Staff
Dr. Nora O. Lozano
CLLI Executive Director and
Co-founder
Dr. Lozano brings more than 25 years of experience in Christian theological education and non-profit work, specializing in empowering women to live more fulfilling lives in Christ.
With a Ph.D. in Theological and Religious Studies, Dr. Lozano is a published author, advocating for women's development worldwide, while also impacting lives through international speaking engagements and service with the Baptist World Alliance.
Araceli Acosta
Administrative Support
Staff
Araceli brings extensive experience in administration. She holds a MA in Spanish literature and linguistics from Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas, and a BA in Biblical and Theological Studies from Baptist University of the Américas, San Antonio, Texas. She also holds a Certificate in Latina Leadership Studies from the Christian Latina Leadership Institute in San Antonio, Texas.
Board members
Patty Villarreal
CLLI Co-founder/
Ex-Officio Board Member
Patty Villarreal is a community social worker and leader dedicated to empowering women from a Christian context. She has shaped the CLLI history since 2005. She holds a MASW from Carver School of Social Work, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, KY. She is CLLI co-founder and ex-officio board member.
​
Carolyn Porterfield
Board Chair
Carolyn Porterfield equips and empowers women within the church, fostering a missions lifestyle. She holds a Master of Arts in Religious Education, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Fort Worth, TX. She is a specialist in leadership development and volunteer management, national speaker, and volunteer multicultural consultant with National WMU.
Veronica Martinez-Gallegos
Board Vice-Chair
Veronica Martinez-Gallegos is an ordained Baptist minister, chaplain, and a certified educator for clinical pastoral education. She holds a Master of Divinity from Campbell University, Buies Creek, North Carolina. She is a CLLI Texas graduate , and has been a CLLI North Carolina Coordinator since 2012.
​
​
Marcela Ordaz
Board Secretary
Marcela Ordaz is director at FABTECH Mexico and Reyes Ordaz Events. She holds a BA in Organizational Communication from Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Mexico. She is a CLLI Monterrey graduate, and has served as CLLI Monterrey Associate Coordinator, second cohort.
​
​
Becky Klein
Board Member
Becky Klein is an attorney and leader of non-profit organizations. JD Esq. Attorney, founder and principal of Texas Energy Poverty Research Institute, Austin, TX. She holds a Master of Arts in Business Leadership from MIT Sloan School of Business, a Master of Arts in National Security Studies from Georgetown University, and JD from St. Mary’s Law School, San Antonio, TX.
Anna Rodríquez
Board Member
Anna Rodriquez has served for more than 25 years in social services. She holds a Master's degree in Public Administration with Emphasis in Permian Basin Leadership, University of Texas, Odessa, Texas. She is a CLLI Texas graduate.
Margarita Garcia
Board Member
Margarita Garcia is a Bilingual Coordinator for Kaufman ISD. She has a Master in Education from Dallas Baptist University, Dallas, Texas. She is a CLLI Texas graduate, and has served as CLLI East Texas Coordinator. In addition, she serves along with her husband pastoring CLife Church Kaufman en Español.
Gabriela Sanchez
Board Member
Gabriela Sanchez is a financial services professional. She holds a MBA from Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and is a CLLI North Carolina graduate.