Team work makes the dream work

I’ve done a lot of traveling this year during the Thriving in the Fight: In Conversation Tour Across the Country and saw so many amazing things and people around the USA. Though this was a very fulfilling experience, both personally and professionally, I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t also tiring. So, I scheduled some much-needed time off this month. I was able to unplug and spend uninterrupted time with my loved ones, thanks to my amazing team at Faith in Action.

Speaking of our amazing team, in the last couple of month’s Faith in Action has launched two really exciting and innovative programs. I know both of these programs will be so effective in developing Latina leadership and young people in social justice work. Congratulations to my Thriving in the Fight Advisory Board member and colleague Yaquelin Valencia, on the launch of Faith in Action’s first ever Rising Youth Cohort! With the Rising Youth Cohort, 30 new, young, diverse leaders will train and learn to organize alongside Faith in Action team members, positioning them to be on the frontlines of change as they grow into their full potential. I truly believe that when young people thrive, we all thrive!

Catalina Morales, another incredible colleague and Thriving in the Fight Advisory Board member, is leading the Mujerista program which challenges the way Latina women see themselves when it comes to being leaders in the movement, in their communities, and especially in their organizations. It’s like the real-life workbook version of Thriving in the Fight! Mujeristas welcomed the second cohort of participants this month in what will be a year-long program for those who identify as Latina and want to be effective leaders in their fields. I can’t wait to witness the impact these Latinas will have on the world.

There’s a lot going on at Faith in Action. Not only are we launching new programs, we’re also in the throes of planning our 50th anniversary celebration. We are ignited, excited, and already planning for 2024. Keep up with all of our initiatives @fianational on all social platforms. In the meantime, ¡Vamos Pa’lante!

Author: Denise Padín Collazo

Denise Padín Collazo is a social justice leader, a mentor to women of color, and a family work integrator. She is the author of Thriving in the Fight: A Survival Manual for Latinas on the Front Lines of Change (Berrett-Koehler, 2021.) Her work has been featured in the Miami Herald, Telemundo, Chronicle of Philanthropy and Nonprofit Quarterly. Twitter @DeniseThriving