Elisa DeJesus

Elisa DeJesus currently works at the Ibero-American Action League, Inc. as Director of Language Services. She has over 30 years of experience implementing and supervising programs in the human services field and community engagement in Rochester, New York. She attended the University of Puerto Rico where she earned a Bachelor's degree in Human Services and did graduate work in Social Work and Public Administration. She has a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Rochester. Among her areas of professional interest are community social issues, environmental justice, family relationships, cultural diversity and cultural competence. She recognizes that climate change disproportionately affects vulnerable communities, including immigrant and Latino populations she has served throughout her career. Her work in community engagement has reinforced her understanding that meaningful climate solutions require culturally competent approaches that center the voices of those most impacted. She is a founding member of Latinas Unidas, Rochester Latino Rotary Club and Amigas Conectadas, organizations that advocate for underrepresented communities whose perspectives are essential in climate decision-making. Elisa believes all individuals have a purpose in life, are all equal, and are uniquely different. Our differences enrich everyone's life once we learn to respect, accept, and embrace our differences.