RaícesRaícesRooted to Grow, Rising with Purpose.
About Us

About Us

Who we are and what this project is all about.

About Us

Raíces

Tree roots

Raíces is a community-rooted initiative created to address the systemic barriers Latino youth face in education and career development. With lower graduation and university completion rates among Latino students in Canada (Bonikowska et al., 2024), the need for culturally grounded mentorship, representation, and accessible guidance is clear. Raíces offers welcoming spaces (both virtual and in-person) where youth can connect, grow, and access the support they need to thrive.

Through mentorship, community connection, and advocacy, Raíces empowers the next generation of Latino leaders to rise with purpose and confidence.

Tree roots
Raíces

MISSION STATEMENT:

Raíces is a community-rooted initiative that nurtures the growth of Latino youth as they navigate their educational and career journeys. Through culturally grounded mentorship, guidance, and holistic learning experiences, Raíces empowers young people to remain connected to their cultural roots, foster belonging, and rise with confidence and purpose to lead and serve others.

Raíces

PURPOSE:

Raíces exists to support and uplift Latino youth, an underrepresented group in post-secondary and professional spaces, by:

01

Offering guidance, culturally grounded mentorship and networking opportunities that open pathways to education and career success

02

Fostering spaces of belonging, community, and meaningful connection

03

Equipping youth with knowledge, confidence, and support to pursue their goals

04

Promoting academic success, leadership, and lifelong learning

05

Uplifting Latino identity and representation within a more inclusive Canadian future

Raíces

VISION:

A future where Latino youth are fully represented and empowered in education, careers, and leadership. They thrive with confidence, are supported by meaningful community, and remain rooted in culture and purpose.

Tree at sunrise
Raíces

Esther

Esther, founder of Raíces

Esther is a lifelong learner, educator, and the founder of Raíces. As an RECE and OCT, she is passionate about creating equitable and accessible spaces where every learner feels a sense of belonging.

Inspired by her commitment to community and representation, she founded Raíces to empower Latino youth in Canada with the guidance, connection, and encouragement needed to reach their full potential.

She has been recognized as one of York University’s 2026 Top 30 Alumni Under 30 for her efforts to create positive change in her community.

Raíces

About Us

Who we are and what this project is all about.