The Completion Ceremony held this past Saturday, December 6, 2025, at Esperanza’s Teatro for graduates of the Esperanza Youth Leadership Institute, Renovación Pastoral, and Thriving Congregations programs, was a moment of celebration and gratitude. This milestone honored participants who have demonstrated unwavering commitment to God, to the vision of these transformative initiatives, and to their own personal and ministerial growth. Throughout the program year, these leaders embraced opportunities to deepen their faith, strengthen their leadership skills, and serve our communities with renewed purpose.
The Esperanza Youth Leadership Institute provides educational experience for those who work with young people in the context of church youth ministries. Renovación Pastoral provides a sacred space for Pastors to be affirmed, to learn and be nurtured through mentoring that is based on both spiritual and practical matters. Thriving Congregations walks local church leadership and congregational members through various stages to articulate and clarify their mission and purpose, and in turn, define how their congregation will choose to respond to a changing society. Beyond personal development, these programs fostered meaningful relationships among participants—connections rooted in shared faith, mutual encouragement, and collaboration. These bonds have created a network of support that will continue to inspire and sustain their ministries. They learned together, prayed together, grown together; and formed friendships that reflect the unity and love at the heart of their calling.
“It is likewise and act of the spirit to remain steadfast in the practice of liberation, with its exigencies of fortitude, creativity, hope, and the disposition to give life.” Jon Sobrino
Their dedication reflects a holistic approach to growth—spiritual, intellectual, and relational—ensuring that their ministries thrive and continue to impact lives. As they move forward, we extend our heartfelt prayers and best wishes for continuous development, resilience, and flourishing in every aspect of their calling. May their journey be marked by integrity, compassion, and an enduring passion for service.
This achievement would not have been possible without the exceptional leadership and support of Esperanza’s senior leadership and Esperanza’s Faith and Capacity Initiatives department. We recognize and celebrate the contributions from Rev. Ruben Ortiz, Vice President of Faith and Capacity Initiatives; Anthony Ramos, Associate Director of Faith and Capacity Initiatives; Minister Ivelisse Vázquez-Figueroa, Project Director; Pastor Jennifer Martinez, Administrative Manager; and Jacob Matamoros, Administrative Assistant. Each has served with excellence and integrity, modeling the very values these programs seek to instill.
Together, we rejoice in the accomplishments of this year’s graduates and look forward to witnessing the continued impact of their ministries as they lead with faith, courage, and hope.