On June 25, 2024, the UCLA Latino Policy and Politics Institute (UCLA LPPI), in partnership with Arizona State University Center for Latina/os and American Politics Research (ASU CLAPR) kicked off the inaugural Latino Data Hub (LDH) Action Lab, an initiative dedicated to using data to inform policies impacting Latino communities in Tempe, Arizona. 

The inaugural cohort of the LDH Action Lab in Tempe features an impressive group of 15 dedicated leaders from across Arizona, each nominated by their peers for their commitment to fostering transformative change within their communities. 

Belen Flores, Leadership Strategy Manager at UCLA LPPI and the driving force behind the program shared her excitement about the program’s kickoff. 

“The energy in the room with this inaugural cohort of advocates and community leaders was palpable, to say the least,” said Flores. “Seeing so many passionate innovators come together in community to learn and grow was truly inspiring and exciting.”

The LDH Action Lab curriculum is designed to transform Latino advocacy by equipping innovators with practical skills in data-driven policy-making and capacity building. By utilizing hands-on practice, the program enhances participants’ abilities in data analysis and visualization, ensuring insights can translate into impactful projects and drive significant change in the communities. This curriculum is to be followed by a series of virtual workshops that extend through the fall of 2024. 

Director of Research at UCLA LPPI, Rodrigo Dominguez-Villegas, who played a crucial role in creating the Latino Data Hub platform, shared his thoughts on the cohort’s future. 

“The kickoff was an inspiring day, but it really is just the beginning,” said Dominguez-Villegas. “Over the next few months, we are committed to providing continuous support and resources to our participants. We aim to ensure they have the tools and knowledge needed to make a lasting impact in their communities.”

The inaugural Action Lab 2024 cohort is comprised of the following Arizona leaders:

• Alisha Vasquez, Communications and Accessibility Manager, Southwest Folklife Alliance
• Andrea Whiting, Co-Founder and President, Tomorrow We Vote
• Annalise Parady, Policy Coordinator, Florence Immigrant & Refugee Rights Project
• Fátima Luna, Chief Resilience Office, City of Tucson
• Genesis Arizmendi, Assistant Professor, College of Science, University of Arizona
• Jonatan Giudice, Director of Curriculum, Strategy, Fundraising, Trans Queer Pueblo – Semilla de Liberación
• Jose Patino, VP of Education & External Affairs, Aliento
• Mario Montoya, Research Analyst + Coalition Consultant, Aliento
• Matthew Sotelo, Director of Leadership, Valle del Sol
• Nelda Liliana Ruiz Calles, Program Manager: Cultural Organizing, Southwest Folklife Alliance & Regeneración (CBO)
• Paul Padilla, Director of Market Intelligence, Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
• Raquel Gutierrez, CEO & Philanthropic Abolitionist, Blue Agave Partners
• Selina Barajas, Founder and Co-Owner, Luna y Sol Cafe
• Valentina Restrepo Montoya, Executive Director and CEO, Arizona Legal Women and Youth Services
• Victoria Villalba, Data & Research Manager, Instituto