El Centro Milagro is a part of Northwest’s burgeoning Latino community. Since 1990 Latinos have comprised the largest minority group in Oregon and having been increasing ever since. The landscape has changed and with it a development of a variety of Latino based organizations and businesses. Many of these, El Hispanic News, the Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Portland State University’s Chicano/Latino Studies program for example, have been essential to the success of Milagro.
Advocacy Organizations
UnidosUS, previously known as NCLR (National Council of La Raza) is the nation’s largest Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization. Through our unique combination of expert research, advocacy programs, and an Affiliate Network of nearly 300 community-based organizations across the United States and Puerto Rico, UnidosUS simultaneously challenges the social, economic, and political barriers that affect Latinos at the national and local levels.
El Consulado de México en Portland es una de las 50 Representaciones Consulares que el Gobierno de México a través de la Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores (SRE) tiene en los Estados Unidos. Desde 1996, atiende las necesidades de la creciente comunidad mexicana en Oregon y los condados de klickitat, Skamania y Clark del estado de Washington.
Pineros y Campesinos Unidoes del Noroeste: Nuestra misión es empoderar a los trabajadores del campo y familias Latinas trabajadoras de Oregon construyendo comunidad, incrementando la representación Latina en las elecciones, y el apoyo a políticas tanto a nivel nacional como estatal. PCUN valora la habilidad de los trabajadores para tomar acción en contra de la explotación y todos sus efectos, y continúa construyendo una agenda que fortalezca los derechos de los trabajadores creando espacios seguros de trabajo, promoviendo salarios justos, y apoyando una seguridad económica suficiente para cuidar de nuestras familias. También valoramos la dignidad y el respeto para todos los trabajadores, y el espíritu “Sí se puede” de Dolores Huerta, y Cesar Chavez. PCUN fue fundado por trabajadores del campo, y su legado continúa hoy.
Oregon Commission on Hispanic Affairs: We serve the people of Oregon to empower and support Latinos through our special roles as policy advisors to Oregon state policy makers and leaders. The OCHA is a catalyst that empowers partnerships between state government and Hispanic communities in rural and urban areas to ensure success for all Latinos by addressing issues at the policy level. Organized in its current role under Governor Atiyeh, and serving 7 administrations, the mission of the Oregon Commission on Hispanic Affairs is to work toward economic, social, political and legal equality for Oregon´s Hispanic population. Visit our site at https://www.oregon.gov/oac/ocha/pages/index.aspx
Immigration Counseling Service: For more than 35 years, ICS has been dedicated to improving the lives of Oregon’s immigrant communities by providing affordable immigration legal services and free informational forums. More recently, our mission has expanded to include work with unaccompanied children and survivors of human trafficking.
Business Organizations
Oregon Association of Minority Entrepreneurs: OAME is a non-profit, tax-exempt membership organization founded in 1987 with the mission to promote and develop entrepreneurship and economic development for ethnic minorities in the State of Oregon & SW Washington. OAME focuses on providing support services to small businesses. We are an all-inclusive organization and encourage everyone to live by our motto: “Everybody’s In, Nobody’s Out!”
HispanicPro is dedicated to promoting business networking and employment opportunities for diverse professionals. Our mission is to connect professionals of color to each other and to companies who value Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
NHPO-RGV remains steadfast in its mission to empower the leaders of tomorrow by offering the “Leaders in the Making” scholarship, ensuring a pathway to success for our communities’ future trailblazers.
Culture Organizations
Portland Guadalajara Sister City Association‘s mission is to foster intercultural exchange, promote goodwill, and stimulate economic development between the cities of Guadalajara, Mexico and Portland, Oregon United States. Some of the ways our dedicated board members accomplish this mission includes the development of municipal partnerships between Portland and Guadalajara, providing opportunities for city officials and citizens to experience and explore the culture of Guadalajara through long-term community partnerships, and by creating an atmosphere in which economic and community development can be implemented and strengthened.
Launched in 2022, JUNTOSpdx mission is dedicated to building CONNECTIONS in the Latino Hispanic community and reconnect them with their roots. HIGHLIGHT the diverse talent in the community, INSPIRE the city to engage with our cultura, and CELEBRATE the rich and diverse Latino Hispanic community.
