Purpose Prize

Marc Freedman Portrait

The Latest from CoGenerate

Lasting Impact

Lasting Impact

CoGenerate Co-CEO Marc Freedman’s most recent book, How to Live Forever, was published by Hachette/Public Affairs in 2018, generating a lot of great attention. And it’s not over yet! Every week, the New York Times Sunday Opinion section includes a print-only feature...

Check Out Our Signature Event On Cogenerational Activism!

Check Out Our Signature Event On Cogenerational Activism!

On May 22, more than 1,100 people registered to learn more about the important cogenerational work our 2023 Innovation Fellows are doing. These 15 leaders are bringing generations together to solve problems and bridge divides. And each one has a unique and inspiring...

*

Alicia Cuaron

Centro San Juan Diego
Purpose Prize Fellow 2010

Cuaron helps Spanish-speaking, low-income immigrants successfully integrate into U.S. society by providing culturally relevant education and support services.

Alicia Cuaron was a successful corporate executive and prominent Latina leader. Then, after a series of personal crises that profoundly impacted her life, she resigned from the company she founded and became a Franciscan nun.

Cuaron was assigned to a Catholic parish in a low-income, largely immigrant neighborhood in Denver. She realized there was a critical need for education and support services for Colorado’s rapidly expanding Spanish-speaking immigrant population.

“I realized that I needed to utilize all my skills, knowledge and expertise to assist others who did not have the opportunities I had,” says Cuaron.

She created the Bienestar Family Services program, a component of Centro San Juan Diego Office for Hispanic Ministry of the Archdiocese of Denver, to help recent immigrants successfully integrate into U.S. society. Bienestar (which means “well-being” in Spanish) seeks to use education as a way to break the cycle of poverty for these immigrants by providing holistic, culturally relevant adult education programs, civic development courses, employment training and family support services.

When the program began in 1998, 300 families participated. By 2009, more than 7,300 individuals received services. Cuaron plans to continue to have a lead role in developing the Bienestar program, including involvement in the creation of a college and career preparation program for high school youths.