Leading with Heart Experience and a Shared Commitment to Social Excellence

Dr. Elena Rivera – Executive Director

Dr. Elena Rivera is the visionary leader and primary architect behind the growth of DIALOGO SOCIAL PUERTO RICO, bringing over twenty-five years of professional experience in sociology, community development, and public policy to our organization. With a doctorate from the University of Puerto Rico and years of field research in community resilience, she has dedicated her entire career to understanding and addressing the systemic issues that affect our island’s families. Her leadership approach is characterized by a deep, lived empathy for the families she serves and a relentless, data-driven drive for social innovation. Elena believes that true leadership is fundamentally about listening, and she spends a significant portion of her week on the ground, talking directly to community members in their homes and meeting places to ensure our programs are genuinely meeting their evolving needs. Her strategic vision has been instrumental in securing the critical funding and high-level partnerships necessary to expand our reach across the island. Under her expert guidance, the organization has become a recognized model for community-based social change, celebrated for its transparency, its ethical standards, and its tangible results in improving the lives of thousands of San Juan residents.

Marco Santiago – Program Director

Marco Santiago brings a wealth of specialized experience in educational management, organizational strategy, and youth advocacy to his vital role as Program Director. With a master’s degree in public administration and a background in grassroots community organizing, Marco ensures that every single initiative we launch is executed with absolute precision, care, and cultural sensitivity. He is responsible for the overall design, coordination, and implementation of our various educational and social programs, always maintaining a strict focus on creating a supportive, inclusive, and high-energy environment. Marco is widely known for his unique ability to inspire both our staff and our participants, fostering a vibrant culture of collaboration, mutual respect, and intellectual curiosity. He believes firmly that every individual possesses an innate potential for greatness, and his life’s work is dedicated to providing the specific tools, mentorship, and opportunities necessary to unlock that potential. His commitment to operational excellence and his deep, nuanced understanding of the local Puerto Rican landscape make him an indispensable asset to our leadership team.

Sofia Mendez – Community Liaison

Sofia Mendez is the true heart and soul of our community outreach efforts, serving as the primary point of contact and a trusted advocate for the families we serve at DIALOGO SOCIAL PUERTO RICO. With a degree in social work and a lifelong history of passionate community activism in the neighborhoods of San Juan, Sofia possesses a rare and beautiful ability to connect with people from all walks of life. She is responsible for organizing our community town halls, coordinating our extensive volunteer network, and ensuring that our programs remain accessible, welcoming, and relevant to the actual needs of our neighbors. Sofia’s deeply caring approach and her unwavering dedication to social justice have made her a beloved and trusted figure in the local community. She works tirelessly to ensure that every single voice is heard in our planning sessions and that no family is ever left behind due to lack of resources. Her deep-seated belief in the power of meaningful dialogue and her commitment to systemic change are evident in every interaction she has, making her a vital link in our mission to build a stronger, more united Puerto Rico.

Dr. Ricardo Torres – Educational Specialist

Dr. Ricardo Torres is a highly respected expert in curriculum development, pedagogical innovation, and digital learning, overseeing the complex educational components of our various programs. With a primary focus on experiential learning, critical thinking, and the integration of STEM subjects, Ricardo has designed a unique curriculum that is both intellectually challenging and highly engaging for participants of all ages. He believes that education is the most powerful and transformative tool for social change available to us, and he is dedicated to ensuring that our programs provide a world-class learning experience that rivals any private institution. Ricardo works very closely with our team of instructors and mentors to provide ongoing training and professional development, ensuring that our teaching methods are always aligned with the latest educational research and best practices. His commitment to academic excellence and his passion for empowering the next generation of Puerto Rican leaders are at the very core of our educational philosophy. He is constantly seeking out new ways to integrate emerging technology and local cultural narratives into the daily learning process.

COMMUNITY AND ENGAGEMENT

Building Strong Bonds Through Active Participation and Collaborative Partnerships

Community engagement is not just a department at DIALOGO SOCIAL PUERTO RICO; it is the very heart and soul of every single thing we do. We believe that families are the primary unit of social change, and we work tirelessly to involve them in every aspect of our organization’s planning and execution. We host regular, high-energy family involvement nights where parents, children, and grandparents can learn together, share their experiences, and participate in collaborative art or science projects. These events are specifically designed to strengthen family bonds and to build a profound sense of belonging within the larger community. We also actively and strategically seek out partnerships with local businesses, other non-profit organizations, universities, and government agencies to maximize our resources, our knowledge base, and our collective impact. Our collaborative approach allows us to offer a much wider range of services and to address complex, systemic issues more effectively than we ever could alone. We organize regular community service projects, vibrant local festivals, and advocacy campaigns that give our members a powerful platform to make their voices heard on the issues that matter most to them. By working together in a spirit of mutual aid, we are creating a vibrant, resilient, and deeply connected community where everyone has the opportunity and the support to truly thrive.

JOIN US

Explore Career Opportunities and Become Part of a Dynamic and Purpose-Driven Team

At DIALOGO SOCIAL PUERTO RICO, we are always on the lookout for passionate, talented, and dedicated individuals to join our professional team and to help us drive meaningful social change across San Juan and the entire island. We offer a variety of fulfilling career opportunities for experienced educators, licensed social workers, administrative professionals, and community organizers who share our deep-seated commitment to the principles of dialogue, innovation, and sustainability. Our organizational culture is one of intense collaboration, mutual respect, and continuous professional learning, where every single team member is encouraged to contribute their creative ideas and to grow both personally and professionally. We believe that our staff is our most valuable asset, and we are firmly committed to providing a supportive, inclusive, and equitable work environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to make a difference. The application process typically involves submitting a detailed resume and a thoughtful cover letter that outlines your professional experience and your personal interest in our mission, followed by a series of interviews and a standard background check. We are looking for individuals who are not only highly qualified in their field but who also possess a genuine heart for service and a deep, abiding love for the people and the future of Puerto Rico.