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Who We Are

We believe in the power of connection and support. Our vision is to provide a central location with access to supportive services, while instilling hope and promoting healthy well-being. We aim to connect our community to real-time resources and programs, partnering with local organizations to avoid duplicating services.

Dedicated to Serving Our Community

Board of Directors and Staff

Angelita Valdez

Co-Founder
Meet Angelita

Jacquelinn Ricketson

Co-Founder
Meet Jacquelinn

Elizabeth (Eli) Briseño

Director of Operations
Meet Eli

 Hanna Swords

Vice President

  Kimberly Watson

Secretary

D'ERICA Nichol-Woods

Board of Directors

NAda Millan

Intern

Angelita Valdez

Co-Founder
Angelita Valdez (Co-Founder) is a Behavioral Health Therapist and the Chief Executive Officer and proud Owner of Servicios de Esperanza, LLC providing bilingual therapy, substance abuse counseling and play therapy to families and children. Angelita is involved with numerous community and professional affiliations and serves as the Board President for Latinos Working for the Future, is a Trustee for the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, and an Advisory Member of the Public Health Advisory Committee. Angelita is also a proud member and founder of the Alpha Kappa chapter of Hermandad de Sigma lota Alpha, Incorporada and was appointed as a Commissioner to the Hispanic/Latino Commission of Michigan by Governor Gretchen Whitmer in March 2022.

Jacquelinn Ricketson

Co-Founder
Jacquelinn Ricketson (Co-Founder) is the chief operating officer at Servicios de Esperanza, LLC (Service of Hope). She has a Bachelor of Science with an Accounting focus from Baker College in 2011 and an Associate Degree in computerized math. Joining SDE in March 2019, she brought a vast knowledge base from over 20 years of experience as the administrative backbone of small agencies, nonprofits, and businesses; such as Financial Director of 2 non-profits. Her community focus has her sitting on several boards or councils with a focal point on mental and BIPOC communities, such as the Muskegon Health Equity Council and Muskegon Health Disparities Coalition.

Elizabeth (Eli) Briseño

Director of Operations
Elizabeth (Eli) Briseño is the Director of Operations of Centro de Esperanza whose mission is to reduce barriers in our community by connecting those in need to supportive services that promote good mental health. In addition, she serves as the Vice Chair for Kids’ Food Basket’s Muskegon Advisory Board and takes part in the Leadership Committee of the Community Foundation of Muskegon County’s LEAD Giving Circle that focuses on justice, equity, diversity and inclusion. Eli holds a Bachelors Degree in Business Management with a Minor in Human Resources Management. Eli is passionate in being the bridge that connects our Muskegon Latinos with local organizations and resources and educating our youth for life after high school.