At Esperanza United, we know no single organization or person is going to end gender-based violence alone – it will take 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. is […]
When a mother entered Esperanza United’s transitional housing program, she carried the weight of protecting her family. After fleeing an abusive relationship, she sought a new beginning for herself and her 14-year-old daughter. What she didn’t expect was to discover that her daughter, too, was experiencing teen dating violence. Through gentle, […]
At Esperanza United, we know no single organization or person is going to end gender-based violence alone – it will take 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. is […]
At Esperanza United, we know no single organization or person is going to end gender-based violence alone – it will take 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. is […]
When a Spanish-speaking father picked up the phone to call Esperanza United, he did it with a knot in his throat. He wasn’t sure anyone would believe him. In his mind, echoed the same old phrases he had heard too many times: “Men are not victims. Men endure. Men don’t cry.” […]
In this episode of Conversations over Cafecito, we talk with Sergio Piñeros, a young Colombian entrepreneur and member of Esperanza United’s Youth Action Committee. Sergio shares how his experience with Free Arts — a program that uses art as a tool for healing among youth — inspired him to get involved […]
Survivors like Laura find safety, reunite with their children, and begin a path toward lasting healing with Esperanza United’s advocacy and support. Laura’s story reminds us of what is possible when culturally specific support meets resilience. Earlier this year, Laura*, a Latina mother outside the metro area of Minnesota, fled severe […]
We are honored to have been recognized by the Minnesota Twins during a pregame ceremony at Target Field 💙⚾ Representing Esperanza United on the field: 💙 Dr. Adriana Alejandro Osorio, Chief Advancement Officer💙 Dr. María Pabón Gautier, Board Vice Chair and advocate for equity and education💙 Sergio Piñeros, Youth Leader and […]
As service providers, it’s essential to reflect on how we show up for survivors and communities – not just in our words, but in our actions, strategies, and connections. This presentation, Crossing the bridge: Uniting prevention and advocacy with intention, calls us to examine the divide that often exists between prevention […]
Today, Esperanza United announces the release of “Safe Leave Documentation and Confidentiality Rules.” This new resource is the second product of the Safe Leave Working Group, of which Esperanza United is a proud member. The document is a resource for policymakers, advocates, and stakeholders that provides recommendations for when and how […]









