We’re welcoming the new year with an exciting announcement: Rodolfo Córdova Alcaraz, a longtime ally, has joined CDM’s Board of Directors! Rodolfo brings more than a decade of experience in strategic communications, organizational development, fundraising, project implementation and advocacy to advance human rights in the Americas and Europe.
He currently serves as Vice President at Impacto Social Metropolitan Group, a communications agency that delivers strategies for social purpose organizations. I first crossed paths with Rodolfo in 2006, when he was at the Alternative Center for Social Development conducting research into the flaws of guestworker programs. Rodolfo was the first president of the Citizen Council of Mexico’s National Institute of Migration, in which he fostered initiatives to protect migrants and end child detention. He has also worked at the Foundation for Justice and the Rule of Law, Fundar, and the International Network on Migration and Development.
All throughout, Rodolfo been an incredible ally, friend and collaborator in fighting for migrant justice. His leadership and experience developing strategic communication initiatives to achieve social impact will be invaluable in our work ahead. Scroll down to reach a short interview with Rodolfo about his work and vision.
Please join us in welcoming yet another expert and passionate defender of justice to CDM’s Board of Directors!
Q&A with Rodolfo Córdova Alcaraz
How have you seen CDM evolve since its founding?
“It’s amazing to see how the organization has grown and transitioned at pivotal moments — how it’s built a network of partners in the US and in Mexico to drive the reform process in both countries to achieve justice with migrant workers. CDM is one of the few organizations around the world that has the bandwidth and vision to accomplish these ambitious goals across borders.
“I’ve had a natural bond with this organization from the beginning both in policy and through my friendship with Elizabeth Mauldin. For me, joining the board at this moment is how, at a personal level, I can continue her legacy and support the movement.”
Of all the times you’ve worked alongside CDM for migrant justice, what was the most memorable and impactful?
“From 2013 to 2016, I was engaged with the Global Forum on Migration and Development as part of the steering committee as a representative from Latin America and the Caribbean. Working with CDM, we were able to seek change on a global scale — not only uplifting and amplifying worker voices but increasing the quality of the conversation and translating the workers’ movement into different policies.”
It’s a pivotal time in the fight for migrant worker rights as technology, government policies and efforts at gender equity are rapidly shifting – how is CDM positioned to take advantage?
“The U.S. is about to enter an election year and we’re trying to understand the opportunities presented by the new trade deal and with the government in Mexico. I think there’s definitely an opportunity in the U.S. and Mexico to connect the conversation around migrant rights to the broader conversation about justice.
“Organizing and advocating with migrant worker women can also be seen through the intersectionality lens in bringing gender equity to the societies we live in. Contratados.org taps into broader trends as well: creating more tools so that data is available to all.
“I’ve always wanted to become engaged with CDM at a more formal level, and now the stars have aligned. It’s a great time to engage and mobilize new stakeholders, and I can’t wait to put my energy to work with the board and staff to further break down barriers and support migrants, families and communities in seeking justice from a transnational approach.”