Luisana Hinestrosa, a rising senior at Palmer Trinity School, has made a significant impact in her short time in Miami, having moved from Madrid just a year ago.
Originally from Venezuela, she has lived in multiple countries including Atlanta, Switzerland, and Madrid, giving her a unique perspective on change and adaptation.
Fluent in both English and Spanish, Hinestrosa attributes her language skills to her time at a British school in Madrid, where she also began learning French.
One of her key initiatives in Miami is her involvement with AYUDA Venezuela, an organization closely tied to her family’s history.
“My great grandmother used to work for this organization in Venezuela,” she reveals. “She was one of the founders. I’m trying to introduce that foundation so I can raise awareness about it.”
AYUDA Venezuela is connected to Fe y Alegria, a Jesuit-led international organization that provides education and social development to marginalized communities in Latin America and Africa.
Hinestrosa explains, “They have been expanding to other Latin American countries. It was founded 75-80 years ago.”
In an effort to support this cause, Hinestrosa utilized Palmer Trinity’s International Festival to raise funds for scholarships, successfully gathering $470, which is enough to provide one scholarship.
“Our current goal is to get 10 scholarships,” she mentions. “We hope to achieve this either by the end of my junior year or the beginning of my senior year.”
The funds were raised through a raffle allowing children to win charm necklaces, along with a variety of snacks and games at the festival.
Hoping to sustain the momentum, Hinestrosa and her team are planning additional fundraising events, including a bake sale, and are contemplating a Go Fund Me campaign pending administrative approval.
“If we don’t do the Go Fund Me, we hope to organize a bunch of other events,” she states. “I’m hoping to continue my great grandmother’s legacy.”
Hinestrosa’s passion for helping her community arises not only from her family roots but also from her previous volunteer experiences.
She began her volunteer work in Madrid when her Venezuelan aunt, who works for the organization, sought her help.
“My mother is also involved with the organization here in Miami,” she adds, indicating the familial connection to the cause.
In addition to AYUDA Venezuela, Hinestrosa is actively participating in Walking Warriors, a club dedicated to raising awareness for cancer patients.
“We raise awareness for cancer in general,” she explains, highlighting her commitment to various social causes.
Recently, she also started volunteering with the Abuelos Foundation, where her first task involved purchasing groceries for a senior citizen.
“In the future, when I do go to another elderly person’s home, I do hope to go inside and get to know them. I love hearing all their stories,” Hinestrosa shares.
While searching for volunteer opportunities linked to her Venezuelan background, she discovered Chamos, an organization assisting impoverished and homeless children.
“When I lived in Madrid, I was in charge of helping kids that are currently living in poverty and homelessness,” she explains.
Her involvement included selling merchandise to raise funds for essential supplies like clothes and food for those in need, and even organizing a Christmas caroling event that generated financial support for the organization.
Aside from her philanthropic pursuits, Hinestrosa has a passion for sports.
While in Madrid, she played club tennis and golf despite her school lacking sports teams, participating in organized tournaments around the city.
Though she did not engage in sports upon moving to Miami to adjust to her new environment, she intends to try out for the tennis team next year, reviving her athletic interests.
Hinestrosa’s multifaceted involvement in community service and sports reflects not only her adaptability but also her commitment to making a difference in the lives of others, driven by her family legacy and personal experiences.
Through her leadership and dedication, she embodies the spirit of service and connection, aiming to leave a lasting impact on her community.
For more information about local initiatives and activities in Miami, readers can visit Miami Community Newspapers, which offers comprehensive coverage of community events and belongs to a network dedicated to fostering local connections and awareness.
image source from：https://communitynewspapers.com/positive-people/positive-people-in-pinecrest-luisana-hinestrosa/
