The tree was the heart of the community and is the one depicted in our Hermanas logo. Because it was in danger of falling it had to be cut down, but the strong spirit and determination of the Huisisilapa people forges ahead.

About Us

Hermanas Spokane is an organization comprised of a group of women in Spokane, Washington who established a relationship of solidarity with a group of women in Huisisilapa, El Salvador in February 2002. Our relationship is based on mutual respect, support and collaboration, which strengthens our communities. Hermanas Spokane grew out of a research project related to Huisisilapa women leaders. As an extension of Hermanas Spokane, Los Hermanos, Spokane high school students have partnered with the high school youth in Huisisilapa.

The number of high school students has grown to require new space. Hermanas Spokane, in conjunction with a non-profit organization in Spain, and community donated labor cooperated to build two new classrooms to begin the 2009 school year. Hermanas Spokane is working with the local Huisisilapa school board and town council to determine the best ways to continue to support community endeavors. Currently Hermanas Spokane is working to help high school graduates pursue university and technical education endeavors.

Hermanas Spokane intends to solicit grants for specific needs, as identified by the community of Huisisilapa, to improve the economic and social well-being of the youth and adults of Huisisilapa, El Salvador

Phyllis Andersen, Ph.D., is the founder and President of Hermanas Spokane.
Phyllis became acquainted with the women in El Salvador through field research for her dissertation. Upon returning to the United States Phyllis brought the Spokane women together to form a group to be in solidarity with the women in El Salvador who share similar needs and concerns.