Hispanic Alliance-Alianza Hispana

10/08/2026

When Lina Henao and Osvaldo Gutierrez came to Greenville, even the basics were hard. "It was so hard to learn how to even get a credit card or to understand retirement," Osvaldo says. That experience shaped their work as financial advisors, helping Latino families plan for retirement, protect what they've built, and leave a legacy for the next generation.

For the Osvaldo and Lina, it's more than a job. They volunteer with the Hispanic Alliance and have introduced new sponsors to our work. Osvaldo still remembers the moment they chose us: "This is the right one; I want to invest our time here." And after years of working side by side, they agree on what matters most. "We always agree on serving and helping our community," Osvaldo says. "That's the passion we share."
Read Lina and Osvaldo's full story →

https://www.hispanicheritagemonth.com/post/henao

LIDERANDO · Corazón. Propósito. Sin Límites.

10/07/2026

10/06/2026

In 2016, the first Student DREAMers Alliance cohort from Carolina High School gathered at Furman University. One school, one group of students, and an idea that the Hispanic Alliance cultivated: that these young people already had everything it took to lead.

SDA now reaches students in both Greenville and Charleston, and the Fellows who came first are now showing the next generation what is possible.

They are earning degrees, building careers, mentoring younger Fellows, and stepping into leadership. Over the coming months, we’ll share their stories, one at a time, as we celebrate ten years of SDA and the future they are creating for those who follow.

We invite you to follow along and watch them thrive. Your support can give the next generation of Fellows the same opportunity.

10/05/2026

Happy Birthday to our favorite Healthy-ish Andrew!

When he’s not glued to his computer, he’s out there living la vida loca! one scoop of ice cream and one amazing meal at a time. 🍦🍔🌮

Andrew knows all about food, and if you’re ever wondering where to eat in town, he’s basically your personal Yelp… except way more fun.

Here’s to another year of good food, great adventures, plenty of ice cream, and just enough “healthy-ish” to keep us all guessing!

Happy Birthday, Andrew!

10/05/2026

"There's people who've walked before you that can lend a helping hand. Be willing to ask questions and do the work."

Estafany "Stef" Figueroa is a Marine Corps veteran and a first-generation attorney who had no map for any of it, so she drew one. When she wanted other Latino lawyers to talk to, she founded the South Carolina Hispanic & Latino Bar Association. Legal access is more than half of every call into our resource line, and she's the person on the other end of that need.

Swipe to hear from Stef in her own words, then read her full story at:https://www.hispanicheritagemonth.com/2026-stories

LIDERANDO · Corazón. Propósito. Sin Límites.

10/01/2026

Planning for your future life takes a lot of work, and part of Jafet’s job is helping people do it the right way. “I try to help our community understand that, if used correctly, banks are a safe place for your finances instead of under your mattress!” He’s made it part of his mission to teach the importance of building credit and maintaining a healthy credit history for future purchases, like a home or car.

His involvement with the Hispanic Alliance started seven years ago, and he really enjoys his time educating and bridging the gap that exists in the Hispanic community with understanding banking. “A lot of us come from countries where the banking system is not the most trustworthy, so when we get here, we feel like it’s going to be the same.” That makes it the perfect opportunity for Jafet to step in and create an intentional connection within the Upstate.

In his upbringing, Jafet credits his parents for showing him what hard work looks like. “My parents have always been super hard-working, having two jobs, raising three boys, and still having time to be there for their community in Florida.”

To those in South Carolina finding themselves on similar journeys, Jafet’s advice is simple: “Treat everyone with kindness and empathy. Don’t think that because you’re only one person that what you do doesn’t matter. You never know whose path you’ll cross; that slightest gesture of kindness could change their whole life in a meaningful way.”

LIDERANDO · Corazón. Propósito. Sin Límites.

09/30/2026

Grateful to Greater Good Greenville for bringing community leaders together to explore AI and the social sector - extremely proud of our very own Andrew Skinner for sharing his knowledge and insights with executive directors and leaders across our community.

We are excited for the conversations and what’s ahead.

