Latin@ Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together
By Lumarie Orozco, MA, Project Director, Firearms Technical Assistance Project (FTAP)
Hispanic Heritage Month is an annual celebration in the United States that recognizes the contributions and influence of Hispanic and Latino individuals and communities to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States. It is observed from September 15 to October 15. The start date, September 15, is significant as it marks the anniversary of independence for several Latin American countries, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. This month, various events, activities, and educational programs are held to honor the diverse cultures, histories, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino individuals and communities. Last year, we amplified the voices of Latinas with our special “Taking Back Control” podcast episode, “Raising the Voices of Latinas During Hispanic Heritage Awareness Month.”
A pioneer is a person or group that originates or helps open a new line of thought, activity, or a new method or technical development. Hispanics and Latinos have been pioneers, explorers, innovators, and leaders for centuries. They are individuals who venture into the unknown and find their own way. Along the way they make significant contributions to addressing gender-based violence and advocating for women's rights within Hispanic and Latino communities.
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month BWJP lifts up the contributions of Hispanic and Latino rising pioneers in the gender-based violence movement in alignment with this year’s theme, Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together. Here are a few of our favorites:
- Mónica Ramírez is a Latina activist, author, civil rights attorney, entrepreneur, and public speaker. She has been engaged in service and advocacy on behalf of farmworkers, Latinas, and immigrant women. Monica created the first legal project in the U.S. focused on addressing sexual harassment and other forms of gender discrimination against farmworker women in 2003, which was incubated at the Migrant Justice Project of Florida Legal Services. Monica is the recipient of the 2022 James Beard Leadership Award.
- Jeanette (Soto) Bowden is theis the Systems Engagement and Advocacy Manager, leading three federally funded projects focused on systemic intervention to reduce domestic violence homicides at Esperanza United. Throughout her two decades of leadership Jeanette has consistently elevated the needs of Latin@ survivors in New York, Michigan, Georgia and in her current role, her expertise impacts communities nationwide. Jeanette’s insights and experience are instrumental in increasing access to services to help end intimate partner homicides in Latino communities. Jeanette wears her Puerto Ricanness and rich emersion in culture as a badge of honor and pride.
- Kathyrn Duarte is the Assistant Director, SA Services at Rape Victim Advocacy Program at the University of Iowa. Katryn has dedicated her career to working directly with victims of gender-based violence by providing bilingual and bicultural sexual assault advocacy, and counseling services. Katryn is passionate about intersectionality, equity, inclusion, and social justice.
- Saira Estrada is the Language Access and Immigrant Integration Coordinator for the City of Charlotte, NC. She collaborates across city departments to implement language access programs, ensuring equitable services for those with limited English proficiency. Throughout her career, Saira’s commitment to legislative policy and grassroots organizing has driven equity for marginalized populations, establishing her as a powerful force for positive change and a genuine advocate for those she serves. Saira is a passionate and visionary advocate for marginalized communities, driven by social justice.
- Dr. R. Lillianne Macias is an Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of New Haven and directs the Research and Evaluation Center of Esperanza UnitedHer most recent research on Intimate Partner Homicide in Latino Communities is an unparalleled look at the realities of Latinas and Latino communities.
- Emiliano Diaz de León is the Men’s Engagement Specialist at Texas Association Against Sexual Assault (TAASA). After more than a decade of experience working for several domestic and sexual violence centers across Texas, Emiliano joined the Texas Association Against Sexual Assault in 2008 and provides training and technical assistance on the prevention of domestic/sexual violence to organizations and institutions around the state and country. In addition, Emiliano founded and coordinates the state-wide prevention initiative Texas Men S.P.E.A.K. (Supporting Prevention Education Advocacy & Knowledge.
These pioneering Latinos are full of fervor, passion, and love of their communities. They are forces to be reckoned with and have played significant roles in raising awareness, creating new pathways to accessing services and safety. Further advocating for policy changes, changing the narratives, and providing support to those affected by gender-based violence, particularly within Latino communities.
To learn more about the lived experiences of Latina survivors, check out our “Taking Back Control” podcast episode “The Lived Perspectives of Latina Survivors.” Rosario de la Torre, Co-director of family support and community engagement for Esperanza United, goes deeper into how systems can better serve Latina survivors and their families.
We salute you and thank you for your commitment and dedication to Hispanic and Latino communities across this country!
¡Mil gracias de todo corazón!
TAGS: #BWJP Announcements #Gender Based Violence #News