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Adelante Mujeres Raises Over $125,000 to Support Latino and Immigrant Families

Chicas Youth Development participants and aspiring young leaders Briana Larios, Yolanda Diaz, and Daisy Ecehverria networking with Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici.

Portland, OR. Adelante Mujeres supporters joined together on April 22nd at the Oregon Zoo to strengthen and empower Latino and immigrant families. Guests enjoyed an auction, raffles, dinner, and salsa dancing. Chicas Youth Development participants and aspiring young leaders at the event included: Briana Larios, Yolanda Diaz, and Daisy Ecehverria networking with Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. (Photo credit, Alicia Hernandez, Wayne Moore, and Ivan Perez Raymond)

Celebrating the empowerment of Latina women at the Fiesta of Hope! Mayra Hernandez, Tara Larsen, Araceli Roman, Yasi Lemus Isla, Xochitl Arreola, Yamel Olivas, Angeles Pineda, Sonia Serrano, Mayra Hernandez, Gera Araujo, Norma Hernandez

Forest Grove Mayor Pete Truax and Washington County Commissioner Bob Terry

Adelante Mujeres Executive Director Bridget Cooke and Board Member Ingrid Solares

Adelante Mujeres Chicas Youth Development Manager Leticia Aguilar and Director of Education Programs Patricia Alvarado

Angelica Pizano, a participant in the Adelante Mujeres Empresas Small Business Development program shared her story. As her husband Salud worked to create his chorizo business, Angelica found herself watching from the sidelines, which is traditional for Latina women. During her childhood, Angelica was taught to be humble, to demure. As Adelante guided Angelica and Salud through one-on-one business coaching, she began to believe in herself more and see her own ability to lead. Over time, Angelica grew to take on an active full-time role in the business. Angelica is now Chief Operating Officer of their business, Don Felipe Products. She learned how to be a strong leader, but humble at the same time. Now, Angelica is proud of herself and who she is. She is empowered to use her voice with confidence.

Adelante Mujeres Executive Director Bridget Cooke spoke about the importance of using our voices to support those most in need during this political climate and about the hope she feels every day when she sees people joining together to fight for what they believe in.

By the end of the festive and inspiring evening, generous supporters of Adelante Mujeres raised over $125,000 to support our education and empowerment programs for low income Latina women and families in our community and truly proved that our voices are stronger together.

Adelante Mujeres strives to:

Increase opportunities for family and community self-determination through holistic education, workforce and entrepreneurial training and family literacy.
Build community through leadership development and the search for solutions to common concerns.
Preserve, foster and share participants’ cultural heritage with the wider community and facilitate intercultural exchange.
Advocate ecological awareness and action for a sustainable economy and healthy communities.

Elisa Klein

I’ve been a professional journalist and writer since 1987, (and long-time reporter for KOIN-TV.) As a nationally published reporter, with a Master’s Degree in Journalism, I love to report positive news and information. Journalism has also connected me with another non-profit where I served as a leader; the Northwest’s biggest writer’s organization: The Willamette Writers.