Mendocino Latinx Alliance Inspires Leadership

Mendocino Latinx Alliance (MLA) was formed in April 2018 by a group of local leaders interested in building bridges, inspiring leadership, sharing information, networking and creating a platform for the Latinx community to voice our aspirations, our needs and our concerns.

You may be wondering, what is Latinx?  “Latinx” (pronounced La-teen-ex) is a gender-neutral term that refers to an individual of Latin American origin or descent.  This term is used in place of Latino or Latina.  The x replaces the masculine-o and feminine-a endings of the term.      

MLA’s vision for inclusion, collaboration and open dialogue among leaders was the impetus for the formation of this new group.  Bi-monthly luncheons will be hosted throughout the year and will highlight various topics of interest through the Latinx lens.  These luncheons offer the community, individuals from all backgrounds, a chance to network across sectors and to meet people from all regions of the county.    

Our inaugural luncheon was held on Friday, September 21 at Mendocino College and featured guest speakers Minerva Flores, Director of Institutional Effectiveness, Research & Grants at Mendocino College and Michele Siqueiros, President of The Campaign for College Opportunity.  This gathering was the First Annual State of the Latinx Community in Mendocino County and California.  There were 82 guests in the audience from Ukiah, Redwood Valley, Willits, Fort Bragg, Boonville, Mendocino, Gualala, Cloverdale, Healdsburg and Santa Rosa.  The program examined the political and social climate of California and the changing demographics of Mendocino County.  The presentation also featured an exploration of unconscious bias and inequity issues that are deeply rooted within our systems and institutions.

Our next gathering will be on Friday, November 2 from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Saturday Afternoon Club House in Ukiah.  The program title is: The Importance of the Latinx Vote.  Our guest speaker is Herman G. Hernandez, Board President of the Sonoma County Office of Education.  The program will also feature a conversation with local candidates who are currently seeking office.  Questions directed to the candidates will explore their experience working with the Latinx community.

The cost to attend is $30.  This fee covers the cost for the meal and allows MLA to provide scholarships for students.  You can find MLA events on Eventbrite.  Like us on Facebook at Mendocino Latinx Alliance.  To receive emails about future events and for more information email MendoicnoLatinxAlliance@gmail.com. 

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Roseanne J. Ibarra, is the executive director of FIRST 5 Mendocino where she manages programs and initiatives that improve the health, wellbeing and development of young children in Mendocino County. Ms. Ibarra holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science and minor in economics from Sonoma State University and a masters of legal studies from Empire College School of Law. Ms. Ibarra is multicultural and bilingual in English and Spanish. She is a tribal member of the Round Valley Indian Tribes in Covelo, California and a first generation Mexican-American.