Today we’d like to introduce you to Ripley Piedrasanta
Hi Ripley, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Yoga Para La Gente (Yoga For The People) began as a passion project to make yoga more accessible for the Latino/e/x community. This expanded to making yoga more accessible to other, generally, underrepresented groups within Western yoga spaces.
In my ten years of practicing yoga (in Arizona and in Minnesota), I recognized the limited diversity in the classes despite the beautiful diversity in each respective state, and major city, that I lived in. I wanted more communities to experience the many benefits of yoga. This meant that I needed to work towards increasing accessibility and reducing misconceptions about who can practice.
When it came to the Latino/e/x community, YPLG focused on reducing the language barrier. We began with one instructor and it slowly started to unfold from there. We now have six active instructors that represent the communities we strive to serve. Along with providing classes in Spanish, we wanted to make the classes affordable. All of our classes are either free or donation based. This is made possible thanks to grants, donations, and partnerships with local studios that align with YPLG’s mission and values. We’ve been fortunate to partner with Yess Yoga, Vera Fitness, and One Yoga (Yess Yoga & Vera Fitness are women owned, Vera Fitness is a queer owned studio).
When it came to the other communities that we wanted to represent, we offer classes in English and focused classes to create a safe space. For example, we’ve offered classes for our LGBTQIA+ community (and allies) at a queer owned studio.
What started as pop-up classes have now turned into regular monthly yoga classes and other partnerships that align with our goals.
The hope is to continue growing our partnerships and adding instructors that align with our mission.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Definitely not, ha!
I don’t have a background in business management or nonprofit leadership. Everything has been a learn as you go experience.
From deciding whether to apply to be a 501(c)(3) or to have a fiscal sponsor, it’s all been new! I also wear many hats that I didn’t realize would be required, such as social media coordinator, staff “manager”, to grant fundraiser. I’ve had to teach myself or rely on the support, know-how, and connections of trusted loved ones.
Running a successful nonprofit has proven to be one of my most challenging yet rewarding experiences. Currently, I’m trying to find a balance with my full-time job and this project, which is where my true passion lies. Finding a sustainable, long-term model is my current focus and challenge.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am most proud of graduating law school. I graduated from Mitchell Hamline in 2021. I’ve worked for LexisNexis Small Law since 2022 and my ultimate goal with my degree and experience is to use it towards advocating for the Latino/e/x community.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
With an increased focus on prioritizing mental health, I see an ongoing increase in the interest of yoga. This, hopefully, means expanding the services that we provide.
Our ultimate goal is to have enough of a strong foundation that can lead to having the first Latina-owned yoga studio in the Twin Cities.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.yogaparalagente.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yogaparalagente
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yogaparalagente
