Our programs at work

The Empowerment of Hope.

Erika’s journey began in El Salvador in 2012, when her parents made the difficult decision to move to the U.S. in search of a better future for their family. Erika, just two years old at the time, and her older sister were left in the care of their grandmother as their parents worked tirelessly to send money back home. After four long years, when their mother was finally able to visit, she saw firsthand how crime and poverty had worsened in their home country. Fearing for her daughters' safety, she made the heart-wrenching choice to bring them to the U.S. Taking them from their beloved grandmother was no easy task, so she gently told the girls they were going to the store—a simple explanation for what would be a life-changing decision for Erika.

Erika entered a new world with a new language and reunited with parents she hardly knew. She also faced challenges at school as an English Language Learner and had to rely on others to communicate. Determined, she excelled in her studies, eventually winning competitions in math and writing.

In high school, Erika’s dreams of attending college were overshadowed by the harsh reality of her status as an undocumented immigrant. Faced with significant barriers, she began to lose hope, believing that higher education might be out of reach. However, everything changed when she discovered our Escalera program.

Escalera provided Erika with a clear pathway to post-secondary education, encouraging her to take an active role in school activities and guiding her through the often complex college application process. As Erika reflects, the program “pushed her beyond her comfort zone” and renewed her hope for the future, showing her that her aspirations were not only possible but within reach.

Erika graduated as a valedictorian from George Washington Carver High. Today, she has been awarded a HICA scholarship and is studying biology at Samford University, aiming to become a pediatrician. Erika wrote in an essay that as a bilingual doctor she wants to not only treat her patients, but advocate for their children's health through adequate nutrition, nurturing environments, access and education. She aims to ensure that underprivileged communities have equal access to care and medicine despite their socio-economic status.

Erika, an immigrant from El Salvador who arrived in the U.S. as a young girl, embraced the challenges of adapting to a new culture and learning a foreign language. Her resilience, combined with the encouragement of dedicated teachers and mentors, has fueled her vision of a future where she can give back to her community. As Erika beautifully expressed, “I have always believed that leadership is about serving others.”

Rocio’s Story

Rocio Ayala, a self-employed residential cleaning service provider, balances her business with her passion for community service. She regularly volunteers at her children's school and with a local women’s organization. Before enrolling in HICA’s Workforce Development program, Rocio worked part-time to supplement her family’s income.

After discovering the program through HICA's social media and personal recommendations, Rocio saw it as an opportunity to expand her business. The program provided her with valuable skills in personal branding, marketing, and business strategy. She learned how to effectively promote her services, attract new clients, and optimize her operations—skills that helped her transition from part-time to full-time work.

One of her biggest takeaways was learning to navigate job search platforms and digital tools, empowering her to seek out new opportunities with confidence. Rocio also appreciated the engaging and accessible teaching style of her instructor, Antonieta, who ensured every participant could actively engage and understand the material.

Since completing the program, Rocio has incorporated her strong organizational skills into her business model, helping her work smarter, attract more clients, and grow her revenue. Rocio now feels more empowered in her business and looks forward to continued growth.