Meet The Board of Directors
Our board of directors is made up of dedicated volunteers who give their time, wisdom, and heart to guide our mission. Our members come together each year to elect a new board, ensuring fresh perspectives and shared leadership. These individuals serve not for personal gain, but out of a deep commitment to our community and the work we do. With warmth and integrity, they help shape our vision, steward our resources, and keep us focused on what truly matters. We are grateful for their service and for the trust our members place in them each year.
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The Rt. Rev. Katia Romanoff, PhD 🇷🇺
Bishop | Director of Compliance & Ethics
Bishop Katia is what happens when wisdom, wit, and a deep love for both tradition and progress collide in one person. As a Bishop and Director of Compliance & Ethics for the Accountability Board at Iwigá, she ensures that faith isn’t just felt—it’s practiced with integrity. With a Ph.D. in Religious Studies, a passion for historical theology, and an eye for ethics and good governance, she’s the kind of leader who can dissect a theological argument, keep the church running smoothly, and still find time to remind everyone that spiritual growth requires accountability. When she’s not guiding clergy, overseeing ethical matters, or reminding people that "compliance" isn’t a dirty word, you might find her exploring esoteric wisdom, deep-diving into historical mysteries, or contemplating how to keep tradition relevant in a rapidly changing world. She’s equal parts scholar, shepherd, and spiritual strategist—helping others walk their path with both freedom and responsibility. Need wisdom? Need structure? Need someone to remind you that spiritual callings come with real-world responsibilities? Bishop Katia is here—gracious, grounded, and always ready to keep the faith (and the bylaws) in check.📜🙏🏽💡

Rev. Dr. Justin Hurtado, STL, PhD 🇲🇽
Executive Director | Board Chair
Father Justin is the kind of priest who believes that faith should be honest, inclusive, and maybe even come with a side of good coffee. He blends pastoral care, psychological insight, and a touch of sass to make sure everyone—whether saint or skeptic—feels heard, seen, and spiritually nourished. When he’s not offering chaplaincy and pastoral support, he’s probably teaching Business English, writing reflections for his blog, or figuring out how to make the internet work for ministry without losing his soul to algorithms. He’s got a sharp mind, a soft heart, and an unshakable belief that grace is for everyone, no exceptions. Whether you need a listening ear, a deep theological conversation, or just someone who “gets it”, Father Justin is here—no judgment, just presence (and maybe a little eye-roll at bad theology).🙏🏽☕📖

Rev. Dr. Matthijs van der Veen, EdD, BCET 🇳🇱
Vice-Chair
Father Matthijs is what happens when you mix a Dutchman’s love for precision, a theologian’s depth, and a teacher’s ability to make even the most complex ideas sound simple. He believes faith should be rooted in history, lived in the present, and open to everyone—no exceptions. When he’s not buried in books or sipping the perfect cup of coffee (seriously, don’t mess with his coffee), you’ll find him passionately discussing education, theology, and why Dutch bicycles are superior to all other forms of transportation. He has a doctorate, multiple degrees, and an uncanny ability to spot grammatical errors in church bulletins from a mile away. Father Matthijs is here for the seekers, the skeptics, and everyone in between—offering wisdom, warmth, and just the right amount of Dutch directness. 🚲☕📖

Rev. Dr. Chloe Rivera, DSW, MSW 🇨🇺
Director of Programs & Ministry Initiatives
Mother Chloe Rivera is a pastor, professor, and professional at making you rethink everything you thought you knew about faith and community. As Director of Programs & Ministry Initiatives, she’s the mastermind behind making ministry both meaningful and practical—because theology is great, but if it doesn’t meet people where they are, what’s the point? Armed with a Doctorate in Social Work and a heart that refuses to give up on people, she specializes in creating spaces where faith, healing, and social justice intersect. When she’s not running programs or advocating for those on the margins, she’s co-hosting Iwiga’s podcast with Father Justin, keeping conversations deep, hilarious, and sometimes just a little too real. She’s got the credentials, the compassion, and just enough caffeine to keep it all running smoothly. Need a reality check wrapped in grace? Need someone to remind you that faith without action is just noise? Chloe’s your person—bringing both the wisdom and the mic drop moments. 🎙️📖☕

Miss Tina Ngô, MBA, CNAP 🇻🇳
Treasurer
Tina is the financial mastermind who keeps Iwiga’s books balanced, budgets in check, and the entire organization from making any “creative” accounting decisions. As Treasurer, she ensures that every dollar is accounted for—because, as she likes to remind everyone, "faith without fiscal responsibility is just wishful thinking." Armed with an MBA, a Certified Nonprofit Accounting Professional (CNAP) designation, and a no-nonsense approach to numbers, Tina knows how to turn financial reports into something people actually understand (which, let’s be honest, is a minor miracle). When she’s not crunching numbers or making sure the lights stay on, she’s probably teaching someone the difference between a budget and a wish list, reminding Father Justin that “faith-based” doesn’t mean “funds will magically appear,” or hunting down grants like a detective on a mission. Need a financial reality check with a side of dry humor? Need someone to keep your nonprofit from accidentally committing financial heresy? Tina’s got you covered—sharp, strategic, and absolutely unafraid to tell you when you're spending too much on coffee. ☕📊💰

Dss. Isabella Fernanda Ramo, BTh 🇲🇽
Seminarian | Secretary
Deaconess Bella Fer is the kind of seminarian who brings both heart and humor to ministry—with a keen eye for detail and a love for keeping things (and people) organized. As Secretary for Iwiga, she ensures that meetings stay on track, records are accurate, and no one conveniently “forgets” what was decided last month. Hailing from San Juan de los Lagos, Jalisco—a place known for faith, tradition, and miraculous moments—Bella Fer carries her heritage with pride, blending deep spirituality with a down-to-earth approach to service. Whether she’s handling documentation, ministering to the community, or keeping the team accountable with a well-timed look, she proves that good theology and good administration go hand in hand. When she’s not studying for her Greek exam, serving, or making sure the minutes actually get read, she’s probably teaching someone the proper way to make café de olla or reminding people that faith is as much about action as it is about belief. Need structure? Need wisdom? Need someone to remind you that God loves order (and so should you)? Deaconess Bella Fer is on it—with grace, efficiency, and maybe just a little sass. 📜☕🙏🏽