Moving to a new country can pose many challenges, and for Emily, the biggest was the language. Originally from Venezuela, Emily’s first language was Spanish, and she felt like she had to leave that behind as she acclimated to life in the United States. But that changed when she began working with the City of Refuge and United Way of Central Maryland’s Neighbors United initiative.
At United Way of Central Maryland, we believe that strong neighbors mean strong neighborhoods. Driven by residents, the Neighbors United collaborative approach to grassroots community organization supports community self-determination and amplifies the voices of local leaders who might otherwise go unheard.
With strong roots in Lansdowne, City of Refuge addresses food insecurity, helps people find jobs, and builds community among its neighbors. As the Director of Impact & Housing, Emily empowers her community through her work with Neighbors United. But as much as she gives to them, she receives something greater—the opportunity to learn a new language without losing her own. She discovered that she could be a leader and provider while maintaining her identity to make a lasting change.
“Your language matters. You don’t have to force yourself to speak English to make a difference,” are words Emily will never forget. She credits Neighbors United for empowering the Latino community and letting their voices be heard, loudly and proudly—in their own language.