Education Organizations
Portland State University’s Chicanx/Latinx Studies program is dedicated to helping students understand multicultural society and in particular the Chicano/Latino community within a larger social context. Chicanx/Latinx Studies is the interdisciplinary study of social, cultural, political, economic, and historical forces that have shaped the development of the people of Mexico and other Latin American countries in the United States over the last 300 years. \
The Chicano/Latino course series at PCC offers you an opportunity to explore a rich mosaic of culture and history. This course cluster offers an interdisciplinary study of cultural, historical, socio-economic, and political factors that have influenced the rich and varied cultures of Latinos in the US. Course offerings in the Chicano/Latino series at PCC emphasize issues that cross borders of all kinds, including those of geography, ethnicity, economics, politics, gender, and language. Completing these courses at PCC will prepare you to meet the challenges of changing needs in shifting local, national, and international communities.
The overall goal of the Latino Health Project is to increase understanding of unintended pregnancy among female and male Latinos (ages 18-25) residing in rural Oregon by examining factors which influence contraceptive use, sexual risk behavior, and HIV/STI prevention.
The International School of Portland: Finding the right language-immersion school for your family in Portland can be challenging. We believe ISP stands apart thanks to our inquiry-based learning environment that exposes students to multiple cultures and inspires them to become global citizens. We are also proud to implement the International Baccalaureate program, recognized globally for its academic rigor and holistic approach to education. ISP is actually a cultural immersion program focused on creating global citizens. Our language immersion programming goes beyond just learning a language; it involves fully engaging with the traditions, customs, values, and societal norms of the cultures associated with the language being learned. The goal is to provide students with a more profound and nuanced understanding of the cultures where the language is spoken.
The mission of Edúcate Ya is to facilitate multi-cultural exchange and address the integration challenges faced by Latinxs in Oregon through bilingual health, leadership, and education programs. In 2000, Rafael Arellano-Barrera founded the organization in response to a lack of Latinxs in leadership and managerial roles. His vision was to create an organization that would educate Latinxs on how to navigate the western system in order to achieve better jobs and health care, helping them to eventually become leaders in the American Society.
University of Oregon Latin American Studies Program: The diversity of peoples, cultures, languages, and environments makes the study of Latin America an exciting intellectual adventure. Our department hosts a Bachelor of Arts degree program and a Latin American Studies (LAS) minor degree program. Core courses in LAS are complemented by courses drawn from departments and programs such as Anthropology, Ethnic Studies, Philosophy, Geography, Romance Languages, History, Journalism, Global Studies, and Environmental Studies. We facilitate internships, study abroad opportunities, and Spanish and Portuguese language instruction in seven different countries. Throughout the year, LAS students and faculty engage in activities — lectures, film series, conferences, exhibits, and workshops — that enhance the pedagogical mission of our program. LAS works closely with other units such as the Center for Latino/a and Latin American Studies (CLLAS), the Americas in a Globalized World Initiative, the Department of Romance Languages, and the Department of Global Studies.
The Oregon Association of Latino Administrators was formed in April 2002 in an attempt to create a vehicle to support and mentor Latino administrators as well as Latino educators who aspire to become administrators in the state of Oregon. Our goals are: 1. To promote Latino educators into leadership positions. 2. To ensure educational equity for all students especially those of Latino heritage. 3. To advocate at the federal, state, and local level for equitable educational policies impacting Latino students. 4. To disseminate data related to the changing demographics and their implications for schools in Oregon. 5. To develop strategic partnerships with organizations throughout the state that acknowledges and supports the accomplishments of Latino youth. 6. To provide opportunities to build the capacity in the organization and of its members.
The College Assistance Migrant Program, referred to as CAMP, is a federally-funded program designed to support students from migrant and seasonal farm worker backgrounds during their first year in college. The program provides students with both financial assistance and support services, with the goal of preparing them to continue their education at a four-year college or university.
Tierra Educational Center is a locally owned, independent language school located in NE Portland, Oregon. We offer small group and private Spanish classes of the highest quality for adults and children of all levels. Our experienced and enthusiastic instructors implement Tierra’s well-structured, original curriculum utilizing dynamic and conversational activities for the most effective learning experience. By providing an open and friendly classroom environment and hosting holiday celebrations and conversation nights open to the public, we build community through the sharing of language, culture, and love of learning.
Latino Leadership Northwest: We create opportunities for Latino youth to build healthy relationships, advocate for their education, and become proud of the work they do. We envision families, schools, and workplaces that build resilience through belonging so Latino youth can learn, grow, and lead.
Media Organizations
Somos Media is a bilingual multi-media company, established with the dream of creating a bridge between Spanish and English-speaking communities, using creative media to amplify their voices, increase civic engagement, cultural awareness and collaboration between these communities.We produce engaging, informative and empowering bilingual media content, Creating original or re-purposed bilingual news reports, promotional videos, short films and documentaries, as well as targeted media campaigns.
Social Service Organizations
Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce: Our Mission is to lead the economic advancement, wealth creation and equity for Latinos in Oregon and SW Washington. Our Vision is to close the Latino economic equity gap and create intergenerational wealth.
