Today we’d like to introduce you to Martha Silva And Tara Lentz.
Hi Martha Silva and Tara Lentz, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Tara Lentz and Martha Silva are the Co-Executive Directors of Conexión Américas, a Nashville-based nonprofit founded in 2002, whose mission is to build a welcoming community and create opportunities where Latino families can belong, contribute, and succeed. They became Co-Executive Directors in 2022 and have been part of Conexión Américas for over 15 years.
Tara Lentz began as an intern in 2006 and has since held numerous leadership roles, including Senior Director of Strategic Growth. She has played a key role in the design and leadership of some of the organization’s most successful programs, leading initiatives in education, civic engagement, strategic development, and helping expand services that support immigrant families in areas such as college access and family engagement.
Martha Silva joined the organization in 2010 and led its flood-relief response following the 2010 Nashville flood, supporting hundreds of families. She has since led successful initiatives advancing economic opportunity, financial empowerment, emergency response, and small business development, and served as Senior Director of Economic Opportunity before becoming Co-Executive Director.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
When Latino and immigrant communities are faced with obstacles that make it harder to thrive, those challenges become our challenges as well. The rapidly shifting state and federal landscape has deeply impacted the community we serve, and we see every day how current policies instill fear in the families we serve. Over the past year, Conexión Américas has ramped up our rapid-response efforts, such as legal clinics, while maintaining our core programs, including tax preparation services and English classes.
Despite these challenges, our programs remain strong, and Latino families across Middle Tennessee continue putting in the hard work to belong, contribute, and succeed. We are deeply grateful to our supporters, funders, partners, and volunteers who stand with us, helping our communitymove forward with resilience and hope.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Conexión Américas?
At Conexión Américas, our programs focus on education, economic prosperity, and civic engagement. Each year, we assist more than 15,000 individuals and their families in improving their English, connecting with jobs, starting businesses, helping their children succeed in school and pursue higher education, and becoming an integral part of Nashville’s social, cultural, and economic life. You can learn more about our programs here https://www.conexionamericas.org/what-we-do/programs-and-services-for-latino-families/
During critical moments, we respond to the community with trusted services, often in partnership with other organizations, addressing urgent needs such as food insecurity, legal assistance, rent relief, and other essential resources.
Our work is made possible through the dedication of volunteers who give their time, talent, and heart to our community. From supporting workshops and mentoring youth to assisting at community events and special initiatives, volunteers play a vital role in advancing opportunity and belonging across Nashville. You can find volunteer opportunities here https://conexionamericas.nationbuilder.com/volunteer_calendar.
Conexión Américas is also the lead partner of Casa Azafrán, a nonprofit collaborative at the gateway to Nashville’s International District, home to Conexión Américas and eight partner organizations.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
An exciting part of our work is celebrating culture and community. Throughout the year, we host events that bring people together, including our annual Viva Spring Festival (this year on April 11 at Centennial Park), Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations such as a festival at the Nashville Zoo, our Hispanic Heritage Awards Ceremony, and The Latin Party.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.conexionamericas.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conexionamericas/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ConexionAmericas
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/conexion-americas/posts/?feedView=all
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@conexionamericaschannel
