Meet Diana Diaz Madera | Social Worker, Human Rights Activist, Consultant

We had the good fortune of connecting with Diana Diaz Madera and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Diana, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
The Human Rights and Immigration field can seem overwhelming to those outside of it. With constant news about global and domestic crises flooding our apps and social media, it’s easy to feel hopeless and wonder, “What can I possibly do to help with world problems like war, violence, or poverty?” This sense of overwhelm can leave us feeling paralyzed, thinking we have nothing to offer. But the truth is, everyone can do something to support others. We can welcome those who have been forcibly displaced, encourage someone on their healing journey, share bread (literally and figuratively) with a new arrival, open doors or simply recognize and honor someone’s humanity—and by doing so, honor our own.
I often tell people that whatever skills or interests they have can be put to good use in my field. Do you love baking? Great! You could bake a birthday cake for a child who recently arrived in the country after fleeing violence. Have you played guitar all your life? Wonderful! You could teach refugee youth how to play to express their emotions. Enjoy visiting farmers’ markets? You could pick up some extra fresh produce for a mother seeking asylum with her two young sons after standing up for the rights of women and girls in her home country. Looking to hire? Oh my goodness, I can’t recommend enough to give refugees, asylum seeking individuals, recent arrivals a chance as they will not only be grateful but they will make your business grow with their skills, kindness, and go getter attitude.
See, no matter how small you think your action or gesture is, you never know the impact it might have on someone’s life. It could even create a multiplier effect, contributing to a kinder, more equitable world.
There is a folklore tale in the Andes mountains about a tiny hummingbird which saves the forest from a fire by carrying small droplets of water to douse the flames. When questioned about its efforts, the hummingbird responds, “I am doing what I can.” Just like the hummingbird, our “small” efforts are important, and by just doing what you can it may change somebody’s day or life.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Master’s in Public Health, leading a team of incredible social service providers who support unaccompanied minor youth arriving in California after fleeing violence and abuse in their home countries.
In addition to this role, I am the founder of Corazon Norte, a mental health counseling and consulting firm dedicated to serving immigrants and BIPOC individuals. We provide one-on-one therapy and immigration mental health evaluations for court proceedings to document the trauma caused by torture or persecution that people endure while in their home countries, during migration, and upon arrival in the U.S. For every paid evaluation, Corazon Norte opens up a Pro Bono spot for somebody in need. This initiative is our way to ensuring that support reaches those facing financial barriers as they seek safety and healing in California.
On a larger scale, Corazon Norte partners with organizations ready to transform their practices to be more inclusive of BIPOC individuals and those impacted by migration and systemic injustices. We are also launching a small e-boutique with mental health and immigration-related merchandise like stickers, journals, totes, and other items designed to bring joy, connect people with their roots, and demystify mental health. These items aim to raise awareness about the struggles of forced migration while inspiring hope for rebuilding lives ‘poquito a poquito’ in California. One of the most important values of Corazon Norte is to give back to the community, so a portion of sales directly supports food security efforts for asylum seeking individuals and families.

Getting to this point wasn’t easy, as an immigrant, a woman of color, and a person with English as a second language, I’ve faced numerous challenges—from closed doors, to not being credited for my work, to having my voice silenced. However, the most difficult part has been witnessing the systemic barriers that prevent my clients from accessing the quality services they need to thrive. Social determinants of health—like the conditions in which people are born, grow, work, live, and age—play a significant role in this disparity. For instance, your zip code can determine your access to quality healthcare, education, green spaces, and food security, all of which impact mental and physical health.
Despite these challenges, I’ve learned that building community is the key to combating these injustices. Organizing, standing up against dehumanizing policies, and using whatever privilege we have to bring resources and justice to and with those in need are crucial steps in this fight. Through my work, I am committed to creating systems that don’t require people to recover from them. Above all, I want people to know: that even if it seems impossible right now, you can still build a beautiful life for yourself despite the trauma and injustice you may have suffered. I see you, and I honor you.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I love food, and one of the many reasons I made LA my permanent home is the diversity in culture, cuisine, and the warmth of its people—and of course, the weather. For a weekend visit I would start a Saturday by stopping at the East Los Angeles Farmers Market to grab some delicious fresh fruit and veggie snacks from RC Farms. Then, I’d head over to Paris Bakery (across the street from the Civic Center) for some freshly made pan dulce. The almond and chocolate croissants are amazing, and order their breakfast burrito (to got) that tastes just like your tía made it.After that, I’d take my friends to Point Dume, where we’d walk up to the little lookout spot to have our snacks, then spent the day at the beach.
On Sunday, we would take a trip to East LA to Los 5 Puntos to get some freshly made tortillas—and I mean fresh, as in, you can see the nixtamal soaking and the señoras in the back working their magic with the metate, creating tortillas by hand. I’d order carnitas by the pound for the group, quesadillas, with sides of frijoles, pico de gallo, guacamole, salsita, and of course, Mexican Coke in a glass bottle. We’d take all of this to Mariachi Plaza to enjoy our meal at one of the tables there appreciating the culture, food and each other’s company. Like good Latinos, we’d finish the meal with something sweet—wedding cookies—and a cafecito (try a Café
Oaxaca) at Monarca Bakery, across the street from the plaza.
If there is any live salsa bands I would take them to the Plaza de La Cultura y Artes for Summer Salsa Series or at the Music Center.
Finally, you can’t beat LA sunsets. To end we’d go for a drive, windows down, old school reggaeton up, then continue driving through the city to find the best spots to admire the LA skyline and appreciate the city that has welcomed so many dreamers from all over the world, giving them a second home.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are so many people who deserve not just a little, but a lot of recognition, as they have all supported me or helped heal parts of my heart, and now they are part of it forever. I am forever thankful to my sister who helped raise me and my niece and nephew who are proof of intergenerational healing, to my grandfather who taught me kindness, to my friends along the way who became family, who held my body and heart as I healed from injuries and those who laughed with me, cried with me, and called me out—I am a better person because of you. To the kindest couple in Indiana who welcomed a perfect stranger—a 17-year-old foreign kid—into their home when I had nowhere to stay, you gave me a safe place that I will hold in my heart forever. You opened a door for me as a newcomer and taught me about social justice, pacifism, and kindness. To my mentors who gave me a chance, believed in me, and let me run with outside-the-box ideas to help the immigrant community—thank you for creating space for me. To every single client of mine who trusted me with their story, who allowed me walk alongside them, I could never express how much you meant to me. And to my dog Fozzy, who saved me when I picked him up from the rescue, and who has been my fierce companion on adventures and brunch discoveries—thank you for teaching me unconditional love

Website: https://www.corazon-norte.com/

Instagram: corazon_norte

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-diaz-lcsw-mph/

Image Credits
Photo1-Silk Scarf: Photo Credit- Nicole Godinez and Silk Scarf Art: B.Yellowtail /Ernesto Yerena /Arlene Mejorado
Photo3- Portrait: Nicole Godinez
Photo 4- Office: Glenn Cunanan
Photo 5- Portrait : Glenn Cunanan
Corazon Norte Brand & Concept: Patricia Hajjar