Our America’s Communications Director Catherine Mortensen met with Vanessa Faura, a Latina grassroots activist with Moms for America en Español – an organization that works to connect Latina mothers with conservative values and civic engagement opportunities. One of the group’s most popular events is the Three Kings event, which is designed to inspire civic engagement through faith and purpose.
Catherine Mortensen: Vanessa, as a native of Peru, can you tell us more about Moms for America en Español and the civic engagement efforts you’ve been leading across the country?
Vanessa Faura: Absolutely! Moms for America en Español is an organization that works to connect Latina mothers with conservative values and civic engagement opportunities. One of our most popular events is the Three Kings event, which is designed to inspire civic engagement through faith and purpose.
Three Kings Day, or El Dia de los Reyes Magos, is an important holiday in the Hispanic community, celebrated every January 6th. It commemorates the journey of the three kings who traveled to honor the Christ child, symbolizing faith and generosity. Families gather to celebrate with traditions such as gift-giving and sharing Rosca de Reyes, a special sweet bread.
We saw this holiday as a meaningful opportunity for Moms for America en Español to connect with Hispanic communities across nationalities. When Hispanic immigrants come to the United States, they continue these traditions, and we integrate them into our messaging about civic responsibility. Our goal is to help Latinos understand the importance of being active and engaged in their communities.
Catherine Mortensen: How do you connect the Three Kings celebration with civic engagement?
Vanessa Faura: Everything we do ties back to a broader message of civic involvement. We use the story of the Three Kings to highlight four key principles that inspire engagement and action:
- The Journey of Purpose: The three kings embarked on a long and challenging journey guided by a star to fulfill a greater purpose. We tell the Hispanic community that staying civically engaged means committing to a purpose beyond personal interests. It’s about making sure our cities and communities thrive. If we see challenges, we need to take action and work toward solutions.
- Gifts as Resources: The kings brought symbolic gifts to honor a divine mission, not for personal gain. We connect this to civic engagement by emphasizing that each of us has gifts—our time, talents, and efforts—that we can contribute to initiatives that benefit society.
- Guided by Values and Vision: Just as the three kings followed a guiding star, we must be guided by our values and vision for a better community. Many of us came to the United States seeking a brighter future, and it’s our responsibility to actively engage in preserving and improving our communities rather than waiting for change to happen.
- A Moral Obligation to Act: The three kings didn’t wait for others; they took the initiative to seek out the Christ child. Likewise, civic engagement requires personal responsibility. We must make our voices heard rather than assume others will do it for us.
We have ten principles overall, but these four resonate deeply with our audience and encourage them to become involved in meaningful ways.
Catherine Mortensen: I love that you are reaching out to Latinos and bringing them into this larger community. Why do you think this work is so essential?
Vanessa Faura: It is absolutely essential. Many of the people we engage with come from countries where radical leftist policies have devastated their families and economies. They leave everything behind and come to the United States—the greatest nation on Earth—because they believe in the promise of freedom and opportunity. But keeping America great requires action.
We cannot take our liberties for granted. It’s not enough to simply live our daily lives and hope for the best. We must stay informed, engaged, and proactive in protecting the freedoms that drew us here in the first place. If we become complacent, our children and grandchildren may not experience the same opportunities we have today.
That’s why we organize initiatives like the Three Kings event—because they are not just about tradition, but about fostering a sense of civic duty. We remind people that their voices matter, their votes count, and their involvement is crucial in shaping the future of their communities and the nation.
Catherine Mortensen: What kind of response have you received from the community?
Vanessa Faura: The response has been incredible! People are excited to find a space where their cultural values align with a broader mission of civic engagement. They feel empowered knowing they have a role to play in shaping policies that affect their families and communities.
We’ve seen an increase in participation in local government meetings, voter registration efforts, and grassroots activism. Many Latina mothers are taking leadership roles and encouraging their friends and neighbors to do the same. This is exactly the kind of impact we aim for—creating a ripple effect that strengthens civic participation across generations.
Catherine Mortensen: What’s next for Moms for America en Español?
Vanessa Faura: We are expanding our outreach efforts and planning more events that blend cultural traditions with civic education. Our goal is to continue fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment among Latino families, ensuring they have the tools and knowledge to actively shape their communities.
We also plan to build stronger partnerships with local organizations, faith groups, and schools to reach even more families. The more we can engage, educate, and empower, the stronger our movement will be.
Catherine Mortensen: That sounds amazing. Thank you for sharing your insights and for the important work you’re doing.
Vanessa Faura: Thank you! It’s truly an honor to be part of this movement, and I look forward to continuing to make a difference in our communities.
