Mike Alameda

Missionary and Co-Founder of Corazon Ministries and Executive Director of Ministries


Mike Alameda was born and raised in Tucson, Arizona. He grew up in one of the oldest Hispanic communities in Tucson. He attended local area schools and graduated in 1978. He began working in a print shop at the age of 17 and was involved in the printing and graphics arts field for 16 years.  Mike’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to the position of vice president for a nationwide company that specialized in cultural products that were sold to the federal government and Fortune 500 companies worldwide.

After six years as vice president, Mike felt God’s call to leave his position and become a missionary. Mike and his wife Claire were passionate to reach the Hispanics and Latino’s in their community for Christ. Mike and Claire founded the Tucson-based Corazón Ministries in 1994. The mission of Corazón is to evangelize non-believers, to develop believers into disciple-makers, and to equip believers for work and service within the context of culture and community in Hispanic/Latino and other ethnic populations.

Mike serves as the Executive Director of the Ministry. His expertise in cross-cultural missions has taken him around the country as a consultant to churches and national ministry organizations. After over thirty years of ministry experience, Mike is a leader and mentor who desires to influence and equip future generations to fulfil the great commission.

Claire Alameda

Missionary, Co-Founder, & Director of Women’s Ministries


Claire Alameda was born in Los Angles, California. She accepted Christ as her Savior just after she graduated from high school. Claire received a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from the University of Arizona. She met and married Mike Alameda soon after her college graduation. Claire began her career at the University of Arizona in student services. She specialized in the recruitment and retention of ethnic minority student populations.

Although experiencing a successful professional life, Claire, along with her husband, felt God stirring her heart towards missions. In 1992, the Alamedas were commissioned and sent as missionaries to the Hispanic and Latino communities in the United States. Together, Mike and Claire founded Tucson-based, Corazón Ministries.

Claire serves as the Director of Women’s Ministries. The Women of Heart program reaches out through evangelistic home Bible studies, discipleship, leadership training, marriage and parenting classes, monthly gatherings and an annual women’s retreats. Claire’s most treasured role is mentoring young women in their faith walk. Her passion is to create a vibrant community where Hispanic and Latino women connect culturally to the gospel, grow as Christ followers and are equipped to contribute to the church. Claire loves to share good conversation with family and friends around her table.

Mike and Claire live in Tucson Arizona. They have three adult children.

Enrique Garcia

Missionary and Director of Spanish-Speaking Ministries


Enrique was born and raised in Mazatlán, Mexico. He moved to Tucson shortly after giving his life to Christ in 2007 at 23 years of age. He earned a bachelor's degree in communications studies from the Western Institute of Technology and Higher Education in Guadalajara, Mexico.

He completed a 6-month missionary internship with Corazón Ministries in the summer of 2012. He has been serving as a missionary since January 2013.

Enrique serves as the Director of Spanish-speaking Ministries. He develops relationships with Spanish-speaking pastors around the city and offers trainings to equip and edify the body of Christ. He also interprets teachings and workshops for the Spanish-speaking community. Enrique is also the director of “Hearts on Fire,” a ministry which equips and trains high school students in missions, evangelism, discipleship, and ministry life.

Enrique's passion is to share the gospel through evangelistic bible studies and the building of meaningful relationships with friends and acquaintances. He helps believers to grow in their faith through discipleship and Biblical teachings. He loves seeing how God brings unity in the body of Christ by breaking cultural and denominational barriers. He enjoys equipping the church in evangelism and Christian apologetics.

He has been married to his wife Lorena since 2013. They have three beautiful children: Juliana, Evan and Elena.

Alexis P.

Ministry Assistant


Alexis was born and raised in Tucson, Arizona. While growing up in a large Christian family, she was always surrounded by faith and the Word of God. Alexis first met Mike and Claire in 2020 through family friends.  She currently works as Claire’s assistant. Alexis loves to read, go on walks with her dog, and watch classic movies

 

 

 

 

Liz Hernandez

Executive Assistant


Liz Hernandez joined ministry staff in September 2022 as an Executive Administrative Assistant. She supports finances and giving, office management, and assists staff and Executive Director of Ministries, Michael Alameda. Liz has attended Corazón Ministries events since 2013 and has volunteered with since 2016. Some of her past volunteer roles were serving on the Spanish Retreat Committee, table leader at women’s events, and leading a Bible study.

Liz has a passion for helping women by encouraging, serving and finding support for their needs. She has co-lead a couple of Mending the Soul groups as well as one-on-one studies.

She was born and raised in CA and has been living in Tucson for 15 years. She has 2 beautiful daughters: Lupe and Zayida.

 

Mary Yantis

Finance Office


Mary is a woman of great faith. She is friendly and kindhearted
to all. Tucson is home for Mary where she has 3 adult children.
She was the office manager for years at Cornerstone Christian
Academy (now Pusch Ridge Christian Academy Grammar
School) and believes very strongly in Christian education.
All three of her kids went to Pusch Ridge Christian Academy
Grammar School and High School. Mary currently works at
the Gospel Rescue Mission in bookkeeping in addition to her
position with Corazón Ministries. She has known Mike and
Claire since their kids went to elementary school and high
school together and she has attended Corazón events through
the years. She loves audio books, going to movies, and taking
walks.

Mary’s favorite verse is Micah 6:8 NIV:
He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the
Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to
walk humbly with your God.