Celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month with VL Alumni
To celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month, we asked VL alumni to share some of their experiences and advice for leaders in the Hispanic community. Keep reading to hear from our VL leaders!
Lorenzo Chavez | Institute Class 40
Executive Director, Arizona Community Foundation
Can you share a little bit about yourself and the path that led to your current role in the community? What purpose or mission guides your work? I have been blessed many times in my life and where I am today is a product of my faith, hard work, incredible mentors, and a little bit of being in the right place at the right time. I grew up in Tucson Arizona and was a first generation college student. I saw first hand the impact that education could have in opening doors, and I wanted to make it my life’s mission to remove barriers so that every child has access to a quality education. I began my work in education and community building working for Federal grant called GEAR UP and this phase had a tremendous impact on me. Fast forward to today, I oversee all of our foundations education initiatives.
How does your Hispanic heritage impact how you approach leadership? My Latine-ness is who I am and is connected to every aspect of my life, including my leadership style. In Latine culture, certain aspects are important to being an “educated” person. I carry these characteristics into leading teams and community building, familismo, respeto, and unidad. These characteristics, along with integrity, serve as my foundation not only as a leader but as a husband and father.
How do you engage with and support other individuals in the Hispanic community to foster collaboration and mentorship? There is no shortage of Latine focused organizations doing good work in Arizona, but where I find the most impact is with students and families. Little things like helping to translate a document or simply spending a little extra time with a family who is navigating a college admissions process that goes a long way in the end.
What advice would you give to other leaders aspiring to make a difference in their community? Have Tireless Optimism. One of my very first mentors in education said this to me, and it has never left me. The road to making a difference is long, but as long as you have optimism, anything is possible.
Diana B. Figueroa | Catalyze Class 2
Senior Vice President, Marketing, Communications and Strategic Initiatives, Education Forward Arizona
Can you share a little bit about yourself and the path that led to your current role in the community? What purpose or mission guides your work? Faith, family, and education are the three guiding pillars in both my personal and professional life. As a proud Latina and first-generation college graduate, I’m deeply committed to using my marketing and communication expertise to advocate for the importance of education and help young people pursue higher education opportunities. My faith and strong family values are equally central to who I am and what I stand for.
How does your Hispanic heritage impact how you approach leadership? My Hispanic heritage deeply informs my values, perspective, and leadership approach. Like many Latinas, I lead with a strong emphasis on collaboration, empathy, and inclusiveness. I focus on building authentic relationships, cultivating a team-oriented environment, and ensuring that every individual feels valued and heard. As a Latina, I also recognize the critical importance of representation and creating opportunities for others, particularly those from underrepresented communities. My leadership is driven by a commitment to uplift and empower individuals, ensuring they have both a voice and a seat at the table, while respecting the diverse experiences and strengths each person contributes.
How do you engage with and support other individuals in the Hispanic community to foster collaboration and mentorship? I actively seek to build meaningful relationships by connecting with others through professional networks, cultural organizations, and community events. Including currently serving on a Latino arts organization board of directors. Additionally, I enjoying offering guidance and support to younger professionals and students, particularly those navigating challenges as first-generation college graduates or those new to their careers. Additionally, I leverage my platform and skills to highlight the achievements of Latinos and to empower Latinas and other women of color.
What advice would you give to other leaders aspiring to make a difference in their community? True leadership is about lifting others up. Build relationships and collaborate with others to help create a better quality of life for all. Always, remember to be authentic and stay true to your values. Change takes time, but it’s worth the effort. Ultimately, leadership is about service. Keep your community at the heart of what you do, and lead with purpose, passion, and a genuine desire to create positive change.
