Esperanza was proud to welcome Molly Kocour Boyle, President of AT&T Ohio, and Tony Costanzo, Director of External Affairs for Cleveland/Northeast Ohio at AT&T, for a meaningful visit and Tour of Hope. As longstanding partners of Esperanza, Molly and Tony met with President & CEO Margaret D. Sanchez and members of the Esperanza team to learn more about the organization’s ongoing work and collaborative impact in the community.
Their visit began with a tour of Esperanza’s Tri-C Access Center, powered by AT&T. Through this vital partnership, AT&T provides internet connectivity and equipment that ensures the Access Center can offer community members free, reliable access to digital resources and services essential for education, employment, and daily life.
Maribel Jimenez-Martoral and Xiomara Hernandez-Marcelo of Esperanza’s Adult Learners team presented an overview of their programs, highlighting offerings such as English as a Second Language (ESL), mobile device literacy, and digital literacy courses. They were joined by Esperanza alumna Ana Ivette Burgos, who shared her experience participating in these programs. Ana spoke about how Esperanza’s Tri-C Access Center has become a trusted resource where community members receive assistance with a wide range of needs, such as navigating medical forms, participating in digital literacy training, and accessing referrals to additional services when necessary.
Ana reflected on Esperanza’s enduring presence in the community, stating that it has long been the heart of Cleveland’s Hispanic/Latino population and has now become a beacon of hope for all communities in need across Northeast Ohio.
During their tour of Esperanza’s second floor, Molly and Tony were able to experience several programs in action, including the first of many Student Headshot Days for Post-Secondary applicants and current participants alike. Germaine Peña, Manager of Post-Secondary Initiatives, and Patricia Peña, College Success Advisor, spoke about the various offerings of the post-secondary department and emphasized how essential AT&T’s support has been to the success and growth of these initiatives.
They also met Natasha Isabel Lopez, an alumna of Esperanza’s Líderes Avanzando and Advancing Talento programs. Natasha shared how impactful the programs’ offerings and resources have been to her, especially the mock interview sessions led by her cohort leader, Joshua White. She described the experience as emotional but transformative in building her confidence for workforce development opportunities.
Natasha also noted that she was a recipient of a laptop through a community distribution effort made possible by one of AT&T’s many collaborations with local community partners, including Esperanza. Access to a personal laptop allowed her to complete schoolwork more efficiently, develop professional skills, and remain connected to academic and career resources—key steps in her post-secondary and workforce success.
AT&T’s partnership with Esperanza continues to deepen. AT&T will serve as the presenting sponsor of Esperanza’s 2025 Back-to-School Celebration, scheduled for Saturday, August 9, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. (location to be announced). This annual event provides students with free backpacks filled with essential school supplies, helping to ensure that every child starts the school year ready to learn, confident, and equipped for success.
In recognition of their outstanding commitment to the community, AT&T will be honored with the 2025 Corporate Philanthropy Award at Esperanza’s signature event, Fiesta of Hope, taking place on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at the Hotel Cleveland. For more information on Fiesta of Hope, please visit: https://esperanzainc.org/fiesta-of-hope/.
Esperanza, Inc. is deeply grateful for our enduring partnership with AT&T, which began in 2022. Together, we continue to bridge digital divides, expand educational opportunities, and build a brighter future for the Northeast Ohio community.
