Juana Rodriguez Vazquez named Executive Director of Mano en Mano
Mano en Mano’s community-based Board of Directors is excited to announce the hiring of Juana Rodriguez Vazquez as its Executive Director.
Juana brings over a decade of experience working alongside migrant communities and farmworkers, most recently serving as the organization's Interim Executive Director.
She first came to Maine over 20 years ago to participate in the wild blueberry harvest, and joined the Mano en Mano team in 2014. She has worked as the Program Director of the Migrant Education Program and the Director of Rayitos de Sol Bilingual Childcare, and has both designed and facilitated programming in collaboration with community members to overcome barriers and access culturally relevant educational services.
Juana is the recipient of the 2021 Marcia Lovell Award for her work at Rayitos de Sol, as well as the 2021 Francis Perkins Open Door Award, and the 2015 Vida A. Rivera, Jr. Award . She currently serves on the Boards of Directors of the Women’s Health Resource Library, Healthy Acadia, and the Friends of the Milbridge Public Library.
In addition to her experience working to support immigrant and farmworker communities in Maine, she holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from the University of Maine at Machias and a General Elementary (K-8) Teacher Certification from the Maine Department of Education.
Since Mano en Mano was founded in 2005, the organization has grown significantly- reaching an annual operating budget of almost $3 million and providing support in the areas of education, access to essential service, advocacy, health, and housing. Juana takes the lead at a crucial time for the organization, as Mano en Mano continues to support community members through the pandemic, and provide meaningful services based in mutual trust and respect.
“As an immigrant and migrant child, I have lived in many places and consider Maine my home. The Downeast community is so important to me, and I want to continue working alongside the community to create a stronger Maine” says Juana. “I have been part of Mano en Mano since it first began and to see how much the organization has evolved in response to community needs is something that holds a special place in my heart and in my life. I want the organization to be successful in supporting the community it serves in a way that uplifts and celebrates community voices and leadership.”
“Juana brings experience and vision to her new role” says Adan Delgado, Chair of Mano en Mano’s Board of Directors. “Her dedication to the Downeast community, and leadership style that celebrates community voices will be invaluable to Mano en Mano as the organization continues to grow. In Juana we have found a compassionate, committed and experienced leader.”
Juana will officially start in her new position on February 14, 2022. The appointment follows an extensive nationwide search that began in November and involved community, board, and staff members. Moving forward, she will continue to lead a talented team of 17 full and part time staff and 40+ seasonal staff, the majority of whom are of the communities that Mano en Mano serves.
Please join us as we welcome Juana to her new role and celebrate this exciting time for Mano en Mano and the communities it works alongside.
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Mano en Mano was founded in 2005 with the mission to work with farmworkers statewide and immigrants in Downeast Maine to empower them to thrive. The organization envisions a stronger, more inclusive Maine where the contributions of diverse communities are welcomed, access to essential services, education and housing are ensured, and social justice and equity are embraced.
Mano en Manos various program areas include: Access to Essential Services, Advocacy, Education, and Housing. Key accomplishments over the past several years include: opening Rayitos de Sol Bilingual Childcare, a center that is the first and only of its kind in the Downeast area offering bilingual curriculum and accessible pricing; playing a leadership role in statewide services and advocacy for migrant children/youth; and the establishment of the Estamos Aquí Fund, a mutual aid fund that has redistributed over $500,000 to more than 2,300 immigrant and farmworkers impacted financially by COVID-19.