Juana Hernandez | Catalyze Class 1
Sr. Community Stewardship Representative, SRP
How does your Hispanic heritage impact how you approach leadership? My Hispanic heritage deeply influences my approach to leadership particularly through the values of family and community. I lead with a strong sense of collaboration recognizing the importance of every individual’s contribution. As a naturally quiet introvert I empathize with others who may need a nudge to speak up and feel included. I also grew up in a culturally rich environment which has taught me to value diversity and inclusion – this also shapes my efforts to create spaces where all voices are heard. Lastly, resilience is a cornerstone of my heritage, it helps me face challenges head-on. Perhaps at times with fear, pero con ganas.
Can you share a little bit about yourself and the path that led to your current role in the community? What purpose or mission guides your work? I am extremely fortunate to have a rewarding career at SRP, where I have been involved in various impactful efforts. I have managed programs that engage our community, customers, and employees on topics including sustainability initiatives, water and electric safety, diversity and inclusion as well as corporate and employee giving programs. I currently support SRP’s community impact through corporate contributions to Arizona nonprofits. I am a proud first-generation Arizonan and daughter of immigrant parents. I am driven by my heritage and love of Arizona to create an Arizona that is a great place to live for all. In my current role my passions align as I can help make meaningful connections between the community and the resources I help to manage. On a personal level and as the first of four sisters to graduate from ASU, supporting others in their college journey is important to me which is why I serve as a mentor for first generation college students in the St. Vincent de Paul One at a Time program. I also proudly serve on the board of directors for St. Joseph the Worker whose mission is to assist individuals in their efforts to become self-sufficient through quality employment.
How do you engage with and support other individuals in the Hispanic community to foster collaboration and mentorship? In my current role, I actively support nonprofits serving the Hispanic community with a focus on basic needs initiatives that promote family stability and self-sufficiency through food banks, shelters, youth and workforce development programs. I also help to support arts & culture nonprofits that celebrate Arizona’s diverse community and work to increase access to the arts. My contributions help bring people together, celebrate the richness of our culture and foster collaborative opportunities. In addition, I serve as a mentor for first generation college students in the St. Vincent de Paul One at a Time program. I believe mentorship is essential in supporting first-generation college students because it helps bridge the gap between their ambitions and the unfamiliar academic process. Many students lack access to the same resources or guidance as their peers. By sharing my experience and offering encouragement, I can help students stay focused on their goals and realize their potential. I believe in showing up for each other even in small ways so that we can all succeed. I attribute my success to the support of my family, friends and colleagues who took the time to offer me a piece of advice and encouragement along the way.
What advice would you give to other leaders aspiring to make a difference in their community? My advice to leaders aspiring to make a difference is to stay true to your cultural values and heritage – they are your superpower. Seek to understand the real needs of the community by listening to all perspectives. Collaboration is key – learning to work with other leaders and organizations is a must. I think about the numerous instances in history where ordinary individuals came together and changed the course of history. Lastly, embrace resilience, stay focused and keep pushing forward. Your voice and your perspective is valuable. Let it be heard.
Gabriel Jaramillo | Ready Together
Director, Healthy Communities, Vitalyst Health Foundation
Can you share a little bit about yourself and the path that led to your current role in the community? What purpose or mission guides your work? As a first generation American, I have experienced the struggles and opportunities to grow personally and professionally. Housing and community development have become a passion and mission for my professional career. This passion grew from my experience in my youth and a better understanding of how policies interact with our communities.
What advice would you give to other leaders aspiring to make a difference in their community? Study how systems work and understand the opportunities to make change and participate in the process.
How does your Hispanic heritage impact how you approach leadership? Being raised in a Mexican household, my heritage is a part of who I am and impacts every aspect of my work. It’s what has allowed me approach any situation with a varied view point and perspective. It has allowed me to understand and appreciate the need to keep an open mind when working with policy and community.
How do you engage with and support other individuals in the Hispanic community to foster collaboration and mentorship? I participate and encourage other Latinos to participate in their community. It is extremely important see Latinos in decision making positions and to support one another to seek those opportunities. I also take every opportunity to speak with leadership groups and support other Latino leaders.
