Vivian Huelgo appointed next President and CEO of Esperanza United

Leading Gender-Based Violence Group Announces Seventh Leader in Agency’s 40+ Year History

Today, Esperanza United announces that Vivian Huelgo will be the nonprofit’s next President and CEO. Founded in 1982, Esperanza United mobilizes Latinas and Latin@ communities to end gender-based violence. They have been serving the Minnesota Latin@ community for more than 40 years. In 2011, they became the federally designated resource center for preventing gender-based violence in Latin@ communities and now work nationwide as well as locally to help ensure Latin@ survivors get well-resourced, culturally-responsive, and trauma-informed services.

Vivian Huelgo served as Chief Program Officer at Esperanza United starting in 2022. She joined the staff of the organization after serving on their Policy Advisory Council as part of her work at the American Bar Association (ABA) Commission on Domestic & Sexual Violence. At the ABA, she worked intensively on their human rights, domestic and sexual violence, and human trafficking initiatives for more than a decade.

“As a first-generation Colombian American, I am honored to serve as the next President and CEO of Esperanza United and continue my commitment to my community,” says Huelgo. “I have worked as an attorney at the intersection of law and gender-based violence for over twenty years and am thrilled to amplify the wisdom of survivors and celebrate the leadership within our communities in partnership with our dedicated staff and passionate board. Together, we will increase the health, safety, and wellbeing in our communities where all Latin@s thrive.”

Huelgo will continue collaborating with outgoing President and CEO Patti Tototzintle, who is retiring at the end of 2024 after leading Esperanza United for more than twenty years. “I’ve had the pleasure of working closely with Vivian for two years now,” says Tototzintle. “And I believe in her commitment, expertise, and leadership, to lead Esperanza United into the future. I look forward to seeing where she takes the organization and am rooting for Esperanza United’s continued success.”

“We conducted a competitive, nationwide search to find Esperanza United’s next leader,” adds Sandy Vargas, Chair of Esperanza United’s Board of Directors. “The well of Latina leadership is deep. Vivian Huelgo – with her longstanding commitment to our mission, superior credentials, and strong vision – is an exemplary leader and we are looking forward to having her as the next President and CEO of Esperanza United.”