Leadership in community with Vivian Huelgo and Michael Dougherty

At Esperanza United, we know no single organization or person is going to end domestic and sexual violence alone – it takes communities working together. That’s why Latina leadership and community-based solutions are two of our organizational values. 

To advance this strengths-based approach, Esperanza United President and CEO Vivian Huelgo, J.D., interviews leaders whose work is creating change, advancing equity, and strengthening communities across the country. Through these conversations, we celebrate the people behind the work, reflect onlessons in leadership, and share our collective vision for a future free from violence. 

In this edition, Vivian speaks with Michael Dougherty, Boulder County District Attorney. Throughout his career in public service, Michael has focused on accountability, community partnerships, and strengthening systems that better serve people. Drawing from decades of leadership in criminal justice, he reflects on the importance of leading with humility, listening to others, and creating space for emerging leaders to grow. He also shares how embracing new perspectives continues to shape his work, his vision for a future rooted in prevention, accountability, and community collaboration, and why he remainsdeeply grateful for the mentors and colleagues whose trust and support have guided his leadership journey. Pues vamos:

Vivian: One of our organizational values is Latina Leadership. What does leadership mean to you? 

Michael: Leadership means inspiring and empowering the team to develop and achieve our goals. As a leader, I seek to guide and support staff in their efforts while providing them with the resources they need. Being a leader means owning responsibility for key decisions and for struggles we may encounter. 

Vivian: Who inspired your leadership journey and how did they shape you? 

Michael: From loading trucks at UPS to the Manhattan DA’s Office, I saw the impact leaders have on staff. Ultimately, I had the honor of working alongside a wonderful person on the Executive Staff of the DA’s Office. He taught me to lead with humility, to listen, and be thoughtful. 

Vivian: How do you mentor or support the next generation of community leaders? 

Michael: We support the next generation of leaders by granting them the freedom to lead and the patience to make mistakes. Also, it is important to listen to, and learn from, them. We should give them the time and support we want from our own leaders. 

Vivian: What is a lesson you learned recently that surprised you? 

Michael: As an adjunct professor and District Attorney, I often ask, “What can we do to make this function better?” I am consistently surprised at how often there are ideas that I have not considered – even after giving something careful thought. As a leader in criminal justice reform, that is valuable. 

Vivian: One of our other organizational values is living free from violence. What does a violence-free future look like to you? 

Michael: It starts with never accepting that violence has to exist. The answer is not simply longer prison sentences. Rather, it’s more prevention programs, behavioral health treatment, community partnerships, and a holistic approach to tackle underlying issues that drive much of the violence. And holding people accountable for acts of violence. 

 Vivian: Gratitude is so important. Tell me about something you are grateful for? 

Michael: Vivian Huelgo and other amazing people with whom I have worked. I have served my community for nearly 30 years because of the inspiration, support, and lessons that others have provided. I’m grateful for the trust they placed in me and their patience when I stumbled along the way.