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Leadership in Community with Vivian Huelgo 

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 […]

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Conversations Over Cafecito: Pride and memory, part 1

In this special Hispanic Heritage Month episode, we are joined by Dr. Raquel Z. Rivera, a writer, professor, researcher, and singer whose work is deeply rooted in Caribbean musical traditions. We talk about her fascination with music as a tool for memory and expression, her studies of hip hop and reggaetón, […]

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Community engagement with faith-based organizations: Supporting Latin@ survivors of intimate partner violence  

Supporting Latin@ survivors of intimate partner violence through faith-based community engagement  Faith-based organizations often serve as trusted hubs for spiritual, emotional, and material support. For Latin@ survivors of intimate partner violence, these spaces can be both healing and challenging. Domestic violence organizations can better support survivors by building intentional partnerships with […]

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What is youth participatory action research?

Through active participation in research, youth develop critical skills while addressing issues that deeply matter to their communities. Youth participatory action research (YPAR) supports youth on their path to academic and professional success and creates opportunities to reflect on the root causes of social problems. It also promotes civic engagement, leadership, […]

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Burnout in domestic violence and sexual assault organizations

Burnout matters in domestic violence and sexual assault organizations because advocates carry a heavy emotional and practical load. They are often exposed to stories and experiences of violence through their clients, while also navigating their own personal histories. At the same time, they juggle high caseloads, limited resources, and the lasting […]

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Conversations Over Cafecito: Youth leadership, with Sergio Piñeros

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 […]

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Conversations Over Cafecito: Promotor@s, with Nancy Villaseñor

In this episode of Conversations over Cafecito, we speak with Nancy Villaseñor, a seasoned public health promotora with over 15 years of experience working with Latino communities in California. Nancy shares her powerful vision of what holistic health truly means—and why it’s urgent to look beyond just the physical body. Throughout […]

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Advocacy in action: 23 Meetings. 31 Voices. One powerful week.

By Yasmin Campos-Mendez, Public policy manager With deep gratitude and inspiration, I’m proud to share that our Public Policy team recently led a powerful Congressional Week of Action, held from July 14–18. Throughout the week, we held 23 meetings with congressional staff across the country and engaged 31 participants through advocacy webinars. It was incredibly […]

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Executive director series  

Join us Thursdays at 1 p.m. CT from August 21 to September 11 for a four-part virtual series tailored for nonprofit leaders. Each session features an experienced executive director sharing actionable insights on board development, communications, financial strategy, and navigating government funding.  Developing your personal Board August 21 at 1 PM […]

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Hope takes root when youth know they matter

Dear Community,  Hope takes root when young people know they matter. Behind every youth leader at Esperanza United is a history of transformation—moments when they were seen, heard, and lifted up. Our youth programs make this possible, giving young people the tools and connection they need to grow into leaders for […]

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