HealthConnect Fellow and Executive Director of Al Exito
(October 2019-June 2021)
Meeting the needs of Latinx families and providing mental health support for students during the pandemic
In the first phase of the fellowship, Dawn Martinez Oropeza worked with Itzel Padrón Zuñiga and Dr. Jennifer Farley to conduct a statewide Latinx youth mental health study and then worked with youth to identify policy recommendations. The Al Éxito youth presented findings nationally and statewide and were preparing to present at several conferences in spring 2020 when COVID-19 cancelled those opportunities.
Through the study and Al Éxito’s connections to Latinx families, Martinez Oropeza saw firsthand how many Latinx community members are “willfully hidden” because of a hostile political and community climate. The global pandemic exacerbated families’ isolation and fear. Al Éxito served as a critical support network, providing food, distributing financial resources, offering mental health support, and ensuring that students could access school and receive help with their studies. These supports for the entire Latinx community were critical for youth success, said Martinez Oropeza, and the need for these supports highlighted how few resources are available to help diverse families.
In spring 2021, the Latinx Project launched with Rob Barron and Erica Johnson, working with Vandegrift Huting Consultants and 18 community members. The project is gathering and examining data specific to the Latinx community, capturing stories about the community, and elevating Latinx leaders to take seats at decision-making tables. Al Éxito also started Compa en Camino program to provide assistance, food, resources, and tutoring to students and families across the metro.
Many of Al Éxito’s students have been recognized for their advocacy work, with invitations to present locally and nationally. Orlando Fuentes II received the Des Moines Civil and Human Rights Porter S. Dimetry Sr. Youth Human Rights Award. Youth Mental Health First Aid incorporated changes to their trainings to address immigrants’ and refugees’ unique needs.
With support from the fellowship, Martinez Oropeza has elevated an important message: Latinx residents will be one-fifth of Polk County’s population by 2050 but do not feel included. The fellowship has expanded the scope of her work in the community as a leader—work Martinez Oropeza sees as challenging but necessary. This has led to increased support, including grants to launch the Latinx Project.
