Teresa Cintrón: A Commitment to Leadership, Justice, and Faith

When Teresa Cintrón was invited to serve on the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago’s Board of Directors, it was an opportunity that aligned with both her professional expertise and personal convictions. A lifelong Lutheran with a background in finance, strategic planning, fundraising, and development, Cintrón brings a wealth of experience to LSTC’s mission of forming faith leaders and advocating for justice.

“I believe that strategic planning, business development, and community engagement are skills (and sometimes tools) not only for the private sector but also for faith-based organizations,” Cintrón explains. “These skills can help us cultivate more leaders in the church, our communities, and our society.”

Cintrón’s journey to the board is rooted in a life of service and a deep connection to global and local communities. Born and raised in Puerto Rico, she began her career in the banking industry before transitioning into nonprofit leadership. As Director of Finance for the World Wildlife Fund, she played a crucial role in opening new offices in the Caribbean, South America, and Mexico, managing financial operations that connected U.S. and European funding with Latin American conservation efforts. Over time, her focus shifted from finance to development, leading her to work with NGOs and higher educational institutions dedicated to fundraising, strategic planning, research, statistics, and social impact, including over a decade working for Social Strategic Development, Inc.

“At some point, I realized that while we are called to serve, we also need resources to make meaningful change. That’s when I truly fell in love with fundraising and development—because it allows organizations to sustain their mission and grow their impact.”   

Life took Cintrón to the Northeast  via New Jersey and Pennsylvania, and, for the past twelve years, she has supported volunteer and donor engagement in multiple states. Eventually, Cintrón’s role transitioned to global engagement, as she supported the business development unit in resource acquisition from public and private sector donors for Church World Service (CWS) portfolios in the United States, Asia, Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe, and the Middle East.

As a board member, Cintrón sees her role as both a steward and a visionary. She is particularly passionate about LSTC’s commitment to theological education that embraces global perspectives and progressive values, especially in the face of societal shifts and challenges.

“LSTC’s global component has always stood out to me. The school has been progressive in ways that currently are incredibly necessary…It is a place where diversity of thought, deep faith, and social justice intersect. In my very first meeting, I saw how committed the leadership was [when it came] to protecting and advancing DEIJ efforts—despite current trends and external pressures pushing in other directions.” 

For Cintrón, LSTC represents more than just an academic institution; it is a place where faith is transformed into action. “Institutions like LSTC can serve as a fortress for values that uplift, educate, and create leaders ready to serve in impactful ways,” she says. 

Faith has been a constant guide in Cintrón’s personal and professional journey. Coming from a small Lutheran denomination in Puerto Rico, she understands the importance of building strong communities and fostering leadership in unexpected places.

“I believe that every opportunity to serve is a response to a call. After Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico, I saw firsthand how communities came together—not through institutions, but through people connecting with each other, reaching out for help, creating their own highly effective solutions, and building something greater together… [That experience reinforced my belief that] solidarity and faith-driven action create miracles.”

This principle guides her approach to leadership at LSTC, where she sees both immense opportunities and significant challenges ahead. From the rising costs of education to the increasing secularization of society, she acknowledges that theological education must evolve to remain relevant.

“We have a chance to be a leading voice that engages with [pressing global issues]—climate change, social inequality, interfaith dialogue—embracing innovation, fostering a culture of creativity and collaboration, expanding its reach globally by leveraging technology and building strategic partnerships; while staying rooted in faith. Schools like LSTC can be spaces where minds are trained, values are reinforced, and leaders are prepared to navigate the complexities of today’s diverse and interconnected world.”

When asked what advice she would give to students and emerging leaders, Cintrón emphasizes authenticity and action.

“Be authentic in your faith and your leadership,” she advises. “Train your mind, just as you would train your body in the gym so that when the time comes, you are prepared to follow your calling.”

Grounded in faith, driven by justice, and committed to service, Teresa Cintrón is a leader dedicated to ensuring LSTC continues to be a place where progressive, ecumenical, and global theological education is not just studied but lived out in meaningful ways.