Corn Mothers

PHILOSOPHY

My philosophy of life is rooted in love, resilience, and purpose. I know the hardships my family faced, the sacrifices they made, and the strength it took to move forward when the path was uncertain. Their experiences are woven into who I am. They taught me that we are connected by our willingness to care for one another. I believe in showing up with heart, listening first, and using my voice to help others be heard. As a mother, I try to model courage and kindness for my children. As a community member and leader, I work for justice and dignity. I have learned that love can be a source of strength and service, an act of hope. Progress often comes through quiet choices and everyday care. My work is rooted in family, advocacy, and the belief that everyone deserves to be seen, heard, and valued.

My Corn Mothers and Corn Father

I come from Dominican roots. My maternal aunt left the Dominican Republic during a period of political turmoil. In 1966, she married a U.S. soldier there. The military relocated him soon afterward, and she came to the United States in 1967 with permanent residency papers. Their marriage did not last. In a new country, she faced unfamiliar winters, a different language, and loneliness. She persevered, and her courage became part of the foundation on which our family built its future.

My mother also left the Dominican Republic. She received U.S. permanent residency in November 1978 and later became a citizen. She traveled to Greeley, Colorado, where she reunited with her sister. I was born in Greeley, grew up in Southern California, and eventually returned to Colorado. I now live in Evans, near the place where my family’s life in this country began.

As the eldest daughter of immigrant parents, I learned responsibility early. My childhood held joy and laughter, but I also felt the strain of helping my family find its way. By age nine, I was translating English documents for my mother, sometimes while struggling to understand them myself. I was her human Google Maps before smartphones existed, helping her navigate streets, institutions, and expectations. I wanted to help the woman who had done so much for me.

My mother worked hard to learn English despite the barriers she faced. She met dismissals and indignities, yet she carried herself with quiet dignity and remained willing to help others. Watching her taught me to listen, to make room for people, and to see community as a responsibility we share. Those early experiences helped shape the leader I became.

My father came to Greeley from Mexico in 1975, when he was nineteen. He enrolled in English classes at Aims Community College in 1977, trained as an auto mechanic, received a work permit in 1987 and permanent residency in 1989, and eventually became a U.S. citizen. For years, he worked with the ARC thrift store, which supported people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. As a child, I visited his workplace. I saw the patience and respect he brought to others, even before I fully understood the importance of his work.

My aunt’s perseverance, my mother’s care, and my father’s example taught me that service belongs in everyday life. Today, I work alongside people committed to translation and interpretation access, safe housing, clean air, violence prevention, and human rights. I believe small kindnesses and sustained action can both change lives. I hope that the way I serve my community honors the paths my family made possible for me.

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