Empowering Families to Thrive in Georgia

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.

 Vanesa Sarazúa is the Founder and Executive Director of Hispanic Alliance Georgia, the only organization in Northeast Georgia dedicated to meeting the unique needs of Latino immigrant families living and working in the “World Poultry Capital” of Gainesville. Inspired by the resilience of Latino 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 as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), assisted with refugee resettlement, and worked with the Migrant Education Program in Hall County Schools, supporting agricultural workers and their children.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, 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.

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 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.

A proud advocate and a powerful voice for Latino families in Georgia, Vanesa is also a wife and mother of five. Her passion, persistence, and lived experience continue to shape programs and services that bridge critical gaps and uplift Latino communities across the state.

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.