An Unforgettable Fiesta of Hope
October 2, 2026
From the classroom to the Statehouse, Esperanza continues to create opportunities that support student success and community connection. Take a look at what’s happening across our programs and partnerships.
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September was a month filled with celebration, connection, and new opportunities at Esperanza!
From coming together with our community to celebrate culture and heritage, to recognizing the learners, supporters, and leaders who continue to inspire our work, there was no shortage of memorable moments. We also continued creating opportunities for learners of all ages to build new skills, access resources, and take their next steps forward.
As we head into a new month and the school year gets into full swing, we’re excited to share some of the moments that made September so special!
An Unforgettable Fiesta of Hope – Thank you to everyone who joined us for Fiesta of Hope: Beyond 40!
As we celebrated more than 40 years of Esperanza’s impact in Northeast Ohio, we were especially grateful to be surrounded by so many scholars, families, partners, sponsors, and friends who continue to make our work possible.
To everyone who attended, supported, sponsored, donated, or helped bring Fiesta of Hope to life: thank you for making this year’s celebration one to remember!
Want to relive some of the energy and special moments from the evening? Click the link below to visit Esperanza’s Facebook page to explore our full Fiesta of Hope: Beyond 40 photo album and experience the celebration all over again!
See below to experience the energy of Fiesta of Hope 2026 with a lof ok back at some of our favorite moments from this unforgettable evening.
See below to take a look back at Esperanza’s journey through our Legacy Video, which premiered at Fiesta of Hope and features reflections from past Esperanza CEOs, longtime supporters, and community leaders.
Fiesta of Hope would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors. Your commitment to Esperanza helps us continue providing the programs, resources, and opportunities that empower learners of all ages throughout Northeast Ohio.
We are incredibly grateful for your continued support and for helping make Fiesta of Hope: Beyond 40 an evening to remember. Thank you for believing in our mission and the community we serve.
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month
September gave Esperanza several opportunities to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month alongside our community throughout Cleveland.
Members of our staff joined our neighbors at Centro
Villa25 for 78 Pueblos y 1 Bandera, a celebration featuring Puerto Rican muralist Héctor Collazo Hernández and his project honoring the flags of Puerto Rico’s 78 municipalities.
The event brought together art, music, food, resources, and community while celebrating Puerto Rican culture and the growing presence of this special project throughout the diaspora.
We were also proud to join the City of Cleveland for its Hispanic Heritage Month celebration at City Hall, recognizing this year’s honorees and celebrating the individuals making an impact across Cleveland’s Hispanic and Latino community. We were grateful to the City of Cleveland and Hispanic Liaison Emily Lebrón for bringing our community together for this special celebration.
The celebration continued at Progressive Field for the Cleveland Guardians’ Noche Latina! We connected with fans and families while sharing information about our education, mentorship, scholarships, workforce development programs, and other resources. It was a great evening celebrating Latino culture, community, and Cleveland!
Esperanza joined KeyBank for their Latin Fiesta, a Hispanic Heritage Month celebration bringing employees together to recognize and celebrate Latino culture and heritage.
It was a wonderful opportunity to connect with the KeyBank team and share more about Esperanza’s work throughout Northeast Ohio. Thank you to KeyBank for welcoming us and for their continued commitment to our mission, including serving as the Presenting Sponsor of this year’s Fiesta of Hope!
LEADERSHIP IN THE SPOTLIGHT
As part of Hispanic Heritage Month, La Mega Cleveland recently featured Esperanza President & CEO Zulayka Ruiz-Barral, highlighting her journey, leadership, and commitment to creating opportunities for Cleveland’s Latino community.
After 15 years with Esperanza, Zulayka shared how her faith, family, and Puerto Rican roots continue to shape her approach to leadership and her belief in elevating Latino voices in the places where important decisions are made.
Click the link to read the full feature from La Mega Cleveland and learn more about Zulayka’s story and vision for the future.
Connect with Tri-C at Esperanza!
Looking to start college, return to Tri-C, or explore new education and career opportunities? Tri-C Connect Thursdays are coming to the Esperanza Access Center!
On the first Thursday of each month, a Tri-C representative will be available to answer questions, help with enrollment or returning to Tri-C, explore programs and courses, and connect community members with helpful resources and support.
Whether you’re taking your first step toward college or ready to continue your educational journey, stop by and discover what opportunities are available to you.
📍 Esperanza Access Center | 3104 W. 25th St.
📅 First Thursday of each month | 1–5 p.m.
📞 216-987-4238
✉️accesscenter@tri-c.edu
Your voice matters! Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) is inviting community members to complete a short survey and share their thoughts about the programs, resources, and services they would like to see available through the Tri-C Access Center at Esperanza.
Your feedback will help us better understand the needs of our community and continue connecting individuals and families with educational opportunities and resources that can make a difference.
The survey is available in English and Spanish.
Technology keeps changing, and Esperanza is helping our community keep up!
Our Advanced Digital Literacy: AI & Professional Productivity classes introduce learners to ChatGPT, new technologies, and practical digital tools they can use in the workplace and everyday life.
Classes are offered entirely in Spanish, with morning and evening options available. Registration is still open!
Join us in Empowering Northeast Ohio!
At Esperanza, We Translate to HOPE. Will you be Esperanza too?
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