In recognition of National Hispanic Heritage Month 2025, Latina Today Podcast and Hispanic Chamber Cincinnati USA have launched Rooted Leadership / Liderazgo Arraigado, an initiative dedicated to highlighting the narratives that inspire Latino-rooted leadership, accomplishments, legacies, and lived experiences from across the United States.
Today we have Abriljoanna Huerta, a Mexican American artist that works closely within the community through her job at the Fairfield Lane Library and with the Fairfield Hispanic Heritage Festival and Expo that she co-created.
In an interview with Lorena Mora-Mowry, Abril recounts her upbringing under the guidance of her single mother. Born and raised in Hamilton, Ohio, Abril’s mother, a Mexican immigrant, raised her and her three siblings, with Abril being the youngest. Tragically, her mother passed away from cancer last year.
Abril’s journey commenced with her mother, who faced immense challenges as an undocumented immigrant. Despite her limited resources, including only Abril’s older sister and a backpack containing a few changes of clothes, she worked tirelessly to provide for her family. Inspired by her mother’s unwavering determination and resilience, Abril vowed to assist others like her in her own way.
Abril emphasizes that her mother endured immense hardships, including the persistent struggle to obtain legal documentation. Throughout her life, she diligently ensured that her family had access to essential necessities such as food, shelter, and education. She also prioritized teaching them Spanish, fostering a profound connection to their cultural heritage, which holds immense significance for her. Tragically, her mother passed away at the age of 61, having resided in Ohio for nearly five years and holding a permanent residency for approximately four years.
Since her mother’s passing on August 19, 2024, due to cancer, Abril’s artistic talent and unwavering spirit have only intensified. She continues her mother’s legacy by dedicating her work to her memory. Her mother instilled in her the profound value of empathy.
Abril’s artistic expression serves as a reflection of her experiences as a queer Latina residing in the contemporary world. She specializes in meaningful programming at the Butler County Library, which caters to underserved communities, particularly the Latino and LGBTQ communities. Currently, she resides in Hamilton with her fiancé and a family of cats.
Abril, a ten-year employee of the Fairfield Lane Library, reflects on the library’s initial limited Hispanic or Latino patrons. She attributes this to the absence of programming specifically tailored to their needs. Abril asserts that collaborating with the library has afforded her a unique opportunity to cultivate robust community connections, as it functions as a central hub for residents. Given the economic difficulties many encounter, alternative options may be restricted. In 2021, Abril and Odalis Jimenez collaborated to establish the Hispanic Heritage Festival. Initially modest in scope, the event has experienced exponential growth due to escalating interest.
In its fifth iteration, the festival has achieved remarkable success, showcasing a diverse array of musical performances and performers. The library’s strategic location, situated adjacent to a park featuring an amphitheater, has facilitated the hosting of street performers and food trucks. This collaboration has enabled the promotion of local Hispanic businesses and artisans, fostering authentic connections with the library and fostering a sense of belonging and acceptance within these communities.
Abril, a native of the community, acknowledges the substantial Hispanic population. She is delighted to observe the heightened engagement of these individuals in the library’s complimentary resources. In response, the library has stocked Spanish and ESL books, meeting the demand for bilingual materials for children. Additionally, programming initiatives have fostered community cohesion, enabling parents to connect and establish friendships.
Abril recognizes the positive impact of these improvements on the library. She expresses gratitude for the supportive environment provided by the library over the past years. The library has become an ideal platform for these initiatives due to its accessibility and affordability.
Abril emphasized that libraries have transcended their traditional image as quiet, silent spaces for reading. Today, they offer a multifaceted environment that encourages both academic pursuits and social engagement. Libraries host programming events that foster connections and provide opportunities for individuals to share knowledge and experiences. Furthermore, food programs cater to diverse dietary requirements and promote cultural awareness through culinary exploration. Additionally, specialized programming is designed to support individuals with developmental disabilities, ensuring their inclusion and providing a platform for learning, interaction, and socialization.
Abril’s personal experiences have shaped her unwavering commitment to creating inclusive spaces. She founded a book club exclusively for LGBTQIA+ individuals, providing a nurturing environment where they can connect, feel secure, and engage with literature that resonates with their experiences. The simple act of establishing a book club has a profound impact on individuals, offering representation and fostering a sense of belonging.
Her mother’s teachings on empathy have instilled in her a profound sense of compassion and understanding, guiding her actions and decisions in creating inclusive spaces for all.
Abril explains that the library has presented us with an exceptional opportunity to foster genuine and inclusive community connections. It has established a welcoming environment for individuals to feel valued and connect with like-minded individuals. This aligns with my longstanding aspiration to use my privilege as an American citizen to make a positive difference, a promise I made to my mother, who has consistently emphasized the importance of embracing one’s privilege. Abril vividly recalls this promise and applies it daily to her work at the library. Through diverse partnerships, we have developed authentic programming that resonates with the community. A notable example is our collaborative craft night with a Guatemalan artist friend. This partnership not only highlights local artists but also fosters connections within the community.
Abril also shares that her artwork holds personal significance. She has created works that reflect her connection to her mother, her cultural heritage, and other meaningful aspects of her life.
Her mother instilled in Abril the significance of empathy. Abril advises individuals inspired by her rooted Latino leadership to offer her their support. She explains, “I consistently encourage people who feel inspired by me to acknowledge that I am a Latina and that I am still perplexed by the inspiration I inspire. I experience imposter syndrome, which manifests as a sense of inadequacy despite my accomplishments. When asked for advice, I emphasize the following: first, and this is especially true for me as a queer Latina and Mexican American, some individuals may question their Hispanic or Latino identity. This is particularly prevalent when they lack a defining characteristic that aligns with the community. For instance, not speaking Spanish, which is why I advocate for English, does not diminish one’s Latino identity. It simply means that they are still part of the community and matter. I believe this is a crucial realization: we all matter, and our opinions and voices matter. I always encourage individuals to accept and embrace this realization, fostering personal growth and self-acceptance.”
Abril emphasizes the significance of fostering a sense of community where everyone feels seen and valued. She acknowledges that each individual possesses unique stories, yet we share common experiences. These differences serve as opportunities for connection, learning, and mutual acceptance. By embracing these aspects, we can unite and collectively contribute to making the world a better place.
Abril’s mother was a remarkable individual who embodied the concept of selflessness. She never engaged in activities for personal gain but always prioritized the well-being of her family. Despite her strength and resilience, she often underestimated her impact on her children.
Abril’s mother instilled in her the paramount importance of independence and self-reliance. She instilled in her a sense of self-sufficiency, discouraging her reliance on men for support. However, she also emphasized the significance of opening her heart and embracing love and vulnerability.
Abril’s mother’s creative spirit was evident in all her endeavors, despite her self-deprecating nature. She possessed an unwavering creativity and strength that inspired her children. Her infectious laughter and joyful demeanor, despite the challenges she faced, serve as a constant reminder of her resilience and love.
Abril’s mother’s unwavering happiness and positive attitude inspire her to persevere and pursue her goals. Her legacy continues to motivate her, and she remains dedicated to her pursuits in honor of her mother’s memory.
Finally, Abril expressed, “If you feel lacking in self-confidence and believe you have a diminished voice, I encourage you to try speaking up. You may be surprised by the positive impact it can have. Ultimately, your voice matters. I always advocate for everyone, even those who feel awkward about it. I share your feelings, but remember that your voice matters. By speaking up, you will grow, and so will the community.”
