With years spent working in higher education and nonprofit leadership, Sam Centellas’ career has been defined by a passion for community. Now, as the executive director of CDFI Friendly South Bend, he continues to bring positive change to the community by helping to bridge financial gaps for small businesses.
Growing up in Saginaw, Michigan, Centellas had always been drawn to the automotive industry and developed a passion for cars. This, along with his mathematical abilities, led him to study engineering at Western Michigan University. However, he later realized that engineering wasn't his true calling.
"I actually decided that I didn't want to be an engineer, and I went back to school and got a master's degree in education," Centellas said. “Then, I spent about 12 years working at various colleges and universities.”
In February of 2008, Centellas moved to South Bend for a position at Indiana University South Bend. He was part of the athletic department and the director of student life where he helped grow student activities and student engagement.
Centellas also volunteered at La Casa de Amistad – a youth and community center for the Latino, Hispanic, and immigrant communities – in South Bend during this time.
“As a Latino immigrant, born in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, I tend to connect with the local Latino immigrant community everywhere I live," Centellas said. “I had volunteered at La Casa for a little while, and when they were looking for a new executive director, someone reached out to me and asked if I’d be interested in applying for the position.”
What began as volunteer work turned into an eight-year leadership role as the organization’s executive director.
"During my time at La Casa, we started to encounter financial justice issues – challenges like securing a mortgage in a low-income neighborhood or small businesses being able to access capital to start or grow their business," Centellas said. “These issues have always intrigued me.”
This led to his interest in and excitement about his current role at CDFI Friendly South Bend.
“As I was transitioning out of La Casa, a group had started the CDFI Friendly organization to help bridge some of those financial disparities," Centellas said. “Someone from their board reached out to me about getting involved, and the timing worked out perfectly. I stayed with La Casa for six months while gradually moving into this position, and then I took the job full-time.”
Three years into his role now, Centellas finds fulfillment in helping businesses and families overcome financial barriers.
“At the end of the day, our job is helping people get loans, but what I really love is going to ribbon cuttings, groundbreakings, and grand openings — celebrating the milestones with a business owner or entrepreneur," Centellas said.
Outside of work, Centellas enjoys spending time with his kids and keeping up with their activities. He also continues to pursue his passion for cars. He owns a 1975 Datsun Z, which he enjoys working on and driving in the summer.
“I thought I’d be here for four years and then see what’s next, but I fell in love with this area — the amenities, how close we are to the lake," Centellas said. “I’m proud to be living here and raising Hoosiers.”