public education system, focusing on closing the educational gap for low-income immigrant students and families. In collaboration with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and Baxter Laboratories, she founded the first schools in Chicago focused on careers in computing and health.
A pioneer in the design and leadership of charter high schools, she implemented academic programs based on real-world problem-solving projects, where young people develop their potential as agents of social change, while teachers lead and promote equity and justice from the classroom.
She is currently the Director of Programs and Operations at Global Executive Council Services, a mental health clinic for refugees and immigrants. She holds a Master's degree in Education and Leadership from the United States and a degree in Systems and Computer Engineering from Colombia.
Patricia has been committed to the mission of Codo a Codo International since 2018 and has served as its Vice President since 2021.
Treasurer
Margarita is an attorney with over five decades of experience in legal practice. Born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico, she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting and her Juris Doctor from the University of Puerto Rico. She practiced law in San Juan for thirteen years, working in both government and private practice.
In 1993, she co-founded the law firm Mankus & Marchan, Ltd. with her husband, Tony Mankus. Her practice has focused on serving the legal needs of the Hispanic community, particularly representing adults and children with disabilities who seek Social Security Disability Benefits.
Margarita has been an active member of Codo a Codo International, where she has served as Treasurer on the Board of Directors for most of her membership.
Secretary
Consuelo, born in Caldas Ant., Colombia, trained at Escuela Normal Superior in Amagá and took administrative courses at the University of Antioquia. In her home country, she served as Administrator of Aqueducts and Sewers of Antioquia, where she made significant contributions to improving public services, including water purification and expanding potable water access in both rural and urban areas.
In the United States, Consuelo dedicated 40 years to teaching English as a second language to students from over 14 countries at Harper College and, briefly, at Oakton College. She has also volunteered in teaching English at Good Shepherd Church.
In addition to her teaching career, Consuelo has been actively involved in philanthropic organizations for 30 years, including serving as President of the Cartamedas Auxiliary Ladies.
She was a co-founder of Codo a Codo International, where she held the first position of President and later served as Vice President and Fiscal. She currently serves as Secretary.
Financial Controller
Hilda, born in Bogotá, Colombia, earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration in New Jersey. She worked for 22 years as Assistant Controller at Amerace Corporation.
She also earned an Associate’s degree in Psychology and a certification as an Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor, graduating with honors (Summa Cum Laude) from Saint Augustine College, with the goal of serving the Latino community.
For 21 years, she led the nonprofit SES school, dedicated to teaching English as a second language and providing other community services. Since 1991, she has served as Director of the Spanish Division of the Christopher Leadership Institute, which is committed to connecting and training leaders with a calling to make a positive, lasting impact in the world by developing and fully expressing their talents in alignment with Judeo-Christian principles.
Hilda has been an active member of Codo a Codo International since 2011 and served as its President from 2018 to 2022.
Emilia, originally from Barranquilla, Colombia, is a graduate of Colegio María Auxiliadora. With a career spanning more than twenty years, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to community service. As a member of the Board of Directors at Las Mercedes, she worked tirelessly to improve the quality of life for families in extreme poverty from Colegio San Pablo.
At the same time, Emilia dedicated two decades to supporting Granja San José Asylum, providing companionship and meals to elderly residents in need. Her work has been recognized for her compassion and dedication.
Since the beginning of Codo a Codo International, she has been an active member of the organization, known for her valuable contributions, generosity, and full commitment to its mission.
Maria Elena was born in Cali, Colombia, and is an educator with over 30 years of experience teaching elementary school in Chicago, Illinois. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Elementary Bilingual Education from Northeastern Illinois University.
Throughout her career, she taught at Lafayette Elementary School and Stockton Elementary School, working with kindergarten, first, and second-grade students. During this time, Maria Elena was recognized for her ability to create inclusive learning environments, tailoring her teaching approach to meet each student's unique needs.
She has been an active member of Codo a Codo International, where she has collaborated on various initiatives, always committed to the well-being of the families and children served by the organization.