Who We Are
Our Story
and Values
Who We Are
The Time is Ya is a Network of dynamic and passionate alliance of individuals and organizations committed to advancing the success of Latinos in all facets of life. We leverage our collective expertise in advocating for education, economic wellness, and civic participation to drive meaningful change for our community.
Our mission is to amplify Latino voices, catalyze opportunities, and champion an inclusive society where Latinos are empowered to achieve their aspirations and fully engage in economic, educational, and civic spheres. We envision a world where barriers are dismantled, potential is realized, and equity prevails for the Latino community.
Through our online resources, local events, and impactful initiatives, we are forging a path towards a more just and equitable future. Join us in this transformative journey, and together, we will make a profound and lasting difference in the lives of Latinos everywhere.
Únete a nosotros and help make a difference!
Our Mission
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To empower Latino communities through civic engagement, education, and economic wellness, fostering a network of leaders dedicated to creating lasting social change.
Our Vision
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A society where Latino communities thrive through active civic participation, educational advancement, and economic empowerment, with a strong network of leaders driving inclusive, lasting change for future generations.
Our Values
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People – Empower and uplift Latino communities through education, civic engagement, and leadership.
Planet – Advocate for environmentally sustainable practices that support both the community and the planet's health.
Profit – Promote economic wellness and financial literacy to help communities thrive and achieve sustainable growth.
One significant factor driving Latino immigration to the United States is the search for better education and employment opportunities. Education plays a crucial role in this process, as it often serves as the only viable pathway out of extreme poverty. However, upon arrival, Latino students often encounter numerous challenges in their pursuit of education and integration.
Socioeconomic Challenges: With poverty rates for Latinos more than double those of non-Hispanic whites, financial limitations pose an immediate obstacle to accessing high-quality education. This disparity can limit students' access to resources essential for academic achievement and personal growth.
Navigational Barriers: Many immigrant parents, unfamiliar with the U.S. education system, find it challenging to navigate enrollment, understand educational costs, and locate financial aid opportunities. This knowledge gap often restricts students’ ability to succeed in their new environment.
Under-resourced Schools: Schools may need more resources to support students who enter at a disadvantage, making it harder to address issues like language barriers and cultural differences. However, with the right support systems, there will be academic progress and a sense of stability among Latino students.
Education
For Latinos, economic wellness represents a state where individuals and communities enjoy financial stability, empowerment, and the freedom to make choices that enrich their quality of life. Achieving economic wellness hinges on several crucial elements, which our organization prioritizes as follows:
Entrepreneurial Support: We focus on providing essential resources and training to help community members start and sustain their businesses and enterprises. By fostering entrepreneurship, we empower individuals to contribute to local economic growth and create opportunities for others.
By addressing these key areas, we can make significant strides in enhancing economic wellness within Latino communities. This will ultimately lead to improved financial security, empowerment, and overall quality of life.
Economic Wellness
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Meet Our Founder
Marisela Barbosa is a serial social entrepreneur and community catalyst renowned for her unwavering dedication to driving positive change. With a career marked by innovative ventures, she has demonstrated a passion for leveraging entrepreneurship to address critical societal issues.
As a community catalyst, she has spearheaded initiatives that tackle challenges head-on, delivering sustainable solutions that empower individuals and communities. Her commitment to education, community engagement, civic participation, and sustainable business development is a testament to her determination to create a better world.
Marisela is also a published author of “Hispanics and Latinos in Vallejo” and has been featured by news organizations; she hosted a De Negocio a Negocio on local television in Vallejo, California.
José Rivas, EdD
Advisory Board Member
Rivas Works LLC
Cassandra Cortez
Advisory Board Member
UC DAVIS DVM Student 2026
Patricia Cardenas
Advisory Board Member
Medical Interpreter
Karla Valdez
Advisory Board Member
World Teacher
Our Team
Our team is comprised of devoted and knowledgeable professionals who are deeply committed to improving education, economic wellness, and civic engagement within the Latino community. With diverse backgrounds in education, community advocacy, and grassroots organizing, our team brings a wealth of expertise and experience to support our mission.
MARISELA BARBOSA-CORTEZ - Founder, CEO
DANIELA RODRIGUEZ VASQUEZ -Marketing Specialist
Our team is comprised of devoted and knowledgeable professionals who are deeply committed to improving education, economic wellness, and civic engagement within the Latino community. With diverse backgrounds in education, community advocacy, and grassroots organizing, our team brings a wealth of expertise and experience to support our mission.
MARISELA BARBOSA-CORTEZ - Founder, CEO
DANIELA RODRIGUEZ VASQUEZ -Marketing Specialist
We are Catalyzing Latino Influence!
Marisela Barbosa is a serial social entrepreneur and community catalyst renowned for her unwavering dedication to driving positive change. With a career marked by innovative ventures, she has demonstrated a passion for leveraging entrepreneurship to address critical societal issues.
As a community catalyst, she has spearheaded initiatives that tackle challenges head-on, delivering sustainable solutions that empower individuals and communities. Her commitment to education, community engagement, civic participation, and sustainable business development is a testament to her determination to create a better world.
Marisela is also a published author of “Hispanics and Latinos in Vallejo” and has been featured by news organizations; she hosted a De Negocio a Negocio on local television in Vallejo, California.
Latino civic participation holds immense importance in fostering an inclusive and empowered society. As a significant and rapidly growing demographic in the United States, increased engagement in civic matters allows Latinos to ensure their needs and interests are accurately represented in policy-making processes. Furthermore, their active involvement in addressing pressing community issues enhances a sense of empowerment and encourages positive change. Through the integration of diverse perspectives in public discourse, the democratic process is strengthened, and future generations are inspired to become engaged citizens and leaders. Ultimately, supporting and promoting Latino civic participation paves the way for a more equitable and representative society that values the voices and contributions of all its members.
Civic Participation
Our History
The Time is Ya Network was founded by Marisela Barbosa Cortez out of a deep commitment to improve opportunities for Latinos and build a supportive, empowering network. The inspiration for its creation began with a conversation between Marisela and her husband about the future of their daughters. They realized that the challenges faced by Latinos in today’s political and social climate demanded collective action. Driven by a shared vision, they invited Latino leaders to the first "It is Political" meeting, recognizing the need to address historical gaps in education, economic opportunity, and civic engagement.
The Time is Ya Network focuses on creating a community of Latino leaders, influencers, and advocates who collaborate to support Latino empowerment across various sectors. The network is designed to foster connections, share resources, and encourage collective action in advancing Latino interests in areas like civic engagement, education, and economic development. Through this network, leaders work together to inspire growth, create