Llanas named CORE El Centro’s next Executive Director

The Board of Directors at CORE El Centro (CORE) is pleased to welcome Vanessa L. Llanas as our new Executive Director. Madeline Gianforte, the current Executive Director and co-founder of CORE, is a Catholic Sister with the Congregation of Sisters of St. Agnes. She was recently elected to her community’s leadership team and will serve in that role for the next 4 years.  Madeline has been an integral part of CORE since its inception in 2002.  Madeline received her master’s degree in Holistic Health Education in 1997.  Her passion and her master’s thesis laid much of the groundwork for the successful creation and implementation of CORE’s vision, mission and programs.

Vanessa began her relationship with CORE in 2004 shortly after she moved to Milwaukee. She has served in a variety of leadership roles including volunteer, staff, board member and overall champion for CORE and its mission. She’s passionate about the organization’s mission because she believes CORE offers an intentional and innovative approach to wellness. She has personally experienced the benefit of natural healing services from CORE. In fact, CORE was Vanessa’s first introduction to these healing modalities. She is inspired by the healing, growth, and leadership people are experiencing through their connection with CORE and she is committed to growing and strengthening this valuable community resource.

Vanessa was born and raised in northwest Ohio and lived in Chicago for four years before moving to Milwaukee in 2003. She is committed to meaningful community engagement and leadership development within herself and the community. She is an Alumnus of AmeriCorps VISTA (Chicago), Public Allies (Milwaukee), Latino Non-profit Leadership Program and Leadership Wisconsin (formerly the Wisconsin Rural Leadership Program).  She received a Bachelor of Science degree in Child and Family Community Services from Bowling Green State University.

She joins CORE after a decade of working in public service: she worked for the City of Milwaukee – Department of City Development, then went on to serve as Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Representative for United States Senator Tammy Baldwin for over five years. Most recently she served as Deputy Director for the Milwaukee Office of Governor Tony Evers. Vanessa starts her new role as Executive Director on Tuesday, January 17^th.

About CORE El Centro 

CORE was founded in 2002 by, Madeline Gianforte and Jayne Ader, on the belief that everyone deserves affordable access to natural healing services like acupuncture, massage, yoga, and other healing modalities. CORE offers services on a sliding fee scale to people of varied income levels. CORE’s mission is to enhance the health and wellness of our community by offering integrative natural health services focused on empowerment, healing, safety, and reducing barriers to access. CORE is in the Clock Shadow Building at 130 West Bruce Street in Milwaukee’s near southside community. To learn more, please visit: https://www.core-elcentro.org/ .

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.