Jorge Olivera Castillo
In this article, we highlight the invaluable contributions of Janet Castro and Soledad Cabezas, two women dedicated to strengthening our community through their effort, dedication, and authenticity.
It is an honor to share their stories during Women’s History Month under this year’s theme: “Moving Forward Together, Women Educating and Inspiring Generations.”
The Art of Creating Smiles and Hope
Building New Hope – Soledad Cabezas, Executive Director
Soledad Cabezas reminds us of the importance of solidarity with those in need. Originally from Ecuador, she has extensive experience working with businesses and non-governmental organizations in the Pittsburgh area. She is also the first multilingual director of Building New Hope (BNH), a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting Central American communities.
One of BNH’s most impactful projects takes place in León, Nicaragua, in collaboration with the El Porvenir cooperative. Their work focuses on planting, harvesting, and marketing coffee—a process that culminates in the roasters of 19 Coffee, a Pittsburgh-based company specializing in high-quality coffee production.
Soledad Cabezas (derecha/right)
However, BNH’s philosophy extends beyond commerce. Its mission is to educate consumers about the importance of fair trade, foster long-term sustainable relationships, and prioritize people over profits. These principles have forged a strong alliance with Nicaraguan coffee farmers.
This initiative dates back to 2002 when a sharp drop in coffee prices severely affected El Porvenir farmers, leaving many families in dire situations. In response, BNH imported 30,000 pounds of organic coffee, offering producers a fairer and more sustainable trade model.
“Paying 60% during the planting period and the remainder after the harvest is part of our commitment,” Soledad explains, emphasizing that the organization pays $2.80 per pound—a price that significantly improves the lives of the 52 families within the cooperative.
A GATEWAY TO THE FUTURE
Beyond fair trade, BNH is deeply committed to education. The organization provides supplemental instruction for private school students and offers scholarships to high-achieving high school students. Over the past decade, dozens of children have benefited from these programs, with many successfully enrolling in university.
However, BNH’s impact extends beyond education and fair trade. Thanks to its efforts, farmers have replanted hectares of organic coffee, built a primary school staffed with qualified educators, and preserved 2,000 acres of tropical forest. This conservation initiative not only protects biodiversity but also maintains a clean watershed and prevents the use of herbicides on the land.
A LEGACY OF HOPE
BNH traces its roots back to 1992, when the organization helped a group of Salvadoran repatriates establish the Nueva Esperanza community after the end of the civil war. This project included constructing a bakery, installing a water filtration system, and creating a cattle passage to strengthen the local economy. Through initiatives like these, BNH continues to create lasting change, empowering communities through fair trade, education, and sustainability.
Later, in 1998, Donna Tabor traveled to Nicaragua and became a full-time volunteer in the city of Granada. Her mission was to develop training programs in the arts, education, and technical skills for at-risk children and young people.
Many years have passed since that memorable trip to El Salvador when Barbara Wein and Jorge Portillo founded this project. However, the essence of Building New Hope remains unchanged: creating opportunities where none previously existed.
Today, Soledad Cabezas leads the organization with passion and commitment, convinced that collective efforts can transform lives. Her work, along with that of her team of volunteers, continues to open new paths and bring smiles to those who need them most.
buildingnewhope.org / soledad@buildingnewhope.org
A Meaningful Effort to Ensure a Healthy and Stable Family Environment
Jannette Castro – Executive Director, Outside the Borders
More than 20 years ago, Outside the Borders was just an idea in Jannette Castro’s mind when she worked at the Department of Justice in her native Puerto Rico.
Repeated encounters with cases of domestic violence and sexual abuse inspired her to conceive a project aimed at addressing these issues.
That vision became a reality in March 2022, two years after Jannette moved to Pittsburgh. Since then, Outside the Borders has provided services to more than 200 Latina women who have suffered the effects of family environments marked by physical, emotional, economic, and sexual violence.
Although the organization primarily aims to help Spanish-speaking women and their families, it also offers assistance to men who, although less frequently, face similar situations.
One of the key factors behind the initiative’s success has been the support of a network of volunteers and partnerships with other organizations, including Connection for Better Living, Maya, and Ayúdate.
“We have received small contributions from public and private entities to support our work, but we would like to secure more resources and donations to expand our impact. As the Latino population has grown significantly in recent years, more cases are being reported,” Jannette stated.
Women seeking assistance from Outside the Borders come from various countries, including Colombia, Venezuela, Guatemala, Mexico, Chile, and Puerto Rico.
The organization’s services are available online. Interested individuals can access monthly workshops, virtual support groups, and connections to professional services. Future plans include offering in-person workshops for couples and families, focusing on domestic violence prevention, empowerment, education, healthy relationships, self-esteem, and assertive communication.
As stated on its website, Outside the Borders is committed to providing a safe and supportive space for survivors and victims of domestic violence.
“Protecting women, promoting their mental well-being, preserving family integrity, and preventing children from repeating patterns of abuse in adolescence and adulthood are fundamental to our mission within the Hispanic communities of Pittsburgh and Puerto Rico,” Jannette emphasized.
www.outsidetheborders.org / info@outsidetheborders.info
This article was published in the March/April 2025 print magazine.
