SAN DIEGO, CA – (May 30, 2025) Family Health Centers of San Diego (FHCSD) hosted its second Spirit of the Barrio luncheon of the year. The event was led by Erica Alfaro, an award-winning author, educational advocate and the proud daughter of migrant farmworkers. In front of over 350 attendees, Alfaro shared her inspiring story about defying the odds to become the first woman in her family to obtain a formal education and a graduate degree. She spoke of her strong connections to the San Diego community, including attending Lincoln Middle School and receiving her master’s in education and counseling from San Diego State University. In 2023, the County of San Diego proclaimed October 5 as “Erica Alfaro’s Day” and a public mural of her was painted in National City to honor her as a community leader.
Alfaro also shared a powerful message of perseverance and community. Once academically disqualified from college, she was later selected as the 2017 commencement speaker at Cal State San Marcos — a full-circle moment that underscored her remarkable journey. She spoke candidly about her battle with depression and the critical role community support played in her recovery. Alfaro credited therapy, local resources and organizations like Family Health Centers of San Diego for helping her regain hope during her darkest moments. Her 2022 book, “Harvesting Dreams,” was born from that experience, with the goal of inspiring others to believe that healing and success are possible.
Pauline Lucatero, vice president of community affairs at FHCSD, described the powerful connection shared between Alfaro and the audience during the luncheon:
“The crowd was silent –– you could hear a pin drop! I think I can speak for everyone that was in attendance, we were all moved by her story of triumph and advocacy and left the event feeling inspired.”
She concluded by extending her gratitude to the community for their continued generosity and thanking the attendees for their ongoing support of FHCSD’s mission:
“We would also like to thank our generous donors All proceeds from the auction will go directly toward providing exceptional health care to our traditionally underserved communities in San Diego.”
FHCSD is excited to continue fostering engaging conversations through these impactful events in 2025. The next Spirit of the Barrio luncheon will take place on Friday, August 15, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. at 1728 Newton Avenue, San Diego, CA 92113.
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About Family Health Centers of San Diego
Since 1970, FHCSD’s mission has been to provide caring, affordable, high-quality health care and supportive services to everyone, with a special commitment to uninsured, low-income and medically underserved persons. FHCSD is one of the top 10 largest federally qualified health centers in the country, operating more than 90 sites across San Diego County and providing care to more than 227,000 patients each year, of whom 91% are low-income and 29% are uninsured.
About Spirit of the Barrio
Since 1986, the Spirit of the Barrio luncheon has helped raise awareness of Family Health Centers of San Diego’s mission to deliver high-quality health care to underserved communities across the region. The event features a variety of timely topics and a diverse lineup of guest speakers, offering attendees the opportunity to be informed, educated and entertained — all while enjoying FHCSD’s signature tamales.
