Founder/President
Bishop Omar Medina was born and raised as a child in Utuado, Puerto Rico. His family migrated to Cleveland, Ohio when he was seven years old. Shortly after arriving to Cleveland his family started attending the Salvation Army church. It was there that he accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior and shortly thereafter at the age of eight, he preached his first message and has been preaching ever since
He attributes his upbringing in the Salvation Army as a vital part in shaping his philosophy of life. The Salvation Army Mottos of "Heart to God and Hand to Man" as well as "Saved to Serve" can be seen in the life dedicated to the service of others that Bishop Medina has lead.
He has been an ordained pastor since June of 1997. From the inception of his calling and vocation he has incorporated social justice and community engagement into everything that he does in the ministry. In his twenty four years in the ministry and counting, Bishop Medina has planted eight churches and has trained ministers to pastor those churches as well as hundreds of more leaders for various responsibilities throughout the ministry. He also has sixteen years of experience working in the social service and human relations arena for organizations such as Catholic Charities, Salvation Army, ADL among others, Bishop Medina has been a strong voice and an advocate for issues such as education, health disparities, criminal justice reform, alcohol and substance abuse programs, immigration reform, civil rights, voter engagement, just to name a few.
In 2012 he founded the United Hispanic Pastor's Fraternity and served three consecutive terms as President. Under his leadership the clergy group grew from six pastors to over thirty pastors from all denominations all working together to positively impact the community.
He was the recipient of the Kaleidoscope 40 under 40 award and has received numerous other recognitions. He has also traveled all over the state and the country conducting seminars on various themes from leadership development, to anti-bias education, teamwork building, conflict resolution and planting and growing healthy churches. He has served on many boards and currently serves on the Step Forward (Formerly CEOGC) board.
In October of 2019, he was consecrated as the first Latino Interdenominational Community Bishop in Ohio, for his long history of service in the ministry and community, as well as his passion and commitment to cherish unity, while celebrating diversity among our various ethnicities, cultures and denominations.
In 2020 Bishop Omar Medina founded Community of Faith Collaborative, which serves as the liaison organization between the Latino Faith-based community and local, state and federal government, non-profit sector and community at large. It has also served as a hub for public discourse as well as a referral entity that connects families and individuals to a great number of services that enhances their lives.
Board Secretary
Madeline Corchado is the Vice President of Human Resources for Step Forward. Her focus is on strengthening talent assets and bringing in best practices for efficiency and effectiveness relative to the strategic direction of the organization and its leadership.
Before joining Step Forward, Madeline served as the Chief of Human Resources and Inclusion Officer for the Cleveland Public Library (CPL). Prior to CPL, Madeline spent 13 years at the City of Cleveland in various Human Resources roles and departments–each role as a result of a promotional change. Madeline knows what truly drives engagement, commitment, and solutions —and it’s not mastering the flavor of the week. It is integrity and how well you connect with the heart-beating people you’re trying to develop or partner with!
Madeline has served on many civic and community organizations; amongst are: Dress for Success, Hope in Transition, Wings of Hope, LEAP, Youth Opportunities Unlimited, Lutheran Metropolitan Ministries, Ohio Library Council, Cleveland Mediation Center, Esperanza, Spanish American Committee, Club Alma Yaucana, Comunidad de Fé, and Julia De Burgos Cultural Arts Center where she is currently the Board President.
Madeline was inducted into the Kaleidoscope 40 under 40 in October 2014. She has received numerous community recognitions must recent from Neighborhood Progress, Community Financial Centers for extraordinary partnership. Madeline holds two HR Certifications as a Senior Professional in Human Resources, one from the HR Certification Institute and the other from Society for Human Resource Management. She also holds two Vital Smarts Certifications—Crucial Conversations and Influencer. Madeline completed Lead Diversity Program and SIDE, Summer Institute for Diversity Education. In addition, Madeline has received Fundamentals of Mediation in accordance with Supreme Court of Ohio’s Rule 16. She holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Information Processing Administration from David N. Myers University.
