Esperanza, Inc. (meaning “hope”), began in the early 1980s as a community project to improve the educational opportunities for Hispanics by motivating and recognizing academic achievement through scholarships. As Ohio’s only nonprofit organization dedicated to the promotion and advancement of Hispanic educational achievement, its founders recognized the need to expand the services by adding programs to address more of the educational needs of the community. Esperanza awarded its first college scholarship in 1983. Since awarding just one college scholarship that first year, Esperanza has grown steadily to where it is now able to award over 100 college scholarships every year through the support of corporations, foundations, and individual donors.
In 1988, a permanent office was established, a mentorship program was developed, and the number of scholarships started to increase. In 1989, a dropout prevention program was implemented and endorsed by the Cleveland Municipal School District. The following year, the William Senquiz Endowment Fund was established in memory of Esperanza’s first executive director. In 1991, a strategic plan for the 1990s and beyond was adopted by the Board of Trustees, and the first annual Fiesta of Hope Scholarship Awards Luncheon was held. The retention and graduation of Hispanics in school is of major importance to community leaders, educators, and corporate leaders who recognize the significance of this population in the growth of the community and as an active participant in the nation’s work force.
Esperanza has taken a leadership role in advocating on behalf of Hispanics and developing and assisting in the implementation of educational policy statements. By establishing linkages between community leaders, organizations, and educational institutions, Esperanza, Inc. represents a model for overcoming educational barriers and ensuring quality education through community action.
Manager of Adult Learners Programs
(216) 553-4157
OST Manager
216.651.7178
Assistant Director of Programs
216.651.7178 - EXT. 6010
Accounting Manager
216.651.7178 - EXT. 6015
Manager of Post-Secondary Initiatives Program
216.651.7178 - EXT. 6007
Director of Development
216.651.7178 - EXT. 6019
Executive Director
216.651.7178 - EXT. 6003
Director of Programs
216.651.7178 - EXT. 6004
Adult Learners Program Coordinator
216-586-3641
Office Manager
216.651.7178 - EXT. 6000
Adult Learners Program Coordinator
216-553-4170
Director of Operations
216-651-7178 x6002
Adult Learners Program Coordinator
(216) 553-4161
Development Associate
1-216-651-7178
Bookkeeper
Development and Marketing Assistant
Youth Programs Coordinator
Post Secondary Retention Coordinator
College Success Advisor
College Success Advisor
OST Site Supervisor
OST Site Supervisor
OST Site Supervisor
Carmen Castro-Rivera, Baldwin Wallace University – President
Pamela Hobe, PNC – 1st Vice President
Jaime Caraballo, DealerTire- 2nd Vice President
Griselda Rondon, KeyBank – Treasurer
Camila Negret, PwC- Secretary
Laura Almazan, Eaton Corporation
Bill McCarron, Huntington Bank
Stephanie Milk-Wade, Masco
Adelaida Mihu, Biogen
Edgar San Jose, The Timken Company
Andres Arsuaga, Clearstead
Leslie Suffredini, Stanley Black & Decker
Manuel Carballo, Oberlin
Jose Cedeño, Sherwin Williams
Nick Mays, Baldwin Wallace University
Al López (1944-2014)
Luis Martinez
Felicia Soto
Victor Ruiz