Azucena Bravo has founded two non-profits serving the Hispanic community in Southern Arizona, Mini Poderosas and Xoco. “I have a vision for both organizations, to build community,” Azucena said.
Mini Poderosas was founded and approved for a 501c3 status in February of 2021. The non-profit was created to assist girls/young ladies in the community in overcoming gender, race, and economic inequality.
Azucena Bravo (pictured on the right, photo credit: El Sur) has founded two non-profits serving the Hispanic community in Southern Arizona, Mini Poderosas and Xoco. “I have a vision for both organizations, to build community,” Azucena said.
Mini Poderosas was founded and approved for a 501c3 status in February of 2021. The non-profit was created to assist girls/young ladies in the community in overcoming gender, race, and economic inequality.
“We provide a positive environment where girls ages 8 to 18 feel empowered to see themselves as leaders of our community. It is a place where girlhood is celebrated,” Azucena said. “Mini Poderosas workshops equip girls to become self-assured, resilient, and everyday leaders. We cultivate self-awareness, so that they learn to identify and push back against unfair treatment. With this awareness, they are less likely to internalize limiting messages and instead learn to advocate for themselves. Mini Poderosas also provides support to families by engaging parents in workshops about financial literacy and community events, such as exercise classes.”
Pictured are Mini Poderosas’ youth officers when they met with Desiree Reed-Francois, new Athletic Director, and Adriana Grijalva, ASUA Student Body President.
Xoco was founded in September 2023 and received the TenWest fast pitch social impact award in November 2023. Xoco was also awarded a Changemaker grant in February 2024.
Azucena described the nonprofit “Xoco is a positive multicultural learning environment where children can explore and immerse themselves in a new language and culture. We offer Spanish immersion play groups for preschool age families ages two to five. Xoco is a place where bilingualism is celebrated.”
“Xoco was created to assist in filling in the gap for the lack of resources Spanish speaking families often face with native language preservation. In addition, it is an opportunity for Mexican-American families, who have lost their language due to years of oppression, to reconnect with their roots. Our Spanish immersion workshops will be focused on the following: family centered and learn through play activities, and multicultural hands-on experiences.”
Xoco pilot group (2024) pictured on the right.
Azucena attributes her ArizonaLEND training to her amazing accomplishments in the community, “ArizonaLEND had definitely played a role in all of my accomplishments. You all gave me the foundation and confidence I needed to serve our community in a positive way. Most importantly, to be a changemaker and advocate for our underrepresented youth and their families.”
