Zaza Medina, a counselor at La Esperanza, shared insights about her role with the OPCIONES program, which connects Latino and immigrant communities to education, career opportunities, and training. She highlighted the personal motivation behind her work, noting how knowledge can create better opportunities for individuals. A memorable project she led was the Digital Literacy and Financial classes, empowering Hispanic women with essential tech and financial skills. Zaza emphasized La Esperanza’s unique commitment to supporting and integrating these communities with compassion and understanding.

Can you tell us about your current role at La Esperanza and how long you’ve been with the organization?

The program that I work with is called “OPCIONES.” This program provides a direct link between our organization’s programs and services and access to education and training options or a pipeline to opportunity for the communities we serve. I am a counselor that will assist traditional and non-traditional students of all ages with:

  • Coaching: for a better career and following up on steps to succeed
  • Understanding their available options for college and career success
  • Accessing opportunities for educators and training through our partner DTCC
  • Connecting to resources that promote meaningful work and wealth

I have been working with La Esperanza since August 2023.

What motivates you personally to be part of La Esperanza’s mission, and why do you believe it’s crucial for Delaware’s Latino and immigrant communities?

This program motivates me a lot because I really believe that knowledge brings people better opportunities. Having the chance to work and help people who come from other countries and cultures is amazing. I think this program gives them the hand that they need to be more integrated into the community and have the chance to achieve a better way of life.

Can you share a memorable experience or project you’ve worked on at La Esperanza that has made a significant impact on the community?

Last year, we started a program called Digital Literacy and Financial classes. This program aims to help Hispanic women who don’t know anything about computers and banking. They learn how to use a computer, open an email account, and learn more about technology. With these classes, we have a partnership with Del-One Federal Credit Union and Deltech, where they teach them how to open an account, save for the future, open online banking, and start a 401 K for their retirement. The impact with these ladies was amazing; they felt that they were learning something useful for their lives, and as a trainer, my heart was so motivated to have the opportunity to see the happiness on their faces. We offered the first class last November and the second one in May. We are planning to do the third one this year, too. It was a great experience for everyone.

How has your work at La Esperanza shaped your understanding and interaction with the local Latino and immigrant communities?

Interaction and understanding with the local Latino and immigrant communities have been awesome experiences for me because I can learn from them and share my experiences and knowledge to help them feel more comfortable, better understand American culture, and feel more integrated into the community. I can also let them know that they are not alone and that they have La Esperanza to give them a path to success.

What do you think makes La Esperanza unique, and why is it an important resource for the Latino and immigrant communities in Delaware?

One of the things that makes La Esperanza unique is that all the people who work here give love, understanding, and the best disposition to help the Hispanic and Immigrant communities who ask for our help and make them feel supported.