Art, Society, & & Health: Meeting area needs with Angie Hinojos

February Public Health Spotlight

Our initial Public Wellness Spotlight of 2024 is Angie Hinojos, Executive Director and co-founder of Centro Cultural Mexicano. Angie’s dedication to public health and wellness and solution in Washington state runs deep. Beyond Centro Cultural Mexicano, she is chair of the Washington State Commission on Hispanic Matters , a trustee of Cascadia College, and a public musician. Read on to learn more regarding Angie’s work and commitment to equipping the future generation of leaders.

What got you thinking about public health and wellness?

In order to build solid neighborhoods, we need to ensure that our standard requirements are satisfied and that we can move on with healthy minds and bodies. Our Latino area has specific cultural and linguistic demands, and I saw a possibility to nurture all components of that we are– the physical and mental health side, however likewise at the core of our being, the demand for deep link with art and society.

Can you tell me concerning your work?

At Centro Cultural Mexicano, we are a direct-service organization. Our area is a home, a sanctuary, where we can acknowledge and commemorate all aspects of our areas. We attach individuals and teams to resources like rent assistance, inoculations, wellness information, and access to small business assistance, instructional guidance, and programs to improve and sustain the next generation of leaders. We are focused on inter-generational riches structure to enhance accessibility to possibility and to make certain Latino representation in position where decisions are made. Our vision of empowerment starts with a healthy and balanced area.

What’s one success you’re especially pleased with?

When the COVID- 19 pandemic started, we moved our procedures outside within the state guidelines, and we remained to offer. We promoted for boosted resources and equitable options to difficulties that encountered our Latino area. We began among the initial rent aid programs in King County, making use of a little assistance give we had actually received. We developed rent support guidelines based upon our distinctive area needs that were after that used by governmental entities when they developed their very own programs. We had the initial inoculation pop-up facility in East King County in our parking lot. I am honored that we pay attention to our community and act quickly to locate remedies. I am grateful that our community has trusted us to support on their behalf, and to represent them at tables where we are frequently the only Latino voice in the room. We have an expression that is our north star: Neighborhood First. We run a bilingual radio program called Centro Cultural Mexicano’s Radio Ya es Tiempo 1540 AM, and I am happy that we make use of that system to supply exact and timely health and wellness information to our neighborhoods which we share resources, take on social justice problems, and commemorate our society.

Healthy areas are …

equipped to be component of decision-making procedures, have depiction in government and chosen settings, and acknowledge the payments and the intrinsic worth that originates from a diversity of experiences and cultures.

What’s one piece of recommendations you have for a person wishing to seek a life in public health?

Follow an area of love– this work is both gorgeous and heartbreaking. It is usually lonely, it is typically irritating. Carry compassion and empathy with you– you will certainly come face to face with desperation in yourself and others. Forgive yourself for the important things you could refrain from doing. Allow others to take care of you when you need it. Magnify the voices of those that are helpless. Never stop defending wellness equity.

What’s your favorite place in Washington state?

My favorite area in Washington state is Mutiny Bay on Whidbey Island in the year 2008 The bay is sparkling, and on the beach my boys and their relatives collect seashells. My moms and dads are still young and healthy and balanced; my siblings and their family members are angling, swimming, and playing tag. We will certainly share a meal– my daddy probably made enchiladas, frijoles, and a massive bowl of the hottest salsa. My hubby will certainly make a fire on the coastline, my brother will play the guitar as the sunlight decreases, and we will walk home worn out however satisfied via the stellar night. The most precious place is the one to which you can never return.