In summer 2015, the land that is now Spaces of Opportunity looked nothing like the thriving urban farm it is today. The field in south Phoenix was empty, scattered with trash and full of possibility. That same summer, Maria Valenzuela (current Spaces Executive Director), had the opportunity to train a group of promotoras —community health workers—on basic nutrition, physical activity and patio gardening. We talked about growing herbs at home and how even small containers could help families eat healthier and reconnect with food.
One of the promotoras in that training included Juana Silva. More than a decade later, Juana is still growing—on the very land that once existed as a dream. Today, Juana loves growing at Spaces of Opportunity because she doesn’t grow alone. Spaces provides land, water, education and the support growers need to succeed. For Juana, that support makes all the difference. It means having the opportunity to learn, experiment and continue building skills while cultivating food for her family and community.
Growing the flavors of Oaxaca, Juana’s favorite crop to grow is chiles costeños, a pepper deeply connected to her home of Oaxaca, Mexico. Growing these peppers allows her to stay connected to her culture and bring the flavors of home to her family and community. She also enjoys growing seasonal crops that thrive in Arizona’s desert climate, embracing the rhythm of the seasons and the lessons each harvest brings. Sharing the harvest, Juana doesn’t grow food just for herself. She shares it widely, with fellow promotoras, community members, and anyone who may need fresh food.
At Spaces of Opportunity, growing food naturally becomes an act of generosity and connection. Growing healthy, curious and confident farming has transformed Juana’s life in ways she didn’t expect. Harvesting her own food has helped her eat healthier and explore new ingredients and recipes. Through Spaces, she has learned about foods from other cultures and communities, including okra, which she has used the seeds in her coffee. She has experimented with cucumbers from the Middle East and discovered new dishes like ensalada de nopal, a cactus salad that has become one of her favorites. Although nopales weren’t part of her childhood in southern Mexico, she discovered and embraced the dish through her growing journey at Spaces of Opportunity. Simple, fresh and nourishing, ensalada de nopal reflects the spirit of the farm: learning, sharing, and growing together.
Living in the desert has taught her something powerful: even in Arizona’s harsh climate, it is still possible to grow your own food. Through Spaces, Juana has also connected with other communities interested in growing food and strengthening local food systems, proof that this work reaches far beyond the farm.
A founding community, for Juana, Spaces is more than a farm—it’s a place of belonging. She proudly remembers being part of the early community members who went to the school district years ago to ask permission to use the land. With support from partners like Desert Botanical Garden, that vision became reality. Today, she remains proud to be part of one of the founding community groups that helped bring the farm to life.
Why support matters, Juana describes Spaces as a very special place that has helped many families. She emphasizes that growing food is not something you do once; it requires ongoing work, dedication and support. Funding and logistical support make it possible for growers to focus on what matters most: producing food strengthening community, and improving local food systems.
If you are interested in supporting Spaces of Opportunity, please click here.
This blog was provided and written by Spaces of Opportunity Executive Director Maria Valenzuela.
