We are grateful for the trailblazers who paved the way for all of us in our history and those who make our lives better day by day. We celebrate the life and contributions of our team members, colleagues, and allies this International Women’s History Month.
Jessica R. Contreras
¿De dónde eres? comparte algo característico de tu lugar de origen. Where are you from? share something typical from where you are from.
I am originally from Guatemala, the “land of eternal spring.” It is honestly beautiful and an example of a resilient community.
¿A qué te dedicas? What do you do?
I work as a social worker and I am gifted the opportunity each day to meet amazingly resilient people each and every day.
¿Qué te motiva? What inspires you?
Hope. Many times when I think the world cannot get any worst, I am often reminded through a story or by nature of how small we are and the fact that there is always hope.
¿Qué le dirías a tu yo más joven sobre donde te encuentras ahora en tu vida? What would you tell your younger self about where you are in life?
Take the moment to live in the present. I think we often focus on planning the future and/or we are hunted by our pasts and forget to enjoy the present. When I look back at pictures of myself I realize that often, I was not living the present.
Aunque todo lo que has hecho en tu vida es producto de tus esfuerzos, siempre tenemos personas que nos han apoyado a las que agradecer o recordar. ¿Quiénes son esas personas para tí y por qué? Although everything you’ve accomplished in your life is the product of your efforts, there are always people to thank or think about who supported you. Who are those people for you and why?
I am eternally grateful to my family and friends that became family thought the years An actual list for me would be too long to write, but I can say that my family of friends have been the greatest gift of my life as I learned from there other ways to live and enjoy life.
¿Qué significa para ti la equidad en oportunidad para los Latinos? What does it mean for you equity in opportunity for Latinos?
Equity reminds me of a basic social work concept of meeting the person where they are. I think oftentimes we have well-intentioned people that want to make a difference, but in the end, only create barriers that make it challenging for people to make it. I believe in removing barriers and creating spaces for all.
¿Hay algo más que te gustaría compartir? Is there anything else you would like to share?
I am grateful to Centro Sol and its leadership. and friendship. It is an amazing thing to be able to be to be part of Centro Sol making a difference in our community.
Learn more about Centro SOL at Who we are
