Our Executive Staff
Gustavo Ramírez - Founder and CEO
Mr. Ramirez is the founder and Executive Director of the Organization for Immigration and American Citizenship (IACO) since 1999. He has led the organization's growth by developing key immigration and citizenship programs and establishing strategic partnerships with public and private entities.
Previously, he served as Director of the Immigration Program at the Passaic Hispanic Information Center, where he coordinated the New Jersey State Citizenship Campaign, supporting thousands of immigrants in obtaining U.S. citizenship.
Before emigrating to the United States, Mr. Ramirez studied economics and worked with international corporations in the area of systems and technology, including executive leadership positions.
Esperanza Torres - Director and Accredited Representative
Ms. Esperanza Torres serves as Deputy Executive Director of IACO, where she brings over 25 years of experience in the field of immigration. Throughout her career, she has provided guidance and support to immigrant communities, facilitating access to reliable legal services.
IACO is accredited by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to provide legal representation to immigrants before U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Since 2006, IACO has been recognized by the DOJ's Office of Legal Access Programs (OLAP), further strengthening its ability to offer authorized representation.
In her leadership role, Ms. Torres continues to advance the organization's mission, ensuring access to information, resources, and comprehensive support for the immigrant community.
Ileana Montes, Esq. - Director of the Legal Department
Ileana J. Montes, Esq., is an attorney with 23 years of experience and a prominent member of the leadership team at the Organization for Immigration and American Citizenship (IACO). Since 2017, she has strengthened IACO's mission through her service in governance and executive management: first as a member of the Board of Directors and currently as Deputy Director, Advisory Counsel, and Director of the Legal Department.
In these roles, Ms. Montes provides institutional legal counsel and leads immigration initiatives focused on family reunification and access to justice. She has extensive experience supporting vulnerable populations, including refugees and survivors of human trafficking and domestic violence. In addition to her work at IACO, she maintains her own law firm and serves as Legal Advisor to the Consulate of Colombia in Newark.