Hacienda Community Development Corp. was formed in 1992 to provide necessary housing and supportive services to Cully’s low-income, predominantly Latino community. At that time, NE Portland’s Cully neighborhood was home to the largest Latino population in Oregon. We have since built 11 housing communities in Northwestern Oregon – creating a portfolio of 605 units of supportive, community-centered affordable housing. A number set to double in the coming years.
Adelante Mujeres: Founded in 2002 by Bridget Cooke, Sister Barbara Raymond and 15 Latine mothers, Adelante Mujeres was created to do something no other nonprofit was doing in the state of Oregon: focus on the needs of marginalized immigrant Latine women. Through their work with the Latine community in other local organizations, Bridget and Barbara noticed that Latine moms did not actively participate in classes or activities, and often remained isolated in their homes.
El Programa Hispano’s humble roots began in 1982 when a small group of outreach workers from Catholic Family Services, now Catholic Charities of Oregon (CCO), conducted outreach to Latino migrant farmworkers in East Multnomah County. In 2015, with the support of CCO, El Programa became an independent 501(c)3 organization. Today, we serve more than 20,000 individuals annually in the areas of Economic Sustainability, Education, Community Wellness and UNICA, our Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault prevention, intervention, and advocacy program. Our vision is a thriving Latine Community living to our fullest potential. Although EPHC is affiliated with the Catholic Charities Network, a candidate or participant does not need to be a Catholic to work with us or to receive services. Across our programs and services, staff of all faiths or none, work within our framework of respect for our mission, a person’s dignity and the common good.
Bienestar builds housing, hope, and community for the wellbeing of Latinxs, immigrants, and all families in need. Bienestar was founded in 1981 with a mission to provide quality housing to farmworkers and their families due to substandard living conditions in migrant camps.
Familias en Acción (Familias) fue fundada en 1998, en respuesta a la necesidad de una organización culturalmente específica para promover la salud de las comunidades latinas/x/e. La misión de Familias es fortalecer la salud y el bienestar de las familias y comunidades latinas en Oregón. Nuestros miembros son principalmente las comunidades latinas/x/e de habla hispana que viven en las regiones metropolitanas de Portland y Salem, y en la actualidad hemos hecho progresos para las asociaciones y el alcance en todo el estado.
Oregon en Espanol: Lo bueno y bonito de Oregon pero en ESPAÑOL.
Latino Network: We are a Latino-led education organization, grounded in culturally-specific practices and services, that lifts up youth and families to reach their full potential. Our work springs from the core belief in Latino community self-determination—that is, the ability of community members to participate meaningfully in the decisions that affect their lives and the lives of their families. Latino Network was founded in 1996 by community leaders who grew concerned about the lack of adequate resources to meet the needs of the growing Latino community. Since that time, we have evolved to become an organization that also encompasses transformational programs aimed at educating and empowering Multnomah County Latinos. Low achievement scores, youth violence and high drop out rates undermine the Latino community’s potential. We address these issues by promoting early literacy, encouraging parent involvement, working with gang-involved and adjudicated youth and families, and providing academic support and activities to high school aged youth. We also build leadership capacity for youth and adults.
Centro Latino Americano empodera a las familias latinas, brindando oportunidades y generarndo conexiones, para una comunidad más fuerte. Nuestra visión es una comunidad próspera y conectada donde todas las personas son valoradas. El Centro Latino Americano (Centro) se formó en 1972 por un grupo de estudiantes activistas chicanos del Lane Community College y la Universidad de Oregon para satisfacer las necesidades de las familias inmigrantes mexicanas en el condado de Lane.
Latino Community Association: Our mission is to empower our Latino families to thrive, creating opportunities for advancement and building bridges that unite and strengthen us all. We envision a cohesive and diverse community where all people are valued and empowered to participate and contribute to the health and prosperity of Central Oregon.
At Centro Cultural, our foundation is equity and belonging. Our team is deeply connected to and invested in our Washington County community. This is our familia, and we feel a responsibility to make sure everyone has the opportunity to thrive—not just survive. Our programs and services continue to evolve to meet the needs of our communities, removing barriers to health, well-being, and economic mobility. La comunidad es nuestra fuerza. The community is our strength.
Voz is a worker-led organization that empowers diverse day laborers, including domestic workers, and immigrants to improve their working conditions and protect civil rights through leadership development, organizing, education and economic opportunity.
Foundation Todos Juntos supports community-driven health, education, social work, and environmental projects that uplift and honor the history and culture of families and individuals living in the western highlands of Guatemala.