Nonprofit Influencers
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The number and influence of Latino-oriented nonprofits is growing in Arkansas. Meet Diego Morales, executive director of Avanza Arkansas, and Julieta Ortiz, executive director of OneCommunity, leaders shepherding these organizations and sharing their visions for serving Latino communities.
Avanza Arkansas: key resources to families and entrepreneurs
When Diego Morales (above) founded Avanza Arkansas in late 2024, he had a clear mission: connecting families and entrepreneurs with free resources that strengthen their well-being, stability and opportunities for growth. The nonprofit has focused its work on the five pillars of education, health, entrepreneurship, legal resources and culture.
“What motivates me most is seeing the impact our programs have on families and entrepreneurs,” Morales says. “When someone starts a business or completes one of our classes, it reminds me why we do this work."
One main area of focus has been supporting small businesses, especially those in cleaning, construction and food services. Avanza Arkansas helps entrepreneurs formalize business plans, connect with resources and strengthen long-term success. Another of its most requested services is assistance with powers of attorney, a tool that helps families protect their children, property and financial matters.
In 2025, the organization served 2,334 people, with a strong presence in central, northwest and southwest Arkansas. One of its goals now is to expand its reach into rural communities such as De Queen in Southwest Arkansas and Batesville in North Central Arkansas.
OneCommunities: key resources to families and students in Northwest Arkansas.
For many Latino families, especially those new to the U.S., understanding the education system can be challenging. Organizations like OneCommunity in Springdale, work alongside local school districts to help bridge that gap by offering programs focused on family engagement, bilingual literacy and leadership.
“Parents have to advocate for their children and take an active role in their education,” Julieta Ortiz (above) says.
OneCommunity also offers bilingual literacy programs that encourage families to read together. Ortiz says these partnerships reinforce what students learn in the classroom while giving parents the tools and confidence to stay engaged in their children's education.
“Reading is the No. 1 tool in a child's life,” Ortiz says, noting it builds lifelong habits that create opportunities and success.
Although their organizations serve different needs, Morales and Ortiz share a common goal: equipping Spanish-speakers' families with the knowledge, resources and confidence to build stronger futures for themselves and the next generation.