Q&A with Maritza Romero, our new Program Officer
We’re excited to introduce Maritza Romero, our new program officer! Read on to find out why she chose the nonprofit sector, what she loves about her community, what brings her joy, and more.
Q. What does community mean to you, and what communities do you consider yourself a part of?
I identify as Latina and Mexicana, and first generation born in the United States. My roots are from Nayarit and Puebla Mexico. My family immigrated to California where I was born and later moved to Oregon where I have spent most of my life.
Community for me brings a sense of belonging and has been an important part of my identity and culture. As I moved away from family and adventured to new pathways, community has also provided me a sense of safety, a place of healing and justice. I've been so fortunate to have been surrounded by people who share similar experience, culture, language and values.
Q. What excites you about your new role at NWHF? Is there a particular program you’re interested in learning more about?
In 2015, I worked for a nonprofit in Astoria, OR (Consejo Hispano)—a grantee of NWHF, part of the Healthy Beginnings + Healthy Communities five-year initiative. The experience interacting with NWHF and learning from other BIPOC-led organizations shaped my community leadership and advocacy role. I share this because it explains my excitement of being part of the amazing work NWHF is doing and what it means to me to be in this role. I’m interested in all of the programs, because they uplift community voices and justice, which is something I connect with and try to center in the work I do.
Q. What drives you to work in the nonprofit field, and philanthropy in particular?
Working with and for the community was the reason I started working in the nonprofit sector, and quickly after I learned the power communities have when they engage civically and work towards systemic change. This experience opened my world to philanthropy and the role it plays in community resourcing. My desire to advocate for community, specifically communities of color, led me to philanthropy as a way to work towards equity and justice.
Q. What is something you love about your community, and what is something you’d like to see change?
I love how my community can come together and uplift each other and work towards a common goal. This has provided me the energy and power to move towards change and equity for the better of all communities. Even though this work has been amazing and inspiring, I know there’s more work to be done, and we need to ensure all are welcome to be part of the movement.
Q. What brings you joy?
Spending time with my family brings me joy: my partner, my six-year-old daughter, and my baby girl who is now six months old. Connecting and celebrating with my community also brings me joy, and sharing my cultural traditions with family and friends. When I need some self-care, I like taking a nice walk and connecting with nature, visiting parks or bodies of water.