On November 7th, 2024, I was honored with the Outstanding Young Volunteer Award!
At the time my heart was very heavy due to the results of the election compelling me to use my voice in light of the fight ahead of us. Coming from an immigrant household I learned from a young age that their are significant disadvantages faced by lower-income families especially undocumented individuals that come to this country seeking a better future for their families and generations to follow. As a first generation student pursuing higher education receiving this award was healing to the little girl in me that was desperate to make a change under Trump’s administration in 2016. There is no handbook to help you understand what it means to live undocumented, it is an experience that teaches you often in painful ways a lingering fear that creeps up at you every day.
As the year wraps up, I am beyond grateful for the community that follows behind me. Their strength and resiliency has taught me to face my challenges head on and will continue to guide me through the difficult times ahead of us. I couldn’t have become the leader I am today without Mayra Cedano‘s wisdom, Brianna Puga’s mentorship, Dominique Byrd’s empowerment, Maria Montes’ courage, and my Comunidades Unidas /Communities United (CU) family that is filled with women that have crossed barriers to get where they are, showing me that anything is impossible as long as you set your mind to it.
Thank you Utah Philanthropy Day for this recognition and congratulations to all the recipients; Gachi Guet, Erin L. Castro, PhD, Peggy Montrone, Clyde Companies, Inc., Huntsman Family Foundation, Pat and Florence King, and DELL LOY HANSEN HEART FOUNDATION INC.
I’m excited to continue to organize with The Salt Lake County Immigrant People’s Agenda and cannot wait to see the small victories that make everything worth it. Sending so much love to all my community members and every community leader that I have met along the way. La lucha sigue ?