Board Treasurer
Nestor Ramos is a former business owner with experience in the area of accounting. He is the Pastor of Iglesia Casa de Dios Puerta del Cielo GN 28:17 in Cleveland, Ohio and is currently completing his Bachelor’s degree in Theological Studies/Pastoral Ministry at Logos Christian University.
Board Member
Ronald Roberts is native Clevelander who has professionally and personally invested most of his life in aspects of service to the Greater Cleveland community.He is a graduate of Cleveland State University with degree in accounting. His educational background includes seminary training at Ashland Theological Seminary.
Ronald has worked over 30 years at Cleveland Public Library providing service to the public. His library roles have encompassed community outreach to younger, as well older audiences. Among the highlights has been:
In addition to his library service, Ronald served five years as a bi-vocational pastor at a church on the southeast side of Cleveland and several years as a youth minister and associate minister at another Cleveland church. Currently, he is serving as part of the Christian Education team for vibrant community church in the Greater Cleveland area.
Board Member
Michael Liner is the founder and Managing Shareholder of Liner Legal, LLC a full-service disability law firm with six offices local throughout the State of Ohio. After attending the University of Michigan and the Case Western Reserve University School of Law, Michael became a disability attorney and a community advocate because he knows what it is like to be challenged and has a passion for making a difference in the lives of others. As a child, he attended a special school for children with attention and behavior problems. As an adult, Michael navigates the world with multiple neurological conditions including motor tic syndrome and cluster headaches. Michael brings the compassion and experience that comes from overcoming his own challenges to the numerous community, charitable and professional boards he currently serves on. Of all his accomplishments, however, what Michael is most proud of is his two children, Eliana and Dylan.
Board Member
Judith is a Family and Consumer Science professional, certified in Volunteer Management and Adult Training. For the past 25 years she has served in various non-profit sectors such as: Housing, Health, Aging, and Education. In 2008 while serving on the Hispanic Roundtable’s Education Committee she began working with Hispanic families focusing in areas of student advocacy and parent engagement.
In 2011 she joined the Cleveland Metropolitan School District as Manager of Volunteers, & Special Projects in the Family and Community Engagement office serving approximately 35,000 students and their families in 103 school buildings and engaging over 2,000 volunteers in service with Cleveland schools.
Today, she works with many community collaborative groups. Numerous partnerships that work closely with the school community and connects resources and programs to students and their families in areas such as: academic tutors, mentors, school uniforms, Special Education, Refugee/Immigrant services, and several community Initiatives.
Board Member
Eliduvina A. Aponte is the Bi-lingual Community Marketing Representative for CareSource.
Mrs. Aponte’s passion is to connect community organizations and faith-based organization together to create a powerful chain to provide all essential necessary elements to remove division, empower, improve, and sustain those being served, increase knowledge, resources, and community programs.
With over 21 years dedicated to the medical insurance field, including working with Medicaid, and serving a diverse culture, Mrs. Aponte understands the need of the community. With this end in mind, she is a catalyst of change serving with passion, faith, integrity, morals, ethics, and respect, thus positively impacting the lives of those served.
Mrs. Aponte’s accomplishments include: Patient Navigator through Harold P. Freedman Navigation Institute, Certified Community Health Worker through Cleveland State University School of Nursing, Coach Training in the Matter of Balance, and Leader Cross-Training in Diabetes and Chronic Disease Self-Management through Fairhill Partners, and State Insurance Licensed since 2017 through Hondros Business College.
Mrs. Aponte’s faith is remarkable and unbreakable! Her life’s mission is to help restore faith and share the good news of Christ in this complex world. Mrs. Aponte’s family includes her husband of 15 years, Pedro Aponte and three young adult children.
Director of Prayer and Intercession Ministry
Jose Ruiz lived in foster homes most of his life. He dedicated himself to excell in school, better his life, and improve other people's lives as well. He decided to help society through his call to ministry and has a unique passion to impact the lives of young people and inspire them to be the best individuals they can be.
