Dear Comunidad,
When I became Executive Director of Acción Latina in 2021, uncertainty was the only constant. While juggling school drop-offs for my son, a toddler in preschool at the time, I also ensured that our board and staff were cared for, vaccinated and protected against an unprecedented virus. When a staff member got sick, I treated them like my own family, dropping off handwritten cards, té de manzanilla, sopa de pollo, and COVID testing kits. This was on top of navigating PPP loan renewals and applying for any form of funding that could provide relief to an arts and media nonprofit struggling to survive during an emergency.
When we couldn’t gather in person, we experimented with virtual and hybrid arts programming to maintain a sense of togetherness at a distance. We preserved the collaborative spirit of our Paseo Artístico art walk, bringing together cultural organizations to curate events that kept our audience connected and supported local businesses. We also created online stages to provide professional development opportunities for local and international artists, who kept us hopeful amidst darkness and apocalyptic, orange skies.
We continued producing and distributing our beloved El Tecolote print newspaper — like a care package of news and love — at food hubs, laundromats, and restaurants that remained open. We distributed 7,000 copies every two weeks to over 300 locations because our Latinx community, disproportionately impacted by COVID, needed information, resources, and above all, hope.
While our collaborative team navigated remote work, I spearheaded major and necessary renovations to our building. These included installing lighting and new wood flooring, painting walls, adding cozy furniture and ergonomic desks, adding bougainvilleas to our garden and repairing a leaking roof. As the team transitioned out of quarantine and returned to the office, I overhauled workflows to encourage teamwork while masking up and maintaining six feet of distance.
The early years of the pandemic were incredibly challenging both as a leader and a mother, but they taught me that resilience lies in embracing change. I am proud to be part of a legacy of mujeres who answered the call to lead at this crucial time for our comunidad.
Despite the challenges of a pandemic that shaped all of us, the overall journey has felt like a homecoming. I was raised in the Mission District by an immigrant Salvadoran single mother. Working in this neighborhood has given me tangible opportunities to give back and support Latinx families during a turbulent season.
Every day of my tenure, I have been driven to maximize Acción Latina’s potential to respond and adapt to the needs of San Francisco’s Latinx community through cultural arts, community media, and civic engagement. I am so thankful to Acción Latina’s board, staff, volunteers, community members, and my family for their trust and support.
While it is bittersweet to leave an organization that feels like home, I am proud to have helped Acción Latina and its award-winning bilingual publication, El Tecolote, grow in so many ways. Here are some of our milestones:
- El Tecolote’s Golden Anniversary: Celebrated over five decades of grassroots bilingual journalism with 450+ guests, live music, and an art auction showcasing our community’s creativity and resilience.
- Staff Growth: Expanded our team with a full-time reporter, photographer, and RAíCES artist-in-residence, thanks to partnerships with Report for America, Catchlight, and UC Berkeley’s California Journalism Fellowship program.
- Invested in artists: We activated El Tecolote’s archive through our Paseo Artístico History Matters in the Mission series and increased compensation, visibility and capacity building for Latinx artists through local partnerships and corporate and fiscal sponsorships.
- Increased civic engagement: Acción Latina served as a polling place for the first time for both the primary and general elections in 2024 and targeted monolingual Spanish voters with our local elections reporting.
- Securing Multi-Year Funding: Raised over $1 million in national grants from over a dozen funders including the Mellon and MacArthur Foundations, ensuring long-term sustainability for Acción Latina and its programs.
It has been an honor and a privilege to serve Acción Latina, the nonprofit publisher of El Tecolote, in several roles over the past six years. I leave with my head held high, knowing that our organization is in a stronger position to continue increasing its impact in the years ahead.
¡Siempre en comunidad y siempre en Acción!
Fátima Ramírez
Executive Director, Acción Latina
Editor’s note: Fátima’s legacy at Acción Latina extends beyond her many achievements. Here’s what her team has to say.
Fátima is an exceptional leader: visionary, collaborative, and deeply empathic. I joined El Tecolote in part because I knew I’d be working under a leader truly dedicated to serving her community and doing the best by her people. Fátima is, in many ways, the soul of Acción Latina, and I will truly miss all the small and big things she does every day to make our team the best it can be. Her smart instincts and gentle wisdom have the powerful ability to transform people and places. Wherever she’s headed in the future, it will be incredibly lucky to have her.
— Erika Carlos, El Tecolote Editor-in-Chief
I met Fátima on my first day as an intern. I was new to the city and eager to immerse myself in art-making. In our first conversation, Fátima welcomed me warmly and listened patiently to the ramblings of a young artist trying to find their community.
That same day, she gave me both a listening ear and an action item: I began patching up holes in the gallery.
