Growing up as a Latina, I don’t remember seeing many young women of color as role models. My only role model was my mother, who as a single parent moved my brother and me from Guayama, Puerto Rico to Massachusetts in pursuit of a better life. We had many struggles in the beginning, living in shelters and only being able to afford peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for dinner. My mother persevered, worked two jobs, and attended and graduated with her associates degree. She encouraged me to always do my best, and she is one of the reasons why I am the woman that I am today.
As a parent, a Afro-Latina working mother of two incredible boys, it is important for me to be a role model for them. I want to set an example of what women are capable of and to stress the importance of hard work and giving back to the community. I have lived in Worcester all my life and graduated from Doherty Memorial High School and Becker College. I attended Springfield College and graduated with my Masters of Social Work. Having the opportunity to pursue a higher degree was not ever something that I thought was possible until it became a reality. It is important that as women that we strive to educate ourselves as much as possible and break all the degrading and demoralizing stereotypes in popular culture by becoming as accomplished and successful as we can be. In my opinion, there is nothing more powerful than an educated woman.
I understand the stress that can come with a fully packed life. Learning to balance my roles as a wife, mother, community advocate, social worker, has pushed me to become a role model for the next generation. I am an avid advocate for women supporting women, I love volunteering, helping others, and giving back to my community. I have always considered it a personal responsibility to be actively involved in committees that advocate for diversity and inclusion and promote the professional growth and development of women. Currently I am involved with the Central Mass Conference for Women, Latin American Business Organization (LABO) and Diverse Professionals Roundtable. In my role at UMass Chan, I serve on LGBTQ, Professional Women’s, Civility, International, and Cultural Diversity Committees. We need to encourage participation of not only women with different work experiences and working styles but also women from different cultural backgrounds. Diversity strengthens an organization.
In 2021, I Co-Founded the WellStorm, Inc. this is a non-profit organization that helps with homelessness, food insecurity and mental health. Our first program is the Bridge Fridge Community Fridge that will provide free food to the community in Southbridge, MA. We are excited to start this and help our community even further as there is a need. If I can help one person, everything I do will have been worth it.
Please tell us about your current career and what you love most about what you do?
I have two careers, I am currently working at UMass Chan Medical School as the Program Coordinator for Diversity & Student Success, and the Case Manager of the Coaching Program. I love working with the students from all three schools and helping them with resources so they can succeed. I am the Co-Founder of the WellStorm, Inc. The WellStorm, Inc. aims to bridging the gap in accessing resources. Engaging community in building connections, mutual aid, and support for people experiencing homelessness, mental health struggles and food insecurity. I love volunteering and making changes in my community.
What is your favorite restaurant in Worcester, and what is your favorite dish?
Sazon Latino Restaurant!! I love all their dishes as they have a variety of Latin American cuisine.
Who is the most interesting person you’ve ever met?
My grandfather was an amazing human. He was a vet, received a purple heart and always maintained order in his home. Although he was strict, he loved hard and he always made time for his grandkids. He helped me out through a lot of trying times, and I miss him everyday!!
If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
I have a bucket list, but I would start with Fiji! They are known for their natural beauty, culture and food.
What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
I love me some Lizzo and Selena Quintanilla!!
What is your best advice?
“If you want to be a true professional, you will do something outside yourself, something to repair tears in your community, something to make life a little better for people less fortunate than you. That’s what I think a meaningful life is – living not for oneself, but for one’s community.” – RBG
What is one of the top three items on your Bucket List?
Continue to grow The WellStorm, Inc., travel more and making my community a better place so my children have a better future to look forward to.
What current/former local business makes you the most nostalgic about Worcester?
Pixels & Pints as they feature a bunch of retro arcade games from my childhood!!
Choosing anyone alive and a non-relative with whom would you love to have lunch? Why?
It would be my grandfather as I always felt that he never really knew how much he meant to me and how much of a father figure he was to me!!
Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I want for the WellStorm to still be around and making an impact in the community.
What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you, even your friends or family.
I love Sailor Moon – Don’t judge me!!
What 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Family, safe, and laughter
If a motion picture was made of your life, what actor/actress would you choose to play you?
This is hard but I would say Noemi Gonzalez!!
What is your favorite thing or something unique about Worcester?
I love how diverse Worcester is and how much you can learn about other cultures and delicious foods!!
What is your favorite smell?
When that SOFRITO hits the pan… LOVE IT!!
Who inspires you to be better?
My boys inspire me to be better each day! They are my drive and my light at the end of the tunnel!
