Nuestras Raíces (formerly Hispanic Business/Professional Association) serves the Hispanic community of the Inland Northwest by creating connections and building relationships. The organization’s services include providing scholarships and sporting programs for local Hispanic youth, creating opportunities for Hispanic businesses and professionals, conducting financial literacy workshops and career mentorship opportunities, and hosting cultural and arts events.
Nuestras Raíces’ new fund at Innovia, the Hispanic Business Professional Association Endowment, is all about investing in the organization’s future, so that the next generation of Nuestras Raíces leaders can continue supporting and empowering the individuals of their communities.
It’s for the next generations. I’m not always going to be here, and neither will the board, but we want to guarantee that Nuestras Raíces’ work will continue to be an advocate for education and youth."
Folklórico de Spokane
Nurturing relationships and forging connections are the heartbeat at Nuestras Raíces. As the longest-serving, Hispanic-led organization in Spokane County, Nuestras Raíces offers a diverse array of culture, business, social justice and wellbeing-focused initiatives for Hispanic and Latino residents in the Inland Northwest.
With grant support from Innovia this year, Nuestras Raíces increased enrollment and performance opportunities for Folklórico de Spokane, a dance program for youth and adults to connect with Mexican culture and artistic expression. Cultural connectedness and artistic endeavors are at the forefront of Nuestras Raíces’ goal to expand opportunities and reduce inequities.
“Our performers are from Latinx and LGBTQ communities and have all experienced marginalization and a lack of representation in mainstream arts,” shares Fernanda. “Nuestras Raices creates a safe space that centers Latinx culture and gives our youth a positive outlet.”
