Chicas Adelante

I started Chicas Adelante because I wanted to a create the community I wish I had access to when I was younger. Growing up in a Southern California suburb, I tried to do everything to fit in, even though I knew I stood out as a Latina. I am so thankful my parents maintained our cultural traditions and language, and made sure I was proud to be a Chicana-Boricua. I didn’t see myself reflected in the media or in the professional leaders in my community. Finding mentors that shared similar experiences outside of my own family was difficult. 

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The Chicas Adelante online community was started to highlight the Latinas poderosas I saw in our community making an impact in their work, their businesses, their advocacy, and in their daily lives. I wanted to create a place where all women can be inspired by others, feel empowered to be themselves, and to make an positive impact in the world. I also wanted to start a scholarship program that provides support to Latinas pursuing higher education. 

 

I am passionate about advocating for social justice through community engagement, advocacy, and policy change. I have 15 years of experience in various areas of nonprofit management and administration, including program development, fundraising and events, communications, community organizing. I’ve worked in both small and large organizations serving marginalized communities and have built expertise in various social issues, including affordable housing, food insecurity, refugee resettlement, and farm worker justice.