Highlighting local Hispanic leaders in South Bend

SOUTH BEND, Ind - Humberto, also known as ‘Beto’ Delgado, grew up in Aguascalientes, Mexico and came to the United States as a 13-year-old boy, and didn't speak a word of English. 

Reflecting on these challenges as a youth, Delgado wished he had someone to guide him. 

This experience inspired him to start working with Latino youth, ensuring they have all the resources they need for success. 

“We are helping the next generation of leaders, the next generation of politicians, of doctors, of engineers and it is up to us to be able to provide those opportunities for them to be able to grow and develop,” said Delgado, Deputy Executive Director of Youth Programs at La Casa de Amistad.

Delgado oversees the bilingual and bicultural programs for K-12 students. 

Many of the students come from Spanish speaking homes, and the programs offered at la casa de Amistad help to bridge the educational gap for Latino students, especially those who parents may not speak English at all. 

“I want them to be equipped with the best tools, with the best resources for them to take care of all of us, not just the lutino community but of the community in general,” said Delgado.

Delgado’s biggest hope for the Latino youth community is that they take ownership of who they are, and ownership of their own community. 

"It's essential and crucial that they get involved in every aspect of society of politics, to trades to education and it's going to be up to the Latino youth, who are now Latino youth for them to take over,” said Delgado.