Hector Cendejas

As the Program Director for Family Reunification at Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington, Hector Cendejas oversees the delivery of trauma-informed care and support services to unaccompanied children seeking to reunite with their families in the United States. With over ten years of experience in social work and nonprofit leadership, Cendejas is passionate about promoting the well-being and dignity of vulnerable and marginalized populations, especially children and immigrants.

Cendejas also leverages his expertise in trauma, child advocacy, and social justice as an adjunct faculty - Columbia University; George Mason University; University of Maryland, Baltimore; and Virginia Commonwealth University – where he teaches and mentors the next generation of social workers. Additionally, Cendejas serves as a practicum instructor for BSW and MSW students from various universities, providing them with direct learning opportunities and professional guidance. Furthermore, Cendejas has a strong background in public service and civic engagement, having served as a city council member, a board member, and a committee chairperson for several local and regional organizations.

Cendejas holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a concentration in Social Justice Analysis from Georgetown University, a Master of Social Work with a concentration in Community Organization, Planning and Administration from the University of Southern California, and a Master of Education in Human Development and Psychology with a concentration in Child Advocacy from Harvard University.