Strat Labs

Welcome to Strat Labs’ Changemaker Spotlight Series! This blog series is dedicated to showcasing the inspiring journeys of remarkable individuals who have transformed their passions into purposeful endeavors, leaving a significant impact on the world around them every single day. Join us as we delve into the heart of innovation and commitment, celebrating the extraordinary stories of those who are not just dreaming of a better future but actively shaping it in their journey as a changemaker.

Dr. Julia Roncoroni is a licensed psychologist specializing in immigrant health. Holding a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology, she is dedicated to empowering individuals to navigate and heal from systemic oppression, fostering resilience and liberation in the face of adversity. Dr. Roncoroni integrates culturally sensitive practices and anti-racist frameworks into her therapy, focusing on the unique needs of Latinx and other marginalized communities.

In her role as Team Co-Director for Cocina Libre, Dr. Roncoroni leverages her expertise to promote DEIJ education through food experiences that highlight immigrant stories, foster cross-cultural understanding, and promote social justice. She also serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Counseling Psychology at the University of Denver and holds the position of Fulbright Specialist, emphasizing her global outreach in mental health. Fluent in both English and Spanish, Dr. Roncoroni brings a critical bicultural and bilingual perspective to her practice, bridging cultural gaps in mental health services and providing accessible support for diverse populations. Through her professional work and dedication, she offers a compassionate and informed space for individuals to explore their identities, confront challenges, and achieve meaningful personal growth.

What inspired you to embark on your journey in the social impact space?

We’re passionate about working with immigrants because it’s not just our work—it’s our story, too. I’m an immigrant from Argentina, a licensed psychologist, and a tenured associate professor at the University of Denver. I’ve dedicated my career to working with immigrants and currently serve as the Chief Diversity Officer of the National Latinx Psychological Association, focusing on DEIJ issues.

My partner and co-author, Dr. Delio Figueroa, is a public school music teacher who explores identity within the diaspora. He’s also an immigrant, from Puerto Rico, and has worked closely with immigrant communities throughout his career. Both of us know firsthand the challenges, complexities, and triumphs of the immigrant experience.

The turning point for Cocina Libre came when we noticed how often the stories of our communities were untold. While volunteering with an immigrant-supporting organization, we realized that food was more than just nourishment—it was storytelling. It connects people, educates them, and celebrates immigrant identities. That’s when we had our “aha” moment. We knew we needed to create a space where food and personal stories could come together. And so, Cocina Libre was born to bring these stories to the table—literally.

Can you describe how you and Cocina Libre are making a significant social impact?

Cocina Libre makes a significant social impact by challenging the broken narrative around immigration through food and storytelling. In May 2024, we launched a cookbook and documentary that share powerful immigrant stories. All proceeds to Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition.  

Our community dinners, DEIJ workshops, and cooking classes create a space where attendees leave with a transformed perspective and a deeper empathy for immigrants. Stories like Lila’s journey through the Darién jungle and Yosber’s dream of becoming a baker not only engage audiences but also create lasting connections.

Our work doesn’t stop at storytelling; it directly supports immigrant chefs by creating opportunities for visibility, employment, and financial stability. By shifting perspectives and providing tangible ways to contribute to social justice, Cocina Libre fosters a ripple effect of understanding that’s slowly reshaping the narrative around immigration.

What are the biggest challenges that immigrants face in their journey to the United States and what can the everyday person do to help?

Immigrants face a ton of challenges including navigating a very complex legal system, finding work when they’re not documented, and overcoming language barriers. Many of the immigrants arriving in the United States are monolingual, speaking only their native language. Additionally, they deal with social isolation while being separated from their support systems and simultaneously, often experiencing a lot of trauma on their way to the United States.

For those of us with privilege, we can support them by engaging in advocacy to fight for immigration reform. Our immigration system is entirely broken. It’s extraordinarily complex, and it is important to create a system that is easier for people to participate in and apply for. Another way to support is by creating inclusive environments in our workplace and community. 

Some ways to support include: (a) buying a Cocina Libre book (all proceeds to Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition; (b) donating to our podcast, which launches in January 2025; (c) booking a dinner, cooking class, or DEIJ workshop with our chefs. We bring the food, come as an immigrant team, and provide education around how to create more equitable spaces. 

Lastly, we can support immigrants through personal connection and understanding. The individuals I work with often tell me how powerful it is when someone reaches out and simply says, “How are you doing? Your story matters. Do you need anything this week?”

How do you define Changemaker? Can you explain what you mean or give an example?

A Changemaker is someone who’s actively working to address social issues and create positive change in the spaces where they live. I train a lot of students at the University of Denver and remind them that they don’t have to have the same interests I do for me to support them.  If you are trying to create better spaces for others, it’s about challenging the status quo and making a tangible impact in the lives of others.

For example, in our Cocina Libre work, we blend DEIJ education to foster understanding and inclusivity. In this way, we embody the principles of honoring the individual perspectives, but also tackling systemic change.

What advice would you give to someone looking to start their own journey as a Changemaker within the social impact space?

Find what you’re passionate about. Find your own fight. Find your own cause that excites you and that you’re passionate about. Then, connect with the communities that are affected by it. There’s a lot of wisdom in our communities. Start listening to what they need and approach the problem with empathy and with creativity. Stay committed to a vision.

Community work and social impact work is very challenging, so be open to learning and adapting and then know what skills you bring in. We each come with individual skills and perspectives that can drive meaningful change. Owning those can be powerful.

What are your aspirations and goals for the future of Cocina Libre and how do you plan to continue your journey as a Changemaker?

Our aspirations for Cocina Libre center on expanding our impact through storytelling, food, and direct support for immigrant chefs. We aim to deepen our engagement by hosting consistent monthly dinners, bi-monthly DEIJ workshops, and launching our podcast in January 2025. These initiatives will allow us to continue creating spaces for authentic connection and meaningful conversations about immigration.

In 2026, we plan to publish our next book, further sharing immigrant stories and experiences. Profit from Cocina will go to providing professional training and support to help immigrant chefs gain the skills and licenses needed to establish their own food businesses, fostering independence and long-term stability.

Our ultimate goal is to build a movement that not only raises awareness but also drives systemic change, amplifying immigrant voices and creating a more inclusive community, one story and meal at a time.

To learn more about the impactful and important work that Cocina Libre is doing, visit Dr. Roncoroni’s website at www.juliarpsychology.com/cocina-libre.

If you are interested in connecting with Dr. Julia Roncoroni to learn more about her Changemaker journey, you can contact her at juliaroncoroni@gmail.com or connect with her on LinkedIn.