​Girasoles en Marcha is a Community Outreach Grassroots Program that was founded in 2015 by Celeste A. Rojas.  

"As a Latina teenager born in Los Angeles, It was difficult to connect with the trends of American culture, while still identifying with my Latino roots. Stepping in and out of cultures left me with a vague sense of identity. This confusion also reached my peers (minorities) who were also unable to find a solid position in society. This unbalance gave us a feeling of inferiority within our American community.  It is because of this risk that I wanted G.E.M to promote self-worth and instill individuality.
Girls are powerful when they are educated, have self-love, are healthy, and safe. I want Girasoles En Marcha to be a bridge where I can merge our American culture and our Latino roots to build a new narrative that gives value to our identity."
                                                       ~Celeste A. Rojas

Who better to understand the social, emotional needs as well as political issues that hinder our advancement than a Latina teenager herself.  With the help of her mother, caring and professional adults, Celeste was able able to launch a program that would empower young Latinas.


In 2016, Citlali Reyes, Yesenia Gomez, Alejandra Barranco, Briza M. Ramirez, Nesly Ildefonso,  joined Celeste  as volunteer team leaders.

​In 2017,  passion towards fostering new beggings began to grow stronger in some of the volunteer team leaders.  Yesenia Gomez, Alejandra Barranco, Briza M. Ramirez and Crystal Ramirez  decided to solidify their position and involvement and commit to G.E.M fully.

The newly formed team,  inexperienced but with an enthusiasm to empower the young and be a "learn it all" got together to explore their strengths and passions.  Each one took on a role that would benefit the day-to-day operations of G.E.M.    With a young spirit and a blend of dynamic personalities, each of them volunteers their time and talents to empower, serve, mentor and have fun with the children in the Los Angeles Community!  All it takes is a willing heart and showing up ♥︎.

Special Recognition

                                AIM

To create a safe and postive space in which they can blossom.

​           To introduce an understanding of our cultural heritage.

 To teach Latin American History, which is scarcely taught in public schools.
 
To encourage girls to embrace and celebrate their cultural heritage as well as other nationalities.
 
To help young Latinas celebrate their differences and individuality.
 
To foster self-esteem and comradeship with their peers.
 
To promote confidence, values, and compassion.
 
To expose them to political issues that affect the Latino community as a whole. (for teens only)
 
To create a forum where they can have a voice.
 
To stimulate mindfulness regarding their future and their community through leadership skills.
 
To  encourage them to set goals for themselves.
 
To instill in them the possibility of a college attainment at an early age.
 
To guide them in the exploration of the world around them through early science experiences. (for ages 5-10 only)
 
To provide FREE tutoring in all subjects (elementary grades only)

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