Conversations Over Cafecito: Spotlight on Enlace Comunitario

01 October 2025
In this episode of Conversations over Cafecito, the second part of a special series for Hispanic Heritage Month, we sit down with Michelle Vilchez, a Latina leader with over 30 years of community service and advocacy experience. Michelle shares her journey of working across movements for democracy, education, and civic engagement, and reflects on the values passed down through her immigrant upbringing. She talks about the power of parent leadership in shaping education policy, the resilience and collectivism in Latin@ families, and the importance of creating pathways for future generations of leaders. From personal stories of her farmworker parents to her role today at Innovate, Michelle offers profound insights on cultural legacy, leadership, and the role of youth in building stronger communities.
This podcast is supported by grant number 90EV0525 from the Office of Family Violence Prevention and Services (OFVPS) and the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA) Program within the Administration for Children and Families, a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Neither the Administration for Children and Families nor any of its components operates, controls, is responsible for, or necessarily endorses this podcast (including, but not limited to, its content, technical infrastructure, policies, or any services or tools provided). The views, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the agencies mentioned above.