Relationships for Social Change: The Value of the Promotora Framework in Navigating Systems of Employment

Abstract

In the United States, socioeconomic disparities are a reality that shapes the challenges many communities of color experience. Throughout the globe, community-based initiatives have been explored as a way to reduce several barriers that contribute to social inequalities. One in particular, the Promotora framework, has been widely used to improve health outcomes. However, it has yet to be explored to maximize socioeconomic opportunities. The Launch Program, a pre-COVID-19 pilot study, aimed to investigate the experiences of LatinX people in one of the first community programs designed to offer a Promotora-led intervention supporting socioeconomic goals. Researchers collected qualitative data via focus groups from 25 LatinX participants who completed the program. Using narrative thematic analysis, the study explored the potential of a liberatory framework to address employment barriers. Results from this study highlight the benefits of adopting a culturally responsive intervention as a valuable tool in reducing socioeconomic disparities within LatinX populations.