As we close out another incredible summer, we’re carrying its energy, momentum, and memories with us into the season ahead. There’s plenty to celebrate, even more to look forward to, and countless reasons to keep building a future filled with opportunity and hope.
Fiesta of Hope is Almost Here!
The countdown is on! Fiesta of Hope: Beyond 40, presented by Keybank, is just around the corner, and we can’t wait to celebrate with you on Saturday, September 12 at Landerhaven.
Join Esperanza for an unforgettable evening celebrating our scholars, our community, and more than four decades of creating opportunities through education. Together, we’ll honor the legacy that brought us here while looking ahead to the impact we can continue building for generations to come.
Seats are going fast! Purchase your tickets today by scanning the QR code or clicking the button below and be part of a night filled with celebration, inspiration, and hope.
Saturday, September 12, 2026 | 6:00 PM | Landerhaven
Together, we translate to hope.
A Celebration to Remember!
Esperanza’s 17th Annual Back-to-School Celebration, presented by AT&T, brought students, families, and community members together for a morning filled with resources, activities, school supplies, and plenty of excitement for the year ahead.
An event of this size and impact is only possible because of the people and organizations who come together to make it happen. We extend our heartfelt thanks to our Board members, staff, volunteers, community partners, La Mega Cleveland, and our generous event sponsors for giving their time, resources, and support to help make this year’s celebration such a success.
Most importantly, thank you to every student and family who joined us. Seeing our community come together to support students as they begin a new school year reminds us exactly why this celebration continues to mean so much after 17 years. Here’s to a successful school year filled with opportunity, growth, and hope!
Relive the Celebration! Watch our Back-to-School Celebration recap video!
Conversations with Cal feat. Esperanza’s CEO!
Esperanza President & CEO Zulayka “Zully” Ruiz-Barral recently joined Cornell Calhoun III for an episode of Conversations with Cal on Cleveland TV20.
During the conversation, Zully reflects on her journey with Esperanza, her role as President & CEO, and the organization’s impact on students, families, and learners throughout the Greater Cleveland community. She also looks ahead to Esperanza’s next chapter and the opportunities to continue building on more than four decades of education, empowerment, and hope.
Hear directly from Zully about where Esperanza has been, where we are today, and where we’re headed next.
Summer Memories that Last Beyond the Season!
As the summer season comes to an end, the memories of another incredible
STEAM Summer Program are still fresh in our minds!
Throughout the summer, our students had opportunities to explore, create, learn, and discover through hands-on experiences in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics, building new skills while having plenty of fun along the way.
We extend a heartfelt thank you to all of our STEAM partners, volunteers, and Esperanza staff whose time, expertise, and dedication made these experiences possible.
And, of course, thank you to our amazing students for bringing their curiosity, creativity, and enthusiasm each day. You are what made this summer so special, and we can’t wait to see where everything you learned takes you next!
Stay Tuned for Recap Videos of Our Summer Programming!
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.
ESL Classes Are Back in Session!
A new season of learning is underway! English as a Second Language (ESL) classes have officially begun through our Adult Learners Program, welcoming participants who are ready to strengthen their English-language skills and build confidence in their everyday lives.
Through supportive, accessible instruction, our ESL classes help adult learners develop their speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills while gaining tools that can support their educational, professional, and personal goals.
We’re excited to welcome our learners back and look forward to another year of learning, growth, and opportunity at Esperanza!
Celebrating Extraordinary Latinas at Esperanza!
We’re proud to celebrate two incredible members of the Esperanza team, Sonia Matis and Xiomara Hernandez-Marcelo, who have been nominated for the 2026 Extraordinary Latinas Awards, presented by UNITED LATINAS!
Sonia Matis, Adult Learners Program Coordinator, has been nominated in the Connecting Community category. Through her many years of service to Esperanza, Sonia has been a welcoming and dedicated presence, helping connect learners and families with education, resources, and opportunities throughout our community.
Xiomara Hernandez-Marcelo, Adult Learners Program Coordinator, has been nominated in the Empowering Excellence category. Through her dedication to education and service, Xiomara helps empower adult learners with the knowledge, encouragement, and opportunities they need to pursue their goals and reach their potential.
Please join us in congratulating Sonia and Xiomara on these well-deserved nominations! We’re proud to see two members of the Esperanza family recognized for the impact they make each day.
Join us in Empowering Northeast Ohio!
At Esperanza, We Translate to HOPE. Will you be Esperanza too?
Stay connected!
Follow along on social media for more Esperanza updates, day-to-day impact, and behind-the-scenes moments you won’t want to miss!
