Thania Torres, 31 / Volunteer Coordinator, Casa Latina
After Thania Torres began volunteering with Casa Latina, the team quickly saw the need for her ability to communicate with the Spanish-speaking community. Her efforts include copious amounts of translation, managing donations received for addressing food insecurity, placing food orders and coordination in distribution and disseminating information from multiple organizations and agencies to share on the nonprofit’s social media pages. Torres also prepared an entire Spanish version of Healthy Family classes for Blue Ridge Behavioral Healthcare Services and the Department of Social Services, for Spanish-speaking parents with young children. COVID-19 hit the Hispanic community particularly hard, and through Casa Latina’s partnership with the Roanoke Alleghany Health Department, Torres has worked tirelessly to share accurate information. “I feel honored to represent the Latino/Hispanic community … I love getting involved in community projects, participating in environmental initiatives and supporting campaigns aimed at minorities,” Torres says. “I would like to contribute to making the world a better place to live, where each individual cares about others. I truly believe in the ripple effect, and each one of us can make a positive difference.”
- Earned Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, UNAM in Mexico City
- Worked as a volunteer in the Attention to Sexual Violence and Gender Researching Interdisciplinary Program as a psychologist/therapist, a role for which she had earned certification
- Earned certification in Child Sexual Abuse Forensic Evaluation
From the Nominations: “… Thania Torres is a true team player, and within a short time, we were working together fluidly and accomplishing much more than either of us could have done alone. … She assumed the role of Volunteer Coordinator, calling and texting her ever-growing list of volunteers, every time we needed volunteers for events or programs. … There is no task that is too much of a challenge for Torres. She is responsible, reliable, dependable, dedicated and willing to do what needs to be done. Torres has been such a great support for the Latino community in the Roanoke Valley. She has been leading projects in benefit of the Hispanic community such as parenting classes, cultural events, social media, sharing information to reach out to Spanish speakers in the area. … During the COVID time Casa Latina realized how much the Latino community was affected. She did fundraisers in order to food to families in need and leaded food drives. … Despite she doesn’t get any paid for what she’s been doing, she always does her best and is always willing to help to the community. She has served as a great liaison between the community and organizations/agencies looking to reach Hispanic community.”
What do you love about Roanoke?
Torres: “I have been in Roanoke for two years and I have liked it since the beginning. The views from the mountains, the outdoors and wildlife, the greenways along the river–even the weather is nice! But most importantly, the community is warm and inclusive. I feel blessed to be surrounded by amazing colleagues, agencies, groups and communities that share Casa Latina’s values and goals. I could not find a better place to serve the community I am part of and that fits my ideals and heart.”
How does your passion impact our community?
Torres: “I feel honored to represent the Latino/Hispanic community thanks to the great teamwork at Casa Latina. If you do what you love to do, everything else is in addition to it. I am the kind of person that feels the emotion of others. I would work hard to make others feel accepted, understood, and supported. I love getting involved in community projects, participating in environmental initiatives and supporting campaigns aimed at minorities. I would like to contribute to making the world a better place to live, where each individual cares about others. I truly believe in the ripple effect, and each one of us can make a positive difference.”
