Empowering the Hispanic Community Through Financial Literacy
In Fresno, California, a groundbreaking initiative is underway, aimed at empowering the Hispanic community with essential financial literacy skills. Spearheaded by Raices Unidas, a nonprofit startup founded by Raul Lopez and Alexis Robledo, the organization is on a mission to provide comprehensive financial education across the United States.
The journey of Raices Unidas began at the Patiño School of Entrepreneurship, where Lopez and Robledo, as students, crafted their vision of amplifying financial understanding among Latinos. After their graduation in June, the duo formally transitioned their project into a nonprofit, steadfast in their commitment to drive change.
Joining Lopez and Robledo are Eric Ceballos, the lead multimedia specialist, and Dylan Schwartz, the graphic designer. Together, they bring a plethora of skills and a shared passion for the cause. Ceballos, who is responsible for creating engaging video content, finds personal growth in his role. “I learn about financial literacy too when I am filming, and I work on promotional content for them,” he shared. Schwartz, on the other hand, focuses on translating Raices Unidas’ vision into captivating visual designs, aiding in their marketing strategies.
The team was initially braced for a remote collaboration until an unprecedented opportunity presented itself. Through the guidance of entrepreneur Glen Schrader, a former judge at their high school, Lopez and Robledo were introduced to the Water, Energy, and Technology (WET) Center at Fresno State. The WET Center, known for supporting businesses in water, energy, and agriculture, offered Raices Unidas an invaluable resource—office space and a supportive network to fuel their growth.
“We had already planned out how we were going to work remotely. Who was going to dedicate what time commitments. Now, having this office, we are here every day of the week, fully committed to our mission,” Lopez explained, underscoring the significance of the support given by the WET Center.
Eric Hadden, director of the WET Center, expressed his enthusiasm for supporting Raices Unidas, recognizing the importance of their cause and their potential for impactful change. The team at Raices Unidas now enjoys access to a broad network of mentors, resources in grants, sales, marketing, and much more, all aimed at amplifying their reach and effectiveness.
As Raices Unidas continues to expand, leveraging website resources and organizing workshops, their gratitude towards the assistance received is profound. This dynamic group is a testament to the powerful impact of community support, mentorship, and resource-sharing in uplifting and empowering underserved communities through education. In prioritizing financial literacy within the Hispanic community, Raices Unidas is not only fostering personal growth and empowerment but also laying the groundwork for a brighter, more financially savvy future.
