What International Women’s Day means in our work  

Every March, International Women’s Day invites us to pause and reflect on the leadership, resilience, and courage of women around the world. At Esperanza United, this moment is deeply personal. It reflects the women who shape our work, the communities that guide us, and the vision of a world where every woman and girl can live in safety and dignity. 

This year, our President and CEO, Vivian Huelgo, J.D., shared a reflection on what International Women’s Day represents within her work and leadership. 

“As I reflect on International Women’s Day, the theme for this year connects very deeply to both my work and leadership and to the work and leadership of our organization. ‘Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls’ is core to our work in enabling access to justice in systems across the country and Puerto Rico and the provision of direct interventions tied to remedying rights for survivors of gender-based violence in the Twin Cities. 

Our work in the field has always been collaborative. I’ve benefited from Latina leaders and wise women who have supported and mentored me and do still to this day. I’m grateful to still have in my life the women I have coached, counseled, and supported as well. I’m so proud of these ‘young’ women and love seeing them flourish and thrive, creating safety and success within their communities.” 

Vivian’s reflection captures something powerful about this work. Leadership in this movement has never been about one person alone. It grows through community, through mentorship, and through the wisdom shared between generations of women. 

Many of us can point to the women who helped shape our path. The mentors reminded us that our voices matter. The colleagues who stood beside us during difficult moments. The leaders whoshowed us that courage and compassion can exist in the same space. 

At Esperanza United, we see that legacy every day. 

For more than four decades, our work has been grounded in community and in the leadership of Latinas and Latin@ communities working to end domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking while uplifting the wisdom that already exists within our communities. 

International Women’s Day reminds us that change grows when women support one another, mentor one another, and open doors for those who come next. 

Throughout this month, we are honored to highlight the stories of women across Esperanza United whose leadership continues to strengthen our communities and inspire hope. 

Because when women rise, communities rise with them.