About Amistades, Inc.

Amistades, Inc.

Amistades, Inc. is a Latino-led, Latino-serving nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting racial equity and social justice throughout Southern Arizona. Founded in 2006 by Ricardo M. Jasso, a Chicano activist and scholar, the organization was created to address systemic inequities impacting Latino communities. Rooted in a culturally grounded, intergenerational family approach, Amistades honors the traditions and lived experiences of Latino families while empowering them through community-driven, data-informed solutions.

The organization collaborates with Southern Arizona communities to address immediate social challenges and create sustainable, long-term change. Its key initiatives focus on substance abuse prevention, intergenerational education, leadership development, and climate resilience. Under the leadership of President and CEO Claudia Jasso, Amistades has extended its reach across the region and along the U.S.-Mexico border. Its work has earned national recognition, including being named a Bright Spot in Hispanic Education by the White House.

Committed to meaningful transformation, Amistades continues to strengthen the social fabric of Latino communities by dismantling systemic barriers and promoting self-sufficiency, cultural preservation, and intergenerational success. Through responsive, community-centered efforts, Amistades drives progress that is both impactful and enduring.