The FIFA World Cup is more than a global sporting event—it is an opportunity to invest in our community.
At El Centro de la Raza, our FIFA World Cup Festival & Watch Party was intentionally designed to create economic opportunity while celebrating the rich cultures that make South Seattle thrive. Plaza Roberto Maestas became a vibrant hub where community members, families, and visitors gathered to support local entrepreneurs, connect with one another, and experience the authentic spirit of Beacon Hill.
Through our Business Opportunity Center @EDCLRBOC and #SmallBusinessServices, the festival provided a platform for entrepreneurs to showcase their businesses, reach new customers, and strengthen their presence in our community. Food cart vendors from our Food Incubator Program served thousands of guests, demonstrating how community events can directly support small business growth and create pathways to long-term economic success.
This is what building the Beloved Community looks like—creating spaces where culture fuels opportunity, local businesses prosper, and neighbors invest in one another. As Seattle welcomed the world during the FIFA World Cup, El Centro de la Raza proudly highlighted the people and small businesses that are the heartbeat of our neighborhoods.
When we celebrate culture, we also strengthen local economies, support entrepreneurs, and create opportunities that extend far beyond a single day.
Together, we’re building a stronger, more equitable future—one community, one small business, and one celebration at a time.
Mil Gracias! El Centro de la Raza’s FIFA World Cup Festival & Watch Party 2026by Volunteer Photographer Emma Gering.
Comcast NBCUniversal and El Centro de la Raza Treated South Seattle Families
to Free “Minions & Monsters” Experience and Movie
Comcast NBCUniversal and El Centro de la Raza (The Center for People of All Races) Treated South Seattle Families to Free “Minions & Monsters” Experience and Movie
Summer fun brought smiles to youth and families from our Youth Services Programs during a special Minions & Monsters experience hosted by our partners at Comcast NBCUniversal.
Families enjoyed interactive Minions-themed activities at the Federal Way Xfinity Store before a complimentary movie screening, creating lasting memories together.
At El Centro, we empower youth to realize their full potential through after-school mentoring and tutoring, summer programs, STEM learning, and parent workshops in partnership with Seattle Public Schools and Federal Way Public Schools.
This event is another example of what strong community partnerships can make possible. Earlier this year, Comcast strengthened its commitment to our community with a $350,000 investment in a new Lift Zone computer lab at our Federal Way campus, expanding access to technology, digital skills training, and educational opportunities for local families.
Thank you, Comcast NBCUniversal, for helping create meaningful experiences that bring our community together and inspire the next generation.
Live DJ Set with @KEXP DJ Albina Cabrera.
We celebrate a milestone that inspires our entire community.
Congratulations to Diana Ramirez, educator at El Centro de la Raza’s José Martí Child Development Center, on earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from North Seattle College on June 18, 2026.
Through the Early Achievers partnership with the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges, educators like Diana have access to pathways that strengthen the early learning workforce and expand opportunities for Spanish-speaking educators across Washington State.
To celebrate this incredible achievement, 26 children from our Cedar Crossing program, accompanied by 10 parent chaperones, took their very first field trip—traveling together by Link light rail to cheer on their teacher at graduation. It was a powerful reminder that when children see their educators achieve their dreams, they begin to believe in their own.
As El Centro de la Raza continues expanding our child development centers, we’re committed to investing in the educators who enrich the lives of the next generation every day.
🎓 Congratulations, Diana! Your dedication, perseverance, and leadership will continue to inspire children, families, and future educators for years to come.
On July 9th, 2026 we honor the life and enduring legacy of our co-founder, Roberto Maestas (July 9, 1938 – September 22, 2010), whose vision continues to guide El Centro de la Raza and our mission of building the Beloved Community.
At Plaza Roberto Maestas, our Executive Director, Estela Ortega, joined our José Martí Child Development Center educators, children, and staff in a heartfelt tribute through song, dance, and community—celebrating the values of justice, love, and opportunity that Roberto championed throughout his life.
As Roberto often said, inspired by José Martí, “It is for the children that we work, for they are the ones who know how to love, for they are the hope of the world.”
We were also honored to receive a beautiful illustrated portrait of Roberto by artist Jake Prendez, presented to Estela Ortega as a lasting tribute to his extraordinary legacy.
Happy Birthday, Roberto. Your vision lives on through every child, every family, and every community we serve. ❤️💛
We proudly celebrate 127 graduates from El Centro de la Raza’s Youth Services programs across Seattle, Federal Way, Auburn, and King County.
From middle school to high school and beyond, these young leaders have demonstrated resilience, determination, and a commitment to building a better future for themselves and their communities.
Through programs including College GANAS, ELEVAR, Hope for Youth, Roberto Maestas After-School Program, Pa’lante Substance Prevention, Youth J.O.B. Readiness, Eco-Caciques Environmental Justice Program, and Si Se Puede Academy, students gained access to mentoring, tutoring, STEM education, summer programming, workforce development opportunities, and family workshops that support academic success and community engagement.
Our Youth Services curriculum goes beyond the classroom by incorporating social change, leadership development, and community activism—empowering young people to become advocates, innovators, and changemakers.
Congratulations to each and every graduate. Your hard work, perseverance, and dedication inspire us all. The future is bright because of young leaders like you.
¡Felicidades, Class of 2026! 🎓✨