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On November 14, 2024 in St. Paul, Esperanza United gathered to celebrate Patti Tototzintle, a visionary leader who has dedicated 23 years to mobilizing Latin@ communities to end gender-based violence. Her retirement marks the culmination of an extraordinary journey filled with resilience, hope, and transformative change. To honor her service, Minnesota officially declared November 14 as “Patti Tototzintle Day,” with Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan reading Governor Walz’s proclamation. Additionally, Patti received recognitions from the Offices of Senator Tina Smith, Senator Amy Klobuchar, and Representative Maria Isa Perez Vega, from the House of Representatives in Patti’s own district on Saint Paul’s West Side.
Reflecting on her time at Esperanza United, Patti expressed immense gratitude for the relationships and community built over the years. She shared heartfelt memories of witnessing participants’ strength, empowerment, and resilience. Her leadership guided Esperanza United as we grew into a national force advocating for healthy families and communities. This growth was not just about expanding our reach but also about ensuring our work stayed rooted in the lived experiences and cultural identities of our local, MN Latin@ community.
These moments of reflection remind us that the work of building healthier relationships and safer communities has always been rooted in collective action. Patti’s message as she passes the torch is one of hope and determination. She called on us all to continue mobilizing, advocating, and believing in a future free from violence. Esperanza United is poised for its next chapter, led by a new generation of leaders carrying Patti’s vision forward. The movement is strong, and the future holds incredible promise.
Thank you, Patti, for 23 remarkable years of leadership, dedication, and love. Your legacy is a guiding light as we continue our mission to mobilize Latinas and Latin@ communities to end gender-based violence.
One of the hallmarks of Patti’s leadership is her unwavering commitment to culturally specific approaches. At Esperanza United, no one-size-fits-all solution is ever acceptable. Instead, the organization adapts, listens, and responds to the diverse needs of the communities we serve. It is this focus that made Esperanza United a model for impactful and meaningful advocacy.
A second celebration in Washington, DC on November 18, was a powerful tribute to Patti’s legacy. Hosted by Justice for Migrant Women, Futures Without Violence y Mi Familia Vota, the event brought together visionary leaders who reflected on Patti’s contributions and the larger movement for change. Speakers like Mónica Ramírez, Hector Sánchez Barba, and Amy Hinojosa highlighted Patti’s work to center underrepresented voices, especially Latinas’, in conversations about gender-based violence. Mónica Ramírez’s words about mutual care and collaboration between Esperanza United and Justice for Migrant Women beautifully exemplified the kind of leadership Patti modeled throughout her career.
These moments of reflection remind us that the work of building healthier relationships and safer communities has always been rooted in collective action. Patti’s message as she passes the torch is one of hope and determination. She called on us all to continue mobilizing, advocating, and believing in a future free from violence. Esperanza United is poised for its next chapter, led by a new generation of leaders carrying Patti’s vision forward. The movement is strong, and the future holds incredible promise.
Thank you, Patti, for 23 remarkable years of leadership, dedication, and love. Your legacy is a guiding light as we continue our mission to mobilize Latinas and Latin@ communities to end gender-based violence.
