MEET OUR STAFF AND BOARD
Our Staff
FaithAction’s diverse and bilingual staff bring tremendous education and experience to the work of serving and accompanying our newest immigrants, as well as multicultural and interfaith education and bridge-building programs. We welcome and appreciate all faiths and cultures at FaithAction, and treat all guests with dignity and respect.
Maria Rosales
Executive Director
336-379-0037
Maria Rosales is the Executive Director of FaithAction International, collaboratively leading the organization and safeguarding its role in creating a just and welcoming community.
Originally from California, Maria is the oldest of nine in a mixed immigrant family — Mexican on her dad’s side, Dutch on her mom’s side. She first became politically active in the fight against Proposition 187, a proposed California constitutional amendment against undocumented people. The passage of the proposition was also Maria’s first major political loss, but its eventual defeat in the courts taught her that the future is unformed and we all can help shape that future using a variety of tools.
Maria was the first person in her family to complete college. She completed her undergraduate degree at California State University, Stanislaus before earning her PhD in Political Science from the University of California, Berkeley. While at Berkeley she was a labor organizer, helping to unionize graduate student workers throughout the state. She also served as Financial Secretary for Local 2865 of the UAW.
Maria moved to North Carolina in 2005 to become a professor at Guilford College. While at Guilford, she held progressively greater leadership positions, culminating in becoming the Provost and Chief Academic Officer in August 2021. Maria is eager to share the skills and knowledge she has developed over the years in service to the larger FaithAction community.
Maria has family and friends of every immigrant status, and she holds a deep personal and principled commitment to challenging injustice and building bridges. Maria is excited to be part of FaithAction International at this pivotal moment, and grateful for those who are making a critical difference in the short and long term by supporting FaithAction’s work.
John Storm
Associate Director
336-379-0037
John Storm is the Associate Director at FaithAction International, supporting the staff with operations, program structure, development, reporting, and evaluation, and grant writing. John has a BA in Humanities, minoring in Religious Studies, a BA in International Studies, and is presently in a MS program concentrating in Business Analytics. He began work in nonprofits over 13 years ago, seeking a means to serve the local immigrant and refugee community who he sees as vital to a thriving and enriched region. He enjoys most working with staff to create programs that are uniquely tailored to the communities served and their authentically-voiced needs. He attributes his creative and analytical approach to program development and service to his being raised by his mother, who is a professional sculptor, and father who is a civil engineer, who both stressed pairing inventiveness with doing what’s right.
John is also active in his church, preaching monthly and serving as a lay delegate to the local district and conference, and supporting a local Spanish-speaking congregation in Winston Salem on its ministerial support team. His faith plays a major role in shaping his service as a nonprofit professional, envisioning a community where all are “joined together, harmonized and knit together, through the proper functioning of every available ligament, according to
the measured working of each individual part, resulting in bodily growth for building itself up in love.”
Maricruz Hernandez
Community Engagement Manager
336-379-0037, ext. 0
Maricruz Hernandez serves as the Community Engagement Manager at FaithAction International.
She is originally from Guanajuato, Mexico and migrated to the United States at the age of 7. Maricruz lived in Queens, NY and moved to Greensboro, NC when she was 9 years old.
Maricruz’s passion to serve the immigrant community stems from acknowledging and wanting to help families overcome the hardships and barriers that many face on a daily basis. Through her work at FaithAction, she is able to engage consistently with the community in a variety of ways. Maricruz is a listening-ear for the community and an advocate.
Maricruz was the first graduate in her family. Overcoming many barriers, Maricruz graduated from GTCC with a GED and a CNA certificate. Maricruz also has certifications in infant care (SIDS, Pediatric CPR, AED, and First Aid), CPE, Money Smart and is now a certified Notary Public.
Kristina Meyer Barrera
Immigrant Assistance Center Manager
336-379-0037 ext. 5
Kristina Meyer is the Immigrant Assistance Center Manager at FaithAction International. She supports the IAC staff and programming from an approach of empathy, cultural competency, and trust-building.
As the daughter of an Austrian immigrant, Kristina developed an international worldview from a young age. Her partner is from Monterrey, Mexico, connecting her with a large Latino community. With humility and curiosity, she values the diverse gifts, perspectives, and challenges of various cultures. She speaks English, German, and Spanish, and is in the process of learning ASL.
At Elon University, she researched interfaith faith-based community organizing and participated in a program about ethical humanitarian aid. After graduation, she worked with survivors of human trafficking in New Orleans, developing the skills needed to engage vulnerable populations with a trauma-informed approach. Then, she moved back to North Carolina, earning a Master of Divinity and becoming an ordained minister.
As a minister, Kristina recognizes the importance of putting one’s faith into action and spiritual accompaniment through adversity. She strives to empower the community to exercise their own agency and hopes to constantly reflect each individual’s humanity and dignity.
Jasiel Bernal Munoz
Education, Advocacy, and Bridge Building Manager
336-379-0037, ext. 8
Jasiel Bernal Munoz serves as the Education, Advocacy, and Bridge Building Manager.
Jasiel is originally from Mexico and has been with FaithAction International for close to two years. His commitment to helping the community motivates him to advocate and serve our families needs. Jasiel graduated from The University of North Carolina at Greensboro with a B.A. in International Business and minored in Spanish. He is a certified Notary Public.
Jasiel strives to continue serving the immigrant and refugee communities in Greensboro through programs such as the FaithAction ID Program.