Director of Education
Pastor Juan Carlos Vargas with his wife Limarie is the founder of several ministries focused on Christian Education, The Family, Territorial Transformation, Pastoral Care, Mentoring and Coaching. They have been married for 12 years and the same amount serving together in the ministry. Among the ministries they have founded are: City and Kingdom Ministries, Inc., Princesses of the King Ministry, Inc., House of Worship, Germany, House of Worship, Cleveland, Ohio, House of Worship, Guatemala, The Ministerial Growth Center Rhema, Perspective 360 - Coaching Boot Camp, Community of Worshipers, and Pathfinders among others.
Pastor Juan Carlos has a Master's Degree in Theology and a Doctorate in Ministry from the International Institute of Theology in Bamberg, Germany. He is currently doing a Doctoral Degree in Leadership and Innovation at Logos Christian University in Jacksonville, Fl.
Their ministries focus on four strategic areas: Theology, Hebraic Context of Christianity, Leadership and Family. He has also written several books including: Manual de Simbología (2010), Diseño Espiritual (2012), various editions of the Medítalo series (2014 and 2016) and Perfectos en Cristo (2018). Also 6 Biblical Discipleship Manuals with more than 70 lessons.
Pastor Juan Carlos is a Retired Sergeant of the United States Infantry with 10 years of experience as well as Inspector and Instructor of the Fire Department for another 10 years, Certified Christian Coach and together with his wife they have 3 sons: Jacob (17), Ezekiel (14) and Levi (6). Pastor Juan Carlos and Limarie have lived in the City of Cleveland, Ohio since 2013.
Director of Outreach and Evangelism
This cage fighter “Nico the Dragon” and star of over 35 action movies such as “Bloodsport” “Fists of Iron” and “Death Match” has overcome the world of addiction through the blood of Jesus Christ. He founded God Solder's Ministries (GSM) in 2010 to provide healing and freedom from the chains of addiction through the blood of our risen savior Jesus Christ.
From 2011 to now, GSM is a ministry that visits prisons, addiction homes, homeless shelters, and people anywhere who are longing for freedom from the pain of this world. David has brought tens of thousands to the Lord. He continues to tirelssly work as if there is no time left and today is the day of salvation. His hard work as a cage fighter has given him the tenacity and will to continue through tough battles to fight for the King of Kings. This is the calling of David Allen Hill.
Director of Youth Programming
Kenny Santiago Marrero is known for continuing to stretch his range as an actor by taking risky roles. As A Mentally challenged character, A Purple Heart Marine, A White Supremacist district attorney and a Deputy Police Officer, Fireman and cultural roles as a Arminana, Italian, Russian, Hispanic, Salvadorian and Argentinean, Kenny has played far beyond your average personality. Kenny has been featured on NBC’s “Chicago PD”, etc. Kenny's recognitions falls under all in leading roles for best Male Performance. Yet there is a true passion for live theatrical performances which engage the audience.
This track record roles with several live main stage productions throughout his college days and representing the theater department for Lorain County Community College; Directed by Dr.Carolyn Cahill; Placing Kenny in roles that tested his abilities in special combat stunts, comedy, varies dialects such as Shakespeare, Contemporary Improv Theater, and Spanish speaking characters adding enrichment into his performance. Kenny was selected into a university program winning a theatrical scholarship that lead him directly into the advanced acting program in San Francisco directly at the Academy of Arts University lead by awarded actress Diane Baker "Silence Of The Lambs” She encouraged him to stay in front of the lens until it was second nature; 67 student educational films later soon gaining a reputation for being an all-around versatile actor who added a special unexpected flare.
Outside of acting Kenny is active in his community maintaining a steady work ethic with Faith Ministries focusing with at risk youth and adult mentorship throughout communities in Northeast Ohio, Southern California, Florida and in the meantime Kenny also fills the screen alongside producer Myra Rosario in Latino Cleveland which celebrates cultural events happening throughout the Northeast Ohio region. Acting in Lorain County He helps establish a Non-Profit Film Commission where he promotes the arts and assists filmmakers in various ways selectively.
