Immigrant Solidarity Graduation Fall 2022
The Immigrant Solidarity Project began in 2017 in response to the needs and priorities the immigrant community faces in Washington County. This program is possible thanks to the collaboration between Adelante Mujeres, Community Action, Bienestar, Dreamers Resource Center, Virginia Garcia, and SOAR.
Alaide Vilchis Ibarra
A New Cohort of Activists Graduates
On October 27, we celebrated another Immigrant Solidarity Graduation. The main goal of this program is to prepare the promoters with reliable immigration information so that we can support the community with resources, information, or accompaniment, while also building strong relationships with each other for future collaborations as community leaders.
During the ceremony, we heard from Alaide Vilchis Ibarra, who has over ten years of experience defending and advancing the Latine community's rights. She was the executive director of IMIrJ (Inter-faith Movement for Migrant Justice in Oregon). This organization helped pass the strongest Sanctuary Law in the country through community organizing, advocacy, and support of immigrant communities.
“Remember to find the moments where you can be honest with yourselves,” said Alaide during the ceremony, “accepting when you are tired, sad, or frustrated. Understand the difficult moments as a part of the journey and please keep in mind that you don't have to fight alone — that many people are willing to help you with resources and knowledge. Congratulations, Gracias.”
Words from the Graduates
Alejandra Leudo
“Thank you, Adelante Mujeres, for rescuing me! And thank you for empowering kids and women from our community.”
Alfredo Fuentes
“The most important thing I take away from this training is the HOPE to transform our community by encouraging them to keep the light of hope burning in their lives.”
Irma Guadarrama
“It has been a true honor to be a part of this program. I received reliable information to share and support our community. It has been an inspiring experience!”
The Colibri Awards:
The purpose of the Colibri Award is to recognize community members who are part of the immigrant community and honor their leadership in advancing Immigrant Rights in Oregon.
In addition to the diplomas for the graduates, “The Colibri Award” was presented to:
Alma Yuridia Sanjuan in recognition of her leadership in promoting the rights of the immigrant community in Washington County and the state of Oregon.
Carmen Gonzalez in recognition of her leadership in promoting the rights of the indigenous and migrant community in Oregon.
Lorena Manzo in recognition of her leadership in promoting the rights of the immigrant community in Oregon, even in moments of uncertainty.
And Pedro Sosa in recognition of his educational work and community organization to help advance the rights of the indigenous and immigrant community in Oregon.
From left to right: Carmen Gonzalez, Pedro Sosa, Lorena Manzo, and Alma Yuridia Sanjuan.
Congratulations to all the participants for this important achievement. Sigan Adelante!
And for all who wish to take this training in 2023, stay tuned and visit our website and follow us on our social media @adelantemujeres for more information about the next trainings!