Empowerment


Unbeknown to my father, I went to register for school. I went to register for school when I was ten years old, keeping it secret from my father.

Determined to Succeed


... we are forty percent of the population. Why aren’t we at the table?

The Refinery


There is something special in our women, we don’t lose our joy, don’t lose our hope. Whatever we do, we do with joy...We do this so...other people see the effort we have in wanting to survive.

The Fluttering of a Butterfly



I started with a job that I never in my life imagined I’d be working. Because I had only worked in offices, right? They were good jobs and well here I clean houses. Very different from what I used to do....

The Decision


I have four daughters. My fears now are based on national statistics; one in four women will be assaulted. This is very scary to me. I have four daughters....

Healing in Progress




2
In the winter of 2002 they made plans to cross the border. With only a long-sleeved shirt, cans of food on her back and a gallon-jug of water in her hands, she began the three-day trek into the U.S.

Woman Warrior


About six in the afternoon we started to walk. I only carried a gallon of water....

El Motivo


5
I listen for grandma’s voice to echo in my ear. I hope to live long enough to tell my grandchildren about their great-great-grandmother and of all her teachings. And to let my youngest granddaughter know that her name “Echo” comes in honor of my grandmother and our ancestors, who often echo in our ears if we just stand still and listen……

Echoes of Faith



6
That sunny May Day afternoon all of the classes in third grade were assigned to dance the Mexican Hat Dance in the elementary school festival. It was one of the few ways that our culture was honored in school. Every May Day there would be one class that performed something Mexican. It may have always been the Mexican Hat Dance because I don’t remember any other dances.

Mama Carmela