HIGH POINT — Laura Godinez Arce had never worked in the nonprofit sector before she joined YWCA High Point a few years ago.
After a stint in customer service for the airline industry, she knew she enjoyed helping people and has since found her calling as director of its Latino Family Center.
“I never thought this would be similar, but the work we do here every day has a lot of moving pieces and challenges, so it prepared me well,” she said.
The High Point Human Relations Commission agreed and bestowed the 2025 Humanitarian Award on Godinez Arce during the Dec. 15 City Council meeting.
“Because of her dedication, (Godinez Arce) has become a trusted local advocate who vulnerable residents can turn to when facing hardships and unexpected setbacks,” said Commission Chairwoman Sharon McGregor. “Many people have praised her ability to build trust with the families she serves, and in all her interactions, she exhibits patience, care and a commitment to understanding.”
Godinez Arce’s job is geared toward serving Latino residents, who are about 15% of the city’s population.
The Latino center’s programming includes English as a second language classes and a free four-week summer camp for youth, as well as college fairs and career mentorship opportunities.
“We just want the students to be more involved here in the city, so that they want to come back and serve their community once they’ve launched their career,” said Godinez Arce. “We’ve been able to continue doing all the work we’ve been doing and implement new events. Noche de Baile (a downtown festival) is one of our biggest fundraisers. We had more than 1,000 people show up. I think that showed the amount of trust we’ve been able to build with the community.”
The nomination form for the award that was submitted to the city stated that Godinez Arce’s work has been especially important during 2025, since the implementation of the Trump Administration’s enforcement policies surrounding immigration.
“She’s hosted a number of Know Your Rights trainings and even helped coordinate a popup clinic here in High Point for residents to meet with the Mexican Consulate,” said McGregor.
Godinez Arce said dealing with these types of issues in her job has been stressful for all involved.
“It can be really demanding on you. Sometimes, there’s nothing you can do to help the community,” she said.
She’s quick to deflect credit for the Humanitarian Award, lauding her co-workers at the YWCA, as well as other nonprofits and representatives from city divisions and departments like Human Relations, Police and the Library with whom the Latino Center has built relationships.
“It’s just an honor to be able to receive the award and to continue doing the work together,” she said.
