We’re excited to share the first edition in a series of interviews we’re conducting called “Why Esperanza?”, in which we’ll be hearing from inspiring people involved in the various facets of the organization. Each of these individuals will share their background, motivations for being a part of the Esperanza family, and hopes for the future, among many other exciting topics. The series will include interviews with three essential groups of people: our amazing associates, our generous donors, and our hard-working staff. We hope you enjoy and gain a little more perspective on the incredible people that make Esperanza who we are today!

First up: long-time donor Emily Content, who has been supporting Esperanza since the beginning. We’re extremely thankful to Emily for taking the time answer our questions!

​​

Name: Emily Content

Hometown: Seattle, Washington

Current City: North Palm Beach, Florida

Years Giving to Esperanza: About 20

Tell us a bit about yourself (profession, family, background, etc.):
I teach English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL). This summer I opened a school in North Palm Beach, Florida, offering ESOL instruction to adults. My family moved to Palm Beach County to open the school because the area has a large Caribbean population, and I especially hope the school helps Kreyòl and Spanish speakers living in the US to gain access to higher education and professional opportunities. My husband is a paramedic and fluent in Kreyòl; he hopes to be used by God to bring peace and healing into emergency medical situations in the community.

My family is kind of a reflection of Esperanza. I was born and raised on the west coast, with Scottish/Swedish heritage. My husband is Haitian-American; he was born in New York, raised in Haiti, and moved to Miami as a teenager. Our kids are a beautiful mix of cultures—and people often assume they are Dominican.

How did you first learn about Esperanza?
My parents are big Mariners fans who heard about Esperanza because of [founder] Dave Valle and told me about it.

What first inspired you to give to Esperanza? Tell us a little bit about how you came to be involved.
After college I moved to New York City where I lived and worked with many Dominican people. I loved (and continue to love) bachata, tostones, and a Dominican accent! I was an Economics major and especially interested in the effectiveness of microcredit in economic development. As a woman and an educator, I strongly believe in increasing women’s economic, health and educational prospects. When my parents told me about Esperanza, its mission and methods seemed a perfect fit for my interests. My admiration for Esperanza has only grown over the past two decades.

How have you seen Esperanza change or grow since you started giving?
Esperanza’s reach has grown over the past two decades to incorporate education and health services in addition to microcredit and Biblical education—and its growth has stayed true to the original vision of the ministry.

Why do you choose to donate to Esperanza as opposed to other nonprofits or causes? What sets Esperanza apart?
I appreciate Esperanza’s commitment to a very specific community. It can be tempting for organizations to expand quickly and try to be everything to everyone. Esperanza is very strategic in its growth – it works with focus and excellence, planting deep roots in the Dominican and Haitian communities and bearing much fruit. I also appreciate that most of the money donated to Esperanza goes to services for people in need, rather than to administrative expenses. And I like that the leadership team reflects the community and culture Esperanza serves.

What are you most passionate about and why?
I am passionate about seeing spiritual and economic growth in Hispaniola. My children are Haitian-American, and I long to see the country of their forefathers prosper and grow. I pray for peace on the island, and forgiveness, reconciliation and respect between Haiti and the Dominican Republic. And I give thanks for the people who are moving steadily out of the horrors of poverty as they participate in Esperanza’s ministry.

What are your hopes for Esperanza for the future?
I pray that the leadership team will continue to be guided by God to make wise decisions about how and when to grow. I pray that millions more will participate in Esperanza’s ministry, and live in prosperity and joy. I pray that those of us who are called to support the ministry would be generous with our donations and time and faithful in our prayers for every member of Esperanza.

Thanks to Emily for doing this interview! Keep an eye out for upcoming editions of ‘Why Esperanza?’