Ariel Escobar

Ariel Escobar is one of five cofounders, and a former president, of Somos la Llave del Futuro. The activist group was formed in 2001 to address the most prevalent health crises affecting Latinos in New York’s Hudson Valley and Catskill regions, including infant mortality and HIV/AIDS. Six years later, the organization expanded its mission beyond healthcare to include workers’ rights, education, and social justice issues.

One of the many ways Ariel serves his community is by providing resume writing assistance and interview prep to job seekers. One of the local residents he has helped, Margarita Montes said, “He has served as a resource to many individuals. He has such a big heart, and has really made a difference in my life.”