Empowering Communities: Dr. Hernandez-Arriaga’s Call to Action at the White House Gun Violence Summit

September 30, 2024

At Silicon Valley Latino, we are proud to highlight the impactful journey of Dr. Belinda Hernandez-Arriaga, Founder and Executive Director of Ayudando Latinos a Soñar (ALAS) and a valued member of our advisory board. Recently, Dr. Hernandez-Arriaga had the honor of being personally invited by President Biden to attend a critical White House Gun Violence Prevention summit. This invitation underscores her unwavering commitment to advocating for gun violence prevention and farmworker rights, especially in the wake of the tragic 2023 mass shooting in Half Moon Bay that claimed seven lives.

During the summit, President Biden signed an executive order targeting untraceable 3D-printed guns and machine gun conversion kits—a vital step towards preventing future tragedies. Reflecting on the pain experienced by the community, Dr. Hernandez-Arriaga stated, “It’s been such a heartbreak. It takes a long time for wounds to heal.” Her presence at the White House represented not only a voice for those affected by the mass shooting but also for countless individuals who feel marginalized and unheard.

Dr. Hernandez-Arriaga's advocacy has been instrumental in providing support and comfort to the families impacted by this tragedy. Her efforts have brought attention to the harsh realities faced by farmworkers, not only locally but on a national level, who often endure low wages and inadequate access to mental health resources and extreme working conditions. “This is a great move by the president,” she remarked about the executive order. “Something needs to be done. This can't happen in another community again.”

Her dedication was echoed by Half Moon Bay community leader Rocio Avila, who expressed honor in seeing Dr. Hernandez-Arriaga represent the Latino community at such a significant event. "We're going to keep fighting," Dr. Hernandez-Arriaga affirmed. "We need to keep the forgotten communities in mind."

At Silicon Valley Latino, we are excited to share her inspiring story and celebrate her leadership. Dr. Hernandez-Arriaga's journey is a powerful reminder of the difference one person can make, and we stand behind her commitment to advocate for those who deserve to be heard.

Join us in congratulating her on all of her accomplishments for those who most need assistance in our communities!

Full Press Release Below:

Half Moon Bay Farmworker Advocate Dr. Belinda Hernandez-Arriaga Invited to White House Gun Violence Prevention Event Following 2023 Mass Shooting

President Biden Invites ALAS Founder and USF Assistant Professor to Address Gun Violence and Farmworker Advocacy in the Wake of Half Moon Bay Tragedy

Half Moon Bay, CA – September 25, 2024 –Dr. Belinda Hernandez-Arriaga, founder and executive director of Ayudando Latinos a Soñar (ALAS) and Assistant Professor at the University of San Francisco, has received a personal invitation from President Biden to attend the White House Gun Violence Prevention event on Thursday, September 26, 2024. This invitation follows the tragic 2023 mass shooting in Half Moon Bay that claimed the lives of seven farmworkers and brought national attention to the harsh living and working conditions faced by farmworkers across the nation.

In a historic move, President Biden established the first-ever White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention in September 2023 to combat gun violence, which has devastated communities nationwide, and to implement and expand key executive and legislative actions aimed at saving lives.

Since the devastating January 23, 2023 mass shooting, Dr. Hernandez-Arriaga and the ALAS team have provided critical emotional and practical support to the affected families, advocating for both gun violence prevention and farmworker rights.

“I am deeply honored and thankful to President Biden for this invitation,” said Dr. Hernandez-Arriaga. “This is an essential moment for our nation to reflect on how we can prevent future tragedies, but it’s also a call to action to improve the lives of farmworkers who face dire conditions.”

Dr. Hernandez-Arriaga continued, “The shooting exposed the deplorable realities our farmworkers endure: low wages, lack of mental health resources, and inhumane living conditions. This is an overdue opportunity to bring farmworker advocacy into the national conversation, ensuring that their voices are heard and their struggles recognized.”