Building community one relationship at a time with Maria Monroy-Mota and Carlos Hernandez

We spoke to a few incredible activists in the community about their work and what they’d recommend checking out at this moment in time. Don’t miss these powerful picks from El Programa Hispano’s Maria Monroy-Mota and Carlos Hernandez.

Community begins one relationship at a time for Maria Monroy-Mota and Carlos Hernandez.

Both work at El Programa Hispano, an organization providing culturally rooted services to Latino community members across Multnomah County. Through education and wellness programs, family engagement, and community services, they help people access resources while building trust throughout the community. 

Monroy-Mota serves as the program director for education and wellness services. She oversees programs that support community members of all ages. Hernandez helps connect families with services that feel welcoming and accessible as the family engagement coordinator.

Both Monroy-Mota and Hernandez’s work focuses on building trust, strengthening relationships, and creating spaces where people feel welcomed and supported.

Working closely with young people has shaped both of their perspectives. Hernandez shares that young people are hungry for justice and truth, and share a commitment to making a difference in the world. As a parent, he learns much from his child. “They’re not our future,” he says. “They’re our present. And they’re making a difference right now.”

Monroy-Mota adds that youth consistently remind her to stay curious, passionate, and open to possibility. They challenge assumptions and encourage adults to slow down and appreciate the present moment. 

“They are hungry for life,” she says. Her advice to younger people is to stay connected to family, community, and the people who uplift them.

Recommendations from Maria Monroy-Mota and Carlos Hernandez

When asked what read feels especially important right now, Monroy-Mota recommended Solito by Javier Zamora.

The memoir shares Zamora’s migration journey from El Salvador to the United States as a child. For Monroy-Mota, the book offers something often missing from public conversations about immigration: lived experience.

“It’s really important to hear that and see that through the eyes of somebody from our community,” she says. “It's not just a political issue. It's really somebody's story.”

To Monroy-Mota, Solito encourages readers to center peace, humanity, and compassion when discussing migration and immigrant communities. By sharing firsthand experiences, stories like Zamora’s help people listen more deeply and connect with one another across differences. “We need to truly listen, understand, and then empathize and mobilize as a community,” she adds. “We cannot do this alone. It really does take a village.”

Hernandez adds the importance of looking into your own family’s history. “The Hernandez family story could be a book,” he says. He describes how his family came into the country and “how we have survived and grown into active members of the community. My children and grandchildren are a part of that story. Sharing my culture, my fight, my success, while being targeted — it’s a success many people don’t understand.”

While public demonstrations often come to mind when people hear the word activism, Monroy-Mota sees it as something broader. Activism can include preserving traditions, wearing cultural attire proudly, or speaking one's language.

“It's really joining la lucha, or the fight,” she says. “And [it’s] speaking up for the fundamental rights and dignity of all people.” 

For her, activism also means honoring the sacrifices of previous generations while creating opportunities for future ones. As a mother, she thinks about helping build a community where future generations can thrive and experience dignity and belonging. She adds, “It’s both honoring our ancestors and thinking of our future generations.”

Hernandez shares a similar view centered on community. “Activism is a commitment to being the voice for those who don’t have a voice,” he says. “And it starts at home.”

He encourages people to focus on making a difference where they are right now. “Get involved. Make a difference. Be passionate,” he says. “Celebrate who you are, your culture, your language, your traditions, and find people that are doing the same thing,” he says. 

He described his community as one that celebrates life and connection, emphasizing that meaningful change often begins with relationships. “We're right here, right now,” he adds. “We live and celebrate.”

For readers interested in becoming more involved, Monroy-Mota recommends starting with a cause that feels personally meaningful. She encourages people learn about organizations already doing the work, listen to community needs, and ask how they can help rather than assuming what support is needed.

“Listen first,” she suggests. “Then ask, ‘How can I be of support?’”

They also encourage community members who want to get involved with El Programa Hispano to explore volunteer opportunities, after-school programs, services for older adults, and community events like their yearly gala. 

Whether through direct service, advocacy, or simply showing up for neighbors, both believe lasting change happens when people work together. 

These excellent recommendations are a fantastic place to get started. Make sure to check out the full series!

Want more recommendations? Explore our community care and activism reading list.