A New Chapter Begins: Meet Carmen Patlan, CIP’s New Executive Director
Center for Immigrant Progress Welcomes Carmen Patlan as New Executive Director!
Waukegan, IL – The Center for Immigrant Progress (CIP) is pleased to announce the appointment of Carmen Patlan as its new Executive Director. A visionary immigrant rights champion, community engagement expert, and nationally recognized nonprofit leader, Carmen brings deep experience and passion to drive CIP’s growth and mission.
Carmen’s nonprofit career spans nearly two decades. She began leading in 2007 as Social Concerns Director at Most Blessed Trinity Parish, where she co-founded the House of Peace, providing culturally competent shelter and counseling for Latina survivors of domestic violence.
As the Community Engagement & Development Manager for Waukegan Public Library, she created the "Promotoras de la Biblioteca" initiative—a model of trust-based programming delivering ESL, GED prep, and civics education. The program earned the library an IMLS National Gold Medal in 2013 and Carmen a Library Journal “Mover & Shaker” award in 2014.
From 2016 to 2018, as Chief Development Officer at A Safe Place, she doubled the organization’s operating budget to $4.1M and initiated programs supporting youth at risk. In 2019, Carmen took the helm at Highwood Public Library & Community Center, where she spearheaded dramatic expansion—programs doubled, attendance soared, and $4.4M was raised. In 2021, under her leadership, Highwood became one of only three libraries nationally to earn an IMLS National Medal—making this Carmen’s second national prestigious recognition, and the first Latina and formerly undocumented person to achieve this milestone.
Reflecting on her own journey—from arriving in the U.S. as a young immigrant to navigating document challenges—Carmen says, “During these uncertain times we all need to come together to organize, collaborate, and strategize to further our reach and support of our families. I am humbled by this opportunity and ready to serve.”
As Executive Director of CIP, Carmen will lead efforts to strengthen legal protections, expand educational outreach, and cultivate civic leadership among Lake County’s vibrant immigrant communities.
Dulce Guzmán, Board President and Co-Founder, shared: “Carmen’s proven ability to build trust, scale impact, and champion vulnerable communities is needed now more than ever to ensure CIP can continue responding to the attacks our communities are under. We’re excited for her to lead the next chapter of our work.”
If you have any questions about this announcement, please contact Francys Munoz at fmunoz@centerforimmigrantprogress.org.
About Center for Immigrant Progress
The Center for Immigrant Progress is a grassroots organization dedicated to advancing protection, education, and opportunity for immigrant children and families across Lake County, Illinois. CIP’s programs include community building and narrative change, leadership and civic engagement, and resources to protect immigrant rights in Lake County.
