“I love to learn and not limit myself. From a young age I had this spark in me to learn as much as possible, always asking questions.”

Pastor Angelique grew up in a Catholic household but around twelve years old, she began to question her religion as she faced challenges within her family. A few years later while at the University of Puerto Rico in Carolina, she decided to obtain her Bachelors in Criminal Justice with a Forensic Science focus. With the same passion for learning more, she decided to get her Master’s in Psychology. However, after a few courses at the University of Milwaukee, she knew she needed to return to Puerto Rico. One day, as she was getting ready to go to class, she stopped by an Evangelical church and felt God speak to her. The experience shook her to her core and opened her eyes to what she needed to do next.

Shortly after this experience, she returned to Puerto Rico and got baptized in 2005. From there, she quickly grew within her church and community efforts. She began ministering adult classes and serving in any area that needed support in her church.

“God showed me what people’s hearts carry and guided me along my journey to becoming a pastor.”

It was not until 2019 when she was working with another pastor on paperwork when he asked her, “what are you doing with what God has put in your hands?” That same year, she graduated with her Master’s in Divinity and was hired to be a pastor for her current church in Guayama. Three and a half years later, she is currently there leading community efforts while also working towards her doctorate in pastoral leadership.

As someone who grew up and lives in Puerto Rico, Pastor Angelique has seen and experienced the impact natural disasters have on her community. Most recently with Hurricane Fiona, she witnessed everyone lose electricity. To this day, some in her community still do not have electricity and she felt her church needed to step in. With the help of PathStone Corporation Puerto Rico and MCS Foundation, they set up a laundry station that is free of charge and provides everything community members need to wash.

Prior to the hurricane, in honor of Latino Conservation Week, they began constructing a community garden where people can grow fruits and vegetables. While construction had to stop because of the hurricane, the hurricane left the garden untouched.

“We created this for the community so they could sustain themselves. We also want to show them how to take care of the land and educate them on the creation provided by God.”

After hurricane season, they hope to continue construction and have it finished by the end of the year for community members.

Through every journey and curveball, Pastor Angelique Acevedo has persevered through it all with her family, community, and God at the forefront of her mind.

Hispanic Access is inspiring, training, and working with leaders like Pastor Angelique Acevedo, who have a stake in their community and have the drive for positive change. To help support and continue this work, please consider making a Charitable Donation