Summary: Natural disasters have become more frequent – and more devastating. Moreso for communities of color seeking information in their native languages. Erica Alexia Ledesma and Niria Alicia Garcia want to make sure they’re Spanish-speaking community is ready for the next one. Learn more about these resident leaders and why NeighborWorks America will honor them with the Dorothy Richardson Award for Resident Leadership. 

Marietta Rodriguez

Marietta Rodriguez knows what it’s like to be a new homebuyer because she was one. "I was 25 and living in a high-cost area," she says. “There was absolutely no way I could buy a home without someone holding my hand and walking me through it.” The folks holding her hand were from a NeighborWorks network organization that provided counseling and financial assistance to first-time homebuyers. Soon, Rodriguez went to work for the organization that assisted her so that she could help more people in her hometown.

On a hot August Saturday afternoon in southern Oregon, community members trickled into Phoenix High School's auditorium. Some brought their children and stopped to grab a free lunch of enchiladas and watermelon juice from Rogue Food Unites before taking their seats at a cluster of round tables. They talked as they ate, enjoying the sun that filtered through the large windows.

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