They Tried to Silence Us, But We Became Stronger
Exhausted from the constant battles faced by immigrants and people of color, we decided it was time to do something!
During 2019, after our cofounder Flaka had her son and was on maternity leave recovering, she created a career consulting business – HireWay. After sometime, her best friend and our cofounder Sandra came by to visit and brainstorm actions to take in order to combat the next attack happening on undocumented youth, specifically DACAmented folks. After strong storytelling from her recent huelga, we moved forward with the decision to blend the best of both of our worlds.
Flaka has been in the HR industry for almost a decade and Sandra has worked in the non-profit sector for a few years, so why not create an organization which empowers everyone professionally for a low cost!! We want to help everyone hustle regardless of status.
Our focus is to provide networking, professional tools, and knowledge to empower community members in their businesses to impact generational wealth! We combat injustice against any marginalized group of people and if we do not have the resources, we will professionally connect them to others!
A huelga is a strike, Sandra walked from a city ALL the way to New York with a group of determined undocumented youth demanding a permanent immigration solution, CITIZENSHIP FOR ALL!
Our Programs
At poca.uno, we connect great products with great causes. Every purchase supports impactful initiatives, so you can shop and give back effortlessly. Make your shopping count!
Sandra Avalos
Cofounder, Director of Community Engagement
Sandra’s dedication and passion for her community have led her to work tirelessly as an advocate for the residents of Oak Cliff and West Dallas, providing crucial support to parents and students throughout the DFW area. Sandra’s academic achievements include earning a Bachelor of Science degree from UNT Dallas, a testament to her commitment to lifelong learning and personal growth. Despite facing challenges, such as her current status as a DACA recipient, Sandra remains steadfast in her mission to uplift her community. She views POCA as not just a platform for professional development but also as a form of resistance against adversity.
savalos@poca.us
Janet "Flaka" Martinez
Cofounder, Executive Director
Janet leads the initiatives that aid immigrants and underserved communities towards economic independence and professional success. With a Bachelor’s in Business Administration and MBA focusing on HR Management from UNT Dallas, along with a certification as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR), Flaka brings a wealth of expertise to her role. As an entrepreneur in career and HR consulting, she embodies resilience and determination, having transitioned from being a DACA recipient in 2012 to achieving American citizenship in 2021. Flaka’s dedication extends beyond her professional endeavors, as she actively volunteers with organizations like HWNT and St. Vincent de Paul, mentors within her sorority, Kappa Delta Chi, and is a pillar of support for her family, including her son CJ who is autistic.
jmartinez@poca.us
Board Members
Our Board Members provide leadership, vision, and guidance to drive our mission forward. Their expertise and dedication ensure we stay focused on creating positive, lasting impact in the community.
Stephanie Sierra
With a background in non-profit and volunteering, plus growing up in the Oak Cliff community. Stephanie utilizes her skills to foster relationships. Additionally, she contributes expertise to volunteer experiences enhancing our organization’s impact, particularly in outreach where she plays a pivotal role in expanding our reach and promoting our mission.
Joe Posada
With a background in public leadership and having grown up in Oak Cliff, Joe leverages his experiences to build strong relationships with our key investors and partners. His work in higher education adds valuable insight to our initiatives. Additionally, Joe’s passion for serving non-profits brings a wealth of experience to support our compliance efforts, ensuring that we operate ethically and effectively in fulfilling our mission.
Jasmin Flores
With a background in peace studies, politics, and business management, Jasmin plays a crucial role in supporting the overall operational success of our mission at the non-profit. Her passion for organizing the community and advocacy is pivotal in aiding immigrants to succeed in this country, irrespective of their status. Additionally, Jasmin contributes significantly to our marketing materials, enhancing our outreach efforts and amplifying our impact within the community.
