Raices Chicago Story Coalition is a non-profit organization that believes storytelling is central to the well-being of Latine communities of Chicago. We are a capacity building organization that supports archival and storytelling projects by and about Latine communities. Our goal is to increase the visibility of the often-marginalized stories of Latines in Chicago.
Our Story
2019
While working on her museum studies master’s capstone project, Nancy Villafranca completed a preliminary assessment of the archival needs of Latine organizations that established a need for capacity building. She also completed an assessment that noted the absence of Latine materials from Chicago’s various archives. It is from her findings that Nancy began to outline what would eventually become Raices Chicago Story Coalition.
2020
While working together at a museum, Nancy shared her idea with Liliana Macias who agreed to support the creation of the organization. Later that same year, Ema Pinto and Ivan Guzman joined in the development of the organization.
2021-22
The onset of the covid pandemic slowed down the efforts to establish the organization. The co-founders pivoted towards supporting their communities overwhelmingly impacted by the pandemic. While also pursuing academic and professional development in preparation for the establishment of Raices Chicago.
2023
The co-founders began and finalized the legal process to establish Raices Chicago Story Coalition as a non-profit.
2024
In January Nancy, Liliana, Ivan, and Ema announced the official launch of Raices Chicago Story Coalition.