As Women’s History Month comes to a close, we at Hope CommUnity Center would like to take a moment to recognize and celebrate the amazing women who have made a difference in our community. These women have been leaders, advocates, and an inspiration to many. They have worked tirelessly to bring about change, fight for justice, and uplift those around them.

We wish to highlight incredible women who have made a significant impact in their fields and have been instrumental in advancing the rights of women, immigrants, and the LGBTQ+ community.

First, we honor Nancy Alvarez, a journalist and community advocate. Nancy has dedicated over 20 years of her life to the field of journalism, using her voice to highlight important issues affecting our communities. She has also fiercely advocated for various non-profit organizations, serving as Senior Vice President of Community Relations and Equity Impact at Heart of Florida United Way. We celebrate Nancy’s unwavering commitment to promoting social justice and empowering our communities.

Next, we recognize Mayra Hidalgo Salazar, the Deputy Executive Director of the National LGBTQ Task Force. Mayra has been fighting for social justice for over 13 years, advocating for the rights of immigrants and the LGBTQ+ community. Her work with the Trail of Dreams campaign, a walk for immigrant justice from Miami to Washington, DC, was instrumental in bringing attention to the issue of deportations. We honor Mayra’s tireless efforts to bring change and her unwavering commitment to fighting for marginalized communities.

We also honor Astrid Rodriguez, an HCC Board of Directors member. Astrid has been involved with Hope CommUnity Center since 2006 when she joined a leadership group. She was also a member of our Sin Fronteras Youth Group. Astrid was awarded Hope’s Scholarship and later received her Associate’s Degree from Seminole State and Bachelor’s Degree from Rollins College. She currently works for State Farm Insurance. Astrid has served as an HCC Board Member since 2018. We celebrate Astrid for her inspiring journey and dedication to making a difference in the lives of those around her.

Lastly, we honor our women of Hope. Women have always led our movements for social change, and Hope is no different. We were founded by three nuns who fought against patriarchy all their lives, and we still follow in their footsteps. The women who comprise our board and staff and who lead our community will always lead the way at Hope. Today, we honor every woman who works hard at HCC to ensure we can thrive as a community.

We invite you to learn more about what Hope CommUnity Center does for women by visiting our website, and learning more about our programs and how you can advocate for issues you are passionate about.

Together, we can continue to uplift and empower women in our community, while honoring the legacy of those who have fought for justice and equality before us.