Unlocking Opportunities with Compassion: Buena Alianza’s First Placement at Saint Agnes Hospital
On February 27th, a monumental chapter began for Buena Alianza and one of our incredible participants, Alicia Suchite Diaz. Hailing from Guatemala and navigating the challenges of limited English proficiency, Alicia joined the Ascension Saint Agnes Hospital team in Baltimore as a Dishwasher and Kitchen Helper within their Food Services Department. Starting at $16.15 per hour, Alicia’s achievement is more than just a step into employment; it’s a story of resilience, empathy, and what’s possible when support systems work hand-in-hand with ambitious individuals.
For Buena Alianza, this isn’t just a professional milestone—we see it as a powerful testament to our mission of connecting communities and breaking barriers for Latinos with limited English proficiency. Alicia’s success stands as a reminder that language should never be an obstacle to opportunity and dignity.
A Partnership Built on Collaboration
This placement was possible thanks to a deeply dedicated partnership that began nearly four months ago. Our collaboration with Ascension Saint Agnes Hospital would not have been successful without the unwavering support of two incredible advocates
and leaders within the hospital: Ms. Olivia Farrow, VP of External Affairs, and Ms. Julie Tesher, Director of Food and Nutrition Services. Together, we embarked on a shared mission to open doors to employment opportunities for Latinos in the Baltimore community.
On January 30th, Alicia sat down for an in-person interview with Saint Agnes. Buena Alianza provided language assistance during the interview. Their belief in Alicia’s potential was clear from that day forward. Alicia was offered the job, and from interview coordination to onboarding to first-day orientation briefings, Buena Alianza’s team stood by her. She had her first day on February 27th.
Why This Matters
To many of us, $16.15 per hour might sound like just another wage; to Alicia and countless others in our community, it represents a spark of hope and self-reliance. A job isn’t just a paycheck—it’s self-esteem, security, and connection.
Breaking into the workforce as someone with limited English proficiency is no small feat. Too often, these individuals are unjustly overlooked despite their talents, previous experience, and strong work ethic, simply because they lack traditional means of communication. Buena Alianza exists to change this narrative. Our team provides more than translation assistance—we offer case management, resume help, interview preparation, and pathways to employment.
A Ripple Effect of Opportunity
This landmark placement with Saint Agnes is one of many steps we’ve taken and will continue to take for the Latino community. Following a partnership with Johns Hopkins Hospital in 2023, St. Agnes is the second hospital in Baltimore that Buena Alianza has helped jobseekers gain employment. Together, we are building a future where every individual, regardless of language or background, has the opportunity to thrive and create lasting change for themselves and their families.
