Episode 142 with Minerva Perez, Executive Director of OLA of Eastern Long Island

In this episode, we sit down with Minerva Perez, Executive Director of OLA of Eastern Long Island, an organization dedicated to advocacy, education, and cultural engagement for the region’s Latino and immigrant communities. Before stepping into the world of advocacy, Minerva built a career in the arts, a path that gave her unique tools for storytelling, bridge-building, and community connection. Since taking the helm at OLA, she has expanded its mission to address pressing issues such as language access, youth empowerment, cultural representation, and building trust between immigrant communities and local institutions. Along the way, she’s fought hard battles, celebrated meaningful wins, and championed programs that give young people a voice in shaping their own futures. Today, we’ll talk about her personal journey, the evolution of OLA, and her vision for the East End’s future.