Por BJ Coleman<\/p>\n
Half a century of continuous service on behalf of underserved and under-noticed communities is a noteworthy accomplishment. The Chicano Federation of San Diego County will celebrate that milestone at Downtown\u2019s U.S. Grant Hotel on Saturday, May 11, for the organization\u2019s 50th Anniversary Ball.<\/p>\n
Recently, three principal leaders from the Chicano Federation sat for an interview at the organization\u2019s headquarters offices in Uptown San Diego. Interview participants were Nancy Maldonado, new CEO of the Chicano Federation of San Diego County; Mario X. Sierra, Chicano Federation board chairman; and Delia H. Talamantez, honoree at the anniversary bash who is set to receive the Chicano Federation Visionary Award.<\/p>\n
Maldonado, who was named CEO in January, offered a quick synopsis of the organization\u2019s changing arc of community service over these past five decades. Maldonado noted that the federation was born of advocacy first, to unite over 40 small groups to support Latino rights and civil rights. Chicano Park was at risk, Barrio Logan was split by freeways, and many former residents were left without homes.<\/p>\n
Delia Talamantez added her perspective on the days of the 1969 assembly of the federation.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe 1960s were a time of protest,\u201d Talamantez said. \u201cAs immigrants, we were conservative, and taking this step, like we did, was bold. We took over the park, which gave the community power.\u201d<\/p>\n
Maldonado gave more of the historical background, observing that the Chicano Federation has evolved into a direct community service organization these days, responding to critical community needs, focusing mainly on low-income community members but serving anyone who qualifies for federation programs.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe struggle is still on,\u201d Maldonado said.<\/p>\n
Maldonado is looking toward new visions of the second half-century of Chicano Federation community service.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy vision is leading in social services that are so desperately needed,\u201d Maldonado said. \u201cWe were once great; we will be again.\u201d<\/p>\n
For specifics, Maldonado cited the Chicano Federation\u2019s \u201cgreat programs,\u201d which she plans to assess for quality and improvement.<\/p>\n
\u201cAre we doing everything we can?\u201d Maldonado asked, as an example of assessment measures she envisions. \u201cDo we meet families where they are at? Can we move the people we serve out of the cycle of poverty? Are we building the collaborations we need to all come together to solve those problems we can?\u201d<\/p>\n
Maldonado oversees a current staff of 65 members.<\/p>\n
Mario Sierra is an engineer with the city of San Diego\u2019s Environmental Services Department, who was born in Tijuana. Delia Talamantez met Sierra through the Civil Service Commission, and she invited him to join the Chicano Federation board.<\/p>\n
Not that Sierra needed much urging. When he was 15 and 16, Sierra worked summertime jobs in conjunction with the Chicano Federation. He assisted non-English speaking persons in acquiring child care and in filling out tax preparation papers.<\/p>\n
\u201cI could see the difference this was making for the community, in what was then known as Shelltown,\u201d Sierra said. \u201cI realized I loved nonprofit work.\u201d He mentioned in particular the collaborative services on behalf of child development, nutritional support and senior housing. His own mother was hired for five years for administrative work assisting seniors with displacement and recreational needs.<\/p>\n
Within a year of being named to the federation board, Sierra was promoted to chairing the board. His team consists of 16 other board members.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is a marvelous board,\u201d Sierra said. \u201cThey are active, and they demonstrate wonderful enthusiasm and commitment. I cannot say enough that is good about how much they contribute and how hard they work.\u201d<\/p>\n
Sierra happens to be the person who first thought of and nominated Delia Talamantez for honors. When the Chicano Federation Visionary Award nominations were opened, Sierra said, \u201cDelia came to mind.\u201d<\/p>\n
Not that that was much of a stretch either. \u201cI have been involved with civil rights most of my life,\u201d Talamantez said. \u201cI was always getting involved in helping other people \u2014 through church, through advising politicians. I have always been passionate about civil rights.\u201d<\/p>\n
Talamantez worked with the MAAC Project, ending up as director. \u201cThat was a wonderful experience,\u201d Talamantez said, despite the 16-hour work days.<\/p>\n
She experienced the stinging bias of racism but decided to overcome fear and speak up.<\/p>\n
\u201cDelia is a strong leader,\u201d Sierra said. \u201cDelia does that.\u201d<\/p>\n
Maldonado agreed. \u201cThat\u2019s true leadership,\u201d Maldonado said. \u201cAnd she brings an important historical perspective.\u201d<\/p>\n
Also slated to receive honorary recognition at the Chicano Federation 50th Anniversary Ball is Irma Castro, the federation\u2019s longtime executive director, who left her role in 1991. Castro will receive the Chicano Federation Legacy Award.<\/p>\n
Organizers of the 50th gala hope to raise $250,000 to support programs for child development, affordable housing and other services for San Diego County families. The ball is sold out, but the federation seeks continuing monetary donations and donated items and services for auction. Additionally, volunteers are always eagerly welcomed. More information is available online at chicanofederation.org<\/a> or by phone at 619-285-5600.<\/p>\n