La Cocina Cooking Class
Last weekend, our kitchen was filled with the aromas, laughter, and traditions of community coming together.
Through La Cocina at El Centro de la Raza, participants joined Chef Carmen Cejudo for a hands-on tamale class, crafting vegan and vegetarian tamales while sharing stories and culture side by side.
More than a cooking class, it was a celebration of tradition and connection. This special gathering also served as a fundraiser for our Senior Hub Program, supporting meals, wellness activities, and care for our elders.
Special thanks to @QuesoFamiliaDelNorte for their generous donation. Latina-founded and WA-crafted, their artisanal cheeses are rooted in tradition and made con corazón. 🧀
www.familiadelnorte.com
Cook with purpose. Learn with community. Support our elders.
A big step toward homeownership.
Last month, El Centro de la Raza’s Financial Empowerment Program hosted a First-Time Homebuyer Education class with 17 participants registered—and we’re proud to share that all 17 attended and completed the class.
Each graduate received a two-year certificate recognized by the Washington State Housing Finance Commission, opening the door to programs like down payment assistance and first mortgage support.
This milestone reflects the power of culturally responsive financial education and our community’s commitment to building pathways toward homeownership, stability, and generational wealth.
Next class: First-Time Homebuyer Education Seminar (in Spanish)
March 28
Register: Via the link in our bio!
Latina Brunch & Empowerment: Elevating Latinas
In honor of International Women’s Day, El Centro de la Raza’s Business Opportunity Center partnered with Creciendo Juntas to host Latina Brunch & Empowerment, welcoming 27 participants for a day of growth, connection, and empowerment.
Sessions focused on entrepreneurship, financial literacy, wellness, and leadership. Highlights included Yadira Alvarez on self-care in entrepreneurship, Emma Moreno on 2026 investment strategies, representatives from the Consulado de MĂ©xico sharing consular resources, Elizabeth Escobar of Express Credit Union on credit building, and Velia Lara leading mindfulness.
Together, the event created space for Latinas to build knowledge, strengthen networks, and step forward with confidence—advancing community, opportunity, and collective success..
Celebrating Our Senior Hub Elders in King County Metro’s Tap-to-Pay Campaign
El Centro de la Raza’s Senior Hub elders, Erlinda and Rita, were selected as paid models for King County Metro’s Tap Pay photo print and television commercial campaign. The full-day production was filled with joy, excitement, and meaningful connection—along with many new friendships made along the way.
The campaign highlights Metro’s Tap-to-Pay system, which allows riders ages 18 and up to conveniently pay their fare by tapping a credit or debit card, smartphone, or smartwatch across all King County Metro transit modes. It’s a modern solution designed to make public transportation more accessible and seamless for the community. (Learn more at kingcounty.gov/metro/tap2pay)
We celebrate Erlinda and Rita for representing our community with pride and confidence, and we extend congratulations to Vannessa Margarita Blea (she/her/ella), newly appointed Creative Chief in the General Manager’s Office at King County Metro. We look forward to continued collaboration that uplifts community voices and accessibility for all.
