Grand Opening: Food Vendor Incubator at Plaza Roberto Maestas
El Centro de la Raza’s Food Vendor Incubator Program enters the new season, launching two new food carts at Plaza Roberto Maestas through our Business Opportunity Center. Designed as a hub just steps from Sound Transit’s light rail, the plaza brings together culture, connection, and opportunity. The incubator support primarily community entrepreneurs in turning food concepts into sustainable businesses. Current vendors feature Chilean cuisine, Oaxacan Mexican food, and Italian pizza, with sushi launching in May and additional concepts—including burgers, hot dogs, and Colombian and Venezuelan offerings—in development. More than a food program, this initiative builds businesses from the ground up. Participants receive support in business planning, licensing, and health permitting in partnership with King County Public Health, along with access to capital, marketing guidance, and credit-building tools. Vendors also benefit from a commissary kitchen, fully equipped carts, and ongoing operational support. Running April through October, the program activates the plaza with food, culture, and community—creating a platform for small businesses to grow and for Seattle to come together. For this grand opening, four participants are kicking off the new season as part of the Food Cart Incubator Program La Consentida, Pizza Colibri, Elos Food, Ñam Ñam Truck and Antojitos Lita Rosita has been part of the program since 2019 – reflecting both continuity and long-term impact. In addition to operating at Plaza Roberto Maestas, vendors also offer catering services through the program, with opportunities for the community to connect and support them.
For information about catering services, please contact the BOC team:
Berenice Abarca
📧 babarca@elcentrodelaraza.org
Luis Jaimez Ocampo
📧 ljocampo@elcentrodelaraza.org
Community Air Workshop Series #2
On March 18th, over 20 community members came together at Tukwila Community Center for El Centro de la Raza’s second Community Air Quality Workshop—grounded in knowledge, powered by community.
We unpacked the real impacts of air pollution on our health—both immediate and long-term—and heard from Joseph of the Duwamish River Community Coalition, who broke down PM2.5: where it comes from and how it disproportionately affects South Seattle and South King County.
From awareness to action, we shared tools to protect ourselves and each other—tracking air quality, limiting exposure, reducing emissions, and staying connected.
Clean air is a collective right. And together, we’re building the knowledge and power to protect it.
No Kings Rally & March
On March 28th, El Centro de la Raza showed up strong at the No Kings Rally + March—led by civil rights leader and Executive Director, Estela Ortega, alongside dedicated staff representing programs across our community. ✊🏽
Our team stood united for dignity, democracy, and the power of collective action.
Across the country, communities are rising—now it’s Seattle’s turn. We’re proud to stand with 20+ organizations and Seattle Indivisible for the No Kings Day of Action, lifting our voices for a just and inclusive future.
Our Photo Essay for The Seattle Department of Neighborhoods
In 1972, community members came together to peacefully occupy the former Beacon Hill School and transform it into a community center for Seattle’s otherwise displaced and largely invisible Latino community, El Centro de la Raza (The Center for People of All Races). Rooted in civil rights, that act of collective courage was about more than a building — it was about claiming space, dignity, and opportunity. Today, Plaza Roberto Maestas has become a cultural destination and landmark — honoring the vision of its founders and continuing to serve as a vibrant hub for gathering, reflection, and celebration. This photo essay traces how grassroots organizing can shape enduring institutions and lasting community impact.
Link in comments for full photo essay.
