Local Heroes
2021 Local Hero Olga Salazar
The 2021 award goes to Olga Salazar who has been an important member of the Logan Circle community for more than 30 years. She is the parent organizer at Thomson Elementary School where she sent three of her children. Her familiarity with the local community has been integral in getting them the support that they need, especially during the pandemic. Ms. Salazar is a champion for the children of Logan Circle, the Spanish-speaking minority population, and for immigrant rights.
During the worst of the pandemic, she was constantly engaging with the school community, recognizing those who had had their work hours (and income) cut, individuals who needed grocery assistance, and those who needed change for laundry. She delivered food to families in quarantine. She is a trusted confidant for undocumented residents who otherwise would be afraid to ask for help, assisting with confusing paperwork so they can obtain much-needed social services.
With community donations collected with the assistance of Logan Circle Community Association, Ms. Salazar turned her living room into a pantry offering free cleaning supplies, non-perishable items, diapers and over-the-counter medications to families who were forced to make hard choices to stay safe.
During a normal school year, she receives a stipend from the school to organize parent events and operate a parents’ center. For a time during the pandemic when funds for the stipend were frozen, she continued to provide the support—and be the rock—that is so essential to our community.
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