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About Us
Welcome to
CWC Life Silicon Valley
Motto:
"People of all races, all backgrounds and all generations serving one god."
Statement of purpose:
"To know God and to make Him known."
Benji Cortez
Lead Pastor
Born into a rich heritage of faith and melody, Benji Cortez was raised within the pastoral grace of the home of AG Pastors Alfonso and Ruby Cortez. His ministerial journey began as a precocious expression of talent; as early as 1972, he was already a fixture on his father’s television program, ministering through song and piano. By the age of 17, his innate leadership flourished as he assumed the mantle of Pianist and Choir Director at the Cathedral of Faith in San Jose.
His distinguished trajectory in worship ministry is marked by significant appointments, having served as Music Director for the Latin American Bible Institute and subsequently under Pastor Sonny Arguinzoni at Victory Outreach in Los Angeles. Following a transformative decade as Worship Pastor at CWC Bay Area, Benjamin now presides as Lead Pastor at CWC Life Silicon Valley. In this role, he masterfully integrates the authority of the Word with the evocative power of worship.
As a prolific recording artist, Benji has released several anointed projects, most notably Dwell (2000) and Love Amazing (2010). His latest offering, Seraphim (2023), represents a definitive milestone—a "crowning achievement" he regards as his most profound life’s work.
A Vision Without Limits
Today, alongside his wife, Pastor Leslie, Benjamin leads with a boundless heart for the lost. Together, they are igniting a spiritual awakening in Santa Clara and expanding a global impact that knows no earthly bounds—anchored firmly in the promise of Ephesians 3:20
Leslie I. Nieves Cortez
Senior Co-Lead Pastor
Leslie I. Nieves Cortez is a Senior Co-Lead Pastor at CWC Life Silicon Valley, serving alongside her husband, Pastor Benjamin Cortez. She carries a deep desire to build God’s Kingdom throughout the Silicon Valley region and to see individuals, families, and communities experience healing, restoration, and transformation.
Leslie is also the founder of LINC Global, LLC, an integrative health collaborative focused on whole-person wellness. In addition, she is a Licensed Mental Health Clinician with a private practice in the Bay Area. For the past 23 years, Leslie has served individuals and families through inner healing and mental health services. She spent 14 years as a mental health clinician with the San Francisco Department of Public Health.
Her clinical work has brought her into contact with diverse populations, including children and families involved in the child welfare system, at-risk youth, women impacted by domestic violence, juveniles in the justice system, military veterans experiencing PTSD, and survivors of sexual assault.
Leslie utilizes a strength-based, trauma-informed approach to help others heal, rebuild, and move forward. Her mission is to partner with individuals on their healing journey as they embrace restoration, wholeness, and a renewed chapter of life.
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