Hispano Exito: Think Big, Success

By A. Govea

August 12, 2015

Hispano Exito: Think Big, Success

The first few words in the Hispano Exito organization’s mission statement reads:

“To empower our future leaders, to think big . . . ”

Once you meet Olga Naranjo, you will easily see why those phrases appear first on her mission statement.  In less than five minutes Mrs. Naranjo had shared with me not only her vision for Hispano Exito but also other charitable endeavors far from Fort Worth.

I immediately knew she was a person of faith.  You’ve probably heard that “faith without action is empty.”  That certainly is not the case with Olga Naranjo.  Mrs. Naranjo was the youngest of 15 children.  Her first job was water girl for her family working in the fields.  If you’ve ever worked the fields, you must know that the rows are long, and by the time you complete a round of hoeing, your thirst is as big as the row you just worked.

While she could not contribute as a paid field hand, her working role was crucial to her family on the job.  So, at an early age, Mrs. Naranjo learned the connection between hard work and taking care of family.  Of equal importance, she also learned the value of giving to community, this thanks to her mother.  “I can remember going to buy groceries for the family with my mom, and Mom always buying a little extra for needier people.” Mrs. Naranjo shared.  “Looking back, we were also living in poverty, but still, my mom gave.  “You must always give.  If you have a lot, you give a lot; if you have a little, you give a little, but you give,” ” Mrs. Naranjo recalled her mother always saying “in a matter-of-fact” way.

Fast forward to 2015.  Olga Naranjo is a successful business owner, wife, mother and grandmother; she has two grandchildren.  Many folk would say, “Que mas deseas?” (“What else could you want?”)  For herself, not much; for others, a lot.

As the principal owner of an independent insurance company and tax service celebrating more than 20 years in business, Mrs. Naranjo can say life has been good to her and her family.  But her mother’s words were not lost on her: “You must always give.”  And give, she has, to customers with a hardship story or someone suffering without home air conditioning.  With her family, she would always answer the call, whether providing a window AC unit or perhaps helping with a medical expense.  Olga Naranjo decided long ago: “Bless others, and you too will be blessed.”  And she did.  God rewarded her, as well.

Then five years ago, the Lord asked her to do more; so she quickly convened a meeting with her husband and family.  What was born out of that meeting is now Hispano Exito, or “Hispanic Success.”  Its yearly programs include the Back-to-School Bash, Christmas in the Park and smaller but equally important projects designed to allow all participants to “Think Big!”

Mrs. Naranjo’s efforts reached more than 6,000 youth in 2014 alone, plus their families.  That in itself is a big accomplishment.  But to do it without paid staff or regular funding makes it even more impressive.  Her biggest contributor is her own family business, her clients that trust her and give generously.  But, as someone who has been down that road before, I know that this approach is not a sustainable, long-term strategy.

That’s why I asked her the following questions:

What’s your organization’s biggest challenge/need?

            Her answer:  “We are a grassroots organization that invites the entire Metroplex to share in the vision of catering to our future leaders in our great city.  Sharing our wealth of knowledge with one another will only bring bigger blessings to our entire community, therefore, building all the constituents of our great city.  “We need more volunteers and monetary sponsorship.”

_Who would you like to thank for their help and/or monetary contributions?

“I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to all those that lock arms with us as a volunteer or exhibitor and all of our sponsors.  I thrive on building collaborative partnerships, all for the sake of blessing the multitudes in need.”

            _Any closing comment that you would like to share?

            “As the founder of Hispano Exito, I wish to humbly thank each and every one of you for sharing your time, talents and treasures with our organization.  I guarantee you that your ROI (return on investment) will be more than a tenfold when working in the field of being a great Samaritan.

            “Blessings today and after always!

            “Olga Naranjo.”

            We at Nuestra Voz de North Texas congratulate Mrs. Naranjo, family and supporters for their work and dedication to serve others.  Please visit www.hispanoexito.org to find out more about her efforts and how you can help. (To partner on this worthy project “ Mochilon” visit us at www.BTSBash.org)