A Shift in Perspective

By Hermilo Hinojosa, GreenLight Chicago Executive Director

As I reflect on the journey that brought me to where I am today, I’m struck by the power of moments, those rare but profound instances that shift our perspective and open our eyes to something new. These moments have shaped not just who I am, but how I view my work, my community, and the impact we can create together. 

One of the first moments came early in my life, during a personal encounter with a piece of writing. I still remember the day I read I Am Joaquin by Rodolfo Corky Gonzales. It was the first time I saw myself and my experiences reflected so vividly in writing. Gonzales’ words gave voice to struggles, hopes, and complexities that felt deeply familiar yet had remained unspoken in my life until that moment.

Reading that poem wasn’t just a literary experience – it was a revelation. It allowed me to see my story as part of a much larger narrative, tied to the history, resilience, and identity of my community. It expanded my view of the world, pushing me to think critically about the experiences of others around me. That poem was the beginning of a deeper connection to storytelling and the power it holds to inspire, empower, and bring people together.

The second moment came years later, as I advanced professionally within my organization. I began my journey at a local Boys and Girls Club in Little Village, Chicago, a community that felt like my entire world at the time. My focus was singular: to serve the people of Little Village, to advocate for their needs, and to do my part in making life better for the families I saw every day.

But as I grew in my role and began working with other Clubs across Chicago, my perspective shifted dramatically. Suddenly, I wasn’t just looking at one neighborhood, I was seeing how multiple communities, each with its unique challenges and strengths, were interconnected within a larger system. I saw the beauty of this network: how it allowed us to share resources, ideas, and solutions across communities.

At the same time, I faced the challenges of working on this broader scale. Dividing resources, balancing priorities, and navigating the complexities of systemic change were daunting but necessary tasks. This experience taught me that real, lasting change requires more than passion and determination, it requires collaboration, strategy, and an unwavering commitment to equity.

These two moments, though very different, are deeply connected. Reading I Am Joaquin taught me the importance of seeing and valuing individual stories, while my professional growth helped me understand how those stories fit into a broader network of communities and systems. 

This past year at GreenLight Fund Chicago has been a continuation of perspective shifts. I’ve had the privilege of diving deeper into the vast and complex issues facing the Chicagoland area. With each conversation and every new relationship formed, I’ve been reminded of the immense diversity of challenges and opportunities within our community. From housing insecurity to education inequities, workforce development to mental health, each new focus area has expanded my understanding of the work that needs to be done and the innovative approaches being taken to address it.

One of the most rewarding aspects of this year has been the growth of my network. I’ve met an incredible array of people, community members, nonprofit leaders, and advocates who each bring their own stories, expertise, and solutions to the table. Being part of a national network has further broadened my perspective, introducing me to proven programs and models from across the country. These connections have not only deepened my knowledge but also highlighted the collaborative spirit needed to address systemic issues effectively.

As we’ve worked to identify the first organization to join our portfolio, I’ve been reminded time and again of the power of collective action. The challenges are vast, but so are the resources, ideas, and partnerships available to tackle them. This year has underscored the importance of staying open to new ideas, learning from others, and continuously evolving in how we approach our mission. Each perspective shift makes us stronger, more informed, and better equipped to drive change.