09/29/2026

From a young age, Steph knew how to enter spaces where she didn’t completely understand how things worked. “I think that made me observant, resourceful, and comfortable with whatever is available. It also made me really interested in belonging: who gets invited in, who gets heard, and how we create spaces where people can contribute without already knowing all the rules.”

Steph’s primary role in her work is helping people make things happen. Sometimes, that means producing radio, organizing an event, making art, or connecting people who should know each other. “My work changes forms a lot, but the common thread is creating spaces where people can participate, experiment, tell their stories, and feel like they have some agency in what happens next.”

Her first interaction with the Hispanic Alliance started by working at Lowcountry Local First. After she joined their mentorship program, she got to really see what the organization stood for and how they helped the surrounding community. “South Carolina is interesting because relationships really matter here. Things often happen because somebody knows somebody, trusts somebody, or is willing to make an introduction.”

That connection between communities means greater access to resources and programs, too. A lot of Steph’s work has been creating more entry points so people can participate in cultural and creative life happening around them.

But to Steph, creativity goes much deeper than just making art. “Creativity is how we work with what is here to make what comes next. That can be painting, a radio show, a business, a community project, or simply deciding to do something different.” To her, the more people realize they can participate creatively in their own lives, the more agency they’ll have.

LIDERANDO · Corazón. Propósito. Sin Límites.

09/25/2026

Because of her upbringing and work in the community, Carmen Ogles understands firsthand the specific needs Latino immigrants face. “I had to translate for my parents at a young age. Becoming their advocate helped me realize I wanted to help people who didn’t understand the language or rules of living in a new country.”

While the work she does comes with significant challenges, it’s also incredibly necessary. The people she works with live in isolation for legal reasons, but this distance creates even larger barriers. “When they stay together in isolated populations, these communities aren’t always aware of resources.” Language barriers and fear keep them away from opportunities and unable to access basic needs like primary care, mental health assistance, and housing resources.

Carmen’s work takes her to local churches and centers to bring in programs like Mental Health First Aide. For her, the stories that come out of the work she does are the most meaningful. “It never fails: after a presentation, someone shares their story about mental health struggles. One of the biggest rewards I receive is helping them understand they aren’t alone, and that help is possible.”

Her involvement in the Hispanic Alliance started while gathering information for an upcoming census. At the monthly meeting, she realized how much was being done that directly affected Hispanic families. “At the end of the meeting, the speaker talked about joining one of the Hispanic Alliance teams to continue helping our community. Since then, I’ve been a part of the Medical and Legal teams.”

For the next generation of young bilingual advocates, Carmen’s advice is that, while the work is not always glamorous, you can see firsthand the difference you make in the lives of others. “Every time you’re willing to help someone, it has a trickle-down effect and makes our community stronger. Please keep going!”

LIDERANDO · Corazón. Propósito. Sin Límites.

09/24/2026

"While everything is moving smoothly without a hitch, Vanessa is often behind the scenes at The Charleston Pour House, dealing with insurance, management issues, scheduling, licensing, and more. But even though her role has changed through the years, her mission hasn’t."

“The Charleston Pour House serves as a community center of sorts for like-minded individuals. We always want to make sure we maintain the vibe and intention we started with. We want to make people feel safe, included, and part of our community from the first visit; all while having a great time enjoying art and music.”

On top of connecting with the people she serves, the relationships she’s made along the way have rippled to impact others. “Our yoga instructor is Kate, and we quickly became friends before I convinced her to try doing yoga on the deck. She sets an intention for each class…in turn, she’s affected thousands of lives with that experience.”

And making people feel like family has always been part of Vanessa's life — “I grew up in a big, Cuban household in Miami. Hosting parties or meals…it’s second nature.” Her desire for the venue is to create a space that allows people to gather, share, and lean into one another. “The human condition wants to feel like it belongs to something bigger that feeds your soul. I think we are all looking for our people.”

For the other Hispanics in South Carolina, Vanessa says to “dream big. Be delusional and become the person who receives the dream they want.” Her advice is to move every day toward your goals, no matter how small. After all, “everything takes time and effort.”

LIDERANDO · Corazón. Propósito. Sin Límites.