A Board Member’s Story:
Nilda Cintrón-Cortez, Ph.D.
Original Author
Angelina Velazquez
Release Date
3/16/2026
“With three generations under one roof, I understand deeply how stability, belonging, and opportunity begin at home,” shares Nilda Cintrón-Cortez, Ph.D. Nilda has been married for 34 years, and she and her husband share their home with their 23 year old daughter, who is completing her Master’s in Global Health Equity at the Medical College of Wisconsin, and Nilda’s 80 year old mother. Living and caring across generations has strengthened her belief in what families need most to thrive: dignity, stability, and support that lasts.
That same belief shapes Nilda’s work as Chief People Officer at Sellars Absorbent Materials, where she leads with servant leadership and a deep commitment to employee growth, well being, and dignity. Her focus on understanding employees’ social determinants of health led her team to partner with a local nonprofit to create transportation support and a housing program that helps employees move toward homeownership. “Homeownership matters because it anchors families, builds generational stability, and gives people the foundation to thrive,” Nilda says. Two employees have already purchased homes, and thirteen more are on their way.
Nilda’s connection to La Causa began more than 11 years ago through family. Her niece, an educator from Puerto Rico, was encouraged to apply for a position at La Causa. She was hired as a bilingual special education teacher and continues to serve today. “Watching her grow and speak so passionately about La Causa made a lasting impression on me,” Nilda shares.As she learned more about La Causa, she was drawn to the organization’s deep roots and trusted reputation in the community. A conversation with Luis Ayala, La Causa’s President and CEO, further solidified her desire to support the mission. But it was the Crisis Nursery and Respite Center that touched her most. “Knowing that a parent facing homelessness, violence, or a medical emergency can bring their child to a safe, loving, judgment free place is something every community should have,” she says.
Nilda has now served on the La Causa Board of Directors for more than three years, and her admiration for the organization continues to grow. Being part of the board has given her a close look at the compassion, urgency, and dedication that drive every program, from early childhood education and the bilingual charter school to social services and youth support. “These years haven’t just been about board service,” she shares. “They’ve been about witnessing lives transform, families find stability, and children gain safety and opportunity.”
What resonates most with Nilda is the way La Causa meets people in real life, not in perfect circumstances. “La Causa doesn’t wait for perfect circumstances,” she says. “It steps in during real, vulnerable moments and offers safety, stability, and hope.” She is especially moved by the way the organization wraps around families through every stage of their journey, providing consistent, judgment free support that can be difficult to find elsewhere.
“At its heart,” Nilda says, “La Causa believes every child deserves opportunity and every family deserves to be seen, valued, and uplifted.” That belief is what keeps her committed and why she encourages others to invest in La Causa’s work.
Supporting La Causa matters, Nilda explains, because it creates real, lasting change. When families have access to education, safe environments for children, and support through critical life moments, children can grow, learn, and build stronger futures. “Investing in organizations like La Causa means investing in the well being and success of our entire community,” she says.
And for Nilda, that is the heart of service. La Causa doesn’t just help individuals. It strengthens the entire community.
Be part of a story that lasts.
Want to learn more about La Causa’s work or how to get involved? Visit lacausa.org/get-involved or support our mission at lacausa.org/donate/
