The Latino/a/x/e community holds many strengths that contribute to their well-being and success. As a Latina postdoctoral fellow at the University of Washington, I study the everyday lives of young adults, and I am particularly interested in understanding the experiences of the Latino/a/x/e community. My passion is to integrate the voices of Latino/a/x/e individuals in research and health programs. For example, I know there are stressful things like finding a job, and there are some that can be specific to Latino/a/x/e young adults (e.g., navigating multiple cultures).
As a researcher, some of my work focuses on Latino/a/x/e young adults in Washington, and I have had the chance to hear about some challenges and strengths that young adults hold. In these conversations, young adults shared the multiple demands they juggle and what helps them navigate and get through the challenging times.
I want to share a tool that I am really excited about and got to help develop — Conéctate Contigo Mismo (or simply Conéctate). Conéctate launched in May 2025 and is a free, anonymous, online tool that is available 24/7 to anyone seeking support. Conéctate is a wellness app that is evidence-based and was created specifically for Spanish speaking Latino/a/x/e young adults.
There remains a shortage of wellness programs that reflect the language, values, and lived experiences of Latino/a/x/e young adults. Conéctate was designed for Latino/a/x/e young adults in mind as they navigate the multiple transitions and day-to-day stressors.
Entirely in Spanish, Conéctate is a program that integrates the voices of Latino/a/x/e young adults in Washington. It was adapted from the successful Check-In With Yourself wellness tool — which has reached over 13,000 young adults since 2022. Conéctate was designed and informed by discussions with Latino/a/x/e young adults and community leaders serving this population across Washington. Their insights led to the creation of new sections, content, and tools that reflect what Latino/a/x/e young people are going through right now, including topics on adapting to a new culture and navigating identity questions.
The result is a platform that integrates the voices of Latino/a/x/e young adults, while providing a private space to reflect and find support. If you (as a young adult) or another young adult you know is facing stress, relationship issues, identity questions, or simply feeling overwhelmed, Conéctate offers tools and resources.
Taking a moment to check in with yourself can be a very helpful exercise. The Conéctate Contigo Mismo project is led by Dr. Christine Lee, Research Professor at the Center for the Study of Health and Risk Behaviors at the University of Washington and funded by the Washington State Health Care Authority.
So, if you are a young adult who could use a moment to breathe and reflect — I invite you to explore Conéctate Contigo Mismo. It is one small step that can make a big difference.
Learn more at conectatewa.org
Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/conectate.wa/
Griselda Martinez, PhD: Dr. Martinez is a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Washington’s Center for the Study of Health and Risk Behaviors in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. Her research focuses on the development of substance use and mental health problems and related risk and protective factors over the course of adolescence and young adulthood.
Publisher’s Notes: Washington Latino News is proud to partner with the Center for the Study of Health and Risk Behaviors at the University of Washington on the Conéctate initiative.