Empowering Community Champions: Three Inspirational DC Latinas Making a Difference

Latinas have been making big moves this year and what better time to highlight their accomplishments than Hispanic Heritage Month? I’m very proud to be Latina and I am overjoyed to celebrate the accomplishments of my sisters, especially when they are doing great things to uplight our community.

In a world where voices often go unheard, it’s refreshing to see individuals who stand up, speak out, and take action to uplift their communities. Today, we shine a spotlight on three remarkable women who are doing just that, each in their own unique way.

Danay Escanaverino, Founder at MiraClick, Founder at LatinaMeetup, and CEO & Founder at Lunasol Media – CUBA

I first Danay at the BlogHER 2017 Conference in Orlando. She organized a Latina Meetup for attendees. Being the proud Latina that I am, I signed up. We immediately hit it off because her passion for community and promoting the interest of Latina entrepreneurs was instantly evident. When I learned that she lived near me, I decided to keep in touch and attended her first DC LatinaMeetup.

Since then, Danay has become a powerhouse in the Hispanic community, organizing not only LatinaMeetup but running her companies, Mira.Click and LunaSol Media, as well as launching the largest LatinX discussion group on Clubhouse, AMIGOS. How she manages it all is truly awe-inspiring. If you want to be connected to someone who can help you find your tribe and your voice, Danay Escanaverino is someone you absolutely must follow.

Nadya Maldonado, Esq. (A.K.A. The Rideshare Attorney) – MEXICO

I first met Nadya in 2006 while I was taking classes at the UDC David A. Clarke School of Law. When I first met Nadya it was clear that this was a woman with a mission. She was driven to attend law school for very personal reasons. She wanted to help her family and community members with their legal troubles. For Nadya, practicing law was all about empowerment, for herself and those close to her.

I interviewed Nadya previously and I asked her who has been her greatest inspiration. This is what she said.

My parents. As children, they were migrant farm workers who literally worked in the fields picking fruits and vegetables for American families that have a tendency to take this type of hard work for granted. I cannot, in good conscience ignore my parents’ struggles and attribute my work ethic and inspiration to anyone or anything else. 

Nadya Maldonado

Today, Nadya has carved out a unique niche as a lawyer by paying attention to the needs of her community. She helps those who have been injured or harmed in some way due to ride-share negligence. Of course, there was no Uber or Lyft in 2006, but Nadya’s specialty came about after years of seeing people harmed using ride-share services without having anyone to advocate for them. As always, Nadya saw a void in the community and sought to fill it.

Nadya reaches potential clients through her creative use of social media. She creates videos that are hilarious and thought-provoking. She’s an excellent example of how Latinas “find a way or make one.” Follow her for entertaining, informative, and inspirational content in English and Spanish.

Claudia Barragan, Founder of Communities in Practice, LLC (CIP) – BOLIVIA (Indigenous Aymara)

Now if you are looking for someone who is all about the people, all day every day, and is unapologetically so, then Claudia is your woman. Woo Child she doesn’t come to play. This is one lady that had no qualms about speaking truth to power and I am here for it. Claudia has made ethnic pride, love of community, and dedication to service her life’s work in one of the most challenging arena, politics.

As an Urban Planner, Claudia has seen firsthand the harm that can be caused to communities of color by those engaged in Crony Capitalism. “It became clear that without authentic representation meaningful participation, decision making power and capacity building, for and by those who are directly impacted, equity in development will not be reached.” As the Founder of Communities in Practice, LLC (CIP), Claudia uses her knowledge and voice tirelessly to ensure marginalized communities do not have their hopes and dreams bulldozed but that they are also the beneficiaries of change.

Claudia Barragan’s commitment to social justice is unwavering. As the Founder of Communities in Practice, LLC (CIP), she works tirelessly to ensure that marginalized communities have a seat at the table. With a background in Urban Planning, Claudia has witnessed firsthand the injustices faced by communities of color in the face of Crony Capitalism. Through CIP, she leads efforts to promote meaningful participation, decision-making power, and capacity building among those directly impacted by development initiatives. Claudia’s work embodies the principles of decolonization, pluralism, and anti-racism, creating pathways for communities to thrive in diversity and culture. Follow her journey to learn how you can join the movement for equitable development in your area.

In a world where change can often feel daunting, these DC Latinas remind us that every voice matters and every action counts. Their dedication to uplifting their communities serves as an inspiration to us all. Let’s continue to support and amplify their efforts as we work towards a brighter, more inclusive future for all.