By Christina Fernández-Morrow, Hola Iowa
Sol Varisco and Deyanira Contreras
Sol and Deyanira are transforming community healing through Biodanza, a transformative system of movement, music, and connection. Their weekly sessions create a unique, inclusive space that transcends cultural and linguistic barriers while providing resources to help participants deal with daily stresses and rediscover the joy of feeling alive. Practitioners who used Biodanza to work through their own traumas, the women provide a gentle approach to healing. Offering low-cost, sometimes free classes, the couple ensures accessibility and students say they feel valued and comfortable. Their work demonstrates how compassionate, inclusive practices can nurture individual and collective well-being, bridging divides and celebrating human potential.
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Eddie Diaz and Angelica Diaz-Cardenas
Angelica, a high school counselor at Perry High School, and Eddie coordinates concurrent enrollment courses and oversees the DMACC Perry Center. When they’re not dedicated to students at their day jobs, Angelica often mentors graduates to help them unlock their post-high school potential, while Eddie coaches middle school basketball and serves on the school board. Her support helps shape a brighter future for youth in the community at a time when guidance is critical to their success. Eddie’s belief that community service is a way of “paying rent” for life’s blessings drives their philosophy that giving back is essential for positive change. They demonstrate how love for your community and commitment to youth can have lasting effects.
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Isabel and Salatiel Garcia:
Isabel and Salatiel Garcia, owners of Lunas Tacos in Iowa City, are transforming community awareness through their food truck and personal mission. Parents of a child with autism, they’ve turned their business into a powerful platform for education and inclusion. Their taco truck does more than serve authentic Mexican cuisine. It’s adorned with messages of understanding and acceptance. By sharing their personal story and autism resources, the Garcias create meaningful connections that bridge cultural and social divides. Beyond just words, they organize events and collaborations to support families navigating autism. Weaving together cultural staples with advocacy makes them standout figures in Iowa City, proving that entrepreneurship can be a powerful tool for social change.
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Ruby Herrera and Seso Marentes Gonzalez:
Ruby, Rotary International’s 2023 Educator of the Year and Seso one of the founders of La Lucha Art Collective, combine education, art and advocacy to empower youth. Ruby leads Latinos in Action at Roosevelt High School and teaches medical Spanish, often serving as a master of ceremonies at cultural events like the Day of the Dead and the Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence gatherings. Seso champions Latinx artists and culture, organizing significant events such as Bienvenido Des Moines and showcasing art at Mainframe Studios. This couple embodies the spirit of community and representation. Ruby’s commitment is reflected in her constant, uplifting presence that resonates with youth, while Seso’s inclusive approach breaks down barriers, fostering collaboration and mutual respect. Through their consistent, encouraging teaching styles and commitment to youth empowerment, this couple exemplifies how individual dedication can create meaningful, collective transformation.
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Alyssa and Pablo Gutierrez
Alyssa and Pablo Gutierrez are devoted to uplifting the Clear Lake community through holistic practices and meaningful connections. Their community circles create sacred spaces for healing, connection, and personal growth across diverse backgrounds. Their other events range from mindfulness sessions and sound healing to herbal medicine-making and cultural storytelling, promoting unity and wellness. Their store, Mindful Methods serves as a community hub, offering handcrafted goods, natural remedies, and resources to support a balanced and mindful lifestyle. Through their dedicated efforts, Alyssa and Pablo have cultivated a vibrant support network, inspiring others to live intentionally and embrace holistic living. By providing natural remedies, resources, and inclusive gatherings, the couple bridges individual well-being with community support, creating a vibrant network that encourages holistic, purposeful living.
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Ana Lilia Rojas and Carlos Merlos
Ana Lilia and Carlos use compassion and dedication to transform challenges into opportunities. Their personal experience with struggle fuels their drive to support those in need. Through their church they create spaces of support for families facing hardships, whether it’s illness, loss, or financial challenges. Ana Lilia uses her culinary talents for fundraisers and Carlos uses his love of soccer as a coach for Latino youth in their community. Together, they push for education through the College Night Expo, an event they created together. The event helps soccer families understand the importance of higher education in Spanish to ensure everyone has access to this vital information. They work tirelessly to ensure young people have the tools to succeed. They are an inspiring example of how love, faith, and community come together to uplift and create lasting, positive changes for those who need it most.
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