Director of Family Ministries
Rev. Crucita Marrero is an ordained minister by the Christian Church in Ohio – Disciples of Christ and a graduate of the Ashland Theological Seminary, with Diploma on Theology in Hispanic Church Studies, associated with the Galilean Theological Seminary in Cleveland. For thirteen years she has been the Senior Pastor at the church Mision Cristiana El Faro – Disciples of Christ - Lorain, Ohio and is known to many as “the singing Pastor of Lorain.” Born in PR and raised in New York City, she and her family moved to Lorain and got very involved in community work. She has resided in the same house for over twenty-five years. She is a certified English as a Second Language teacher, studied at Lorain County Community College.
Through the partnership program with Youngstown State University. She taught ESL for the over fifteen years in three different locations: at El Centro de Servicios Sociales, Lorain; at the Salvation Army- Lorain Core and at Lorain County Community College, Elyria, OH. For thirteen years, she worked at El Centro, teaching Family Literacy programs and as an instructor, mentor and counselor for underprivileged and troubled youth, using theater disciplines to promote self esteem and family unity.
She writes plays, songs, and poetry; as a musician and singer, she has recorded original, inspirational Spanish music. Some of her music was featured in David Sutherland’s documentary-immigration film, “Miguel Doesn’t Live Here Anymore”.
A special and unique highlight in her life was when she was chosen as the first Hispanic female pastor to give the invocational prayer at Obama’s first visit to Lorain County. She is a Spanish/English interpreter and translator and extremely proud to be married to Rev. Jose Marrero for fifty-two years. She is the loving mother of two sons, Ricky and Kenny and the proud grandmother of Ricardo and Daniel. She has beautiful and loving relationship with her daughter in law, Cindy.
She is grateful to God for all the blessings that He has done in her life and gives Him all the praise and glory.
Director of Chaplaincy and Human Rights
Pastor Iran "Pete" Figueroa is an overseer of a network of churches throughout the state of Ohio. He is also the Pastor of Bless God Ministries in Cleveland, Ohio, as well as the Ohio State Director for The International Federation of Chaplains and Human Rights WM. Incorporated. Region 8.
He is a seasoned speaker and psalmist, with vast experience ministering for large audiences, exceeding 40,000 in attendance, with popular responses from local and regional audiences alike. He has ministered alongside such national head-liner gospel artist as, Lashun Pace, Past. Gary Oliver, Dr. Charles Fold, Lexi Allen, Kim Barrel, Israel Houghton, and Evg. Beverly Crawford to name a few.
His credits include appearing on Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN), The Nancy Harmon Love Special Broadcast, dramatic performances at Karamu House Theater, Cleveland Cosmopolitan Theater, Play House Square-Ohio State Theater, performance of the National Anthem at Progressive Field (Cleveland Indians), "Q" Arena (Cleveland Cavaliers), and speaking and singing at various churches, ministries and organizations throughout Northeast Ohio.
Pastor Figueroa has also had the privilege of doing missionary work in different parts of the world. Places such as the Gu-an Dong Shien Zen Province in China, The Bahamas, Nicaragua, and Argentina. He constantly gets requested for return visits where ever he ministers.
Director of Leadership Development
Reverend Pedro Negrón, currently serves as Secretary and Treasurer for the Ohio/Hispanic Eastern Region of Assemblies of God. His educational background is in the field of Bussiness Management and Administration. He is the author of the book called "Three bullets, a Dishonor, a Revival". He also serves as Director of the Lorain, Ohio branch of the Assemblies of God Bible Institute. He is also the Senior Pastor of Templo Emmanuel church in Lorain, Ohio. His passion is to create leadership development trainings and materials for the various endeavors in which he serves.
Community of Faith Collaborative is a non-partisan, interdenominational, non-profit organization. Although respected, the political affiliations, theological points of views, personal opinions and viewpoints of board members and advisory council members do not necessarily represent our organization.
