Renata Soto
Renata Soto, the co-founder and executive director of immigrant advocacy group Conexión Américas, announced Friday that she is stepping down in May.
Fellow co-founder José González will continue his work with the organization and serve on the search committee tasked with replacing Soto. The group, which also includes board member Rob Jack and board chair Terry Maroney, has hired Koya Leadership Partners to lead a national search.
“I did not make this decision lightly,” Soto wrote in a note to supporters. “I have been talking with Board leadership about it for almost two years and we have worked very intentionally to prepare for this day.”
She told the Scene in September that she does not plan to run for mayor. The qualifying deadline for that election is also in May.
On Friday, Soto reiterated that same message: “I am NOT running,” she wrote in a text message.
Her work Conexión Américas, which has spanned 17 years, has included the development of Azafrán Park and other initiatives.
More from her note to supporters:
When I think back to our humble beginnings and now look at the energy that pulses through Casa Azafrán every day — the thousands of immigrant families progressing toward their American dream, the cheering of children playing at Azafrán Park, the emerging community of leaders of color in our new Mosaic Fellowship and more — my heart is filled with gratitude and excitement about the opportunity that lies ahead for Conexión Américas.We are stronger today than ever before, which is why I feel I can now entrust the organization to a new leader and watch Conexión Américas flourish in its next chapter.
As for me, my commitment to Nashville, to building an inclusive community where everyone belongs, and to the broader development of leaders of color is far from over. Yes, I will take a little time off — after 17 years, I think that is in order. But then I will train my eyes on my next chapter. Suffice it to say, my commitment to these causes shines just as bright today as it ever has.
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