Introduction
Joanna Escobar, a dynamic leader and advocate, is the owner of the nonprofit Stark Si Se Puede and the founder and organizer of the Canton Latino Fest. As a valued client of the Minority Business Assistance Center (MBAC), Joanna has dedicated her efforts to uplifting the Latino community in Stark County, Ohio.
Inspiration Behind Stark Si Se Puede
Joanna’s journey began three years ago when she was serving as the president of the Hispanic Caucus of the Democrat Party. Faced with the need to organize an event for her organization, she drew from her experiences living in Ohio and attending various cultural festivals. “I always said to myself, I wish there was a Latino Fest,” she reflects. With just two months to plan the festival coinciding with Hispanic Heritage Month, Joanna embraced the challenge. “I needed to go big,” she says, and thus, the Canton Latino Fest was born, paving the way for the establishment of her nonprofit.
Mission and Future Goals
Joanna’s mission is clear: to be a resource for the Latino community in Stark County. “I feel like I’m already a pillar in my community,” she states, noting the many calls she receives asking for assistance. While she has several projects in mind for her nonprofit, she emphasizes the need for funding before launching them.
One significant initiative on her horizon is a scholarship program aimed at supporting Hispanic students, inspired by her own experiences as a first-generation Latina navigating the educational landscape.
Challenges and Successes
Joanna acknowledges the challenges she faces in both planning the festival and running her nonprofit, particularly the difficulty of hiring bilingual Latinos due to language barriers and varying levels of community integration. “A lot of Latinos in this area are either undocumented or just starting out, so they’re hesitant to commit long-term,” she explains.
Despite these hurdles, the success of the Canton Latino Fest speaks volumes. This year, the festival attracted between 1,000 and 2,000 attendees, showcasing nearly 40 vendors, primarily Latino-owned businesses. “The festival is doing really well, and I’m proud to see it thrive,” she says.
Impact on the Community
The festival and Stark Si Se Puede have significantly impacted the community, raising awareness of Latino culture and fostering a sense of belonging. Joanna is thrilled to see recognition of her nonprofit’s name, even as she focuses on promoting the festival. “It’s nice to know that people actually know my nonprofit’s name,” she says.
Addressing the Needs of Hispanic Entrepreneurs
Joanna identifies critical needs for Hispanic business owners in Stark County, including navigating competition from low-cost labor and building sustainable pricing structures. “They’re struggling to keep their businesses afloat,” she notes, emphasizing the importance of community support.
To bolster these businesses, Joanna advocates for more intentional outreach from organizations like MBAC, urging them to foster trust and inclusivity within the Latino community.
Conclusion
Through Stark Si Se Puede and the Canton Latino Fest, Joanna Escobar exemplifies leadership and resilience in the face of challenges. Her commitment to uplifting the Latino community is evident, and with continued support, she aims to expand her initiatives to better serve the needs of Hispanic entrepreneurs in Stark County.
Good morning. My name is Brian Royer. My girlfriend, Andrea Velazquez, is a Colombian Immigrant. She currently has her work Visa and Social Security Card. She is in desperate need of housing and employment to cover housing expenses and daily life expenses. We have reached out to multiple places with no results. I was told to reach out to Joanna Escobar, as she can accomplish anything for Latinos and is a strong meme of Stark County. Please provide us with any leads or information that can help her. Andreas number is 234-360-5690 (she speaks primarily Spanish), my numer is 330-412-6404. Thank you so much for your time. We look forward to hearing from you.