Vision
We keep alive our Latino and Indigenous cultures and languages, represent our countries of origin with pride, share our culture and contribute to the larger community, promote harmony, and break stereotypes. We are healthy, successful, focused on fulfilling our dreams.
Mission
Senderos specializes in teaching Latino culture and history through the artistic expression of dance and music, hosts an annual Guelaguetza, and offers other performances in local and far-reaching places. Our organization serves children, youth and adults of all ages, including English Language Learners and economically disadvantaged people, free of cost.
We create a college going culture by providing tutoring, awarding scholarships, fostering youth leadership, promoting bi-literacy, and creating opportunities for community service.
We work together to create a thriving, welcoming, family-oriented community that values all contributions, provides help when needed, and engages all participants in group decisions.
Senderos presents Latino Role Models – a FREE conference for Santa Cruz County students from grade 6 to college and their families. LRM features Latino professionals and college students. The conference is conducted in Spanish with English translation..2026 Keynote Speaker – Dr. Adriana Ayala, Adriana Ayala, Ph.D is the Executive Director of the Chicana Latina Foundation (CLF), a Bay Area non-profit that promotes pathways for Latinas. Dr. Ayala has more than 20 years experience in higher education as both a professor and administrator. She taught students at community college and four-year university levels and was a trusted leader at several universities. Adriana is also a member of Mujeres Activas en Letras y Cambio Social (MALCS) where she served two terms as the national chair. Recent Speakers at Latino Role Models Author and Artist Jaime Cortez – 2024 Executive Director of CLF Olga Talamante & Artist Juan R. Fuentes – 2023 Activist Dolores Huerta – 2022 Professor Manuel Pastor – 2021 Author Reyna Grande – 2020 Astronaut Jose M. Hernandez – 2019. Organizer: Senderos Partners: Santa Cruz County Office of Education, Cabrillo College, UC Santa Cruz, Mexican Consulate (San Jose), and local school districts (PVUSD, SLVUSD, Live Oak, Santa Cruz City, Soquel) Marco Antonio Mena Rodríguez is the Consul General of Mexico in San Francisco, having assumed the position in August 2025. Cabrillo College President Dr. Jenn Capps Dr. Faris Sabbah, Santa Cruz County Superintendent of Schools, said “Latino Role Models provides an inspiring space for students and families to connect with professionals, college students and community members who share real stories, offer practical guidance, and help to widen the path to college and career success.” The conference program features keynote speaker Dr. Adriana Ayala, Executive Director Chicana Latina Foundation, as well as panel presentations, college and community resources, lunch and door prizes. Please sh
Arts Education Makes a Difference
Senderos believes that arts education for children and youth is important for fostering creative thinking, confidence, problem-solving, accountability, relationship building, communication, adaptability and dreaming big. (Lisa Phillips, The Artistic Edge). We see the results. One of the first participants in our Centeotl dance group went on to become valedictorian at Harbor High School. She graduated from Pomona College and has earned her Masters degree and a teaching credential at UC Santa Cruz. She is now helping the next generation find pathways to success through Senderos. This is just one story of many about making a difference for children, youth, and families.