Alumna Marissa Zarate JD ’11: Working to bring health and economic security to Latinos in Lane County

Marissa Zarate (formerly Garcia)  JD ’11, has always sought work that sparks her passion. She recently began her fifth year as the Executive Director for Huerto de La Familia, a Lane County nonprofit providing Latino immigrant families with the opportunity to grow their own organic food in community gardens. She wears many hats for this organization, which establishes organic gardens and business creation opportunities for Latino families in Lane County.

While in law school, Marissa took Human Rights and the Environment with Svitlana Kravchenko and realized the California neighborhood she grew up in was a toxic hotspot. Driven by her discovery and evolving interest in environmental justice, she went to work for Communities for a Better Environment in Southeast Los Angeles. Her current work, while different in focus, is still tied to her desire to see communities achieve equal access to opportunities for health.

Huerto de la Familia provides immigrant families with garden plots, tools, gardening education, and more. The gardens provide benefits beyond physical health and wellness. Families build community, preserve cultural food traditions, and reduce stress while participating in gardening classes and growing food together. Marissa views the gardens as a physical manifestation of the local community’s commitment to providing safe and welcoming spaces for immigrant families.

Huerto de la Familia has also evolved their program to support entrepreneurs. The Cambios (“Changes”) Business Program helps families start small businesses through a 12-week business class and one-on-one technical assistance. Last year, the program launched a Farm Stand Incubator where class graduates sell produce at Eugene’s farmers markets. Next year, a new curriculum will be launched to support mothers who want to start home-based businesses.

Marissa also has a big project in the works. Huerto La Familia will join two other immigrant-serving nonprofits to develop a leadership institute for Latino and immigrant families in Lane County. The goal is to help families develop the skills they need to have meaningful participation in systems change at the local, county, and state level.

This past September, Huerto de la Familia celebrated its 20^th Anniversary. Marissa encourages members of the law school community to participate in a tour or learn more about how to support this organization by contacting her at marissa@huertodelafamilia.org or visiting the organization’s website.