06/07/2026
It is with profound sadness that the Ibero-American Action League, Inc. mourns the passing of Luisa Baars, a true pioneer, advocate, and champion for Rochester's Latino community.
Luisa dedicated her life to opening doors for others. Until the very end, she continued serving in many roles, including as a consultant for Ibero, providing interpretation services and supporting the work of our Ibero Business Center. Her commitment never wavered.
A visionary leader, Luisa was also the founder of the Rochester Latino Rotary Club, creating a space where service, leadership, and cultural pride could come together to strengthen our community. Through her work with Rotary and countless other community initiatives, she inspired others to lead with purpose and to give back generously.
Because of leaders like Luisa, generations of Latino families, entrepreneurs, and community members have been able to access the resources, services, and opportunities they deserve. We stand today on the foundation she helped build and on the shoulders of a woman who dedicated her life to lifting others up.
Luisa's impact extends far beyond the organizations she served. She was a bridge-builder, a mentor, and a tireless advocate for equity, inclusion, and language access. While we deeply mourn her loss, we also celebrate a life of extraordinary service and lasting impact. Her legacy will continue to guide our work and inspire future generations.
On behalf of the Ibero-American Action League, we extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, colleagues, and all those whose lives were touched by her remarkable spirit.
Luisa will be greatly missed, but her contributions, her passion, and her legacy will never be forgotten.
Descansa en paz, Luisa. Your life was a blessing to our community, and your legacy will continue to light the path forward for generations to come.