That’s what it’s like to work with Fátima — someone who considers care and play essential to daily life. Under her leadership, Acción Latina has become a playground for countless creative storytellers. Being guided by someone who always finds a route to joy is the vital ingredient that makes such play possible.
Every story Fátima encounters is deeply felt, and every seed she plants blooms — just visit our patio for proof. Even if we can’t see the path ahead, the route Fátima built reminds us our work isn’t just achievable — it’s transformative.
— Rebeca Abidaíl Flores, Cultural Arts Manager
Fátima Ramírez has been an outstanding Executive Director who has led Accion Latina/El Tecolote skillfully, with passion and conviction during her tenure. She has propelled us into a new phase of growth and development. We are grateful for her leadership and wish her all the best for her future endeavors. Without a doubt she will do well in whatever role she chooses. Many thanks for a job well done!
— David J. de la Torre, President/Chair, Acción Latina Board of Directors
I’ve always felt Fátima was bound for greatness. She has been our rock — reliable, proactive, and uplifting, always giving well over 100%. She truly listens to everyone and consistently finds ways to support and empower us.
I’m so proud of her and all she’s accomplished. It’s hard not to get emotional saying goodbye to someone who has done so much for our organization and community.
— Johnny Garcia, Distribution Manager
The incomparable Fátima Ramírez, our extraordinary Executive Director of Acción Latina, is a force to be reckoned with — a nurturing force who has left an indelible mark on our community. For the past six months, I’ve had the absolute honor of working alongside her during my RAICES artist residency. Fátima’s unmatched energy and unwavering belief in my creative vision have been nothing short of magical.
Affectionately known to me as Mama Fátima, she embodies resilience, care, and a fierce dedication to uplifting cultural arts and community media. Her leadership has not only strengthened the foundation of Acción Latina but also ensured its legacy will continue to empower future generations.
Fátima, thank you for believing in me — not just as a photographer but as a storyteller and RAICES fellow. Your impact reaches far and wide, and your legacy will live on in the vibrant community you’ve cultivated.
¡Que viva Mama Fátima!
— Alexa Treviño, R.A.I.C.E.S. Art Fellow
Fátima’s kindness and compassion have truly made a lasting impact on everyone. When I felt lost and had nowhere else to turn after losing my job, she welcomed me with open arms and made me feel at home in El Tecolote family. Her compassion and unwavering support brought me peace when I needed it most, and for that, I’ll always be grateful. Fátima has left an indelible mark on Acción Latina and El Tecolote, and an even bigger legacy of care and warmth. She’s leaving behind big shoes to fill, but we know Fátima will continue to bring her light, talent and joy into this world. Wishing you all the best in your next chapter — you will be deeply missed!
— Yesica Prado, Layout Designer
There is much to be recognized from the work that Fátima has done for our organization. In the years that I have been collaborating with El Tecolote, I have been fortunate to meet wonderful people and Fátima is one of them: anyone can feel honored to work under the leadership of a Latina like her, who is not only highly educated, but also a source of inspiration for the unique strength she possesses to lead with empathy, professionalism and solidarity. I will always remember that Fatima was willing to listen and help at all times, putting both head and heart first, characteristics that distinguish genuine people like her. All the best to you, Fatima!
— Katie Beas Madrigal, Correctora de estilo y traductora de El Tecolote
In the three years I’ve worked at El Tecolote, I’ve come to deeply admire Fátima’s fierce dedication and visionary leadership. Her guidance has shaped the success and impact of our organization, leaving us well-equipped to carry forward her legacy of community, collaboration, and uplifting Latinx audiences. With both deep gratitude and some sadness, we bid farewell to Fátima, knowing her commitment to her team has left an indelible mark on all of us. Thank you, Fátima!”
— Kari Vides, Business Manager
I only had the privilege of working with Fátima for a few months, but she played a big role in making my transition to a new job and city smooth and joyous. She has an incredible ability to make every space feel like home.
Fátima is incredibly smart, kind, and talented. While it’s hard to imagine Acción Latina without her, I know that wherever she goes next will be incredibly lucky to have her, just as we have been.
¡Te vamos a extrañar mucho, Fátima!
— Mariana Duran
When I started my first photo staff position at El Tecolote, Fátima was one of the first people to welcome me to the city with open arms. Fátima’s humility, immense heart, and fearless leadership are truly inspiring.
Her role in this community, this organization, and as a mother exemplifies what it means to lead with compassion and courage.
To Fátima: Thank you for your hard work and commitment — your legacy is already etched in this community. This isn’t goodbye — it’s, ‘See you soon!’
— Pablo Unzueta, Staff Photojournalist