Strategic Philanthropy: How the Avanzar Academy and the Latino Community Foundation are Transforming the Inland Empire

When I decided to run for Riverside City Council, I didn't do it because I wanted to be a politician. I did it because I’ve spent years working behind the scenes to help our local families succeed.

My journey has been shaped by two major experiences: my time in the Avanzar Non-Profit Leadership Academy and my current role as a lead for the Inland Empire Latino Community Giving Circle. These aren't just titles on a resume—they are the blueprint for how I plan to serve you on the City Council.

A Masterclass in Getting Things Done

The Avanzar Leadership Academy was a turning point for me. It wasn't just about sitting in a classroom; it was a masterclass in how to run a community organization that actually delivers.

I learned how to bring different groups of people together, even when they don’t always agree, to find a common goal. It taught me that whether you are running a small non-profit or a large city department, you need transparency and a clear plan. I want to bring that same "common-sense" leadership to City Hall to make sure our tax dollars are spent where they are needed most.

The Power of the "Community Jar"

That leadership training led me to my current work with the Inland Empire Latino Community Giving Circle. Think of a Giving Circle as a "community jar." Instead of waiting for a wealthy donor from another city to come and save us, we pool our own resources—our $20, $50, or $100—to invest in the neighborhoods we live in. We believe that we, the residents, are the experts on what our families need.

The value we provide to Inland Empire is real and immediate:

• Keeping it Local: We make sure "Inland Empire dollars" stay right here to help local families.

• Neighbor Helping Neighbor: We recently hosted an incredible Grants Night at The Cheech, where we awarded $34,000 to local heroes doing the hard work on our streets.

• Real Results: We gave $8,500 each to groups like the Latino Network, Herencia Mariachi Academy, the Inland Empire Immigrant Youth Collective, and the National Latina Business Women’s Association. These groups help our kids, our small businesses, and our cultural heritage thrive.