Elections, Representation, Political Participation – OUR ROLE!
Event organized by the Latino Student Coordinator of Bellevue College – Office of Student Engagement, for Latino Heritage Month.
Elections, Representation, Political Participation – OUR ROLE!
The Institute Public Policy Training & Education is a direct-action progressive organization with hands-on training for grassroots community organizing, leadership development, civic engagement, and policy advocacy. They seek to increase the Latino political power and representation at every level of government and building a base of Latino support across Washington State. Nancy Canales and Adán Espino Jr., liasons of the Institute will speak to our students about our role in politics.
Nancy Canales
Growing up in a mixed-immigration status family has given me the opportunity to be aware of my privilege and also of those around me. After being born my family moved to Hidalgo, Mexico where we lived for a couple of years before moving back. During the process of my family moving back to the U.S., I was able to understand the reason for our migration; my parents wanted a better future for us. Their decision has inspired me to continue my education in a white-dominated institutional system where I remain Chicana at heart. As a first-generation student, I’m optimistic that my efforts will help many students like me to acquire the necessary tools that Centro Latino’s Institute will provide students to make a difference.
Adán Espino Jr.
Adán is a contract lobbyist and government affairs consultant based in the South Sound of Washington. He has a strong background in equity issues, beginning his advocacy work for his fellow students at UW Tacoma to increase state financial aid support and interning for an affordable homeownership nonprofit, and has a deep understanding and instinct for translating policy ideas into legislative action.
Examples of his work include the creation of a program at UW Tacoma to house over 120 now formerly homeless students, securement of the largest investment in higher education in years through the creation of the Washington College Grant, the establishment of a workgroup to create policies to reduce the racial gap in homeownership, grassroots organizing for expanded passenger rail in underserved communities, that included communities in eastern Washington and students, and the development of a youth civic education and leadership training program for Latinos and POC that has taught over 80 students, in which he also teaches at.
With a strong passion for public service, Adán continues his advocacy work at the state legislature and in his local community to help drive change for a more just, inclusive, and opportunity rich community, through Sermonti Public Affairs where he is currently an associate specializing in nonprofit and equity client relations.