“Todos tenemos un rincón especial cuando queremos soñar” – Roberto Gómez Bolaños. This quote reminds Jasiel that everyone has a unique gift that can be shared with the community. From a young age, Jasiel understood that his lived experiences as a first-generation immigrant would encourage his involvement with organizations who strive to help immigrants and refugees such as FaithAction International.
Lidia Martinez
Immigrant Assistance Center Case Manager and Seniors Program Coordinator
336-379-0037, ext 4
Lidia M. Blanco serves as a Case Manager for the Immigrant Assistance Center at FaithAction International helping to find resources to serve, advocate, and empower the immigrant communities in the U.S. She also coordinates the Seniors Program, The Golden Age Group.
Lidia is originally from Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico and has been with Faithaction for the past year.In Mexico, Lidia studied office administration, and while in the U. S., she attended Garret Seminary in Evanston, IL. She has been an active and vocal advocate for the immigrant community in her roles in ministry over the last 20 years. She is passionate about seeing lives and homes being transformed for the better and through her work she aims to continue advocating, educating, and helping to turn strangers into neighbors. Her favorite inspirational quote is “todo es posible si puedes creer.”
Michel Arnett
Immigrant Assistance Center Case Manager and Youth Specialist
336-379-0037, ext 1
Michel P.M. Arnett serves as an Immigrant Assistance Center Case Manager at FaithAction International by providing empowerment services to families. She also develops youth programs, as well as services for the French-speaking community.
Michel was Born in Mexico and spent her early years in Canada with her family, where she learned French. Michel graduated from Guilford College in 2022 with a Bachelors of Arts in Education Studies and Spanish, with minors in Psychology and French. She is now pursuing a Masters Degree in Education at Salem College with the ultimate goal of earning her doctorate and becoming a principal. Michel has also served as a medical interpreter in clinics and hospitals and has gained experience in the nonprofit world as an intern learning how to navigate educational, medical, and social systems.
Michel is guided by the awareness to do good because she understands that everyone is fighting a battle each day and instead of giving someone a harder time Michel wants to be an instrument of love, following Angelis quote “love and kindness are never wasted. They always make a difference. They bless the one who receives them, and they bless you, the giver.” With her experience in the nonprofit sector, educational, medical and social, Michel is industrious about welcoming and connecting families to empowering tools.
Brandon Dockery
Interfaith Program Manager
336-379-0037
Brandon Dockery is the Interfaith Program Manager at FaithAction and is primarily responsible for managing the Stranger to Neighbor program with our congregation partners.
Brandon was raised in Alaska and has been a social worker and Friends Pastor for 15 years. Brandon received his B.A. in Biblical Studies from John Wesley University and his advanced degrees in Divinity and Biblical Studies from Houston Theological Divinity and Carolina Graduate school of Divinity.
Brandon aspires everyday to embody the teachings of Jesus and to love his neighbor as himself. Brandon is excited about the Stranger to Neighbor program and its ability to change the discussion on immigration.
Patricia Sánchez Méndez
Education and Community Outreach Coordinator
336-379-0037, ext. 7
Patricia Sánchez Méndez serves as the Education and Community Outreach Coordinator at FaithAction International.
Patricia is originally from the state of Guanajuato, Mexico, and moved to North Carolina in 2023. This life change, as well as the challenges she faced at a young age, made her want to support and help others who find themselves in the same situation.
With a bachelor’s in Nursing and Midwifery, as well as a master’s in Education, her passion for serving and supporting the community has been reflected through the programs and care she has been involved in. Programs include research, clinical care in hospitals and health centers, prevention, monitoring of regulations in companies, as well as education and monitoring of school programs for future health professionals.
With this professional and personal journey, she has learned that one of the most important things is to be able to support people in an environment of trust and security. Her approach is always warm, empathetic, and kind, and she is now ready and excited to serve our community.
Adriana Barrera Ramirez
Policy and Advocacy Coordinator
336-379-0037, ext. 7
Adriana Barrera Ramirez serves as the Policy and Advocacy Coordinator at FaithAction International.
Born and raised in North Carolina to parents from Guerrero, Mexico, Adriana is a proud first-generation daughter of immigrant parents.
She is currently pursuing a B.A. in Political Science with a concentration in Pre-Law and Public Affairs at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Adriana was the first in her family to join the armed forces, completing her service contract in 2022 before enrolling at UNC Greensboro.
Her dedication to public service has been evident through her internships with Congresswoman Kathy Manning’s district office, the City of Greensboro City Manager’s Office, and the Center for New North Carolinians’ Oakwood Community Center. These experiences have deepened her understanding of government operations and the resources available to support diverse communities.
Adriana is inspired by the words of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg: “Whatever you choose to do, leave tracks. That means don’t do it just for yourself.” This quote drives her passion for creating a better world for all people and serving immigrant and refugee communities through her work at FaithAction International.
Our Board
FaithAction board members are crucial to the success of FaithAction by promoting the good work of the organization and providing financial oversight. Board members are also important to the long-term strategic planning process, and participate in FaithAction public programs and fundraising initiatives. Board members work closely with the Executive Director, Director of Operations, and staff to accomplish organizational goals, and invest their skills, resources and knowledge to ensure FaithAction achieves its mission and vision.
Board Chair
Lawrence Eisenberg
Members at Large
Secretary
Laura Godinez Arce
Treasurer
Rob Cassell
