9 minute read
Contributions and Challenges of the Latinx Community in Kalamazoo
from Ed.498
Kalamazoo Latinx women encourage young Latinx women to pursue their dreams with fearlessness and great passion
By Michelle Herrera
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Editor's note: This story is part of the New/Nueva Opinion’s series Contributions and Challenges of Latinx Community in Kalamazoo series. The Kalamazoo Community Foundation founds this series.
Kalamazoo, MI - March marks International Women's Month – A globally celebrated month to honor and empower women and their remarkable achievements and contributions. It is empowering to see the number of women within the Kalamazoo community who continuously strive to uplift one another while contributing at a larger scale to the community's development.
Eva Alvarez is a daughter of immigrants born and raised in Othello, Washington. Being a daughter of Mexican parents, Alvarez graduated with her bachelor's in political science from Washington State University and received her Master's in Public Administration with a concentration in nonprofit management and leadership from Western Michigan University. Alvarez works for the Michigan Immigrant Rights Center, working closely with the immigrant community and immigration law. The ability to serve others and change their lives has been one of her most fulfilling experiences throughout her career.
"I think the most fulfilling part is knowing that with all the issues happening in the world, you sometimes feel such a heavy burden, especially being an advocate, being somebody who works with individuals that are constantly facing issues, helping individuals get on the path to change their immigration status and, being able to successfully change their status has been the most fulfilling because I look back and say 'I can't change the world, but I changed the world for somebody else for the rest of their lives," says Alvarez.
Representation in white male-dominated fields has led to empowering women like Alvarez to continue encouraging others, especially Latina women, to be part of the Latino representation in rooms where the community is still underrepresented and support those who need their voices to be heard.
Eva Álvarez is a daughter of immigrants born and raised in Othello, Washington. Being a daughter of Mexican parents, Alvarez graduated with her bachelor's in political science from Washington State University
Foto: Juan Grillo - New/ Nueva Opinión
"Serving the communities that I serve already, communities that are marginalized that have been oppressed for many years and either can't advocate for themselves for a wide range of reasons, whether that's being undocumented, language barriers, status issues, or just the simple fact that they don't know how to advocate for themselves it is important to make sure that there are individuals that understand these issues, and how to find solutions and work with others to address such issues." Says Alvarez.
A piece of advice that Alvarez leaves for all Latinas is to seek guidance from those around you. To seek opportunities such as internships, jobs, or mentors that will allow Latinas to advance in whatever they decide to pursue throughout their lives. To find a community such as ELLAS that provides mentorship, guidance, and an extensive network of Latinas who empower one another from a professional and personal development standpoint.
"I think it is very critical to have three mentors or just having several mentors for guidance. I have had mentors my entire life. Having mentors is critical because there are times that you are going to feel like questioning your abilities, question your path, or might have imposture syndrome, and there are a lot of women who have been there and done that, which is why Ellas was partially created because we didn't have a place to talk about these issues, we couldn't talk about the workplace and what it is like to be the only person of color or Latina. So, I think having mentors to guide you into those conversations will be able to provide you with resources or connections", says Alvarez.
Mariela Rua is originally from Buenos Aires, Argentina who graduated from Western Michigan University with a bachelor's in psychology.
Foto: Juan Grillo - New/Nueva Opinión
Another empowering woman within the Kalamazoo community that I enjoyed interviewing was Mariela Rua. Rua is originally from Buenos Aires, Argentina who graduated from Western Michigan University with a bachelor's in psychology.
Rua is currently the Assistant to the CEO of Girls Scouts in Kalamazoo. Her journey with Girl Scouts began in 2006, where she notes that the program's mission and vision keep her in continuing her career within the organization.
"It's a gratifying job, and once I found out what girl scouts were all about was what did it for me. It's all about empowering girls and women, and it is a passion for me. I love the mission and vision we have for the girls and their future, which is why I continue to stay", says Rua.
Rua has been able to experience first-hand what the Girl Scouts program has been able to do for young girls in the community. From building their self-confidence and developing leadership skills to camping and hiking, the ability to see transformations has been her most rewarding experience.
"Seeing what girls can do through girl scouts has been an eye-opening experience for me. Not only that, but what girl scouts stand for is developing or growing girls with courage, confidence, and character and making the world a better place. I also could travel around the United States with the CEO and girls; seeing them grow and develop and blossom after learning all these leadership skills is something I will treasure forever."
The ability to see girls and young women become confident will allow them to become the leaders of tomorrow. In addition, it will create more representation in spaces where Latinos are underrepresented. Finally, Rua expressed the need to step out of the norm of woman and become a woman who breaks the glass ceiling in whichever life path one chooses, ending with a piece of advice for all women to take and apply to their lives.
"Being encouraging to them, standing next to them, and letting them know that we have their back, so they are not afraid to take risks in this world and not be afraid to make mistakes or fall.
Set your goals and work towards them little by little and have that trust within you and know that you have people to support you", says Rua.
Lory Mercedes is originally from Nicaragua and now calls Kalamazoo her home. Mercedes is a successful multi-business owner. Her journey as a Latina in the business world has allowed her to grow confidently while successfully thriving with all four of her family companies: Santiago Services LLC, H N Building Services, New. Horizons Properties, and Venefica Healing and Lore. Mercedes' journey to success is enriching with wisdom, knowledge, and experiences.
"It is kind of hard to keep yourself motivated when you know you have to give 200% when other people are just giving 100%, but you got to keep moving. If that door closes, you have to continue moving on to the next one. We are extremely grateful for all the opportunities. We concentrate on the positive and the victories, or the obstacles will drain you; the business world does not play fair; we can change it. We must keep on moving. Our goal is to be at a place where we can help others because we know that the doors are not going to be open, so we need people like us to be on the other side to help open those doors for those who are coming."
Lory Mercedes is originally from Nicaragua and now calls Kalamazoo her home. Mercedes is a successful multi-business owner.
Juan Grillo - New/Nueva Opinión
Mercedes encourages women to become entrepreneurs, step out of their comfort zones, and become the Latino community's representation.
"There is power in numbers, especially your family; your family will always have your back. So, it would be best if you had that. Break the glass ceiling, but what it does to your soul and spirit when you get those rejections, or someone takes your idea and makes it their own, or being ignored because you are a business run by minorities, it eats you inside, so you family is your base," says Mercedes.
Mercedes continues to extend advice that has helped her become the successful woman contributing to the community today.
"We have such a rich cultural and ancestorial background. I was able to recognize my power once I was able to ask for help and advice, to tap into our roots, to ask for divine guidance it will give you wisdom and courage to help us move forward," says Mercedes.
All these women have one thing in common: empowering themselves, other women, and the Latinx community within the Kalamazoo community. These women are all powerhouses who have been able to utilize their talents to provide for themselves or their families and uplift all those around them and inspire Latinas coming after them.
We asked these empowering women what inspirational women would they have dinner with and why; the responses were all notable Latina women such as Frida Kahlo and Maria Sabina.
"Frida Kahlo, she is a woman that I admire; her strength, her never-ending strength, and determination. I feel like she embodies what girl scouts are all about. I would love to learn more about her and what she did to accomplish all that she did", says Rua.
"Maria Sabina, she is a famous healer from Mexico. She was a very humble woman who used to heal people; I would love to learn from her", says Mercedes.
These women have one message to the Kalamazoo community: to reach out and know that they are not alone. As we conclude March and International Women's Day, these women encourage young Latinas to pursue their dreams fearlessly and with a great passion for a tomorrow where Latinos are equally represented in any room.
Michelle Herrera studies Film/Media and Advertising/Promotion at WMU.
