CIVIC ENCOUNTER RECAP: Helen Torres on HOPE, Maternal Health, and the Future of Women of Color in Leadership (S2 EP11)
- JCI Blog
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
For Helen Torres, the very core of her trailblazing work and leadership today lies within her self-coined “cupcake story.” The story isn’t just about the widely-enjoyed sugary treat, but rather a story of struggle, resilience, and the driving force of advocacy that has led Torres to her present role as CEO of Hispanas Organized for Political Equality (HOPE).
While attending public school, an opportunity her mother never had, Torres vividly recounts the time her mother mistakenly brought in a full birthday cake to a school event when asked to bring cupcakes.
“I could just see at that moment, just the embarrassment my mother was feeling,” Torres recalls, “and… as a young woman witnessing all of this in third grade, that part of her spirit died.”
In that moment, third-grade Torres felt empowered to speak up for her mother, acknowledging the language barrier and the immense difficulties she endured as an immigrant. The cupcake story stuck with Torres to this day.
“That has always resonated with me,” Torres states, “because there's been similar stories that I have witnessed, experienced that Latinas and, quite frankly, women of color experience every day.” At HOPE, Torres weaves this persistent thread throughout her work and remains grounded in her dedication to create a world where Latinas can thrive.
More recently, Torres shares groundbreaking progress with the 2025 Maternal Health Equity Report that raises awareness around the disparities in healthcare amongst Black and Latina women. In the battle against mistreatment, miscommunication, and invalidation, Torres emphasizes the dire need for affordable healthcare, as well as the inclusion of doulas, midwives, and maternal care that women trust in insurance plans.
In discussing effective leadership and her current position, Torres reminds listeners that the pillars of good leadership take time and listening. “Remember, it's a marathon, not a sprint,” she says. “What really does happen is that through this marathon, you are building up your credibility, you're building up your experience, you're showing up for community, you're learning.”
Her concluding advice comes from lived experience as a woman of color, fighting to better a world where her identity is often barred. She imparts with tender words of encouragement to aspiring leaders.
“The other part I would say about leadership that I advise young women around is, know that there is not a mold that you have to fit in,” she affirms, “Know that you're creating your own mold. You're creating your own path.”
Click below to listen to the full episode:
Click below to download the full transcript: