Q' Pasa Appalachia

While serving as the sole translator and interpreter for a public school district in Western North Carolina—supporting more than 100 Spanish-speaking students and families—I witnessed firsthand the consequences of limited bilingual communication, cultural appreciation and the resulting lack of Latinx representation in public spaces. These gaps deeply affected the community: English-speaking children often assumed hierarchical roles over their parents, cultural expression was subdued as a means of protection, and Latinx youth faced academic disadvantages due to language and cultural barriers that left families underserved.

In response, we founded Q’ Pasa Appalachia, a nonprofit dedicated to bridging these divides and fostering Latinx inclusion in Boone, North Carolina. Through a Facebook web series, the creation of meaningful local partnerships, and community-centered social events, Q’ Pasa Appalachia worked to elevate Latinx voices, strengthen belonging, and expand access to cultural and educational resources.
Launched during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Q’ Pasa Appalachia began by producing bilingual content focused on evolving vaccination information and connecting the Latinx community with essential resources. We continued creating bilingual videos on Facebook—the primary digital platform for the Latinx population—spotlighting organizations, institutions, and businesses. This outreach helped community members feel more informed, welcomed, and confident participating in local opportunities and public spaces.

Our efforts were embraced not only by our audience but also by the wider community and city officials. Through ongoing programming and event planning, we organized bicultural gatherings, supported Latinx integration, and promoted cultural appreciation. In 2022, we received a grant from NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) to address mental health stigma within the Latinx community. And in recognition of our advocacy, the Town of Boone officially proclaimed Hispanic Heritage Month on October 11, 2023—a milestone for Latinx visibility and inclusion in the region.