El Valor has been part of Chicago for over fifty years. We are committed to this community and are proud that our staff and volunteers also come from the same regional roots.
Our leadership team brings decades of experience in education, disability services, community development, and nonprofit management. But what sets them apart is not just what they know. It is where they come from. Many of our leaders grew up in the same neighborhoods we serve. They understand the families who walk through our doors because they have lived those same experiences. That closeness to community is not something you can learn from a textbook. It shapes every decision we make, every program we build, and every life we touch.
Jillian Moore-Gonzalez serves as President and CEO of El Valor, where she has spent the past 12 years advancing the organization’s mission and impact. She is a licensed attorney and a community advocate committed to creating opportunities for children, adults with disabilities, and families. Under her leadership, El Valor continues to build programs that help people live full, independent lives.
Leticia Padilla brings more than 25 years of leadership to her role as Chief Financial Officer at El Valor. She partners closely with the CEO, Board, and leadership team to guide smart, steady growth. Leticia believes strong financial stewardship starts with trust, teamwork, and giving people the tools they need to succeed.
Adam Gonzalez serves as Senior Director of External Affairs and General Counsel at El Valor, guiding the organization’s legal affairs, governance, and community partnerships. A graduate of the University of Michigan and DePaul University College of Law, he works closely with El Valor’s leadership and Board to strengthen our service to the greater Chicago community.
Nina Dueñas has served El Valor since 1997, starting as a Head Start parent volunteer and rising through nearly every role in the organization’s early childhood programs. Today, as Senior Vice President of Children’s Services, she leads the teams that support thousands of children and families each year. Her journey reflects the heart of El Valor: people who grow here, stay here, and lead here.
Jon P. Emory leads El Valor’s residential and community-based programs for adults with complex needs. A licensed counselor and behavior analyst, he brings deep experience in behavior health and program leadership to his role. Jon is committed to helping every person El Valor serves live a meaningful, self-directed life.
Leticia Ramirez leads El Valor’s Early Childhood programs, drawing on more than 20 years of experience in early childhood education. She holds a master’s degree in Early Childhood Education and a certification in Infant Mental Health. Leticia is a longtime advocate for children and families, and also teaches the next generation of early childhood professionals as an adjunct professor at National Louis University.
Dennis Warren brings more than 32 years of technology leadership to his role as IT Director at El Valor. He builds strong, secure systems to keep the organization running and ready for what’s next, from cloud technology to AI. Dennis is passionate about mentoring his team and using technology to help El Valor grow.
Eduardo Moreno has worked at El Valor for more than 35 years, starting as a job coach and rising to Director of Facilities. His deep commitment to El Valor’s community has kept him here for decades. Eduardo brings a hands-on, results-driven approach to keeping El Valor’s buildings safe and running smoothly.
Estela Cervantes has spent 30 years at El Valor, starting in the Developmental Training Program and growing into her role as Director of Case Management for Adult Services. She holds a master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling and is a licensed professional counselor. Estela’s spirit of generosity and integrity has been evident since day one, and continues to drive her work today.
