Images of Impact: The Work of Hispanic Alliance GA in Photos
About Us
Our History
Hispanic Alliance GA was founded in 2016 by Vanesa Sarazua in response to the growing needs of Latino families and children in Hall County. Vanesa’s work as a juvenile court advocate through the CASA program and her role as a facilitator for the Migrant Education Program in Hall County Schools gave her firsthand insight into the barriers faced by Latino families.
Driven by her deep commitment to advocacy, social justice, and equitable access to services, Vanesa established Hispanic Alliance GA to address the critical gaps affecting low-income Latino children and families. Her passion for empowering the community continues to shape the programs and services that support their ability to adapt, integrate, and thrive.
Our Mission
At Hispanic Alliance GA, we strive to empower the Hispanic and Latino community through education, advocacy, and comprehensive support services. Our mission is to remove barriers, expand opportunities, and uplift families so they can achieve stability, growth, and long-term prosperity. We are committed to ensuring every member of our community has the resources and representation they need to adapt, integrate, and thrive.
Founder & Executive Director
Vanesa Sarazúa is the Founder and Executive Director of Hispanic Alliance Georgia, the only organization in Northeast Georgia dedicated to meeting the specific needs of Latino families living and working in the “World Poultry Capital” of Gainesville. Inspired by the resilience of Latino agricultural Migrant families in rural communities—many of whom face significant barriers despite their hard work—Vanesa established Hispanic Alliance GA to improve quality of life, foster inclusion, and promote multicultural understanding through community collaborations, strategic initiatives, and direct services.
Her longstanding dedication to families in poverty and crisis is rooted in years of hands-on experience with vulnerable populations. Vanesa has served throughout her career as a Hall County Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), assisted with refugee resettlement, and worked as Facilitaor for the Migrant Education Program in Hall County Schools, supporting agricultural workers and their children.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, when everything was closed down, she led one of the region’s most coordinated relief efforts—partnering with more than 30 local organizations to distribute essential food and supplies to over 10,000 families, including chicken, produce, milk, rice, beans, eggs, and tortillas.
Through her community education and outreach efforts, Vanesa has reached more than 30,000 individuals, providing life-saving and life-stabilizing information on the Census, COVID-19 prevention and care, substance abuse, domestic violence, legal assistance, and housing resources.
Daily Hispanic Alliance GA sees 50-150 families coming into Hispanic Alliance GA for supports. The direct services provided on our area through programs and partnerships make a profound impact in the lives of struggling families in our Region. The existence of an organization to meet the needs of families in our City and County has been Vanesa’s mission.
Her leadership has earned recognition across Georgia. She is the first Latina recipient of the 2020 Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce Silver Shovel Award, a Mundo Hispánico Organization Award honoree, one of the GHCC 50 Most Influential Latinas in Georgia (2023), and named among the Georgia Trend 500 Most Influential Leaders (2025). She is also a graduate of Greater Hall Chamber -Leadership Hall.
Vanesa holds a B.S. in Social Work and serves on multiple regional and statewide boards, including the Executive Board of the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce, the University of North Georgia Board of Trustees, the Regional Ninth District Advisory Board, and the HSDA Community Advisory Board at the University of North Georgia. Also a Rotarian of the City of Gainesville Rotary Club.
A proud advocate and a powerful voice for Latino families in Georgia, Vanesa is also a wife and mother of five children and Grandmother to 4 grandchildren. Her passion, persistence, and lived experience continue to shape programs and services that bridge critical gaps and uplift Latino communities across the State.
Our Board
Our incredible Board, dedicated team, and committed volunteers work tirelessly to improve the lives of Latino families across Georgia. Together, we open doors to opportunities, resources, and support that help our children and families thrive.
Think you’d be a great addition to our mission? We’d love to hear from you—contact us to learn more about how you can get involved!
Marco Valeriano
Dr. Antonio Rios
Elida Lopez
Brandon Fraire
Arturo Velasco
Alex Barrteto
Our Team
The strength of Hispanic Alliance GA lies in the dedication, compassion, and expertise of our team. Every day, our staff, board members, and volunteers work side by side to address the unique needs of families in crisis across Georgia. Their commitment ensures that families not only receive support in moments of crisis but also gain the tools and opportunities needed for long-term success.
Our team plays a vital role as trusted connectors—bridging language, cultural, and access gaps that too often prevent families from receiving essential services. Whether assisting parents, supporting students, advocating for vulnerable individuals, or coordinating community initiatives, their work is central to advancing equity, dignity, and inclusion for our community.
About Our City- Gainesville
Gainesville, Georgia, is a highly diverse city with a population of about 45,000 residents. The community includes a balanced mix of racial and ethnic groups, with White residents making up about 38–42% of the population, Hispanic/Latino residents about 37–41%, and Black/African American residents around 14–16%. Smaller groups include Asian residents (about 3%) and multiracial or other populations (3–4%).
The city has a high diversity index of about 66.3%, reflecting a community where multiple racial and ethnic groups live and work together. Population patterns also show geographic differences within the city: northern areas tend to have a higher concentration of White residents, while central, southern, and western neighborhoods have higher concentrations of Hispanic and other minority populations.
In recent decades, Gainesville’s Hispanic population has grown significantly, largely connected to employment opportunities in industries such as poultry processing, manufacturing, construction, and services. This growth has helped shape Gainesville into one of the most culturally diverse cities in Northeast Georgia, contributing both economically and socially to the region.
Become a Sponsor
As a sponsor of Hispanic Alliance GA, you will have the opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of those we serve. Your support will help us to expand our programs and services, reach more people in need, and make a lasting difference in the community. Contact us today to learn more about becoming a sponsor.
Our Gainesville community
Latinos in Gainesville are a significant and growing population group, making up roughly one-third of the city’s residents and a major segment of Hall County’s workforce. Their contributions, especially in agriculture and poultry processing, have transformed the local economy, supported industry growth, and strengthened the region socially and culturally. Latinos are disproportionately affected by poverty, Families experiencing poverty and homelessness rarely face a single challenge. Housing instability, food insecurity, limited education, unemployment, and lack of social support are deeply interconnected and often generational. Short-term assistance alone—while essential in moments of crisis—does not address the root causes of instability.
Hispanic Alliance GA’s wraparound services model is intentionally designed to deliver long-term solutions by pairing immediate relief with sustained support that promotes self-sufficiency and family resilience. Through ongoing case navigation, relationship-based services, and community partnerships, families are supported along a continuum from crisis stabilization to long-term stability.
Long-term wraparound strategies include:
- Continued follow-up and case coordination to ensure families remain child abuse, supporting family stability, and offering crisis intervention to services
- Education and workforce pathways that improve earning potential over time
- Parenting support and peer networks that strengthen family functioning and reduce isolation
- Housing navigation and referrals that move families from homelessness or instability toward permanent solutions
- Community integration that empowers families to advocate for themselves and their children
By addressing both immediate needs and systemic barriers, Hispanic Alliance GA helps families move beyond survival toward lasting economic and social stability.
Vaccination Events
Impact 2021