We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jessica Estevez. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with jessica below.

Hi Jessica, thanks for joining us today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

The Latinx/Hispanic community experiences a high prevalence of discrimination and trauma, impacting mental health and togetherness. These experiences can lead to ethno-racial trauma, affecting well-being and daily functioning. Sharing personal narratives can help heal from trauma, addressing needs for affirmation and belonging through self-expression. Storytelling allows individuals to process emotions, build collective resilience, and reclaim control over their experiences.

We are tempted to compete and fight amongst ourselves; however, our shared history demonstrates that cooperation and alternative ways of living are possible.

My personal mission and vision is to center Love without fear. In 2019 I interviewed approximately 260 individuals in the Tampa Bay Region who identified as Latino, Latina, Latinx, Hispanic and/or served this community. A major theme was invisibility due to fear, lack of visible and accessible services, identify challenges, colorism, language, and more. My work through Estrategia and Mi Gente are an opportunity to create actionable pathways for this belief to materialize. Whether through visible services, advocacy, or storytelling initiatives, my work embodies love without fear, providing hope and tangible resources to the community. I believe life is relationships and these are a transformative force to build trust, resilience, a brighter future that’s thriving for the Latinx/Hispanic community and beyond.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am deeply rooted in “love without fear,” a principle that I incorporate into my leadership, coaching, and community-building efforts. I draw inspiration from my faith, my ancestors, and my relationships/community, and I aim to foster environments where vulnerability, collaboration, and resilience thrive​​.
As a national fellow of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation’s Community Leadership Network, I demonstrated the ability to connect and collaborate for transformative change as a leader of influence. Building capacity for local leaders to adopt the WKKF’s Truth Racial Healing and Transformation Model at the St. Petersburg Truth Racial Healing and Transformation Initiative.
Additionally, I have a Global Presence as a presenter at forums like the World Against Racism Intergovernmental Working Group at the United Nations and having received recognitions like the USA Network’s Characters Unite Award​ elevating these shared values of belonging, community and leadership. I continue to cultivate leadership and a culture of collaboration as a Strengths Finder leadership coach and trainer for the Weslaco Chamber Leadership Mid Valley Program.
Through Mi Gente Mi Pueblo, I continue to co-created spaces that emphasize unity, healing, and justice for the Latinx community​.
I am passionate about fostering equitable environments that prioritize collaboration, creativity, and belonging. I strive to empower communities, honor lived experiences, and advance collective learning to create a more just and inclusive society. Whether its as a consultant through Estrategia Group, or volunteer leadership work through MiGente I seek to embody a world centered on “love without fear.”

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

What has been the most effective strategy for growing my clientele and community?
Life is relationships. I grow my clientele and community through the power of networks and honest dialogue. I ask questions to learn where and who is interested in the work of intentionally building people up, and those want to invest in creating a foundation for collective flourishing.
So,
Leveraging unique values and identities
Building connections and partnerships
Staying Client/Community centered
Innovating strategies, ideas and solutions that are intersectional

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Despite my young age, I started high school at eleven. My parents, with their English, convinced the guidance counselor to give me a chance, promising I could repeat a grade if I fell behind. They thought I was too young for high school, but my parents were determined that education was our only path to success. They pushed us relentlessly, and all three of their daughters graduated high school and earned multiple post-secondary degrees.

I graduated college at nineteen with only eight years of English under my belt. At my Ivy League school, I faced questions that revealed my “otherness”: Where in the US is the DR? Your English is so good! Does your country have roads? These experiences forced me to confront racism, classism, and gender oppression, shaping my understanding of the world and my place in it.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.migentemipueblo.com www.estrategiagroup.com
• Instagram: migente_mipueblo & luvwithoutfear
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MiGenteMiPuebloTampa
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/mi-gente-mi-pueblo/ linkedin.com/in/jessicaestevez97

Image Credits

the last six pics are:
Tommy Lacey from Elements Content Studio