Partner with a Latina forging a path in Spiritual Direction

I’m excited to announce that in the fall I’ll be starting Loyola University’s Spiritual Direction certificate program!

I’m thrilled to pivot toward a more specific way of using my gifts by being trained to be a spiritual companion to individuals who are curious and open to the movement of God in their lives. My passion is to engage communities of color who wrestle with a multitude of tensions and layers on their spiritual path toward liberation. I often hear individuals in these communities looking for a spiritual director that mirrors their story and heritage in some way. More specifically, I’m asked if I know of any Latina spiritual directors. The reality is that it is very difficult to come up with many names. What I see and have myself experienced is that there is a desperate shortage of spiritual directors who are Latinas. An even greater rarity is to find Latina spiritual directors who are trained in the Jesuit way, a rich tradition from which spiritual direction originated.

The financial reality made me realize I need to invite community support. I would love to be able to complete this program without burdening our family financially. This is why I’m reaching out for your financial partnership. Will you join me in this exciting endeavor to change the narrative and fill this great need in spiritual direction? I know the bigger call for me is to both be a spiritual director and forge a path for more Latinas in spiritual direction. Many individuals desire to experience direction from BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) directors and specifically a Latina spiritual director. My hope is that I would not be the “only” or “one of a few” for long, but rather be part of a movement towards a wide community of Latina spiritual directors. BIPOC communities are searching for trauma-informed, contextual, and culturally nuanced spiritual direction rooted in the Christian tradition and dependent on the Holy Spirit. In light of all that is going on in our country and world, it is a pressing and timely need and an exciting time to partner together.

I’m aiming to raise $10,000 to cover the cost. It would be amazing to have 10 individuals give $1000, 20 generous persons give $500, and to see my community give whatever you think would be meaningful to know you've been a part of this journey. Thank you for investing in my growth and the spiritual growth of our communities!