The Jacob Center had the privilege of working with Nereida Perdigon when she provided our staff with a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion training focused on how to better serve our Latino community members. The session was nothing short of transformative. Perdigon brought a deep understanding of the cultural, social, and systemic factors that affect Latino communities, and delivered the content in a way that was both engaging and insightful. ​ What stood out most was Perdigon's ability to not only educate us about the unique challenges Latino individuals face, but also offer practical, actionable strategies we could immediately implement to improve our outreach, communication, and overall support. From cultural humility and language considerations to understanding the importance of building trust, the training provided valuable tools for connecting with this community in meaningful ways. ​ Additionally, Perdigon created an open, safe environment where staff felt encouraged to ask questions, share their experiences, engage in thoughtful discussions, and provided useful handouts for reference. This allowed us to examine our own biases and assumptions, helping us grow both professionally and personally in our commitment to serving the Latino community with greater empathy and effectiveness. ​ Our staff feels more equipped and confident in our ability to foster stronger relationships with the Latino individuals and families we serve. We are truly grateful for the knowledge and inspiration they brought to our team, and highly recommend Perdigon for any organization looking to improve their cultural competence and DEI efforts. 

We were privileged to have Dr. Nereida Perdigón facilitate a training session for our team. From the outset, Dr. Perdigón fostered an inclusive environment where everyone felt encouraged to share openly, without judgment. Her skillful moderation guided our discussions in a way that made complex topics accessible and manageable, while also allowing each participant’s voice to be heard and valued. Her ability to create a safe, welcoming space enabled our team to engage deeply with the material, building a foundation of trust and understanding that will strengthen our team dynamics. Dr. Perdigón’s approach and insight have left a lasting positive impact, equipping us with new perspectives and tools we are eager to apply in our work.

The impact of Dr. Perdigon’s workshop regarding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion on my team has been remarkable. We have seen a noticeable improvement in team cohesion and collaboration. Employees feel more valued and respected, which has translated into higher morale and productivity. The workshop also sparked important conversations about diversity and inclusion that continue to shape our company policies and culture. This aspect of the workshop was particularly impactful for me as a manager. It challenged me to become a more inclusive leader and to actively contribute to creating a more diverse and equitable workplace.

One of the most significant changes I experienced was the way I managed my time and energy. Dr. Perdigon helped me develop practical strategies to prioritize my tasks and focus on what really mattered. She introduced me to techniques for reducing stress and maintaining a positive mindset, which made a huge difference in my daily life. With her guidance, I learned to set realistic goals and celebrate my progress, no matter how small. Dr. Perdigon’s support extended beyond me. She provided me with valuable parenting advice, which helped me become more patient and present with my children. We worked on communication skills that have improved our family dynamic, making our home a more harmonious place. My children have noticed the changes in me and are happier and more confident because of it.

I met Nereida as a member of the Latin Community in Colorado and as a Counselor with my oldest son, who had just graduated from High School without knowing what he wanted to study. After seeking guidance from Community College, other professionals in the area and friends, I came to her and it was from that moment that we were able to address our concerns as parents and my son was able to satisfy his questions and vocational inclination. Thanks to her support and advice, with my son and with us, his parents separately, she explained to us the operation and rules that we should follow with him so that he knew how to decide for himself his own future. She helped us find our son's strengths and weaknesses and with this information we began to guide him according to his character and professional tastes. She guided my son in the steps to follow and how to work on each activity. I must emphasize that my son was a difficult young man to deal with because of his somewhat shy and introverted personality. It was she who managed to get him interested and concerned about this important decision and together we managed to find the best option for him. My husband, son and I are deeply grateful for her work and good energy at every moment. She was always there when we needed her or contacted her. Her advice and points of view based on other experiences were of great help and support. I would not think twice about looking for her if I needed help in the future.

The most important aspect of my meeting with Nereida was her focus on self-discovery and empowerment. She encouraged me to explore my strengths and passions, which had been overshadowed during my marriage. Thanks to her guidance, I rediscovered my sense of self-worth and began to see my potential beyond the labels of “divorced” and “single.” She helped me set realistic and attainable goals that were aligned with my values ​​and aspirations. Dr. Perdigon also helped me develop healthier thought patterns. She taught me how to reframe negative thoughts and shift my mindset from victimhood to empowerment. This shift in perspective was incredibly liberating. I began to view my divorce not as a failure, but as an opportunity for growth and a new beginning.

Battling cancer was one of the most challenging and terrifying experiences of my life. While the medical treatments were crucial in my fight against the disease, it was Nereida's coaching that played a significant role in my overall healing and recovery process. Nereida's holistic approach to coaching was exactly what I needed. She helped me understand the importance of not just treating the disease but also nurturing my mind and soul. Through her guidance, I learned techniques to manage stress and anxiety, which were critical during my treatments. She introduced me to mindfulness and meditation practices that helped me stay calm and focused, even on the toughest days. She helped me navigate the emotional and mental challenges of my illness, empowering me to face each day with courage and positivity. I am deeply grateful for her support and expertise.