Art, Culture, & Health: Meeting community needs with Angie Hinojo
February Public Health Spotlight
Washington State Department of Health
Our first Public Health Spotlight of 2024 is Angie Hinojos, Executive Director and co-founder of Centro Cultural Mexicano. Angie’s commitment to public health and service in Washington state runs deep. Beyond Centro Cultural Mexicano, she is chair of the Washington State Commission on Hispanic Affairs, a trustee of Cascadia College, and a public artist. Read on to learn more about Angie’s work and commitment to empowering the next generation of leaders.
What got you interested in public health?
In order to build strong communities, we need to ensure that our basic needs are met and that we can move forward with healthy minds and bodies. Our Latino community has specific cultural and linguistic needs, and I saw an opportunity to nourish all parts of who we are — the physical and mental health side, but also at the core of our being, the need for deep connection through art and culture.
Can you tell me about your work?
At Centro Cultural Mexicano, we are a direct-service organization. Our place is a home, a sanctuary, where we can acknowledge and celebrate all facets of our communities. We connect people and groups to resources like rent assistance, vaccinations, health information, and access to small business support, educational guidance, and programs to enrich and support the next generation of leaders. We are focused on inter-generational wealth building to increase access to opportunity and to ensure Latino representation in places where decisions are made. Our vision of empowerment begins with a healthy community.
What’s one accomplishment you’re particularly proud of?
When the COVID-19 pandemic began, we moved our operations outside within the state guidelines, and we continued to serve. We advocated for increased resources and equitable solutions to challenges that faced our Latino community. We started one of the first rent assistance programs in King County, using a small support grant we had received. We developed rent assistance guidelines based on our distinct community needs that were then used by governmental entities when they developed their own programs. We had the first vaccination pop-up clinic in East King County in our parking lot. I am proud that we listen to our community and act quickly to find solutions. I am grateful that our community has trusted us to advocate on their behalf, and to represent them at tables where we are often the only Latino voice in the room. We have a phrase that is our north star: Community First. We run a bilingual radio program called Centro Cultural Mexicano’s Radio Ya es Tiempo 1540 AM, and I am proud that we utilize that platform to provide accurate and timely health information to our communities and that we share resources, tackle social justice issues, and celebrate our culture.
Healthy communities are…
empowered to be part of decision-making processes, have representation in government and elected positions, and recognize the contributions and the inherent value that comes from a diversity of experiences and cultures.
What’s one piece of advice you have for someone wanting to pursue a life in public health?
Proceed from a place of love — this work is both beautiful and heartbreaking. It is often lonely, it is often frustrating. Carry compassion and empathy with you — you will come face to face with desperation in yourself and others. Forgive yourself for the things you could not do. Allow others to care for you when you need it. Amplify the voices of those who are powerless. Never stop fighting for health equity.
What’s your favorite place in Washington state?
My favorite place in Washington state is Mutiny Bay on Whidbey Island in the year 2008. The bay is glistening, and on the beach my boys and their cousins collect seashells. My parents are still young and healthy; my brothers and their families are fishing, swimming, and playing tag. We will share a meal — my dad probably made enchiladas, frijoles, and a huge bowl of the hottest salsa. My husband will make a fire on the beach, my brother will play the guitar as the sun goes down, and we will walk home tired but happy through the starry night. The most precious place is the one to which you can never return.
Where can people find you or your organization?
Centro Cultural Mexicano’s Radio Ya es Tiempo is on KXPA 1540 AM every Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday at 9:00 am.
Website: www.centroculturalmexicano.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/centroculturalmexicano
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/centroculturalmexicanoredmond/
LinkedIn: Centro Cultural Mexicano